bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotion as signal of product quality
Authors: Wang Xiaopan , Guo Junpeng , Wu Yi , Liu Na
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Information asymmetry is an inevitable issue in e-commerce and largely hampers the development of online shopping. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model to investigate the emotional content of online customer reviews, which are considered an efficient way to reduce information asymmetry, as a potential signal of product quality. The moderating effects of perceived empathy and cognitive effort are also explored on the basis of signaling theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A laboratory experiment with 120 subjects was used to empirically test the proposed research hypotheses. The subjects were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, with 60 subjects in each group. ANOVA, linear regression and binary logistic regression were used.

Findings

The emotional content of online customer reviews positively influences perceived product quality, which subsequently and positively affects purchase decisions. The emotional content of online customer reviews greatly influences perceived product quality when perceived empathy or cognitive effort is high.

Originality/value

This study is the first to extend extrinsic cues to emotional content on the basis of signaling theory and reveals the important role of emotional content of reviews. Moreover, the mediating effect of perceived product quality and the moderating effect of perceived empathy and cognitive effort illustrate the mechanism of the influence of emotional content on purchase decision. Findings demonstrate the positive signal of emotional content and provide important practical implications for sellers and customers.
Variable impedance control of finger exoskeleton for hand rehabilitation following stroke
Authors: Zhang Fuhai , Lin Legeng , Yang Lei , Fu Yili
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a variable impedance control method of finger exoskeleton for hand rehabilitation using the contact forces between the finger and the exoskeleton, making the output trajectory of finger exoskeleton comply with the natural flexion-extension (NFE) trajectory accurately and adaptively.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a variable impedance control method based on fuzzy neural network (FNN). The impedance control system sets the contact forces and joint angles collected by sensors as input. Then it uses the offline-trained FNN system to acquire the impedance parameters in real time, thus realizing tracking the NFE trajectory. K-means clustering method is applied to construct FNN, which can obtain the number of fuzzy rules automatically.

Findings

The results of simulations and experiments both show that the finger exoskeleton has an accurate output trajectory and an adaptive performance on three subjects with different physiological parameters. The variable impedance control system can drive the finger exoskeleton to comply with the NFE trajectory accurately and adaptively using the continuously changing contact forces.

Originality/value

The finger is regarded as a part of the control system to get the contact forces between finger and exoskeleton, and the impedance parameters can be updated in real time to make the output trajectory comply with the NFE trajectory accurately and adaptively during the rehabilitation.
A framework for understanding citizens’ political participation in social media
Authors: Pandey Vidushi , Gupta Sumeet , Chattopadhyay Manojit
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the use of social media by citizens has impacted the traditional conceptualization and operationalization of political participation in the society.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on Teorellet al.’s (2007) classification of political participation which is modified to suit the current context of social media. The authors classified 15,460 tweets along three parameters suggested in the framework with help of supervised text classification algorithms.

Findings

The analysis reveals that Activism is the most prominent form of political participation undertaken by people on Twitter. Other activities that were undertaken include Formal Political participation and Consumer participation. The analysis also reveals that identity of participant does not play a classifying role as expected from the theoretical framework. It was found that the social media as a platform facilitates new forms of participation which are not feasible offline.

Research limitations/implications

The current work considers only the microblogging platform of Twitter as the data source. For a more comprehensive insight, analysis of other social media platforms is also required.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the few analyses where such a large database covering multiple social media events has been created and analysed using supervised text classification algorithms. A large proportion of previous studies on social media have been based on case study and have limited analysis to only a particular event on social media. Although there exist a few works that have studied a vast and varied collection of social media data (Gaby and Caren, 2012; Shirazi, 2013; Rane and Salem, 2012), such efforts are few in number. This study aims to add to that stream of work where a wider and more generalized set of social media data is studied.
International equity REITs: five major future directions
Authors: Parker David
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze chapters from the recently publishedRoutledge REITs Research Handbookto identify five major future directions for international equity REITs.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and critical analysis of chapters from the recently publishedRoutledge REITs Research Handbook.

Findings

The five major future directions for international equity REITs are proposed to comprise an increasing focus on people and on cash flow rather than on property (with the cognitive risk attaching thereto), the changing nature of REITs as they respond to changes in society globally, the evolution of the global flagship REIT and the emergence of global regulation of REITs (particularly in the spheres of debt and leverage).

Research limitations/implications

While five major future directions for international equity REITs are identified which may have an impact on the risk/return profile, further research is required to determine which directions may be significant and which trivial and which may be independent and which interactive.

Practical implications

Identification of five major future directions for international equity REITs provides managers and promoters with guidance concerning potential areas of focus for future product development in the REIT sector.

Originality/value

While quantitative research concerning international equity REITS abounds, qualitative research is limited with little academic research undertaken into possible future directions for the sector.
Revisiting the role of relationship benefits in online retail
Authors: Soni Pavleen
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Given the importance of relationship benefits in creating customer satisfaction, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating role of relationship benefits (special treatment benefits and confidence benefits) on relationship quality and word of mouth (WOM) for online retailers. The conditional mediating role of relationship quality between customer satisfaction and WOM is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 700 MBA students from two universities in Punjab (North India) has been used to collect data. Structural equation modelling and PROCESS Macro (Hayes (2017) have been used for data analysis (mod mod mediation).

Findings

When customers perceive high confidence benefits, special treatment benefits moderate the mediational role of relationship quality between customer satisfaction and WOM. Specific conditions under which use of confidence benefits and special treatment benefits are successful for online retailers have also been identified.

Practical implications

Tailored use of special treatment benefits with confidence benefits in appropriate combinations will help the online retailers in segmenting the customers and differentiating amongst them according to the customers’ receptivity towards these benefits. Marketers can devise communication strategies, create customer segments and position their services using the results obtained in the study.

Originality/value

The present study is the first of its kind which clarifies as to why the previous literature considered special treatment benefits as less relevant to customers. It also establishes the situations in which these benefits successfully moderate the effect of customer satisfaction in developing relationship quality and eliciting positive WOM in the Indian internet retailing context.
Bernini's Revenge? Art, Gynaecology and Theology at St Peter's, Rome
Authors: Richardson Carol M.
Published: October 2019

By the early twentieth century, the representation of a woman giving birth identified on the marble base piers of Bernini's Baldacchino in St Peter's basilica was, for some, emblematic of the Roman Catholic Church as a corrupt, greedy and libidinous institution that had for too long stood in the way of modernity and national sovereignty from South America to Europe. There is, however, no evidence to suggest that when the altar canopy was first revealed in 1634 that it was in any way problematic. The birth metaphor is a biblical trope for joy following pain, and an established cultural reference to both divine and artistic creative impulses. Nevertheless, Bernini's visual language has become increasingly hard to read. This essay considers the gap in understanding between the Baldacchino's original audience and more recent viewers. In doing so, it elucidates Bernini's inventions with reference to early modern spirituality and identifies the historical and political baggage that obstructs current comprehension.
Behavioral criminology and public policy
Authors: Loughran Thomas A.
Published: October 2019

Research Summary

Public policy, including crime policy, is heavily shaped by economic theory. Recently, refinements based on the application of behavioral insights into the study of public policy applications have become en vogue. Although criminologists have made some inroads into incorporating behavioral principals into the study of crime and offender decision‐making, these contributions have mainly been limited to the area of risk. In this article, I offer a more widespread description of how behavioral economics (BE) can be applied to the study of offender decision‐making and crime policy. Specifically, I focus on several main areas that move beyond the traditional foci on perceptions of risk: intertemporal choice, criminal labor supply, mental accounting and consumption, and social preferences. For each topical area, I first identify a presumable, normative model that could reasonably be drawn from traditional rational choice theory. I then describe ways, based on existing contributions from BE, that scholars have sought to make the assumptions (and anomalies) of this model more realistic.

Policy Implications

The primary aim of this article is to highlight implications to theory and policy that increase the utilization of BE by criminologists.
Determination of live and dead Komagataeibacter xylinus cells and first attempt at precise control of inoculation in nanocellulose production
Authors: Zou Xiaozhou , Zhang Shuo , Chen Lin , Hu Junqing , Hong Feng F.
Published: October 2019

The timely enumeration of cells of nanocellulose‐producing bacteria is challenging due to their unique growth properties. To better understand the metabolism of the bacteria and better control the concentration of living cells during cultivation, a prompt cell counting technology is crucial and urgently required. In this work, two fluorescent dyes, the asymmetrical anthocyanidin dye SYBR Green I (SG) and propidium iodide (PI), were first combined for Komagataeibacter xylinus species to determine live/dead bacterial cells quantitatively and promptly. The number of live and dead K. xylinus cells determined using an epifluorescence microscope corresponded well to the results obtained using a fluorescence microplate reader. The R2 values were 0.9986 and 0.9920, respectively, and were similar to those obtained with the LIVE/DEAD® BacLightTM commercial kit. SG/PI double‐staining showed proper efficiency in distinguishing live/dead cells for the K. xylinus strain (R2 = 0.9898). The technology was applied to standardize four different K. xylinus strains, and the initial cell concentration of the strains was precisely controlled (no significant difference among the strains, P> 0.05). The cellulose yield per live cell was calculated, and significant differences (P < 0.05) were found among the four strains in the following order: DHU‐ATCC‐1> DHU‐ZCY‐1> DHU‐ZGD‐1> ATCC 23770. The study shows (i) the application of the SG/PI staining to standardizing inocula for bacterial cellulose production so that a more accurate comparison can be made between different strains, and (ii) the lower cost of using SG rather than the SYTO 9 of the commercially available LIVE/DEAD® BacLightTM kit.
Misuse of benzodiazepines: Prevalence and impact in an inpatient population with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Panes Arnaud , Verdoux Hélène , Fourrier‐Réglat Annie , Berdaï Driss , Pariente Antoine , Tournier Marie
Published: October 2019

Aims

Use and misuse of benzodiazepine might be very prevalent in patients with acute psychiatric symptoms, whereas they might be associated with specific adverse events in this population. The study investigated their prevalence in these patients. Secondary objectives were to identify risk factors for misuse of benzodiazepines, and its impact.

Methods

A cohort study was based on the hospital's electronic patient records and conducted in patients aged 18 years and over and admitted to a psychiatric hospital. They were followed up for 84 days or until the end of hospitalisation. Four variables of misuse were built: excessive duration of treatment, type of product, excessive dosage and concomitant benzodiazepines. Backward stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors for each misuse criterion, on the 1 hand, and impact of benzodiazepine misuse, on the other.

Results

In total, 511 psychiatric inpatients were included with 89.0% of them exposed to benzodiazepine. Discharge prescription included no benzodiazepine or a dosage lower than the maximum dosage prescribed during hospitalisation for 78.2% of patients exposed to benzodiazepine during their stay. Of benzodiazepine treatments, 31.4% were associated with at least 1 misuse criterion. Excessive dosage was associated with age ≥65 years (OR 11.57; 95% confidence interval 4.92–27.17), substance/alcohol use disorders (3.35; 95% confidence interval 1.70–6.62) and parenthood (0.49; 0.25–0.97). Some criteria of benzodiazepine misuse were associated with a higher frequency of adverse events occurring after treatment initiation.

Conclusions

Misuse of benzodiazepines is very common in inpatients with psychiatric disorders. These findings should alert clinicians to comply with clinical recommendations.
Changing ecological communities along an elevation gradient in seasonally dry tropical forest on Hispaniola (Sierra Martín García, Dominican Republic)
Authors: Franklin Janet , Majure Lucas C. , Encarnación Yuley , Clase Teodoro , Almonte‐Espinosa Hodali , Landestoy Miguel , Kratter Andrew W. , Oswald Jessica A. , Soltis Douglas E. , Terrill Ryan S. , Steadman David W.
Published: October 2019

We report the results of systematic vascular plant and bird surveys in Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest (SDTF) across leeward and windward elevation gradients (31–884 masl) in the Sierra Martín García (SMG), Dominican Republic. We expected to see gradual, systematic changes in plant distributions with elevation owing to the strong effect of topoclimate. In contrast, we predicted bird community composition to be related only weakly to elevation, because we expected bird distributions to be more strongly related to vegetation structure than composition. Based on 48 vegetation transects, we identified seven groups that differed in their species composition, which was correlated with elevation and precipitation. The most distinctive vegetation community occurs in dry, warm, and low elevations on the leeward slope, featuring large numbers of non‐woody indicator species (those species found frequently within one group but not in other groups) even though most of its trees and shrubs represent species that are widespread. Low rainfall and shale bedrock (rather than limestone) may be the primary drivers of distinctiveness in the low‐elevation leeward plots. On the leeward slope, where we also surveyed the birds, the vegetation community changes gradually with elevation at mid‐ to high elevations. The most distinctive bird community also was associated with the low‐elevation forest on shale bedrock and was dominated by widespread species. At higher elevations, but still within leeward SDTF, the bird communities had a stronger component of species endemic either to Hispaniola or to Caribbean islands, and species turnover did not correspond to the elevation gradient.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Incisional hernia rate after ileostomy closure in lateral pararectal stoma versus transrectal stoma placement: follow‐up of the randomized PATRASTOM trial
Authors: Seyfried S. , Lucas V. , Galata C. , Reißfelder C. , Weiß C. , Kienle P. , Hardt J.
Published: October 2019

Aim

Because damage to the rectus abdominis muscle during ileostomy placement and reversal might be a risk factor for the development of stoma‐site incisional hernia (SSIH), we hypothesized that positioning of the stoma lateral to the rectus abdominis muscle might prevent SSIH.

Method

To investigate whether a lateral pararectal stoma position lowers the incidence of SSIH in comparison with a transrectal position, a follow‐up study of the PATRASTOM trial, which had randomized stoma placement (lateral pararectal versus transrectal), was conducted. All former participants were invited simultaneously for a follow‐up visit in September 2016, 2 years after database closure of the PATRASTOM trial. For patients who were not able to attend the follow‐up, the electronic chart as well as MRI/CT scans were reviewed with regard to the presence of SSIH.

Results

Follow‐up – either clinical or radiological – was available for 47 of the 60 PATRASTOM participants. The median duration of follow‐up was 3.4 years (interquartile range 3.0–4.1 years). SSIH occurred in 3 of 23 patients (13.0%) in the lateral pararectal group compared with 7 of 24 patients (29.2%) in the transrectal group (P = 0.287). Four of the 10 patients diagnosed with SSIH had already undergone or were scheduled for hernia repair. Of the patient and procedure characteristics which may have an impact on the development of incisional hernia none was a significant risk factor for SSIH.

Conclusion

In the present follow‐up study, no difference in the incidence of SSIH was found between lateral pararectal and transrectal stoma construction in an elective setting.
Assessment and significance of sarcopenia in liver transplantation
Authors: Nam Nguyen Hai , Kaido Toshimi , Uemoto Shinji
Published: October 2019

Sarcopenia frequently occurs in cirrhotic patients who are waiting for liver transplantation (LT). This disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates during the LT period. Recently, the careful assessment of nutritional status for end‐stage liver disease patients has received a great deal of attention; hence, numerous methods of evaluating sarcopenia have been proposed. However, most of the methods have limitations, including a lack of objectivity, reproducibility, and ability to discriminate prognoses. In addition, many reports suggest that sarcopenia be used as an adjustment factor for the selection criteria of LT and that sarcopenia be incorporated into the selection criteria for living donor LT in our center. In this article, based on a literature review, we aim to identify the current definition of sarcopenia, the available methods of measurement, the potential novel interventions for the treatment of malnutrition and the significance of sarcopenia in LT.
Does Increased Generational Involvement Foster Business Growth? The Moderating Roles of Family Involvement in Ownership and Management
Authors: Pittino Daniel , Chirico Francesco , Henssen Bart , Broekaert Wouter
Published: October 2019

Building upon the upper echelon perspective, we examine the effect of generational involvement in management on various measures of business growth and consider different levels of family participation. Specifically, we argue that generational involvement and the participation of family actors in ownership and management foster cognitive diversity at the TMT level, which may ultimately positively or negatively impact family business growth. Our theory, which is tested using a longitudinal sample of unlisted Belgian family firms, contributes primarily to the literature related to the determinants of family firm growth, which, to date, has paid limited attention to the combined effect of different family involvement factors.
Italian consensus on treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Comi G. , Solari A. , Leocani L. , Centonze D. , Otero‐Romero S. ,   the Italian Consensus Group on treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis
Published: October 2019

Background

Spasticity is a frequent multifactorial manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting mostly the chronic courses of the disease. Its impact on patient functioning and quality of life is profound. Treatment of spasticity includes oral and intrathecal anti‐spastic drugs, muscle injections with relaxant agents, physical therapy, electrical and magnetic stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation, alone or in various combinations.

Methods

This Italian consensus on the treatment of spasticity in MS was produced by a large group of Italian MS experts in collaboration with neurophysiologists, experts in the production of guidelines and patients’ representatives operating under the umbrella of the Italian Neurological Society, the Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla and the European Charcot Foundation. This guideline was developed in accordance with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A total of 11 questions were formulated following the PICO framework (patients, intervention, comparator, outcome). Controlled studies only were included in the analysis.

Results

Despite some consistent limitations due to the poor methodological quality of most studies, there was a consensus on a strong recommendation for the use of intrathecal baclofen, oromucosal spray of nabiximols and intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin. The level of recommendation was weak for oral baclofen, tizanidine, gabapentin, benzodiazepines and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Conclusions

There is a clear need for new larger multicentre well‐designed clinical trials with a duration that allows the persistence of the effects and the long‐term safety of the interventions to be evaluated.
The G119S ace‐1 mutation confers adaptive organophosphate resistance in a nontarget amphipod
Authors: Major Kaley M. , Weston Donald P. , Lydy Michael J. , Huff Hartz Kara E. , Wellborn Gary A. , Manny Austin R. , Poynton Helen C.
Published: October 2019

Organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CM) insecticides are widely used in the United States and share the same mode of toxic action. Both classes are frequently documented in aquatic ecosystems, sometimes at levels that exceed aquatic life benchmarks. We previously identified a population of the nontarget amphipod, Hyalella azteca, thriving in an agricultural creek with high sediment levels of the OP chlorpyrifos, suggesting the population may have acquired genetic resistance to the pesticide. In the present study, we surveyed 17 populations of H. azteca in California to screen for phenotypic resistance to chlorpyrifos as well as genetic signatures of resistance in the acetylcholinesterase (ace‐1) gene. We found no phenotypic chlorpyrifos resistance in populations from areas with little or no pesticide use. However, there was ~3‐ to 1,000‐fold resistance in H. azteca populations from agricultural and/or urban areas, with resistance levels in agriculture being far higher than urban areas due to greater ongoing use of OP and CM pesticides. In every case of resistance in H. azteca, we identified a glycine‐to‐serine amino acid substitution (G119S) that has been shown to confer OP and CM resistance in mosquitoes and has been associated with resistance in other insects. We found that the G119S mutation was always present in a heterozygous state. Further, we provide tentative evidence of an ace‐1 gene duplication in H. azteca that may play a role in chlorpyrifos resistance in some populations. The detection of a genetically based, adaptive OP and CM resistance in some of the same populations of H. azteca previously shown to harbor a genetically based adaptive pyrethroid resistance indicates that these nontarget amphipod populations have become resistant to many of the insecticides now in common use. The terrestrial application of pesticides has provided strong selective pressures to drive evolution in a nontarget, aquatic species.
Oceanographic drivers of petrale sole recruitment in the California Current Ecosystem
Authors: Haltuch Melissa A. , Tolimieri Nick , Lee Qi , Jacox Michael G.
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates environmental drivers of U.S. West Coast petrale sole (Eopsetta jordani) recruitment as an initial step toward developing an environmental recruitment index that can inform the stock assessment in the absence of survey observations of age‐0 and age‐1 fish. First, a conceptual life history approach is used to generate life‐stage‐specific and spatio‐temporally specific mechanistic hypotheses regarding oceanographic variables that likely influence survival at each life stage. Seven life history stages are considered, from female spawner condition through benthic recruitment as observed in the Northwest Fisheries Science Center West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey (age‐2 fish). The study area encompasses the region from 40 to 48°N in the California Current Ecosystem. Hypotheses are tested using output from a regional ocean reanalysis model outputs and model selection techniques. Four oceanographic variables explained 73% of the variation in recruitment not accounted for by estimates based exclusively on the spawning stock size. Recruitment deviations were (a) positively correlated with degree days during the female precondition period, (b) positively correlated with mixed‐layer depth during the egg stage, (c) negatively correlated with cross‐shelf transport during the larval stage, and (d) negatively correlated with cross‐shelf transport during the benthic juvenile stage. While multiple mechanisms likely affect petrale sole recruitment at different points during their life history, the strength of the relationship is promising for stock assessment and integrated ecosystem assessment applications.
Effects of a water‐based exercise program on disability prevention in older Japanese adults
Authors: Iwasaka Chiharu , Sakamoto Maiko , Mitsutake Tsubasa , Horikawa Etsuo
Published: October 2019

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the potential preventive effects of a water‐based exercise program on disability in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

The study design was a propensity score‐matched retrospective study. Older adults were contacted through a mail survey carried out by City Hall, and those who scored ≥3 points on the physical domain of the Kihon Checklist were encouraged to participate in the water‐based exercise program. The program consisted of aerobic and walking exercises in the water for 1 h, once a week for 6 months. Propensity scores were used to match individuals who participated in the exercise program with control individuals based on age, sex, height, weight, body mass index and Kihon Checklist score. Among matched pairs, the study included 278 participants (control group 139, intervention group 139). The main outcome was the number of participants who received a new long‐term care insurance certification during the first follow‐up year, which was used to indicate disability.

Results

Of the 278, 13 participants (5.5%) required long‐term care insurance certification. A significantly smaller proportion of intervention group members required long‐term care insurance certification (intervention group 0.7% [1/139 participants] vs control group 8.6% [12/139 participants], P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Water‐based exercise program appears to effectively prevent disability in community‐dwelling older adults. Because water‐based exercise program is associated with a minimal burden on joints and lower risk of falling, it might particularly enable the prevention of disability in older adults with chronic pain and restricted mobility. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1282–1288.
Single‐cell study of neural stem cells derived from human iPSCs reveals distinct progenitor populations with neurogenic and gliogenic potential
Authors: Lam Matti , Sanosaka Tsukasa , Lundin Anders , Imaizumi Kent , Etal Damla , Karlsson Fredrik H. , Clausen Maryam , Cairns Jonathan , Hicks Ryan , Kohyama Jun , Kele Malin , Okano Hideyuki , Falk Anna
Published: October 2019

We used single‐cell RNA sequencing (seq) on several human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell‐derived neural stem cell (NSC) lines and one fetal brain‐derived NSC line to study inherent cell type heterogeneity at proliferating neural stem cell stage and uncovered predisposed presence of neurogenic and gliogenic progenitors. We observed heterogeneity in neurogenic progenitors that differed between the iPS cell‐derived NSC lines and the fetal‐derived NSC line, and we also observed differences in spontaneous differentiation potential for inhibitory and excitatory neurons between the iPS cell‐derived NSC lines and the fetal‐derived NSC line. In addition, using a recently published glia patterning protocol we enriched for gliogenic progenitors and generated glial cells from an iPS cell‐derived NSC line.
Glutamine synthetase promotes tumor invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma through mediating epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Liu Peng , Lu Di , Al‐ameri Abdulahad , Wei Xuyong , Ling Sunbin , Li Jie , Zhu Hai , Xie Haiyang , Zhu Liming , Zheng Shusen , Xu Xiao
Published: October 2019

Aim

Glutamine synthetase (GS) levels increase gradually with the development of hepatocellular carcinogenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of GS and the underlying mechanism of GS promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invasion.

Methods

Serum concentration of GS and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) in HCC patients, liver cirrhosis patients, and healthy individuals were detected. The GS‐mRNA level and its prognostic value were explored in an independent HCC cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. GS expression in HCC tissue and matched para‐tumor tissue was determined. The effect of GS on HCC invasion was assessed in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The serum GS and AFP level in HCC patients was higher than that in healthy controls and liver cirrhosis patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for HCC diagnosis was 0.848 and 0.861 for GS and AFP, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of GS for diagnosis of AFP‐negative HCC was 0.913. Combining GS with AFP achieved a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 82.5% and 93%, respectively. The GS level was higher in tumor tissues than that in para‐tumor tissues. High GS expression was associated with poor prognosis of moderately differentiated HCC patients. In vitro, GS exerted an influence on HCC cell migration by mediating epithelial–mesenchymal transition. The lung and liver metastatic model of HCC further confirmed that GS expression affected the invasion of HCC cells in vivo.

Conclusions

GS is a useful biomarker for HCC diagnosis, especially for AFP‐negative patients. In addition, GS affects HCC metastasis through mediating epithelial–mesenchymal transition.
Peculiar pathological, radiological and clinical features of skull‐base de‐differentiated chordomas. Results from a referral centre case–series and literature review
Authors: Asioli Sofia , Zoli Matteo , Guaraldi Federica , Sollini Giacomo , Bacci Antonella , Gibertoni Dino , Ricci Costantino , Morandi Luca , Pasquini Ernesto , Righi Alberto , Mazzatenta Diego
Published: October 2019

Aims

De‐differentiated chordoma is an uncommon and incompletely characterised aggressive neoplasm. Only a few cases originating from the skull base have been reported.

Methods and results

All consecutive cases of skull‐base de‐differentiated chordomas treated surgically in a referral centre from January 1990 to June 2019 were retrospectively evaluated to assess peculiar pathological, radiological and clinical features. Patient data were retrieved from paper and electronic records. Six cases (two male, four female; mean age at surgery = 46 years, range = 35–64), treated surgically at our institution were identified. Transformation to de‐differentiated chordomas occurred after radiation therapy in three cases (mean = 13.6 years after treatment, range = 5–25), two during tumour progression, while one was de‐novo. Magnetic resonance imaging and surgical examination revealed the presence of two different tumour components, corresponding to the conventional and de‐differentiated portion on histological examination. The de‐novo case presented a PIK3CA mutation. DNA methylation analysis revealed consistent epigenetic changes in TERT, MAGEA11 and UXT. Prognosis was poor, as five of six patients died after surgery and radiation therapy, with a mean overall survival of 29 months (range = 11–52).

Conclusions

Skull‐base de‐differentiated chordomas are extremely rare and aggressive neoplasms with characteristic magnetic resonance imaging, surgical and histological features. Therefore, an early and accurate histological diagnosis is of paramount relevance. Molecular analysis appears promising to define mechanisms involved in tumour de‐differentiation.
A study on ion‐exchanged, soda‐lime glass’s residual stress relationship with K+/Na+ concentration
Authors: Sun Huan , Dugnani Roberto
Published: October 2019

In the past, studies have shown that the chemical composition within the exchanged layer could influence both the stress build‐up magnitude and the stress relaxation rate. In this work, a novel approach was proposed to estimate the relationship between the stress relaxation parameters, the dilation coefficient, and the relative K+/Na+ concentration. The proposed method required knowledge of the residual stress profiles, the molten salt bath's temperature and soaking time, and the bath's composition. Based on the analyses performed on various residual stress profiles in ion‐exchanged soda‐lime glass, both the dilation coefficient and the magnitudes of the relaxation time constants were found to consistently decrease with K2O concentration.
Comparison of suspension MDCK cells, adherent MDCK cells, and LLC‐MK2 cells for selective isolation of influenza viruses to be used as vaccine seeds
Authors: Harada Yuichi , Takahashi Hitoshi , Trusheim Heidi , Roth Bernhard , Mizuta Katsumi , Hirata‐Saito Asumi , Ogane Teruko , Odagiri Takato , Tashiro Masato , Yamamoto Norio
Published: October 2019

Background

Cell‐based influenza vaccines can solve the problem of the frequent occurrence of egg adaptation–associated antigenic changes observed in egg‐based vaccines. Seed viruses for cell‐based vaccines can be prepared from clinical specimens by cell culture; however, clinical samples risk harboring respiratory viruses other than influenza virus. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the patterns of co‐infection in clinical samples and explore whether cell culture technology can selectively propagate influenza viruses from samples containing other respiratory viruses.

Methods

A total of 341 clinical specimens were collected from patients with influenza or influenza‐like illness and analyzed by ResPlex II assay to detect 18 respiratory viruses. The patterns of co‐infection were statistically analyzed with Fisher's exact test. The samples with double or triple infections were passaged in suspension MDCK cells (MDCK‐S), adherent MDCK cells (MDCK‐A), and LLC‐MK2D cells. Cell‐passaged samples were analyzed by ResPlex II assay again to investigate whether each cell line could amplify influenza viruses and eliminate other respiratory viruses.

Results

Double infections were detected in 8.5% and triple infections in 0.9% of the collected clinical specimens. We identified four pairs of viruses with significant correlation. For all samples with double and triple infection, MDCK‐S and MDCK‐A could selectively propagate influenza viruses, while eliminating all contaminating viruses. In contrast, LLC‐MK2D showed lower isolation efficiency for influenza virus and higher isolation efficiency for coxsackievirus/echovirus than MDCK‐S and MDCK‐A.

Conclusions

Both MDCK‐S and MDCK‐A are considered suitable for the preparation of influenza vaccine seed viruses without adventitious agents or egg‐adaptation mutations.
Relationship between aqueous chemistry and composition, structure, and solubility of sodium aluminosilicate hydrates
Authors: Williamson Trevor , Katz Lynn E. , Han Joonkyoung , Dobbs Howard A. , Chmelka Bradley F. , Sant Gaurav , Juenger Maria C. G.
Published: October 2019

Inorganic polymer binders (IPBs) are synthesized by the activation of aluminosilicate precursors with an alkaline solution such as sodium hydroxide. This paper studies the relationship between the composition, structure, and solubility of sodium aluminosilicate hydrates (N–A–S–(H)), the primary binding phase in IPBs. It was found that changing the aqueous Si/Al ratio had little effect on N–A–S–(H) Si/Al ratio, but small changes in the aqueous Si/Na ratio led to substantial changes in N–A–S–(H) Si/Al ratio. Early N–A–S–(H) products were found to be X‐ray amorphous, but a rapid transition to the crystalline phase faujasite occurred after several weeks of aging. The transition of the solid amorphous phase to faujasite was accompanied by a rapid drop in aqueous Si(IV) and Al(III) concentrations. Solubility products were determined, temporally, for the N–A–S–(H) before and after the transition to faujasite and represent new contributions to the literature, particularly for the amorphous state. The results presented here provide fundamental insights that are needed for the development of kinetic and thermodynamic models that can establish phase balances and evolutions of IPBs across a range of precursor compositions and synthesis conditions.
Quasi‐static confined uniaxial compaction of granular alumina and boron carbide observing the particle size effects
Authors: Nicewicz Piotr , Peciar Peter , Macho Oliver , Sano Tomoko , Hogan James D.
Published: October 2019

The quasi‐static confined uniaxial compaction of granular alumina and boron carbide was studied, and the effect of triaxial stress on the materials as a function of increasing particle size was observed. The average particle sizes studied for granular alumina were 170 ± 63, 230 ± 55, 330 ± 67, and 450 ± 83 µm. The average particle size studied for granular boron carbide were 170 ± 40, 190 ± 34, 320 ± 59, and 470 ± 90 µm. The material response at hydrostatic pressure as a function of porosity, the bulk modulus as a function of hydrostatic pressure, and the transmission ratio as a function of applied load was evaluated for increasing particle size. For alumina, the increase in particle size resulted in an increase in strength for a fixed porosity, the bulk modulus of this material did not show clear particle size‐dependent trends, and the transmission ratio increased with increase in particle size. Conversely, for granular boron carbide, the hydrostatic pressure‐porosity curve shifted to the right with increasing particle size, the change in bulk modulus increased with increasing particle size, and no clear particle size‐dependent trends were observed when looking at the transmission ratio during the experiment. Post‐experiment scanning electron microscopy revealed that alumina powder fragmented from elongated shapes to block‐like structures, while boron carbide powder appeared more circular before the experiments and fragmented into smaller comminuted pieces. This paper discusses the implication of the work in the context of the limited experimental data in the field and the modeling of granular advanced ceramics behavior.
An abnormal incorporation behavior of Th in Gd2Zr2O7: A first‐principles study
Authors: Zhao Fengai , Xiao Haiyan , Zhang Haibin , Li Pengcheng , Shen Huahai , Zu Xiaotao
Published: October 2019

A theoretical study of Th accommodation in Gd2Zr2O7 has been performed by density functional theory. Our calculations show that although thorium has only one charge state of Th4+, it can be incorporated into both Gd3+ and Zr4+ sites in Gd2Zr2O7, depending on the chemical environments. Th occupation at Gd3+ site results in charge redistribution and the excess electrons introduced by Th are transferred to the neighboring Zr ions. As compared with the pure state, Th‐containing Gd2Zr2O7 pyrochlores are probably more inclined to undergo order‐disorder transformation and are less susceptible to radiation‐induced amorphization.
Continuous amnioinfusion for treatment of mid‐trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes with oligoamnios
Authors: Ono Takeshi , Tsumura Keisuke , Kawasaki Izumi , Ikeda Masazumi , Hideshima Misako , Tsuda Satoko , So Kunio , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Nomiyama Makoto , Yokoyama Masatoshi
Published: October 2019

Aim

Given the scarcity of relevant reports, this study aimed to elucidate whether pregnancy can be prolonged by maintaining the amniotic fluid volume with continuous transabdominal amnioinfusion (TA) for patients with mid‐trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and oligoamnios.

Methods

We retrospectively examined patients who were managed during hospitalization at our department after developing PPROM between week 22 day 0 and week 25 day 6 of gestation and subsequent oligoamnios (amniotic fluid index [AFI] <5 cm) within 7 days after PPROM onset. Cases between 2006 and 2011 comprised the conventional management group (n = 14); cases administered continuous TA between 2012 and 2017 comprised the continuous TA group (n = 14). The primary outcome was the number of days between PPROM and delivery. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of normal amniotic fluid volume (AFI ≥ 5 cm) maintained between PPROM and delivery and the perinatal prognosis for the mother and infant.

Results

The continuous TA group had significantly more days between PPROM and delivery and a significantly higher proportion of days that a normal amniotic fluid volume was maintained during that period, regardless of antimicrobial agents administered. Although no significant differences in the perinatal prognosis of disease were found between groups, there was a decreasing trend of composite perinatal mortality and morbidity, and the incidence rates were reduced by half.

Conclusion

Continuous TA for PPROM with oligoamnios may allow significant prolongation of the gestation period while maintaining the amniotic fluid volume and may lead to improved perinatal prognosis.
Leaving Home, Entering Institutions: Implications for Home‐Leaving in the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Yi Youngmin
Published: October 2019

Objective

This study examines the impact of incorporating institutional transitions (e.g., military, higher education, incarceration) into the definition of home‐leaving for estimates of cumulative risks of first home‐leaving in the transition to adulthood and racial/ethnic differences therein.

Background

The departure from the parental home is considered an important milestone in the transition to adulthood. However, to date, studies of the timing, prevalence, and nature of this key milestone have not generally incorporated the broader range of experiences with residential components that young adults increasingly face—such as military service and incarceration.

Method

Life table analysis of 6,501 individuals from the 1997 National Longitudinal Study of Youth is used to estimate overall and race/ethnicity‐specific cumulative risks of first home‐leaving using two measures of home‐leaving: one that relies exclusively on household rosters and a second that incorporates information about departures for institutions beyond the family and household. Multinomial regression is then used to estimate young adults' likelihoods of first home‐leaving for different types of arrangements and institutional settings.

Results

An institution‐inclusive definition of home‐leaving yields higher estimates of the risk of leaving the parental home by age 31 than a roster‐based definition. The institution‐inclusive measure also estimates greater racial/ethnic variation in the timing of first departure and provides insights into the racial/ethnic differences in the types of transitions experienced.

Conclusion

Variations in the definition of “adult” transitions can impact conclusions about the prevalence, timing, and racial/ethnic variation in key life events.
Prognostic value of transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 polymorphisms in patients with oral cancer
Authors: Chen Lin , Chen Fa , Wang Xiaoxia , Chen Qing , Lin Jing , Bao Xiaodan , Wang Rui , Wang Jing , Yan Lingjun , Lin Lisong , Qiu Yu , Pan Lizhen , Shi Bin , Zheng Xiaoyan , Liu Fengqiong , He Baochang
Published: October 2019

Objective

To investigate possible associations between disease‐specific survival (DSS) of oral cancer and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1).

Methods

Using iPLEX Sequenom MassARRAY platform, three SNPs in TGFBR1 gene were genotyped in 356 newly diagnosed patients with histologically confirmed primary oral cancer. Demographic and clinical information of all cases were obtained from face‐to‐face interviews and electronic medical records, and telephone interviews were carried out every 6 months to timely gain follow‐up data. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model were used to assess the association between the polymorphisms of tagging loci and DSS of oral cancer.

Results

TGFBR1 rs33438 polymorphism was protective against death of oral cancer in codominant (AG vs AA: HR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.35‐0.88) and dominant (GG + AG vs AA: HR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.38‐0.87) models. Moreover, better DSS was particularly significant in radiotherapy patients who carrying GG + AG genotype. There also existed a positive multiplicative interaction on DSS between the polymorphism of TGFBR1 rs334348 and radiotherapy (P = .001). Not any associations between TGFBR1 rs334354 or rs3739798 polymorphism and DSS were observed.

Conclusions

This preliminary prospective study suggests that polymorphism of TGFBR1 rs334348 may act as a potentially independent factor and novel genetic biomarker to predict oral cancer DSS especially for patients with radiotherapy. A much more extensive investigation will need to confirm our findings.