bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do combinations of clinical parameters related to caries activity status predict progression more accurately than individual parameters?
Authors: Floriano I , Matos R , Mattos-Silveira J , Rocha ES , Ekstrand KR , Mendes FM , Braga MM
Published: February 2019

Few studies have addressed the predictive power of the clinical parameters used in assessing caries lesion activity. This study assessed the predictive validity of evaluating clinical parameters that are related to caries lesion activity status, individually and combined, in a long-term analysis. The occlusal surfaces of primary molars (1361 surfaces) were examined in 205 children according to the following clinical features: potential for plaque stagnation, colour, luster, cavitation, texture, and clinical depth. Cavities with frankly exposed dentine were excluded from this sample. After 1 year, 148 children (828 surfaces) were re-evaluated using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System to assess caries lesion progression. Progression was set as an outcome to verify the predictive power of the initially assessed clinical parameters. Different combinations of two or more parameters were also tested to check for any association with caries progression. Multilevel Poisson regression analyses were performed and the relative risk for each parameter/combination tested was calculated by considering a confidence interval of 95%. Forty percent of the reassessed surfaces presented caries progression after 1 year. Despite their surface integrity, dentine caries lesions were approximately 10-fold more likely and enamel lesions were approximately three-fold more likely to progress than sound surfaces. Similarly, cavitated lesions showed the highest risk of progression compared to sound/non-cavitated lesions. When only non-cavitated surfaces were considered, roughness proved to be a risk factor for caries progression. In conclusion, the lesions presenting clinical involvement of the dentine and even those cavitations clinically involving only the enamel had a higher risk of progression compared to sound or non-cavitated surfaces. For these lesions, the evaluation of other conjoint parameters seems unnecessary. Nevertheless, surface roughness can be a useful feature in predicting the risk of non-cavitated caries lesion progression.
Sfp1 regulates transcriptional networks driving cell growth and division through multiple promoter-binding modes
Authors: Albert Benjamin , Tomassetti Susanna , Gloor Yvonne , Dilg Daniel , Mattarocci Stefano , Kubik Slawomir , Hafner Lukas , Shore David
Published: February 2019

The yeast Sfp1 protein regulates both cell division and growth but how it coordinates these processes is poorly understood. We demonstrate that Sfp1 directly controls genes required for ribosome production and many other growth-promoting processes. Remarkably, the complete set of Sfp1 target genes is revealed only by a combination of ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation) and ChEC (chromatin endogenous cleavage) methods, which uncover two promoter binding modes, one requiring a cofactor and the other a DNA-recognition motif. Glucose-regulated Sfp1 binding at cell cycle “START” genes suggests that Sfp1 controls cell size by coordinating expression of genes implicated in mass accumulation and cell division.
Tissue-specific BMAL1 cistromes reveal that rhythmic transcription is associated with rhythmic enhancer–enhancer interactions
Authors: Beytebiere Joshua R. , Trott Alexandra J. , Greenwell Ben J. , Osborne Collin A. , Vitet Helene , Spence Jessica , Yoo Seung-Hee , Chen Zheng , Takahashi Joseph S. , Ghaffari Noushin , Menet Jerome S.
Published: February 2019

The mammalian circadian clock relies on the transcription factor CLOCK:BMAL1 to coordinate the rhythmic expression of thousands of genes. Consistent with the various biological functions under clock control, rhythmic gene expression is tissue-specific despite an identical clockwork mechanism in every cell. Here we show that BMAL1 DNA binding is largely tissue-specific, likely because of differences in chromatin accessibility between tissues and cobinding of tissue-specific transcription factors. Our results also indicate that BMAL1 ability to drive tissue-specific rhythmic transcription is associated with not only the activity of BMAL1-bound enhancers but also the activity of neighboring enhancers. Characterization of physical interactions between BMAL1 enhancers and other cis-regulatory regions by RNA polymerase II chromatin interaction analysis by paired-end tag (ChIA-PET) reveals that rhythmic BMAL1 target gene expression correlates with rhythmic chromatin interactions. These data thus support that much of BMAL1 target gene transcription depends on BMAL1 capacity to rhythmically regulate a network of enhancers.
Synergistic lethality between BRCA1 and H3K9me2 loss reflects satellite derepression
Authors: Padeken Jan , Zeller Peter , Towbin Benjamin , Katic Iskra , Kalck Veronique , Methot Stephen P. , Gasser Susan M.
Published: February 2019

Caenorhabditis elegans has two histone H3 Lys9 methyltransferases, MET-2 (SETDB1 homolog) and SET-25 (G9a/SUV39H1 related). In worms, we found simple repeat sequences primarily marked by H3K9me2, while transposable elements and silent tissue-specific genes bear H3K9me3. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in histone methyltransferase (HMT) mutants shows that MET-2-mediated H3K9me2 is necessary for satellite repeat repression, while SET-25 silences a subset of transposable elements and tissue-specific genes through H3K9me3. A genome-wide synthetic lethality screen showed that RNA processing, nuclear RNA degradation, the BRCA1/BARD1 complex, and factors mediating replication stress survival are necessary for germline viability in worms lacking MET-2 but not SET-25. Unlike set-25 mutants, met-2-null worms accumulated satellite repeat transcripts, which form RNA:DNA hybrids on repetitive sequences, additively with the loss of BRCA1 or BARD1. BRCA1/BARD1-mediated H2A ubiquitination and MET-2 deposited H3K9me2 on satellite repeats are partially interdependent, suggesting both that the loss of silencing generates BRCA-recruiting DNA damage and that BRCA1 recruitment by damage helps silence repeats. The artificial induction of MSAT1 transcripts can itself trigger damage-induced germline lethality in a wild-type background, arguing that the synthetic sterility upon BRCA1/BARD1 and H3K9me2 loss is directly linked to the DNA damage provoked by unscheduled satellite repeat transcription.
Short range rocket-target: research, development and implementation
Authors: Fedaravičius Algimantas , Kilikevičius Sigitas , Survila Arvydas , Račkauskas Saulius
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the aerodynamic analysis and external ballistics modeling used in the development of a rocket-target for short range air defence missile systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the airflow around the rocket-target was carried out to estimate the drag, which was needed to develop a mathematical model for external ballistics of the rocket-target. Field-experimental testing was conducted to compare the model results to the data obtained experimentally using various additional measurement techniques such as global positioning system (GPS) coordinates marking of the crash and launch sites, air defence surveillance radar tracking and installing equipment for telemetric data capturing and transmission.

Findings

Various ballistic parameters such as the velocity and trajectory of the rocket-target were obtained taking into account the CFD analysis results and internal ballistics data. The field-experimental testing showed a good agreement between the model results and the results obtained by the experimental techniques.

Practical implications

The presented computational models and the experimental techniques could be used in future developments of similar aircraft.

Originality/value

This paper presents a research approach for developing a rocket-target. The results of the research were used as a basis for developing a rocket-target for short range air defence rocket systems. The developed rocket-target was successfully implemented in practice.
Convergence to IFRS, accounting quality, and the role of regional institutions: evidence from China
Authors: Hao Jun , Sun Minghe , Yin Jennifer
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between regional institution and accounting quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates whether and to what extent the convergence to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) improves Chinese firms’ accounting quality. It also examines the role regional institutions play in this process. The focus is on two aspects of accounting quality: the accrual aggressiveness and the timely loss recognition. Specifically, the study tests: whether the convergence to IFRS significantly lowers the accrual aggressiveness proxied by the magnitude of discretionary accruals (DA); whether the convergence to IFRS significantly enhances the timely loss recognition proxied by the likelihood of reporting large negative net income; and whether the effects of convergence to IFRS on accounting quality vary with the quality of regional institutions.

Findings

The findings show that convergence to IFRS generally was accompanied by increases in DA and decreases in timely loss recognition for Chinese firms. Further analysis on the development of regional institutions reveals that both changes in accrual aggressiveness and timely loss recognition are more pronounced for firms located in regions with a lower level of development in the legal environment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the accounting literature in several ways. First, it extends the accounting literature regarding institutional factors by examining the association between regional institutions and accounting quality. Second, by adopting a within-country setting, the study avoids such problems of cross-country comparisons as confounding factors caused by country-specific accounting rules and regulations, differences in infrastructure and culture, and other potential endogeneity problems (Chanet al., 2010). Third, the attention paid to the European and US application of IFRS overshadows the application and effects of IFRS in emerging markets. By examining China, the world largest emerging economy in the process of economic transition, this study sheds light on the effect of convergence to IFRS on accounting quality for emerging or transitional economies.
Advances on high current load effects on lead-free solder joints of SMD chip-size components and BGAs
Authors: Straubinger Dániel , Géczy Attila , Sipos András , Kiss András , Gyarmati Dániel , Krammer Oliver , Rigler Dániel , Bušek David , Harsányi Gábor
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a novel approach on investigating critical current densities in the solder joints of chip-size surface-mounted components or device (SMD) components and ball grid array (BGA) lead-free solder joints with the focus of via-in-pad geometries. The investigation involves a numerical approach and a physical validation with selected geometry configurations and high current loads to reveal possible failure sources. The work is a continuation of a previous study.

Design/methodology/approach

Current density was investigated using finite element modeling on BGA joints. Dummy BGA components, 0402 and 0603 zero ohm jumper resistors, were used, both in daisy chain setups on standard FR4 printed circuit boards (PCBs). Respective physical loading experiments were set to find effects of elevated current density at hot zones of the joints. Cross-section analysis, scanning electron microscopy and shear force tests were used to analyze the joints.

Findings

The findings reveal alterations in the joints, while the current loading is not directly affecting the structure. The modeling reveals the current density map in the selected formations with increased current crowding zones. Overall, the degradation does not reach the level of electromigration (EM)-induced voiding due to the limiting factor of the FR4 substrate.

Practical implications

The heavy current load affects joint reliability, but there are limitations of EM-induced failures on PCB-based assemblies due to the thermomechanical weakness of the FR4 material.

Originality/value

The experiments investigate current density from a novel aspect on frequently used BGA surface mounted components with modeling configurations focusing on possible effects of via-in-pad structure.
Multidimensional appropriate clustering and DBSCAN for SAT solving
Authors: Hireche Celia , Drias Habiba
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper is an extended version of Hireche and Drias (2018) presented at the WORLD-CIST’18 conference. The major contribution, in this work, is defined in two phases. First of all, the use of data mining technologies and especially the tools of data preprocessing for instances of hard and complex problems prior to their resolution. The authors focus on clustering the instance aiming at reducing its complexity. The second phase is to solve the instance using the knowledge acquired in the first step and problem-solving methods. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Because different clustering techniques may offer different results for a data set, a prior knowledge on data helps to determine the adequate type of clustering that should be applied. The first part of this work deals with a study on data descriptive characteristics in order to better understand the data. The dispersion and distribution of the variables in the problem instances is especially explored to determine the most suitable clustering technique to apply.

Findings

Several experiments were performed on different kinds of instances and different kinds of data distribution. The obtained results show the importance and the efficiency of the proposed appropriate preprocessing approaches prior to problem solving.

Practical implications

The proposed approach is developed, in this paper, on the Boolean satisfiability problem because of its well-recognised importance, with the aim of complexity reduction which allows an easier resolution of the later problem and particularly an important time saving.

Originality/value

State of the art of problem solving describes plenty of algorithms and solvers of hard problems that are still a challenge because of their complexity. The originality of this work lies on the investigation of appropriate preprocessing techniques to tackle and overcome this complexity prior to the resolution which becomes easier with an important time saving.
Fostering brand engagement and value-laden trusted B2B relationships through digital content marketing
Authors: Taiminen Kimmo , Ranaweera Chatura
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how digital content marketing (DCM) users can be engaged with business-to-business (B2B) brands and determine how such engagement leads to value-laden trusted brand relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an online survey, data were collected from the email marketing list of a large B2B brand, and the hypothesised research model was analysed using covariance-based structural equation modelling.

Findings

This paper identifies a bundle of helpful brand actions – providing relevant topics and ideas; approaching content with a problem solving orientation; as well as investing in efforts to interpret, analyse and explain topics through DCM – to foster relationship value perceptions and brand trust. Critically however, cognitive-emotional brand engagement is shown to be a necessary requirement for converting these actions into relationship value perceptions.

Research limitations/implications

This paper furthers the understanding of the dual role of helpful brand actions in functionally oriented DCM. Additionally, this paper offers evidence of the central role of cognitive-emotional brand engagement in influencing value-laden customer–brand relationships.

Practical implications

This paper introduces a bundle of helpful brand actions that forms the basis for the dual roles of a brand in enhancing customer value and in fostering brand engagement and building relationships. This approach helps practitioners to steer brand-related perceptions arising from DCM interactions towards building trusted brand relationships.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the marketing literature by revealing a potential approach to DCM in managing customer relationships. Instead of focusing solely on the content benefit-usage link to support engagement, this paper reveals the potential of helpfulness as a brand-initiated DCM engagement trigger in engaging customers with the brand, vis-à-vis the content.
Do we see the same? Discrepant perception of diversity and diversity management within a company
Authors: Bacouel-Jentjens Sabine , Yang Inju
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to paper investigates whether different perceptions exist with regard to diversity management within an organisation. Additionally, if such differences exist, what contextual factors influence these perceptions?

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this study is based on inductive and interpretative case research, which aims to compare diverse perceptions in two different organisational units of a company. For this purpose, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted.

Findings

The findings in this paper highlight the importance of contexts in the study of diversity management. That is, contexts such as workforce composition and power (e.g. organisational status) in an organisation as well as the social environment’s impact on social identity processes, which results in discrepant focusses on and recognition of diversity management within the same organisation.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to research on a more nuanced approach to diversity by proposing an importance of contexts for the process of social identity and further perceptual discrepancy.

Practical implications

Qualitative research on and findings about perceptual discrepancy help to close the gap between the practice and rhetoric of diversity management.

Originality/value

Departing from extant empirical research on diversity at the workplace, which relies predominantly on quantitative methods, a qualitative design of this study allows a refinement of previous findings. Also, this paper provides deeper insight into the sense-making process, resulting in different diversity perceptions by different employees according to their work and social environments or contexts.
The effectiveness of problem-based learning in technical and vocational education in Malaysia
Authors: Jabarullah Noor H. , Iqbal Hussain Hafezali
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the use of problem-based learning (PBL) with engineering students at a technical university in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The setting provided a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of PBL, since Universiti Kuala Lumpur offers both the traditional, predominantly classroom-focussed approach to engineering and the more hands-on approach referred to as Higher Technical and Vocational Education and Training (HTVET). The study sample consisted of 453 third-year students’ enroled in both programmes at Universiti Kuala Lumpur.

Findings

Students in the HTVET programme responded better to PBL teaching methods, as evidenced by improved performance on written as well as lab-based assessments. This result indicates that students using the hands-on approach advocated by HTVET tend to obtain the greatest benefit from experiential, student-centred learning approaches. The analysis suggests the possibility that the PBL approach is a moderator of student performance in HTVET programmes. This possibility merits further investigation.

Research limitations/implications

The sample included students from only one institution of higher learning, which was chosen because both types of programmes are offered there. In addition, the current study does not consider potential mediating or moderating variables.

Originality/value

The findings provide an empirical basis for implementing PBL as a form of experiential learning at higher education institutions, especially those using the HTVET model. Furthermore, they provide a justification for designing curriculum structures and student learning time with an emphasis on active and experiential learning, thereby maximising the effectiveness of a hands-on approach, rather than the “minds-on” theoretical approach advocated by traditional engineering programmes in enhancing the teaching and learning experience.
Do wages and job satisfaction really depend on educational mismatch? Evidence from an international sample of master graduates
Authors: Naguib Costanza , Baruffini Moreno , Maggi Rico
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find econometric evidence of a negative influence of educational mismatch on either wage or job satisfaction, once potential sources of bias are adequately considered. The analysis attempts to answer the question: do wage or job satisfaction really depends on educational mismatch?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a panel data of 1690 early career Master graduates from Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Switzerland. First, a wage equation with dummies representing educational mismatch and other control variables is estimated. On the other hand, a regression in which the dependent variable is the degree of self-assessed job satisfaction is run in order to identify the effect of mismatch on job satisfaction.

Findings

The analysis finds no robust econometric evidence of a negative influence of educational mismatch on either wage or job satisfaction, once potential sources of bias are adequately considered.

Research limitations/implications

The estimates have been conducted on a specific sub-population, i.e. a limited sample of Master graduates from a single Swiss university in the years 2006–2016; it is then not straightforward that results can be generalised to the whole population.

Originality/value

The influence of educational mismatch on job satisfaction has been extensively studied in the previous literature; however, most of the existing studies are likely to report biased results due to unobserved heterogeneity and measurement error. The authors address these two serious econometric issues by proposing a new instrumental variable for a self-assessed mismatch, i.e. time spent in job search after graduation.
Federal Judge Ideology: A New Measure of Ex Ante Litigation Risk
Authors: HUANG ALLEN , HUI KAI WAI , LI REEYARN ZHIYANG
Published: February 2019

Drawing on the political theory of judicial decision making, our paper proposes a new and parsimonious ex ante litigation risk measure: federal judge ideology. We find that judge ideology complements existing measures of litigation risk based on industry membership and firm characteristics. Firms in liberal circuits (the third quartile in ideology) are 33.5% more likely to be sued in securities class action lawsuits than those in conservative circuits (the first quartile in ideology). This result is stronger after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in the Tellabs case. We next show that the effect of judge ideology on litigation risk is greater for firms with more sophisticated shareholders and with higher expected litigation costs. Furthermore, judicial appointments affect litigation risk and the value of firms in the circuit, highlighting the economic consequences of political appointments of judges. Finally, using our new measure, we document that litigation risk deters managers from providing long‐term earnings guidance, a result that existing measures of litigation risk cannot show.
Obstructive sleep apnea and electrocardiographic P‐wave morphology
Authors: Corotto Paul S. , Kang Hyojung , Massaro Brianna , Harding William C. , Shah Neil R. , Gadi Sneha , Bilchick Kenneth , Mazimba Sula , Kwon Younghoon
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep disorder with important cardiovascular implications. Left atrial abnormality can be identified by electrocardiographic P‐wave morphology and is considered an important risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke, both of which have been associated with OSA. We hypothesized that severity of OSA would be associated with more abnormal electrocardiographic P‐wave morphology as indicated by P‐wave terminal force in V1 (PTFV1) and P‐wave area in V1 (PWAV1).

Methods

Patients who underwent clinically indicated polysomnography and had 12‐lead ECG were identified through medical record review. Logistic regression was used to determine the associations between the measures of OSA severity (apnea hypopnea index [AHI] and mean nocturnal oxygen [O2] saturation) and abnormal PTFV1 and PWAV1 (defined by >75% percentile value of the studied cohort) adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and hypertension.

Results

A total of 261 patients (mean age: 57 years old, male: 52%) were included in the study. Multivariate analysis showed that AHI was associated with abnormal PTFV1 (>7,280 µV ms) and PWAV1 (>1,000 µV ms; OR: 1.5; 95% CI [1.1, 2.0], p = 0.008; OR: 1.5 [1.1, 2.1], p = 0.005 per 1 SD increase in AHI, respectively). Mean O2 saturation was associated with abnormal PWAV1 (OR: 0.72 [0.54, 0.98], p = 0.03). Results remained unchanged after excluding patients taking AV nodal blocking agents.

Conclusion

In a sleep clinic cohort, there was significant association between OSA severity and ECG‐defined left atrial abnormality.
Rapid identification of Candida sp. by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry subsequent to short‐term incubation on a solid medium
Authors: Bellanger Anne‐Pauline , Gbaguidi‐Haore Houssein , Liapis Eleni , Scherer Emeline , Millon Laurence
Published: February 2019

Rapid identification of Candida species is important for appropriate antifungal therapy of fungemia. The matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) system is a useful tool to identify bacteria and yeasts. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of identifying yeasts after a short‐term incubation on a solid medium. We tested 24 strains of eight Candida species. Blood culture bottles were spiked with a calibrated suspension of each Candida strain. Three different culture media, two types of blood culture bottles and three different incubation time points were tested. A multivariable random‐effects logistic regression analysis was performed for determining factors independently associated with a successful MALDI‐TOF MS identification. One‐hundred and thirty‐one out of 432 MALDI‐TOF MS analyses (30%) exhibited a score ≥ 1.7. The performance of the technique varied across Candida species. Factors associated with a successful identification were the use of a chromogenic Candida medium and the time points 4 and 5 h. Using the factors ‘chromogenic Candida medium’ and time point 5 h the global performance of identification reached 60% and a mean MALDI‐TOF score of 1.78. Identifying yeasts after a short‐term incubation on a solid medium seems possible, especially when using a chromogenic Candida medium and respecting at least 5 h of incubation. This assay was a first step and needs to be completed using more strains, various chromogenic Candida medium and maybe also testing a longer culture time such as 6 h.
Clinoform architecture and along‐strike facies variability through an exhumed erosional to accretionary basin margin transition
Authors: Poyatos‐Moré Miquel , Jones George D. , Brunt Rufus L. , Tek Daniel E. , Hodgson David M. , Flint Stephen S.
Published: February 2019

Exhumed basin margin‐scale clinothems provide important archives for understanding process interactions and reconstructing the physiography of sedimentary basins. However, studies of coeval shelf through slope to basin‐floor deposits are rarely documented, mainly due to outcrop or subsurface dataset limitations. Unit G from the Laingsburg depocentre (Karoo Basin, South Africa) is a rare example of a complete basin margin scale clinothem (>60 km long, 200 m‐high), with >10 km of depositional strike control, which allows a quasi‐3D study of a preserved shelf‐slope‐basin floor transition over a ca. 1,200 km2 area. Sand‐prone, wave‐influenced topset deposits close to the shelf‐edge rollover zone can be physically mapped down dip for ca. 10 km as they thicken and transition into heterolithic foreset/slope deposits. These deposits progressively fine and thin over tens of km farther down dip into sand‐starved bottomset/basin‐floor deposits. Only a few km along strike, the coeval foreset/slope deposits are bypass‐dominated with incisional features interpreted as minor slope conduits/gullies. The margin here is steeper, more channelized and records a stepped profile with evidence of sand‐filled intraslope topography, a preserved base‐of‐slope transition zone and sand‐rich bottomset/basin‐floor deposits. Unit G is interpreted as part of a composite depositional sequence that records a change in basin margin style from an underlying incised slope with large sand‐rich basin‐floor fans to an overlying accretion‐dominated shelf with limited sand supply to the slope and basin floor. The change in margin style is accompanied with decreased clinoform height/slope and increased shelf width. This is interpreted to reflect a transition in subsidence style from regional sag, driven by dynamic topography/inherited basement configuration, to early foreland basin flexural loading. Results of this study caution against reconstructing basin margin successions from partial datasets without accounting for temporal and spatial physiographic changes, with potential implications on predictive basin evolution models.
“Plus Ça Change…”: Graduates’ Views of Canadian Females’ Opportunities after 50 Years of Change
Authors: Grayson J. Paul
Published: February 2019

New‐Left Feminism emerged on Canadian campuses in 1967. While prior to that date some Canadian women had been concerned with their limited circumstances, by and large, university students expressed little visible support for their cause. In this article, I will show that prior to the debut of New‐Left Feminism, while they may not have been vocal, the 1967 graduates of Glendon College, York University, located in Toronto, Canada, were well aware of the barriers faced by Canadian women. In the intervening half‐century, although many impediments to the full social participation of Canadian women were removed, Glendon graduates of 2017 continued to recognize the existence of limits on female Canadians. Indeed, in some areas, these recent graduates saw more barriers than their counterparts 50 years earlier. This can be attributed, in part, to the attention currently given in curricula to the lives of Canadian women, large numbers of female faculty, a public discourse that includes sexuality and issues of interest to women, and the “relative deprivation” of Canadian females.
Anti‐Müllerian hormone variability and its implications for the number of oocytes retrieved following individualized dosing with follitropin delta
Authors: Nelson Scott M. , Larsson Per , Mannaerts Bernadette M. J. L. , Nyboe Andersen Anders , Fauser Bart C. J. M.
Published: February 2019

Objective

The stability of anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) across and between menstrual cycles has been the subject of debate. The objective of this analysis was to study the inter‐ and intracycle variability in repeated measurements and assess the impact on an individualized gonadotropin dosing algorithm and predicted oocyte yield.

Design

Retrospective analysis of repeat AMH measures from a randomized controlled trial.

Patients

A total of 1326 women aged 18‐40 years.

Measurements

Serum AMH levels at screening and at cycle day 2‐3 in up to three ovarian stimulation cycles. AMH variability and its impact on gonadotropin dose and the predicted number of oocytes.

Results

Repeat serum AMH measurements were strongly correlated within individual women (correlation coefficient 0.92). AMH exhibited limited within‐subject variation (coefficient of variation 23%), a small time‐related decline (mean 6% decrease/y), but no systematic variation across the menstrual cycle. Irrespective of whether the AMH screening value or the AMH at the initiation of ovarian stimulation was used, for women with an AMH level <15 pmol/L, 93% would receive the same gonadotropin dose and attain an identical number of oocytes in 97% of cases. For women with an AMH level ≥15 pmol/L, 80% would receive an individualized dose within ±1.5 μg and 90% would attain ±1 oocyte.

Conclusion

AMH variability had limited impact on individualized gonadotropin dosing, with 95% of women predicted to obtain an oocyte yield that does not vary beyond 1 oocyte count, irrespective of whether a random or early follicular AMH measurement was used to determine the individualized gonadotropin dose.
Provocative maneuvers to improve patent foramen ovale detection: A brief review of the literature
Authors: Thiagaraj Ashwin K. , Hughes‐Doichev Rachel , Biederman Robert W. W.
Published: February 2019

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the most common type of inter‐atrial shunt, with prevalence as high as 30%. Detection of PFO has implications in patients with stroke, peripheral embolism, decompression illness, and other conditions. Transesophageal echo (TEE) with saline contrast injection is the current standard for PFO detection, but even with TEE, PFOs are sometimes missed. With advances in percutaneous PFO closure therapies and proven long‐term benefit of closure, accurate PFO detection takes on cardinal importance. Various provocative maneuvers to enhance PFO detection are in clinical use and have been studied. The Valsalva maneuver has long‐held position as the ideal provocation to unmask PFO, but other maneuvers such as cough, sniff, Müller's, and more have gained relevance. In this article, we will examine various maneuvers and discuss their utility in PFO detection.
When the phone stops ringing: on the meanings and causes of disruptions in communication between Eritrean refugees and their families back home
Authors: BELLONI MILENA
Published: February 2019

In recent years, a growing number of studies have highlighted the role of technology in facilitating the circulation of the information and images that underpin migrants' journeys and aspirations. However, less attention has been paid to the social circumstances that obstruct these communication flows. Based on ethnographic work in Italy and Eritrea, in this article I show that, despite the technological possibilities that are available, contacts between Eritrean refugees in Italy and their families back home are often extremely limited. This is not the result of infrastructural under‐development, but of a bundle of social and family expectations that my informants perceive as overwhelming. My respondents in Italy maintained many transnational relationships with friends and acquaintances around the world, but generally not with their parents in Eritrea. While revisiting the literature on the moral economy of transnational families, I show that my informants' attempts to move onwards from Italy emerge from their wish to reconnect with their left‐behind kin. Only by reaching the final destination of their geographical and moral journey can they support their families back home. Only this can give them respect in the eyes of their community and restore transnational communication with their families.
Social upgrading and cooperative corporate social responsibility in global value chains: the case of Fairphone in China
Authors: JINDRA BJÖRN , HATANI FAITH , STEGER THOMAS , HIEMER JOHANNES
Published: February 2019

In this article, we explore how a lead firm's strategy for corporate social responsibility influences the social upgrading of a supplier in a global value chain. Based on a single case study approach, we investigate the interaction between Dutch smartphone producer Fairphone and its Chinese supplier Guohong. On the one hand, the case illustrates how a cooperative approach to corporate social responsibility can lead to progress in suppliers' social upgrading. In particular, we highlight the role of a so‐called workers' welfare fund as a mechanism not only for improving measurable labour standards but also for enabling rights. On the other hand, the case demonstrates how the limited production and technological capabilities of the suppliers, a competitive market environment and lead firms' limited strategic access to the supply chain might constrain the extent of social upgrading through a cooperative approach towards corporate social responsibility in a global value chain.
Nevus depigmentosus: review of a mark of distinction
Authors: Ullah Forhad , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: February 2019

Nevus depigmentosus (ND), also known as nevus achromicus or achromic nevus, is an uncommon congenital hypomelanosis of the skin that is often characterized as being nonprogressive and having serrated borders. It needs to be distinguished from other hypopigmented skin conditions such as nevus anemicus, hypomelanosis of Ito, Fitzpatrick patches (ash leaf spots) of tuberous sclerosis, vitiligo, indeterminate leprosy, and pigment demarcation lines. Treatment may be desired for aesthetic and possible psychosocial considerations. We review and update knowledge about ND and its simulants.
Divergent SATB1 expression across human life span and tissue compartments
Authors: Nüssing Simone , Koay Hui‐Fern , Sant Sneha , Loudovaris Thomas , Mannering Stuart I , Lappas Martha , d′Udekem Yves , Konstantinov Igor E , Berzins Stuart P , Rimmelzwaan Guus F , Turner Stephen J , Clemens E Bridie , Godfrey Dale I , Nguyen Thi HO , Kedzierska Katherine
Published: February 2019

Special AT‐rich binding protein‐1 (SATB1) is a global chromatin organizer capable of activating or repressing gene transcription in mice and humans. The role of SATB1 is pivotal for T‐cell development, with SATB1‐knockout mice being neonatally lethal, although the exact mechanism is unknown. Moreover, SATB1 is dysregulated in T‐cell lymphoma and proposed to suppress transcription of the Pdcd1 gene, encoding the immune checkpoint programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1). Thus, SATB1 expression in T‐cell subsets across different tissue compartments in humans is of potential importance for targeting PD‐1. Here, we comprehensively analyzed SATB1 expression across different human tissues and immune compartments by flow cytometry and correlated this with PD‐1 expression. We investigated SATB1 protein levels in pediatric and adult donors and assessed expression dynamics of this chromatin organizer across different immune cell subsets in human organs, as well as in antigen‐specific T cells directed against acute and chronic viral infections. Our data demonstrate that SATB1 expression in humans is the highest in T‐cell progenitors in the thymus, and then becomes downregulated in mature T cells in the periphery. Importantly, SATB1 expression in peripheral mature T cells is not static and follows fine‐tuned expression dynamics, which appear to be tissue‐ and antigen‐dependent. Furthermore, SATB1 expression negatively correlates with PD‐1 expression in virus‐specific CD8+ T cells. Our study has implications for understanding the role of SATB1 in human health and disease and suggests an approach for modulating PD‐1 in T cells, highly relevant to human malignancies or chronic viral infections.
Similar but different: Revealing the relative roles of species‐traits versus biome properties structuring genetic variation in South American marsh rats
Authors: Prado Joyce R. , Percequillo Alexandre R. , Thomaz Andréa T. , Knowles L. Lacey
Published: February 2019

Aim

Wetland habitats, and the ecological restrictions imposed by them, structure patterns of genetic variation in constituent taxa. As such, genetic variation may reflect properties of the specific biomes species inhabit, or shared life history traits among species may result in similar genetic structure. We evaluated these hypotheses jointly by quantifying the similarity of genetic structure in three South American marsh rat species (Holochilus), and test how genetic variation in each species relates to biome‐specific environmental space and historical stability.

Location

South America.

Taxon

Rodentia.

Methods

Using complementary analyses (Mantel tests, dbRDA, Procrustes, covariance structure of allele frequencies and environmental niche models [ENMs]) with 8,000–32,000 SNPs per species, we quantified the association between genomic variation and geographic and/or environmental differences.

Results

Significant association between genetic variation and geography was identified for all species. Similarity in the strength of the association suggests connectivity patterns dictated by shared species‐traits predominate at the biome scale. However, substantial amounts of genetic variation are not explained by geography. Focusing on this portion of the variance, we demonstrate a significant quantitative association between genetic variation and the environmental space of a biome, and a qualitative association with varying regional stability. Specifically, historically stable areas estimated from ecological niche models are correlated with local levels of geographic structuring, suggesting that local biome‐specific histories affect population isolation/connectivity.

Main conclusions

These tests show that although species exhibit similar patterns of genetic variation that are consistent with shared natural histories, irrespective of inhabiting different wetland biomes, local biome‐specific properties (i.e. varying environmental conditions and historical stability) contribute to departures from equilibrium patterns of genetic variation expected by isolation by geographic distance. The reflection of these biome‐specific properties in the genetic structure of the marsh rats provides a window into the differences among South American wetlands with evolutionary consequences for their respective constituent assemblages.
Effects of particulate matter on healthy human skin: a panel study using a smartphone application measuring daily skin condition
Authors: Park J.H. , Oh S.J. , Lee J.H.
Published: February 2019

Background

The influence of particulate matter (PM) on human health has recently attracted attention. However, most previous studies have been limited to diseased skin.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of PM on healthy skin.

Methods

The study enrolled 188 healthy volunteers without any skin disease during winter and early spring. Every day for 14 days, they recorded their skin states using a smartphone application, which automatically scored facial skin condition in terms of wrinkle, brown‐spot and trouble indexes based on a selfie. Subjects recorded information about their personal lifestyles such as sleeping time and outdoor activity. Air pollution and meteorological information were collected during the same period as well. We analysed the correlation between daily skin condition and environmental factors.

Results

Overall, 2625 person‐days were obtained for 3 months from February to April. Among the various factors analysed in this study, temperature and PM showed statistically significant relationships with the daily condition. Multivariable analysis showed a cumulative effect, as PM2.5 from 8 to 3 days prior to when daily skin condition was checked had a negative correlation with wrinkle index (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Inadequate outdoor temperature can immediately impinge on the skin state of even healthy people. PM2.5 may contribute to skin ageing gradually rather than immediately.
Skin cancer prevention: a review of current topical options complementary to sunscreens
Authors: Rosenthal A. , Stoddard M. , Chipps L. , Herrmann J.
Published: February 2019

The incidence of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is dramatically increasing worldwide, despite the increased use of improved sunscreens. In 2014, the Surgeon General estimated that 2.2–5.0 million people were treated annually for NMSC. As the number of newly diagnosed skin cancers continues to rise, there is a need for additional preventative measures beyond sunscreens. Several newer topical products that focus on boosting DNA repair, modulating DNA transcription, decreasing inflammation and selectively targeting precancerous cells may play an important role in future skin cancer prevention.
Translating the International Code of Marketing of Breast‐milk Substitutes into national measures in nine countries
Authors: Michaud‐Létourneau Isabelle , Gayard Marion , Pelletier David Louis
Published: February 2019

The International Code of Marketing of Breast‐milk Substitutes (the Code) adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 1981 and regularly updated through subsequent WHA resolutions, represents the international policy framework for protecting breastfeeding against inappropriate marketing practices. By March 2016, at least 135 countries had some measures covering provisions of the Code in their legislation. The translation of the International Code into national measures was investigated in the context of the advocacy efforts undertaken by the Alive & Thrive (A&T) initiative with UNICEF and partners. A real‐time evaluation was carried out over 22 months in seven Southeast Asian countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic [Lao PDR], Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor‐Leste) and two African countries (Burkina Faso and Ethiopia). Drivers of policy change and progress were examined. Two theory‐based approaches were used: developmental evaluation and contribution analysis. Data collection methods included participant observation, key informant meetings, in‐depth interviews, reflective practice, and desk review. Overall, countries made significant progress in translating the International Code into national measures and in moving forward throughout the policy cycle. The main driver of policy change was the creation of a strategic group, which engaged key relevant actors and supported the government in the performance of 15 critical tasks, which the analysis reveals is a second driver. Those critical tasks are described in this paper and could help public health advocates to anticipate the stages and challenges of policy change and develop more effective strategies to translate the Code into their legal framework.