bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRC1-dependent compaction of Hox gene clusters prevents transcriptional derepression during early Drosophila embryogenesis
Authors: Cheutin Thierry , Cavalli Giacomo
Published: January 2018

Summary paragraph

Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins are conserved chromatin factors that maintain the silencing of key developmental genes, notably the Hox gene clusters, outside of their expression domains [1-3]. Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) trimethylates lysine K27 of histone H3 [4], and PRC1 collaborates with PRC2 in gene silencing. Genome-wide studies have revealed large H3K27me3 chromatin domains bound by PcG proteins, and Polycomb domains fold into distinct nuclear structures [5-9]. Although PRC1 is involved in chromatin compaction [10-16], it is unknown whether PRC1-dependent transcriptional silencing is a consequence of its role on higher-order chromatin folding. This is because depletion of PRC1 proteins typically induces both chromatin unfolding and ectopic transcription, and ectopic transcription can open chromatin by itself. To disentangle these two components, we analysed the temporal effects of two PRC1 proteins, Polyhomeotic (Ph) and Polycomb (Pc), on Hox gene clusters during Drosophila embryogenesis. We show that the absence of Ph or Pc affects the higher-order chromatin folding of Hox clusters prior to ectopic Hox gene transcription, demonstrating that PRC1 primary function during early embryogenesis is to compact its target chromatin. During later embryogenesis, we observed further chromatin opening at Hox complexes in both Ph and Pc mutants, which was coupled to strong deregulation of Hox genes at this stage of development. Moreover, the differential effects of Ph and Pc on Hox cluster folding matches the differences in ectopic Hox gene expression observed in these two mutants, suggesting that the degree of Hox derepression in PcG mutants depends on the degree of structural constraints imposed by each PcG component. In summary, our data demonstrate that binding of PRC1 to large genomic domains during early embryogenesis induces the formation of compact chromatin to prevent ectopic gene expression at later time-points. Thus, epigenetic mechanisms such as Polycomb mediated silencing act by folding chromatin domains and impose an architectural layer to gene regulation.
Opposing roles of TGFβ and BMP signaling in prostate cancer development
Authors: Lu Xin , Jin Eun-Jung , Cheng Xi , Feng Shan , Shang Xiaoying , Deng Pingna , Jiang Shan , Chang Qing , Rahmy Sharif , Chaudhary Seema , Lu Xuemin , Zhao Ren , Wang Y. Alan , DePinho Ronald A.
Published: January 2018

SMAD4 constrains progression of Pten-null prostate cancer and serves as a common downstream node of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathways. Here, we dissected the roles of TGFβ receptor II (TGFBR2) and BMP receptor II (BMPR2) using a Pten-null prostate cancer model. These studies demonstrated that the molecular actions of TGFBR2 result in both SMAD4-dependent constraint of proliferation and SMAD4-independent activation of apoptosis. In contrast, BMPR2 deletion extended survival relative to Pten deletion alone, establishing its promoting role in BMP6-driven prostate cancer progression. These analyses reveal the complexity of TGFβ–BMP signaling and illuminate potential therapeutic targets for prostate cancer.
Crystal structures of 5,5′-bis(hydroxymethyl)-3,3′-biisoxazole and 4,4′,5,5′-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)-3,3′-biisoxazole
Authors: Sausa Rosario C. , Wingard Leah A. , Guzmán Pablo E. , Pesce-Rodriguez Rose A. , Sabatini Jesse J. , Zavalij Peter Y.
Published: January 2018

The molecular structure of 5,5′-bis(hydroxymethyl)-3,3′-biisoxazole, C8H8N2O4 (1), is composed of two trans planar isoxazole rings [r.m.s deviation = 0.006 (1) Å], each connected with a methyl hydroxyl group. Similarly, the structure of 4,4′,5,5′-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)-3,3′-biisoxazole, C10H12N2O6 (2), is composed of two planar isoxazole rings [r.m.s. deviation = 0.002 (1) Å], but with four hydroxymethyl groups as substituents. Both molecules sit on a center of inversion, thus Z′ = 0.5. The crystal structures are stabilized by networks of O—H...N [for (1)] and O—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions [for (2)], giving rise to corrugated supramolecular planes. The isoxazole rings are packed in a slip-stacked fashion, with centroid-to-centroid distances of 4.0652 (1) Å for (1) (along the b-axis direction) and of 4.5379 (Å) for (2) (along the a-axis direction).
A model for thin shells in the combined finite-discrete element method
Authors: Uzelac Ivana , Smoljanovic Hrvoje , Batinic Milko , Peroš Bernardin , Munjiza Ante
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new numerical model for geometric nonlinear analysis of thin-shell structures based on a combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM).

Design/methodology/approach

The model uses rotation-free, three-node triangular finite elements with exact formulation for large rotations, large displacements in conjunction with small strains.

Findings

The presented numerical results related to behaviour of arbitrary shaped thin shell structures under large rotations and large displacement are in a good agreement with reference solutions.

Originality/value

This paper presents new computationally efficient numerical model for geometric nonlinear analysis and prediction of the behaviour of thin-shell structures based on combined FDEM. The model is implemented into the open source FDEM package “Yfdem”, and is tested on simple benchmark problems.
A self-adaptive bat algorithm for the truck and trailer routing problem
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhou Shengchuan , Gao Yang , Liu Chao
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an effective solution method for the truck and trailer routing problem (TTRP) which is one of the important NP-hard combinatorial optimization problems owing to its multiple real-world applications. It is a generalization of the famous vehicle routing problem (VRP), involving a group of geographically scattered customers served by the vehicle fleet including trucks and trailers.

Design/methodology/approach

The meta-heuristic solution approach based on bat algorithm (BA) in which a local search procedure performed by five different neighborhood structures is developed. Moreover, a self-adaptive (SA) tuning strategy to preserve the swarm diversity is implemented. The effectiveness of the proposed SA-BA is investigated by an experiment conducted on 21 benchmark problems that are well known in the literature.

Findings

Computational results indicate that the proposed SA-BA algorithm is computationally efficient through comparison with other existing algorithms found from the literature according to solution quality. As for the actual computational time, the SA-BA algorithm outperforms others. However, the scaled computational time of the SA-BA algorithm underperforms the other algorithms.

Originality/value

In this work the authors show that the proposed SA-BA is effective as a method for the TTRP problem. To the authors’ knowledge, the BA has not been applied previously, as in this work, to solve the TTRP problem.
Entrepreneurship education, gender and family background as antecedents on the entrepreneurial orientation of university students
Authors: Marques Carla S.E. , Santos Gina , Galvão Anderson , Mascarenhas Carla , Justino Elsa
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the impact of entrepreneurship education (EE) on the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of higher education students, as mediated by gender and family history. A survey tool for measuring EO was developed and used in one university. The responses were processed using statistical methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected with an online questionnaire distributed to students of engineering and business and social sciences in the past year of their degree program at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some respondents had a class in entrepreneurship, while others did not have it.

Findings

The results highlight that EE generally has a greater impact on business and social sciences students. Family background and gender are moderating variables with a positive influence on individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO).

Practical implications

This study’s main practical implication is that evidence was found that universities need to develop more effective didactic approaches to EE. These must take into account new market demands and students’ profile and always taking into account their different academic areas and levels of previous EE.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to filling a gap in the literature by identifying the importance of EE, gender and family background to the development of IEO in students of different academic programs (i.e. engineering, business and social sciences).
A revisit of lean production on performance based on heterogeneity
Authors: Zhu Xuechang , Lin Yu
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to revisit causal effects and investigate hysteresis effects of lean production on performance. With a focus on firm heterogeneity, this paper explores the role of organization ownership structure in shaping the relationship between lean production and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The propensity score matching (PSM) model combined with difference-in-difference (DID) estimation is applied to minimize selection bias caused by firm heterogeneity and endogeneity problems derived from unobserved fixed variables that could potentially affect the desired causal relationship.

Findings

Results show that lean production has no significant effect on business performance; however, the relationship between lean production and operations performance is positive and significant, especially for non-state-owned firms. Furthermore, the non-significant effect of lean production on performance of state-owned firms is largely due to the failure of lean production implementation. Meanwhile, lean production can only improve operations performance of non-state-owned firms in the short term due to their inability to continuously implement lean production.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only covers manufacturing listed firms in China. Further studies are needed to test the wide implications of this paper in other countries.

Practical implications

This paper may help managers to identify problems in the implementation of lean production for different organization ownership structure firms, thus providing new insight into the implementation of lean production.

Originality/value

This paper appears to be the first one to examine causal effects of lean production on performance in China by applying the PSM model combined with DID estimation.
Public sector undertakings: Bharat’s other Ratnas
Authors: Chhibber Ajay , Gupta Swati
Published: January 2018

Purpose

While national public policies such as performance contracts and disinvestment affect the dynamics of large- and medium-scale state-owned enterprises in emerging market economies, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the performance of India’s public sector undertakings (PSUs) and suggest options to improve their outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using firm-level data on India’s 235 PSUs with total assets of around $500 billion over the past two and half decades (1990-2015), the study empirically tests the effect of performance contracts, measured by memorandum of understanding (MOU) and disinvestment, measured by private equity share, on PSUs performance indicator such as return on capital (ROC). Data were collected from the Public Enterprises Survey Reports released by the Department of Public Enterprises under India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Department of Disinvestment, Bombay Stock Exchange and Capitaline database. By controlling firm-, industry- and macro-level factors in regression models, the results were presented in several aspects like service sector, non-service sector and individual and joint effects.

Findings

Empirical estimations indicate that performance contracts such as MOUs have had a positive impact on PSU performance by increasing their ROC by 8-9 percent. This result holds more strongly for the non-service sector (manufacturing, mining) but less so for service sector firms. In the case of service sector firms, partial privatization (share sales) has a significant impact on performance, making them ideal candidates for more aggressive disinvestment. Larger PSUs (Maharatnas) appear to perform better than smaller PSUs and even better than private firms of similar size. Smaller PSUs (Navratnas and Miniratnas) perform worse than private companies and should be good candidates for strategic disinvestment (privatization). PSUs that do not have Ratna status – and are loss makers – should be disposed of their asset value.

Practical implications

The study recommends that India should change the public sector balance sheet by raising capital through strategic disinvestment (privatization), disinvestment and liquidation of PSUs and re-investing it, in public infrastructure through the National Infrastructure Investment Fund and not into the budget as a revenue-raising measure. It should also transform Maharatnas into world class companies with greater commercialization.

Originality/value

The paper makes significant contributions to the academic literature on the changing dynamics of state-owned enterprises in emerging economies by examining the effect of performance contracts and disinvestment on India’s PSUs performance. It is one of unique longitudinal-empirical studies on India’s PSU performance in several dimensions.
From welfare to wealth creation
Authors: Gakhar Divya Verma , Phukon Abhijit
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review several influential empirical studies that examine the performance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The paper undertakes a citation analysis of journals, authors and titles in the area of privatization and firm performance in general, and assesses the impact of privatization on the performance of SOEs in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on a systematic and structured review of over 100 papers published in economics, public management, business strategy and related social sciences. The systematic review is based on citation analysis of journals, authors and titles. The journal and author citation counts were tabulated by leveraging the databases of SCImago Journal Rankings and Google Scholar and filtered it to find out the most highly cited journals and authors. The structured review is based on the framing opinion with respect to major findings, variables selected, measurement techniques and statistical tools applied by different researchers. The impact is measured through coding a value “P” in case of positive effects, “N” in case of negative effects and “NT” in case the study found both positive and negative effects.

Findings

The citation analysis reveals thatAmerican Economic Review,Journal of Financial Economics,Review of Financial StudiesandJournal of Financeas the top-cited journals, and Megginson and Netter (3,468), Megginsonet al.(1,737), Djankov and Murrell (1,356), Boardman and Vining (1,320), Balsamet al.(1,094) and DeWenter and Malatesta (1,018) as the top-cited authors in this particular research field. While majority research studies have revealed a significant improvement in the performance of SOEs in the post-privatization period, few studies have reserved their impact as neutral or even negative in some respects.

Originality/value

Given that economic transitions, corporate governance, and performance of SOEs have attracted a great attention from public management and business strategy scholars in recent years, this paper aims to summarize a large number of empirical studies that examine the performance of SOEs. The paper would be useful to future researchers especially the beginners and early career researchers in terms of its current trends, selection of variables, measurement techniques and statistical tools applied.
Data governance activities: a comparison between scientific and practice-oriented literature
Authors: Alhassan Ibrahim , Sammon David , Daly Mary
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the current literature on data governance in scientific and practice-oriented publications, and to provide a comparative analysis of the activities reported for data governance. Data have become a key organisational asset and data governance both a necessary and critical activity.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review is conducted in order to identify the published material that reflects the current state of knowledge. A systematic procedure was followed that identified 61 publications that explicitly mention data governance activities. Open coding techniques were applied to conduct content analysis, resulting in the identification of 591 concepts. A critical analysis also identified gaps in the literature.

Findings

The analysis identified 120 data governance activities which are understood as: “action” plus “area of governance” plus “decision domain” (e.g. define data policies for data quality). The authors define and present a data governance activities model based on the analysis. The analysis also shows a higher volume of data governance activities reported by practice-oriented publications that are associated with the “implement” and “monitor” actions of the areas of governance across the decision domains compared with scientific publications, whereas The authors found that the scientific publications focus more on defining activities. The results contribute to identifying research gaps and concerns on which ongoing and future research efforts can be focused.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is of interest to both academics and practitioners, as it helps them understand the activities associated with a data governance programme. Current literature fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the data governance activities that are required when considering a data governance programme. Therefore, the proposed model for data governance activities can be used to give insights into these activities.

Originality/value

To the knowledge of the authors, this study is the first to explicitly consider data governance activities from both an academic and practice-oriented perspective.
Adolescents’ perceptions of their parents’ and peers’ opinions about their body weight
Authors: Tayyem Reema , Allehdan Sabika , Bawadi Hiba , Tuuri Georgianna , Al-Mannai Mariam , Musaiger Abdulrahman Obaid
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the associations between adolescents’ perceptions of their parents’ and peers’ opinions about body weight and their actual weight status.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 795 Jordanian adolescents, 15-18 years of age, were recruited in this study. Adolescents completed a questionnaire to evaluate their perceptions: about how their parents’ and peers’ viewed their weight, regarding any criticism of their parents and peers about their weight and if their parents compared their weight against their siblings.

Findings

The study found that the majority of non-overweight adolescents thought their parents and peers considered them to have a normal weight (94.9 and 94.6 per cent for boys, 76.6 and 85.5 per cent for girls, respectively). For obese girls, 83.4 per cent thought their parents and 91.7 per cent thought their peers perceived them as overweight. The risk of being obese was significantly related to the amount of parental criticism perceived by adolescent girls with OR = 3.9 (95 per cent CI: 1.6-9.4;P= 0.01), while perception of peer criticism showed an increased trend of risk for obesity in boys. Adolescents’ perceptions regarding parental comparisons between their body weights against their siblings’ body weight was found to increase the risk for obesity significantly among girls.

Originality/value

The current study highlights that most of the obese adolescents perceived that their parents and peers underestimated their actual weight status. While obese boys were more likely to report being criticized about their body shape by their peers, obese girls indicated that they received more criticism about their weight from their parents.
The associations between environmental disclosures with financial performance, environmental performance, and firm value
Authors: Deswanto Refandi Budi , Siregar Sylvia Veronica
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate both the direct and indirect associations of environmental disclosures with financial performance, environmental performance and firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples are companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the agriculture industry, mining industry, basic industry and chemicals, miscellaneous industry and consumer goods industry and that are participating in the Performance Rating Assessment Program on Environment Management (PROPER/Program Penilaian Peringkat Kinerja Perusahaan) of the Ministry of the Environment Republic of Indonesia or have been awarded the Green Industry Award by the Ministry of Industry Republic of Indonesia in 2012-2014. Data are collected from sustainability reports, annual reports and annual financial statements. The authors used simultaneous equation modeling and panel data regression analysis to analyze the data.

Findings

The authors find that the financial performance does not affect the environmental disclosures. The lagged environmental performance has a positive effect on the current environmental disclosures, and environmental disclosures do not affect the firm market value and do not mediate the effect of financial performance and environmental performance on firm value.

Originality/value

This study comprehensively examines both direct and indirect associations of environmental disclosures with financial performance, environmental performance and firm value, which is rarely examined in extant studies.
Trust and distrust in society and public perception of CSR: a cross-cultural study
Authors: Rim Hyejoon , Dong Chuqing
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate cross-cultural perspectives of corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on Carroll’s (1979, 1991) hierarchical CSR model. The present study examines the role of government and business trust in shaping publics’ expectations of business responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data were derived from a cross-sectional survey in the USA, UAE and South Korea (N = 1,121). This paper compares publics’ prioritizations of business responsibilities across countries and examines how public trust in the government and business is related to CSR perceptions.

Findings

The paper presents evidence that publics’ perception of CSR differs significantly across the countries. Moreover, in a trusting society like the UAE, publics tend to put more emphasis on economic and philanthropic duties for business, whereas in a distrusting society like South Korea, publics consider legal and ethical responsibility to be important.

Originality/value

This study adds to the current understanding of diverse publics’ perception of CSR across culture and societies by highlighting the role of public trust in government in defining CSR.
The influence of corporate governance practices on corporate social responsibility reporting
Authors: Rashid Afzalur
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate if “corporate governance practices” have any influence on firm corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting by listed firms in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a content analysis to examine specific corporate social responsibility (CSR)-related attributes from 101 publicly listed non-financial firms in Bangladesh. Using various attributes of social and environmental reporting, a disclosure index is also constructed.

Findings

The finding of this study is that corporate governance practices do not have any influence on firm CSR reporting. The findings, in particular, show that CSR disclosure by firms is not responsive to new corporate governance regulations.

Research limitations/implications

This study is subject to some limitations, such as the subjectivity or judgement associated in the coding process.

Practical implications

The implication of this study is that firm CSR practices are legitimization exercises and firms will not make increased disclosure due to regulator’s quest for institutionalisation of corporate governance practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on the practices of CSR reporting in the context of developing countries following regulator’s quest for institutionalisation of corporate governance practices.
Role of CSR in the consumer decision making process – The case of India
Authors: Pradhan Sudeepta
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to capture the decision-making process of one of the major stakeholders, i.e. consumers, while purchasing from socially responsible firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an exploratory approach to have an understanding of consumers’ evaluation of their perceptions of a company’s CSR during the purchasing process. A total of 60 respondents were interviewed, and their responses were transcribed. These messages were then analysed using content analysis.

Findings

The evaluation of CSR initiatives is an intricate, logical and structured process where consumers consider factors that are valued by them. The findings support the concept of legitimacy theory, as most respondents believed it was the duty of a firm to give back to the society.

Research limitations/implications

This study suffers from an inherent limitation faced by qualitative studies, namely, the results cannot be generalized. Hence, quantitative methods can be designed in future research in the field. A cross-cultural study would also provide deeper insights and interesting avenues in future investigation to identify different factors.

Practical implications

Managers have the option of ignoring consumers’ approach towards CSR, and/or focus on CSR positioning and use it in their marketing communications. The Companies Bill, 2013, mandated Indian firms to spend and report their CSR expenditures. Hence, they should use it strategically and advertise their CSR initiatives effectively to influence a large number of consumers. It is also essential for managers to make CSR information easily available and clarify the connection of the company to CSR initiatives. They should also identify the proper channels that would get desired results.

Social implications

The study investigates the intricate process that explicates the reasons why CSR affects the consumer decision-making process. The research provides a better understanding into intention-behavior gap, investigates the reasons for such discrepancy and identifies a large number of factors.

Originality/value

The study intends to contribute to the field of marketing by capturing stakeholder (consumer) engagement (by exploring consumers’ beliefs of CSR, their perceptions and the role of such perceptions) in decision-making. It also intends to add to the existing studies in legitimacy theory.
What really matters to people with aphasia when it comes to group work? A qualitative investigation of factors impacting participation and integration
Authors: Lanyon Lucette , Worrall Linda , Rose Miranda
Published: January 2018

Background

Participation in a group environment is an inherently complex undertaking for people with aphasia. It involves engaging in multi‐person interactions with other people who may have a range of communication strengths and strategies at their disposal. The potential challenges of community aphasia‐group participation and practice has had limited attention in the research literature. Evidence from group users have primarily been drawn from the perspective of long‐term members or those participating in highly specific and time‐bound groups. There is a need to explore the experiences of a broader sample, including people who have left groups, to improve our understanding of structures, processes as well as leadership behaviours that may facilitate positive group participation experiences.

Aim

To examine the potential factors operating within the group environment that contribute to positive and negative participation experiences.

Methods & Procedures

Twenty‐two people with aphasia participated in semi‐structured interviews about their experiences of community aphasia groups. People who maintained long‐term membership as well as those who had left groups were sampled. An interpretative phenomenological framework was employed to examine the data collected.

Outcomes & Results

Seven factors emerged as central to participation experiences and contributed to the ability of people with aphasia to integrate and engage in the group space. These factors included: (1) balanced interactional patterns; (2) an open and non‐hierarchical group environment; (3) communication awareness and education amongst members; (4) meaningful activity; (5) ritual and structure; (6) composition and group size; and (7) group leadership.

Conclusions & Implications

People with aphasia perceive community aphasia‐group participation to be beneficial to their ability to live well with aphasia. However, a range of challenges to successful participation are also evident. Inputs such as peer‐to‐peer communication strategies, shared roles and responsibilities, and consultation with regard to group objectives and processes provide group members with the opportunity to become active contributors, demonstrate competence and have influence over the group. When inputs are poorly implemented or absent, people with aphasia are at risk of feeling disabled and marginalized by the group experience.
Dismal science and medicine embrace
Authors: Thorp John
Published: January 2018

Deputy Editor‐in‐Chief, Dr John Thorp, discusses his top article from this issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/February-editors-choice-2018
Biotechnological Applications of Proteases in Food Technology
Authors: Tavano Olga Luisa , Berenguer‐Murcia Angel , Secundo Francesco , Fernandez‐Lafuente Roberto
Published: January 2018

This review presents some of the hottest topics in biotechnological applications: proteases in biocatalysis. Obviously, one of the most relevant areas of application is in the hydrolysis of proteins in food technology, and that has led to a massive use on proteomics. The aim is to identify via peptide maps the different proteins obtained after a specific protease hydrolysis. However, concepts like degradomics are also taking on a more relevant importance in the use and study of proteases and will also be discussed. Other protease applications, as seem in cleaning (detergent development), the pharmaceutical industry, and in fine chemistry, will be analyzed. This review progresses from basic areas such as protease classification to a discussion of the preparation of protease‐immobilized biocatalysts, considering the different problems raised by the use of immobilized proteases due to the peculiar features of the substrates, usually large macromolecules. Production of bioactive peptides via limited hydrolysis of proteins will occupy an important place in this review.
Importance of Applying Condiments in a Commonly Consumed Food System for Understanding the Association Between Familiarity and Sensory Drivers of Liking: A Study Focused on Doenjang
Authors: Roh Soo Hyun , Lee Soh Min , Kim Sang Sook , Kim Kwang‐Ok
Published: January 2018

Doenjang, a Korean traditional fermented soybean paste, is one of the most essential condiments in Korean cuisine. Condiments are rarely consumed as it is, and are generally applied to other foods. The objective of this study was to understand how sensory drivers of liking of Doenjang would be affected according to food forms in which it is evaluated: the original paste form compared with a normally consumed soup form, and to understand the association of familiarity of evaluated food form. Descriptive analysis and consumer acceptability test was performed in 2 consumption forms: the original paste form and the Doenjang soup from. For consumer liking test, elderly consumers who have more experience to traditional Deonjang were compared to the young in their response to Doenjang paste and soup. The descriptive analysis results showed that the characteristic sensory features of the Deonjang samples were little affected based on the food system in which it was evaluated. However, when the paste was applied in soup, the intensities of the characteristic sensory features were reduced. Acceptability and familiarity of traditional type Doenjang samples for the young and for the elderly consumers were very similar in paste, but it differed when the samples were evaluated in soup. Thus, expectation difference between the young and the elderly was better revealed in soup, a more common food form consumed in practice. The results of this study indicate the importance of understanding sensory drivers of liking for a condiment such as Doenjang in their commonly consumed forms.

Practical Application

Compared to the original condiment form, expectation difference between the young and the elderly were better revealed in Deonjang soup, a food form normally consumed in practice. Thus, the results of this study reinforced the importance of investigating sensory drivers of liking for a condiment in a food form that is normally consumed in practice for accurate understanding on consumer preference.
The Protective Effect of Antarctic Krill Oil on Cognitive Function by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress in the Brain of Senescence‐Accelerated Prone Mouse Strain 8 (SAMP8) Mice
Authors: Li Qian , Wu Fengjuan , Wen Min , Yanagita Teruyoshi , Xue Changhu , Zhang Tiantian , Wang Yuming
Published: January 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, and oxidative stress plays a vital role in its progression. Antarctic krill oil (AKO) is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which has various biological activities, such as improving insulin sensitivity, alleviating inflammation and ameliorating oxidative stress. In this study, the protective effect of AKO against AD were investigated in senescence‐accelerated prone mouse strain 8 (SAMP8) mice. Results showed that treatment with AKO could effectively ameliorate learning and memory deficits and ease the anxiety in SAMP8 mice by Morris water maze, Barnes maze test and open‐field test. Further analysis indicated that AKO might reduce β‐amyloid (Aβ) accumulation in hippocampus through decreasing the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 7,8‐dihydro‐8‐oxoguanine (8‐oxo‐G), increasing the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities in the brain of SAMP8 mice.

Practical Application

The results of Morris water maze, Barnes maze test and open‐field test indicated that Antarctic krill oil (AKO) improved the cognitive function and anxiety of SAMP8 mice. AKO reduced the Aβ42 level in hippocampus of SAMP8 mice. AKO ameliorated oxidative stress in brain rather than in serum and liver of SAMP8 mice.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Sophoricoside against Fructose‐Induced Liver Injury via Regulating Lipid Metabolism, Oxidation, and Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Li Wenfeng , Lu Yalong
Published: January 2018

The dried fruit of Sophora japonica L. is a traditional Chinese herb tea rich in sophoricoside that is an isoflavone glycoside. The aim of current study was to investigate the hepatic protective effect of sophoricoside in high fructose (HF) diet fed mice. Healthy male mice were fed 30% fructose water and treated 80 and 160 mg/kg·bw sophoricoside continuously for 8 wk. Our data showed that administration of sophoricoside at 80 and 160 mg/kg·bw observably decreased the body weight and liver weight in HF‐fed mice. It was found that the treatment of sophoricoside decreased the hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and serum low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and apolipoprotein‐B levels, and elevated the serum high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and apolipoprotein‐A1 levels. Moreover, the administration of sophoricoside decreased the HF‐caused elevations of hepatic malonaldehyde, interleukin‐1 and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels, while increased the HF‐induced decreases of hepatic superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Meanwhile, serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were reduced by treatment of sophoricoside in HF‐fed mice. Histopathology of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and oil red O staining of liver tissues also confirmed the beneficial effects of sophoricoside against liver injury induced by HF‐diet in mice. These findings indicated that sophoricoside may be a novel natural isoflavone for alleviating HF‐induced liver injury.

Practical Application

Fruit of Sophora japonica L. is a traditional herb tea and it recently becomes popular in China. Sophoricoside is an isoflavone glycoside (Genistein‐4’‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside) isolated from S. japonical L, and it possessed differential effects on the body health. The ingestion of sophoricoside or sophora fruit tea may be a novel strategy to prevent non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Microbial and Chemical Shelf‐Life of Vacuum Steam‐Pasteurized Whole Flaxseed and Milled Flaxseed
Authors: Shah Manoj , Eklund Bridget , Conde Lima Luiz Gustavo , Bergholz Teresa , Hall Clifford
Published: January 2018

Flaxseed is an oilseed with many health benefits. Flaxseed may be consumed raw or in processed form. In the raw form, there is a potential for microbial contamination. Several pasteurization methods have been used to reduce microbial contamination. However, such treatments may affect chemical properties of foods. In this study, vacuum steam‐pasteurization was conducted on whole flaxseed and milled flaxseed using 4 different conditions (3 min at 75 °C, 3 min at 90 °C, 9 min at 90 °C, and 3 min at 105 °C). Microbial and chemical shelf‐life was monitored for 28 wk (36 wk for aerobic plate counts). Significant reduction (P < 0.05) in microbial counts (total aerobic plate counts, and yeast and mold counts) occurred after pasteurization and during storage of both whole flaxseed and milled flaxseed. Although both the moisture content and aw increased after pasteurization, they were similar to the unpasteurized samples during storage. Peroxide value, free fatty acid, headspace volatiles, fatty acid profiles, oil content, and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) content were chemical indices measured. Only small changes were observed in the chemical indices after vacuum steam‐pasteurization for both pasteurized whole flaxseed and milled flaxseed as compared to the unpasteurized flaxseed at most instances. Vacuum steam‐pasteurization can be used as a safe alternative for the microbial reduction of low‐moisture products, such as flaxseed, without significantly affecting chemical stability.

Practical Application

Vacuum steam‐pasteurization can be effectively used for the treatment of whole flaxseed and milled flaxseed to reduce spoilage microorganisms, such as total aerobes and yeasts and molds. In addition, this pasteurization method had minimal effects on several chemical shelf‐life parameters with positive impact on SDG of the processed flaxseed.
‘An office in which she had always depended’: Surrogate Managers in Jane Austen's Mansfield Park and Persuasion
Authors: Dashwood Rita J.
Published: January 2018

Abstract

This article analyses the ways in which Jane Austen explores questions concerning female property management in two of her novels, Mansfield Park and Persuasion. These two novels are particularly relevant, as they share one common aspect: in both, two female characters attempt to appropriate the position of manager of a house they have no possibility of ever owning, thus replacing the legitimate manager. By analysing these two novels, I aim to show how Austen engages with the late eighteenth‐ and early nineteenth‐century discourse on female management and considers the possibilities and limits of this form of relationship with houses.
Modelling mobile agent‐based ecosystem services using kernel‐weighted predictors
Authors: Goedhart Paul W. , Lof Marjolein E. , Bianchi Felix J. J. A. , Baveco Hans (J.) M. , van der Werf Wopke
Published: January 2018

Agriculture benefits from ecosystem services provided by mobile agents, such as biological pest control by natural enemies and pollination by bees. However, methods that can generate spatially explicit predictions and maps of these ecosystem services based on empirical data are still scarce.

Here we propose a generic statistical model to derive kernel functions to characterize the spatial distribution of ecosystem services provided by mobile agents. The model is similar in spirit to a generalized linear model, and uses data of landscape composition and ecosystem services assessed at target sites to estimate parameters of the kernel. The approach is tested in a simulation study and illustrated by an empirical case study on parasitism rates of the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella.

The simulation study shows that the scale parameter of the exponential power kernel can be estimated with limited bias, whereas estimation of the shape parameter is difficult. For the case study the model provides biologically relevant estimates for the kernel associated with parasitism of P. xylostella. These estimates can be used to generate ecosystem service maps for existing or planned landscapes. The case study reveals that predictions can be sensitive to the parameter values for the width and shape of the kernel, and to the link function used in the statistical model.

In the last two decades numerous empirical studies assessed ecosystem services at target sites and related these to the surrounding landscape. Our method can take advantage of these data by estimating underlying kernels that can be used to map the spatial distribution of ecosystem services. However, empirical data that can discriminate between alternative kernel shapes remain critical.
How do you find the green sheep? A critical review of the use of remotely sensed imagery to detect and count animals
Authors: Hollings Tracey , Burgman Mark , van Andel Mary , Gilbert Marius , Robinson Timothy , Robinson Andrew
Published: January 2018

Animal abundance data are essential for endangered species conservation, tracking invasive species spread, biosecurity, agricultural applications and wildlife monitoring; however, obtaining abundance data are a perennial challenge. Recent improvements in the resolution of remotely sensed imagery, and image‐processing tools and software have facilitated improvement of methods for the detection of individual, generally large‐bodied animals. The potential to monitor and survey populations from remotely sensed imagery is an exciting new development in animal ecology.

We review the methods used to analyse remotely sensed imagery for their potential to estimate the abundance of wild and domestic animal populations by directly detecting, identifying and counting individuals.

Despite many illustrative studies using a variety of methods for detecting animals from remotely sensed imagery, it remains problematic in many situations. Studies that demonstrated reasonably high accuracy using automated and semi‐automated techniques have been undertaken on small spatial scales relative to the geographical range of the species of interest and/or in homogenous environments such as sea ice. The major limitations are the relatively low accuracy of automated detection techniques across large spatial extents, false detections and the cost of high‐resolution data.

Future developments in the analysis of remotely sensed data for population surveys will improve detection capabilities, including the advancement of algorithms, the crossover of software and technology from other disciplines, and improved availability, accessibility, cost and resolution of data.
Positive view and increased likely uptake of follow‐up testing with analysis of cell‐free fetal DNA as alternative to invasive testing among Danish pregnant women
Authors: Miltoft Caroline B. , Rode Line , Tabor Ann
Published: January 2018

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the attitude (view, likely uptake and preferred strategy) towards cell‐free fetal DNA (cfDNA) testing among pregnant women before a first‐trimester risk assessment for trisomy 21 (unselected women) and after obtaining a high risk.

Material and methods

Unselected and high‐risk women attending first‐trimester screening (Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital) were invited to fill out the questionnaire Antenatal testing for Down syndrome as an online survey.

Results

The survey included 203 unselected and 50 high‐risk women (response rates of 74.8% and 84.7%, respectively). Nearly all considered cfDNA testing a positive development in antenatal care, and 97.2% would like it to be offered. Offering cfDNA testing as an alternative to invasive testing would increase the uptake of follow‐up testing compared with invasive testing alone (98.8% vs. 90.7%, p < 0.001). Women who would only accept follow up by cfDNA testing were more likely to continue an affected pregnancy (30.0% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.001) or have doubts about termination (50.0% vs. 32.1%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Offering cfDNA testing would likely increase the uptake of follow‐up testing without a corresponding rise in the termination rate of affected fetuses as some women test for information only. However, both unselected and high‐risk women had overwhelmingly positive views underlining attention to avoid routinization.
Acquisition, remission, and persistence of eczema, asthma, and rhinitis in children
Authors: Zhang H. , Kaushal A. , Soto‐Ramírez N. , Ziyab A. H. , Ewart S. , Holloway J. W. , Karmaus W. , Arshad H.
Published: January 2018

Background

Allergic sensitization is associated with eczema, asthma, and rhinitis. However, it is unknown whether and how allergic sensitization is associated over time with acquisition, remission, and persistence of these diseases and their comorbidity.

Objective

To gain a better understanding of factors including allergic sensitization transitions that influence the temporal pattern of asthma, eczema, and rhinitis and their comorbidity during childhood.

Methods

In the Isle of Wight birth cohort, information on allergic sensitization to common allergens was collected at ages 4, 10, and 18 years along with asthma, rhinitis, and eczema status determined by clinical diagnosis. Logistic regressions were used to estimate subsequent and concurrent odds ratios of diseases transition with allergic sensitization transition status as the main independent variable. Two transition periods were considered, 4 to 10 years of age and 10 to 18 years of age.

Results

The odds of new diagnosis of allergic disease (no‐yes) was increased among subjects with acquired or persistent allergic sensitization to common allergens compared to subjects with no sensitization (acquisition of sensitization odds ratio [OR]=3.22, P < .0001; persistence of sensitization, OR=6.33, P < .0001). The odds of remission of allergic diseases (yes‐no) was lower among subjects with acquired or sustained allergic sensitization (acquisition, OR=0.18, P = .0001; persistence, OR=0.085, P < .0001), compared to subjects not sensitized. Subjects with acquired or persistent allergic sensitization were also had higher odds for persistence of disease (yes‐yes) than subjects not sensitized (acquisition, OR=5.49, P = .0001; persistence, OR=11.79, P < .0001).

Conclusion

Transition of allergic sensitizations to common allergens is a prognostic factor for subsequent or concurrent transition of eczema, asthma, and rhinitis. Prevention or reduction in allergic sensitization has a potential to lead to remission of these conditions.