bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beta-caryophyllene enhances wound healing through multiple routes
Authors: Koyama Sachiko , Purk Anna , Kaur Manpreet , Soini Helena A. , Novotny Milos V. , Davis Keith , Kao C. Cheng , Matsunami Hiroaki , Mescher Anthony
Published: April 2019

Beta-caryophyllene is an odoriferous bicyclic sesquiterpene found in various herbs and spices. Recently, it was found that beta-caryophyllene is a ligand of the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). Activation of CB2 will decrease pain, a major signal for inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that beta-caryophyllene can affect wound healing by decreasing inflammation. Here we show that cutaneous wounds of mice treated with beta-caryophyllene had enhanced re-epithelialization. The treated tissue showed increased cell proliferation and cells treated with beta-caryophyllene showed enhanced cell migration, suggesting that the higher re-epithelialization is due to enhanced cell proliferation and cell migration. The treated tissues also had up-regulated gene expression for hair follicle bulge stem cells. Olfactory receptors were not involved in the enhanced wound healing. Transient Receptor Potential channel genes were up-regulated in the injured skin exposed to beta-caryophyllene. Interestingly, there were sex differences in the impact of beta-caryophyllene as only the injured skin of female mice had enhanced re-epithelialization after exposure to beta-caryophyllene. Our study suggests that chemical compounds included in essential oils have the capability to improve wound healing, an effect generated by synergetic impacts of multiple pathways.
Upregulated toll-like receptors 2 and 4 expression underlies delayed diabetic wound healing
Authors: Bajpai Surabhi , Dhayani Ashish , Vemula Praveen Kumar , Mishra Rakesh
Published: April 2019

Diabetes is marked by delayed wound healing response and prolonged phase of inflammation. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the key pathogen recognition receptors known to regulate inflammation in wound healing. Therefore, we aim to investigate the role of TLRs in delayed healing of diabetic wounds. TLR (1-9) expression studies were conducted using J774 macrophage cell line. Further, primary macrophages were isolated from wound tissues of db/db mice, subjected to RT-PCR and western blot analysis. The RT-PCR expression of TLRs revealed that expression of TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7 and TLR8 were significantly upregulated in macrophage cells, cultured in high glucose medium. Expression of TLR 1-9 were significantly upregulated in wound tissues of db/db mice. However, TLR1, TLR2 and TLR4, TLR6, TLR7 were only found upregulated in the primary macrophages. Only TLR2 and TLR4 exhibited significantly increased protein expression. Further, TLR2 and TLR4 inhibition by OxPAPC (1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine) impregnated hydrogels, resulted in a significantly increased rate of wound healing in db/db mice via decreasing the significant levels of TNF-α and IL-1β. These results show that increased TLR 2 and TLR 4 expression underlies delayed wound healing in diabetes and a hydrogel impregnated with OxPAPC may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of diabetic wounds. Our study goes closer in understanding the molecular mechanism and provides a novel treatment method in diabetic wounds.
Protein engineering expands the effector recognition profile of a rice NLR immune receptor
Authors: De la Concepcion JC , Franceschetti M , Terauchi R , Kamoun S , Banfield MJ
Published: April 2019

Plant NLR receptors detect pathogen effectors and initiate an immune response. Since their discovery, NLRs have been the focus of protein engineering to improve disease resistance. However, this has proven challenging, in part due to their narrow response specificity. Here, we used structure-guided engineering to expand the response profile of the rice NLR Pikp to variants of the rice blast pathogen effector AVR-Pik. A mutation located within an effector binding interface of the integrated Pikp-HMA domain increased the binding affinity for AVR-Pik variants in vitro and in vivo. This translates to an expanded cell death response to AVR-Pik variants previously unrecognized by Pikp in planta. Structures of the engineered Pikp-HMA in complex with AVR-Pik variants revealed the mechanism of expanded recognition. These results provide a proof-of-concept that protein engineering can improve the utility of plant NLR receptors where direct interaction between effectors and NLRs is established, particularly via integrated domains.
piRNA-guided co-transcriptional silencing coopts nuclear export factors
Authors: Fabry Martin H. , Ciabrelli Filippo , Munafò Marzia , Eastwood Evelyn L. , Kneuss Emma , Falciatori Ilaria , Falconio Federica A. , Hannon Gregory J. , Czech Benjamin
Published: April 2019

The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway is a small RNA-based immune system that controls the expression of transposons and maintains genome integrity in animal gonads. In Drosophila, piRNA-guided silencing is achieved, in part, via co-transcriptional repression of transposons by Piwi. This depends on Panoramix (Panx); however, precisely how an RNA binding event silences transcription remains to be determined. Here we show that Nuclear Export Factor 2 (Nxf2) and its cofactor, Nxt1, form a complex with Panx and are required for co-transcriptional silencing of transposons in somatic and germline cells of the ovary. Tethering of Nxf2 or Nxt1 to RNA results in silencing of target loci and the concomitant accumulation of repressive chromatin marks. Nxf2 and Panx proteins are mutually required for proper localization and stability. We mapped the protein domains crucial for the Nxf2/Panx complex formation and show that the amino-terminal portion of Panx is sufficient to induce transcriptional silencing.
Nuclear deformation and anchorage defect induced by DCM mutants in lamin A
Authors: Bera Manindra , Kumar Rinku , Sinha Bidisha , Sengupta Kaushik
Published: April 2019

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the different types of laminopathies caused by the mutations in A-type lamins in somatic cells. The involuntary cyclic stretching of cardiac muscle cells, as observed in normal physiological conditions is perturbed in DCM which afflict patients globally. As A-type lamins are principal components in nuclear mechanics, we have investigated the effect of the DCM causing mutants- K97E, E161K and R190W on nuclear stretching and deformation by static and dynamic strain inducing experiments. All the mutants exhibited differential nuclear structural aberrations along with a tilt in the nuclear axis compared to the direction of the cell axis and a significant decrease in the lamina thickness which reflected the lower mechanical rigidity. These phenotypes could potentially lead to defects in nuclear anchorage to the actin filaments thereby resulting in the misshapen and misaligned nucleus.
A qualitative study of Irish parents’ views on hippotherapy, including its influence on their children’s home-based occupations
Authors: O’Mahony Rachel , Connolly Emma , Hynes Patrick
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Hippotherapy is an emerging area of paediatric occupational therapy practice in Ireland. It is a treatment strategy used by specially trained occupational therapy practitioners, physical therapists and speech language pathologists as part of the intervention programme to facilitate functional gains. This paper aims to explore parents’ perspectives on children’s participation in home-based occupations following hippotherapy treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. In accordance with thematic analysis, line-by-line coding was completed to identify codes. Codes were organised into categories, which were grouped to develop themes.

Findings

Three core themes were identified: lack of knowledge regarding hippotherapy as an occupational therapy intervention; children’s increased participation in home-based occupations secondary to improved physical, psychological, communication and social skills; and the unique hippotherapy environment as a motivating factor for children to engage in occupational therapy intervention.

Originality/value

Findings from this study support the growing body of evidence that hippotherapy is an effective means of intervention for increasing physical, psychological, social and communication skills. The participants report positive effects following hippotherapy on their children’s participation in home-based occupations. It highlights a link between the unique hippotherapy environment and children’s increased engagement in occupational therapy. Given that no published hippotherapy-specific literature related to occupational therapy exists in the Irish context, and given that hippotherapy is an emerging area of practice in Ireland, this paper contributes to the knowledge base.
Predictors of academic honesty and success in domestic and international occupational therapy students
Authors: Brown Ted , Isbel Stephen , Logan Alexandra , Etherington Jamie
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Academic integrity is the application of honest, ethical and responsible behaviours to all facets of students’ scholarly endeavours and is the moral code of academia. The international literature reports the prevalence of academic dishonesty in higher education across many disciplines (including the health sciences), and there is evidence linking academic dishonesty in health professional students with future unprofessional behaviour in the workplace. International students are reported to be a particularly vulnerable group. This paper aims to investigate the factors that may be predictive of academic honesty and performance in domestic and international occupational therapy students.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 701 participants (603 domestic students; 98 international students) were recruited from five Australian universities, and data were collected via a two-part self-report questionnaire. ANOVA and multi-linear regression analyses with bootstrapping were completed.

Findings

Tendency towards cheating and self-perception tendency towards dishonesty in research, gender, age and hours spent in indirect study were found to be statistically significant predictors of academic integrity and performance.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study were the use of convenience sampling and self-report scales which can be prone to social desirability bias. Further studies are recommended to explore other potential predictors of academic honesty and performance in occupational therapy students.

Originality/value

A range of predictors of academic honesty and success were found that will assist educators to target vulnerable domestic and international occupational therapy students as well as address deficiencies in academic integrity through proactive strategies.
The determinants of Sub-Saharan African attitudes towards Chinese FDI
Authors: Larue Patrick
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the reasons why individuals in Sub-Saharan African countries may be more supportive or more opposed to rising foreign direct investment (FDI) from China. As Chinese FDI continues to increase throughout Africa, African populations are consistently found to be supportive, sceptical or at time hostile. Previous literature has shown that the attitudes of individuals towards different classes of rights protections is a significant predictor of individual attitudes. This paper explores this question in greater detail, providing academics and policymakers insight into how individual attitudes are derived.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses large-N statistical methods (ordered logit regression) aimed at accurately unpacking the relationship between individuals affinity towards rights protections and attitudes towards Chinese FDI. The paper uses over 40,000 responses from 36 countries to explain this relationship, where updated survey questions more accurately address the key questions of interest.

Findings

Based on updated survey data, the results of this paper show that an individual’s affinity for a particular class of rights protection is not a significant predictor of attitudes towards Chinese FDI.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is in its contradiction to the previous literature. While others have examined this very question, academics have been limited due to the marginally relevant questions found in survey instruments. With updated questions in the newest round of Afrobarometer surveys that are more appropriate given this specific research question, this paper provides a new conclusion to a question that is only becoming more pressing in today's global economic climate.
Supply chain vulnerability: contributions from an edifying case study
Authors: Ruel Salomée , Shaaban Sabry , Ducros Margaux
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Companies today observe an increase in the complexity and vulnerability of their supply chains (SCs) as a result of global scale networks and a turbulent environment. The purpose of this paper is to explore knowledge management (KM) as a potential way of reducing SC vulnerability and answer the following question: how does inter-organisational KM influence efforts to reduce SC vulnerability?

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the resource-based view and the knowledge-based view (KBV), a single case study in the energy industry is conducted by collecting various data through interviews, observations and internal documents.

Findings

This edifying case study indicates that a lack of KM hinders any attempt to mitigate SC vulnerability.

Research limitations/implications

This research shows several limitations such as data privacy, generalisation and the decision to study an atypical SC.

Practical implications

The paper points out in a dedicated section the key actions a company should take in order to develop the required characteristics of knowledge expressed in the KBV.

Originality/value

This is the first qualitative research that investigates the relationships between SC vulnerability and KM, and more particularly in a recycling context where a strong research gap exists.
Coordinating regulatory agencies for improved tourism policy in Tanzania
Authors: Charles Goodluck
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the institutional challenges of coordinating regulatory agencies and the costs associated with compliance requirements in Tanzania’s tourist industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on qualitative research conducted in the northern tourism circuit of Tanzania. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with owner-managers of tourism enterprises, heads of regulatory agencies and leaders of business associations (n=60). The findings were analysed through triangulating the data from various sources to establish emerging themes and patterns in accordance with the theoretical underpinnings and research objectives.

Findings

The findings show that tourism enterprises are governed by a multitude of national, sub-national and sectoral institutions mandated to impose several taxes, fees and levies on enterprises. As a result, tourism enterprises are required to obtain duplicate licences and are subjected to uncoordinated inspections. The poor treatment by regulatory agencies, the unclear basis for estimating taxes and levies, inadequate tax education and closure of businesses were also reported as key regulatory challenges. Most challenges emerge from agentification of the public sector and the lack of a legal framework in which to formally facilitate coordination and information sharing amongst government agencies.

Practical implications

The paper proposes streamlining the functions of divergent institutions governing the industry by increasing intergovernmental coordination through delegating some functions, sharing information and enforcing formal inter-ministerial and cross-government consultation structures.

Originality/value

This paper adds value to previous regulatory assessments by empirically analysing the specific sector and showing how the principal–agent relationship for the public sector can be improved through enforcing coordination of the multiple agencies governing the tourist industry.
Expanding the toolbox of nutrient limitation studies: A novel method of soil microbial in‐growth bags to evaluate nutrient demands in tropical forests
Authors: Camenzind Tessa , Scheu Stefan , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: April 2019

Ecosystem processes and the organisms involved are generally limited by the availability of one or more elements in soil, an important phenomenon to consider for our understanding of ecosystem functioning and future changes. Especially in tropical forests, typically growing on nutrient depleted soils, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) or other limitations are assumed. However, large‐scale nutrient manipulation experiments revealed complex site‐specific patterns and several authors raised the need for novel approaches to reveal deeper mechanistic insights on limitation patterns, especially concerning soil microbial activity.

In order to gain such deeper knowledge, based on a short review of previous small‐scale studies focusing on soil micro‐organisms, we developed an experimental approach which controls for common biases, including indirect treatment effects, addition of co‐elements or nutrient pulses. Using this technique, we tested the hypotheses that fungi growing in tropical forest soils are mainly limited by P and that N versus P limitations shift along an altitudinal gradient.

Mesh bags of 38 μm filled with sand were amended with weak ion exchange resins loaded with N, P or potassium (K) and buried underneath the litter layer at three altitudinal sites in southern Ecuador. After a period of four months, the in‐growth of fungal hyphae was quantified, phospholipid fatty acids were analysed for a subset of samples, and chemical properties were determined.

In line with the first hypothesis, hyphal abundance was increased in P‐amended mesh bags, indicating P limitation. However, this pattern was not significantly shifted along the altitudinal gradient. By contrast, N addition increased hyphal abundance at the lowest site, compared to significant reductions at 2,000 and 3,000 m—not only in fungi but also in bacterial abundance as indicated by PLFA analyses, contradicting common soil‐age hypotheses. Decreased nutrient immobilization and fungal in‐growth at higher elevations suggest slow microbial activity, including nitrification, which may have caused toxic ammonium accumulation.

The experimental design offers a promising tool to provide more mechanistic and soil‐focused analyses specifically targeting microbes, which in this system strongly supported the hypothesis of primary fungal P limitation in tropical forest soils.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Bilateral Trade Performance in West Africa: A Gravity Model Estimation
Authors: Osabuohien Evans S. , Efobi Uchenna R. , Odebiyi John T. , Fayomi Oluyemi O. , Salami Adeleke O.
Published: April 2019

This study provides empirical insights on the functioning of regional trade agreements within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by identifying bilateral trade barriers that affect the extent of trade flows among member countries. Also, it highlights some trade barrier indicators that are rarely covered in extant studies, such as the multilateral resistance term, the extent of trade complementarity, and the presence of economic integration agreements among ECOWAS member countries. We then provide augmented gravity model estimation on the determinants of bilateral trade in the region. We find, among other things, that trade complementarity had a positive and significant effect on bilateral trade within the sub‐region region. Other important determinants of intra‐regional trade include multilateral trade resistance and economic integration agreements — meaning that countries with some kind of agreement like the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) tend to trade more among themselves than other member countries.
What is the Norway Model? Mode of Affiliation or Political Compromise?
Authors: Fossum John Erik
Published: April 2019

Brexit is a high‐stakes political process, but there is still no clear understanding of the political factors that underpin the various affiliation modes that the UK is currently debating. These are treated as quite static constructs, with emphasis on legal detail not the political and societal conditions that make them operate. What does the inclusion of the UK in the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement—which is the core component of the Norway model—do to that arrangement, itself a domestic Norwegian compromise? Will the arrangement continue to function, or will the UK's presence fundamentally alter or even abrogate the arrangement? This article spells out the specific political presuppositions that the Norway model rests on, and notes that the UK cannot emulate these. In addition, it argues that the more closely attached to the EEA agreement the UK is, the more precarious the arrangement will be.
Enhancement of the Textural and Gel Properties of Frankfurters by Adding Thermo‐reversible or Thermo‐irreversible Curdlan Gels
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Cao Chuan‐ai , Xia Xiu‐fang , Liu Qian , Kong Bao‐hua
Published: April 2019

The influence of different addition levels (0.1% to 0.5%) of thermo‐reversible curdlan gels (TRC) and thermo‐irreversible curdlan gels (TIRC) on the physicochemical and textural characteristics of frankfurters, as well as dynamic rheological properties of meat batters, was investigated. Increased percentages of TRC and TIRC were associated with lower cooking loss and quicker relaxation times, as well as superior emulsion stability, and higher L*‐values and b*‐values of frankfurters (P < 0.05). Moreover, with equal curdlan concentrations from 0.3% to 0.5%, TRC showed higher hardness and chewiness values than those with added TIRC (P < 0.05), but the gumminess, springiness, and resilience values were almost the same between each treatment (P > 0.05). The textural profile results were in strong agreement with the rheological data. Principal component analysis revealed that certain quality attributes were affected differently by the inclusion levels of TRC and TIRC. Additionally, the distinctive mechanism of the formation of the complex meat protein network by TRC or TIRC was also clarified and verified via scanning electron microscopy analysis. Further studies will investigate the molecular interactions of meat proteins with these two types of curdlan gels as a function of addition levels.

Practical Application

Curdlan can form two different types of gels mainly depending on heating temperature, designated as thermo‐reversible curdlan gels (TRC) and thermo‐irreversible curdlan gels (TIRC), respectively. The addition of these two gels could improve the textural and gel properties of frankfurters, as well as improve the rheological profiles of meat batters. Each gel type invokes a different mechanism of influence on the formation of the complex meat protein network. Results indicate that TRC (mainly as an effective gelling agent) and TIRC (mainly as a potential fat‐mimetic) can provide distinctive frankfurter formulations catered to the requirements preferred by different consumers.
Influence of climate on individual tree growth and carbon sequestration in native‐tree plantings
Authors: Lada Hania , Yen Jian D. L. , Cunningham Shaun C. , Selwood Katherine E. , Falcke Phillip , Hodgson Jarrod C. , Mac Nally Ralph
Published: April 2019

Native ecosystems face challenges of past and ongoing human actions, including vegetation clearance and climate change arising from greenhouse gas emissions. Reforestation is an important tool for sequestering carbon, so we sought to determine how replanted native trees responded to weather, soil conditions and planting characteristics. We measured girth growth of 13 tree species in 19 native mixed‐species plantings and one remnant in south‐eastern Australia, bimonthly from 2011 to 2016; replantings ranged between 6 and 46 years at the commencement of measurements. Band dendrometers (flexible bands that record changes in girth) were used to measure growth, with 34 measurements per tree taken over 5 years. We used outcomes from models with several plausible weather future scenarios (Dry, Wet, Wet‐to‐Dry and Average) for 25 and 50 years for tree girth, and 25 years for carbon accumulation, into the future. Woody species richness enhanced girth growth of all tree species. Higher maximum temperatures and reduced rainfall, which generally are predicted for the region over coming decades, retarded growth of nine tree species. Planting tree density had no discernible association with growth for the range of planting densities used. The most and least carbon were sequestered in Wet and Dry projections, respectively. Three Acacia spp. (N‐fixers) grew slowest and would sequester least carbon, while four species of Eucalyptus grew fastest. These measurements of growth provide critical information for land managers to guide choice in replanting strategies for carbon storage.
Spatial variation in the ongoing and widespread decline of a keystone plant species
Authors: Dickson Catherine R. , Baker David J. , Bergstrom Dana M. , Bricher Phillippa K. , Brookes Rowan H. , Raymond Ben , Selkirk Patricia M. , Shaw Justine D. , Terauds Aleks , Whinam Jennie , McGeoch Melodie A.
Published: April 2019

Extensive dieback in dominant plant species in response to climate change is increasingly common. Climatic conditions and related variables, such as evapotranspiration, vary in response to topographical complexity. This complexity plays an important role in the provision of climate refugia. In 2008/2009, an island‐wide dieback event of the keystone cushion plant Azorella macquariensis Orchard (Apiaceae) occurred on sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island. This signalled the start of a potential regime shift, suggested to be driven by increasing vapour pressure deficit. Eight years later, we quantified cover and dieback across the range of putative microclimates to which the species is exposed, with the aim of explaining dieback patterns. We test for the influence of evapotranspiration using a suite of topographic proxies and other variables as proposed drivers of change. We found higher cover and lower dieback towards the south of the island. The high spatial variation in A. macquariensis populations was best explained by latitude, likely a proxy for macroscale climate gradients and geology. Dieback was best explained by A. macquariensis cover and latitude, increasing with cover and towards the north of the island. The effect sizes of terrain variables that influence evapotranspiration rates were small. Island‐wide dieback remains conspicuous. Comparison between a subset of sites and historical data revealed a reduction of cover in the north and central regions of the island, and a shift south in the most active areas of dieback. Dieback remained comparatively low in the south. The presence of seedlings was independent of dieback. This study provides an empirical baseline for spatial variation in the cover and condition of A. macquariensis, both key variables for monitoring condition and ‘cover‐debt’ in this critically endangered endemic plant species. These findings have broader implications for understanding the responses of fellfield ecosystems and other Azorella species across the sub‐Antarctic under future climates.
Oncoplastic breast surgery versus conventional breast‐conserving surgery: a comparative retrospective study
Authors: Behluli Ilmi , Le Renard Pol‐Edern , Rozwag Kamila , Oppelt Peter , Kaufmann Andreas , Schneider Achim
Published: April 2019

Background

In addition to conventional breast‐conserving surgery (BCS), oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) is an operation technique that strives simultaneously to increase oncological safety and patient's satisfaction. It is the combination of the best‐proven techniques in plastic surgery with surgery for breast cancer. In a growing number of indications, OBS overcomes the limit of conventional BCS by allowing larger resection volumes while avoiding deformities. The aim of our retrospective study (2012–2014) was to compare oncological outcomes of OBS versus BCS.

Methods

We compared two groups of patients with primary non‐metastatic breast tumours: group A (n = 291), where BCS was performed, versus group B (n = 52), where OBS was performed. Surgical interventions were performed in German and Swiss teaching hospital settings. The surgeon for group B had subspecialist training in OBS. We assessed outcome in term of re‐excision rates, resection margin and complications.

Results

Groups were homogenous (no significant differences in terms of age, tumour size, tumour type or grade). The resection margin was larger in group B (7 mm) than in group A (3 mm). Re‐excision rate of group B (8%) was significantly lower than in group A (31%). Complication rates were comparably low in groups A and B.

Conclusion

Despite the limits of retrospective design, our study confirms that OBS is safe and reduces the re‐excision rates and the need for further surgery. OBS has the potential to improve oncological care and should be more widely adopted.
Interactive Iconized Grammar‐Based Pailou Modelling
Authors: Cai Zhong‐Qi , Luo Ying‐Sheng , Lai Yu‐Chi , Chan Chih‐Shiang , Tai Wen‐Kai
Published: April 2019

Pailous are representative Chinese architectural works used for commemoration. However, their geometric structure and semantic construction rules are too complex for quick and intuitive modelling using traditional modelling tools. We propose an intuitive modelling system for the stylized creation of pailous for novices. Our system encapsulates structural components as icons and semantic layouts as topological graphs, using which users create and manipulate icons with topological recommendations. The interpreter automatically and immediately transforms a graph to its corresponding model using built‐in components with the proposed parametric L‐system grammars derived from architectural rules. Using this system to re‐create existing representative pailous and design imaginary ones yields results with the desired visual complexities. In comparison to Maya, a 3D modelling tool, when modelling a pailou and toukung, our system is effective and simple, and eliminates the need to remember and understand complex rules.
The Place of Bitter Cassava in the Social Organization and Belief Systems of Two Indigenous Peoples of Guyana
Authors: Bulkan Janette
Published: April 2019

This article examines the continuing centrality of cassava to the ontologies of the Makushi and Akawaio, two of the nine surviving Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Guyana, as well as the critical role played by women in cassava‐related social practices. Makushi nomenclature, the combination of vegetative and sexual propagation techniques, and the wide networks for exchanging stem cuttings reflect the fundamental importance of bitter cassava to their food security and ontology. Women take primary responsibility for processing the poisonous root into food and drink and possess greater knowledge of landraces. Cassava also remains central to Akawaio ontologies, reflected in the areruya system of belief. In the annual eki siku (young cassava festival), the value of cassava and of women is affirmed in the sacred texts and transmitted in visions through prophets. Cassava cultivation and cassava‐related rituals remain central to the Indigenous social systems in spite of acculturation to coastlander dietary staples.
Modeling (and Learning from) Inventory Inaccuracies in E‐retailing/B2B contexts
Authors: Rekik Yacine , Syntetos Aris A. , Glock Christoph H.
Published: April 2019

Practical experience and scientific research show that there is scope for improving the performance of inventory control systems by taking into account the discrepancies between the actual physical inventory levels and those recorded in the information system (IS). Such discrepancies, which are often referred to as inventory (record) inaccuracies, are a major concern in contemporary supply chains where commitments to orders are usually made based on IS records only. Empirical data obtained in two case studies motivate the development of a multiperiod inventory control model that explicitly accounts for the differences between physical inventory levels and IS stock records. Numerical experiments help derive some key managerial insights. We find that previous important results on the behavior of the optimal order quantity in the retailing environment do not necessarily apply in an e‐retailing/Business‐To‐Business (B2B) context. We adjust and apply the zero balance walk technique to the e‐retailing/B2B case and deduce a simple and efficient learning mechanism about the errors’ distributions. We close with an agenda for further research in this area.
Why does stress aggravate itch? A possible role of the amygdala
Authors: Pavlenko Darya , Akiyama Tasuku
Published: April 2019

Stress is the exacerbating factor of itch across patients with chronic itch due to different origins. However, the precise mechanisms behind stress‐induced exacerbation of itch remain unknown. Chronic stress induces hyperexcitability of the amygdala, the centre of emotional processing. Recent findings on the itch neuronal pathways support a pivotal role of the amygdala for itch processing. We hypothesized that itch is enhanced by stress through hyperexcitation of the amygdala. Modulation of amygdala activity, therefore, may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of chronic itch.
Translational drug discovery and development with the use of tissue‐relevant biomarkers: Towards more physiological relevance and better prediction of clinical efficacy
Authors: Florian Peter , Flechsenhar Klaus R. , Bartnik Eckart , Ding‐Pfennigdorff Danping , Herrmann Matthias , Bryce Paul J. , Nestle Frank O.
Published: April 2019

Due to the clinical development of drugs such as secukinumab, ustekinumab and dupilumab, major changes have been achieved in the treatment of patients diagnosed with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In academia and the pharmaceutical industry, research is increasingly moving towards the development of bispecific antibodies and multi‐specific nanobodies, as there is a compelling need for new treatment modalities for patients suffering from autoimmune or malignant disease. The purpose of this review is to discuss aspects of translational drug development with a particular emphasis on indications such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The identification of biomarkers, the assessment of target organ pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics interactions and a wide range of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models should contribute to an appropriate prediction of a biological effect in the clinical setting. As human biology may not be perfectly reflected by approaches such as skin equivalents or animal models, novel approaches such as the use of human skin and dermal microperfusion assays in healthy volunteers and patients appear both reasonable and mandatory. These models may indeed generate highly translationally relevant data that have the potential to reduce the failure rate of drugs currently undergoing clinical development.
Physiological acclimation and persistence of ectothermic species under extreme heat events
Authors: Morley S. A. , Peck L. S. , Sunday J. M. , Heiser S. , Bates A. E.
Published: April 2019

Aim

To test if physiological acclimation can buffer species against increasing extreme heat due to climate change.

Location

Global.

Time period

1960 to 2015.

Major taxa studied

Amphibians, arthropods, brachiopods, cnidarians, echinoderms, fishes, molluscs, reptiles.

Methods

We draw together new and existing data quantifying the warm acclimation response in 319 species as the acclimation response ratio (ARR): the increase in upper thermal limit per degree increase in experimental temperature. We develop worst‐case scenario climate projections to calculate the number of years and generations gained by ARR until loss of thermal safety. We further compute a vulnerability score that integrates across variables estimating exposure to climate change and species‐specific tolerance through traits, including physiological plasticity, generation time and latitudinal range extent.

Results

ARR is highly variable, but with marked differences across taxa, habitats and latitude. Polar terrestrial arthropods show high ARRs [95% upper confidence limit (UCL95%) = 0.68], as do some polar aquatic invertebrates that were acclimated for extended durations (ARR > 0.4). While this physiological plasticity buys 100s of years until thermal safety is lost, combination with long generation times leads to decreased potential for evolutionary adaptation. Additionally, 27% of marine polar invertebrates have no capacity for acclimation and reptiles and amphibians have minimal ARR (UCL95% = 0.16). Low physiological plasticity, long generations times and restricted latitudinal ranges combine to distinguish reptiles, amphibians and polar invertebrates as being highly vulnerable amongst ectotherms.

Main conclusions

In some taxa the combined effects of acclimation capacity and generation time can provide 100s of years and generations before thermal safety is lost. The accuracy of assessments of vulnerability to climate change will be improved by considering multiple aspects of species’ biology that, in combination may increase persistence under extreme heat events, and increase the probability for evolutionary rescue.
The Efficacy and Safety of Prochlorperazine in Patients With Acute Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Golikhatir Iraj , Cheraghmakani Hamed , Bozorgi Farzad , Jahanian Fatemeh , Sazgar Mohammad , Montazer Seyed Hosein
Published: April 2019

Objective

The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prochlorperazine (PCP) in patients with acute migraine headache in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

Electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched for randomized clinical trials that investigated the effect of PCP on headache relief. The outcomes were the number of patients without headache or with reduced headache severity, the number of adverse events, and the need for rescue analgesia.

Results

From 450 citations, 11 studies (n = 771) with 15 comparison arms met the inclusion criteria. Overall, PCP was more effective than placebo (OR = 7.23; 95% CI = 3.82‐3.68), metoclopramide (OR = 2.89; 95% CI = 1.42‐5.86), and other active comparators (OR = 3.70; 95% CI = 2.41‐5.67) for headache relief. The odds ratio of experiencing adverse events with PCP compared with placebo was 5.79 (95% CI = 2.43‐13.79). When PCP compared with other active comparators, no statistical difference was found regarding the overall number of adverse events (OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 0.99‐3.59). However, PCP significantly increased the odds of akathisia/dystonia (OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 1.03‐6.31). The request for rescue analgesia was significantly lower in the PCP group compared with other groups (16% vs 84%; OR = 0.16; 95% CI = 0.09‐27).

Conclusions

For adult patients with acute migraine, PCP could effectively abort the acute attack and reduce the request for rescue analgesia in the ED. However, compared with placebo, PCP could increase the risk of adverse events.
Colorectal large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with lymphoid stroma: further evidence confirming a unique subtype associated with MLH1/PMS2 loss, BRAF mutation, Epstein–Barr virus negativity, and the possibility of a better prognosis
Authors: Chetty Runjan , Capo‐Chichi Jose‐Mario , Serra Stefano
Published: April 2019

Aims

Pure large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is an uncommon but well‐recognised primary tumour of the colorectum. It is characterised by large cells organised in a discernible neuroendocrine pattern with >20 mitoses per 10 high‐power fields (HPFs), and/or a Ki67 index of >20%, and coagulative tumour necrosis is invariably present. These features are supplemented by positivity for neuroendocrine immunohistochemical markers. The aim of this study was to highlight three primary LCNECs of the colorectum.

Methods and results

All three patients were elderly females, aged 79, 85 and 89 years, who presented with ascending colon (two) tumours and a rectal tumour. All three tumours were large, ulcerated, polypoid masses (85, 76 and 55 mm; average size 72 mm) and were pT3N2. Histologically, the tumours were composed of packets and nests of cells with rosettes; other areas were in sheets composed of large cells. The mitotic counts were 23/10 HPFs, 27/10 HPFs and 24/10 HPFs, respectively. There was no mucosal dysplasia, precursor adenoma or associated adenocarcinoma component. All cases contained mainly peritumoral lymphoid aggregates, with smaller numbers of intratumoral lymphocytes. Synaptophysin, chromogranin (less intensely) and epithelial markers were expressed in all cases in the majority of the tumour cells. The Ki67 proliferative indices were 95%, 100%, and 80%, respectively. Two patients survived for 48 and 72 months, whereas the third is alive after 12 months without evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions

These unusual primary colorectal LCNECs with an accompanying lymphoid component are characterised by loss of MLH1/PMS2, BRAF mutation, microsatellite instability, and Epstein–Barr virus negativity. The patients also have better overall survival than those with LCNECs lacking an accompanying lymphoid component.
Soldiering On? The Prison‐Military Complex and Ex‐Military Personnel as Prison Officers: Transition, Rehabilitation and Prison Reform
Authors: MORAN DOMINIQUE , TURNER JENNIFER , ARNOLD HELEN
Published: April 2019

Arguing that criminology has thus far inadequately theorised militarism as it relates to the prison system, this agenda‐setting article introduces the ‘prison‐military complex’ as a means to initiate examination of militarism in relation to institutions and practices of incarceration. In so doing, it identifies a key knowledge gap vis‐à‐vis the role of ex‐military personnel employed as prison staff; and poses key questions about the ways in which military staff and military methods are being directly targeted as a means to reform a prison service reeling from unprecedented levels of violence, self‐harm, riots, and escapes. Encouraging criminologists to think beyond stereotypical ideas about the military, the article revolves around a multiscalar articulation of the prison‐military complex, discussed here as it relates to reform of the prison system as a whole; the rehabilitation of offenders; and individuals’ ex‐military transitions to civilian life.
VOTING AND SOCIAL PRESSURE UNDER IMPERFECT INFORMATION
Authors: Clark Alexander T. , Tenev Nicholas H.
Published: April 2019

We develop a model in which costly voting in a large, two‐party election is a sequentially rational choice of strategic, self‐interested players who can reward fellow voters by forming stronger ties in a network formation coordination game. The predictions match a variety of stylized facts, including explaining why an individual's voting behavior may depend on what she knows about her friends' actions. Players have imperfect information about others' voting behavior, and we find that some degree of privacy may be necessary for voting in equilibrium, enabling hypocritical but useful social pressure. Our framework applies to any costly prosocial behavior.
Prior‐free Bayes Factors Based on Data Splitting
Authors: Hart Jeffrey D. , Malloure Matthew
Published: April 2019

Bayes factors that do not require prior distributions are proposed for testing one parametric model versus another. These Bayes factors are relatively simple to compute, relying only on maximum likelihood estimates, and are Bayes consistent at an exponential rate for nested modelseven when the smaller model is true. These desirable properties derive from the use of data splitting. Large sample properties, including consistency, of the Bayes factors are derived, and a simulation study explores practical concerns. The methodology is illustrated with civil engineering data involving compressive strength of concrete.
Phantom testing of the sensitivity and precision of a sub‐epidermal moisture scanner
Authors: Peko Cohen Lea , Gefen Amit
Published: April 2019

The majority of pressure ulcers (PUs) including deep tissue injuries (DTIs) are preventable, and even reversible if detected in their early phase. One of the greatest barriers in PU prevention is that clinicians traditionally depended on subjective and qualitative techniques, particularly routine visual skin assessments that would only document existing, macroscopic PUs/DTIs, rather than preventing them or detecting them at their microscopic phase. At the early phase of cell damage, when a forming PU is still microscopic, there is a local increase in extracellular fluid contents within affected tissues, which is called sub‐epidermal moisture (SEM). This new understanding has led to an emerging technology, a SEM Scanner (BBI LLC, Bruin Biometrics) that has been designed to effectively examine the health status of tissues, by measuring local changes in the biophysical SEM marker. In the present work, the SEM Scanner was tested under controlled laboratory conditions to experimentally determine its sensitivity and precision in identifying small (1 mL) water content changes in phantoms of the human heel and skull/face, which simulated common PU development scenarios. In both phantom configurations, the locally increased water contents resulted in consistent, statistically significant elevated SEM readings, which confirms that the SEM Scanner is able to detect fluid content changes that are as small as 1 mL. In agreement with a simplified theoretical (mathematical) SEM model, which was also developed here, changes in water contents had a consistent trend of effect on SEM delta values, which increased with each 1 mL increment in intra‐tissue‐substitute water contents.
The modification of surface, size and shape of barium zirconate powder via salt flux
Authors: Charoonsuk Thitirat , Kolodiazhnyi Taras , Vittayakorn Naratip
Published: April 2019

The “top‐down” process via direct conversion of the micro (μm)‐to‐submicroscale (sub‐μm) particle was applied in this work by using eutectic chloride salts to prepare BaZrO3. The particle size at optimum condition could be decreased by more than 10 times from 2.1 ± 0.9 μm to 168 ± 23 nm without destroying the 1:1 of Ba:Zr stoichiometry. The uniform sub‐μm‐BaZrO3 powder was sintered in order to obtain ~98% dense ceramic at 1400°C/10 h, which is significantly lower than the 1650°C in normal cases. The microwave dielectric constant, tan δ, and quality factor were also determined. Furthermore, this method also was applied to lead‐free piezoelectric material in the 0.87BaTiO3–0.13BaZrO3–CaTiO3 (0.87BT–0.13BZ–CT) system. The particle size of 0.87BT–0.13BZ–CT was reduced greatly from >10 µm to 2.8 ± 0.4 µm. It can be proved that salt flux dissolution method enables high‐purity with uniform sub‐micro/nanometer powder production in one step by using simple laboratory equipment and low‐cost raw materials.