bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die toepassing en gebruik van finansiele verhoudingsgetalle: 'n Verkenningstudie
Authors: Bosch J. K. , Du Plessis A. P.
Published: August 2019

In this article the de facto use of financial ratios is reported on. To identify meaningful financial ratios, information was obtained from 166 enterprises on the use of financial ratios. The Likert scale was used to establish the frequency of use of the following categories of financial ratios, namely return on assets, income margins, capital turnover, solvency and ratios derived from the cash flow statement. In total, 41 financial ratios were submitted to the respondents. The most important findings were: Income margins are by far the group ratios with the highest frequency of use along with the debtors collection period. Further, with the help of a multiple analysis of variance, it was established that the main activities and size of respondents had no influence on the use of specific categories of financial ratios. Finally, the findings of a factor analysis indicated noticeable similarities between theoretical groupings of financial ratios and the results of the empirical study.
Evaluering van 'n opleidingskursus in bestuursbeginsels en -tegnieke vir eerstelyntoesighouers by 'n Suid-Afrikaanse landboukooperasie
Authors: Strydom Willie , Barnard Alret
Published: August 2019

Evaluation of a training course in management principles and techniques for first-line supervisors at a South African agricultural corporation. In this article the effect of a management course for first-line supervisors is evaluated in respect of their knowledge, attitudes and behavioural skills, as well as the effect of the course on their subordinates, by means of a three-group design, consisting of randomly selected persons in an experimental group and two control groups. Questionnaires were completed prior to commencement of the course, directly upon completion and again three months later, by the Experimental Group and Control Group One. Control Group Two was exposed to the measuring devices only after the post and post-post phases, to determine the effect of repeated testing. The original random selection included 50 supervisors and 100 subordinates. At the post-post evaluation, however, those numbers had decreased to 25 and 43 respectively. Owing to the fact that the experimental and control groups were randomly selected from the population of first-line supervisors, hypotheses were tested with the help of inferential statistics as well as t- and p-values. In terms of knowledge and attitude the tests indicated that the supervisors in the Experimental Group performed significantly better than those in Control Group One, not only after completion of the course, but also three months later. The behavioural patterns of supervisors in the Experimental Group, and therefore the effect thereof on the attitude of their subordinates, do not, however, differ significantly from those of supervisors and their subordinates in Control Group One. The external factors which may have detrimentally influenced the applicatory value should be further investigated in order to retain the concomitant and supportive behavioural skills. It is especially advised that further investigations be launched regarding the level of difficulty of the course, its applicatory value for higher levels of supervision, as well as the training officer's role in respect of facilitation thereof as an alternative training and developing intervention, especially with regard to improvement of behavioural patterns.
Partners in learning: Redefining mentorship for a learning organization
Authors: Cook Jonathan , Adonisi Mandia , Viedge Conrad
Published: August 2019

Mentorship programmes are popular for the development of black managers in South Africa. In the literature, controversy surrounds attempts to institutionalize mentorship. In this article it is argued that the concept of a learning partnership should replace that of mentorship, particularly in what are seen to be learning organizations. Many mentorship programmes are predicated on the belief that a warm and caring relationship is a prerequisite for effective development of protégés. Redefining the desired relationship as a learning partnership removes this demand on the relationship and places it squarely in the confines of a normal business affiliation in which the focus is mutual learning. Essential to the process of black advancement is empowerment. There are a number of dimensions to empowerment. In this article three key dimensions are discussed in relation to the development of black managers, namely objective power, subjective power and empowerment in competence. Based on insights gained in the initial phases of a mentorship programme implemented in a leading information technology company, a number of principles are offered for implementing learning partnerships in a learning organization. These revolve around the need to use a new paradigm to interpret the learning experiences that constitute a developmental relationship between a young and promising employee and a more experienced and knowledgeable manager.
'n Evaluering van personeelbestuurseffektiwiteit in agt boerdery-ondememingstipes in die RSA landbou
Authors: Oosthuizen L. K.
Published: August 2019

The aim with this study was firstly to determine the degree of discrepancy between the work experiences and work preferences of staff, on the one hand, and the prediction of the farmer in this regard on the other; and secondly, to analyse farmers' perceptions on efficient and inefficient personnel management practices. A Likert-type personnel management audit (PMA) was implemented in eight types of farming with 234 workers and eight farmers. In general, the effectiveness of the motivation, communication, work performance, staff control and leadership systems leaves room for improvement. The knowledge of the farmers in the case-studies as regards efficient and inefficient staff management systems can be improved considerably, especially their perceptions on the role of training in worker productivity and work satisfaction. With the necessary knowledge of management, the farmers can manipulate the human relations practices effectively. It ought to be determined to what degree consultative management systems are used on farms, while the staff members prefer participative personnel management practices.
So you want to be an academic researcher in business and management studies! Where do you start and what are the key philosophical issues to think about?
Authors: Remenyi Dan
Published: August 2019

The most important step an academic researcher takes is establishing a methodological framework in which to conduct the research. This step is difficult because there are a wide number of options available and because established researchers often argue passionately for their own particular approach. In this article I discuss the important philosophical questions of why research, what (and where) to research, and how to research. I go on to discuss the main methodological frameworks available to the business and management researcher, and suggest an approach whereby a masters or doctoral student can make a considered decision as to which is best for his/her research. In the article I also suggest a practical approach as to bow to conduct a research programme for a higher degree.
Modelling the relationships between factors affecting the marketing of upgrades for personal computer
Authors: McCarney L. , Petkov D. , Ross R.
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this research is to provide a framework for prioritizing the factors that affect whether or not personal computers (PCs) are upgraded. The implications of this may influence product development, manufacturing and marketing. The model presented in this article is an extension of an idea by Lambkin Day for a holistic treatment of the forces affecting marketing to the case of upgrades for PCs. The authors have used the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a technique that permits the introduction of structure into this complex problem thus helping managers of vendor companies marketing upgrades to PCs to devise strategies for effective marketing.
Efficiency pricing parameters for project appraisal in South Africa (textiles and clothing)
Authors: Mainardi Stefano
Published: August 2019

In developing economies, market prices do not reflect relative scarcities and the fiscal system alone is less than adequate for the achievement of efficiency and equity goals. The use of economic, and eventually social, project appraisal continues to be a necessary policy instrument. Following the OECD-World Bank method of economic cost-benefit analysis, the article presents estimates of efficiency pricing parameters relative to two manufacturing sectors in South Africa. These estimates are partly based on medium-term policy options and projections. The choice of a sectoral, rather than a national, focus is explained by the effects of current policy reforms, which affect among others a complex trade regime, and by a varied production structure.
Creating service excellence through Human Resource Management practices
Authors: Browning Victoria
Published: August 2019

Service excellence has become a critical source of competitive advantage for organisations. This article focuses on the interaction between the frontline employee and the customer and the role of Human Resource Management (HRM) in sustaining service-orientated behaviour. The nature of the relationship between HRM and service behaviour is also explored, focusing on three possible intervening variables - commitment to customer service, job competence and organisational identification. The implications of this relationship for business managers are highlighted and it is suggested that to achieve service excellence, managers need to focus as much on their internal relationships with employees as they do on their external relationships with customers, as their contribution to organisational performance is inter-linked. Directions for future research in redefining HRM practices and determining the nature of the link between HRM and service-orientated behaviour are discussed.
Owner-driver schemes and productivity
Authors: Fitz-Patrick Alan , Horwitz Frank M.
Published: August 2019

Owner-driver schemes are being introduced by companies wanting productivity improvements in the distribution of their products. This article examines motivating factors for owner-driver schemes and evaluates findings from interview-based research. It also examines factors relating to owner-driver schemes and productivity improvement and identifies issues concerning their design, implementation and management. Findings suggest that owner-driver schemes improve productivity and that key factors concur with a model of the motivational cycle underlying implementation of owner-driver schemes.
The relationship between the accounting sustainable growth rate and the cash flow sustainable growth rate
Authors: Burger J. H. , Hamman W. D.
Published: August 2019

The accounting sustainable growth rate is used by financial managers and bankers to determine possible financing needs and investment opportunities for companies. However, the authors contend that as this rate is based upon accrual figures that do not reflect the cash position of a company, it could lead to situations in which the company could grow itself into cash problems. In this regard they suggest a cash flow sustainable growth rate (CFSGR), which is defined as the rate at which the company can grow whilst still maintaining a target cash balance in the balance sheet. The relationship between the accounting SGR and CFSGR is then investigated. The authors found that while the accounting SGR is not affected by the non-cash components of working capital, nor by any changes in the non-cash components of working capital, the CFSGR is. Both rates are influenced by the profitability of the company. The accounting SGR is influenced by the growth in sales, while CFSGR is not. The authors do not contend that the CFSGR should replace the accounting SGR, but that it is in the company's best interest to take cognizance of the CFSGR and its implications for the company's growth and cash position.
Measuring capital intensity in South African companies listed in the Industrial Section of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)
Authors: Burger J. H. , Hamman W. D.
Published: August 2019

The authors investigated selected listed companies in the Industrial Section of the JSE to determine the degree of capital-intensity of the selected companies. This is done by calculating various measures of capital intensity of the companies concerned and ranking the companies accordingly. Statistical analyses were done to investigate for significant differences between various measures, as well as between and within sectors of the Industrial Section of the JSE. It was found that overall there are no significant differences between the rankings of the ratios. Between sectors overall, there are significant differences between the rankings of ratios. Based upon years, however, there are no significant differences. Within sectors and between sectors per ratio, there are significant differences between the rankings of the ratios. From the analyses it is clear that the sectors are not homogeneously compiled, but are quite diversified: The measures of capital-intensity used also do not explain the same phenomenon. It has also been found that some companies display a dualism in that they are capital-intensive on some measures and capital-unintensive on others.
Persistence in the performance of South African unit trusts
Authors: Von Wielligh J. F.C. , Smit E. V.D.M.
Published: August 2019

The persistence of performance of the General Equity Unit Trusts and All Unit Trusts that traded in South Africa during the period January 1988 to December 1997 and January 1993 to December 1997, is analysed using three models of performance measurement, namely the Capital Asset Pricing Model, a two-factor Arbitrage Pricing Theory model and a three-factor Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) model developed in this study. The Capital Asset Pricing Model does not explain the relative returns of the different portfolios. Both APT models account for almost all of the cross-sectional variation in expected returns. It is shown that there is evidence of both short-term and long-term persistence in performance of South African unit trusts. It appears that the worst performing unit trust portfolio tends to stay the worst performer. The portfolio of unit trusts with an average monthly return may eventually become the top performing portfolio, while the top performer over time tends to becomes an average performing portfolio.
The views of South African marketers concerning consumer privacy
Authors: Higgs-Kleyn Nicola , Abratt Russell , Brewer Rowan
Published: August 2019

As part of the transition to democracy, the South African government has expressed its intention to table the Open Democracy Bill, which addresses the issue of the collection and dissemination of personal information. This bill will, in its present form, severely damage the direct marketing industry in South Africa. A literature review of consumer privacy has been completed. A survey of 246 marketers was undertaken. The results show that there are two distinct clusters, a pro-privacy group and an anti-privacy one. In this article some conclusions are developed that are of interest to policy makers and managers.
On bodies in $\mathbb R^5$ with directly congruent projections or sections
Authors: Alfonseca M. Angeles , Cordier Michelle , Ryabogin Dmitry
Published: August 2019

Let

K

and

L

be two convex bodies in

\mathbb R^5

with countably many diameters, such that their projections onto all 4 dimensional subspaces containing one fixed diameter are directly congruent. We show that if these projections have no rotational symmetries, and the projections of

K,L

on certain 3 dimensional subspaces have no symmetries, then

K=\pm L

up to a translation. We also prove the corresponding result for sections of star bodies.
Stability of KdV solitons on the half-line
Authors: Cavalcante Márcio , Muñoz Claudio
Published: August 2019

In this paper we study the stability problem for
KdV solitons
on the left and right half-lines. Unlike standard KdV, these are not exact solutions to the equations posed on the half-line, and, contrary to NLS, no exact soliton solution seems to exist. However, we are able to show that solitons posed initially far away from the origin are strongly stable for the problem posed on the right half-line, assuming homogeneous boundary conditions. For the problem posed on the left half-line, the positive infinite-time stability problem makes no sense for the case of KdV solitons, but in this setting we prove a result of stability for all negative times. The proof involves finding and using two almost conserved quantities adapted to the evolution of the KdV soliton in the particular case of the half-line. Adaptations to other boundary conditions or star graphs are also discussed.
Making Pastoralists Count: Geospatial Methods for the Health Surveillance of Nomadic Populations
Authors: Wild Hannah , Glowacki Luke , Maples Stace , Mejía-Guevara Iván , Krystosik Amy , Bonds Matthew H. , Hiruy Abiy , LaBeaud A. Desiree , Barry Michele
Published: August 2019

Nomadic pastoralists are among the world’s hardest-to-reach and least served populations. Pastoralist communities are difficult to capture in household surveys because of factors including their high degree of mobility over remote terrain, fluid domestic arrangements, and cultural barriers. Most surveys use census-based sampling frames which do not accurately capture the demographic and health parameters of nomadic populations. As a result, pastoralists are “invisible” in population data such as the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). By combining remote sensing and geospatial analysis, we developed a sampling strategy designed to capture the current distribution of nomadic populations. We then implemented this sampling frame to survey a population of mobile pastoralists in southwest Ethiopia, focusing on maternal and child health (MCH) indicators. Using standardized instruments from DHS questionnaires, we draw comparisons with regional and national data finding disparities with DHS data in core MCH indicators, including vaccination coverage, skilled birth attendance, and nutritional status. Our field validation demonstrates that this method is a logistically feasible alternative to conventional sampling frames and may be used at the population level. Geospatial sampling methods provide cost-affordable and logistically feasible strategies for sampling mobile populations, a crucial first step toward reaching these groups with health services.
Utility of PCR in Patients with Strongyloides stercoralis and HTLV-1 Coinfection in French Guiana
Authors: Blaizot Romain , Simon Stephane , Brottier Jean , Blanchet Denis , Brousse Paul , Boukhari Rachida , Demar Magalie
Published: August 2019

Strongyloides stercoralis and human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) coinfections have been extensively reported in the literature, but the diagnosis and treatment of strongyloidiasis remains a challenge, particularly in HTLV-1 carriers. Our objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of a new PCR method for the detection of S. stercoralis in HTLV-1–positive patients. Stools were collected over a 1-year period across the endemic region of French Guiana, including remote forest areas. Two systems of real-time PCR were then used comparatively, with small subunit and specific repeat as respective targets, and compared with the results of microscopic examinations. One-hundred and twelve stool samples were included. Twenty-seven patients (24.1%) presented a positive HTLV-1 serology. The overall prevalence of strongyloidiasis among the 112 patients was 30% with small-subunit PCR and 11.6% with microscopic examinations. In the seropositive population, all tested stools were negative, whereas 51.2% were positive using small-subunit PCR. Thus, PCR allowed a much-improved sensitivity, particularly in HTLV-1 carriers. Among the two systems investigated, small subunit yielded better results than specific repeat PCR, with prevalence rates in HTLV-1 carriers of 51.2% and 22.2%, respectively. Therefore, PCR should be considered as a useful tool for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis, particularly in HTLV-1 carriers who often present a light parasitic load due to erratic administration of anthelmintic drugs.
Bioprospecção de rizobactérias para o controle in vitro de Pyricularia grisea, tratamento de sementes e promoção de crescimento de plântulas de arroz
Authors: Pinho Renata Silva Canuto de , Pozzebon Bruna Canabarro , Calvano Caroline Carvalho Aguirre , Vey Rosana Taschetto , Hajar Amanda Dos Santos , Rodrigues Bianca Moraes , Rodrigues Ketlen Raisa Rey
Published: August 2019

Objetivou-se, com esse estudo, isolar e selecionar rizobactérias autóctones de arroz, com potencial para o controle in vitro de Pyricularia grisea, para o controle de fungos veiculados por sementes e para a promoção de crescimento em plântulas de arroz. Para isso, foram isoladas 18 rizobactérias autóctones de arroz, as quais foram submetidas ao teste de antibiose in vitro, em que se avaliou o índice de velocidade de crescimento micelial e o percentual de inibição de crescimento micelial. No tratamento de sementes com rizobactérias, as sementes foram bacterizadas e, posteriormente, avaliou-se a qualidade sanitária (incidência de fungos), a qualidade fisiológica (vigor, germinação e índice de velocidade de germinação de sementes) e a promoção de crescimento das plântulas. No teste de antibiose, todos os isolados apresentaram potencial de antagonismo frente à P. grisea. Houve melhorias na qualidade sanitária das sementes de arroz. Contudo, os isolados não apresentaram efeito positivo sobre a qualidade fisiológica das sementes. Três isolados induziram os maiores incrementos de parte aérea e raiz de plântulas de arroz na promoção de crescimento. Assim, conclui-se que as rizobactérias testadas apresentaram potencial de controle in vitro de fungos, em especial a P. grisea, e também para promoção de crescimento de plântulas de arroz.
Novas associações de Tephritidae e Lonchaeidae (Diptera) e suas plantas hospedeiras na Amazônia Oriental
Authors: Castilho Alison Pureza , Da Silva Leandro Carvalho , De Sousa Maria do Socorro Miranda , Dos Santos Jhulie Emile Veloso , Lemos Walkymário De Paulo , Adaime Ricardo
Published: August 2019

Larvas de Tephritidae e Lonchaeidae (Diptera) infestam frutos de diversas espécies vegetais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as espécies dessas famílias, suas plantas hospedeiras e parasitoides, em um pomar misto em Belém, Pará, Amazônia Oriental. Foram realizadas amostragens de frutos de diversas espécies vegetais, a cada 30 dias, de novembro de 2017 a maio de 2018. Foram coletadas 109 amostras de frutos (2.355 frutos, 51,7 kg), pertencentes a 21 espécies vegetais (oito nativas e 13 introduzidas) de nove famílias botânicas. Houve infestação por larvas de dípteros em 63 amostras (11 espécies de seis famílias botânicas). Foram obtidos espécimes de seis espécies de Tephritidae, três de Lonchaeidae e cinco de parasitoides Braconidae. O maior índice de infestação foi registrado em Spondias mombin, que também apresentou o maior índice de parasitismo. Neste trabalho são registradas novas associações de espécies de Tephritidae e Lonchaeidae e plantas hospedeiras.
BST2 promotes growth and induces gefitinib resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma via regulating the EGFR pathway
Authors: Jin Huang , Zhang Lianping , Wang Shufang , Qian Lei
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Gefitinib, well known as a new antitumor agent, has been applied in various cancers such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, most patients eventually acquire resistance to gefitinib, and the molecular mechanism of gefitinib resistance is not well described. Bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2) has been reported to promote tumor cell growth and confer chemotherapy resistance in various cancers. However, the roles of BST2 in OSCC still need to be fully understood.

Material and methods

We determined the expression of BST2 in OSCC tissues using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blot. Next, we used MTT assay, flow cytometry and western blot to determine the roles of BST2 in OSCC cell proliferation, cycle progression and apoptosis, respectively. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of BST2 on gefitinib resistance in OSCC cells and explored the related molecular mechanism.

Results

BST2 expression was up-regulated in OSCC tissues compared with the adjacent normal tissues. BST2 overexpression significantly enhanced OSCC cell proliferation, mediated the cell cycle progression and inhibited cell apoptosis. Additionally, the results showed that BST2 overexpression effectively induced gefitinib resistance in OSCC cells. Subsequent analysis revealed that the underlying mechanism was associated with activation of the EGFR pathway.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that BST2 promoted growth and induced gefitinib resistance in OSCC cells, at least partially, through regulating the EGFR pathway. Thus, BST2 could be used as a therapeutic target for gefitinib resistance in OSCC.
Hypothermia enhances heme oxygenase 1-expressing mesenchymal stem cell-induced repair of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia
Authors: Yan Xuetao , Cheng Xiao-Li , He Xiang-Hu , Zheng Wen-Zhong , Yuan Xiao-Fang , Chen Hu
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are known to exhibit potency for the repair of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (HI). Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is capable of inducing repair and can boost stem cell-based therapeutic effects. Hypothermia is known to have strong cytoprotective effects.

Material and methods

HO-1 secreting lentiviral vector was constructed and transfected into MSC. HO-1 secretion from HO-1/MSC was verified using Western blot, real-time PCR and ELISA tests. The proliferation and anti-oxidative abilities of HO-1/MSC were detected by CCK-8 assay and biochemical kits. The therapeutic efficacy of HO-1/MSC in a rat cerebral HI model under normothermia or hypothermia was then tested. The cells were transplanted into HI animal models and the rats were kept at 37°C or 25°C. The histological pathology, apoptosis and behavior were analyzed with Nissl stain, TUNEL analysis, and rotarod and cylinder tests respectively. MSC survival and differentiation in vivo were also analyzed by immunofluorescence.

Results

HO-1 secretions promoted the proliferation and anti-oxidative abilities of MSC. The HO-1/MSC significantly improved the apoptosis, injury, behavior and enhanced MSC survival and differentiation into mature neurons and oligodendrocytes. Moreover, HO-1/MSC significantly enhanced repair of HI under hypothermia.

Conclusions

These results suggest that HO-1-secreting MSC under hypothermia is an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of HI.
Prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and associated risk factors in Poland
Authors: Lew-Starowicz Zbigniew , Czajkowska Kamila
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Many biological, psychological and sociocultural factors influence the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and sexual behavior. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and sexual behaviors.

Material and methods

The study was the third edition of a general population-based, cross sectional survey, evaluating sexual attitude, sexual behaviors within and outside relationships and type of sexual dysfunctions present in the Polish population. The survey consisted of 82 questions, grouped into five blocks that contained open- and closed-ended general questions, inquiries about early sexual contacts, sex life, relationships, sexual behaviors and preferences. A standard questionnaire was used to obtain data on age, education, marital status, religious beliefs, medical history, disabilities and other illnesses. A total of 1054 responders aged from 18 to over 70 years participated in the study. Risk factors and other causes contributing to certain sexual dysfunctions defined in the DSM-5 and in the available literature were analyzed.

Results

In this research, 40% of women and 36.5% of men had at least one sexual dysfunction. Analysis of the total population showed that decreased sexual desire (29.0%), occasional climaxing (28.5%) and anorgasmia (21.0%) were the dysfunctions most frequently reported by women. In men, premature ejaculation (23%) and excessive sexual needs (16.3%) were most prevalent. Both men and women with arousal problems reported significantly more comorbid sexual dysfunctions (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Sexual dysfunctions are highly prevalent in the Polish population. Of note, it is alarming that only very few patients seek professional help when sexual problems occur.
The direct effect of lipopolysaccharide on an isolated heart is different from the effect on cardiac myocytes in vitro
Authors: Kuo Feng Yu , Lee Shu Ping , Cheng Juei-Tang , Wu Ming Chang
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is widely used to induce experimental animals. However, its effects on cardiac contraction is controversial. Although LPS probably induces its influence in vivo both directly and indirectly, we focused on the direct effects of LPS in this report.

Material and methods

Isolated ventricular myocytes mounted on a Langendorff apparatus were perfused with LPS. The changes in cultured H9c2 cells incubated with LPS over a 3-h exposure were compared with the changes after a 24-h incubation. Apoptosis was identified using flow cytometry and Western blotting. The mRNA levels were also determined.

Results

LPS directly stimulated cardiac contractility at low doses, although it produced inhibition at higher doses. The TLR4-coupled JAK2/STAT3 pathway was identified in H9c2 cells after LPS treatment, with an increase in intracellular calcium levels. LPS dose-dependently activated hypertrophic signals in H9c2 cells and induced apoptosis at the high dose. However, apoptosis was observed in H9c2 cells after a 24-h exposure to LPS, even at low doses. This observation appears to be associated with the level of paracrine cytokines. Changes in H9c2 cells by LPS were diminished by NPS2390, an inhibitor of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). LPS also promoted CaSR mRNA expression in H9c2 cells, which may be unrelated to the changes in cytokine expression influenced by an inflammasome inhibitor.

Conclusions

In contrast to the isolated hearts, LPS activated hypertrophic signals prior to apoptotic signals in cardiac cells. Thus, LPS injury appears to be associated with CaSR, which was not markedly influenced by an inflammasome inhibitor.
Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 promotes cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis in gastric cancer through sponging miR-186
Authors: Huang Jiaobao , Hou Shuangshuang , Xu Jian , Wu Ju , Yin Jiajun
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in tumour initiation and progression. LncRNA OIP5-AS1 is a potential oncogene in many types of human malignancies, but its biological functions in gastric cancer (GC) remain to be further elucidated.

Material and methods

The expression levels of OIP5-AS1 and miR-186 in GC tissues and cell lines were detected by RT-qPCR analysis. CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay were performed to investigate the proliferation of GC cells in vitro, and a nude mouse tumour model was established to validate the role of OIP5-AS1 in GC tumorigenesis in vivo. The glucose consumption and lactate production of GC cells were detected by ELISA assay. Interaction between OIP5-AS1 and miR-186 was determined using dual luciferase reporter assay.

Results

The results demonstrated that OIP5-AS1 was upregulated in GC tissues and cell lines and that its high expression was notably correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features of GC patients. Functionally, knockdown of OIP5-AS1 inhibited GC cell proliferation and enhanced cell apoptosis in vitro, and inhibited GC xenograft growth in vivo. In addition, knockdown of OIP5-AS1 reduced the glucose consumption and lactate production in GC cells. In particular, OIP5-AS1 may function as a ceRNA for miR-186, and inhibition of miR-186 blocks the effects of OIP5-AS1 knockdown on aerobic glycolysis in GC cells.

Conclusions

Accordingly, our findings suggested that the OIP5-AS1/miR-186 axis might be considered as a potential therapeutic target for GC patients.
Runx1 promotes the development of glioma cells
by regulating JAK-STAT signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Yong , Xia Qiming , Lin Jun
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Human glioma is known as the most frequent and primary malignant tumour of the central nervous system with high aggression and poor prognosis. Runx1 is essential for haematopoiesis and is associated with tumour progression in several types of cancers. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect and the possible regulatory mechanisms of Runx1 in glioma.

Material and methods

The expression of Runx1 in human glioma tissues was determined by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Subsequently, the effect of Runx1 on the glioma cell viability, migration, invasion and the protein level of p21, cyclin D1, MMP2, and MMP4 were detected by MTT, wound healing, transwell assays, and western blot, respectively, in U-138MG and U-251MG cell lines. We then explored the role of Runx1 in vivo by establishing a tumour-bearing mouse model.

Results

The expression of Runx1 was significantly up-regulated in human glioma tissues and closely associated with tumour grade. Glioma patients with high Runx1 expression had decreased survival rate compared to those with low Runx1 level. Runx1 knockdown inhibited glioma cell viability, migration, invasion, and clone formation, while STAT3 suppressed these inhibitions. Moreover, Runx1 inhibited the activation of SOCS3/SOCS4 promoter, which in turn activated JAK/STAT3 signalling pathway. The tumour volume and weight of the siRunx1 group were lower than in the control group and the tumour mass grow more slowly as well.

Conclusions

Runx1 promotes the development of glioma cells via JAK/STAT signalling pathway by inhibiting the activation of SOCS3/SOCS4 promoter.
If something looks like an apple, is it necessarily an apple?
Some considerations about so-called “statin-induced polymyalgia rheumatica”
Authors: Manzo Ciro
Published: August 2019

The existence of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) induced by statins has been hypothesised by some investigators. This review article highlights the fact that there is no evidence it is real. On the contrary, PMR and statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are two totally different conditions. Shoulder and hip ultrasound (US) examinations can make an important contribution in distinguishing a true case of PMR from a PMR-like illness induced by statins. The possibility that SAMS may worsen the clinical manifestations of a PMR patient should be taken into account in clinical practice, and drug discontinuation should be proposed when deterioration or relapse is not otherwise justifiable.
Mixed-etiology leg ulcers in a patient on long-term glucocorticoid therapy
Authors: Sławiński Piotr , Radkowski Marcin , Lewandowicz Andrzej , Targowski Tomasz
Published: August 2019

Chronic leg ulceration is a frequent condition in elderly patients. Chronic wounds that are nonresponsive to 3-month therapy affect approximately 6.5 million people in the United States with a prevalence of 1% and costs estimated at 25 billion dollars per year. Although the main causes are venous insufficiency, lower extremity arterial disease and diabetes, in many cases the etiology is multi-factorial. Approximately 20–23% of non-healing wounds that are refractory to vascular intervention have other etiologies including vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren syndrome. Adverse drug interactions are the least commonly considered, especially those which involve disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

The authors present a report on a female patient with reported Sjögren syndrome, multiple morbidities and non-healing lower limb ulceration that developed during treatment with methotrexate, and no significant improvement after discontinuation of the drug and after vascular surgery. Microvascular deterioration caused by beta-blockers was considered decisive. Calcium-blocker replacement brought complete healing in the follow-up.
Global response of parameterised convective cloud fields to anthropogenic aerosol forcing
Authors: Kipling Zak , Labbouz Laurent , Stier Philip
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The interactions between aerosols and convective clouds represent some of the greatest uncertainties in the climate impact of aerosols in the atmosphere. A wide variety of mechanisms have been proposed by which aerosols may invigorate, suppress, or change the properties of individual convective clouds, some of which can be reproduced in high-resolution limited-area models. However, there may also be mesoscale, regional or global adjustments which modulate or dampen such impacts which cannot be captured in the limited domain of such models. The Convective Cloud Field Model (CCFM) provides a mechanism to explicitly simulate a population of convective clouds within each grid column at resolutions used for global climate modelling, so that a representation of the microphysical aerosol response within each parameterised cloud type is possible. Using CCFM within the global aerosol–climate model ECHAM–HAM, we demonstrate how the parameterised cloud field responds to the present-day anthropogenic aerosol perturbation in different regions. In particular, we show that in regions with strongly-forced deep convection and/or significant aerosol effects via large-scale processes, the changes in the convective cloud field due to microphysical effects is rather small; however in a more weakly-forced regime such as the Caribbean, where large-scale aerosol effects are small, a signature of convective invigoration does become apparent.
An Ensemble Square Root Filter for the joint assimilation of surface soil moiture and leaf area index within LDAS-Monde: application over the Euro-Mediterranean region
Authors: Bonan Bertrand , Albergel Clément , Zheng Yongjun , Barbu Alina Lavinia , Fairbairn David , Munier Simon , Calvet Jean-Christophe
Published: August 2019

Abstract. This paper introduces an Ensemble Square Root Filter (EnSRF), a deterministic Ensemble Kalman Filter, to the context of assimilating jointly observations of surface soil moisture (SSM) and leaf area index (LAI) in the Land Data Assimilation System LDAS-Monde. By ingesting those satellite-derived products, LDAS-Monde constrains the Interaction between Soil, Biosphere and Atmosphere (ISBA) land surface model (LSM), coupled with the CNRM (Centre National de Recherches Météorologiques) version of the Total Runoff Integrating Pathways (CTRIP), to improve the reanalysis of land surface variables (LSVs). To evaluate its ability to produce improved LSVs reanalyses, the EnSRF is compared with the Simplified Extended Kalman, which has been routinely operated in LDAS-Monde, in a real case over the well-studied Euro-Mediterranean region at a 0.25° spatial resolution between 2008 and 2017. Both data assimilation approaches provide a positive impact on SSM and LAI estimates with respect to the model alone, putting them closer to assimilated observations. SEKF and EnSRF have a similar behaviour for LAI showing performances that are influenced by the vegetation type. For SSM, EnSRF estimates tend to be closer to observations than SEKF. The impact of assimilating SSM and LAI is also assessed on unobserved soil moisture in the other layers of soil. Unobserved control variables are updated in the EnSRF through covariances and correlations sampled from the ensemble linking them to observed control variables. In our context, a strong correlation between SSM and soil moisture in deeper soil layers is exhibited, as expected, showing seasonal patterns that vary geographically. Moderate correlation and anti-correlations are also noticed between LAI and soil moisture in spring, summer and autumn, their absolute value tending to be larger for soil moisture in root-zone areas, showing that assimilating LAI can have an influence on soil moisture. Finally an independent evaluation of both assimilation approaches is conducted using satellite estimates of evapotranspiration and gross primary production (GPP) as well as measures of river discharges from gauging stations. The EnSRF shows a systematic albeit moderate improvement for evapotranspiration and GPP and a highly positive impact on river discharges, while the SEKF exhibits a more contrasting performance.
Spatial distribution of water level impacting back-barrier bays
Authors: Aretxabaleta Alfredo L. , Ganju Neil K. , Defne Zafer , Signell Richard P.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Water level in semi-enclosed bays, landward of barrier islands, is
mainly driven by offshore sea level fluctuations that are modulated by bay
geometry and bathymetry, causing spatial variability in the ensuing response
(transfer). Local wind setup can have a complementary role that depends on
wind speed, fetch, and relative orientation of the wind direction and the
bay. Bay area and inlet geometry and bathymetry primarily regulate the
magnitude of the transfer between open ocean and bay. Tides and short-period
offshore oscillations are more damped in the bays than longer-lasting
offshore fluctuations, such as a storm surge and sea level rise. We compare
observed and modeled water levels at stations in a mid-Atlantic bay
(Barnegat Bay) with offshore water level proxies. Observed water levels in
Barnegat Bay are compared and combined with model results from the Coupled
Ocean–Atmosphere–Wave–Sediment Transport (COAWST) modeling system to
evaluate the spatial structure of the water level transfer. Analytical
models based on the dimensional characteristics of the bay are used to
combine the observed data and the numerical model results in a physically
consistent approach. Model water level transfers match observed values at
locations inside the bay in the storm frequency band (transfers ranging from
50 %–100 %) and tidal frequencies (10 %–55 %). The contribution of
frequency-dependent local setup caused by wind acting along the bay is also
considered. The wind setup effect can be comparable in magnitude to the
offshore transfer forcing during intense storms. The approach provides
transfer estimates for locations inside the bay where observations were not
available, resulting in a complete spatial characterization. An extension of
the methodology that takes advantage of the ADCIRC tidal database for the
east coast of the United States allows for the expansion of the approach to
other bay systems. Detailed spatial estimates of water level transfer can
inform decisions on inlet management and contribute to the assessment of
current and future flooding hazard in back-barrier bays and along mainland
shorelines.
Fractional relaxation noises, motions and the fractional energy balance equation
Authors: Lovejoy Shaun
Published: August 2019

Abstract. We consider the statistical properties of solutions of the stochastic fractional relaxation equation that has been proposed as a model for the earth's energy balance. In this equation, the (scaling) fractional derivative term models energy storage processes that occur over a wide range of space and time scales. Up until now, stochastic fractional relaxation processes have only been considered with Riemann-Liouville fractional derivatives in the context of random walk processes where it yields highly nonstationary behaviour. For our purposes we require the stationary processes that are the solutions of the Weyl fractional relaxation equations whose domain is −∞ to t rather than 0 to t. We develop a framework for handling fractional equations driven by white noise forcings. To avoid divergences, we follow the approach used in fractional Brownian motion (fBm). The resulting fractional relaxation motions (fRm) and fractional relaxation noises (fRn) generalize the more familiar fBm and fGn (fractional Gaussian noise). We analytically determine both the small and large scale limits and show extensive analytic and numerical results on the autocorrelation functions, Haar fluctuations and spectra. We display sample realizations. Finally, we discuss the prediction of fRn, fRm which – due to long memories is a past value problem, not an initial value problem. We develop an analytic formula for the fRn forecast skill and compare it to fGn. Although the large scale limit is an (unpredictable) white noise that is attained in a slow power law manner, when the temporal resolution of the series is small compared to the relaxation time, fRn can mimick a long memory process with a wide range of exponents ranging from fGn to fBm and beyond. We discuss the implications for monthly, seasonal, annual forecasts of the earth's temperature.
Application of fractal models to delineate mineralized zones in the Pulang porphyry copper deposit, Yunnan, southwestern China
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Xia Qinglin , Li Tongfei , Leng Shuai , Li Yanling , Kang Li , Chen Zhijun , Wu Lianrong
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The aim of this study is to delineate and identify various mineralized zones
and barren host rocks based on surface and subsurface lithogeochemical data
from the Pulang porphyry copper deposit, southwestern China, utilizing the
number–size (N-S), concentration–volume (C-V) and power-spectrum–volume
(S-V) fractal models. The N-S model reveals three mineralized zones
characterized by Cu thresholds of 0.28 % and 1.45 %: <0.28 %
Cu represents weakly mineralized zones and barren host rocks,
0.28 %–1.45 % Cu represents moderately mineralized zones, and
> 1.45 % Cu represents highly mineralized zones. The results
obtained by the C-V model depict four geochemical zones defined by Cu
thresholds of 0.25 %, 1.48 % and 1.88 %, representing nonmineralized
wall rocks (Cu<0.25 %), weakly mineralized zones
(0.25 %–1.48 %), moderately mineralized zones (1.48 %–1.88 %) and
highly mineralized zones (Cu>1.88 %). The S-V model is used by
performing a 3-D fast Fourier transformation of assay data in the frequency
domain. The S-V model reveals three mineralized zones characterized by Cu
thresholds of 0.23 % and 1.33 %: <0.23 % Cu represents
leached zones and barren host rocks, 0.23 %–1.33 % Cu represents
hypogene zones, and >1.33 % Cu represents supergene enrichment
zones. All the multifractal models indicate that high-grade mineralization
occurs in the central and southern parts of the ore deposit. Their results
are compared with the alteration and mineralogical models resulting from the
3-D geological model using a log-ratio matrix. The results show that the S-V
model is best at identifying highly mineralized zones in the deposit.
However, the results of the C-V model for moderately and weakly mineralized
zones are also more accurate than those obtained from the N-S and S-V models.