bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investor Conferences, Firm Visibility, and Stock Liquidity
Authors: Brockman Paul , Subasi Musa , Uzmanoglu Cihan
Published: October 2017

We examine the influence of investor conferences on firms’ stock liquidity. We find that firms participating in conferences experience a 1.4% to 2.8% increase in stock liquidity compared to nonconference firms. Consistent with investor conferences improving firm visibility, the increase in liquidity is larger for firms with low pre‐conference visibility and varies predictably with conference characteristics that affect the ability of investors to revise their beliefs about the firm. However, for firms with a large investor base and high visibility, conference participation is associated with a decline in stock liquidity, consistent with investor conferences exacerbating the information asymmetry among investors.
Central Bank Actions and Words: The Intraday Effects of FOMC Policy Communications on Individual Equity Volatility and Returns
Authors: Jubinski Daniel , Tomljanovich Marc
Published: October 2017

We compare intraday impacts of the release of Federal Reserve decision announcements and of Federal Open Market Committee minutes between 2004 and 2015 on 1,997 equity return and volatility series. We find that returns are unresponsive to either news release, but conditional volatility increases for both, manifesting immediately after each information release, and persisting for 30 minutes post‐announcement. These effects are larger for decisions than for minutes. On stratifying firms by trading intensity, we find most “high trading intensity” firms respond to these announcements, while “low trading intensity” firms are less affected. Our results show that traders respond, albeit differently, to both sets of information releases.
On Unmodeled Breaks in the Turn of the Year, Turn of the Month, and January Effects
Authors: Robins Russell P. , Smith Geoffrey Peter
Published: October 2017

We produce convincing new evidence that the turn of the year (TOY), turn of the month (TOM), and January effects are critically dependent on the sample period over which they are estimated. The TOY effect is significant in the value‐weight portfolio from 1962 to 1997. It becomes insignificant in the medium‐size portfolio after 1994 and in the equal‐weight and low‐size portfolios after 1997. The TOM effect becomes insignificant in the value‐weight and high‐size portfolios after 1978, in the equal‐weight and medium‐size portfolios after 1997, and in the low‐size portfolio after 1998. January effects are significant in some subperiods but not others.
How much does climate change threaten European forest tree species distributions?
Authors: Dyderski Marcin K. , Paź Sonia , Frelich Lee E. , Jagodziński Andrzej M.
Published: October 2017

Although numerous species distribution models have been developed, most were based on insufficient distribution data or used older climate change scenarios. We aimed to quantify changes in projected ranges and threat level by the years 2061–2080, for 12 European forest tree species under three climate change scenarios. We combined tree distribution data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, EUFORGEN, and forest inventories, and we developed species distribution models using MaxEnt and 19 bioclimatic variables. Models were developed for three climate change scenarios—optimistic (RCP2.6), moderate (RCP4.5), and pessimistic (RPC8.5)—using three General Circulation Models, for the period 2061–2080. Our study revealed different responses of tree species to projected climate change. The species may be divided into three groups: “winners”—mostly late‐successional species: Abies alba, Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur, and Quercus petraea; “losers”—mostly pioneer species: Betula pendula, Larix decidua, Picea abies, and Pinus sylvestris; and alien species—Pseudotsuga menziesii, Quercus rubra, and Robinia pseudoacacia, which may be also considered as “winners.” Assuming limited migration, most of the species studied would face a significant decrease in suitable habitat area. The threat level was highest for species that currently have the northernmost distribution centers. Ecological consequences of the projected range contractions would be serious for both forest management and nature conservation.
Soil carbon cycling proxies: Understanding their critical role in predicting climate change feedbacks
Authors: Bailey Vanessa L. , Bond‐Lamberty Ben , DeAngelis Kristen , Grandy A. Stuart , Hawkes Christine V. , Heckman Kate , Lajtha Kate , Phillips Richard P. , Sulman Benjamin N. , Todd‐Brown Katherine E. O. , Wallenstein Matthew D.
Published: October 2017

The complexity of processes and interactions that drive soil C dynamics necessitate the use of proxy variables to represent soil characteristics that cannot be directly measured (correlative proxies), or that aggregate information about multiple soil characteristics into one variable (integrative proxies). These proxies have proven useful for understanding the soil C cycle, which is highly variable in both space and time, and are now being used to make predictions of the fate and persistence of C under future climate scenarios. However, the C pools and processes that proxies represent must be thoughtfully considered in order to minimize uncertainties in empirical understanding. This is necessary to capture the full value of a proxy in model parameters and in model outcomes. Here, we provide specific examples of proxy variables that could improve decision‐making, and modeling skill, while also encouraging continued work on their mechanistic underpinnings. We explore the use of three common soil proxies used to study soil C cycling: metabolic quotient, clay content, and physical fractionation. We also consider how emerging data types, such as genome‐sequence data, can serve as proxies for microbial community activities. By examining some broad assumptions in soil C cycling with the proxies already in use, we can develop new hypotheses and specify criteria for new and needed proxies.
Grappling with the “real politics” of systemic corruption: Theoretical debates versus “real‐world” functions
Authors: Marquette Heather , Peiffer Caryn
Published: October 2017

A growing body of research argues that anticorruption efforts fail because of a flawed theoretical foundation, where collective action theory is said to be a better lens for understanding corruption than the dominant principal–agent theory. We unpack this critique and advance several new arguments. First, the application of collective action theory to the issue of corruption has been, thus far, incomplete. Second, a collective action theory‐based approach to corruption is in fact complementary to a principal–agent approach, rather than contradictory as is claimed. Third, applications of both theories have failed to recognize that corruption persists because it functions to provide solutions to problems. We conclude by arguing that anticorruption effectiveness is difficult to achieve because it requires insights from all three perspectives—principal–agent theory, collective action theory, and corruption as serving functions—which allows us to better understand how to harness the political will needed to fight corruption.
Citizen satisfaction under changing political leadership: The role of partisan motivated reasoning
Authors: Jilke Sebastian
Published: October 2017

There exists a gap in our understanding of what citizen satisfaction evaluations actually represent. While recent years have witnessed a move away from performance‐based models to cognitive‐implicit models of citizen satisfaction, the inherent political nature of government, its institutions, and services has been largely ignored. Drawing on the functional responsibility chain between political principals and governmental, public‐service‐delivering institutions, we outline a theory of citizen satisfaction that accounts for the political nature of these institutions. In the context of two consecutive general elections, we find a partisan bias in citizen satisfaction with government and the legislative branch, but not for institutions that are more clearly separated from national government. These mixed findings are suggestive of a dispersion effect of the partisan bias in citizen satisfaction, namely, that citizens are less likely to use their partisan lenses in cases where the responsibility of political principals is dispersed across multiple actors.
Numerical Analysis of Groundwater Ridging Processes Considering Water‐Air Flow in a Hillslope
Authors: Zang Yong Ge , Sun Dong Mei , Feng Ping , Semprich Stephan
Published: October 2017

In this study, a water‐air two‐phase flow model was employed to investigate the formation, extension, and dissipation of groundwater ridging induced by recharge events in a hypothetical hillslope‐riparian zone, considering interactions between the liquid and gas phases in soil voids. The simulation results show that, after a rain begins, the groundwater table near the stream is elevated instantaneously and significantly, thereby generating a pressure gradient driving water toward both the stream (the discharge of groundwater to the stream) and upslope (the extension of groundwater ridging into upslope). Meanwhile, the airflow upslope triggered by the advancing wetting front moves downward gradually. Therefore, the extension of groundwater ridging into upslope and the downward airflow interact within a certain region. After the rain stops, groundwater ridging near the stream declines quickly while the airflow in the lower part of upslope is still moving into the hillslope. Thus, the airflow upslope mitigates the dissipation of groundwater ridging. Additionally, the development of groundwater ridging under different conditions, including rain intensity, intrinsic permeability, capillary fringe height, and initial groundwater table, was analyzed. Changes in intrinsic permeability affect the magnitude of groundwater ridging near the stream, as well as the downward speed of airflow, thereby generating highly complex responses. The capillary fringe is not a controlling factor but an influence factor on the formation of groundwater ridging, which is mainly related to the antecedent moisture. It was demonstrated that groundwater ridging also occurs where an unsaturated zone occurs above the capillary fringe with a subsurface lateral flow.
The environmental history of Classical and Hellenistic Greece: The contribution of environmental archaeology
Authors: Post Ruben
Published: October 2017

This article provides an overview of the environmental history of Classical and Hellenistic Greece with particular reference to material evidence, outlining current trends in work on the relationships between humans and the flora, fauna, and climate of Greece from the fifth to first centuries BCE. Whereas scholars of more modern periods have embraced environmental history, historians of ancient Greece have been slow to do so. Most research on environmental history in the premodern Greek world has focused on prehistoric periods, with only a narrow set of topics relating to Classical and Hellenistic periods discussed, such as deforestation, erosion, and agriculture. In recent decades, however, the increased prominence of subdisciplines dealing with the study of organic archaeological material, such as palaeobotany and zooarchaeology, as well as advances in the archaeological sciences, especially in techniques like stable isotope analysis, has yielded much of interest for historians. I suggest in particular that historians more familiar with written sources or nonorganic archaeological remains can play a crucial rule in contextualizing this evidence by integrating it into their studies of social, economic, and political history. This is especially the case with climate change, evidence of which in the ancient Greek world is rapidly accumulating but with which ancient historians have only begun to contend.
Approaches to the environmental history of Late Antiquity, part 1: The rise of Islam
Authors: Decker Michael J.
Published: October 2017

Since the 19th century, scholars have examined the end of the Classical world and the beginning of the medieval world, or “Late Antiquity” in the centuries from 300–900 C.E. through the lens of environmental history. Environmental determinism, based on the use of history by colonial historians, employed elements from geography, climate, and landscape studies to explain the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of Islam in Arabia, and the destruction of the formerly fertile lands of the Roman Empire by marauding Bedouin. Recent studies stress the importance of intensive regional study while reversing the view of general environmental catastrophe and economic decline once thought to accompany the Arab conquests of the late antique Levant.
Approaches to the environmental history of Late Antiquity, part II: Climate Change and the End of the Roman Empire
Authors: Decker Michael J.
Published: October 2017

A growing body of scholarly literature on climate change from various disciplines has allowed historians to construct past possible climates and environments, as well as query climatological data in light of historical sources. This article presents important phenomena and environmental studies in light of the history of Late Antiquity and the ‘Dark Ages’ (fourth through ninth centuries C.E.) in the Roman and post‐Roman Mediterranean.
Second‐hand clothing consumption: A generational cohort analysis of the Chinese market
Authors: Liang Jianfang , Xu Yingjiao
Published: October 2017

China's rapidly growing economy and consumption are creating serious environmental problems in the country. The throwaway trend credited to fast fashion changes and short‐lived styles made textiles and clothing a new body of solid wastes, resulting in a negative environmental consequence in China. While minimizing consumption of textiles and apparel cannot be the primary solution to environmental problems, it is important to enhance consumer awareness of the impact of their daily consumption on the environment and to promote environmentally sustainable apparel consumption and disposal behaviours. From a generational cohort perspective, this study aims to gain an insight of Chinese consumers' behaviours towards second‐hand clothing, in terms of their consumption intentions and the influence of consumers' perceived values, perceived concerns and descriptive norms on their purchase intentions. Data for this study were collected through a survey of 350 Chinese consumers across the four generational cohorts in China, including the Post‐60s, Post‐70s, Post‐80s and Post‐90s. It was observed that Chinese consumers, in general, had a strong resistance towards second‐hand clothing consumption, with the Post‐70s having the strongest resistance. Significant differences were identified among the four cohorts. The younger generations perceived higher values and held higher purchase intentions than their older counterparts. Different motivations were also identified among the four cohorts in their second‐hand clothing consumption.
Performance evaluation of the automated nucleated red blood cell count of five commercial hematological analyzers
Authors: Da Rin G. , Vidali M. , Balboni F. , Benegiamo A. , Borin M. , Ciardelli M. L. , Dima F. , Di Fabio A. , Fanelli A. , Fiorini F. , Francione S. , Germagnoli L. , Gioia M. , Lari T. , Lorubbio M. , Marini A. , Papa A. , Seghezzi M. , Solarino L. , Pipitone S. , Tilocca E. , Buoro S.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Recent automated hematology analyzers (HAs) can identify and report nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) count as a separate population out of white blood cells (WBC). The aim of this study was to investigate the analytical performances of NRBC enumeration on five top of the range HAs.

Methods

We evaluated the within‐run and between‐day precision, limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), and limit of quantitation (LoQ) of XE‐2100 and XN‐module (Sysmex), ADVIA 2120i (Siemens), BC‐6800 (Mindray), and UniCel DxH 800 (Beckman Coulter). Automated NRBC counts were also compared with optical microscopy (OM).

Results

The limits of detection for NRBC of the BC‐6800, XN‐module, XE‐2100, UniCel DxH 800, and ADVIA 2120i are 0.035×109/L, 0.019×109/L, 0.067×109/L, 0.038×109/L, and 0.167×109/L, respectively. Our data indicated excellent performance in terms of precision. The agreement with OM was excellent for BC‐6800, XN‐module, and XE‐2100 (Bias 0.023, 0.019, and 0.033×109/L, respectively). ADVIA 2120i displayed a significant constant error and UniCel DxH 800 both proportional and small constant error.

Conclusion

Regards to NRBC counting, the performances shown by BC‐6800, XN‐module, and XE‐2100 are excellent also a low count, ADVIA 2120i and UniCel DxH 800 need to be improved.
A study of CDR3 loop dynamics reveals distinct mechanisms of peptide recognition by T‐cell receptors exhibiting different levels of cross‐reactivity
Authors: Tsuchiya Yuko , Namiuchi Yoshiki , Wako Hiroshi , Tsurui Hiromichi
Published: October 2017

T‐cell receptors (TCRs) can productively interact with many different peptides bound within the MHC binding groove. This property varies with the level of cross‐reactivity of TCRs; some TCRs are particularly hyper cross‐reactive while others exhibit greater specificity. To elucidate the mechanism behind these differences, we studied five TCRs in complex with the same class II MHC (1Ab)‐peptide (3K), that are known to exhibit different levels of cross‐reactivity. Although these complexes have similar binding affinities, the interface areas between the TCR and the peptide–MHC (pMHC) differ significantly. We investigated static and dynamic structural features of the TCR–pMHC complexes and of TCRs in a free state, as well as the relationship between binding affinity and interface area. It was found that the TCRs known to exhibit lower levels of cross‐reactivity bound to pMHC using an induced‐fitting mechanism, forming large and tight interfaces rich in specific hydrogen bonds. In contrast, TCRs known to exhibit high levels of cross‐reactivity used a more rigid binding mechanism where non‐specific π‐interactions involving the bulky Trp residue in CDR3β dominated. As entropy loss upon binding in these highly degenerate and rigid TCRs is smaller than that in less degenerate TCRs, they can better tolerate changes in residues distal from the major contacts with MHC‐bound peptide. Hence, our dynamics study revealed that differences in the peptide recognition mechanisms by TCRs appear to correlate with the levels of T‐cell cross‐reactivity.
Stigma of mental illness and substance misuse in sub‐Saharan African migrants: A qualitative study
Authors: McCann Terence V. , Renzaho Andre , Mugavin Janette , Lubman Dan I.
Published: October 2017

Stigma of mental illness and substance misuse can deter help seeking, especially in immigrants who are often reluctant to seek help early for these issues. The aim of the present study was to explore the stigma experience surrounding mental illness and substance misuse, and its implications for improving help seeking, for youths and parents from sub‐Saharan African immigrant communities. A qualitative, descriptive design was used. Individual interviews were undertaken with 28 youths, and focus group discussions were held with 41 parents and community leaders in Melbourne, Australia. The findings indicated that public stigma and self‐stigma were common and deterred participants’ help seeking within sub‐Saharan African communities. There was concern about the consequences of disclosure. Personal shame, fear of community rejection, and being labelled a ‘lunatic’ deterred help seeking. Programmes are needed to address stigma, promote help seeking, and increase mental health knowledge. Mental health nurses and other clinicians in the mental health and alcohol and other drug fields can make an important contribution. Steps are needed to employ more sub‐Saharan African immigrant clinicians to help increase help seeking from their communities.
Interview with Nancy Reid
Authors: Staicu Ana‐Maria
Published: October 2017

Nancy Reid was born in September 1952 in Niagara Falls, Canada. She graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor in Mathematics and a major in Statistics in 1974. She pursued her training in Statistics at the University of British Columbia (UBC) where she obtained a Master's in Applied Mathematics in 1976 and at Stanford University, where she graduated with a PhD in Statistics in 1979. After spending one year at Imperial College in London visiting Sir David Cox, she joined UBC as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics, where she had an important role in the creation of the Department of Statistics. In 1986, she moved to the University of Toronto, where she has been since then as a faculty in the Department of Statistics. Nancy has served as Chair of the Department between 1997 and 2002. Nancy's research in conditional inference, higher order asymptotics and composite likelihood has been influential in Statistics. Her outstanding contributions to Statistics were recognized nationally and internationally with many awards, including the President's Award of the Committee of Presidents of Statistical Societies (COPSS), Gold Medal awarded by the Statistical Society of Canada and Elected Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences. She received the Doctor of Mathematics, Honoris Causa, University of Waterloo. Nancy served with distinction as Editor of theCanadian Journal of Statisticsand President of the Statistical Society of Canada and President of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics. In 2014, she was appointed as Officer of the Order of Canada for her outstanding achievements, exemplary leadership and service to Canadians. The following conversation took place at the JSM 2016 in Chicago, on August 2 and 3, 2016.
Effects of seasonal and pandemic influenza on health‐related quality of life, work and school absence in England: Results from the Flu Watch cohort study
Authors: Fragaszy Ellen B. , Warren‐Gash Charlotte , White Peter J. , Zambon Maria , Edmunds William J. , Nguyen‐Van‐Tam Jonathan S. , Hayward Andrew C. ,   on behalf of the Flu Watch Group
Published: October 2017

Background

Estimates of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and work/school absences for influenza are typically based on medically attended cases or those meeting influenza‐like‐illness (ILI) case definitions and thus biased towards severe disease. Although community influenza cases are more common, estimates of their effects on HRQoL and absences are limited.

Objectives

To measure quality‐adjusted life days and years (QALDs and QALYs) lost and work/school absences among community cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI), ILI and influenza A and B and to estimate community burden of QALY loss and absences from influenza.

Patients/methods

Flu Watch was a community cohort in England from 2006 to 2011. Participants were followed up weekly. During respiratory illness, they prospectively recorded daily symptoms, work/school absences and EQ‐5D‐3L data and submitted nasal swabs for RT‐PCR influenza testing.

Results

Average QALD lost was 0.26, 0.93, 1.61 and 1.84 for ARI, ILI, H1N1pdm09 and influenza B cases, respectively. 40% of influenza A cases and 24% of influenza B cases took time off work/school with an average duration of 3.6 and 2.4 days, respectively. In England, community influenza cases lost 24 300 QALYs in 2010/11 and had an estimated 2.9 million absences per season based on data from 2006/07 to 2009/10.

Conclusions

Our QALDs and QALYs lost and work and school absence estimates are lower than previous estimates because we focus on community cases, most of which are mild, may not meet ILI definitions and do not result in healthcare consultations. Nevertheless, they contribute a substantial loss of HRQoL on a population level.
Burden of influenza among hospitalized febrile children in Ghana
Authors: Hogan Benedikt , Ammer Luise , Zimmermann Marlow , Binger Tabea , Krumkamp Ralf , Sarpong Nimako , Rettig Theresa , Dekker Denise , Kreuels Benno , Reigl Lisa , Boahen Kennedy G. , Wiafe Charity , Adu‐Sarkodie Yaw , Owusu‐Dabo Ellis , May Jürgen , Eibach Daniel
Published: October 2017

Background

Influenza surveillance data from Africa indicate a substantial disease burden with high mortality. However, local influenza data from district hospitals with limited laboratory facilities are still scarce.

Objectives

To identify the frequency and seasonal distribution of influenza among hospitalized febrile children in a rural hospital in Ghana and to describe differential diagnoses to other severe febrile infections.

Methods

Between January 2014 and April 2015, all children with a temperature of ≥38°C admitted to a district hospital in Ghana were screened for influenza A and B by RT‐PCR and differentiated to subtypes A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2). Malaria microscopy and blood cultures were performed for each patient.

Results

A total of 1063 children with a median age of 2 years (IQR: 1‐4 years) were recruited. Of those, 271 (21%) were classified as severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and 47 (4%) were positive for influenza, namely 26 (55%) influenza B, 15 (32%) A(H1N1)pdm09, and 6 (13%) A(H3N2) cases. Influenza predominantly occurred in children aged 3‐5 years and was more frequently detected in the major rainy season (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.47‐6.19) during the first half of the year. Two (4%) and seven (15%) influenza‐positive children were co‐diagnosed with an invasive bloodstream infection or malaria, respectively.

Conclusion

Influenza contributes substantially to the burden of hospitalized febrile children in Ghana being strongly dependent on age and corresponds with the major rainy season during the first half‐year.
Record linkage study of the pathogen‐specific burden of respiratory viruses in children
Authors: Lim Faye J. , Blyth Christopher C. , Fathima Parveen , de Klerk Nicholas , Moore Hannah C.
Published: October 2017

Background

Reliance on hospital discharge diagnosis codes alone will likely underestimate the burden of respiratory viruses.

Objectives

To describe the epidemiology of respiratory viruses more accurately, we used record linkage to examine data relating to all children hospitalized in Western Australia between 2000 and 2012.

Patients/Methods

We extracted hospital, infectious disease notification and laboratory data of a cohort of children born in Western Australia between 1996 and 2012. Laboratory records of respiratory specimens collected within 48 hours of admission were linked to hospitalization records. We calculated the frequency and rates of virus detection. To identify groups where under‐ascertainment for respiratory viruses was greatest, we used logistic regression to determine factors associated with failure to test.

Results and conclusions

Nine percentage of 484 992 admissions linked to a laboratory record for respiratory virus testing. While 62% (n = 26 893) of laboratory‐confirmed admissions received respiratory infection diagnosis codes, 38% (n = 16 734) had other diagnoses, notably viral infection of unspecified sites. Of those tested, incidence rates were highest for respiratory syncytial virus (247 per 100 000 child‐years) followed by parainfluenza (63 per 100 000 child‐years). Admissions among older children and those without a respiratory diagnosis were associated with failure to test for respiratory viruses. Linked data can significantly enhance diagnostic codes when estimating the true burden of disease. In contrast to current emphasis on influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza were the most common viral pathogens among hospitalized children. By characterizing those failing to be tested, we can begin to quantify the under‐ascertainment of respiratory viruses.
Pressure dependence of density and structural relaxation of glass near the glass transition region
Authors: Ding Linfeng , Buhre Stephan , Kunisch Clemens , Kaus Boris
Published: October 2017

A simplified and effective pressure cell together with an experimental procedure has been developed and applied to compress samples of SCHOTT N‐BK7® glass under static high pressures in a piston‐cylinder apparatus. Results from the density and volume recovery measurements show that, the glass samples were effectively densified in piston‐cylinder apparatus with the density at room temperature increasing linearly with frozen‐in pressure. To explain the experimental data, we developed a mathematical model based on a suggestion by Gupta (1988) with two internal parameters, named fictive temperature (Tf) and fictive pressure (Pf), which fits the experimental data well.
The oncogenic role of Epstein–Barr virus‐encoded microRNAs in Epstein–Barr virus‐associated gastric carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jinglin , Huang Tingting , Zhou Yuhang , Cheng Alfred S. L. , Yu Jun , To Ka Fai , Kang Wei
Published: October 2017

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is detected in various epithelial malignancies, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and gastric cancer (GC). EBV comprises some unique molecular features and encodes viral genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) by its own DNA sequence. EBV genes are required to maintain latency and contribute to oncogenic property. miRNAs encoded by EBV have been shown to contribute to initiation and progression of EBV‐related malignancies. By a number of genomic profiling studies, some EBV miRNAs were confirmed to be highly expressed in EBV‐associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) samples and cell lines. The majority host targets of the EBV miRNAs are important for promoting cell growth and inhibiting apoptosis, facilitating cell survival and immune evasion. However, the integrated molecular mechanisms related to EBV miRNAs remain to be investigated. In this review, we summarized the crucial role of EBV miRNAs in epithelial malignancies, especially in EBVaGC. Collectively, EBV miRNAs play a significant role in the viral and host gene regulation network. Understanding the comprehensive potential targets and relevant functions of EBV miRNAs in gastric carcinogenesis might provide better clinical translation.
Involvement of stanniocalcins in the deregulation of glycaemia in obese mice and type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: López José Javier , Jardín Isaac , Cantonero Chamorro Carlos , Duran Manuel Luis , Tarancón Rubio María José , Reyes Panadero Maria , Jiménez Francisca , Montero Rocio , González María José , Martínez Manuel , Hernández María Jose , Brull José María , Corbacho Antonio Jesús , Delgado Elena , Granados María Purificación , Gómez‐Gordo Luis , Rosado Juan Antonio , Redondo Pedro Cosme
Published: October 2017

Stanniocalcins are expressed in the pancreas tissue, and it was suggested a direct correlation between circulating insulin and STC2 concentrations in human. Here, we show a significant correlation between STC1 and both glycaemia and glycosylated haemoglobin among DM2 patients, while DM2 patients who present the greatest glycosylated haemoglobin values exhibited the lowest STC2 expression. However, treatment of patients with antiglycaemic drugs does not significantly modify the expression of both STCs. On the other hand, STC2‐/‐ mice that exhibited neonatal and adult overweight further presented deregulated glycaemia when they were feed with a hypercaloric diet (breeding pellet, BP). This alteration is more evident at the early stages of the animal life. Deregulated glycaemia in these mice was confirmed using glucose oral test. In addition, STC2‐/‐ mice present enhanced pancreas size; thus, the histological analysis reveals that WT mice respond to BP diet by increasing the size of the pancreatic islets through inducing cell division, and STC2‐/‐ mice lack this compensatory mechanism. Contrary, BP fed STC2‐/‐ mice show enhanced number of islets but of similar size than those fed with regular pellet. Histopathological analysis demonstrates tissue structure disruption and erythrocytes infiltrations in STC2‐/‐ mice, possibly due to the stress evoked by the BP diet. Finally, enhanced glucagon immunostaining was observed in the islet of STC2‐/‐ mice, and the glucagon ELISA assay confirmed the increase in the circulating glucagon. Summarizing, we present evidence of the role of STCs, mainly STC2, as a possible early marker during development of diabetes mellitus.
Multiple mechanisms of dimethyl fumarate in amyloid β‐induced neurotoxicity in human neuronal cells
Authors: Campolo Michela , Casili Giovanna , Lanza Marika , Filippone Alessia , Paterniti Irene , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Esposito Emanuela
Published: October 2017

Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by a complex heterogeneity of pathological changes, and any therapeutic approach categorically requires a multi‐targeted way. It has been demonstrated that together with the hallmarks of the disease such as neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques, oxidative and inflammatory stress covered an important role. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an orally bioavailable methyl ester of fumaric acid and activator of Nrf2 with potential neuroprotective and immunomodulating activities. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of DMF, compared with its active metabolite monomethyl fumarate (MMF) (both at 30 μM) in an in vitro Alzheimer's model using SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell lines stimulated with amyloid‐beta (Aβ). Moreover, the effect of DMF, compared with MMF, was evaluate by an ex vivo model using organotypic hippocampal slice cultures stimulated with Aβ1‐42 (1 μg/ml), to better understand its action in a pathological setting. In both models, DMF pre‐treatment (30 μM) preserved cellular viability from Aβ stimulation, reducing tau hyper‐phosphorylation, much more efficiently then MMF (30 μM). Moreover, DMF was able to induce an activation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and heme‐oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), decreasing the severity of oxidative stress. Our results showed important multi‐protective effects of DMF pre‐treatment from Aβ stimulation both in in vitro and ex vivo models, highlighting an Nrf2/NF‐κB‐dependent mechanism, which could provide a valuable support to the therapies for neurodegenerative diseases today.
Endocannabinoid‐related compounds in gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Pesce Marcella , D'Alessandro Alessandra , Borrelli Osvaldo , Gigli Stefano , Seguella Luisa , Cuomo Rosario , Esposito Giuseppe , Sarnelli Giovanni
Published: October 2017

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an endogenous signalling pathway involved in the control of several gastrointestinal (GI) functions at both peripheral and central levels. In recent years, it has become apparent that the ECS is pivotal in the regulation of GI motility, secretion and sensitivity, but endocannabinoids (ECs) are also involved in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and mucosal barrier permeability, suggesting their role in the pathophysiology of both functional and organic GI disorders. Genetic studies in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease have indeed shown significant associations with polymorphisms or mutation in genes encoding for cannabinoid receptor or enzyme responsible for their catabolism, respectively. Furthermore, ongoing clinical trials are testing EC agonists/antagonists in the achievement of symptomatic relief from a number of GI symptoms. Despite this evidence, there is a lack of supportive RCTs and relevant data in human beings, and hence, the possible therapeutic application of these compounds is raising ethical, political and economic concerns. More recently, the identification of several EC‐like compounds able to modulate ECS function without the typical central side effects of cannabino‐mimetics has paved the way for emerging peripherally acting drugs. This review summarizes the possible mechanisms linking the ECS to GI disorders and describes the most recent advances in the manipulation of the ECS in the treatment of GI diseases.
Managing acne in the Middle East: consensus recommendations
Authors: Gollnick H. , Abanmi A.A. , Al‐Enezi M. , Al Hammadi A. , Galadari I. , Kibbi A.‐G. , Zimmo S.
Published: October 2017

Acne has been estimated to affect the majority of people at some point in their life and is common in Middle Eastern countries. While acne is frequently perceived to be a self‐limited disease of adolescence, there is an increasing population of adults with acne. Information about the management of acne in the Middle East is somewhat sparse; however, several studies have recently been conducted and will be discussed in this supplement.
Psychometric validation of a new measurement instrument for time‐oriented patient information in electronic medical records: A questionnaire survey of physicians
Authors: Shibuya Akiko , Misawa Jimpei , Maeda Yukihiro , Ichikawa Rie , Kamata Michiyo , Inoue Ryusuke , Morimoto Tetsuji , Nakayama Masaharu , Hishiki Teruyoshi , Kondo Yoshiaki
Published: October 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Time is an important element in medical data. Physicians record and store information about patients' disease progress and treatment response in electronic medical records (EMRs). Because EMRs use timestamps, physicians can identify patterns over time regarding a patient's disease and treatment (eg, laboratory values and medications). However, analyses of physicians' use and satisfaction with EMRs have focused on functionality, storage, and system operation rather than the use of time‐oriented information. This study aimed to understand physicians' needs regarding time‐oriented patient information in EMRs in clinical practice.

Methods

The reliability and validity of the items in the questionnaire were evaluated in 87 physicians at a national university hospital. Internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach alpha coefficient, 0.87).

Results

Four dimensions were identified in exploratory factor analysis. Correlations between the 4 dimensions supported the construct validity of the items. Scores of time‐oriented patients' medical history in the 4 dimensions showed a significant association with physician age. Based on confirmatory factor analysis, associations were significant and positive (P < .001). In terms of the needs of physicians regarding time‐oriented patient information in EMRs, both time‐oriented treatment results followed by time‐oriented team information had significant positive associations.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that 4 specific time‐oriented patient information factors in EMRs are needed by physicians. Exploring physicians' needs regarding patient‐specific time‐oriented information may provide a better understanding of the barriers facing the adoption and use of EMRs (eg, decision‐making and practice safety concerns) and lead to better acceptance of EMRs in physicians' clinical practices.
Population panmixia and demographic expansion of a highly piscivorous marine fish Scomberomorus niphonius
Authors: Kitada S. , Nakajima K. , Hamasaki K.
Published: October 2017

Population structure and demographic history of the Japanese Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus niphonius a highly piscivorous and migratory marine fish, were assessed using mitochondrial DNA control region sequences (n = 720) and microsatellite genotypes at five loci (n = 1331) for samples collected on Japanese coasts from 2001 to 2010. The population structure was panmictic and the haplotype and allele frequencies were temporally stable even during the recent recovery process. Demographic expansion was strongly supported throughout the Pleistocene, suggesting that the oscillating glacial and interglacial climate conditions in the Pleistocene had no substantial impact on the demographic history of S. niphonius.
Waist‐to‐calf circumstance ratio is an independent predictor of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Choe Eun Yeong , Lee Yong‐ho , Choi Young Ju , Huh Byung Wook , Lee Byung‐Wan , Kim Soo‐Kyung , Kang Eun Seok , Cha Bong‐Soo , Lee Eun Jig , Huh Kap Bum , Younossi Zobair M
Published: October 2017

Background and Aim

Although a combination of central obesity and decreased skeletal muscle mass has been associated with various cardiometabolic disorders, its influence on the presence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is unclear. We investigated whether waist‐to‐calf circumference ratio (WCR) predicts NAFLD or hepatic fibrosis in T2D.

Methods

Patients with T2D (n = 5507) were enrolled in this study. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasound and predicting score. NAFLD was defined as ‘hepatic steatosis absent other causes of chronic liver disease,’ such as virus or alcoholism. Degree of hepatic fibrosis was calculated using non‐invasive serum biomarker‐based models. Insulin resistance was assessed by short insulin tolerance test.

Results

The prevalence of NAFLD and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, Asian definition) were 46.4% and 38.9%, respectively. NAFLD prevalence was higher with increasing WCR tertiles: lowest tertile (36% in men, 28% in women) versus highest tertile (53.8% in men, 58.2% in women, both P < 0.001 after stratification by insulin resistance status. Increasing WCR tertiles were independently associated with presence of NAFLD: odds ratio (OR) = 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22–1.68 and OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.31–1.86, in the middle and highest tertiles, respectively. Furthermore, patients with NAFLD and the highest WCR tertile had significant fibrosis (OR = 8.62, 95% CI = 1.39–53.36, P = 0.021). Also, WCR was correlated with risk of sarcopenia (OR = 3.18, 95% CI = 2.50–4.05, P < 0.001, highest tertile).

Conclusions

Higher WCR is associated with increased risk of NAFLD and hepatic fibrosis independent of insulin resistance. This suggests that WCR may be a useful index to predict high risk of hepatic steatosis in T2D.
Japanese Outreach Model Project for patients who have difficulty maintaining contact with mental health services: Comparison of care between higher‐functioning and lower‐functioning groups
Authors: Tsunoda Aki , Kido Yoshifumi , Kayama Mami
Published: October 2017

Aim

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare sponsored the current examination of a new community mental health service, the Japan Outreach Model Project (JOMP), for persons with mental illnesses and who find it difficult to continue with ongoing treatment. Shorter readmission rates and hospital stays were found. In this study, the amount and type of care that were delivered by the JOMP were examined in order to inform the process of establishing the public insurance system.

Methods

The data were collected from 32 JOMP outreach teams from 21 prefectures in Japan that agreed to participate; 415 patients were included in the analysis. The clients’ characteristics, social functions, problematic behavior score, and the amount and type of care that were delivered were examined.

Results

Higher amounts of care were delivered in the first month, compared to the remaining months, and the care was relatively stable from months 2–5. This suggests that consistently high care was needed for the JOMP clients who found it difficult to maintain contact with mental health services. Those clients with an increased overall global assessment functioning score at 6 months (n = 151) had received significantly more care than those whose functioning had decreased or remained stable (n = 150). The types of increased care that were provided to the higher functioning group were: “assistance with daily living tasks,” “medical support for psychiatric symptoms,” “empowering the client,” “communication and coordination,” “support for physical health,” and “vocational and educational support.”

Conclusion

The type and amount of care can positively influence good functional outcomes for those in the community who find it difficult to maintain contact with mental health services.
High‐pressure metamorphic evolution of eclogite and associated metapelite from the Chuacús complex (Guatemala Suture Zone): Constraints from phase equilibria modelling coupled with Lu‐Hf and U‐Pb geochronology
Authors: Maldonado Roberto , Weber Bodo , Ortega‐Gutiérrez Fernando , Solari Luigi A.
Published: October 2017

As is common in suture zones, widespread high‐pressure rocks in the Caribbean region reached eclogite facies conditions close to ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphism. Besides eclogite lenses, abundant metapelitic rocks in the Chuacús complex (Guatemala Suture Zone) also preserve evidence for high‐pressure metamorphism. A comprehensive petrological and geochronological study was undertaken to constrain the tectonometamorphic evolution of eclogite and associated metapelite from this area in central Guatemala. The integration of field and petrological data allows the reconstruction of a previously unknown segment of the progradeP–Tpath and shows that these contrasting rock types share a common high‐pressure evolution. An early stage of high‐pressure/low‐temperature metamorphism at 18–20 kbar and 530–580°C is indicated by garnet core compositions as well as the nature and composition of mineral inclusions in garnet, including kyanite–jadeite–paragonite in an eclogite, and chloritoid–paragonite–rutile in a pelitic schist. Peak high‐pressure conditions are constrained at 23–25 kbar and 620–690°C by combining mineral assemblages, isopleth thermobarometry and Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry. A garnet/whole‐rock Lu‐Hf date of 101.8 ± 3.1 Ma in the kyanite‐bearing eclogite indicates the timing of final garnet growth at eclogite facies conditions, while a Lu‐Hf date of 95.5 ± 2.1 Ma in the pelitic schist reflects the average age of garnet growth spanning from an early eclogite facies evolution to a final amphibolite facies stage. Concordant U‐PbLA‐ICP‐MSzircon data from the pelitic schist, in contrast, yield a mean age of 74.0 ± 0.5 Ma, which is equivalent to a U‐Pb monazite lower‐intercept age of 73.6 ± 2.0 Ma in the same sample, and comparable within errors with a less precise U‐Pb lower‐intercept age of 80 ± 13 Ma obtained in post‐eclogitic titanite from the kyanite‐bearing eclogite. These U‐Pb metamorphic ages are interpreted as dating an amphibolite facies overprint. Protolith U‐Pb zircon ages of 167.1 ± 4.2 Ma and 424.6 ± 5.0 Ma from two eclogite samples reveal that mafic precursors in the Chuacús complex originated in multiple tectonotemporal settings from the Silurian to Jurassic. The integration of petrological and geochronological data suggests that subduction of the continental margin of the North American plate (Chuacús complex) beneath the Greater Antilles arc occurred during an Albian‐Cenomanian pre‐collisional stage, and that a subsequent Campanian collisional stage is probably responsible of the amphibolite facies overprint and late syncollisional exhumation.
EBSD investigation of Al/(Al13Fe4+Al2O3) nanocomposites fabricated by mechanical milling and friction stir processing
Authors: AZIMI‐ROEEN GHASEM , KASHANI‐BOZORG SEYED FARSHID , NOSKO MARTIN , OROVCIK LUBOMIR
Published: October 2017

The application of ball‐milling for reactant powders (Fe2O3+Al) to form in situ nanosized reaction products in the stir zone of 1050 aluminium alloy was examined and the evolution of microstructure, grain boundaries and microtexture of the fabricated Al/(Al13Fe4+Al2O3) nanocomposite was investigated. The mean matrix grain size of the fabricated nanocomposites by the combination of ball milling and friction stir processing were found to be ∼3.2, 3.1 and 2.1 μm for 1, 2 and 3 h milled powder mixtures, respectively. The fraction of high‐angle grain boundaries increased markedly in the stir zone indicating the occurrence of dynamic restoration of the aluminium matrix. This was also associated with increasing of the fraction of low ∑CSL boundaries. In addition, the fraction of high‐angle grain boundaries increased as the reaction product increased. The developed textures were compared with the most important deformation and recrystallisation texture components of cubic close packed structure. Some of the main texture components formed due to the restoration of aluminium in the stir zone of the material with no powder addition were CubeND {001}<310>, BR {236}<385> and R (or retained S{123} <634>); these are usually found in the rolled materials. However, the presence of nanosized reaction products in the fabricated nanocomposite changed the texture components to the dominant Goss {011}<100>, P {011}<122> and R{124}<211> textures.