bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Video-based motion-resilient reconstruction of 3D position for fNIRS and EEG head mounted probes
Authors: Jaffe-Dax Sagi , Bermano Amit H. , Erel Yotam , Emberson Lauren L.
Published: May 2019

Significance

We propose a novel video-based, motion-resilient, and fast method for estimating the position of optodes on the scalp.

Aim

Measuring the exact placement of probes (e.g., electrodes, optodes) on a participant’s head is a notoriously difficult step in acquiring neuroimaging data from methods which rely on scalp recordings (e.g., EEG and fNIRS), and is particularly difficult for any clinical or developmental population. Existing methods of head measurements require the participant to remain still for a lengthy period of time, are laborious, and require extensive training. Therefore, a fast and motion-resilient method is required for estimating the scalp location of probes.

Approach

We propose an innovative video-based method for estimating the probes’ positions relative to the participant’s head, which is fast, motion-resilient, and automatic. Our method builds on capitalizing the advantages, and understanding the limitations, of cutting-edge computer vision and machine learning tool. We validate our method on 10 adult subjects and provide proof of feasibility with infant subjects.

Results

We show that our method is both reliable and valid compared to existing state-of-the-art methods by estimating probe positions in a single measurement, and by tracking their translation and consistency across sessions. Finally, we show that our automatic method is able to estimate the position of probes on an infant head without lengthy offline procedures, a task which is considered challenging until now.

Conclusions

Our proposed method allows, for the first time, the use of automated spatial co-registration methods on developmental and clinical populations, where lengthy, motion-sensitive measurement methods routinely fail.
The metabolic response ofPseudomonas taiwanensisto NADH dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Nies Salome C. , Dinger Robert , Chen Yan , Wordofa Gossa G. , Kristensen Mette , Schneider Konstantin , Büchs Jochen , Petzold Christopher J. , Keasling Jay D. , Blank Lars M. , Ebert Birgitta E.
Published: May 2019

Obligate aerobic organisms rely on a functional electron transport chain for energy generation and NADH oxidation. Because of this essential requirement, the genes of this pathway are likely constitutively and highly expressed to avoid a cofactor imbalance and energy shortage under fluctuating environmental conditions.

We here investigated the essentiality of the three NADH dehydrogenases of the respiratory chain of the obligate aerobePseudomonas taiwanensisVLB120 and the impact of the knockouts of corresponding genes on its physiology and metabolism. While a mutant lacking all three NADH dehydrogenases seemed to be nonviable, the generated single or double knockout strains displayed none or only a marginal phenotype. Only the mutant deficient in both type 2 dehydrogenases showed a clear phenotype with biphasic growth behavior and strongly reduced growth rate in the second phase. In-depth analyses of the metabolism of the generated mutants including quantitative physiological experiments, transcript analysis, proteomics and enzyme activity assays revealed distinct responses to type II and type I dehydrogenase deletions. An overall high metabolic flexibility enablesP. taiwanensisto cope with the introduced genetic perturbations and maintain stable phenotypes by rerouting of metabolic fluxes.

This metabolic adaptability has implications for biotechnological applications. While the phenotypic robustness is favorable in large-scale applications with inhomogeneous conditions, versatile redirecting of carbon fluxes upon genetic interventions can frustrate metabolic engineering efforts.

Importance

WhilePseudomonashas the capability for high metabolic activity and the provision of reduced redox cofactors important for biocatalytic applications, exploitation of this characteristic might be hindered by high, constitutive activity of and consequently competition with the NADH dehydrogenases of the respiratory chain. The in-depth analysis of NADH dehydrogenase mutants ofPseudomonas taiwanensisVLB120 presented here, provides insight into the phenotypic and metabolic response of this strain to these redox metabolism perturbations. The observed great metabolic flexibility needs to be taken into account for rational engineering of this promising biotechnological workhorse towards a host with controlled and efficient supply of redox cofactors for product synthesis.
An astrocytic basis of caloric restriction action on the brain plasticity
Authors: Plata Alex , Popov Alexander , Denisov Pavel , Bychkov Maxim , Brazhe Alexey , Lyukmanova Ekaterina , Lazareva Natalia , Verkhratsky Alexei , Semyanov Alexey
Published: May 2019

One month of calorically restricted diet (CR) induced morphological plasticity of astrocytes in the stratum (str.) radiatum of hippocampal CA1 in three-months old mice: the volume fraction of distal perisynaptic astrocytic processes increased whereas the number of gap-junction coupled astrocytes decreased. The uncoupling was not associated with a decrease in the expression of connexin 43. Uncoupling and morphological remodeling affected spontaneous Ca2+ activity in the astrocytic network: Ca2+ events became longer, whereas their spread was reduced. The change in the pattern of astrocytic Ca2+ activity may increase the spatial resolution of the information encoding in the astroglial network. Consistent with expanded synaptic enwrapping by the astroglial processes, the spillover of synaptically released K+ and glutamate was diminished after CR. However, no significant changes in the expression of astrocytic glutamate transporter (GLT-1/EAAT2) were observed, although the level of glutamine synthetase was decreased. Glutamate uptake is known to regulate the synaptic plasticity. Indeed, the magnitude of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the glutamatergic CA3-CA1 synapses was significantly enhanced after CR. Our findings highlight an astroglial basis for improved learning and memory reported in various species subjected to CR.
MobiLab – A Mobile Laboratory for On-Site Listening Experiments in Virtual Acoustic Environments
Authors: Pausch Florian , Fels Janina
Published: May 2019

Research in the last decades has pointed out negative effects of noise on cognitive processing and general health. Depending on the frequency and level of exposure as well as individual shielding potential, risk groups like children or elderly people may be particularly vulnerable to commonly known consequences including a reduced attention span, influencing the learning success during education, increased blood pressure and cardiovascular problems or sleep disturbances. To better understand the susceptibility to noise, specifically designed listening experiments in controlled laboratory environments are indispensable but might put high demands on older study participants whose travel expenses to test locations could increase due to reduced mobility. For children, organizational issues like insured transport and supervision during waiting periods, necessitating additional resources, need to be resolved. In order to facilitate practical and efficient study execution, we therefore implemented a mobile hearing laboratory by acoustically optimizing the interior of a caravan. All necessary technical facilities were integrated to perform listening experiments in virtual acoustic environments under controlled conditions directly on site, for example, in front of schools or senior residential centers. The design and construction of this laboratory are presented here and evaluated through acoustic measurements.
Checkpoint signaling and error correction require regulation of the MPS1 T-loop by PP2A-B56
Authors: Hayward Daniel , Bancroft James , Mangat Davinderpreet , Alfonso-Pérez Tatiana , Dugdale Sholto , McCarthy Julia , Barr Francis A. , Gruneberg Ulrike
Published: May 2019

During mitosis, the formation of microtubule-kinetochore attachments is monitored by the serine/threonine kinase Mono-Polar Spindle 1 (MPS1). MPS1 is recruited to unattached kinetochores where it phosphorylates KNL1, BUB1 and MAD1 to initiate the spindle checkpoint. This arrests the cell cycle until all kinetochores have been stably captured by microtubules. MPS1 also contributes to the error correction process rectifying incorrect kinetochore attachments. MPS1 activity at kinetochores requires auto-phosphorylation at multiple sites including T676 in the activation segment or “T-loop”. We now demonstrate that a BUBR1-bound pool of PP2A-B56 regulates MPS1 T-loop autophosphorylation and hence activation status in mammalian cells. Overriding this regulation using phospho-mimetic mutations in the MPS1 T-loop to generate a constitutively active kinase results in a prolonged mitotic arrest with continuous turn-over of microtubule-kinetochore attachments. Dynamic regulation of MPS1 catalytic activity by kinetochore-localized PP2A-B56 is thus critical for controlled MPS1 activity and timely cell cycle progression.
Verify Hub Genes of expression profile in aortic dissection
Authors: Wang Weitie , Liu Qing , Wang Yong , Piao Hulin , Li Bo , Zhu Zhicheng , Li Dan , Wang Tiance , Xu Rihao , Liu Kexiang
Published: May 2019

Background

To assess the mRNAs expression profile and explore the hub mRNAs and potential molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of human thoracic aortic dissection (TAD). Methodology: mRNA microarray expression signatures of TAD tissues (n=6) and no TAD tissues (NT;n=6) were analyzed by Arraystar human mRNAs microarray. Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to validate the result of mRNAs microarray. Bioinformatic tools including gene ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were utilized. The protein-protein interaction networks were constructed based on data from the STRING database. Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) and cytohubba analysis were used to infer the most hug gene and pathways. Results: The top 10 hub genes CDK1, CDC20, CCNB2, CCNB1, MAD2L1, AURKA, C3AR1, NCAPG,CXCL12 and ASPM were identified from the PPI network. Module analysis revealed that TAD was associated with cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, p53 signaling pathway, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation. The qRT-PCR result showed that the expression of all hug genes was significantly increased in TAD samples (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These candidate genes could be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of TAD.

Author summary

Many basic characteristics underlying the establishment of aortic dissection have not been studied in detail. The presented work sought to understand the pathogenesis of human thoracic aortic dissection by employing bioinformatic tools to explore the hub mRNAs and potential molecular mechanisms of thoracic aortic dissection. Many pathway were thought to have relevant with this disease, but the most important pathway was not define. We used bio-mathematical analysis to explore the potential functions in thoracic aortic dissection and identified the hub genes and explored the intrinsic molecular mechanisms involved in thoracic aortic dissection between two microarray analysis. Finally, we indentified the cell cycle maybe the key pathway in thoracic aortic dissection.
Effect of replacing nanofluid instead of water on heat transfer in a channel with extended surfaces under a magnetic field
Authors: Aghakhani Saeed , Ghasemi Behzad , Hajatzadeh Pordanjani Ahmad , Wongwises Somchai , Afrand Masoud
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct a numerical analysis of flow and heat transfer of water–aluminum oxide nanofluid in a channel with extended surfaces in the presence of a constant magnetic field. The channel consists of two parallel plates and five obstacles of constant temperature on the lower wall of the channel. The upper wall and the inlet and outlet lengths of the lower wall are insulated. A uniform magnetic field of the magnitude B0 is located beneath the obstacles. The nanofluid enters the channel with a uniform velocity and temperature, and a fully developed flow leaves the channel.

Design/methodology/approach

The control volume-based finite difference and the SIMPLE algorithm were used for numerical solution. In addition to examining the effect of the Reynolds number, the effects of Hartman number, the volume fraction of nanoparticles, the height of obstacles, the length of obstacles and the distance between the obstacles were investigated.

Findings

According to the results, the heat transfer rate increases with an increasing Reynolds number. As the Hartmann number increases, the heat transfer rate increases. The heat transfer rate also increases with an increase in the volume fraction of nanoparticles. The mean Nusselt number is reduced by an increasing height of obstacles. An increase in the distance between the obstacles in the presence of a magnetic field does not have a significant impact on the heat transfer rate. However, the heat transfer rate increases in the absence of a magnetic field, as the distance between the obstacles increases.

Originality/value

This paper is original and unpublished and is not being considered for publication elsewhere.
An adaptive inner iterative pressure-based algorithm for steady and unsteady incompressible flows
Authors: Wang Jin-Ping , Zhang Jian-Fei , Qu Zhi-Guo , Tao Wen-Quan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Pressure-based methods have been demonstrated to be powerful for solving many practical problems in engineering. In many pressure-based methods, inner iterative processes are proposed to get efficient solutions. However, the number of inner iterations is set empirically and kept fixed during the whole computation for different problems, which is overestimated in some computations but underestimated in other computations. This paper aims to develop an algorithm with adaptive inner iteration processes for steady and unsteady incompressible flows.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, with the use of two different criteria in two inner iterative processes, a mechanism is proposed to control inner iteration processes to make the number of inner iterations vary during computing according to different problems. By doing so, adaptive inner iteration processes can be achieved.

Findings

The adaptive inner iterative algorithm is verified to be valid by solving classic steady and unsteady incompressible problems. Results show that the adaptive inner iteration algorithm works more efficient than the fixed inner iteration one.

Originality/value

The algorithm with adaptive inner iteration processes is first proposed in this paper. As the mechanism for controlling inner iteration processes is based on physical meaning and the feature of iterative calculations, it can be used in any methods where there exist inner iteration processes. It is not limited for incompressible flows. The performance of the adaptive inner iteration processes in compressible flows is conducted in a further study.
Patrons’ behaviours towards Malaysian slimming centres: paradigm of marketing mixes
Authors: Hassan Hasliza , Sade Abu Bakar , Rahman Muhammad Sabbir
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Slimming centres have become a hot spot for people to reduce their size and reshape their body figure through the sophisticated and modern treatments that are provided by the therapists. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of price, place and promotion on the behavioural intention to consume the slimming treatments.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a cross-sectional study in which 308 primary data were collected for descriptive analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The data were collected through a survey questionnaire that was distributed to respondents who have experience in consuming slimming treatment at a slimming centre.

Findings

The majority of slimming centre consumers are working women aged 25 and above from urban areas. As an attraction, the pricing strategy is a very important influence on consumers to consume the slimming treatment at slimming centres. Although the main target market for slimming centres is career women who are earning an above average income, an excessively high price might weaken the behavioural intention of the consumer to consume the service since Malaysian women are very price conscious. The findings also indicate that there is a significant correlation relationship between price and promotion as well as place and promotion.

Originality/value

This research is expected to contribute in terms of providing more knowledge about this industry, since there are still limited findings pertaining to slimming centres, especially in the Malaysian market.
Data-based decision making in primary schools in Ethiopia
Authors: Yibrie Ahmed Ahmed
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The Ethiopian educational system has witnessed considerable structural and curricular changes aimed to address access, equity and relevance. At the same time, there are serious concerns about educational quality as a consequence of these changes. Data use can be an important approach for changing the planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of activities having the purpose of improving teaching and learning. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to investigate data use in primary education in Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed methods approach, surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from a cluster random sample of eight primary schools representing four different levels of effectiveness in implementing a mandated school improvement program in Ethiopia.

Findings

The availability of wider ranges of input, process, outcome and context dataper sedoes not ensure actual use. A complex combination of data, user and organizational factors influences data use in schools, with organizational factors appearing to be most influential. Unrealistic accountability pressures and lack of targeted supervision support seemed to cause unintended data use, such as abuse of data.

Practical implications

Schools need more systematic professional development in data use, with explicit attention to school leadership. Moreover, it is important to make educational inspection processes more responsive to the demands of the school improvement process by adding aspects of the school improvement tradition, such as data-based decision making.

Originality/value

This study contributes to understanding of the nature, characteristics and processes of data use in a developing country context, in which competing accountability mandates often shape policy and practice.
Reflections on the theme issue outcomes
Authors: Jayawardena Chandana (Chandi) , Teare Richard
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to profile the Worldwide hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) issue “What are the key innovative strategies needed for future tourism in the world?”, with reference to the experiences of the theme editor and writing team.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editor to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.

Findings

This paper provides a framework to facilitate discussions between international scholars in hospitality and tourism to re-define a buzzword. For this theme issue, the buzzword was “innovation”. Summaries of 13 papers written on innovative strategies in hospitality and tourism around the world were then analysed to fine-tune the definition.

Practical implications

The theme issue outcomes provide lines of enquiry for others to explore and reinforce the value of WHATT’s approach to collaborative research and writing.

Originality/value

The collaborative work reported in this theme issue offers a unified but contrarian response to the theme’s strategic question. Taken together, the collection of articles provides a detailed picture of the key innovative strategies needed for future tourism.
An innovative solution to leverage meaningful work to attract, retain and manage Generation Y employees in Singapore’s hotel industry
Authors: Tan Kim-Lim , Lew Tek-Yew , Sim Adriel K.S.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to identify a possible solution as to how meaningful work could be considered as a lever in attracting and retaining Generation Y (Gen-Y) employees to work in the Singapore hotel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on the perspectives of earlier conceptual papers by Chacko et al. (2012) and Solnet and Hood (2008) in an effort to identify root causes and a possible solution. The context of Singapore and the international literature are also reviewed to establish theoretical and practical gaps that need to be filled.

Findings

The results from this study can be used as a guide to enable hotels to improve the attraction, retention and management of Gen-Y employees. This is crucial in hotels where many properties are facing challenges in attracting and retaining hotel employee talent.

Originality/value

The paper provides a fresh examination of the characteristics and behaviours of Gen-Y employees, as well as suggests an improved organizational approach to attraction and retention. This methodology includes an element of positive psychology, in the form and experience of meaningful work.
What are the key challenges faced by the Malaysian hospitality and tourism industry in the context of industrial revolution 4.0?
Authors: Balasubramanian Kandappan , Ragavan Neethiahnanthan Ari
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Globally, the hospitality industry has entered a new era of growth and transformation due to the Industrial revolution 4.0 and generational change among the consumers. The Malaysian hospitality industry is facing some issues and challenges due to this shift in the global economy, game-changing service innovation, increasing alternative service providers and the disruption of technology. The study aims to identify the issues faced by industry experts and to provide some practical solutions for industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies the key issues and challenges faced by the hospitality industry by using an open-ended question-based approach among senior industry practitioners and the management representative of the Malaysian Association of Hotels.

Findings

A number of innovative recommendations are offered from an industry perspective (including best practices and benchmarking) that if adopted would be beneficial to all stakeholders and encourage tourists to embrace the Malaysian hospitality industry.

Originality/value

The paper underscores issues and challenges stemming from rapid tourism growth and some operational issues relating to hospitality development. The paper also identifies some recent innovations that hoteliers could implement in their respective hotels.
Maternal near‐miss and death among women with rupture of the gravid uterus: a secondary analysis of the Nigeria Near‐miss and Maternal Death Survey
Authors: Etuk SJ , Abasiattai AM , Ande AB , Omo‐Aghoja L , Bariweni AC , Abeshi SE , Enaruna NO , Oladapo OT
Published: May 2019

Objective

To investigate the burden of maternal near‐miss and death due to rupture of the gravid uterus, the indicators of quality of care, and avoidable factors associated with care deficiencies for ruptured uterus in Nigerian tertiary hospitals.

Design

Secondary analysis of a nationwide cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Forty‐two tertiary hospitals.

Population

Women admitted for pregnancy, childbirth or puerperal complications.

Methods

Cases of severe maternal outcome [SMO: maternal near‐miss (MNM) or maternal death (MD)] following uterine rupture were prospectively identified over 1 year.

Main outcome measures

Incidence of SMO, indicators of quality of care, and avoidable factors associated with deficiencies in care.

Results

There were 91 724 live births and 3285 women with SMO during the study period. SMO due to uterine rupture occurred in 392 women: 305 MNM and 87 MD. Uterine rupture accounted for 11.9, 13.3, and 8.7% of all SMO, MNM, and MD, respectively. SMO, MNM, and intra‐hospital maternal mortality ratios due to uterine rupture were 4.3/1000 live births, 3.3/1000 live births, and 94.8/100 000 live births, respectively. Mortality index (% of MD/SMO) was 22.2%, and MNM:MD ratio was 3.5. Avoidable factors contributing to deaths were related to patient‐orientated problems, especially late hospital presentation and lack of insurance to cover life‐saving interventions. Medical personnel problems contributed to care deficiencies in one‐third of women who died.

Conclusion

Uterine rupture significantly contributes to SMO in Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Strategies to improve maternal survival should address avoidable institutional factors and include community‐based interventions to encourage skilled attendance at birth and early referral of complications.

Tweetable abstract

Uterine rupture remains an important cause of maternal death in Nigerian tertiary hospitals.
Two cases with autoantibodies to small ubiquitin‐like modifier activating enzyme: A potential unique subset of dermatomyositis‐associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Gono Takahisa , Tanino Yoshinori , Nishikawa Ayumi , Kawamata Takaya , Hirai Kenichiro , Okazaki Yuka , Shibata Yoko , Kuwana Masataka
Published: May 2019

The presence of anti‐aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (ARS) or anti‐melanoma differential‐associated gene 5 (MDA5) is strongly related to interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with dermatomyositis (DM). Several studies suggest a potential relationship between ILD and anti‐small ubiquitin‐like modifier activating enzyme (SAE) antibody in DM patients, but detailed clinical characteristics of anti‐SAE‐associated ILD still remain unknown. We have experienced 2 cases who were positive for anti‐SAE antibody, who presented with ILD in the context of clinically amyopathic DM. These 2 patients had the following common ILD characteristics: an insidious course with preserved pulmonary function; a limited extent of pulmonary lesions with subpleural peripheral‐dominant small ground glass opacity/consolidation on high‐resolution computed tomography; and a favorable treatment response. These findings suggest that anti‐SAE‐associated ILD is unique in terms of clinical and imaging features and differs from ILD associated with anti‐ARS or anti‐MDA5 antibody.
Factors associated with dental service use of older Korean Americans
Authors: Jang Yuri , Yoon Hyunwoo , Rhee Min‐Kyoung , Park Nan Sook , Chiriboga David A. , Kim Miyong T.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Based on Andersen's healthcare utilization model, the present study examined factors associated with dental service use in older Korean Americans. Focus was on predisposing characteristics (age, gender, marital status, education and region), oral health needs (problems with teeth or gums and self‐rated oral health) and enabling factors (dental health insurance, length of stay in the United States, acculturation and family network).

Methods

Using data from surveys with Korean Americans aged 60 or older (N = 2128), a Poisson regression model examined predictors of dental visit in the past 12 months.

Findings

More than 21% of the sample reported having a problem with teeth or gums, and over half rated their oral health as either fair or poor. Approximately 71% lacked dental health insurance. The number of dental visits in the past 12 months averaged 1.40 (SD = 1.74), with about 38% having no dental visits at all. Multivariate analyses showed that higher levels of education, the presence of a problem with teeth or gums, dental health insurance coverage, longer length of stay in the United States, and larger family networks were associated with 1.01‐1.35 times higher number of dental visits.

Conclusion

The findings not only confirmed the critical role of dental health insurance as a service enabler but also highlighted the importance of considering older ethnic immigrants’ oral health and dental care from the perspectives of culture and family.
Socio‐economic, demographic, and clinical correlates of poor glycaemic control within insulin regimens among children with Type 1 diabetes: the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study
Authors: Snyder L. L. , Stafford J. M. , Dabelea D. , Divers J. , Imperatore G. , Law J. , Lawrence J. M. , Pihoker C. , Mayer‐Davis E. J.
Published: May 2019

Aim

To examine the distribution and association of sociodemographic, adherence, and barriers‐to‐care factors in relation to glycaemic control within insulin regimens in US children with Type 1 diabetes in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study.

Methods

Self‐ or parent‐reported data from 1095 children with Type 1 diabetes aged 10–17 years were collected on insulin regimen, sociodemographics, diabetes self‐management, diabetes‐related family conflict and barriers to care. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified poor glycaemic control correlates within each insulin regimen.

Results

Participants included 694 children on insulin pump therapy, 188 receiving basal–bolus injections, and 213 on a mixed insulin regimen. Of these, 28.5%, 45.2% and 51.2%, respectively, had poor glycaemic control [HbA1c ≥ 80 mmol/mol (9.5%)]. Family conflict between parent and child regarding diabetes management was the only factor significantly associated with poor glycaemic control in all insulin regimens (insulin pump, P≤ 0.0001; basal–bolus injections, P=0.0002; mixed insulin regimen, P=0.0103). For children on insulin pump, poor control was significantly associated with non‐white race (P=0.0008), living in multiple households (P=0.0331), having Medicaid insurance (P=0.0090), and decreased insulin adherence (P<0.0001). For children on a mixed insulin regimen, living in multiple households (P=0.0256) and not spending enough time with healthcare provider (P=0.0058) correlated with poor control.

Conclusions

A high percentage of US children with Type 1 diabetes had poor glycaemic control, especially those not using an insulin pump. Early identification of children with risk factors associated with poor glycaemic control within insulin regimens and addressing diabetes‐related family conflict may allow interventions to improve diabetes management.
Evidence and potential mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tian Jiaxing , Jin De , Bao Qi , Ding Qiyou , Zhang Haiyu , Gao Zezheng , Song Juexian , Lian Fengmei , Tong Xiaolin
Published: May 2019

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has recorded knowledge of diabetes for over 2000 years. Because a considerable number of TCM studies exhibit design defects, such as limited intervention duration, small sample sizes and inconsistent efficacy evaluations, the role of TCM in the treatment of diabetes cannot be fully elucidated. In this review, we evaluate randomized controlled trials of prediabetes, diabetes and diabetic complications published in the past decade. We found that TCM could significantly improve glucose control and clinical indices in patients with diabetes and effectively delay the progression of diabetes. We also summarize potential pharmacological mechanisms underlying the efficacy of TCM medication/herbs and their active ingredients for treating diabetes. More rigorously designed experiments and long‐term evaluation of TCM for diabetes will allow for more effective diabetes management.
Effects of climate change and horticultural use on the spread of naturalized alien garden plants in Europe
Authors: Klonner Günther , Wessely Johannes , Gattringer Andreas , Moser Dietmar , Dullinger Iwona , Hülber Karl , Rumpf Sabine B. , Block Svenja , Bossdorf Oliver , Carboni Marta , Conti Luisa , Dawson Wayne , Haeuser Emily , Hermy Martin , Münkemüller Tamara , Parepa Madalin , Thuiller Wilfried , Van der Veken Sebastiaan , Verheyen Kris , van Kleunen Mark , Essl Franz , Dullinger Stefan
Published: May 2019

Climate warming is supposed to enlarge the area climatically suitable to the naturalization of alien garden plants in temperate regions. However, the effects of a changing climate on the spread of naturalized ornamentals have not been evaluated by spatially and temporarily explicit range modelling at larger scales so far. Here, we assess how climate change and the frequency of cultivation interactively determine the spread of 15 ornamental plants over the 21st century in Europe. We coupled species distribution modelling with simulations of demography and dispersal to predict range dynamics of these species in annual steps across a 250 × 250 m raster of the study area. Models were run under four scenarios of climate warming and six levels of cultivation intensity. Cultivation frequency was implemented as size of the area used for planting a species. Although the area climatically suitable to the 15 species increases, on average, the area predicted to be occupied by them in 2090 shrinks under two of the three climate change scenarios. This contradiction obviously arises from dispersal limitations that were pronounced although we assumed that cultivation is spatially adapting to the changing climate. Cultivation frequency had a much stronger effect on species spread than climate change, and this effect was non‐linear. The area occupied increased sharply from low to moderate levels of cultivation intensity, but levelled off afterwards. Our simulations suggest that climate warming will not necessarily foster the spread of alien garden plants in Europe over the next decades. However, climatically suitable areas do increase and hence an invasion debt is likely accumulating. Restricting cultivation of species can be effective in preventing species spread, irrespective of how the climate develops. However, for being successful, they depend on high levels of compliance to keep propagule pressure at a low level.
Manual fish length measurement accuracy for adult river fish using an acoustic camera (DIDSON)
Authors: Daroux Aurélie , Martignac François , Nevoux Marie , Baglinière Jean L. , Ombredane Dominique , Guillard Jean
Published: May 2019

Total lengths (LT) of 50 free‐swimming fish in a tank, silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, were measured using a DIDSON (Dual‐frequency IDentification SONar) camera. Using Sound Metrics software, multiple measurements of each fish (LT, side aspect angle and distance from the camera) at different times were analysed by two experienced operators while a subset of data was analysed by two inexperienced operators. The main result showed high variability in intra‐fish LT measurements. The number of measurements required to minimise errors and to obtain robust fish measurements (true LT ± 3 cm) was estimated by a bootstrap method. Three to five measurements per fish were recommended for fish surveys in rivers. In this experimental study, aiming to reproduce river conditions, no evidence of fish position (side aspect angle and distance from the camera) effect was detected, but an operator effect (partially explained by training) was observed. General linear mixed models also showed that lengths of the smallest fish (LT < 57 cm) were overestimated and lengths of the largest fish (LT > 57 cm) were underestimated in comparison with their true lengths. In conclusion, we highlight that this technology, like any monitoring methods, returns imperfect observations. We advise DIDSON users to ensure that measurements are carried out correctly in order to draw accurate conclusion from this new technology.
An overview of active and passive targeting strategies to improve the nanocarriers efficiency to tumour sites
Authors: Attia Mohamed F , Anton Nicolas , Wallyn Justine , Omran Ziad , Vandamme Thierry F
Published: May 2019

Objectives

This review highlights both the physicochemical characteristics of the nanocarriers (NCs) and the physiological features of tumour microenvironment (TME) to outline what strategies undertaken to deliver the molecules of interest specifically to certain lesions. This review discusses these properties describing the convenient choice between passive and active targeting mechanisms with details, illustrated with examples of targeting agents up to preclinical research or clinical advances.

Key findings

Targeted delivery approaches for anticancers have shown a steep rise over the past few decades. Though many successful preclinical trials, only few passive targeted nanocarriers are approved for clinical use and none of the active targeted nanoparticles. Herein, we review the principles and for both processes and the correlation with the tumour microenvironment. We also focus on the limitation and advantages of each systems regarding laboratory and industrial scale.

The current literature discusses how the NCs and the enhanced permeation and retention effect impact the passive targeting. Whereas the active targeting relies on the ligand-receptor binding, which improves selective accumulation to targeted sites and thus discriminates between the diseased and healthy tissues. The latter could be achieved by targeting the endothelial cells, tumour cells, the acidic environment of cancers and nucleus.
Anthropogenic disturbance in a changing environment: modelling lifetime reproductive success to predict the consequences of multiple stressors on a migratory population
Authors: Pirotta Enrico , Mangel Marc , Costa Daniel P. , Goldbogen Jeremy , Harwood John , Hin Vincent , Irvine Ladd M. , Mate Bruce R. , McHuron Elizabeth A. , Palacios Daniel M. , Schwarz Lisa K. , New Leslie
Published: May 2019

Animals make behavioural and reproductive decisions that maximise their lifetime reproductive success, and thus their fitness, in light of periodic and stochastic variability of the environment. Modelling the variation of an individual's energy levels formalises this tradeoff and helps to quantify the population‐level consequences of stressors (e.g. disturbance from human activities and environmental change) that can affect behaviour or physiology. In this study, we develop a dynamic state variable model for the spatially explicit behaviour, physiology and reproduction of a female, long‐lived, migratory marine vertebrate. The model can be used to investigate the spatio‐temporal patterns of behaviour and reproduction that allow an individual to maximise its overall reproductive output. We parametrised the model for eastern North Pacific blue whalesBalaenoptera musculus, and used it to predict the effects of changing environmental conditions and increasing human disturbance on the population's vital rates. In baseline conditions, the model output had high fidelity to observed energy dynamics, movement patterns and reproductive strategies. Simulated scenarios suggested that environmental changes could have severe consequences on the population's vital rates, but that individuals could tolerate high levels of anthropogenic disturbance. However, this ability depended on where, when and how often disturbance occurred. In scenarios with both environmental change and anthropogenic disturbance, synergistic interactions caused stronger effects than in isolation. In general, larger body size offered a buffer against stochasticity and disturbance, and, consequently, we predicted juveniles to be more susceptible to disturbance. We also predicted that females prioritise their own survival at the expense of the current reproductive attempt, presumably the result of their long lifespan. Our approach provides a general framework to make predictions of the cumulative and synergistic effects of human disturbance and climate change on migratory populations, which can inform effective management and conservation efforts.
How policy agendas change when autocracies liberalize: The case of Hong Kong, 1975–2016
Authors: Or Nick H. K.
Published: May 2019

This article considers how autocrats decide to expand or narrow the issue diversity of their policy agenda during a period of political liberalization. Prior studies have two competing perspectives. First, political liberalization increases the social and political freedom that enhances information exchange, and thus expands issue diversity. Second, political liberalization decreases government's control of the legislature and thus narrows the issue diversity. This article offers a novel theoretical perspective by combining these two countervailing theories. Specifically, it predicts a diminishing marginal benefit of information exchange and an increasing marginal bargaining cost. As such, this article argues that issue diversity follows a negative quadratic (inverted‐U) relationship as the regimes liberalize. The analysis of a new and unique dataset of Hong Kong's legislative agenda (1975 to 2016) offers support for this theory. This study sheds light on policy‐making in authoritarian regimes and democracies, and advances the theory of information processing.
Comprehensive characterization of a floral mutant reveals the mechanism of hooked petal morphogenesis in Chrysanthemum morifolium
Authors: Ding Lian , Zhao Kunkun , Zhang Xue , Song Aiping , Su Jiangshuo , Hu Yueheng , Zhao Wenqian , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Fadi
Published: May 2019

The diversity of form of the chrysanthemum flower makes this species an ideal model for studying petal morphogenesis, but as yet, the molecular mechanisms underlying petal shape development remain largely unexplored. Here, a floral mutant, which arose as a bud sport in a plant of the variety ‘Anastasia Dark Green’, and formed straight, rather than hooked petals, was subjected to both comparative morphological analysis and transcriptome profiling. The hooked petals only became discernible during a late stage of flower development. At the late stage of ‘Anastasia Dark Green’, genes related to chloroplast, hormone metabolism, cell wall and microtubules were active, as were cell division‐promoting factors. Auxin concentration was significantly reduced, and a positive regulator of cell expansion was down‐regulated. Two types of critical candidates, boundary genes and adaxial–abaxial regulators, were identified from 7937 differentially expressed genes in pairwise comparisons, which were up‐regulated at the late stage in ‘Anastasia Dark Green’ and another two hooked varieties. Ectopic expression of a candidate abaxial gene, CmYAB1, in chrysanthemum led to changes in petal curvature and inflorescence morphology. Our findings provide new insights into the regulatory networks underlying chrysanthemum petal morphogenesis.
Shelf Space Selection to Control Product Expiration
Authors: Akkaş Arzum
Published: May 2019

Product expiration is an important problem in the consumer‐packaged‐goods industry eroding profits and generating substantial waste. We propose that shelf space selection can be an operational lever to control expiration of perishable inventory. To this end, we first explain the conditions under which shelf space impacts expiration then develop a method to determine the appropriate level of shelf space which incorporates this impact. We formulate a shelf space selection problem for a single product using an infinite horizon Markov chain model. For the special case where demand is constant across periods, we find closed‐form expressions for the average net profit, order levels, and expiration levels as a function of the product’s shelf space under different shelf rotation assumptions. We show that when inventory is not rotated, expiration increases quickly when shelf space exceeds the demand per period. In contrast, when inventory is rotated, the increase occurs when shelf space is larger than the product demand throughout its shelf life. Since computing the optimum shelf space is computationally‐challenging for large shelf life values, we approximate the net profit function leveraging the constant demand analysis. Our approximation method is easy to implement and performs well with a median optimality gap of 0.41% across 160 scenarios. We compare our method with two alternative heuristics and find that it performs better. As a byproduct of this approximation, we develop several managerial insights for the shelf space decision at the tactical level. In addition, we extend our analysis to consider shelf space‐dependent demand.
Self‐regulatory ability, fatigue, and the experience of pain: Mechanistic insights from pain‐free undergraduates
Authors: Boggero Ian A. , Segerstrom Suzanne C.
Published: May 2019

Self‐regulatory (SR) ability is an important resource for managing pain, but chronic pain patients experience chronic self‐regulatory fatigue even when they are not in pain. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and pain inhibition are two mechanisms that differentiate people with and without chronic pain. It was hypothesized that trait SR ability would be associated with higher PPT and better pain inhibition and that PPT and pain inhibition would be lower following high versus low SR fatigue. Three studies tested these hypotheses. Study 1 had 240 pain‐free undergraduates complete measures of trait SR ability and PPT; 122 also provided data on pain inhibition. Study 2 had 38 of Study 1’s participants return for two additional sessions in which they underwent PPT testing under conditions of high or low SR fatigue (within‐person, counterbalanced). Study 3 repeated these procedures with pain inhibition as the outcome (n = 39). Results revealed that individual differences in SR ability were not associated with PPT or pain inhibition (all ps > 0.05). Within people, neither PPT (F(1, 36) = 1.57, p = 0.22) nor pain inhibition (F(1, 37) = 1.79, p = 0.19) were significantly different under conditions of low versus high SR fatigue. Results do not support the hypotheses that PPT or pain inhibition associate with individual differences in trait SR ability or transient changes in state SR fatigue in the absence of pain. Instead, the SR deficits in chronic pain patients may arise from the experience of chronic pain.
The Applied Legitimacy Index: A New Approach to Measuring Judicial Legitimacy
Authors: Badas Alex
Published: May 2019

Objectives

This article advances criticisms of the traditional legitimacy index as it relates to determining whether ideological distance predicts an individual's willing to sanction the Court. As a solution to these criticisms, this article develops a new measure of judicial legitimacy, the applied legitimacy index.

Methods

Using data from the American Panel Survey and item response theory models, this article estimates the applied legitimacy index. Ordinary least squares regression models then compare the effect ideological distance has on both the traditional legitimacy index and the newly developed applied legitimacy index.

Results

The results indicate that those who are ideologically distant from the Court have diminished views of the Court's applied legitimacy. The substantive effect of ideological distance is much larger for applied legitimacy than when compared with traditional legitimacy.

Conclusions

This article suggests that the traditional legitimacy index may overestimate loyalty to the Court and underestimate the extent to which individuals are willing to sanction an ideologically distant Court. Based on this, the article advocates that scholars adopt the applied legitimacy index in future studies.