bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Internet of Things (IoT)-based risk monitoring system for managing cold supply chain risks
Authors: Tsang Y.P. , Choy K.L. , Wu C.H. , Ho G.T.S. , Lam Cathy H.Y. , Koo P.S.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Since the handling of environmentally sensitive products requires close monitoring under prescribed conditions throughout the supply chain, it is essential to manage specific supply chain risks, i.e. maintaining good environmental conditions, and ensuring occupational safety in the cold environment. The purpose of this paper is to propose an Internet of Things (IoT)-based risk monitoring system (IoTRMS) for controlling product quality and occupational safety risks in cold chains. Real-time product monitoring and risk assessment in personal occupational safety can be then effectively established throughout the entire cold chain.

Design/methodology/approach

In the design of IoTRMS, there are three major components for risk monitoring in cold chains, namely: wireless sensor network; cloud database services; and fuzzy logic approach. The wireless sensor network is deployed to collect ambient environmental conditions automatically, and the collected information is then managed and applied to a product quality degradation model in the cloud database. The fuzzy logic approach is applied in evaluating the cold-associated occupational safety risk of the different cold chain parties considering specific personal health status. To examine the performance of the proposed system, a cold chain service provider is selected for conducting a comparative analysis before and after applying the IoTRMS.

Findings

The real-time environmental monitoring ensures that the products handled within the desired conditions, namely temperature, humidity and lighting intensity so that any violation of the handling requirements is visible among all cold chain parties. In addition, for cold warehouses and rooms in different cold chain facilities, the personal occupational safety risk assessment is established by considering the surrounding environment and the operators’ personal health status. The frequency of occupational safety risks occurring, including cold-related accidents and injuries, can be greatly reduced. In addition, worker satisfaction and operational efficiency are improved. Therefore, it provides a solid foundation for assessing and identifying product quality and occupational safety risks in cold chain activities.

Originality/value

The cold chain is developed for managing environmentally sensitive products in the right conditions. Most studies found that the risks in cold chain are related to the fluctuation of environmental conditions, resulting in poor product quality and negative influences on consumer health. In addition, there is a lack of occupational safety risk consideration for those who work in cold environments. Therefore, this paper proposes IoTRMS to contribute the area of risk monitoring by means of the IoT application and artificial intelligence techniques. The risk assessment and identification can be effectively established, resulting in secure product quality and appropriate occupational safety management.
When did fun become so much work
Authors: Loiacono Eleanor , McCoy Scott
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the negative impact the invasive nature of social media technologies (SMTs) can have on a user’s continued intention to use it.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to understand the impact technology invasiveness (TI) has on people’s continued SMT behavior, a research model and corresponding survey were developed based on a comprehensive literature review and data collected from actual SMT users.

Findings

The authors found perceived usefulness has a large impact on user’s attitudes. Additionally, social networking (SN) has a significant and direct impact on both attitude toward the use of the SMT and its continued use. Another interesting finding is how strongly SN increases a user’s TI. The negative impact technology has on users’ lives comes from the need users feel to continue to update and manage their online persona.

Practical implications

Social media tools are becoming part of the workplace environment. If not careful, companies may introduce increased pressures on their workers to constantly be “connected” to SMTs. In order to obtain the advantages of SMT usage, companies would be wise to set expectation standards that alleviate some of this pressure.

Social implications

This growth in social media would lead one to assume that all is well with SMTs and their usage is similar to other web-based technologies. However, there are some negative effects of SMT that warrant society and companies pausing to rethink the focus on these technologies.

Originality/value

Previous research has looked at IT from system success and acceptance. In this paper, we investigate the negative impact the invasive nature of SMTs can have on a user’s continued intention to use it.
Bridging past and present entrepreneurial marketing research
Authors: Most Fabian , Conejo Francisco J. , Cunningham Lawrence F.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Literature in entrepreneurial marketing (EM) continues to grow in volume and diversity. This paper aims to examine the topical structure of EM’s literature toward guiding research in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-phase bibliometric research design is implemented, encompassing co-citation and bibliographic-coupling analyses, network analysis, factor analysis and correspondence analysis.

Findings

In total, 14 EM literature clusters, comprising 7 topical meta-clusters, are mapped and discussed: the 7 clusters are resources and capabilities, entrepreneurial orientation (EO), measurement, EO/marketing orientation (MO) integration, MO, international entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

These topical streams confirm, refine and extend prior bibliometric studies. A more comprehensive, extensive and reliable picture of EM’s literature is provided, the result of using over twice as many references as prior studies and peer-reviewed journals only. Results will help guide EM research, contributing toward the field’s empirical/theoretical development.
Structural investigation of spunlace nonwoven
Authors: Jain Ravi Kumar , Sinha Sujit Kumar , Das Apurba
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Spunlacing is a promising nonwoven technology for the production of fabric with good handle and better structural integrity. Structural parameters such as pore size, thickness and number of binding point/entanglement between fibres are decisive for good mechanical and comfort properties of nonwoven fabrics. This study aims to focus on the effect of different process parameters on the structural change in spunlace fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Spunlacing is purely a mechanical bonding technology where high-speed jets of water strike a web to entangle the fibres. Different spunlace nonwoven structures were produced by varying processing parameters such as waterjet pressure, delivery speed, web mass and web composition as per four-factor, three-level Box–Behnken design. The effect of these parameters on the structural arrangement was studied using scanning electron microscopy. An attempt has also been made to study the changes in pore geometry and thickness of the fabrics by using response surface methodology with backward elimination.

Findings

Significant structural changes were observed with variation in water pressure, web mass and web composition. The test results showed that fabric produced at higher waterjet pressure has lower mean pore diameter and lower thickness. The variation in mean pore diameter and mean thickness due to waterjet pressure is around 26 and 34 per cent, respectively, at 95 per cent significance level. The web composition and web mass also significantly influence the mean pore diameter and thickness at 95 per cent significance level. There is a strong positive correlation (r = 0.523) between mean air permeability and mean pore diameter of fabric, and this correlation is significantly linear. A strong negative correlation (r = −0.627) is found between weight and air permeability of fabric.

Research limitations/implications

The delivery speed failed to show any significant effect; this is in contrary to the general expectation.

Originality/value

The effect of concurrent variation in waterjet pressure, web mass, delivery speed and web composition on the structure of spunlace nonwoven is studied, which was not reported in the literature. The effect of web composition on pore diameter of spunlace nonwoven is interesting finding. This study is expected to help in designing the spunlace nonwoven as per end uses and specifically for apparel application.
The Lexical Legacy of Substrate Languages: A Test Case From The Southern Ecuadorian Highlands
Authors: Urban Matthias
Published: July 2018

The Central Andes of Peru and Ecuador have seen periods of language shift and language replacement in which expansive languages superseded earlier layers of local languages, as has happened numerous times in other regions around the world. In colonial times, members of the expansive Quechua family still coexisted with a number of local languages, and it is almost certain that Quechua had replaced several such languages in prehistory. In this paper, I focus on the Quechua variety spoken in the southern Ecuadorian highlands of Cañar and Azuay, and ask what can be learnt of the replaced language(s), and thereby the linguistic prehistory of the Southern Ecuadorian highlands, from its lexicon. By employing criteria developed elsewhere, I identify possible substrate items in the lexicon, highlighting philological points and linguistic analysis during the discussion. I further explore what these items suggest for the hypothesis – suggested in passing but not yet fully explored – that the original language of the region was a southern representative of the Barbacoan family of languages. I conclude that they provide some support for the hypothesis, but that the evidence is ultimately equivocal.
Well‐controlled pleural effusion indicated pseudoprogression after immunotherapy in lung cancer: A case report
Authors: Liu Guihong , Chen Tao , Li Ronghui , Zhu Li , Liu Dingyi , Ding Zhenyu
Published: July 2018

Squamous cancer (SqCC) of the lung has a poor prognosis. With the advent of immunotherapy, prognosis has tended to improve; however, pseudoprogression poses a challenge to the management of immunotherapy. Herein, we discuss the case of a 47‐year‐old heavy smoker with advanced SqCC. The patient had recurrent disease after initial successful control of the tumor by concurrent radiochemotherapy, together with ample pleural effusion. Pleural effusion was well controlled with systematic nivolumab and intra‐thoracic recombinant endostatin; however with simultaneous deterioration of performance and tumor progression. Nivolumab was maintained with the addition of nab‐paclitaxel. The combination soon led to a partial response and rapid improvement of the patient's performance. During treatment of this case, we advocated the early control of pleural effusion as an indicator for pseudoprogression. Our experience might be helpful to identify pseudoprogression for the clinical management of immunotherapy.
Perioperative goal‐directed therapy: A systematic review without meta‐analysis
Authors: Kaufmann Thomas , Clement Ramon P. , Scheeren Thomas W. L. , Saugel Bernd , Keus Frederik , van der Horst Iwan C. C.
Published: July 2018

Background

Perioperative goal‐directed therapy aims to optimise haemodynamics by titrating fluids, vasopressors and/or inotropes to predefined haemodynamic targets. Perioperative goal‐directed therapy is a complex intervention composed of several independent component interventions. Trials on perioperative goal‐directed therapy show conflicting results. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate the benefits and harms of perioperative goal‐directed therapy.

Methods

PubMED, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched. Trials were included if they had a perioperative goal‐directed therapy protocol. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. The first secondary outcome was serious adverse events excluding mortality. Risk of bias was assessed, and GRADE was used to evaluate quality of evidence.

Results

One hundred and twelve randomised trials were included of which one trial (1%) had low risk of bias. Included trials varied in patients: types of surgery which was expected due to inclusion criteria; in intervention and comparison: timing of intervention, monitoring devices, haemodynamic variables, target values, use of fluids, vasopressors and/or inotropes as well as combinations of these within protocols; and in outcome: mortality was reported in 87 trials (78%). Due to substantial clinical heterogeneity also within the various types of surgery a meta‐analysis of data, including subgroup analyses, as defined in our protocol was considered inappropriate.

Conclusion

Clinical heterogeneity in patients, interventions and outcomes in perioperative goal‐directed therapy trials is too large to perform meta‐analysis on all trials. Future trials and meta‐analyses highly depend on universally agreed definitions on aspects beyond type of surgery of the complex intervention and its evaluation.
A global view of the pathophysiology of varicocele
Authors: Hassanin A. M. , Ahmed H. H. , Kaddah A. N.
Published: July 2018

Varicocele is the most common abnormality identified in men being evaluated for subfertility. In this comprehensive review of the pathophysiology of varicocele, we will shed light on novel pathophysiological findings and their clinical implications that may direct future researches; we will shed light on the impact of transient scrotal hyperthermia and the roles of inflammation and differential protein expression and androgen expression in spermatozoa on inducing pathophysiological findings. Furthermore, we will clarify the linked processes contributing to the pathophysiology of varicocele and the impact of genetics on the induction of these processes. Spermatogenesis is a temperature‐sensitive process, and heat stress of varicocele is considered the most plausible cause of impaired spermatogenesis. The three processes associated with the presence of varicocele – heat stress, excess reactive oxygen species, and increased apoptosis – appear to be linked; heat stress is associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, which can induce apoptosis. The genetic role should not be overlooked as a contributing factor in the induction of heat stress, excess reactive oxygen species/oxidative stress, and apoptosis; this is evidenced by the association of varicocele with decreased expression of heat‐shock proteins, higher polymorphism of glutathione S transferase and nitric oxide synthase genes, and increased BAX and decreased BCL2 genes and proteins. In this article, we will highlight the need of application of novel diagnostic techniques that can provide a precise pathophysiological diagnosis to guide potential specific innovative therapies. Innovative therapies can counteract the varicocele‐induced stasis, suppress the degenerative effects of testicular hyperthermia, reduce the varicocele‐induced apoptosis, and target the elevated‐neutrophil products aiming at abrogating the testicular damage caused by the induced varicocele in rats/mice. In conclusion, on the basis of the novel scientific research, it may be possible to formulate new treatments and achieve the appropriate selection of patients who can benefit from these treatments.
Lower uterine segment placental thickness in women with abnormally invasive placenta
Authors: Bhide Amarnath , Laoreti Arianna , Kaelin Agten Andrea , Papageorghiou Aris , Khalil Asma , Uprichard James , Thilaganathan Basky , Chandraharan Edwin
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Ultrasound signs of abnormal placental invasion are subjective in nature. We tested the hypothesis that placental thickness in the lower uterine segment is increased when there is abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) in women with a low‐lying placenta.

Material and methods

Retrospective analysis of data of placental thickness in women with ultrasound evidence of major placenta previa or a low‐lying anterior placenta was done. The diagnosis of AIP was confirmed both intraoperatively and on histopathology for those managed by partial myometrial excision with uterine conservation or by hysterectomy.

Results

In all, 131 records were available for analysis after exclusion of 33 cases due to unsuitable images and eight cases without pregnancy outcomes. The diagnosis of AIP was confirmed in 28 (21.4%) of the 131 cases. The lower segment placental thickness was significantly higher in women with AIP (median = 50.3 mm, IQR: 42.7‐64.3) than in those with normal placentation (median = 30.9 mm, IQR: 22.9‐42.2, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that previous cesarean section and placental thickness on ultrasound were independent predictors for AIP.

Conclusions

Lower uterine segment placental thickness is increased in women with AIP compared with those with noninvasive placentation. This association constitutes a pragmatic objective sign and may be of clinical value in improving prenatal detection of AIP in women with placental implantation in the lower uterine segment. Prospective studies are necessary to ascertain lower segment placental thickness as a predictor for AIP.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of the GAG‐binding CXCL9(74‐103) peptide in dinitrofluorobenzene‐induced contact hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Vanheule Vincent , Crijns Helena , Poosti Fariba , Ruytinx Pieter , Berghmans Nele , Gerlza Tanja , Ronsse Isabelle , Pörtner Noëmie , Matthys Patrick , Kungl Andreas J. , Opdenakker Ghislain , Struyf Sofie , Proost Paul
Published: July 2018

Background

To recruit leucocytes to an inflammatory site, chemokine binding to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is critical. Therefore, strategies to interfere with this interaction, aiming at the production of anti‐inflammatory agents, were developed. These include production of modified chemokines without affinity for G protein‐coupled receptors but with enhanced affinity for GAGs. Such modified chemokines compete with functional chemokines for GAG binding, prevent chemokine immobilization and presentation, and inhibit leucocyte migration. In addition to modified chemokines, a GAG‐binding peptide consisting of the 30 COOH‐terminal residues of CXCL9, that is CXCL9(74‐103), inhibited CXCL8‐ and monosodium urate crystal‐induced neutrophil migration.

Objective

We wanted to explore whether interference with chemokine‐GAG interactions by CXCL9(74‐103) reduces inflammation in neutrophil‐dependent dinitrofluorobenzene‐induced contact hypersensitivity.

Methods

For this study, we evaluated several inflammatory parameters, including ear swelling and the levels of chemokines, cytokines, proteases and neutrophils in the ears of dinitrofluorobenzene‐induced mice treated with CXCL9(74‐103) or buffer.

Results

One intravenous injection of CXCL9(74‐103), just before painting with dinitrofluorobenzene on the ear, did not affect protein levels of the major murine neutrophil attractant, that is CXCL6, in this contact hypersensitivity model. However, IL‐6, CXCL1, CCL2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) protein concentrations and peroxidase activity in challenged ears were reduced. In addition, intravenous injection of the CXCL9‐derived peptide led to a reduced ear swelling response, indicating that the locally produced chemokines were hindered to attract leucocytes. The inhibiting potential of CXCL9(74‐103) was explained by its competition for GAG binding with CXCL1, CXCL6 and CCL3 and inhibition of transendothelial migration of neutrophils to CXCL6.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The CXCL9(74‐103) peptide inhibited dinitrofluorobenzene‐induced infiltration of neutrophils and neutrophil‐dependent inflammation in ears. Therefore, CXCL9(74‐103) may be a lead molecule for the development of therapeutic peptides or peptide derivatives that compete with functional chemokines for GAG binding.
More severe deficits in functional status associated with higher mortality among adults awaiting liver transplantation
Authors: McCabe Patrick , Wong Robert J.
Published: July 2018

The impact of functional status on liver transplant (LT) waitlist outcomes is not well studied. Early evidence suggests frailty portends increased mortality. We aim to evaluate the association of functional status with LT waitlist survival and the probability of receiving LT among adults with cirrhosis. Using 2005‐2016 United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data, we retrospectively assessed the association of functional status, as determined by Karnofsky Performance Status Score (KPSS) with LT waitlist survival and the probability of receiving LT using Kaplan‐Meier and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. Among 118 954 patients listed for LT, patients with worse Karnofsky scores, indicating poor functional status, were progressively more likely to receive liver transplantation compared to patients with better scores, with the most functionally disabled group having 68% higher probability of receiving LT (HR 1.68; 95% CI 1.61‐1.75, P < 0.001). Worse functional status was associated with increased waitlist mortality, with the most functionally disabled group 97% more likely to die on the waitlist (HR 1.97; 95% CI 1.81‐2.16, P < 0.001). In conclusion, among patients awaiting LT, worse functional status was associated with significantly higher waitlist mortality.
Migratory connectivity of barn swallows in South Africa to their Palaearctic breeding grounds
Authors: Burman Marc S. , Underhill Leslie G. , Altwegg Res , Erni Birgit , Remisiewicz Magdalena , MacLeod Jack
Published: July 2018

Aim

To demonstrate that the population of barn swallow Hirundo rustica in South Africa in the austral summer is not a pan‐mixture of birds from their vast Palaearctic breeding range and to estimate proportions of barn swallows in four South African regions migrating to three breeding ground zones.

Location

South Africa and Eurasia.

Methods

We analysed citizen science barn swallow ringing records, obtained between 1954 and 2011 in South Africa, and their recoveries made in Eurasia. We used the “division coefficient” method to model the spatial variability of the recovery process and to estimate proportions of barn swallows ringed in four regions of South Africa (KwaZulu‐Natal, Gauteng, eastern part of Northern Cape and the Western Cape) migrating to three zones in the Eurasian breeding grounds: western (west of 10°E), central (10°–60°E) and eastern (east of 60°E).

Results

The percentages of barn swallows migrating from KwaZulu‐Natal to the eastern and central Palaearctic zones were estimated at 54.0% and 46.0%, respectively. The percentages from Gauteng to the central and western zones were 80.5% and 15.7%, from the Northern Cape to the central and western zones were 43.7% and 56.3% and from the Western Cape to the eastern, central and western zones were 30.8%, 35.4%, 33.8%. The estimate of the observer process suggested that reencounter rates per 10,000 swallows ringed increased from east to west: 32 reencounters per 10,000 in the eastern zone, 36 in the central zone and 50 in the western zone.

Main conclusions

These results provide the first quantitative estimates of the composition of barn swallow populations in four regions of South Africa, relative to their Palaearctic breeding zones.
Retrospective analysis of the usefulness of a protocol with high‐dose methotrexate in polymyalgia rheumatica: Results of a single‐center cohort of 100 patients
Authors: Quartuccio Luca , Gregoraci Giorgia , Isola Miriam , De Vita Salvatore
Published: July 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to define subsets of patients suffering from polymyalgia rheumatica, where methotrexate (MTX) up to 20 mg/week might be more effective.

Methods

A total of 100 patients with polymyalgia rheumatica treated with MTX were studied. The criteria for MTX introduction were: (i) relapse during the first month of therapy, when tapering glucocorticoids (GC); (ii) requiring long‐term GC (i.e. >24 consecutive months); (iii) requiring ≥5 mg/day of prednisone equivalents after 4 months of GC therapy; (iv) GC‐related side‐effects; and (v) a high risk of GC‐related side‐effects. All the patients were followed for at least 12 months. A group of patients treated with GC alone in the same center was also compared with the whole MTX group.

Results

Follow up varied from 12 to 185 months (median 46.5 months). Remission with current prednisone dose ≤2.5 mg/day at month +12 was observed in 59 out of 100 patients; remission with GC suspension at month +12 was observed in 38 out of 100, without significant difference among groups. Approximately half of the patients showed at least one relapse (54/100) during the follow‐up period. The cumulative dose of GC was 1.5 g (range 0.1–15.2 g) . New GC‐related side‐effects were recorded in 16 out of 100 patients at last follow up. Compared with the GC alone group, the MTX group showed younger age, higher prevalence of female sex and higher level of inflammation.

Conclusions

MTX up to 20 mg/day was useful in defined subsets of polymyalgia rheumatica, also in the long term. No significant differences were noticed among the five subgroups. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1410–1414.
Information asymmetry, financialization, and financial access
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: July 2018

This study investigates whether information sharing channels that are meant to reduce information asymmetry have led to an increase in financial access. The study employs a Generalized Method of Moments technique using data from 53 African countries during the period from 2004 to 2011 to examine this linkage. Information sharing channels are theoretically designed to promote the formal financial sector and discourage the informal financial sector. The study uses two information sharing channels: private credit bureaus and public credit registries. The study found that both information sharing channels have a positive and significant impact on financial access. The study also found that public credit registries complement the formal financial sector to promote financial access. Policy implications are discussed.
Growth of noncongruent LiTaO3 crystal by chemical vapor phase equilibration using niobium‐based two‐phase powder
Authors: Zhang Chao‐Yang , Yang Xiao‐Fei , Zhang Zi‐Bo , Wong Wing‐Han , Pun Edwin Yue‐Bun , Zhang De‐Long
Published: July 2018

Noncongruent nearly stoichiometric/lithium‐deficient LiTaO3 crystal was grown by lithium‐rich/lithium‐deficient chemical vapor‐phase‐equilibration (VPE) technique, and low‐cost two‐phase powder LiNbO3‐Li3NbO4 or LiNbO3‐LiNb3O8 instead of expensive LiTaO3‐Li3TaO4 or LiTaO3‐LiTa3O8 was used in the VPE experiments. The LiTaO3 crystalline phase in the lithium‐rich/lithium‐deficient crystal was confirmed by X‐ray analysis. The lithium‐rich/lithium‐deficient VPE‐induced lithium‐oxide (Li2O) molar content increase/reduction was measured as a function of VPE duration using gravimetric method, and empirical relations between them are presented for both cases. We show that both the lithium‐rich and lithium‐deficient VPE techniques based on the two‐phase powder LiNbO3‐Li3NbO4 or LiNbO3‐LiNb3O8 can be successfully used to adjust the lithium‐oxide content in a LiTaO3 crystal and produce a noncongruent nearly stoichiometric or lithium‐deficient crystal plate with desired lithium‐oxide content.
Facile synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of siliconitride phosphors for white light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Lu Chung‐Hsin , Yang Che‐Yuan , Som Sudipta , Das Subrata
Published: July 2018

A modified chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique is used to synthesize the color‐tunable siliconitride Sr2‐1.5x‐yCexEuySi5N8 (x = 0.000‐0.016 and y = 0.000‐0.020) phosphors. In comparison with the conventional solid‐state method, the CVD approach successfully improved the crystallinity, particle size distribution, and photoluminescence through the enhanced gas‐solid reaction. Under blue excitation, Sr1.98Eu0.02Si5N8 exhibited a red emission band at 618 nm. The incorporation of Ce3+ ions increased the emission intensity of Eu2+ ions by approximately 10% owing to the enhanced absorption and dipole‐dipole energy transfer process from Ce3+ to Eu2+ ions. It resulted in a shift of the emission colors from yellow to red region. The external and internal quantum efficiencies of Sr1.906Ce0.06Eu0.004Si5N8 were calculated as 54% and 70%, respectively. The activation energy of thermal stability for Sr1.906Ce0.06Eu0.004Si5N8 was evaluated as 0.31 eV. A white LED with a color rendering index of 80 and a CCT of 4964 K was successfully fabricated with the present phosphors. The current research demonstrated a new series of Sr2Si5N8:Ce3+, Eu2+ phosphors with color‐tunability for fabricating white LEDs with high color‐rendering index.
Fabrication and properties of transparent Nd‐doped BaF2 ceramics
Authors: Li Jianlin , Chen Xianqiang , Tang Lingfei , Li Yiyu , Wu Yiquan
Published: July 2018

Nd:BaF2 nanoparticles have been prepared via co‐precipitation and a pumping filtration wash method. The phase composition and morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles were investigated by X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM) analyses, respectively. SEM observations revealed the powder's particle size to be approximately 100‐200 nm after calcination at 600°C for 5 hours in Ar. The transparent Nd:BaF2 ceramics were then fabricated by the one‐step vacuum sintering method at a temperature of 1200°C for 10 hours. SEM observations of the polished and thermally etched cross sections of the sintered ceramic revealed a highly homogenous microstructure with average grain size of 420 μm. Optical property characterization revealed that the transmittance of the ceramic reaches a maximum of ~70% in the infrared wavelength range, and an emission peak located at 1058 nm, excited by 808 nm light.
Understanding the atomistic origin of hydration effects in single and mixed bulk alkali‐silicate glasses
Authors: Baral Khagendra , Li Aize , Ching Wai‐Yim
Published: July 2018

Silica‐water interaction plays an essential role for the mechanical strength and chemical durability of alkali‐doped‐silicate glasses. A comprehensive study of single and mixed alkali‐silicate glasses with 30% molar content of Li2O, Na2O, and K2O, and half‐half mixture of Li2O–Na2O, Li2O–K2O, and Na2O–K2O in hydrated models is carried out using density functional theory methods. Information on atomic geometry, electronic structure, interatomic bonding, partial charge distribution, mechanical, and optical properties are obtained and compared. It confirms that water in the solvated and confined bulk models can be either dissociated or remains as H2O molecule depending on the distribution and specific alkali elements. A quantum mechanical metric, the total bond order density is used to unravel the atomistic origin of the internal cohesion and strength of glasses in different environments. In particular, we show that the mechanical strength of bulk alkali‐silicate glasses is enhanced by hydration with some evidence that mixing of alkali ions tends to degrade the strength of the hydrated glasses. These results are discussed in the context of experimental observations and a few existing simulations using classical molecular dynamics.
Power Shifts via the Judicial Arena: How Annulments Cases between EU Institutions Shape Competence Allocation
Authors: Hartlapp Miriam
Published: July 2018

Besides infringement and preliminary ruling procedures, actions for annulment form a third important category of procedures brought before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). A subset of these actions is ‘horizontal litigation’, where EU institutions litigate against other EU institutions. Based on a new dataset covering all horizontal annulment conflicts (1957–2017), this contribution analyzes conflict patterns. I identify the most typical litigant constellations and link them to substantial battles over competences including winners and losers. Using the example of EU external affairs, I show how annulment actions have shaped the relationship between EU institutions over time, with impact as significant as treaty changes. In sum, the analysis of this so far ‘forgotten’ type of procedure furthers our systematic understanding of policy development and competence allocation in the EU system.
Impacts of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake on glycemic control in patients with diabetes
Authors: Kondo Tatsuya , Miyakawa Nobukazu , Motoshima Hiroyuki , Hanatani Satoko , Ishii Norio , Igata Motoyuki , Yoshinaga Kayo , Kukidome Daisuke , Senokuchi Takafumi , Kawashima Junji , Furukawa Noboru , Matsumura Takeshi , Araki Eiichi
Published: July 2018

Aims/Introduction

On April 14 and 16 2016, the Kumamoto area was severely damaged by several massive magnitude 7 class earthquakes.

Materials and Methods

To examine the effects of these earthquakes on glycemic control and stress factors, glycated hemoglobin, glycated albumin, other biochemical parameters, a self‐administered lifestyle‐associated questionnaire and disaster‐associated stress scores were analyzed. A total of 557 patients with diabetes were enrolled, and data were collected at 13 months before to 13 months after the earthquakes.

Results

In patients with type 1 diabetes and specific types of diabetes due to other causes, glycemic control was not altered during the observational period. This glycemic stability in type 1 diabetes might result from self‐management of insulin doses. In patients with type 2 diabetes, glycated hemoglobin decreased by 0.11% (from 7.33 to 7.22%) at 1–2 months after the earthquakes, and increased thereafter. The reduction of glycated hemoglobin after 1–2 months in type 2 diabetes was associated with ‘early restoration of lifelines’ and ‘sufficient sleep.’ The glycemic deterioration at a later stage was related to ‘shortage of antidiabetic agents,’ ‘insufficient amount of food,’ ‘largely destroyed houses’ and ‘changes in working environments.’ Disaster‐associated stress levels were positively correlated with ‘age,’ ‘delayed restoration of lifelines,’ ‘self‐management of antidiabetic agents’ and ‘increased amount of physical activity/exercise,’ and negatively associated with ‘early restoration of lifelines’ and ‘sufficient sleep.’

Conclusions

Glycemic control, associated factors and stress levels are altered in chronological order. Post‐disaster diabetic medical care must consider these corresponding points in accordance with the time‐period.
Molecular confirmation and anthelmintic efficacy assessment against natural trichurid infections in zoo‐housed non‐human primates
Authors: Moudgil Aman Dev , Singla Lachhman Das
Published: July 2018

Introduction

This study aimed to assess Trichuris species infection and evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of fenbendazole and ivermectin against natural trichurid infections in non‐human primates (NHPs), kept at Mahendra Chaudhury (MC) Zoological Park, Chhatbir, India.

Materials and methods

Molecular confirmation of Trichuris infection was carried out using polymerase chain reaction targeting internal transcribed spacer sequences, and anthelmintic efficacy was assessed by fecal egg count reduction test, respectively.

Results

A 710 base pair product confirmed Trichuris species infection in NHPs. Fenbendazole, 10 mg/kg body weight orally for 5 consecutive days and ivermectin, 100 μg/kg body weight orally for 3 alternate days proved effective and showed a maximum fecal egg reduction of 99.20% and 100% (P < .05) at day 7 post‐treatment.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the molecular confirmation of Trichuris species in non‐human primates and its management using fenbendazole and ivermectin.
The disappearance of water buffalo from agrarian landscapes in Western China
Authors: Rousseau Jean‐François , Sturgeon Janet
Published: July 2018

For centuries, water buffalo served important livelihood functions for ethnic minority farmers in Southwest China. Yet, over the past decade, buffalo ownership decreased dramatically in our research sites in Yunnan province. This transition occurred after state policies and projects excluded villagers from significant portions of their land. Increased state control over landscapes allowed the state to respatialize land uses in ways conducive to productivist and environmentalist logics, with farmers cultivating cash crops on limited production landscapes and state agencies taking over control of larger environmental landscapes. Buffalo are welcome in neither setting. Handai and Akha farmers have divergent perceptions on the outcomes of these technological shifts, with Handai beginning to question buffalo loss while Akha having contented to become “modern” farmers. In both cases, our analysis challenges the literatures on sustainability transitions and ecological modernization that posit apolitical and optimistic outcomes for farmers' adoption of “modern” and “green” technologies.
Second language interactional competence and its development: An overview of conversation analytic research on interactional change over time
Authors: Skogmyr Marian Klara , Balaman Ufuk
Published: July 2018

This paper reviews the research on the development of second language (L2) interactional competence. We first provide an overview of the historical advancements in L2 learning research that have occasioned the current interest in this topic and discuss some methodological issues involved in developmental investigations of this kind. We then review a number of recent empirical studies that use micro‐analysis of naturally occurring social interaction data to investigate how L2 speakers develop their interactional practices and resources over time. We also address some points of critique commonly voiced against this type of research, discuss implications of its findings for L2 teaching and testing, and offer some avenues for future directions in the field.
Difficulties of fathers whose families evacuated voluntarily after the Fukushima nuclear disaster
Authors: Yoshioka‐Maeda Kyoko , Kuroda Mariko , Togari Taisuke
Published: July 2018

The Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011 resulted in radiation exposure, and many evacuees felt anxious of its health risks. However, little is known about the difficulties faced by fathers whose families evacuated voluntarily. Therefore, the aim of the present case study was to clarify the difficulties and concerns of fathers whose families evacuated voluntarily after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Eleven fathers in Fukushima were interviewed between 14 December 2014 and 25 February 2015. Four themes emerged: (i) seeking a safe place away from radiation exposure; (ii) burdens of a double life; (iii) feelings of isolation and perceived deterioration of health; and (iv) deciding on whether to continue voluntary evacuation. Fathers were anxious about radiation exposure, similar to mothers, and faced work–family conflicts from the voluntary evacuation of their families, including financial, physical, and mental sacrifice. Half of the fathers did not express their difficulties to others. Our findings identified a new type of conflict between people of a community who did/did not choose voluntary evacuation. Occupational health nurses should understand fathers’ feelings of isolation and monitor their health to prevent the development of stress‐related diseases.
Health care policy at a crossroads? A discursive study of patient agency in national health quality strategies between 1993 and 2015
Authors: Lassen Inger , Ottesen Aase M. , Strunck Jeanne
Published: July 2018

The Danish health care sector currently undergoes changes that imply a gradual transition from an evidence‐based activity model to a value‐based quality model centered on patient involvement and value‐based governance. The patient naturally occupies a central position in health care, and the transition therefore raises important questions about health care quality and how successive national health quality strategies value quality and ascribe roles and agency to patients. To explore the complexity of these quality strategies, we analyze and discuss how political discourse moments influence the contents of the national health quality strategies and how variation in the construal of patient roles and agency indicates discursive struggle in Danish national health care policy. Underlying theoretical concepts are informed by New Public Management, the welfare state, health communication, and discourse theory. Our analytical approach is inspired by Critical Discourse Analysis and combines content analysis with linguistic analysis.
Remarkably conserved plastid genomes of Quercus group Cerris in China: comparative and phylogenetic analyses
Authors: Yang Yanci , Hu Yiheng , Ren Ting , Sun Jingjing , Zhao Guifang
Published: July 2018

Quercus is one of the most important plant genera in terms of economic and ecological values, with approximately 500 species worldwide. Quercus group Cerris is endemic to Eurasia (with 11 species), and three species (Quercus acutissima, Quercus chenii and Quercus variabilis) are widely distributed in China. Here, we sequenced the complete plastid genomes of Q. acutissima and Q. chenii by Illumina pair‐end sequencing and obtained an additional plastome of Q. variabilis from GenBank. In spite of geographically distant sampling, the three available plastomes of Cerris were remarkably conserved with regard to genome size, gene organization, GC content, and IR/SC boundary regions. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the Cerris group is nested within the Ilex group, forming a Cerris‐Ilex clade. The current study provide plastid genomic‐scale data for the less intensively studied Cerris group, which should be useful for studying speciation processes, geographical structure and phylogeny within the group in the future.
ECE‐1 overexpression in head and neck cancer is associated with poor tumor differentiation and patient outcome
Authors: Xu Enny‐Sonia , Yang Muh‐Hwa , Huang Shih‐Che , Liu Chih‐Yi , Yang Ting‐Ting , Chou Teh‐Ying , Hwang Tzer‐Zen , Hsu Chao‐Tien
Published: July 2018

Background

Endothelin‐converting enzyme‐1 (ECE‐1) primarily converts big endothelins (ETs) into active endothelin‐1 (ET‐1). However, the expression pattern and prognostication status of ECE‐1 in head and neck cancer (HNC) are enigmatic. In this study, we investigated ECE‐1 expression and assessed the roles of ECE‐1 as a predictor for HNC differentiation and prognosis.

Materials and Methods

ECE‐1 expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis using a tissue microarray (TMA) composed of 100 cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The correlation of ECE‐1 expression with clinicopathologic variables and patient outcomes was analyzed.

Results

ECE‐1 may be overexpressed in HNC carcinoma cells. Higher ECE‐1 level was detected more frequently in moderately to poorly differentiated tumors and showed a lower differentiation category compared to the G1 cases (p = 0.015); this finding was further confirmed by an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 4.071 (p = 0.042). Moreover, Kaplan–Meier survival analyses showed that a higher ECE‐1 expression was associated with a poorer survival in patients with HNC (p < 0.0001). On multivariate Cox proportional hazards models analysis, ECE‐1 of high expression proved to be an independent prognostic factor with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.985 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our data provide the first evidence that overexpression of ECE‐1 in HNC is a predictor of poor tumor differentiation and prognosis.
Engineering linear, branched‐chain triterpene metabolism in monocots
Authors: Kempinski Chase , Jiang Zuodong , Zinck Garrett , Sato Shirley J. , Ge Zhengxiang , Clemente Thomas E. , Chappell Joe
Published: July 2018

Triterpenes are thirty‐carbon compounds derived from the universal five‐carbon prenyl precursors isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). Normally, triterpenes are synthesized via the mevalonate (MVA) pathway operating in the cytoplasm of eukaryotes where DMAPP is condensed with two IPPs to yield farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), catalyzed by FPP synthase (FPS). Squalene synthase (SQS) condenses two molecules of FPP to generate the symmetrical product squalene, the first committed precursor to sterols and most other triterpenes. In the green algae Botryococcus braunii, two FPP molecules can also be condensed in an asymmetric manner yielding the more highly branched triterpene, botryococcene. Botryococcene is an attractive molecule because of its potential as a biofuel and petrochemical feedstock. Because B. braunii, the only native host for botryococcene biosynthesis, is difficult to grow, there have been efforts to move botryococcene biosynthesis into organisms more amenable to large‐scale production. Here, we report the genetic engineering of the model monocot, Brachypodium distachyon, for botryococcene biosynthesis and accumulation. A subcellular targeting strategy was used, directing the enzymes (botryococcene synthase [BS] and FPS) to either the cytosol or the plastid. High titres of botryococcene (>1 mg/g FW in T0 mature plants) were obtained using the cytosolic‐targeting strategy. Plastid‐targeted BS + FPS lines accumulated botryococcene (albeit in lesser amounts than the cytosolic BS + FPS lines), but they showed a detrimental phenotype dependent on plastid‐targeted FPS, and could not proliferate and survive to set seed under phototrophic conditions. These results highlight intriguing differences in isoprenoid metabolism between dicots and monocots.
Engineering triterpene metabolism in the oilseed of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kempinski Chase , Chappell Joe
Published: July 2018

Squalene and botryococcene are linear, hydrocarbon triterpenes that have industrial and medicinal values. While natural sources for these compounds exist, there is a pressing need for robust, renewable production platforms. Oilseeds are an excellent target for heterologous production because of their roles as natural storage repositories and their capacity to produce precursors from photosynthetically‐derived carbon. We generated transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants using a variety of engineering strategies (subcellular targeting and gene stacking) to assess the potential for oilseeds to produce these two compounds. Constructs used seed‐specific promoters and evaluated expression of a triterpene synthase alone and in conjunction with a farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS) plus 1‐deoxyxylulose 5‐phosphate synthase (DXS). Constructs directing biosynthesis to the cytosol to harness isoprenoid precursors from the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway were compared to those directing biosynthesis to the plastid compartment diverting precursors from the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway. On average, the highest accumulation for both compounds was achieved by targeting the triterpene synthase, FPS and DXS to the plastid (526.84 μg/g seed for botryococcene and 227.30 μg/g seed for squalene). Interestingly, a higher level accumulation of botryococcene (a non‐native compound) was observed when the biosynthetic enzymes were targeted to the cytosol (>1000 μg/g seed in one line), but not squalene (natively produced in the cytosol). Not only do these results indicate the potential of engineering triterpene accumulation in oilseeds, but they also uncover some the unique regulatory mechanisms controlling triterpene metabolism in different cellular compartments of seeds.