bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photon-HDF5: an open file format for single-molecule fluorescence experiments using photon-counting detectors
Authors: Ingargiola Antonino , Laurence Ted , Boutelle Robert , Weiss Shimon , Michalet Xavier
Published: September 2015

We introduce Photon-HDF5, an open and efficient file format to simplify exchange and long term accessibility of data from single-molecule fluorescence experiments based on photon-counting detectors such as single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD), photomultiplier tube (PMT) or arrays of such detectors. The format is based on HDF5, a widely used platform- and language-independent hierarchical file format for which user-friendly viewers are available. Photon-HDF5 can store raw photon data (timestamp, channel number, etc) from any acquisition hardware, but also setup and sample description, information on provenance, authorship and other metadata, and is flexible enough to include any kind of custom data. The format specifications are hosted on a public website, which is open to contributions by the biophysics community. As an initial resource, the website provides code examples to read Photon-HDF5 files in several programming languages and a reference python library (phconvert), to create new Photon-HDF5 files and convert several existing file formats into Photon-HDF5. To encourage adoption by the academic and commercial communities, all software is released under the MIT open source license.
Selection on heritable heterozygosity but no response to selection. Why?
Authors: Coulson Tim , Clegg Sonya
Published: September 2015

The realisation that heterozygosity can be heritable has recently generated some elegant research. However, none of this work has discussed the fact that when heterozygote advantage occurs, heterozygosity can be heritable, yet allele frequencies remain at equilibrium and do not evolve with time. From a quantitative genetic perspective this means the character is heritable, is under selection, yet no response to selection is observed. We explain why this is the case, and discuss potential implications for the study of evolution in the wild.
Long-delay learning in intraoral conditioned taste aversion
Authors: Houpt Thomas A. , Cassell Jennifer A. , McCormack Stephanie , Kwon Bumsup , Tiffany Gary , Lorch Jeffrey
Published: September 2015

The cardinal feature of conditioned taste aversion (CTA) learning is the ability of animals to associate the taste or flavor of a food (the conditioned stimulus; CS) with a subsequent toxic effect (unconditioned stimulus; US), even if the toxicity occurs hours later, i.e. after a long delay. Two experiments were conducted which took advantage of the stimulus control afforded by intraoral catheterization to establish the parameters of long-delay learning in intraoral CTA. First, to determine the range of CS-US intervals which supports intraoral conditioning, rats received infusions of 5% sucrose paired with LiCl (76 mg/kg, ip) across a range of delays (0-6 h). Second, to determine the interaction of US dose and delay, rats were conditioned with sucrose paired with different doses of LiCl (19, 38 or 76 mg/kg) at several CS-US intervals (0, 10, or 60 min). Conditioning, assessed during a second infusion of sucrose at 48 h post-conditioning, was optimal at 10 min (although not significantly different at intervals between 0 and 60 min). Effectiveness declined at longer delays, such that CTA was not supported at intervals of 3h or greater. The dose-interval function suggested that an increased US can compensate for a longer CS-US interval. Low doses of LiCl induced a long-term CTA at 0-min (19 and 38 mg/kg) or 10-min delays (38 mg/kg), but were not sufficient to induce CTA at longer delays, which required the highest dose (76 mg/kg).
CETCh-seq: CRISPR epitope tagging ChIP-seq of DNA-binding proteins
Authors: Savic Daniel , Partridge E. Christopher , Newberry Kimberly M. , Smith Sophia B. , Meadows Sarah K. , Roberts Brian S. , Mackiewicz Mark , Mendenhall Eric M. , Myers Richard M.
Published: September 2015

Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by next-generation DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq) is a widely used technique for identifying transcription factor (TF) binding events throughout an entire genome. However, ChIP-seq is limited by the availability of suitable ChIP-seq grade antibodies, and the vast majority of commercially available antibodies fail to generate usable data sets. To ameliorate these technical obstacles, we present a robust methodological approach for performing ChIP-seq through epitope tagging of endogenous TFs. We used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-based genome editing technology to develop CRISPR epitope tagging ChIP-seq (CETCh-seq) of DNA-binding proteins. We assessed the feasibility of CETCh-seq by tagging several DNA-binding proteins spanning a wide range of endogenous expression levels in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. Our data exhibit strong correlations between both replicate types as well as with standard ChIP-seq approaches that use TF antibodies. Notably, we also observed minimal changes to the cellular transcriptome and to the expression of the tagged TF. To examine the robustness of our technique, we further performed CETCh-seq in the breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF7 as well as mouse embryonic stem cells and observed similarly high correlations. Collectively, these data highlight the applicability of CETCh-seq to accurately define the genome-wide binding profiles of DNA-binding proteins, allowing for a straightforward methodology to potentially assay the complete repertoire of TFs, including the large fraction for which ChIP-quality antibodies are not available.
Fractional series expansion method for fractional differential equations
Authors: Li Zheng-Biao , Zhu Wei-Hong
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest a new analytical technique called the fractional series expansion method for solving linear fractional differential equations (FDEs).

Design/methodology/approach

– This method is based on the idea of Kantorovich method, convergent series, and the modified Riemann-Liouville derivative.

Findings

– This work suggests a new analytical technique. The FDEs are described in Jumarie’s sense.

Originality/value

– It finds a new method for solving linear FDEs. The solution procedure is elucidated by two examples.
New approximate solutions of the Blasius equation
Authors: Bougoffa Lazhar , Wazwaz Abdul-Majid
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a reliable treatment for studying the Blasius equation, which arises in certain boundary layer problems in the fluid dynamics. The authors propose an algorithm of two steps that will introduce an exact solution to the equation, followed by a correction to that solution. An approximate analytic solution, which contains an auxiliary parameter, is obtained. A highly accurate approximate solution of Blasius equation is also provided by adding a third initial condition y
'

'
(0) which demonstrates to be quite accurate by comparison with Howarth solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach consists of two steps. The first one is an assumption for an exact solution that satisfies the Blasius equation, but does not satisfy the given conditions. The second step depends mainly on using this assumption combined with the given conditions to derive an accurate approximation that improves the accuracy level.

Findings

– The obtained approximation shows an enhancement over some of the existing techniques. Comparing the calculated approximations confirm the enhancement that the derived approximation presents.

Originality/value

– In this work, a new approximate analytical solution of the Blasius problem is obtained, which demonstrates to be quite accurate by comparison with Howarth solutions.
Lie group analysis of chemical reaction effects on MHD free convection dissipative fluid flow past an inclined porous surface
Authors: Ramana Reddy G. Venkata , Chamkha Ali J
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study chemical reaction and heat and mass transfer effects on steady free convection flow in an inclined porous plate in the presence of MHD and viscous dissipation through the application of scaling group of transformation and numerical method.

Design/methodology/approach

– The fourth-order Runge-Kutta along with the shooting method is employed in the numerical solution of the governing equations.

Findings

– The magnetic field parameter, the permeability of porous medium and the viscous dissipation are demonstrated to exert a more significant effect on the flow field and, thus, on the heat transfer from the plate to the fluid.

Originality/value

– The problem is relatively original.
Sensitivity analysis of finite volume simulations of a breaking dam problem
Authors: Caron Pablo A. , Cruchaga Marcela A. , Larreteguy Axel E.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The present work is a numerical study of a breaking dam problem. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of turbulence and surface tension models in the prediction of the interface position in a long-term analysis. Additionally, dimensional effects are analyzed by carrying out both 2D and 3D simulations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Finite volume simulations performed with the different models are compared between them and contrasted with numerical results computed using other numerical techniques and experimental data.

Findings

– The reported numerical results are in general in good agreement with experimental results available in the literature. They are also consistent with numerical solutions of other authors obtained using different numerical techniques. The results show that the laminar simulations exhibit strong mesh size dependency, while the turbulence models seem to help in producing mesh-independent solutions. Surface tension modeling does not seem to play a relevant role in the interface evolution.

Practical implications

– Model validation.

Originality/value

– The value of the present work encompass the comparison of different flow conditions used to simulate a free surface problem and their validation by contrasting numerical results with experiments. Also, the results shown in the present work are a contribution to the understanding of the role of some specific aspects of the models in the simulation of the proposed problem.
Unsteady and porous media flow of reactive non-Newtonian fluids subjected to buoyancy and suction/injection
Authors: Chinyoka Tirivanhu , Makinde Daniel Oluwole
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the unsteady pressure-driven flow of a reactive third-grade non-Newtonian fluid in a channel filled with a porous medium. The flow is subjected to buoyancy, suction/injection asymmetrical and convective boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors assume that exothermic chemical reactions take place within the flow system and that the asymmetric convective heat exchange with the ambient at the surfaces follow Newton’s law of cooling. The authors also assume unidirectional suction injection flow of uniform strength across the channel. The flow system is modeled via coupled non-linear partial differential equations derived from conservation laws of physics. The flow velocity and temperature are obtained by solving the governing equations numerically using semi-implicit finite difference methods.

Findings

– The authors present the results graphically and draw qualitative and quantitative observations and conclusions with respect to various parameters embedded in the problem. In particular the authors make observations regarding the effects of bouyancy, convective boundary conditions, suction/injection, non-Newtonian character and reaction strength on the flow velocity, temperature, wall shear stress and wall heat transfer.

Originality/value

– The combined fluid dynamical, porous media and heat transfer effects investigated in this paper have to the authors’ knowledge not been studied. Such fluid dynamical problems find important application in petroleum recovery.
Insurance vsTakaful: identical sides of a coin?
Authors: Nahar Hairul Suhaimi
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purposes of this paper are threefold. First, it aims to argue normatively how Shari’ah precepts governingTakafuloperations are translated into (rightfully) different accounting and reporting ofTakafuloperators. Second, it provides a critical review of the available and applicable accounting and reporting standards and guidelines related toTakafulin the Malaysian context. The third objective which constitutes the empirical piece of this paper centred on the basic numerical evidence obtained from the survey of final-year accounting students with regards to their ability in identifying the basic (dis)similarities in accounting and reporting betweenTakafuland insurance based on the published financial statements.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed-mode research approach was adopted covering archival document reviews and focused group survey.

Findings

– Findings are arguably informative and relevant to diverse stakeholders. First, the missing jigsaw puzzle representing accounting and reporting in theTakafulliterature is uncovered by extending the explanations ofTakaful-insurance conceptual and operational differences to that of accounting and reporting. The essence primarily lies on the different operational set-up attributed to the elements of gharar, maisir and riba. Second, the comparative analysis of accounting and reporting rules indicates that AAOIFI standards are less detailed in terms of accounting treatment over certain areas ofTakafuloperations (e.g. Re-Takaful), but these are more holistic, focused and specific in some other relatively important reporting areas reflecting the unique nature ofTakafuloperations. Third, findings based on the MalaysianTakafulaccounting and reporting guideline suggest that accounting and reporting betweenTakafuland insurance are perceived to be a coin having monographic characteristics on both sides.

Originality/value

– The research explicitly extends and highlights the impact of Shari’ah precepts governingTakaful’s operational nature on its accounting and reporting. It also provides empirical evidence on the nature of Malaysian-basedTakafulaccounting and reporting guidelines which mirror its insurance counterpart.
Lean implementation within SMEs: a literature review
Authors: Hu Qing , Mason Robert , Williams Sharon J. , Found Pauline
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Lean business ideology has been one of the recent dominant research areas in operations management. However, there is a dearth of research focusing on Lean in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by systematically reviewing the literature in relation to the implementation of Lean in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

– Tranfieldet al.’s (2003) systematic review methodology was employed covering three stages: planning, conducting and reporting/dissemination.

Findings

– A descriptive analysis of the papers reviewed is provided. From the thematic analysis of the literature four main themes are identified: the scope/type of Lean being adopted by SMEs, how Lean is used in SMEs, the impact of Lean implementation on SMEs and the critical success factors for Lean implementation in SMEs. Key inhibitors and enablers related to firm size when implementing Lean are also identified in the concluding discussion.

Research limitations/implications

– Nine recommendations for future research are developed associated with Lean implementation in SMEs.

Practical implications

– The authors suggest SMEs to integrate organisational factors such as employee empowerment and the development of a supportive strategy into their Lean implementation plans. A preliminary “Staircase Road Map” to guide SMEs in implementing Lean is also developed.

Originality/value

– This paper goes beyond previous literature reviews of Lean by systematically and critically evaluating key themes of Lean implementation within an SME environment. It not only provides a road map for SME owners/managers who intend to implement Lean, but also provides the academic community with an agenda for future research.
The impact of cultural differences on technology transfer
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen Thi Duc , Aoyama Atsushi
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively evaluate which of the elements of five management practice constructs – management commitment, quality practice, team-based work, training, and sharing and understanding – can significantly lessen the adverse impact of cultural differences on efficient technology transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

– Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling multigroup analysis are used to analyze structured survey data from 223 Japanese manufacturing subsidiaries in Vietnam.

Findings

– The following are the primary factors that moderate the adverse impact of cultural difference on efficient technology transfer: employees’ understanding of quality; top managements’ communication of clear goals and procedures for technology transfer; the nature of the collaborative teamwork and frequent communication about technical issues among Japanese experts and Vietnamese staff; sending of key Vietnamese technical staff to Japan for technological seminars and on-the-job training while providing them with the appropriate materials and guidelines.

Practical implications

– Although cultural diversity’s impact on technology transfer may never be problem-free, Japanese and Vietnamese managers should be aware of the effects of differing cultural values and use the appropriate interfaces to minimize cultural problems, maintain a cooperative environment, and transform cultural values into business value.

Originality/value

– Cross-cultural technology transfer research, from the knowledge-based perspective, has produced interesting findings but has not yet identified which managerial elements effectively reduce the adverse impact of cultural difference on efficient technology transfer. This study addresses that shortcoming through the organizational learning perspective.
Development of a Generic decision support system based on multi-Objective Optimisation for Green supply chain network design (GOOG)
Authors: Boonsothonsatit Kanda , Kara Sami , Ibbotson Suphunnika , Kayis Berman
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a Generic decision support system which is based on multi-Objective Optimisation for Green supply chain network design (GOOG). It aims to support decision makers to design their supply chain networks using three key objectives: the lowest cost and environmental impact and the shortest lead time by incorporating the decision maker’s inputs.

Design/methodology/approach

– GOOG aims to suggest the best-fitted parameters for supply chain partners and manufacturing plant locations, their order allocations, and appropriate transportation modes and lot-sizes for cradle-to-gate. It integrates Fuzzy Goal Programming and weighted max-min operator for trade-off conflicting objectives and overcome fuzziness in specifying target values of individual objectives. It is solved using exact algorithm and validated using an industrial case study.

Findings

– The comparative analysis between actual, three single-objective, and multi-objective decisions showed that GOOG is capable to optimising three objectives namely cost, lead time, and environmental impact.

Research limitations/implications

– Further, GOOG requires validation for different supply chain scenarios and manufacturing strategic decisions. It can improve by including multi-echelon supply chain networks, entire life cycle and relevant environmental legislations.

Practical implications

– GOOG helps the decision makers to configuring those supply chain parameters whilst minimising those three objectives.

Social implications

– Companies can use GOOG as a tool to strategically select their supply chain that reduces their footprint and stop rebound effect which imposes significant impact to the society.

Originality/value

– GOOG includes overlooked in the previous study in order to achieve the objectives set. It is flexible for the decision makers to change the relative weightings of the inputs for those contradicting objectives.
Has the SEC become the “Whistleblower’s Advocate”?
Authors: Chan Peter K.M. , Greer Amy J.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This article serves as a timely alert to public companies and financial institutions of their potential risk exposure in light of the SEC’s aggressive interpretation of the Dodd-Frank whistleblower provisions. In particular, the article highlights the need of entities to ensure that their employment agreements, confidentiality provisions, and codes of conduct do not violate Dodd-Frank by inadvertently discouraging whistleblowing by their employees.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article analyzes a recent and important speech by SEC Chair Mary Jo White regarding the SEC’s ongoing efforts to be the advocate of whistleblowers.

Findings

– This article finds that the SEC will continue its role in protecting whistleblowers, including ongoing enforcement scrutiny of employment agreements and similar provisions that may discourage whistleblowers.

Practical implications

– Among other things, this article highlights risk areas for public companies and financial institutions to address based on Chair White’s recent speech.

Originality/value

– This article provides insights from two former SEC enforcement attorneys on an area that is of great concern to public companies and financial institutions in light of the increased focus by SEC enforcement.
SEC proposes “pay-for-performance” disclosure rule
Authors: Engvall David H. , Hooper Reid S. , Gumbs Keir D. , Martin David B.H.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– To outline and summarize the new disclosure requirements under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s proposed pay-for-performance rule, as mandated by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article highlights the proposed new disclosure requirements, while briefly discussing the technical requirements under the rule. The article concludes with a summary of the next steps in the rulemaking process followed by our observations of various issues raised by the proposed new disclosure requirement.

Findings

– While the contours of any new disclosure requirements will depend on the specifics of the final rule, the pay-for-performance rule, as proposed, would represent a significant new annual disclosure obligation for many public companies.

Originality/value

– Practical guidance from experienced securities and capital markets attorneys.
SEC adopts regulation systems compliance and integrity
Authors: Burns James , Bullitt Georgia , Kramer Howard , Habert Jack , Doench James
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– To explain the requirements of Regulation Systems Compliance and Integrity (“Regulation SCI”) and the new responsibilities of organizations defined as “SCI entities.”

Design/methodology/approach

– Explains the purpose of Regulation SCI, the responsibilities of SCI entities, systems covered by the rules (“SCI systems”), and specific obligations of SCI entities, including the establishment and periodic review of policies and procedures, compliance with the Exchange Act, designation of “responsible SCI personnel,” appropriate corrective action in response to “SCI events,” notification of systems changes, annual “SCI reviews,” business continuity and disaster recovery testing, and recordkeeping and filing. Discusses future implications for SCI Entities and other market participants.

Findings

– Regulation SCI launches a broad and extensive overlay of rules and guidance to address systems capacity and integrity issues that have increasingly affected the securities markets. The adoption of this regulation suggests that there will continue to be increased scrutiny by the SEC, FINRA and other regulators of the automated systems and related policies and procedures of all market participants.

Practical implications

– SCI entities will need to devote considerable attention and resources not just to prevent incidents where possible, but also to establish systems for ensuring thorough compliance and well-documented and reasonable follow-up actions where necessary. All market professionals – including broker-dealers, investment advisers, pension funds and investment companies – should study the new regulation and consider adopting appropriate policies and procedures to address operating as well as cyber security issues with respect to their own critical operating technology.

Originality/value

– Practical guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
Where, how, who? Some questions for restorative justice
Authors: Edwards Phil
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the settings, mechanisms and beneficiaries of restorative justice, querying whether a single procedure can have the wide-ranging benefits – to victims, offenders and the broader community – which have been attributed to restorative justice.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper assesses the claims made for restorative justice in the light of contemporary British experience, taking evidence from the published evaluations of three Home Office-funded restorative justice schemes (Shaplandet al., 2004, 2006a, 2007, 2008).

Findings

– It is found that ideas of community have played little part in restorative justice practice in Britain, but that restorative justice may benefit both victims and offenders. Given the differing needs of the two groups, it is suggested that this may be conditional on the prior articulation of relationships of interdependency – which in turn may strengthen informal communities.

Originality/value

– This paper clarifies the distinct benefits offered by restorative justice to victims and offenders, and reconceptualises the relationship between successful restorative justice practice and informal community relationships.
Incentive for insincerity – pre-sentence restorative justice: in whose interests?
Authors: Jones Gareth , Creaney Sean
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is twofold. First it examines the use of restorative practices in the Youth Justice System. Second the paper seeks to critically assess the benefits of Restorative Justice (RJ) at the pre-sentence stage in England and Wales, particularly in terms of its ethical and practical application.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper takes the form of a conceptual analysis. The authors draw principally on the experiences of a small scale pilot into the use of pre-sentence RJ and data from in-depth interviews with one of the pilot sites. A snapshot survey and discussions with a Youth Offending Team piloting pre-sentence RJ was also undertaken.

Findings

– The authors find that the level of personal involvement of victims in RJ has fallen short of expectations. The authors note that if there is to be reduced stress and trauma for victims participation needs to be independent of coercion or reward. Offenders who are lacking in sincerity should not be coerced or pressured into accepting pre-sentence RJ as this could, despite benign intents, exacerbate feelings of anger and distress for victims. The authors also note the importance of practitioners being properly trained in RJ conferencing as they have a fundamental part to play in mitigating against some of the potential risks.

Practical implications

– The paper identifies issues and ambiguities with pre-sentence RJ and examines in detail the complexities of working in such an environment. The paper will be of use to local and potentially national decision makers and commissioners of RJ programmes.

Originality/value

– The authors explore the under researched concept and delivery of pre-sentence RJ.
Restorative justice a postcode lottery? – availability and quality of service
Authors: Acton Ellie
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The reinvigoration of restorative justice (RJ) within criminal justice has brought with it many opportunities but also significant challenges. The purpose of this paper is to explore the current considerations when providing a quality RJ service that meet the needs of victim, offender the community and the criminal justice system.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a personal viewpoint of the author obtained from working nationally in the criminal justice arena specifically advising on RJ to police forces, police and crime commissioners and others.

Findings

– Findings suggest the provision of RJ in the UK is patchy, and the provision of a quality provision even more of a challenge.

Practical implications

– Consideration given to the need for quality not to be sacrificed in the advancement of RJ and some of the implications of this.

Originality/value

– Offers perspectives on the application of RJ in new and rapidly growing arenas.
Icaritin inhibits the invasion and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of glioblastoma cells by targeting EMMPRIN via PTEN/AKt/HIF‐1α signalling
Authors: Xu Bo , Jiang Chuanwu , Han Hongxing , Liu Hong , Tang Ming , Liu Longxi , Ji Wenyan , Lu Xuechao , Yang Xiuli , Zhang Yunxu , Liu Yongji
Published: September 2015

Icaritin, a hydrolytic product of icariin from the Epimedium genus, exerts anti‐tumour effects on a variety of tumour cell types, mainly by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. However, little is known about the role of icaritin in cancer invasion and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the present study, the glioblastoma (GBM) cell line U87MG was used as a model to investigate the effects of icaritin on the invasion and EMT of cancer cells. The results showed that icaritin significantly inhibited the invasion and EMT of GBM cells by targeting extracellular matrix metalloproteinase (EMMPRIN). Furthermore, the findings strongly indicate that the modulatory effect of icaritin on EMMPRIN is mediated via the PTEN/Akt/HIF‐1α signalling pathway. The data provide the first experimental evidence of the inhibitory effect of icaritin on cancer cell invasion and EMT, thus highlighting the potential of icaritin to be employed as a promising anti‐cancer agent in the treatment of GBM.
The Risk and Return of Commercial Real Estate: A Property Level Analysis
Authors: Peng Liang
Published: September 2015

I compare the performance of the index‐based time series approach and the cross‐sectional approach in estimating factor loadings of nontraded assets, and show that the latter likely provides less biased and more efficient estimates. I then use the cross‐sectional approach to estimate the loadings of privately owned commercial real estate on the Fama and French (1993) factors, the Pastor and Stambaugh (2003) liquidity factor, and two bond market factors, using a sample of 14,115 properties in the 1977–2012 period. I find statistically significant loadings, of which the signs seem consistent across property types, but the magnitude varies. Using the time series approach on the same data, I find insignificant loadings on virtually all factors. To investigate the sources of the weak results from the time series approach, I conduct a Monte Carlo simulation in which both approaches are correctly specified and indices can be estimated perfectly. Simulation results suggest that the cross‐sectional approach provides more accurate estimates under reasonable market conditions.
Salmon Protamine Decreases Serum and Liver Lipid Contents by Inhibiting Lipid Absorption in an In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion Model and in Rats
Authors: Hosomi Ryota , Miyauchi Kazumasa , Yamamoto Daiki , Arai Hirofumi , Nishiyama Toshimasa , Yoshida Munehiro , Fukunaga Kenji
Published: September 2015

Protamine has been used as an antiheparin drug and a natural preservative in various food products. However, limited studies have evaluated the physicochemical and functional properties of protamine. Hence, we assessed the mechanisms underlying the inhibition of lipid absorption following salmon protamine intake in in vitro and in vivo studies. In initial experiments, a salmon protamine hydrolyzate (PH) was prepared using in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion suppressed pancreatic lipase activity and micellar cholesterol solubility. This PH had higher bile acid‐binding capacity and emulsion breakdown activity than casein hydrolyzate and l‐arginine. However, the hypolipidemic functions of protamine were dramatically reduced by pancreatin digestion. In further experiments, groups of male Wistar rats were fed an AIN‐93G diet containing 5% (wt/wt) salmon protamine or a protamine amino acid mixture. After 4 wk of feeding with experimental diets, reductions in serum and liver triacylglycerol (TAG) and cholesterol contents were observed in the presence of protamine, reflecting inhibition of TAG, cholesterol, and bile acid absorption. These data suggest that the formation of insoluble PH–bile acid complexes is critical before the bile acid‐binding capacity is reduced. Therefore, dietary salmon protamine may ameliorate lifestyle‐related diseases such as hyperlipidemia and obesity.
Chemical Typification of the Sugarcane Spirits Produced in São Paulo State
Authors: Serafim F. A. T. , Reche R. V. , Franco D. W.
Published: September 2015

To typify São Paulo State sugarcane spirits, 37 chemical compounds were analyzed in 81 Brazilian sugarcane spirits (cachaça), which were produced in different cities from São Paulo State. Among these samples, 56 were distilled in copper alembics, and the other 25 were distilled in steel columns. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis were performed with both chemical data sets. The chemical profiles of the cachaças distilled in the column apparatus formed 4 specific clusters, which correspond to 4 distinct geographic regions of São Paulo State. For the cachaças that were distilled in copper alembics, 2 cachaça clusters were formed; however, no correlation between their respective chemical similarities and geographical origins was observed.
Dioscin Derived from Solanum melongena L. “Usukawamarunasu” Attenuates α‐MSH–Induced Melanogenesis in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells via Downregulation of Phospho‐CREB and MITF
Authors: Nishina Atsuyoshi , Ebina Kodai , Ukiya Motohiko , Fukatsu Makoto , Koketsu Mamoru , Ninomiya Masayuki , Sato Daisuke , Kimura Hirokazu
Published: September 2015

This study aimed to chemically isolate and explore an antimelanogenesis inducer in extracts of Solanum melongena L. “Usukawamarunasu” eggplant. We successfully identified dioscin ([25R]‐Spirost‐5‐en‐3β‐yl) 2‐O‐(6‐deoxy‐α‐l‐mannopyranosyl) ‐ 4‐O‐(6‐deoxy‐α‐l‐mannopyranosyl)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside] in the plant, and examined the effects of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (MSH)–induced melanogenesis in B16 murine melanoma cells by this plant‐derived dioscin. Immunoblot analysis suggested that dioscin reduced the expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 (TRP‐1), and TRP‐2, resulting in inhibition of intracellular production of melanin. In addition, dioscin caused reduction of phosphorylated cAMP‐responsive element binding protein 1 transcription factors (CREB), which led to a reduction of microphthalmia‐related transcription factor (MITF) in α‐MSH‐stimulated cells, but did not affect phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase. Furthermore, dioscin significantly downregulated the expression of tyrosinase, TRP‐1, and TRP‐2, which led to the reduction of α‐MSH–induced melanogenesis in B16 cells. These results suggest that dioscin may decrease the level of MITF via inhibition of phosphorylation of CREB in α‐MSH–induced melanogenesis in B16 cells.
How we diagnose and treat essential thrombocythaemia
Authors: Alimam Samah , Wilkins Bridget S. , Harrison Claire N.
Published: September 2015

The approach to the diagnosis and management of essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is steadily changing, influenced by advances in molecular biology, data from clinical trials and retrospective analyses of patient cohorts. In the past decade options for clinical management largely remain unchanged, but who we treat, and with what target in mind, is evolving. A further area of change is recognition of symptoms that may be associated with ET, as well as other myeloproliferative neoplasms, and that potential options for their management are becoming available. Judicious and careful diagnosis is increasingly a fundamental key to successful management followed by cytoreductive therapy in a subset of patients. In this review we demonstrate our management strategies for ET using a case‐based format.
Towards an understanding of adult judgments of synergistic health benefits
Authors: Dawson Ian G. J. , Dohle Simone
Published: September 2015

Objective

Numerous scientific studies show that certain combinations of dietary and/or lifestyle factors produce health benefits which are greater than the sum of the benefits associated with each factor alone. To address an existing knowledge gap, we assessed the extent to which individuals understand that certain combinations present these ‘synergistic health benefits’.

Design

Health benefit judgments were obtained from lay adults for a range of dietary and/or lifestyle combinations that have been found to present synergistic benefits. Association between these judgments and socio‐cognitive characteristics such as numeracy, education, and health interest (HI) were examined.

Methods

Three hundred and fifty‐two Swiss adults were presented with a description of one of eight synergistically beneficial combinations. Each participant provided a categorical benefit judgment (i.e., subadditive, additive, or synergistic) for the combination and explained the cognitive reasoning underlying their judgment. Participants completed measures of numeracy and HI.

Results

The proportion of combinations judged to present a synergistic benefit was modest for ‘macro‐level’ combinations (e.g., diet and exercise), but low for ‘micro‐level’ combinations (e.g., two phytochemicals). Cognitive reasoning data showed that a higher proportion of judgments for micro‐level (cf. macro‐level) combinations were based on greater subjective epistemic uncertainty. Higher interest in health was associated with a better understanding of synergistic benefits, but numeracy and education level were not.

Conclusions

There is considerable scope to improve the extent to which lay adults understand that specific combination of diet and lifestyle behaviours can synergistically benefit their health. Our results enable us to make informed recommendations for public health interventions.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Combining certain dietary and/or lifestyle factors can result in synergistic health benefits.

People could maintain/enhance their health by combining these synergistic combinations.

No previous studies have assessed the extent to which people understand that certain factors produce synergistic health benefits.

What does this study add?

This is the first study to identify that lay awareness of synergistic health benefits could be substantially improved.

Neither education level nor numeracy moderate judgments of synergistic benefits, but health interest does.

Individuals better understand that broad lifestyle behaviours (cf. specific foods and phytochemicals) are synergistic.
Prognostic role of PIK3CA mutations of cell‐free DNA in early‐stage triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Takeshita Takashi , Yamamoto Yutaka , Yamamoto‐Ibusuki Mutsuko , Inao Toko , Sueta Aiko , Fujiwara Saori , Omoto Yoko , Iwase Hirotaka
Published: September 2015

PIK3CA is an oncogene that encodes the p110α component of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K); it is the second most frequently mutated gene following the TP53 gene. In the clinical setting, PIK3CA mutations may have favorable prognostic value for hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer patients and, during the past few years, PIK3CA mutations of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) have attracted attention as a potential noninvasive biomarker of cancer. However, there are few reports on the clinical implications of PIK3CA mutations for TNBC patients. We investigated the PIK3CA major mutation status of cfDNA as a noninvasive biomarker of cancer using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), which has high level sensitivity and specificity for cancer mutation, in early‐stage 49 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. A total of 12 (24.4%) of 49 patients had PIK3CA mutations of cfDNA. In a median follow up of 54.4 months, the presence of PIK3CA mutations of cfDNA had significant impacts on relapse‐free survival (RFS; P = 0.0072) and breast cancer‐specific survival (BCSS; P = 0.016), according to the log‐lank test. In a Cox proportional hazards model, the presence of PIK3CA mutations of cfDNA had significant prognostic value in the univariate and multivariate analysis. Additionally, the presence of PIK3CA mutations of cfDNA was significantly correlated with positive androgen receptor phosphorylated form depending on PI3K signaling pathway (pAR) which is independent favorable prognostic factors of TNBC. We demonstrated that the presence of PIK3CA major mutations of cfDNA could be a discriminatory predictor of RFS and BCSS in early‐stage TNBC patients and it was associated with PI3K pathway‐dependent AR phosphorylation.
Phase I trial of volasertib, a Polo‐like kinase inhibitor, in Japanese patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kobayashi Yukio , Yamauchi Takahiro , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Sakura Toru , Hata Tomoko , Ando Kiyoshi , Watabe Aiko , Harada Akiko , Taube Tillmann , Miyazaki Yasushi , Naoe Tomoki
Published: September 2015

This phase I trial conducted in Japanese patients with acute myeloid leukemia evaluated the safety, maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetics of volasertib (BI 6727), a selective Polo‐like kinase inhibitor. The primary endpoints were the maximum tolerated dose of volasertib and the incidence of dose‐limiting toxicities. Secondary endpoints were best response and remission duration. Other endpoints included safety and pharmacokinetics. Patients who were ineligible for standard induction therapy or with relapsed or refractory disease received volasertib monotherapy as a 2‐h infusion on days 1 and 15 of a 28‐day cycle, with dose escalation following a 3 + 3 design. A total of 19 patients were treated with three volasertib doses: 350, 400 and 450 mg. One patient receiving volasertib 450 mg reported a dose‐limiting toxicity of grade 4 abnormal liver function test and 450 mg was determined as the maximum tolerated dose. The most frequently reported adverse events were febrile neutropenia (78.9%), decreased appetite (42.1%), nausea and rash (36.8% each), and sepsis, fatigue, hypokalemia, stomatitis and epistaxis (26.3% each). Best responses were complete remission (n = 3), complete remission with incomplete blood count recovery (n = 3) and partial remission (n = 1). The median remission duration of the six patients with complete remission or complete remission with incomplete blood count recovery was 85 days (range 56–358). Volasertib exhibited multi‐compartmental pharmacokinetic behavior with a fast distribution after the end of infusion followed by slower elimination phases. Volasertib monotherapy was clinically manageable with acceptable adverse events and anti‐leukemic activity.
LIVING STANDARDS INEQUALITY BETWEEN MIGRANTS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS IN URBAN CHINA—A QUANTILE DECOMPOSITION
Authors: Fang Zheng , Sakellariou Chris
Published: September 2015

This study investigates the inequality in per‐capita consumption expenditure between urban and rural‐to‐urban migrant households in China using Rural‐Urban Migration in China (RUMiC) data. The methodology used is that of Oaxaca‐Blinder and unconditional quantile decompositions and we deal with selection related to education level using matching. It is found that the characteristics effect does not contribute toward explaining any of the gaps in consumption. Results from a detailed decomposition suggest that differences in educational level account for 8%–19% of the overall inequality after taking selectivity of education into consideration. Differences in household size and region of residence are also important in narrowing expenditure inequality between the two groups. (JEL R23, C15)
Cisplatin and Paclitaxel Alter the Expression Pattern of miR‐143/145 and miR‐183/96/182 Clusters in T24 Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Papadopoulos Emmanuel I. , Scorilas Andreas
Published: September 2015

Although cisplatin‐based chemotherapy is considered to be the treatment of choice for metastatic bladder cancer, its efficacy and tolerability has proven to be limited. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs, whose genes are frequently organized in clusters. These molecules constitute posttranscriptional regulators of mRNA expression and are claimed to be deregulated in cancer. miR‐143/145 and miR‐183/96/182 clusters have been extensively studied in bladder cancer cells. Herein, we tried to add up to this knowledge by assessing the expression levels of the five mature microRNAs derived from the aforementioned clusters in T24 bladder cancer cells exposed to either cisplatin or paclitaxel. For both compounds, the viability of treated T24 cells was estimated via the MTT colorimetric assay and the Trypan Blue exclusion method, while a fraction of the cells was left to recover. The expression levels of all mature microRNAs were finally quantified both in treated and in recovered cells by performing real‐time PCR. According to our data, cisplatin and paclitaxel strongly decreased T24 cells' viability, showing in parallel the ability to significantly down‐regulate miR‐143 levels, and up‐regulate the expression levels of miR‐145, miR‐183, miR‐96, and miR‐182, which, in their total, demonstrated case‐specific variations after recovery period.
The influence of power and reason on young Maya children's endorsement of testimony
Authors: Castelain Thomas , Bernard Stéphane , Van der Henst Jean‐Baptiste , Mercier Hugo
Published: September 2015

Two important parenting strategies are to impose one's power and to use reasoning. The effect of these strategies on children's evaluation of testimony has received very little attention. Using the epistemic vigilance framework, we predict that when the reasoning cue is strong enough it should overcome the power cue. We test this prediction in a population for which anthropological data suggest that power is the prominent strategy while reasoning is rarely relied on in the interactions with children. In Experiment 1, 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children from a traditional Maya population are shown to endorse the testimony supported by a strong argument over that supported by a weak argument. In Experiment 2, the same participants are shown to follow the testimony of a dominant over that of a subordinate. The participants are then shown to endorse the testimony of a subordinate who provides a strong argument over that of a dominant who provides either a weak argument (Experiment 3) or no argument (Experiment 4). Thus, when the power and reasoning cues conflict, reasoning completely trumps power.
The impact of orofacial dysfunction in cerebral palsy
Authors: Sellers Diane
Published: September 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Edvinsson and Lundqvist on pages 385–394 of this issue.