bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FRA1 modulates cortical microtubule localization of CMU proteins
Authors: Ganguly Anindya , Zhu Chuanmei , Chen Weizu , Dixit Ram
Published: September 2019

Construction of the cell wall demands harmonized deposition of cellulose and matrix polysaccharides. Cortical microtubules orient the deposition of cellulose by guiding the trajectory of plasma membrane-embedded cellulose synthase complexes. Vesicles containing matrix polysaccharides are thought to be transported by the FRA1 kinesin to facilitate their secretion along cortical microtubules. The cortical microtubule cytoskeleton thus provides a platform to coordinate the delivery of cellulose and matrix polysaccharides, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that the tail region of the FRA1 kinesin physically interacts with CMU proteins which are important for the microtubule-dependent guidance of cellulose synthase complexes. Interaction with CMUs did not affect microtubule binding or motility of the FRA1 kinesin but had an opposing effect on the cortical microtubule localization of CMU1 and CMU2 proteins, thus regulating the lateral stability of cortical microtubules. Phosphorylation of the FRA1 tail region by CKL6 inhibited binding to CMUs and consequently reversed the extent of cortical microtubule decoration by CMU1 and CMU2. Genetic experiments demonstrated the significance of this interaction to the growth and reproduction ofArabidopsis thalianaplants. We propose that modulation of CMU’s microtubule localization by FRA1 provides a mechanism to control the coordinated deposition of cellulose and matrix polysaccharides.
Does skin surface temperature variation account for Buruli ulcer lesion distribution?
Authors: Sexton-Oates Nicola K. , Stewardson Andrew J. , Yerramilli Arvind , Johnson Paul D.R.
Published: September 2019

Background

Buruli ulcer is a necrotising infection of skin and soft tissue caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). Buruli ulcer most often occurs on limbs, and it is hypothesized this is explained by direct exposure to the environment. However, even on exposed areas Buruli ulcer is not randomly distributed. M. ulcerans prefers an in vitro temperature of 30-33°C and growth is inhibited at higher temperatures. This study investigated whether variations in skin surface temperature distribution in healthy volunteers could partly account for Buruli ulcer lesion distribution.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this observational study, a thermal camera (FLIR E8) was used to measure skin surface temperature at the sternal notch and at 44 predetermined locations on the limbs of 18 human participants. Body locations of high, middle and low Buruli ulcer incidence were identified from existing density maps of lesion distribution. Skin temperature of the three incidence location groups were compared, and differences in age and sex groups were also analysed.

We found an inverse relationship between skin temperature and lesion distribution, where high incidence locations were significantly cooler and low incidence locations significantly warmer (Kruskal-Wallis test p<0.0001). Linear mixed effects regression analysis estimated that skin surface temperature accounts for 9.5% of the variance in Buruli ulcer lesion distribution (marginal R-squared = 0.095). Men had warmer upper and lower limbs than females (Mann-Whitney U test p=0.0003 and p<0.0001 respectively).

Conclusions/Significance

We have found an inverse relationship between skin temperature and Buruli ulcer lesion distribution, however this association is weak. Additional unknown factors are likely to be involved that explain the majority of the variation in Buruli lesion distribution.

Author Summary

Buruli ulcer is a destructive soft tissue infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans. The precise mode of transmission remains unknown. One theory proposes that transmission occurs by direct contact with a contaminated environment. Lesions occur mostly on limbs, and it is hypothesized this is explained by direct exposure to the environment. However even on exposed areas, lesions are not randomly distributed. This study investigated whether skin surface temperature can partly explain Buruli ulcer lesion distribution. We measured the skin surface temperature of 18 healthy participants using a thermal camera and compared temperature distribution to the distribution of Buruli ulcer lesions investigated in a previously published study. We found that there is a negative correlation between skin temperature and Buruli ulcer lesion incidence. However, the association is weak and other factors e.g. clothing choice and insect biting patterns may explain the majority of Buruli ulcer lesion distribution.
A new luminescent anionic metal–organic framework based on heterometallic zinc(II)–barium(II) for selective detection of Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions in aqueous solution
Authors: Phadungsak Natthakorn , Kielar Filip , Dungkaew Winya , Sukwattanasinitt Mongkol , Zhou Yan , Chainok Kittipong
Published: September 2019

Over the past two decades, the development of novel inorganic–organic hybrid porous crystalline materials or metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) using crystal engineering has provoked significant interest due to their potential applications as functional materials. In this context, luminescent MOFs as fluorescence sensors have recently received significant attention for the sensing of ionic species and small molecules. In this work, a new luminescent heterometallic zinc(II)–barium(II)-based anionic metal–organic framework, namely poly[imidazolium [triaqua(μ6-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylato)bariumtrizinc] tetrahydrate], {(C3H4N2)[BaZn3(C9H3O6)3(H2O)3]·4H2O}
n
(1), was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized. Compound 1 presents a three-dimensional framework with an unprecedented (3,5)-connected topology of the point symbol (3.92).(33.42.5.93.10), and exhibits `turn-off' luminescence responses for the Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution based on significantly different quenching mechanisms.
Poly[(μ4-phenylphosphonato)zinc(II)]
Authors: Falvello Larry , Lotti Paolo , Massera Chiara , Tarantino Serena C. , Zema Michele , Puschmann Horst , Agbahoungbata Marielle Y. , Andreo Jacopo , Sahadevan Suchithra Ashoka , Bismuto Alessandro , Bonfant Giulia , Bonou Sourou A. S. , Carraro Claudia , Zotti Marta De , Biase Armando di , Fantini Riccardo , Ferraboschi Ilaria , Custodio Jean Marcos Ferreira , Frigerio Matteo , Gallo Gianpiero , Gjyli Silvana , Goudjil Meriem , Igoa Fernando , Kahveci Enver , Kalienko Maksim , Lorenzon Sofia , Macera Ludovico , Fajardo Joaqun Joaqun Manrique , Nushi Enida , Ouaatta Said , Parisi Emmanuele , Pasqualetto Leonardo , Pesko Edyta , Pierri Giovanni , Pinalli Roberta , Poppe Romy , Santoro Antonio , Smirnova Ekaterina , Sorbara Simona , Tensi Leonardo , Tusha Gers
Published: September 2019

The title two-dimensional coordination polymer, [Zn(C6H5PO3)]
n
, was synthesized serendipitously by reacting a tetraphosphonate cavitand Tiiii[C3H7, CH3, C6H5] and Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O in a DMF/H2O mixture. The basic conditions of the reaction cleaved the phosphonate bridges at the upper rim of the cavitand, making them available for reaction with the zinc ions. The coordination polymer can be described as an inorganic layer in which zinc coordinates the oxygen atoms of the phosphonate groups in a distorted tetrahedral environment, while the phenyl groups, which are statistically disordered over two orientations, point up and down with respect to the layer. The layers interact through van der Waals interactions. The crystal studied was refined as a two-component twin.
An analysis of CEE equity market integration and their volatility spillover effects
Authors: Hung Ngo Thai
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the conditional correlations and spillovers of volatilities across CEE markets, namely, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Croatia, in the post-2007 financial crisis period.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use five-dimensional GARCH-BEKK alongside with the CCC and DCC models.

Findings

The estimation results of the three models generally demonstrate that the correlations between these markets are particularly significant. Also, own-volatility spillovers are generally lower than cross-volatility spillovers for all markets.

Practical implications

These results recommend that investors should take caution when investing in the CEE equity markets as well as diversifying their portfolios so as to minimize risk.

Originality/value

Unlike the previous studies in this field, this paper is the first study using multivariate GARCH-BEKK alongside with CCC and DCC models. The study makes an outstanding contribution to the existing literature on spillover effects and conditional correlations in the CEE financial stock markets.
Human remains as documents: implications for repatriation
Authors: Berryman Jim
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, to investigate the documentality of human remains in museum and research collections. Second, to provide a rationale for a processual model of documentation, which can account for their repatriation and eventual burial.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine the repatriation issue. It considers an ethical argument developed to support claims for repatriation: the nominal identification of a body as a universal criterion for its burial. Based on Igor Kopytoff’s processual model of commoditisation, it looks to cultural anthropology to help explain how objects can move between a document and non-document state.

Findings

Human remains can be understood as examples of information-as-thing. However, while document theory can readily account for the expanding realm of documentation, it cannot adequately accommodate instances where documentality is revoked, and when something ceases to be a document. When a human biological specimen is returned, the process that made it serve as a document is effectively reversed. When remains are interred, they revert to their primary standing, as people. The process of becoming a document is therefore not unidirectional, and document status not permanent.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of a processual model of documentation are discussed. Such a model must be able to account for things as they move into and out of the document state, and where the characteristics of documentality change through time.

Originality/value

This paper explores problematic material not usually discussed in relation to document theory. The repatriation movement poses a challenge to a discourse predicated on documentation as a progressively expanding field.
Maturing research data services and the transformation of academic libraries
Authors: Cox Andrew M. , Kennan Mary Anne , Lyon Liz , Pinfield Stephen , Sbaffi Laura
Published: September 2019

Purpose

A major development in academic libraries in the last decade has been recognition of the need to support research data management (RDM). The purpose of this paper is to capture how library research data services (RDS) have developed and to assess the impact of this on the nature of academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire responses from libraries in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK and USA from 2018 are compared to a previous data set from 2014.

Findings

The evidence supports a picture of the spread of RDS, especially advisory ones. However, future ambitions do not seem to have seen much evolution. There is limited evidence of organisational change and skills shortages remain. Most service development can be explained as the extension of traditional library services to research data. Yet there remains the potential for transformational impacts, when combined with the demands implied by other new services such as around text and data mining, bibliometrics and artificial intelligence. A revised maturity model is presented that summarises typical stages of development of services, structures and skills.

Research limitations/implications

The research models show how RDS are developing. It also reflects on the extent to which RDM represents a transformation of the role of academic libraries.

Practical implications

Practitioners working in the RDM arena can benchmark their current practices and future plans against wider patterns.

Originality/value

The study offers a clear picture of the evolution of research data services internationally and proposes a maturity model to capture typical stages of development. It contributes to the wider discussion of how the nature of academic libraries are changing.
Creativity, innovation, and the historicity of entrepreneurship
Authors: Ballor Jordan J. , Claar Victor V.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Creativity and innovation are interrelated, and indeed often conflated, concepts. A corollary to this distinction is two different perspectives or types of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs. The purpose of this paper is to explore the distinction between creativity and innovation on the basis of their relationship to history and implications for understandings of entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a theoretical exploration of entrepreneurship understood in relation to a proper distinction between creativity and innovation. Creativity and innovation differ from the perspective of their relationship to what has already happened in history vs the radical novelty of a particular discovery or invention.

Findings

Creativity can be understood as what human beings do in connection with the fundamental givenness of things. Innovation, on the other hand, can be best understood as a phenomenon related to the historical progress of humankind. Innovation is what human beings discover on the basis of what has already been discovered. Entrepreneurs can be seen as those who discover something radically new and hidden in the latent possibilities of reality and creation. Or entrepreneurs can be seen as those who develop new, and even epochal, discoveries primarily on the basis of the insights and discoveries of those who have come before them in history.

Originality/value

This paper provides a helpful conceptual distinction between creativity and innovation, and finds compatibility in these different perspectives. A holistic and comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship embraces both its creative and innovative aspects, its metaphysical grounding as well as its historicity.
An image theory of strategic decision-making in family businesses
Authors: Penney Christopher , Vardaman James , Marler Laura , Antin-Yates Victoria
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Research suggests family businesses often pursue risky or aggressive strategies despite the desire to preserve socioemotional wealth (SEW), which is thought to lead to conservativism in family firm strategic decision making. The purpose of this paper is to resolve this apparent contradiction by presenting a model that describes the screening criteria used by family business decision-makers when evaluating strategic opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model relies on insights derived from image theory to resolve apparent contradictions inherent in the SEW perspective’s implications for family firms’ risky strategic decisions.

Findings

The proposed model suggests new strategic opportunities in family firms are evaluated through an unconscious, schema-driven decision process and that the preservation of SEW does not preclude risky strategic directions, but instead serves as an unconscious screening criteria for strategic opportunities.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by expanding the understanding of family-firm strategic decision-making to include considerations of the decision’s fit with the family’s principles, goals and strategic plan rather than solely to overall risk to SEW. Thus, the paper presents a detailed model of family-firm strategic decision-making that relies on insights from image theory.
Performance evaluation framework of Wyoming connected vehicle pilot deployment program: summary of Phase 2 pre-deployment efforts and lessons learned
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed M. , Yang Guangchuan , Gaweesh Sherif , Young Rhonda , Kitchener Fred
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a summary of the performance measurement and evaluation plan of the Wyoming connected vehicle (CV) Pilot Deployment Program (WYDOT Pilot).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper identified 21 specific performance measures as well as approaches to measure the benefits of the WYDOT Pilot. An overview of the expected challenges that might introduce confounding factors to the evaluation effort was outlined in the performance management plan to guide the collection of system performance data.

Findings

This paper presented the data collection approaches and analytical methods that have been established for the real-life deployment of the WYDOT CV applications. Five methodologies for assessing 21 specific performance measures contained within eight performance categories for the operational and safety-related aspects. Analyses were conducted on data collected during the baseline period, and pre-deployment conditions were established for 1 performance measures. Additionally, microsimulation modeling was recommended to aid in evaluating the mobility and safety benefits of the WYDOT CV system, particularly when evaluating system performance under various CV penetration rates and/or CV strategies.

Practical implications

The proposed performance evaluation framework can guide other researchers and practitioners identifying the best performance measures and evaluation methodologies when conducting similar research activities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research that develops performance measures and evaluation plan for low-volume rural freeway CV system under adverse weather conditions. This paper raised some early insights into how CV technology might achieve the goal of improving safety and mobility and has the potential to guide similar research activities conducted by other agencies.
Memorisation and learning in Sufi British madrasahs
Authors: Sabki Aishah , Hardaker Glenn
Published: September 2019

Purpose

In madrasahs around the world, teaching and learning methods regarding the memorisation of the Qur’an follow the same notion of repetition and the need for embodiment, going beyond rote memorisation, to include a form of active learning. The process of memorisation for automaticity and inculcation of the Qur’an is seen when an individual can accurately recite the text in an illuminating way. This approach of repeatedly reciting, reading and writing Qur’anic texts is seen as an enduring method for achieving accuracy, fluency and automaticity. The purpose of this study is to extend the existing body of knowledge in the field by proposing that memorisation in the Islamic context is evident through embodied interactions in the spiritual and physical realm. Educational research on madrasahs is scarce, and the limited research that has been conducted focuses primarily on children’s madrasahs. This study is unique, in that its focus is British madrasahs for adults.

Design/methodology/approach

After conducting observations and interviews at three British adult madrasahs, a narrative analysis using a “holistic-form” approach to gain complete narratives of recitation, oral repetition and embodied learning in the Islamic context was performed. It was found that memorisation and the desire for embodied learning were an integral part of madrasah life and the foundation of the pedagogical approach and of students’ relationship with the teachers. This study concludes that the pedagogical approach used in the madrasahs reflects deep learning through an action-oriented methodology. This study’s fieldwork provides insights into the distinctiveness of the madrasah approach.

Findings

The study provides insights into the characteristics of the memorisation process as represented in the embodied actions of the learner. The results indicate that, in the future, the Islamic memorisation methodology must continue to support deep learning where rote memorisation is integral to an iterative process of practice.

Originality/value

The Islamic memorisation methodology needs to retain an approach that supports higher learning where rote memorisation is integral to an iterative process of practice and in this study, some, in achieving embodied learning. This in turn is instrumental in sustaining an Islamic epistemological perspective of the inseparable nature of knowledge and the sacred. This study provides some insights into the “heart” of the Islamic approach towards memorisation for embodiment that represents a complex process of individual renewal based on the notion of adab through an approach to deep learning.
An alternative for corn bran byproduct: fermentation usingM. purpureus
Authors: Almeida Adrielle Borges de , Lima Thayanara Mayara de , Santos Nathalia Horrana , Santana Railany Vieira , Santos Silvelly Carvalho dos , Egea Mariana Buranelo
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the solid-state fermentation (SSF) of corn bran (CB) withMonascus purpureus.

Design/methodology/approach

The SSF was realized with CB ranged in process: time (4, 8, 12 and 16 days), inoculum ratio (105, 106and 107spores for mL) and temperature (16, 24 and 32 °C). Color of the CB and fermented CB (FCB) was evaluated by spectrophotometer, and this result was used to choose one treatment. The proximal composition (moisture, lipid, ash and protein content), pH value, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and functional properties of CB and FCB were analyzed. The carbohydrate content and caloric value were calculated for CB and FCB.

Findings

The color results showed that during asexual reproduction, there was inhibition of the pigment production byM. purpureus. There was an increase in the amount of lipids and a decrease in carbohydrates in SSF, thus elucidating the primary metabolism ofM. purpureus. CB and FCB showed no statistical difference in either the emulsifying activity or water solubility.

Originality/value

SSF is an alternative for the use of unvalued agroindustrial waste, and by utilizing this process with CB, a new ingredient with red color can be produced with important nutritional value.
Development of bio-yoghurt chewable tablet: a review
Authors: Chan Yong Lin , Jamalullail Nurul Aini , Tan Chin Ping , Abdul Manap Mohd Yazid , Lai O.M.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the limitations surrounding the yoghurt industry and challenges to producing a bio-yoghurt tablet. The paper looks into challenge facing the yoghurt industry, such as manufacturing and distribution, its short shelf life, heat-sensitivity and relatively heavy weight. It further looks into the selection of strains, excipients and storage conditions with special consideration towards maintaining the viability of the probiotics inside bio-yoghurt tablets. The paper also discusses yoghurt standards and definitions across various countries and suggests a more uniform standard be embraced across countries for ease of categorization and production.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is divided into a few major sections; each exploring various aspects of the yoghurt industry. Topics discussed include challenges in yoghurt production and storage; processes involved in bio-yoghurt tablet production, e.g. maximising viability, choice of excipients and more; market trends of yoghurt consumption and potential; and various food standards in countries around the world with a focus on yoghurt.

Findings

The review finds that yoghurt is a segment of the food industry with big growth potential. Most of the problems associated with yoghurt, i.e. poor shelf life, and heavy weight, can be circumvented by transforming it into a bio-yoghurt tablet. The paper further identifies food standard variations among different countries around the world which could impede yoghurt manufacture and acceptance.

Originality/value

This paper looks the various challenges surrounding the increased uptake of yoghurt, specifically in the Asian markets and suggests a viable option to overcome this problem, i.e. the use of a bio-yoghurt tablet. Should the worldwide bodies come together and agree to a universal standard involving yoghurt, the industry may see an even bigger expansion.
The effect of knowledge management on perceived software process improvement
Authors: Chugh Mitali , Chanderwal Nitin , Mishra Amar Kumar , Punia Devendra Kumar
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to present insights on the relationship between perceived software process improvement (PSPI) and information technology (IT)-enabled knowledge management (KM). Moreover, the study provides an understanding of the mediating effect of critical success factors (CSFs) for effective IT-enabled KM on the previously mentioned relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The respondents in the study involved employees in the software engineering (SE) organizations in national capital region in India. The structured equation modeling technique carried out through IBM.SPSS.Amos.v21-EQUiNOX was used to develop and evaluate the proposed framework. The proposed hypothesis testing has been carried out by path analysis using SPSS process macro.

Findings

The findings of the empirical study reveal that a significant relationship exists between the variables under investigation. Moreover, it was observed that CSFs act as a mediator between PSPI and IT-enabled KM. The identified factors are associated with various aspects as managerial, infrastructure, financial, systems and processes for IT-enabled KM. IT acts as a moderator between KM and PSPI and facilitate the various phases of KM as knowledge creation, storage and retrieval, sharing and application of knowledge.

Practical implications

The present study introduces a framework for identifying and applying the CSFs that influence the KM initiatives for PSPI in an SE organization. The practitioners can use the CSFs for assessing the performance (strengths and weaknesses) in process of software development and KM practices. Researchers can use the resultant framework proposed in the empirical study for PSPI, IT-enabled KM, and in academia, the framework supports to organize the study of IT-enabled KM for PSPI.

Originality/value

The general comprehension of the relationship between IT-enabled KM and PSPI for Indian SE organizations is scarce in the literature. Following, the analysis expands the earlier research by exploring the mediating role of the CSFs and the moderating effect of IT for KM and PSPI relationship.
Case of fertility treatment‐induced Stevens‐Johnson syndrome with a severe ocular complication
Authors: Hashimoto Hiroyo , Miyachi Hideaki , Kataoka Koki , Maru Yugo , Togawa Yaei , Matsue Hiroyuki
Published: September 2019

Pharmacological regimens with multiple medications are being used in fertility treatments. Herein, we report a case of a 40‐year‐old Japanese woman who developed Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS) with a severe ocular complication during fertility treatment. Despite early multimodal interventions, including methylprednisolone pulse therapy and plasma exchange, her ocular complications persisted for more than a year. The four drugs administered in this case (cabergoline, medroxyprogesterone acetate, clomiphene, and intravenous human chorionic gonadotropin) have never been reported to induce SJS. Based on this case, we suggest that obstetricians, gynecologists, and dermatologists should be aware of fertility treatment‐induced severe drug eruptions.
Investment, the Corporate Tax Rate, and the Pricing of Franking Credits
Authors: Swan Peter L.
Published: September 2019

I apply a new single‐pass capital asset pricing model methodology for assessing systematic risk to all ASX stocks which indicates that securities which pay franking credits in Australia appear to face far less systematic risk than do stocks that never pay franking credits. But in this context, this apparent reduction in systematic risk can be interpreted as being due to franking credits that are close to being fully priced. An efficient equilibrium is reached in which the marginal investor in Australia pays little or no Australian corporate tax because, once she exhausts compulsory savings, she borrows offshore and converts debt to equity.
A Granular View of the Australian Business Cycle
Authors: Miranda‐Pinto Jorge , Shen Yuanting
Published: September 2019

We provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that idiosyncratic firm‐level shocks are important drivers of the Australian business cycle (granular hypothesis). We first document that the distribution of firm size in Australia is substantially asymmetric and follows a power‐law distribution with a long right tail. We then show that labour productivity shocks to the largest non‐financial firms in Australia account for about 20–40 per cent of the variation in Australian GDP growth over the period 2000–18. Besides energy sector firms, firms in the construction, transportation and consumer services sectors appear to be relevant drivers of GDP growth.
Long‐Term Care Across Europe and the United States: The Role of Informal and Formal Care
Authors: Barczyk Daniel , Kredler Matthias
Published: September 2019

Large cross‐country variation in long‐term‐care (LTC) policy in conjunction with household‐level data on caregiving provides a valuable laboratory for policy analysis. However, there is a lack of comprehensive cross‐country data on how care is provided. In order to close this gap, we draw on data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) in the United States. Because care hours are missing for some care forms (especially for nursing‐home residents), we propose a selection model to impute these. The model allows selection into care forms to differ by country. Our estimates imply that nursing‐home residents have higher care needs, even when conditioning on observed characteristics. In contrast to the bulk of the literature, we also take into account care provision from persons in the same household, and we find that this contributes one‐third of all care hours. Informal‐care provision in Europe follows a steep North–South gradient, with the United States falling in between Central European and Southern European countries. The results are robust to alternative imputation schemes.
Texture Modification Technologies and Their Opportunities for the Production of Dysphagia Foods: A Review
Authors: Sungsinchai Sirada , Niamnuy Chalida , Wattanapan Pattra , Charoenchaitrakool Manop , Devahastin Sakamon
Published: September 2019

Dysphagia or swallowing difficulty is a common morbidity experienced by those who have suffered a stroke or those undergone such treatments as head and neck surgeries. Dysphagic patients require special foods that are easier to swallow. Various technologies, including high‐pressure processing, high‐hydrodynamic pressure processing, pulsed electric field treatment, plasma processing, ultrasound‐assisted processing, and irradiation have been applied to modify food texture to make it more suitable for such patients. This review surveys the applications of these technologies for food texture modification of products made of meat, rice, starch, and carbohydrates, as well as fruits and vegetables. The review also attempts to categorize, via the use of such key characteristics as hardness and viscosity, texture‐modified foods into various dysphagia diet levels. Current and future trends of dysphagia food production, including the use of three‐dimensional food printing to reduce the design and fabrication time, to enhance the sensory characteristics, as well as to create visually attractive foods, are also mentioned.
Age Estimation Based on DNA Methylation Using Blood Samples From Deceased Individuals
Authors: Correia Dias Helena , Cordeiro Cristina , Corte Real Francisco , Cunha Eugénia , Manco Licínio
Published: September 2019

Age estimation using DNA methylation levels has been widely investigated in recent years because of its potential application in forensic genetics. The main aim of this study was to develop an age predictor model (APM) for blood samples of deceased individuals based in five age‐correlated genes. Fifty‐one samples were analyzed through the bisulfite polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing method for DNA methylation evaluation in genes ELOVL2, FHL2, EDARADD, PDE4C, and C1orf132. Linear regression was used to analyze relationships between methylation levels and age. The model using the highest age‐correlated CpG from each locus revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.888, explaining 76.3% of age variation, with a mean absolute deviation from the chronological age (MAD) of 6.08 years. The model was validated in an independent test set of 19 samples producing a MAD of 8.84 years. The developed APM seems to be informative and could have potential application in forensic analysis.
Effects of bisphenol A exposure on DNA integrity and protamination of mouse spermatozoa
Authors: Pan D. , Feng D. , Ding H. , Zheng X. , Ma Z. , Yang B. , Xie M.
Published: September 2019

Background

Bisphenol A is widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and has caused increasing concern over its potential adverse impacts on spermatogenesis. However, the effect of bisphenol A on spermiogenesis is yet to be explored.

Objectives

To evaluate whether bisphenol A has adverse effects on DNA integrity and protamination of spermatogenic cell.

Materials and methods

Newborn male mice were subcutaneously injected with bisphenol A (0.1, 5 mg/kg body weight, n = 15) or coin oil (control group, n = 20) daily from post‐natal day 1 until 35. At post‐natal day 70, epididymis caudal spermatozoa and testes were collected. Sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology were analyzed. The sperm chromatin structure assay was performed to examine the sperm DNA fragmentation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was used to assess apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. The ultrastructural features of testicular sections were examined under a transmission electron microscope. Western blot and RT‐PCR were used to detect the expression levels of transition protein (Tnp) 1 and Tnp2, protamine (Prm) 1 and Prm2 protein, and mRNA in mice testes.

Results

Bisphenol A significantly reduced sperm counts, impaired sperm motility, and increased the percentage of malformed spermatozoa. Poor sperm chromatin integrity and increased TUNEL‐positive spermatogenic cells were also observed in mice exposed to bisphenol A. Ultrastructural analysis of testes showed that bisphenol A exposure caused incomplete chromatin condensation, retention of residual cytoplasm, and abnormal acrosome formation. In addition, the relative expression levels of Tnp2 and Prm2 in mice testes decreased significantly in bisphenol A groups.

Discussion and conclusion

Our findings identified that neonatal bisphenol A exposure may negatively contribute to the sperm quality in adult mice. Mechanistically, we showed that bisphenol A reduced sperm chromatin integrity along with increased DNA damage, which may be due to poor protamination of spermatozoa.
Hesperidin supplementation has no effect on blood glucose control: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Authors: Shams‐Rad Shamim , Mohammadi Mohammad , Ramezani‐Jolfaie Nahid , Zarei Sadegh , Mohsenpour Mohammadali , Salehi‐Abargouei Amin
Published: September 2019

Aims

To the best of our knowledge, no study has tried to quantitatively summarize the published evidence regarding the effect of hesperidin supplementation on blood glucose control. The present systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to determine the effectiveness of hesperidin supplementation in improving blood glucose control in adults.

Methods

Electronic databases including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched up to February 2019. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane collaboration's tool. The overall estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random‐effects model.

Results

Six trials with 318 participants were reviewed in the present systematic review. The results showed that hesperidin had no significant effect on serum fasting blood glucose (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −1.10 mg/dL, 95% CI: −3.79, 1.57), plasma insulin (WMD = −0.01 μU/mL, 95% CI: −1.20, 1.19), glycated haemoglobin A1c (WMD = −0.04%, 95% CI: −0.14, 0.04), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (WMD = 0.117, 95% CI: −0.06, 0.29) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (WMD = 0.135; 95% CI: −0.13, 0.39), with no significant between‐study heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses also indicated that the effects were not different based on the studies' design and duration, or the health status of the participants.

Conclusion

Although several animal studies have proposed that hesperidin supplementation might improve blood glucose control, the present study could not confirm this benefit in humans.
Appearance‐based trust processing in schizophrenia
Authors: Sutherland Clare A. M. , Rhodes Gillian , Williams Nikolas , Connaughton Emily , Ewing Louise , Caruana Nathan , Langdon Robyn
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Schizophrenia is characterized by impaired social interactions and altered trust. In the general population, trust is often based on facial appearance, with limited validity but enormous social consequences. The aim was to examine trust processing in schizophrenia and specifically to examine how people with schizophrenia use facial appearance as well as actual partner fairness to guide trusting decisions.

Design

An experimental economic game study.

Methods

Here, we tested how patients with schizophrenia and control participants (each N = 24) use facial trustworthiness appearance and partner fairness behaviour to guide decisions in a multi‐round Trust Game. In the Trust Game, participants lent money to ‘partners’ whose facial appearance was either untrustworthy or trustworthy, and who either played fairly or unfairly. Clinical symptoms were measured as well as explicit trustworthiness impressions.

Results

Overall, the patients with schizophrenia showed unimpaired explicit facial trustworthiness impressions and unimpaired facial appearance biases in the Trust Game. Crucially, patients and controls significantly differed so that the patients with schizophrenia did not learn to discriminate in the Trust Game based on actual partner fairness, unlike control participants.

Conclusion

A failure to discriminate trust has important implications for everyday functioning in schizophrenia, as forming accurate trustworthiness beliefs is an essential social skill. Critically, without relying on more valid trust cues, people with schizophrenia may be especially susceptible to the misleading effect of appearance when making trusting decisions.

Practitioner points

Findings

People with schizophrenia made very similar facial trustworthiness impressions to healthy controls and also used facial appearance to guide trust decisions similarly to controls.

However, the patient group were less able to explicitly distinguish between fair and unfair partners based on their behaviour compared with the control group.

Moreover, people with schizophrenia failed to use actual partner fairness to guide their financial decisions in the Trust Game, unlike controls, and this impairment was specific to a social task.

People with schizophrenia may be particularly reliant on facial appearance when trusting others, as they may struggle to incorporate more valid trustworthiness information in their decision‐making, such as actual partner fairness.
Conspiracy Mongering in Venezuela: The Chavismo Period (1998–2018)
Authors: Andrade Gabriel
Published: September 2019

Hugo Chávez's rise to power in 1998 brought many changes to Venezuela's political culture. One transformation not frequently commented on is the constant formulation of conspiracy theories, both by chavismo supporters and by its opponents. This article discusses some of those conspiracy theories, relating to the deceased Venezuelan President's origins, his religious beliefs, the 2002 failed coup d'état, and Chávez's own death. It also addresses more recent conspiracy theories relating to Nicolás Maduro's birth, economic warfare, and drug smuggling operations. Venezuela is currently undergoing a major humanitarian crisis, and this article defends the view that, at least partially, conspiracy mongering has been a factor in Venezuela's collapse. As part of Venezuela's reconstruction, this article recommends that Venezuelan political forces need to reach a consensus and agree not to make ridiculous conspiratorial claims.
Distinct disease‐sensitive GABAergic neurons in the perirhinal cortex of Alzheimer's mice and patients
Authors: Sanchez‐Mejias Elisabeth , Nuñez‐Diaz Cristina , Sanchez‐Varo Raquel , Gomez‐Arboledas Angela , Garcia‐Leon Juan Antonio , Fernandez‐Valenzuela Juan Jose , Mejias‐Ortega Marina , Trujillo‐Estrada Laura , Baglietto‐Vargas David , Moreno‐Gonzalez Ines , Davila Jose Carlos , Vitorica Javier , Gutierrez Antonia
Published: September 2019

Neuronal loss is the best neuropathological substrate that correlates with cortical atrophy and dementia in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Defective GABAergic neuronal functions may lead to cortical network hyperactivity and aberrant neuronal oscillations and in consequence, generate a detrimental alteration in memory processes. In this study, using immunohistochemical and stereological approaches, we report that the two major and non‐overlapping groups of inhibitory interneurons (SOM‐cells and PV‐cells) displayed distinct vulnerability in the perirhinal cortex of APP/PS1 mice and AD patients. SOM‐positive neurons were notably sensitive and exhibited a dramatic decrease in the perirhinal cortex of 6‐month‐old transgenic mice (57% and 61% in areas 36 and 35, respectively) and, most importantly, in AD patients (91% in Braak V–VI cases). In addition, this interneuron degenerative process seems to occur in parallel, and closely related, with the progression of the amyloid pathology. However, the population expressing PV was unaffected in APP/PS1 mice while in AD brains suffered a pronounced and significant loss (69%). As a key component of cortico‐hippocampal networks, the perirhinal cortex plays an important role in memory processes, especially in familiarity‐based memory recognition. Therefore, disrupted functional connectivity of this cortical region, as a result of the early SOM and PV neurodegeneration, might contribute to the altered brain rhythms and cognitive failures observed in the initial clinical phase of AD patients. Finally, these findings highlight the failure of amyloidogenic AD models to fully recapitulate the selective neuronal degeneration occurring in humans.
Mitochondrial E3 ubiquitin ligase 1 promotes autophagy flux to suppress the development of clear cell renal cell carcinomas
Authors: Yuan Yaoji , Li Xiezhao , Xu Yuyu , Zhao Haibo , Su Zhengming , Lai Dehui , Yang Weiqing , Chen Shuangxing , He Yongzhong , Li Xun , Liu Leyuan , Xu Guibin
Published: September 2019

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the urinary system. Surgical intervention is the preferred treatment for ccRCC, but targeted biological therapy is required for postoperative recurrent or metastatic ccRCC. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation system for misfolded/aggregated proteins and dysfunctional organelles. Defective autophagy is associated with many diseases. Mul1 is a mitochondrion‐associated E3 ubiquitin ligase and involved in the regulation of divergent pathophysiological processes such as mitochondrial dynamics, and thus affects the development of various diseases including cancers. Whether Mul1 regulates ccRCC development and what is the mechanism remain unclear. Histochemical staining and immunoblotting were used to analyze the levels of Mul1 protein in human renal tissues. Statistical analysis of information associated with tissue microarray and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was conducted to show the relationship between Mul1 expression and clinical features and survival of ccRCC patients. Impact of Mul1 on rates of cell growth and migration and autophagy flux were tested in cultured cancer cells. Herein we show that Mul1 promoted autophagy flux to facilitate the degradation of P62‐associated protein aggresomes and adipose differentiation‐related protein (ADFP)‐associated lipid droplets and suppressed the growth and migration of ccRCC cells. Levels of Mul1 protein and mRNA were significantly reduced so that autophagy flux was likely blocked in ccRCC tissues, which is potentially correlated with enhancement of malignancy of ccRCC and impairment of patient survival. Therefore, Mul1 may promote autophagy to suppress the development of ccRCC.
State trading deregulation and prairie durum wheat production
Authors: Carter Colin A. , Ferguson Shon M.
Published: September 2019

We estimate the impact of the 2012 removal of the Canadian Wheat Board's (CWB) single‐desk on the spatial pattern of durum wheat acres in Western Canada. We analyze changes in durum seeded acres with a panel regression and Census Agricultural Region data from 2004 to 2016. Our results indicate that removal of the CWB single‐desk had a significant impact on total durum production in Western Canada. In addition, we find that the spatial distribution of durum wheat acres shifted away from marginal durum‐growing areas and toward drier areas, an increase in specialization that arguably improved the efficiency of resource allocation.
Bioreactor‐manufactured cartilage grafts repair acute and chronic osteochondral defects in large animal studies
Authors: Vukasovic Andreja , Asnaghi Maria Adelaide , Kostesic Petar , Quasnichka Helen , Cozzolino Carmine , Pusic Maja , Hails Lauren , Trainor Nuala , Krause Christian , Figallo Elisa , Filardo Giuseppe , Kon Elizaveta , Wixmerten Anke , Maticic Drazen , Pellegrini Graziella , Kafienah Wael , Hudetz Damir , Smith Tim , Martin Ivan , Ivkovic Alan , Wendt David
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Bioreactor‐based production systems have the potential to overcome limitations associated with conventional tissue engineering manufacturing methods, facilitating regulatory compliant and cost‐effective production of engineered grafts for widespread clinical use. In this work, we established a bioreactor‐based manufacturing system for the production of cartilage grafts.

Materials & Methods

All bioprocesses, from cartilage biopsy digestion through the generation of engineered grafts, were performed in our bioreactor‐based manufacturing system. All bioreactor technologies and cartilage tissue engineering bioprocesses were transferred to an independent GMP facility, where engineered grafts were manufactured for two large animal studies.

Results

The results of these studies demonstrate the safety and feasibility of the bioreactor‐based manufacturing approach. Moreover, grafts produced in the manufacturing system were first shown to accelerate the repair of acute osteochondral defects, compared to cell‐free scaffold implants. We then demonstrated that grafts produced in the system also facilitated faster repair in a more clinically relevant chronic defect model. Our data also suggested that bioreactor‐manufactured grafts may result in a more robust repair in the longer term.

Conclusion

By demonstrating the safety and efficacy of bioreactor‐generated grafts in two large animal models, this work represents a pivotal step towards implementing the bioreactor‐based manufacturing system for the production of human cartilage grafts for clinical applications.

Read the Editorial for this article on doi:10.1111/cpr.12625