bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a volunteer fire corps activity support system during fires
Authors: Ishida Tomoyuki , Hoshino Shogo
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement an activity support system for volunteer fire corps using Web-GIS technology.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors implemented a volunteer fire corps activity support system comprising a dispatch request system, a water sources geographic information system, a fire-vehicle location confirmation system, a route history system and an integrated management system. They implemented this system as a Web application in consideration of responsive design assuming that it is used on mobile terminals.

Findings

To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed system, the authors conducted a survey of 18 fire corps volunteers who were asked to evaluate the system for operability, relevance, functionality, usability and effectiveness.

Originality/value

In this research work, the authors implemented the volunteer fire corps activity support system using Web-GIS technology. The authors conducted a questionnaire survey of the volunteer fire corps activity support system, asking 18 fire corps volunteers to evaluate the system for operability, relevance, functionality, usability and effectiveness. The results of the survey indicate an overwhelming positive response to the volunteer fire corps activity support system for all five measures.
Tribological performance of commercial Mobil grade lubricants operating with titanium dioxide nanoparticle additives
Authors: Suryawanshi Shubham Rajendra , Pattiwar Jayant T.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the tribological performance (anti-friction and anti-wear properties) of commercial Mobil grade lubricants used in a journal bearing system in a power plant.

Design/methodology/approach

Three grades of Mobil lubricants (DTE 24, DTE 25 and DTE 26) are considered during the study. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2, 0.5 Wt.%) of size 40 nm are used as a lubricant additive to examine the performance of the lubricants. The viscosity of the lubricant is computed using modified Krieger–Dougherty viscosity model. The morphology of TiO2 nanoparticles is studied with the help of scanning electron microscopy, ultra violet spectrophotometer and X-ray diffraction. The study of antifriction and antiwear properties for lubricants is carried out on four-ball tribo-tester for operating conditions specified by ASTM standards.

Findings

The tribochemical reaction film is formed between ball surfaces during the experiments on four-ball tester that minimizes the asperity contact due to addition of TiO2 nanoparticles in the lubricant. The viscosity of the lubricant is enhanced due to the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. The frictional coefficient and wear scar diameters of balls in the lubricants are reduced in the range of 6-26 and 2-7 per cent, respectively.

Originality/value

The tribological properties of TiO2 as a lubricant additive in three commercial Mobil grade lubricants are investigated in this paper. The results obtained in this paper are expected to be helpful to bearing designers, researchers and academicians concerned with the relevant study.
Influence of the grinding process on the tribological behavior of gear analogy test parts
Authors: Brecher Christian , Löpenhaus Christoph , Greschert René
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Boundary layers, which develop during manufacturing and operation, can protect tooth flanks from metal-to-metal contacts. The characteristics of boundary layers and the running behavior of gears are determined by the preconditioning processes (manufacturing and run-in). This paper aims to analyze the influence of the grinding process parameters and the grinding oil on the characteristics of boundary layers.

Design/methodology/approach

Sets of test parts and test gear sets with different grinding process variants and different metalworking fluids were manufactured to investigate the mechanisms of action of thermomechanical and chemical surface preconditioning during grinding. The test parts were analyzed with regard to their boundary layer by metallography and chemistry and regarding their running behavior on test rigs lubricated with transmission oil.

Findings

In the tests, reproducible differences in gear strength regarding low-cycle fatigue and micropitting were determined for the test parts ground with different thermomechanical energy inputs and with different metalworking fluids. As the test results could not be sufficiently explained on the basis of conventionally tolerated component properties such as roughness, hardness and residual stresses, a model was discussed which combines the mechanisms of action of the formation of the manufacturing-induced boundary layer with the running behavior of the parts.

Originality/value

By combining both measurement and test results, possible correlations between manufacturing and operation are investigated to establish a more sustainable and economical design of gears.
Influence of different flow regimes on the performance characteristics of a four-pad hydrostatic squeeze film damper loaded between pads
Authors: Nemchi Amina , Bouzidane Ahmed , Benariba Aboubakeur , Aboshighiba Hicham
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of different flow regimes on the dynamic characteristics of four-pad hydrostatic squeeze film dampers (SFDs) loaded between pads.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical model based on Constantinescu’s turbulent lubrication theory using the finite difference method has been developed and presented to study the effect of eccentricity ratio on the performance characteristics of four-pad hydrostatic SFDs under different flow regimes.

Findings

It was found that the influence of turbulent flow on the dimensionless damping of four-pad hydrostatic SFDs appears to be essentially controlled by the eccentricity ratio. It was also found that the laminar flow presents higher values of load capacity compared to bearings operating under turbulent flow conditions.

Originality/value

In fact, the results obtained show that the journal bearing performances are significantly influenced by the turbulent flow regime. The study is expected to be useful to bearing designers.
Effect of boronizing on the structural, mechanical and tribological properties of CoCrW dental alloy produced by selective laser melting
Authors: Uzun Yakup , Kovacı Halim , Yetim Ali Fatih , Çelik Ayhan
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of boriding on the structural, mechanical and tribological properties of CoCrW dental alloy manufactured by the method of selective laser melting.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, CoCrW alloy samples that are used in dentistry were manufactured by the method of laser melting, and boriding treatment was made on the samples at 900°C and 1,000°C for 1, 4 and 8 h. The structural, mechanical and tribological effects of boriding on the samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, microhardness and an abrasion test device.

Findings

According to the results, the best outcomes in terms of abrasion strength and hardness were obtained in the sample that was subjected to boriding at 1,000°C for 4 h.

Originality/value

This study produced CoCrW alloys, which are fundamental biomaterials that are used in dentistry, by a different production method called selective laser melting and improved their surface characteristics by boriding.
Family protocol: how it shapes succession in family firms
Authors: Matias Cláudia , Franco Mário
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study aims to understand the role that family protocol can have in the succession planning process of family businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, the authors decided on a qualitative approach and performed an exploratory case study in Portugal: one firm with a family protocol. As data collection techniques, interviewing, direct observation and documentary analysis were used.

Findings

Based on the empirical evidence, it is concluded that a family protocol can help succession planning and favour the continuity and survival of the family business.

Practical implications

This study shows the relevance of a family protocol for the succession process that seems to be at the basis of family firms’ continuity, survival and minimising their failure.

Originality/value

Although family firms are many in number and central in the dynamics of the world economy, the family protocol has not been approached as a determinant of a successful succession process. This holds particularly for the realm of family firms.
Analysis of drivers’ characteristic driving operations based on combined features
Authors: Wang Min , Li Shuguang , Zhu Lei , Yao Jin
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Analysis of characteristic driving operations can help develop supports for drivers with different driving skills. However, the existing knowledge on analysis of driving skills only focuses on single driving operation and cannot reflect the differences on proficiency of coordination of driving operations. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to analyze driving skills from driving coordinating operations. There are two main contributions: the first involves a method for feature extraction based on AdaBoost, which selects features critical for coordinating operations of experienced drivers and inexperienced drivers, and the second involves a generating method for candidate features, called the combined features method, through which two or more different driving operations at the same location are combined into a candidate combined feature. A series of experiments based on driving simulator and specific course with several different curves were carried out, and the result indicated the feasibility of analyzing driving behavior through AdaBoost and the combined features method.

Design/methodology/approach

AdaBoost was used to extract features and the combined features method was used to combine two or more different driving operations at the same location.

Findings

A series of experiments based on driving simulator and specific course with several different curves were carried out, and the result indicated the feasibility of analyzing driving behavior through AdaBoost and the combined features method.

Originality/value

There are two main contributions: the first involves a method for feature extraction based on AdaBoost, which selects features critical for coordinating operations of experienced drivers and inexperienced drivers, and the second involves a generating method for candidate features, called the combined features method, through which two or more different driving operations at the same location are combined into a candidate combined feature.
Theory of action for resourcing professional growth
Authors: O’Hara Susan , Bookmyer Joanne , Martin Robin , Newton Renee
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Organizational characteristics and systemic structures that prioritize and resource teacher professional growth and collaboration are central to the role of districts in developing the ongoing professional growth of teachers. Yet, a key challenge facing districts is a lack of existing systemic structures to support professional growth to foster large-scale instructional improvement. The purpose of this paper is to explore how an organizational resourcing model might be used to build districts’ collective capacity to implement the cornerstones of a professional growth system.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory case study, in the context of a partnership between a university-based intermediary and three California school districts, is used to illustrate how districts applied a theory of resourcing as a sustainable capacity-building approach.

Findings

The findings of this paper demonstrate that, to varying degrees, participating districts were able to enact elements of professional growth systems through a recursive interaction of schema shifts, resource use, and intentional actions, supporting a practice-based theory of organizational resourcing. While university intermediaries can both mediate and enable the success of locally designed professional growth systems through a supported resourcing model, the key to sustaining change efforts are cross-role organizational schema shifts and actions taken to operationalize underutilized existing, latent resources.

Research limitations/implications

Case studies do have limitations including not being able to make generalizations from the findings and conclusions.

Originality/value

The corpus of research on educational reform and organizational learning in educational research situates the school as the organizational unit of change. This study contributes to the research by elevating districts as the lever of organizational change for resourcing teacher professional growth systems.
Critical success factors of environmental management accounting practices: findings from Malaysian manufacturing industry
Authors: Mohd Fuzi Nursyazwani , Habidin Nurul Fadly , Janudin Sharul Effendy , Ong Sharon Yong Yee
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors of environmental management accounting practices in Malaysian manufacturing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot study was carried out on a sample of 60 manufacturing companies from Malaysian manufacturing industry. A survey instrument including 25 measurement items was designed to identify the level of environmental management accounting practices implementation in the Malaysian manufacturing industry. Descriptive statistical analysis and reliability analysis were used to analyze the data with SPSS software.

Findings

Findings indicate that environmental safety is one of the critical success factors that play the key role in ensuring the safety awareness at workplace. Companies in the manufacturing industries need to obtain critical success factors of environmental management accounting practices implementation to enhance performance, particularly for Malaysian manufacturing industry.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study has been the difficult to find the literature on environmental management accounting practices in the Malaysian manufacturing industry. Another limitation is this study only conducted to 60 manufacturing companies from Malaysian manufacturing industry.

Practical implications

For practical implications, the development of instruments in this study may be valuable tools to evaluate Environmental Management Accounting Practices (EMAP) in Malaysian manufacturing industry. This study also provides important guidelines for Malaysian manufacturing industry to implement EMAP. This research finding would provide new insights for the critical success factors of EMAP to improve performance in Malaysian manufacturing industry.

Originality/value

This study makes a new contribution to environmental management accounting practices in Malaysian manufacturing industry. This study also provides important information for decision makers involved in environmental management accounting practices implementation and also provides useful reference for future researchers in this research area.
Application of common reflection angle migration for imaging deformation structures in an inner accretionary wedge, Nankai Trough, Japan
Authors: Shiraishi Kazuya , Robb Masako , Hosgood Karl , Yamada Yasuhiro
Published: December 2018

To better image deformation structures within the inner accretionary wedge of the Nankai Trough, Japan, we apply common reflection angle migration to a legacy two‐dimensional seismic data set acquired with a 6 km streamer cable. In this region, many seismic surveys have been conducted to study the seismogenic zone related to plate subduction. However, the details of the accreted sediments beneath the Kumano forearc basin are still unclear due to the poor quality of seismic images caused by multiple reflections, highly attenuated signals, and possibly complex geological structures. Generating common image gathers in the subsurface local angle domain rather than the surface offset domain is more advantageous for imaging geological structures that involve complex wave paths and poor illumination. By applying this method, previously unseen structures are revealed in the thick accreted sediments. The newly imaged geometric features of reflectors, such as the folds in the shallow part of the section and the deep reflectors with stepwise discontinuities, imply deformation structures with multiple thrust faults. The reflections within the deep accreted sediments (approximately 5 km) are mainly mapped to far angles (30°–50°) in the common reflection angles, which correspond to the recorded offset distances greater than 4.5 km. This result indicates that the far offset/angle information is critical to image the deformation structures at depth. The new depth image from the common reflection angle migration provides seismic evidence of multiple thrust faults and their relationship with the megathrust fault that is essential for understanding the structure and evolution of the Nankai Trough seismogenic zone.
Developmental skills between kindergarten children with handwriting difficulties in Chinese and/or English
Authors: Tse Linda F. L. , Siu Andrew M. H. , Li‐Tsang Cecilia W. P.
Published: December 2018

Aim

This study aimed to examine the differences in developmental skills between children with and without handwriting difficulties in their last year of kindergarten education.

Methods

Standardised tests on handwriting performance and developmental skills were administered to 20 typically developing children, 21 children with handwriting difficulties in Chinese and 23 children with handwriting difficulties in both Chinese and English. We used one‐way MANOVA, univariate ANOVA and post hoc comparisons, to compare the developmental skills between children with and without handwriting difficulties. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the significant predictors of developmental skills for Chinese and English handwriting performance.

Results

Higher proportion of children faced handwriting difficulties in Chinese than in English. Their major problem in Chinese handwriting was on stroke formation, while the results did not indicate the key factor leading to English handwriting difficulties. The results also showed that children with handwriting difficulties had significantly poorer visual motor integration, some aspects of visual perception and fine motor skills than typically developing children. Reading skills were not a key factor contributing to handwriting performance. In addition, visual and fine motor integration and spatial relationship were the significant predictors of Chinese and English handwriting performance, which accounted for 39.7 and 43.6% of the variance respectively.

Conclusion

First, the results suggested that more resources should be devoted to coaching children to learn Chinese than English handwriting. Second, besides direct repetitive practice on handwriting, there is a need to incorporate learning activities to facilitate the development of visual motor skills, visual perception, and fine motor skills as a preparation for learning to write or in improving handwriting performance among kindergarten children.
Telehealth and autism: Are telehealth language assessments reliable and feasible for children with autism?
Authors: Sutherland Rebecca , Trembath David , Hodge Marie Antoinette , Rose Veronica , Roberts Jacqueline
Published: December 2018

Background

Access to timely and appropriate speech–language pathology (SLP) services is a significant challenge for many families. Telehealth has been used successfully to treat a range of communication disorders in children and adults. Research examining the use of telehealth for children with autism has focused largely on diagnosis, parent‐implemented interventions, and behavioural interventions involving interactions between clinicians and parents. There is, however, very limited research into the use of telehealth directly to assess or intervene with children with autism. This paper reports the outcomes of a study of telehealth language assessments with primary school‐aged children with autism.

Aims

To evaluate the reliability and feasibility of telehealth language assessments for school‐aged children with autism.

Methods & Procedures

The language skills of 13 children with autism aged 9–12 who attended mainstream schools or support classes were assessed using the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals—4th Edition. An SLP delivered and scored four subtests of the assessment via telehealth from a remote location. A second SLP at the same location as the child co‐scored the online subtests to provide a measure of reliability and delivered the remaining subtests. The local SLP completed checklists in both conditions to provide observations regarding behaviour. Parent feedback was elicited via survey.

Outcomes & Results

There was strong interrater reliability between the telehealth and face‐to‐face conditions (correlation coefficients ranged from r = 0.919 to 0.990 across the subtests and Core Language Score) and good agreement between clinicians on all measures. Analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test indicated no significant differences in children's behaviour between the telehealth and face‐to‐face conditions, although variation between individuals was observed. Parents provided generally positive feedback about the use of telehealth for the assessments.

Conclusions & Implications

The findings of this study provide preliminary support the use of telehealth assessments of school‐aged children with autism. Comparison of telehealth and face‐to‐face assessment scores showed high agreement and correlation, and while the children showed individual differences in their behaviour during the telehealth sessions, there was no clear difference between the conditions at the group level. The findings suggest that telehealth may present a reliable and feasible approach to the assessment of language for children with autism in some circumstances as a primary or adjunct service model, while acknowledging that individual differences among these children may be important to consider when planning both assessment and intervention via telehealth.
The 7α‐hydroxysteroid dehydratase Hsh2 is essential for anaerobic degradation of the steroid skeleton of 7α‐hydroxyl bile salts in the novel denitrifying bacterium Azoarcus sp. strain Aa7
Authors: Yücel Onur , Borgert Sebastian Roman , Poehlein Anja , Niermann Karin , Philipp Bodo
Published: December 2018

Bile salts are steroid compounds from the digestive tract of vertebrates and enter the environment via defecation. Many aerobic bile‐salt degrading bacteria are known but no bacteria that completely degrade bile salts under anoxic conditions have been isolated so far. In this study, the facultatively anaerobic Betaproteobacterium Azoarcus sp. strain Aa7 was isolated that grew with bile salts as sole carbon source under anoxic conditions with nitrate as electron acceptor. Phenotypic and genomic characterization revealed that strain Aa7 used the 2,3‐seco pathway for the degradation of bile salts as found in other denitrifying steroid‐degrading bacteria such as Sterolibacterium denitrificans. Under oxic conditions strain Aa7 used the 9,10‐seco pathway as found in, for example, Pseudomonas stutzeri Chol1. Metabolite analysis during anaerobic growth indicated a reductive dehydroxylation of 7α‐hydroxyl bile salts. Deletion of the gene hsh2
Aa7 encoding a 7‐hydroxysteroid dehydratase led to strongly impaired growth with cholate and chenodeoxycholate but not with deoxycholate lacking a hydroxyl group at C7. The hsh2
Aa7 deletion mutant degraded cholate and chenodeoxycholate to the corresponding C19‐androstadienediones only while no phenotype change was observed during aerobic degradation of cholate. These results showed that removal of the 7α‐hydroxyl group was essential for cleavage of the steroid skeleton under anoxic conditions.
The Economic Effects of Brexit: Evidence from the Stock Market
Authors: Breinlich Holger , Leromain Elsa , Novy Dennis , Sampson Thomas , Usman Ahmed
Published: December 2018

We study stock market reactions to the Brexit referendum on 23 June 2016 in order to assess investors’ expectations about the effects of leaving the European Union on the UK economy. Our results suggest that initial stock price movements were driven by fears of a cyclical downturn and by the sterling depreciation following the referendum. We also find tentative evidence that market reactions to two subsequent speeches by Theresa May (her Conservative party conference and Lancaster House speeches) were more closely correlated with potential changes to tariffs and non‐tariff barriers on UK–EU trade, indicating that investors may have updated their expectations in light of the possibility of a ‘hard Brexit’. We do not find a correlation between the share of EU immigrants in different industries and stock market returns.
Off EU Go? Brexit, the UK Labour Market and Immigration
Authors: Wadsworth Jonathan
Published: December 2018

Immigration remains a highly antagonistic issue and its purported effects in the labour market are still contestable. Against this background, the UK looks set to undertake a large overhaul of its immigration policy following the decision to leave the EU. To try to inform the debate, this study summarises the key patterns and changes in the UK labour market regarding immigration in the run‐up to and the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote. The paper then offers some ideas that could explain why immigration appears to have had little effect, either positive or negative, on the wage and employment outcomes of UK‐born residents. It next outlines the current state of the labour market and the role of EU immigrants in it as the UK edges toward Brexit. The paper then considers where change may be seen most strongly following Brexit and discusses the many possible immigration policy options open to the government after the UK leaves the EU.
Contracting Institutions, Agro‐food Trade and Product Quality
Authors: Fałkowski Jan , Curzi Daniele , Olper Alessandro
Published: December 2018

The agro‐food sector has experienced a profound transformation of contractual arrangements along the value chain, coinciding with important technological innovations and product quality upgrading. Our understanding of the impact that this transformation has had on trade flows in the agricultural sector is very limited. In particular, we have limited knowledge about the extent to which the patterns in agro‐food trade have been driven by the quality of contractual institutions. Using existing measures which capture the sensitivity of agro‐food products to contractual imperfections, we show that countries with better contract enforcement specialise in the production of food which requires higher level of relationship‐specific investments. We also find that countries with better contracting institutions and producing contract‐intensive goods specialise in exporting high quality foods. In addition, we show that the quality of contracting institutions might importantly affect the process of product quality upgrading.
Pulmonary Hypertension Predicts Adverse Outcomes in Renal Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Bolignano Davide , Pisano Anna , Coppolino Giuseppe , Tripepi Giovanni Luigi , D'Arrigo Graziella
Published: December 2018

In the general population and in heart disease, pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a strong and independent risk factor for mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of longitudinal cohort studies of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) of any‐stage (also including end‐stage kidney disease and kidney transplantation) stratified according to presence/absence of PH. Eighteen eligible studies (10 740 participants) were retrieved. PH had an overall pooled prevalence of 33% (95% CI 28–42) and portended a higher risk of all‐cause mortality (RR 2.08; 1.06–4.08), cardiovascular mortality (RR 3.77; 2.46–5.78) and non‐fatal cardiovascular events (RR 1.60; 1.28–1.99). PH is highly prevalent in CKD and end‐stage kidney disease and may represent a novel factor for mortality and cardiovascular risk stratification, particularly in selected sub‐categories. Future high‐quality research is required to confirm the need for clinical attention on PH in the CKD setting.
Unlocking the potential of natural products in drug discovery
Authors: Wright Gerard D.
Published: December 2018

The natural product specialized metabolites produced by microbes and plants are the backbone of our current drugs. Despite their historical importance, few pharmaceutical companies currently emphasize their exploitation in new drug discovery and instead favour synthetic compounds as more tractable alternatives. Ironically, we are in a Golden Age of understanding of natural product biosynthesis, biochemistry and engineering. These advances have the potential to usher in a new era of natural product exploration and development taking full advantage of the unique and favourable properties of natural products compounds in drug discovery.
Isolated atrophy and fatty infiltration of supraspinatus: A rare finding
Authors: Hughes Peter , Miranda Rhian , Boyer Lucinda
Published: December 2018

Isolated atrophy and fatty infiltration of supraspinatus is very rare. We report the case of a 53 year old male with isolated atrophy and complete fatty replacement of supraspinatus and discuss potential aetiologies.
Tree‐sequence recording in SLiM opens new horizons for forward‐time simulation of whole genomes
Authors: Haller Benjamin C. , Galloway Jared , Kelleher Jerome , Messer Philipp W. , Ralph Peter L.
Published: December 2018

There is an increasing demand for evolutionary models to incorporate relatively realistic dynamics, ranging from selection at many genomic sites to complex demography, population structure, and ecological interactions. Such models can generally be implemented as individual‐based forward simulations, but the large computational overhead of these models often makes simulation of whole chromosome sequences in large populations infeasible. This situation presents an important obstacle to the field that requires conceptual advances to overcome. The recently developed tree‐sequence recording method (Kelleher, Thornton, Ashander, & Ralph, 2018), which stores the genealogical history of all genomes in the simulated population, could provide such an advance. This method has several benefits: (1) it allows neutral mutations to be omitted entirely from forward‐time simulations and added later, thereby dramatically improving computational efficiency; (2) it allows neutral burn‐in to be constructed extremely efficiently after the fact, using “recapitation”; (3) it allows direct examination and analysis of the genealogical trees along the genome; and (4) it provides a compact representation of a population's genealogy that can be analysed in Python using the msprime package. We have implemented the tree‐sequence recording method in SLiM 3 (a free, open‐source evolutionary simulation software package) and extended it to allow the recording of non‐neutral mutations, greatly broadening the utility of this method. To demonstrate the versatility and performance of this approach, we showcase several practical applications that would have been beyond the reach of previously existing methods, opening up new horizons for the modelling and exploration of evolutionary processes.
Disclosure policy choices under regulatory threat
Authors: Suijs Jeroen , Wielhouwer Jacco L.
Published: December 2018

This article shows that firms “voluntarily” increase their disclosures in response to the threat of more stringent disclosure regulations. These disclosures are mostly just sufficient to deter regulation. However, when investment risk is low, both managers and investors might strictly prefer the regulation deterring equilibrium. We further find that in many cases, regulation can only be deterred by asymmetric disclosure behavior of the firms. This suggests that coordination issues and free‐riding may be important reasons why self‐regulation may fail. The results also indicate the importance of considering political pressure and regulatory threats to explain observed symmetric and asymmetric voluntary disclosure behavior.
Detecting EGFR mutations and ALK/ROS1 rearrangements in non‐small cell lung cancer using malignant pleural effusion samples
Authors: Yao Yi , Peng Min , Shen Qinglin , Hu Qinyong , Gong Hongyun , Li Qingqing , Zheng Zhongliang , Xu Bin , Li Yingge , Dong Yi
Published: December 2018

Background

The study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using malignant pleural effusion (MPE) as a substitute specimen for genetic testing and to determine the significance of genetic profiling of MPE tumor cells to monitor non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression and therapeutic response.

Methods

We selected 168 NSCLC patients with MPE. We extracted MPE and enriched tumor cells using a custom‐designed device. EGFR mutations and ALK/ROS1 fusions were then detected by quantitative real‐time PCR, and the results were used to guide targeted therapy. We investigated drug responses through imaging.

Results

MPE tumor cells were detected in all patients. EGFR mutations and ALK/ROS1 rearrangements were detected in biopsy samples, treated MPE, and untreated MPE. We found that treated MPE had higher sensitivity and specificity than biopsy or untreated MPE. Among the 26 EGFR inhibitor patients, 13 showed a partial response, 7 had progressive disease, and 6 showed stable disease. Among the 16 patients that received ALK/ROS1 inhibitors, 8 had a partial response, 4 had progressive disease, and 4 showed stable disease.

Conclusion

Our study provides a new, less invasive, and highly repeatable method of analyzing MPE tumor cells in NSCLC that facilitates precision medicine and genetic testing.
Harnessing cellular aging in human stem cell models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Ziff Oliver J. , Patani Rickie
Published: December 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative condition that is invariably fatal, usually within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis. The etiology of ALS remains unresolved and no effective treatments exist. There is therefore a desperate and unmet need for discovery of disease mechanisms to guide novel therapeutic strategies. The single major risk factor for ALS is aging, yet the molecular consequences of cell type‐specific aging remain understudied in this context. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have transformed the standard approach of examining human disease, generating unlimited numbers of disease‐relevant cells from patients, enabling analysis of disease mechanisms and drug screening. However, reprogramming patient cells to iPSCs reverses key hallmarks of cellular age. Therefore, although iPSC models recapitulate some disease hallmarks, a crucial challenge is to address the disparity between the advanced age of onset of neurodegenerative diseases and the fetal‐equivalent maturational state of iPSC‐derivatives. Increasing recognition of cell type‐specific aging paradigms underscores the importance of heterogeneity in ultimately tipping the balance from a state of compensated dysfunction (clinically pre‐symptomatic) to decompensation and progression (irreversible loss of neurological functions). In order to realize the true promise of iPSC technology in ALS, efforts need to prioritize faithfully recapitulating the clinical pathophysiological state, with proportionate emphasis on capturing the molecular sequelae of both cellular age and non‐cell‐autonomous disease mechanisms within this context.
The opportunity cost of preserving the Brazilian Amazon forest
Authors: Silva Felipe de Figueiredo , Perrin Richard K. , Fulginiti Lilyan E.
Published: December 2018

We estimate the trade‐off between forest preservation and agricultural production for the Legal Amazon region, using census and deforestation data for municipalities in 2006. We use a directional distance function to represent the production possibility frontier, and then calculate the shadow price of reducing deforestation in terms of agricultural income foregone. Results indicate that, on average, to preserve 1 ha of forest, $797 in annual agricultural GDP must be foregone. Using a discount rate of 10% and average forest carbon density of 132 tons per hectare, these results imply an average shadow price of $16 per ton of CO2 permanently sequestered.
Ultrasound anatomy of the normal stifle in the sheep
Authors: Kayser Françoise , Hontoir Fanny , Clegg Peter , Kirschvink Nathalie , Dugdale Alex , Vandeweerd Jean Michel
Published: December 2018

Though the ovine stifle is commonly used as a model in research, there is no description of its anatomy at ultrasonography (US). The objective of this study was to provide reference US images of the ovine stifle that are relevant in musculoskeletal research. Four pairs of hindlimbs were scanned, whilst four other pairs were frozen and cut in different planes to compare gross anatomy to US scans. In another pair, the synovial compartments of the stifle were injected and scanned. This study demonstrated that US could be used to assess the ovine stifle. Several structures of clinical interest could be identified with cranial, lateral and medial approaches, such as (a) the tendons of m. quadriceps femoris, m. gluteobiceps, m. popliteus, (b) the common tendon of m. peroneus tertius–extensor longus digitorum–extensor digiti III proprius, (c) the patellar ligament, (d) the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, (e) the cranial horn and middle segment of medial and lateral meniscus, and (f) the synovial recesses. However, the caudal approach was not successful to identify caudal anatomical structures of the joint, due to the muscular mass, that is the caudal aspects of the articular surfaces of the femoral and tibial condyles, the caudal horns of the menisci and the supracondylar synovial recesses. In addition, US remained challenging to assess the internal structures such as cruciate ligaments and articular surfaces. The feasibility of US needs to be tested in vivo.
Experience and confidence in vaginal breech and twin deliveries among obstetric trainees and new specialists in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Yeoh Sara G. J. , Rolnik Daniel L. , Regan John A. , Lee Peter Y. A.
Published: December 2018

Background

The number of vaginal breech and twin deliveries may be insufficient for adequate training.

Objective

To determine whether advanced trainees and new Fellows in obstetrics are gaining adequate experience and confidence in vaginal breech and twin deliveries.

Methods

An online survey was emailed to registered Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RANZCOG) advanced trainees and new Fellows (Years 1–5). This survey asked about their experience, confidence and whether they intend to perform vaginal breech and twin deliveries as specialists.

Results

The survey was sent to 703 advanced trainees (162) and Fellows (541) and answered by 217 (31.7%). Experience and confidence in vaginal breech and twin deliveries increased with the number of procedures performed (P < 0.001) in both groups and were significantly higher among Fellows. Despite the level of experience, 100% of respondents felt confident in managing vaginal twin deliveries with or without supervision, whereas 14.9% of respondents did not feel confident in managing vaginal breech deliveries. Intention to offer these procedures in their practice depended on confidence levels, and there was a significant difference between twins and breech. Overall, 87.3% of respondents intended to offer vaginal twin deliveries in their practice, while only 32.7% intended to offer vaginal breech deliveries.

Conclusion

Confidence in complex vaginal deliveries increases with increasing number of procedures performed and a significant proportion of trainees and Fellows consider they do not have sufficient experience. The association between confidence and intention to offer these procedures is stronger in twins than in breech deliveries.
The orphan nuclear receptor NR4A1 promotes FcεRI‐stimulated mast cell activation and anaphylaxis by counteracting the inhibitory LKB1/AMPK axis
Authors: Jin Fansi , Li Xian , Deng Yifeng , Timilshina Maheshwor , Huang Bin , Kim Dong‐Young , Chang Jae‐Hoon , Ichinose Hiroshi , Baek Suk‐Hwan , Murakami Makoto , Lee Youn Ju , Chang Hyeun Wook
Published: December 2018

Background

Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1), an orphan nuclear receptor, has been implicated in several biological events such as metabolism, apoptosis, and inflammation. Recent studies indicate a potential role for NR4A1 in mast cells, yet its role in allergic responses remains largely unknown.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of NR4A1 in mast cell activation and anaphylaxis.

Methods

To evaluate the function of NR4A1 in mast cells, the impacts of siRNA knockdown, gene knockout, adenoviral overexpression, and pharmacological inhibition of NR4A1 on FcεRI signaling and effector functions in mouse bone marrow–derived mast cells (BMMCs) in vitro and on anaphylactic responses in vivo were evaluated.

Results

Knockdown or knockout of NR4A1 markedly suppressed degranulation and lipid mediator production by FcεRI‐crosslinked BMMCs, while its overexpression augmented these responses. Treatment with a NR4A1 antagonist also blocked mast cell activation to a similar extent as NR4A1 knockdown or knockout. Moreover, mast cell–specific NR4A1‐deficient mice displayed dampened anaphylactic responses in vivo. Mechanistically, NR4A1 promoted FcεRI signaling by counteracting the liver kinase B1 (LKB1)/adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) axis. Following FcεRI crosslinking, NR4A1 bound to the LKB1/AMPK complex and sequestered it in the nucleus, thereby promoting FcεRI downstream signaling pathways. Silencing or knockout of LKB1/AMPK largely abrogated the effect of NR4A1 on mast cell activation. Additionally, NR4A1 facilitated spleen tyrosine kinase activation independently of LKB1/AMPK.

Conclusions

Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 positively regulates mast cell activation by antagonizing the LKB1‐AMPK‐dependent negative regulatory axis. This finding may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the development of anti‐allergic compounds.
Differential expression of long non‐coding RNAs are related to proliferation and histological diversity in follicular lymphomas
Authors: Roisman Alejandro , Castellano Giancarlo , Navarro Alba , Gonzalez‐Farre Blanca , Pérez‐Galan Patricia , Esteve‐Codina Anna , Dabad Marc , Heath Simon , Gut Marta , Bosio Mattia , Bellot Pau , Salembier Philippe , Oliveras Albert , Slavutsky Irma , Magnano Laura , Horn Heike , Rosenwald Andreas , Ott German , Aymerich Marta , López‐Guillermo Armando , Jares Pedro , Martín‐Subero José I. , Campo Elías , Hernández Luis
Published: December 2018

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a family of non‐coding transcripts that are emerging as relevant gene expression regulators of different processes, including tumour development. To determine the possible contribution of lncRNA to the pathogenesis of follicular lymphoma (FL) we performed RNA‐sequencing at high depth sequencing in primary FL samples ranging from grade 1‐3A to aggressive grade 3B variants using unpurified (n = 16) and purified (n = 12) tumour cell suspensions from nodal samples. FL grade 3B had a significantly higher number of differentially expressed lncRNAs (dif‐lncRNAs) with potential target coding genes related to cell cycle regulation. Nine out of the 18 selected dif‐lncRNAs were validated by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction in an independent series (n = 43) of FL. RP4‐694A7.2 was identified as the top deregulated lncRNA potentially involved in cell proliferation. RP4‐694A7.2 silencing in the WSU‐FSCCL FL cell line reduced cell proliferation due to a block in the G1/S phase. The relationship between RP4‐694A7.2 and proliferation was confirmed in primary samples as its expression levels positively related to the Ki‐67 proliferation index. In summary, lncRNAs are differentially expressed across the clinico‐biological spectrum of FL and a subset of them, related to cell cycle, may participate in cell proliferation regulation in these tumours.
Does Regulation Trade Off Quality against Inequality? The Case of German Architects and Construction Engineers
Authors: Rostam‐Afschar Davud , Strohmaier Kristina
Published: December 2018

We exploit an exogenous price increase of 10 per cent for architectural services to answer the question how price regulation affects income inequality and service quality. Using individual‐level data from the German microcensus for the years 2006–2012, we find a significant reform effect of 8 per cent on personal net income for self‐employed architects and construction engineers. This group moved from the second lowest to the highest quintile of the net income distribution. This increase in inequality is associated with a deterioration of service quality. The reform reduced average scores of a peer ranking for architects by 18 per cent.
ARBITRATION, INDIVISIBLE ASSETS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF MALICE
Authors: Guha Brishti
Published: December 2018

Many real‐life contexts involve allocating an indivisible prize between two claimants. One (or both) claimants may derive ‘malice utility’ from depriving the other claimant. I study an arbitrator who does not know if malice is involved in a particular dispute, but wishes the prize to be allocated to the party with the higher intrinsic valuation for it and discuss two simple mechanisms that achieve his purpose regardless of whether malice is actually present. I examine several extensions.
Redo ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis: outcomes from a case–controlled study
Authors: Rossi C. , Beyer‐Berjot L. , Maggiori L. , Prost‐à‐la‐Denise J. , Berdah S. , Panis Y.
Published: December 2018

Aim

To assess short‐ and long‐term outcomes of redo ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis (redo‐IPAA) for failed IPAA, comparing them with those of successful IPAA.

Method

This was a case–control study. Data were collected retrospectively from prospectively maintained databases from two tertiary care centres. Patients who had a redo‐IPAA between 1999 and 2016 were identified and matched (1:2) with patients who had a primary IPAA (p‐IPAA), according to diagnosis, age and body mass index.

Results

Thirty‐nine redo‐IPAAs (16 transanal and 23 abdominal procedures) were identified, and were matched with 78 p‐IPAAs. After a mean follow‐up of 56 ± 51  (2.6–190) months, failure rates after transanal and abdominal approaches were 50% and 15%, respectively. Reoperation after the transanal approach was higher than after p‐IPAA (69% vs 7%; P < 0.001). No differences were noted between the abdominal approach for redo‐IPAA and p‐IPAA in terms of morbidity (61% for redo‐IPAA vs 38% for p‐IPAA; P = 0.06), major morbidity (9% vs 8%; P = 0.96), anastomotic leakage (13% vs 10%; P = 0.74), mean daily bowel movements (6 vs 5.5; P = 0.68), night‐time bowel movements (1.2 vs 1; P = 0.51), faecal incontinence (13% vs 7%; P = 0.40), urgency (31% vs 27%; P = 0.59), use of anti‐diarrhoeal drugs (47% vs 37%; P = 0.70), mean Cleveland Global Quality‐of‐Life score (7 vs 7; P = 0.83) or sexual function.

Conclusion

The abdominal approach for redo‐IPAA is justified in cases of pouch failure because it achieves functional results comparable with those observed after p‐IPAA, without higher postoperative morbidity. The transanal approach should be chosen sparingly.