bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Factors Affecting the Use of Financial Derivatives' Instruments An Applied Study on the Jordanian Commercial Banking Sector
Authors: Fattah Al-Slehat Zaher Abdel , Al-Sharif Bader Mustafa , Qwader Amjad
Published: August 2018

Purpose: The study aims at identifying the factors affecting the use of instruments of financial derivatives such as (administrative factors, financial and accounting factors, and legal factors) in the Jordanian commercial banking sector. To achieve the objective of the study, a questionnaire was distributed to the financial managers of the sample under examination and analysis, in addition to finding the descriptive variables, correlations and regression through using the SPSS and E-views software. The study adopted the analytical descriptive approach. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to a number of directors and heads of sections of commercial banks of Jordan, which their number reached 13 banks. One of the most important findings of the study is that there is an impact of each of the administrative, financial, accounting and legal factors on the use of the financial derivatives' instruments.
Tax Revenue, Total Expense, Gross Domestic Production and Budget Deficit: A Study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Anojan Vickneswaran
Published: August 2018

The main aim of this study is to find out relationship among tax revenue, total expense, gross domestic production and budget deficit of Sri Lanka from 1990 to 2015. Budget deficit is a vital problem in Sri Lanka. This research mainly considers three independent variables such as tax revenue, total expense and gross domestic production and budget deficit is dependent variable of this research. Data of this study collected from annual report, ministry of finance and central bank reports of Sri Lanka. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed with the help of SPSS to analyze research data, answer research questions, reach research objectives and test hypothesis in this study. Correlation analysis confirmed that there are positive significant relationship between direct tax revenue and gross domestic production (98.4%), direct tax revenue and budget deficit (98.6%), indirect tax revenue and gross domestic production (99.2%), indirect tax revenue and budget deficit (98.5%), capital expense and gross domestic production (99.3%), capital expense and budget deficit (98.5%), recurrent expense and gross domestic production (98.7%), recurrent expense and budget deficit (99.3%), gross domestic production and budget deficit (97.2%) of Sri Lanka from 1990 to 2015. Regression analysis confirmed that 98.9% of gross domestic production depends on capital expense, recurrent expense, direct tax revenue and indirect tax revenue of the Sri Lanka. Capital expense has significant impact on the gross domestic production of the country (P = 0.024).  99.4% of budget deficit depends on capital expense, recurrent expense, direct tax and indirect tax of Sri Lanka.  Further it can be stated that indirect tax revenue and recurrent expense have significant impact on the budget deficit of Sri Lanka (P < 0.05). This study concludes that there is possibility to change budget deficit and gross domestic production through capital expense, recurrent expense, direct tax revenue and indirect tax revenue in Sri Lanka.
Organic Food Appeals to Intuition and Triggers Stereotypes
Authors: Lindeman Marjaana , Anttila Joonas
Published: August 2018

Evidence suggests that the benefits of organic food are overstated. In study 1, factors predicting positive attitudes toward organic food (OF), food processing and additives were investigated. Intuitive thinking style was the strongest predictor, followed by categorical thinking, belief in simplicity of knowledge and susceptibility to health myths. In Study 2, the effect of OF consumer status on perceived warmth and competence was examined. OF-positive participants rated the OF consumer similarly as the conventional consumer. However, OF-negative participants regarded the OF consumer as warmer but less competent than the conventional consumer. In Study 3, perceptions of a couple were examined similarly. OF consumer couple's relationship was more idealized by the OF-positive participants whereas other participants regarded the OF consumer couple's relationship as less satisfactory. In addition, intuitive thinking style increased positive judgments about the stimulus persons in Studies 2 and 3. Eating organic food may thus evoke positive and negative stereotypes, and intuitive thinkers may be especially receptive to OF marketing and influenced by a preference for natural.
Effects of Functional Instruction on Types of Achievement in Reading Narrative Texts
Authors: Bazan Aldo , Ramos Dorle , Davila Monica , Velarde Nestor , Rivera Maricel
Published: August 2018

Seventeen first-year Secondary School students with low levels of reading comprehension of mystery and horror stories, received training during two weeks in 50-minutes daily sessions. The structural planning was sequentially organized, in four types of teaching - learning situations going from lower to higher level of complexity. The instruction was implemented in accordance with four types of achievement levels: linked to the object, linked to the situation, non-linked to the operation, and non-linked to present situation.  The results throughout the intervention revealed that in the two first levels (object-linked and operation-linked), average scores above 90% of achievement were obtained. In the two operation – non-linked levels (particular and present situation non-linked), averages scores between 73 and 76% of achievement were reached. Likewise, a significant change (p = 0.005) was found in a previous and post-evaluation of a school curricular unit for the group intervention, with no significant differences for the control group.
Ancient Agropastoral System of the Bolivian Altiplano: a Robust Ecosystem Endangered from Changes in Land-use
Authors: D'Apollonia Sarah Jennifer , Meilby Henrik , Sørensen Marten
Published: August 2018

The current study examines the challenges and constraints faced by rural, small-herd, llama (Lama glama) agropastoralists of the Bolivian Altiplano. Three different study sites with various degrees of agropastoralism were examined in order to describe the relationship between quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and llama production and the implications of land use competition between these two livelihoods. In order to document the impact of land use change, the study also examined the native forage species available to free grazing llamas and their relative importance. Llama pastoralists were interviewed and completed a survey on the perceived importance of native forage plants in grazing llama diets as well as the perceived constraints to llama husbandry. The relative frequency of citation (RFC) index was employed as a measure of relative importance of different native forage plant species. This data was supplemented with further primary data collected from the field using mixed methods involving participatory rural appraisal techniques (PRA), interviews and focus groups. Secondary data was collected from an in-depth literature review, government offices and other relevant institutions. The study presents a detailed list of all cited native forage species and their perceived importance as a forage crop and any ethnoveterinary uses. The results reveal that challenges and constraints can often be site-specific, and a lack of forage throughout the dry season (May to November) was a general constraint among study sites. Quinoa production was found to be in direct competition with llama husbandry, with many sites demonstrating s shift away from llama pastoralism.
The Aesthetics of Agency in Kant and Schiller
Authors: Barba-Kay Antón ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2018

One of the lasting influences of German Idealism has been the transformation of aesthetics into a central philosophical concern. My aim here is to show how and why Kant’s and Schiller’s formulations of the problems of moral agency, in particular, constitute an important episode of this development. I argue, first, that it is in the context of Kant’s view of moral agency that aesthetics gains larger purchase than it formerly had (as a response to the problem of the identification of an agent with his external action); second, that Schiller expands the role of aesthetics (in response to Kant’s formulation of it) by intensifying a demand for aesthetic abandon in the agent as a bulwark against the threat of its possible “theatricalization.” It is these heightened demands on the first-personal content of agency that thus began the process of transforming the question of moral agency into an aesthetic one.
Playing with Others
Authors: Davis Karen E. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2018

Scholars of hermeneutics have recently taken up the task of elucidating Gadamer’s ethics by studying his work on the structure of understanding and human experience. This article seeks to contribute to that scholarship through an examination of Gadamer’s aesthetics. I suggest that Gadamer’s notions of play and aesthetic non-differentiation provide further resources for understanding Gadamer’s hermeneutic ethics as an ethics of non-differentiation, i.e., a unification of theory and practice (understanding and application). For Gadamer, an understanding of the good is its enactment in the context of the dialogical play we find ourselves engaged in with others. Furthermore, Gadamer’s identification of aesthetic non-differentiation with play reveals that his ethics aims not only to unify theory and practice but also to unite participants in the ethical play as intersubjective elements of a shared experience. Retrieving the ethical import of Gadamer’s aesthetics also helps to unfold Gadamer’s suggestion that hermeneutics itself is an ethical enterprise.
Death and the Transcendental Subject
Authors: Pihlström Sami J. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2018

This paper discusses the philosophy of death and mortality from a transcendental perspective. I first criticize the metaphysically realistic background assumptions of mainstream analytic approaches to the philosophy of death. Secondly, I defend a transcendentally idealistic approach, drawing attention to how the topic of death can be illuminated by means of the notion of the transcendental subject. Thirdly, I identify a problem in this approach: the transcendental subject needs to recognize its own mortality. Fourthly, I propose a pragmatist way out of this problem. This, however, is no way out of the general issue that mortality as a structural element of the human condition provides us with. Rather, pragmatism (joining forces with transcendental philosophy) can show us a way of living with this condition.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Chan‐Lam‐Evans Enol Esterification of Carboxylic Acids with Alkenylboroxines
Authors: Steemers Luuk , Wijsman Linda , van Maarseveen Jan H.
Published: August 2018

Efficient and scalable Cu(II)‐mediated enol esterification methodology of carboxylic acids from alkenyl boroxines and boronic acids is presented. The reaction shows a wide scope in aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids in combination with several alkenyl boroxines. In the case of 2‐substituted alkenyl boroxines the double bond configuration was fully retained in the enol ester product. Also N‐hydroxyimides and imides could be transformed in the respective amidooxy vinyl enol ethers and vinyl enamides. Finally, with the exception of methionine, all other 19 canonical amino acids showed their compatibility to give the enol esters in a stereoselective fashion.

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Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Spiro‐cyclopropyl Oxindoles from 3‐Alkenyl‐oxindoles and Sulfoxonium Ylides
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Cao Weidi , Mei Hongjiang , Hu Linfeng , Feng Xiaoming
Published: August 2018

A new enantioselective cyclopropanation of 3‐alkenyl‐oxindoles with sulfoxonium ylides was realized by using a chiral N,N′‐dioxide/Mg(OTf)2 complex as the catalyst. Various chiral spiro‐cyclopropyl oxindoles containing two or three continuous chiral carbon centres were obtained in high yields (up to 99%) with good dr (up to 97:3 dr) and high ee values (up to 94% ee).

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A Light‐Triggered Mesenchymal Stem Cell Delivery System for Photoacoustic Imaging and Chemo‐Photothermal Therapy of Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Xu Chang , Feng Qishuai , Yang Haocheng , Wang Guangxue , Huang Liqun , Bai Qianwen , Zhang Chuyi , Wang Yilong , Chen Yingna , Cheng Qian , Chen Mengwei , Han Yu , Yu Zuoren , Lesniak Maciej S. , Cheng Yu
Published: August 2018

Targeted therapy is highly challenging and urgently needed for patients diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here, a synergistic treatment platform with plasmonic–magnetic hybrid nanoparticle (lipids, doxorubicin (DOX), gold nanorods, iron oxide nanocluster (LDGI))–loaded mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for photoacoustic imaging, targeted photothermal therapy, and chemotherapy for TNBC is developed. LDGI can be efficiently taken up into the stem cells with good biocompatibility to maintain the cellular functions. In addition, CXCR4 on the MSCs is upregulated by iron oxide nanoparticles in the LDGI. Importantly, the drug release and photothermal therapy can be simultaneously achieved upon light irradiation. The released drug can enter the cell nucleus and promote cell apoptosis. Interestingly, light irradiation can control the secretion of cellular microvehicles carrying LDGI for targeted treatment. A remarkable in vitro anticancer effect is observed in MDA‐MB‐231 with near‐infrared laser irradiation. In vivo studies show that the MSCs‐LDGI has the enhanced migration and penetration abilities in the tumor area via both intratumoral and intravenous injection approaches compared with LDGI. Subsequently, MSCs‐LDGI shows the best antitumor efficacy via chemo‐photothermal therapy compared to other treatment groups in the TNBC model of nude mice. Thus, MSCs‐LDGI multifunctional system represents greatly synergistic potential for cancer treatment.
Strategic Questioning in Emergency Medicine Training
Authors: Tozer Jordan , Layng Timothy , Wolff Margaret , Santen Sally A.
Published: August 2018

Strategic questioning is a technique that can enhance the unique learning environment of emergency medicine (EM) training. By incorporating this into the routine expert–learner encounters of daily practice, it can be used to engage learners, explore their knowledge base, probe for gaps, encourage development, and grow critical thinking skills. We propose that this become routinely used in EM training as a tool to strengthen residency education.
Incidental endoscopic findings of a rare gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma concurrent with an uncommon primary duodenal adenocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: Chang En‐Su , Lin Diego S.‐C. , Hou Ming‐Chih , Chen Chih‐Yen
Published: August 2018

Gastric neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare gastric tumors. They are often found during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) as multiple small intramucosa polyps or as a single large polypoid lesion. Gastric NETs are difficult to distinguish from gastric adenocarcinoma or lymphoma. NETs are uncommon tumors, usually poorly differentiated and highly malignant. They are typically accompanied by vascular invasion and metastasis and have an extremely poor prognosis. Here, we reported an NET of the stomach concurrent with primary duodenal adenocarcinoma. A 56‐year‐old woman had underlying adenocarcinoma of the lung and received regular chemotherapy. Because of upper abdomen discomfort, EGD was performed, which showed diffuse multiple polypoid lesions over the stomach and another protruding mass over the posterior wall of the duodenal bulb. Abdomen computed tomography and the pathological report confirmed the above diagnosis.
Influence of solvent on linear polypyrrole–polyethylene oxide actuators
Authors: Khadka Roshan , Zondaka Zane , Kesküla Arko , Khorram Mahdi Safaei , Khanh Tran Thien , Tamm Tarmo , Travas‐Sejdic Jadranka , Kiefer Rudolf
Published: August 2018

Ionic conductivity of polypyrrole (PPy) doped with dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS) was improved by loading of 10 wt % of polyethylene oxide (PEO). The linear actuation properties of PPy–PEO/DBS films were investigated and compared in polar (aqueous) and aprotic (propylene carbonate) solvents keeping the concentration of lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI) electrolyte the same. The results were compared to those of pristine PPy/DBS films. The actuation direction changed from pure cation‐driven in the aqueous electrolyte (LiTFSI(aq)) to anion‐driven in propylene carbonate electrolyte (LiTFSI(PC)). At the same time, the electro‐chemo‐mechanical deformation revealed that the strain of PPy–PEO/DBS increased from 5% in LiTFSI(aq) to 20% in LiTFSI(PC). The effect of solvent on the ionic conductivity was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, showing a 27% increase in charge transfer kinetics and an increase in the electronic conductivity, resulting in significant increase in the strain rate, when propylene carbonate electrolyte was used. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46831.
Effect of Achieving Minimal Disease Activity on the Progression of Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Arterial Stiffness: A Prospective Cohort Study in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Cheng Isaac T. , Shang Qing , Li Edmund K. , Wong Priscilla C. , Kun Emily W. , Law Mei Yan , Yip Ronald M. , Yim Isaac C. , Lai Billy T. , Ying Shirley K. , Kwok Kitty Y. , Li Martin , Li Tena K. , Zhu Tracy Y. , Lee Jack J. , Chang Mimi M. , Szeto Cheuk‐Chun , Yan Bryan P. , Lee Alex P. , Tam Lai‐Shan
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate the effects of achieving minimal disease activity (MDA) on the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

A total of 101 consecutive patients with PsA were recruited for this prospective cohort study. All patients received protocolized treatment targeting MDA for a period of 2 years. High‐resolution carotid ultrasound and arterial stiffness markers were assessed annually. The primary outcome measure was the effect of achieving MDA at 12 months (MDA group) on the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis over a period of 24 months. Secondary objectives were to compare the changes in arterial stiffness markers over 24 months between the MDA and non‐MDA groups, as well as the changes in subclinical atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness markers in patients who achieved MDA at each visit from month 12 through month 24 (sustained MDA [sMDA]).

Results

Ninety PsA patients (mean ± SD age 50 ± 11 years, 58% male [n = 52]) who completed 24 months of follow‐up were included in this analysis. Fifty‐seven patients (63%) had achieved MDA at 12 months. Subclinical atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness outcomes were similar between the MDA and non‐MDA groups. Forty‐one patients (46%) achieved sMDA. As shown by multivariate analysis, achieving sMDA had a protective effect on plaque progression (odds ratio 0.273 [95% confidence interval 0.088–0.846], P = 0.024), and less of an increase in total plaque area, mean intima‐media thickness, and augmentation index values after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusion

Our results support the recommendation that once MDA is achieved, it should ideally be maintained for a prolonged period in order to prevent progression of carotid atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness in patients with PsA.
Neonatal testis growth recreated in vitro by two‐dimensional organ spreading
Authors: Kojima Kazuaki , Nakamura Hiroko , Komeya Mitsuru , Yamanaka Hiroyuki , Makino Yoshinori , Okada Yuki , Akiyama Haruhiko , Torikai Nobuhito , Sato Takuya , Fujii Teruo , Kimura Hiroshi , Ogawa Takehiko
Published: August 2018

Organ culture experiments can be hampered by central degeneration or necrosis due to the inadequate permeation of oxygen and nutrients, which deteriorates the function and growth of cultured tissues. In the current study, we aimed to overcome this limitation of organ culture through spreading the tissue two dimensionally on an agarose gel stand and molding into a disc shape by placing a ceiling of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip, which is highly oxygen permeable. By this, every part of the tissue can receive a sufficient supply of oxygen through PDMS as well as nutrients through the agarose gel below. This method not only prevented central necrosis of tissues, but also supported the tissue growth over time. In addition, such growth, as volume enlargement, could be easily measured. Under these conditions, we examined the effect of several factors on the growth of neonatal mouse testis, and found that follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and insulin significantly promoted the growth. These results are in good agreement with previous in vivo reports. Notably, the growth achieved over 7 days in our in vitro system is almost comparable to, about 80% of, that observed in vivo. Thus, we successfully monitored the promotion of tissue growth beyond the limits of the conventional organ culture method. This extremely simple method could offer a unique platform to evaluate the growth as well as functional properties of organs, not only the testis but also others as well.
Recurring genomic structural variation leads to clonal instability and loss of productivity
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arpan A. , O’Brien Sofie A. , Zhao Liang , Fu Hsu‐Yuan , Vishwanathan Nandita , Hu Wei‐Shou
Published: August 2018

Chinese hamster ovary cells, commonly used in the production of therapeutic proteins, are aneuploid. Their chromosomes bear structural abnormality and undergo changes in structure and number during cell proliferation. Some production cell lines are unstable and lose their productivity over time in the manufacturing process and during the product’s life cycle. To better understand the link between genomic structural changes and productivity stability, an immunoglobulin G producing cell line was successively single‐cell cloned to obtain subclones that retained or lost productivity, and their genomic features were compared. Although each subclone started with a single karyotype, the progeny quickly diversified to a population with a distribution of chromosome numbers that is not distinctive from the parent and among subclones. The comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis showed that the extent of copy variation of gene coding regions among different subclones stayed at levels of a few percent. Genome regions that were prone to loss of copies, including one with a product transgene integration site, were identified in CGH. The loss of the transgene copy was accompanied by loss of transgene transcript level. Sequence analysis of the host cell and parental producing cell showed prominent structural variations within the regions prone to loss of copies. Taken together, we demonstrated the transient nature of clonal homogeneity in cell line development and the retention of a population distribution of chromosome numbers; we further demonstrated that structural variation in the transgene integration region caused cell line instability. Future cell line development may target the transgene into structurally stable regions.
Estriol‐mediated neuroprotection in multiple sclerosis localized by voxel‐based morphometry
Authors: MacKenzie‐Graham Allan , Brook Jenny , Kurth Florian , Itoh Yuichiro , Meyer Cassandra , Montag Michael J. , Wang He‐Jing , Elashoff Robert , Voskuhl Rhonda R.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Progressive gray matter (GM) atrophy is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS). Cognitive impairment has been observed in 40%–70% of MS patients and has been linked to GM atrophy. In a phase 2 trial of estriol treatment in women with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), higher estriol levels correlated with greater improvement on the paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT) and imaging revealed sparing of localized GM in estriol‐treated compared to placebo‐treated patients. To better understand the significance of this GM sparing, the current study explored the relationships between the GM sparing and traditional MRI measures and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Sixty‐two estriol‐ and forty‐nine placebo‐treated RRMS patients underwent clinical evaluations and brain MRI. Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) was used to evaluate voxelwise GM sparing from high‐resolution T1‐weighted scans.

Results

A region of treatment‐induced sparing (TIS) was defined as the areas where GM was spared in estriol‐ as compared to placebo‐treated groups, localized primarily within the frontal and parietal cortices. We observed that TIS volume was directly correlated with improvement on the PASAT. Next, a longitudinal cognitive disability‐specific atlas (DSA) was defined by correlating voxelwise GM volumes with PASAT scores, that is, areas where less GM correlated with less improvement in PASAT scores. Finally, overlap between the TIS and the longitudinal cognitive DSA revealed a specific region of cortical GM that was preserved in estriol‐treated subjects that was associated with better performance on the PASAT.

Conclusions

Discovery of this region of overlap was biology driven, not based on an a priori structure of interest. It included the medial frontal cortex, an area previously implicated in problem solving and attention. These findings indicate that localized GM sparing during estriol treatment was associated with improvement in cognitive testing, suggesting a clinically relevant, disability‐specific biomarker for clinical trials of candidate neuroprotective treatments in MS.
The Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee: A Proposed Classification System
Authors: Olewnik Łukasz , Gonera Bartosz , Kurtys Konrad , Podgórski Michał , Polguj Michał , Sibiński Marcin , Topol Mirosław
Published: August 2018

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) is a potential stabilizer of the knee and cooperates with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It originates on the lateral epicondyle of the femur, to which it is mainly posterior and proximal; insertion is posterior to Gerdy's tubercle. Its anatomical characteristics vary. Recent publications have focused on morphological variations concerning mainly the femoral and tibial attachments, and on morphometric measurements. Histological and cystochemical examinations have also been performed. Classical anatomical dissection was performed on 111 lower limbs (25 isolated and 86 paired) fixed in 10% formalin. The knee region was dissected using traditional techniques and the morphological features of the ALL were assessed: morphometric measurements and the types of ALL. The ALL was present in 70 individuals (37 woman and 33 men). In 30 cases, it was absent symmetrically, and in 11, it was present on just one side (P = 0.0011). The ALL was morphologically very variable. In type I (the most common form – 64.3%), a single band traveled parallel to the fibular collateral ligament (FCL); in type II the band crossed it. In type III, the origin was located on the lateral epicondyle of the femur and also on the lateral–posterior surface of the joint capsule, and the insertion was in the deep fascia of the leg: this type could be called a capsule. Type IV was characterized by a double ALL, type IIb by ligaments that bifurcated, and type V by the ALL starting directly from the FCL rather than the femoral epicondyle. The ALL is characterized by high morphological variability, both in its femoral and in its tibial attachments and in its course. Clin. Anat. 31:966–973, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of anticoagulation use and subsequent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation after empiric surgical left atrial appendage closure: A retrospective case‐control study
Authors: Johnsrud Daniel O. , Melduni Rowlens M. , Lahr Brian , Yao Xiaoxi , Greason Kevin L. , Noseworthy Peter A.
Published: August 2018

Background

Surgical exclusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) can be performed at the time of cardiac operation as a potential modality to decrease cardioembolic risk attributable to atrial fibrillation (AF), but it remains unclear if this decreases stroke incidence. Furthermore, it is not known whether LAA exclusion impacts the decision to discontinue anticoagulation impacting subsequent stroke risk.

Hypothesis

LAA exclusion does not significantly alter subsequent anticoagulation use or stroke incidence.

Methods

We studied 124 patients from Olmsted County with prior history of AF who underwent cardiac surgery at our institution between 1993 and 2015. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of LAA exclusion and matched (1:1) according to 16 pretreatment variables using propensity scores obtained from a logistic regression model. Outcome data collected through chart review for survival, stroke, and the presence and duration of anticoagulation were compared between groups.

Results

The proportion of patients receiving anticoagulation at discharge and at 5 years was not significantly different between patients who underwent LAA exclusion and those who did not; 90% vs 81%, P = 0.156, 48% vs 49%, P = 0.722, respectively. On Kaplan‐Meier analysis there were no significant differences in time free from stroke between cases and controls. Patients discharged on oral anticoagulation (OAC) had significantly lower risk of stroke (HR = 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06‐0.59, P = 0.004), independent of whether LAA closure was used.

Conclusion

LAA exclusion did not appear to reduce early or late stroke. Only OAC was associated with a reduction in stroke risk, underscoring the need for continued anticoagulation in high‐risk patients.
Predicting pain recovery in patients with acute low back pain: Updating and validation of a clinical prediction model
Authors: da Silva Tatiane , Macaskill Petra , Kongsted Alice , Mills Kathryn , Maher Chris G. , Hancock Mark J.
Published: August 2018

Background

The prognosis of acute low back pain (LBP) is typically good; however, there is substantial variation in individual patient's outcomes. We recently developed a prediction model that was able to predict the likelihood of pain recovery in patients with acute LBP who continue to have pain approximately 1 week after initially seeking care. The aims of the current study were to (a) re‐categorize the variables in the developmental dataset to be able to validate the model in the validation dataset; (b) refit the existing model in the developmental dataset; and (c) validate the model in the validation dataset.

Methods

The validation study sample comprised 737 patients with acute LBP, with a pain score of ≥2/10, 1 week after initially seeking care and with duration of current episode of ≤4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was days to pain recovery. Some of the variables from the development dataset were re‐categorized prior to refitting the existing model in the developmental dataset using Cox regression. The performance (calibration and discrimination) of the prediction model was then tested in the validation dataset.

Results

Three variables of the development dataset were re‐categorized. The performance of the prediction model with re‐categorized variables in the development dataset was good (C‐statistic = 0.76, 95% CI 0.70–0.82). The discrimination of the model using the validation dataset resulted in a C‐statistic of 0.71 (95% CI 0.63–0.78). The calibration for the validation sample was acceptable at 1 month. However, at 1 week the predicted proportions within quintiles tended to overestimate the observed recovery proportions, and at 3 months, the predicted proportions tended to underestimate the observed recovery proportions.

Conclusions

The updated prediction model demonstrated reasonably good external validity and may be useful in practice, but further validation and impact studies in relevant populations should be conducted.

Significance

A clinical prediction model based on five easily collected variables demonstrated reasonable external validity. The prediction model has the potential to inform patients and clinicians of the likely prognosis of individuals with acute LBP but requires impact studies to assess its clinical usefulness.
Effect of Crystallinity Modulation between Electron Transport Layer and Photo‐Generation Materials on ZnO‐Based Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaohua , Fan Pu , Han Yu , Yu Junsheng
Published: August 2018

As one of the most widely used electron transport layers (ETLs) for inverted polymer solar cells (PSCs), ZnO has great effect on the growth of photo‐generated layer. In this work, the ZnO‐based PSCs with the compositional blend of PffBT4T‐2OD: PCBM and PTB7‐Th: PCBM are fabricated to investigate the crystallinity modulation effect (CME) between electron transport layer and photo‐generation materials. The results showed that both the high crystallinity PffBT4T‐2OD: PCBM processed on the large nanoparticles ZnO and the low crystallinity PTB7‐Th: PCBM processed on small nanoparticles ZnO exhibit excellent photovoltaic performances. By verifying the combination of ZnO nanoparticles with photo‐generation materials, it proves that the CME can result in a smooth photo‐generated layer surface to ensure efficient electron transport as well as collection with suppressed bimolecular recombination, leading to the increase of photocurrent and the improvement of inverted PSCs performance accordingly.
What agricultural practices are most likely to deliver “sustainable intensification” in the UK?
Authors: Dicks Lynn V. , Rose David C. , Ang Frederic , Aston Stephen , Birch A. Nicholas E. , Boatman Nigel , Bowles Elizabeth L. , Chadwick David , Dinsdale Alex , Durham Sam , Elliott John , Firbank Les , Humphreys Stephen , Jarvis Phil , Jones Dewi , Kindred Daniel , Knight Stuart M. , Lee Michael R. F. , Leifert Carlo , Lobley Matt , Matthews Kim , Midmer Alice , Moore Mark , Morris Carol , Mortimer Simon , Murray T. Charles , Norman Keith , Ramsden Stephen , Roberts Dave , Smith Laurence G. , Soffe Richard , Stoate Chris , Taylor Bryony , Tinker David , Topliff Mark , Wallace John , Williams Prysor , Wilson Paul , Winter Michael , Sutherland William J.
Published: August 2018

Sustainable intensification is a process by which agricultural productivity is enhanced whilst also creating environmental and social benefits. We aimed to identify practices likely to deliver sustainable intensification, currently available for UK farms but not yet widely adopted. We compiled a list of 18 farm management practices with the greatest potential to deliver sustainable intensification in the UK, following a well‐developed stepwise methodology for identifying priority solutions, using a group decision‐making technique with key agricultural experts. The list of priority management practices can provide the focal point of efforts to achieve sustainable intensification of agriculture, as the UK develops post‐Brexit agricultural policy, and pursues the second Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture. The practices largely reflect a technological, production‐focused view of sustainable intensification, including for example, precision farming and animal health diagnostics, with less emphasis on the social and environmental aspects of sustainability. However, they do reflect an integrated approach to farming, covering many different aspects, from business organization and planning, to soil and crop management, to landscape and nature conservation. For a subset of 10 of the priority practices, we gathered data on the level of existing uptake in English and Welsh farms through a stratified survey in seven focal regions. We find substantial existing uptake of most of the priority practices, indicating that UK farming is an innovative sector. The data identify two specific practices for which uptake is relatively low, but which some UK farmers find appealing and would consider adopting. These practices are: prediction of pest and disease outbreaks, especially for livestock farms; staff training on environmental issues, especially on arable farms.
Genomic analysis reveals recurrent deletion of JAK‐STAT signaling inhibitors HNRNPK and SOCS1 in mycosis fungoides
Authors: Bastidas Torres Armando N. , Cats Davy , Mei Hailiang , Szuhai Karoly , Willemze Rein , Vermeer Maarten H. , Tensen Cornelis P.
Published: August 2018

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL). Causative genetic alterations in MF are unknown. The low recurrence of pathogenic small‐scale mutations (ie, nucleotide substitutions, indels) in the disease, calls for the study of additional aspects of MF genetics. Here, we investigated structural genomic alterations in tumor‐stage MF by integrating whole‐genome sequencing and RNA‐sequencing. Multiple genes with roles in cell physiology (n = 113) and metabolism (n = 92) were found to be impacted by genomic rearrangements, including 47 genes currently implicated in cancer. Fusion transcripts involving genes of interest such as DOT1L, KDM6A, LIFR, TP53, and TP63 were also observed. Additionally, we identified recurrent deletions of genes involved in cell cycle control, chromatin regulation, the JAK‐STAT pathway, and the PI‐3‐K pathway. Remarkably, many of these deletions result from genomic rearrangements. Deletion of tumor suppressors HNRNPK and SOCS1 were the most frequent genetic alterations in MF after deletion of CDKN2A. Notably, SOCS1 deletion could be detected in early‐stage MF. In agreement with the observed genomic alterations, transcriptome analysis revealed up‐regulation of the cell cycle, JAK‐STAT, PI‐3‐K and developmental pathways. Our results position inactivation of HNRNPK and SOCS1 as potential driver events in MF development.
Putative new childhood leukemia cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline bi‐allelic missense mutations in DDX41
Authors: Diness Birgitte R. , Risom Lotte , Frandsen Thomas L. , Hansen Bente , Andersen Mette K. , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Wadt Karin A. W.
Published: August 2018

DDX41 has recently been identified as a new autosomal dominantly inherited cancer predisposition syndrome causing increased risk of adult onset acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We report for the first time compound heterozygote germline missense DDX41 mutations located in the DEAD‐box domain, identified in two siblings by exome sequencing. Both siblings have slight dysmorphic findings, psychomotor delays and intellectual disability, and one developed blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) at age five. RNA‐sequencing of bone marrow showed DDX41 expression including both mutations. However, the allele fraction of p.Pro321Leu accounted for 96% in the RNA‐sequencing indicating this mutation to be the more significant variant. Exome sequencing of the leukemic blasts identified no additional known driver mutations. There is no pattern indicating autosomal dominantly inherited cancer predisposition in the family, but the father has sarcoidosis, which has been associated with heterozygous DDX41 mutation. We propose that bi‐allelic mutations in DDX41 could potentially be a new cancer predisposition syndrome associated with delayed psychomotor development.
VIBPACK: A package to treat multidimensional electron‐vibrational molecular problems with application to magnetic and optical properties
Authors: Clemente‐Juan Juan M. , Palii Andrew , Tsukerblat Boris , Coronado Eugenio
Published: August 2018

We present a FORTRAN code based on a new powerful and efficient computational approach to solve multidimensional dynamic Jahn–Teller and pseudo Jahn–Teller problems. This symmetry‐assisted approach constituting a theoretical core of the program is based on the full exploration of the point symmetry of the electronic and vibrational states. We also report some selected examples of increasing complexity aimed to display the theoretical background as well as the advantages and capabilities of the program to evaluate of the energy pattern, magnetic and optical properties of large multimode vibronic systems. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silibinin‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction suppress growth of endometriotic lesions
Authors: Ham Jiyeon , Kim Jonggun , Bazer Fuller W. , Lim Whasun , Song Gwonhwa
Published: August 2018

Silibinin is a flavonolignan extracted from milk thistle, which has been used for treating liver disorders, various cancers, and gynecological diseases. However, attempts for treating endometriosis with silibinin are lacking. In this study, we observed that silibinin exerts antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on human endometriotic cell lines VK2/E6E7 and End1/E6E7. We also identified that silibinin‐induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in human endometriotic cells. Moreover, we observed upregulation of calcium concentration in the cytosol and mitochondrial matrix, which resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress signals with rapid mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway signaling resulted in apoptosis of both cells. Using an animal model mimicking the retrograde menstruation hypothesis, we verified the effects of silibinin on reducing endometriotic lesions by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines in mice. Silibinin might be used as a novel therapeutic agent or supplement for inhibiting progression of endometriosis in vitro and in vivo.
Dual role of chemically functionalized activated carbon fibres: investigation of parameters influencing the degradation of organophosphorus compounds and antibacterial behaviour
Authors: Gopinath Ashitha , Krishna Kadirvelu
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

An efficient material possessing both photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties is necessary to remediate contaminated water resources. In the present study, zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO) have been impregnated on activated carbon fibres (ACF) to develop a heterogeneous photocatalytic system for the degradation of an organophosphorus compound, taking Malathion as a model pollutant, and to investigate the antibacterial efficiency of the former.

RESULTS

The efficiency of Malathion removal varies with catalyst dosage, initial concentration of Malathion, and also depends on the interference from inorganic ions such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate and bicarbonate in the contaminated solution. The role played by the highly active radicals in the degradation process is inevitable, confirmed by the addition of radical scavengers during the reaction. Hydroxyl radicals were found to be the most active species accountable for the degradation of Malathion. Moreover, OH trapping experiments conducted by measuring photoluminescence (PL) intensity concluded that greater amounts of OH radicals are generated with increase in time. Reusability and long‐term stability of the composite was validated for up to five degradation cycles. The developed composite also possesses microbial decontamination capabilities, verified by studying antibacterial assay against Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram negative strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella Pneumoniae.

CONCLUSION

Dual functional and reusable ZnO rods/ACF composites were developed using a simple, low cost hydrothermal method, and could be used as a potential candidate for water treatment applications. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of cobalt and chromium ions on oxidative stress and energy metabolism in macrophages in vitro
Authors: Salloum Zeina , Lehoux Eric A. , Harper Mary‐Ellen , Catelas Isabelle
Published: August 2018

Cobalt and chromium ions released from cobalt‐chromium‐molybdenum (CoCrMo)‐based implants are a potential health concern, especially since both ions have been shown to induce oxidative stress in macrophages, the predominant immune cells in periprosthetic tissues. Ions of other transition metals (Cd, Ni) have been reported to inhibit the activity of mitochondrial enzymes in the electron transport chain. However, the effects of Co and Cr ions on the energy metabolism of macrophages remain largely unknown. The objective of the present study was to analyze the effects of Co2+ and Cr3+ on oxidative stress and energy metabolism in macrophages in vitro. RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were exposed to 6–18 ppm Co2+ or 50–150 ppm Cr3+. Results showed a significant increase in two markers of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species level and protein carbonyl content, with increasing concentrations of Co2+, but not with Cr3+. In addition, oxygen consumption rates (OCR; measured using an extracellular flux analyzer) showed significant decreases in both mitochondrial respiration and non‐mitochondrial oxygen consumption with increasing concentrations of Co2+, but not with Cr3+. OCR results further showed that Co2+, but not Cr3+, induced mitochondrial dysfunction, including a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation capacity. Overall, this study suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to Co2+‐induced oxidative stress in macrophages, and thereby to the inflammatory response observed in periprosthetic tissues. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3178–3187, 2018.
Complex business models: Pacorini at the edge of chaos
Authors: Battistella Cinzia , De Toni Alberto F.
Published: August 2018

Sustainable and long‐lasting companies necessarily position themselves at the edge of chaos and evolve their business models in order to maintain a mix of efficiency and creativity. Organizations dealing with complexity necessarily position themselves at the edge of chaos, always swaying between order and disorder. Two opposite cycles (“sharing cycle” oriented toward efficiency and “creative cycle” oriented toward innovation) should be balanced dynamically and along time by organizations that want to evolve. We investigated business model evolution after external discontinuities, showing that sustainable and long‐lasting companies try to find an equilibrium between order and disorder, predictability and unpredictability, standardization, and innovation.
Experience discrepancy in leadership succession: Does it matter? Evidence from the Elite European Soccer Clubs (1994–2015)
Authors: Lassalle Frédéric , Meschi Pierre‐Xavier , Metais Emmanuel
Published: August 2018

The level of profile similarity between the new leader and the former one matters and will affect subsequent strategic change and thus performance. An excess of exploration as well as an excess of exploitation are detrimental to future performance. When replacing a leader, owners should take into consideration the profile and experience dissimilarities between the predecessor and the successor.
Motivating nonexporters to go abroad: Investigating the role of government using evidence from a developing country
Authors: Haddoud Mohamed Yacine , Jones Paul , Newbery Robert
Published: August 2018

Government export promotion programs enhance export intention of small and medium enterprises through boosting their managerial and relational resources. In Algeria, managerial and relational resources are the main drivers of export intention, whereas organizational capabilities have a limited influence. Export promotion programs increase firms’ managerial, organizational and relational resources. At the pre‐export stage, informational programs are more likely to enhance SMEs’ export initiation than experiential ones.