bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of the global financial crisis on Moroccan exports: a gravity model approach
Authors: Lahrech Abdelmounaim , Faribi Anass , Al-Malkawi Husam-Aldin N. , Sylwester Kevin
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the global financial crisis (GFC) on Morocco’s export performance employing a gravity model framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigate trade flows between Morocco and its 18 major trading partners from 2001 to 2015. The authors employ a trade gravity model using a first-order Taylor approximation of multilateral resistance terms and estimate by OLS and PPML.

Findings

Morocco’s export performance was affected by theGFC. The authors find evidence that the fall in aggregate demand from Morocco’s trading partners, particularly in Europe, led to a fall in its exports. The authors also find that Morocco’s exports are positively correlated with the market size of its partner but negatively associated with distance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in two distinct ways. First, it examines variables affecting export performance in one of the emerging markets in the Middle East and North Africa region. Second, it assesses empirically whether there is a relationship between theGFCand the decline in Moroccan exports. The study also provides a number of important implications for policy makers and academics.
Is awareness of credit sources prerequisite for their use? A study of rural Assam
Authors: Das Tiken
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the determinants of awareness and use of credit sources. The paper attempts to answer the critical question: is awareness of credit sources prerequisite for their use?

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted in Assam, India, and uses a two-stage econometric model to reduce possible selection bias.

Findings

This study argues that awareness of credit sources may be a necessary but not sufficient prerequisite for use. It is found that, in general, formal, semiformal and informal sources attract different classes of the population with respect to economic and social indicators.

Research limitations/implications

The study recommends expanding the scope of semiformal and informal credit sources in rural areas of Assam only for income generating activities with proper market linkages. The possible limitation of the study can be due to exclusion of the role of traditional community-based organizations in rural Assam while analyzing the awareness and use of credit sources.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by assessing the probable differences among formal, semiformal and informal credit sources with respect to their determinants of awareness and use.
Determinants of credit spreads in hotel CMBS loans
Authors: Singh Amrik
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the determinants of credit spreads in hotel loans securitized into commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) between 2010 and 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample represents 1,579 US hotel fixed interest rate whole loans with an aggregate mortgage value of $26.6bn at loan origination. The relationship between credit spreads and property, loan and market characteristic is examined via multiple regression analysis. Additionally, the method of 2-stage least squares is used to control for endogeneity bias and identify the effect of the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio on credit spreads.

Findings

The multiple regression models explain 80 per cent of the variation in credit spreads and show a significant association of credit spreads with hotel and loan characteristics and market conditions. The findings indicate the debt coverage ratio to be the most important predictor of credit spreads followed by the loan maturity term, implied capitalization rate, LTV and yield curve. The results show the debt yield premium to be a stronger predictor of credit spreads than the debt yield ratio. The spread between the debt yield ratio and mortgage interest rate could be used in future research as an instrumental variable to identify the effect of the LTV on credit spreads.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to the CMBS market and the period after the financial crisis. Additional limitations include sample selection bias, exclusion of multi-property loans and variable interest rate loans.

Practical implications

Interest rate increases in an expanding economy would likely increase the cost of borrowing for hotel owners leading to higher debt service payments and lower profitability. If an increase in interest rates is offset by a decline in credit spreads, hotel owners will still benefit from the ensuing stability in borrowing interest rates. The evidence also suggests that CMBS lenders favor select service and extended stay hotels. Owners and operators of these efficient and profitable hotels will likely obtain loans with lower credit spreads given their lower risk of default.

Originality/value

The current study provides evidence on the effects of loan and property characteristics in the pricing of loan risk and serves to inform CMBS market participants about the factors that drive credit spreads in hotel mortgage loans.
Suppliers’ local network embeddedness and buyers’ joint innovation
Authors: Liu Feng Hsu , Chen Lu Jui , Tsou Hung Tai
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of original equipment manufacturing suppliers’ local network embeddedness on buyers’ relative attention and joint innovation through service innovation competence.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation model was analyzed using AMOS 21 with data derived from 165 buyers in the Taiwanese electronics industry.

Findings

From the buyer perspective, suppliers with embedded network relationships in emerging markets are perceived to be service oriented and to have relative attention and joint innovation that are attractive to buyers. In addition, the findings of empirical testing conducted in this study suggest that perceived exploitative and explorative service innovation competence partially mediate the relationship between perceived network embeddedness and relative attention, while explorative service innovation competence partially mediates the influence of perceived network embeddedness on buyers’ joint innovation.

Originality/value

This study innovatively employed a buyer perspective to examine the servitization of manufacturing suppliers and the effects of this on the buyer–supplier relationship, providing new insights into the role of service innovation competence as well as important theoretical and managerial implications.
Positive psychological capacities: the mystery ingredient in successful service recoveries?
Authors: Azab Carol , Clark Terry , Jarvis Cheryl Burke
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the influence of frontline employees’ (FLEs’) positive psychological capacities (PPCs) (optimism, hope, resilience and self-efficacy) on service recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

A model of FLE PPCs is tested using two studies: a field study (Nretail= 205; Nrestaurant= 160) and between-subject experimental design (Neducation= 206) in three service settings.

Findings

Results show that positive emotions mediate the relationship between PPCs and problem-solving adaptability, and that authenticity of positive emotions moderates the relationship between positive emotions and interactional justice. Surprisingly, problem-solving adaptability positively influences perceptions of distributive justice and interactional justice. A small interaction effect between positive emotions and problem-solving adaptability also was found.

Research limitations/implications

The dependent variable (problem-solving adaptability) was measured using an open-ended question evaluated by objective, independent raters rather than a self-reported structured metric, to minimize social desirability bias.

Practical implications

Given that the customer complaints to the Better Business Bureau in 2016 were close to one million, most of them occurring in the service sector, service firms need continuous research into improving service recovery. This study argues that firms can improve FLEs’ problem-solving adaptability behavior by training existing FLEs to strengthen PPCs, hiring FLEs that have strong PPCs and fostering positive emotions.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the effect of PPCs on service recovery outcomes. By incorporating PPCs as antecedents of positive emotions, this paper explains how FLEs can offer a better recovery rather than dictating what they ought to display and say. An explanation of how FLE PPCs influence customer outcomes via the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions and emotion contagion theory is offered, highlighting a novel path/relationship between FLE positive emotions and problem-solving abilities, and extending emotion contagion to service recovery.
The Significance of Regulatory MicroRNAs: Their Roles in Toxicodynamics of Mycotoxins and in the Protection Offered by Dietary Therapeutics Against Mycotoxin‐Induced Toxicity
Authors: Rong Xue , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Wang Dan , Jiang Yang , Li Feng , Chen Yilun , Zhao Shancang , Li Dapeng
Published: November 2018

Mycotoxins are contaminants commonly found in foods and represent a worldwide threat to human health and welfare. Efforts have been undertaken to reduce mycotoxins and their toxicity, including the introduction of good agricultural practices, appropriate food processing, specific biotransformation approaches, and pursue therapeutic agents to counteract mycotoxins. Efficient and predictive tools are required for investigations on mycotoxins and their toxicodynamics, and strategies for mycotoxin reduction. Gene expression and transcriptome analysis can unravel the mode of action, transformation and combined toxicity of mycotoxins, or mycotoxin's interactions with food components including dietary therapeutics, at the cellular level and from a molecular perspective. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate endogenously and posttranscriptionally the expression of target genes and enzymes involved in physiological, disease and toxicological responses, and the metabolism of therapeutic agents. Accordingly, this review aimed to collect up‐to‐date information on (1) the regulatory role of miRNAs in mycotoxin‐initiated toxicological processes and (2) the protective role of active ingredients from plants on mycotoxin‐induced toxicity. Through such a review of published evidence, we found some common signal pathways involving miRNAs shared by these two types of biological events. This finding indicates the possibility of using miRNAs as biomarkers in assessing and controlling mycotoxins in food via cellular mechanisms.
Career success schemas and their contextual embeddedness: A comparative configurational perspective
Authors: Kaše Robert , Dries Nicky , Briscoe Jon P. , Cotton Richard D. , Apospori Eleni , Bagdadli Silvia , Çakmak‐Otluoğlu K. Övgü , Chudzikowski Katharina , Dysvik Anders , Gianecchini Martina , Saxena Richa , Shen Yan , Verbruggen Marijke , Adeleye Ifedapo , Babalola Olusegun , Casado Tania , Cerdin Jean‐Luc , Kim Najung , Mishra Sushanta Kumar , Unite Julie , Fei Zhangfeng
Published: November 2018

We introduce career success schemas as critical for understanding how people in different contexts perceive and understand career success. Using a comparative configurational approach, we show, in a study of 13 countries, that two structural characteristics of career success schemas—complexity and convergence—differ across country contexts and are embedded in specific configurations of institutional factors. Adopting complexity and convergence as primary dimensions, we propose a taxonomy of career success schemas at the country level. Based on this taxonomy, we contribute to the understanding of subjective career success across countries, discuss the importance of schemas for organisational career systems in multinational enterprises, and propose specific guidelines for future comparative careers research.
Revisiting the role of bone‐modifying agents in the management of metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Cheung Foon‐Yiu
Published: November 2018

Bone metastases are a hallmark of advanced prostate cancer and may drive the morbidity and mortality of the disease in patients with a poor prognosis. The pathogenesis of bone metastasis involves the interaction between cancer cells, normal bone cells and the bone microenvironment. Targeting the bone microenvironment has become a promising therapy for patients with advanced prostate cancer and bone metastasis. This article reviews the use of the antiresorptive bone‐targeted agents zoledronic acid and denosumab in the management of skeletal‐related events (SREs) in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and bone metastasis. In real‐world clinical practice, these agents have been widely prescribed as a concomitant medication to novel mCRPC therapies, such as abiraterone, enzalutamide and radium‐223. International guidelines have recommended zoledronic acid or denosumab for the prevention of SREs in patients with bone metastasis from mCRPC. Although there is currently no consensus regarding the optimal sequencing between the bone‐targeted agents and novel anti‐cancer therapies, future optimal treatments for patients with bone metastasis from prostate cancer may involve the combination of these agents.
Early Childhood Education Centre Director Perceptions of Challenging Behaviour: Promising Practices and Implications for Professional Development
Authors: Garrity Sarah M. , Longstreth Sascha L. , Linder Lisa K. , Salcedo Potter Nina
Published: November 2018

Given their key role in overall programme quality, it is critical to examine how early childhood programme centre directors in the United States perceive challenging behaviour. Participants completed a survey asking which behaviours they perceive to be most problematic, the number of children dismissed or expelled from the programme during the last year, and the most commonly used strategies for addressing challenging behaviours. Results point to several promising practices and highlight the variability in access to evidence‐based practices based on programme type. Areas that warrant more targeted professional development are discussed, and findings are situated within the larger early childhood context.
Real‐time parallel 3D multiple particle tracking with single molecule centrifugal force microscopy
Authors: KOU L. , JIN L. , LEI H. , HU C. , LI H. , HU X. , HU X.
Published: November 2018

Real‐time tracking of multiple particles is key for quantitative analysis of dynamic biophysical processes and materials science via time‐lapse microscopy image data, especially for single molecule biophysical techniques, such as magnetic tweezers and centrifugal force microscopy. However, real‐time multiple particle tracking with high resolution is limited by the current imaging processes or tracking algorithms. Here, we demonstrate 1 nm resolution in three dimensions in real‐time with a graphics‐processing unit (GPU) based on a compute unified device architecture (CUDA) parallel computing framework instead of only a central processing unit (CPU). We also explore the trade‐offs between processing speed and size of the utilized regions of interest and a maximum speedup of 137 is achieved with the GPU compared with the CPU. Moreover, we utilize this method with our recently self‐built centrifugal force microscope (CFM) in experiments that track multiple DNA‐tethered particles. Our approach paves the way for high‐throughput single molecule techniques with high resolution and efficiency.

Lay Description

Particles are widely used as probes in life sciences through their motions. In single molecule techniques such as optical tweezers and magnetic tweezers, microbeads are used to study intermolecular or intramolecular interactions via beads tracking. Also tracking multiple beads’ motions could study cell–cell or cell–ECM interactions in traction force microscopy. Therefore, particle tracking is of key important during these researches. However, parallel 3D multiple particle tracking in real‐time with high resolution is a challenge either due to the algorithm or the program. Here, we combine the performance of CPU and CUDA‐based GPU to make a hybrid implementation for particle tracking. In this way, a speedup of 137 is obtained compared the program before only with CPU without loss of accuracy. Moreover, we improve and build a new centrifugal force microscope for multiple single molecule force spectroscopy research in parallel. Then we employed our program into centrifugal force microscope for DNA stretching study. Our results not only demonstrate the application of this program in single molecule techniques, also indicate the capability of multiple single molecule study with centrifugal force microscopy.
Fertilization of the Human Egg and Growth of the Human Zygote in vitro: The Singapore Experience
Authors: Ng S.C. , Ratnam S.S. , Law H.Y. , Edirisinghe W.R. , Chia C.M. , Rauff M. , Wong P.C. , Yeoh S.C. , Anandakumar C. , Goh H.H.V.
Published: November 2018

Human ova were collected by laparoscopy and matured in T6 medium supplemented with 10% heat‐inactivated serum for 4–6 hours. The semen was collected as split ejaculates at about the same time as the ova recovery and the better sample was used. The semen was prepared such that spermatozoa were obtained at room‐temperature, and a further sample obtained from the pellet at 37°C. One‐tenth to one‐half of a million 37°C layered spermatozoa were used for insemination of each egg. Sixteen to twenty hours later, the surrounding corona were broken down with either fine pipetting or needles, and the pronuclei identified. They were examined for cleavage sixteen to twenty‐four hours later. Replacement of the embryos, if fertilised and cleaved, was done within forty‐eight to seventy‐two hours of the ova recovery. The Bourn Hall catheter was used for the replacement, with the embryos suspended in 75% heat‐treated serum with T6. Of a total of 46 ova aspirated from patients with tubal obstruction, 34(73.9%) fertilized and divided. For patients with associated oligospermia, of 14 ova aspirated 9 (64.3%) fertilized and cleaved. For patients with prolonged idiopathic subfertility, of 22 ova aspirated 8 (36.4%) fertilized and cleaved. For patients with endometriosis, of 4 ova aspirated 3 (75%) fertilized and cleaved.
“It's Beautiful to be Old.” In Search of Emergent Catholic Social Teaching on Old Age
Authors: Kevern Peter
Published: November 2018

The proportion of older people in the population is rapidly increasing, both nationally and globally. This demographic shift poses some pressing practical challenges for governments as they seek to provide care for an ageing population; but in addition, it raises sociocultural and theological questions about how the role and significance of older people is understood in contemporary developed economies. In response to these challenges, the present paper attempts to identify the outlines of an emerging Catholic Social Teaching on old age in the encyclicals and words of the last three popes. Two key themes are identified which inform a distinctive Catholic perspective on old age. These are the continuing pilgrimage, role and contribution of older people to the end of life on the one hand, and their challenge to the values of a ‘throwaway culture’ on the other. The foundational significance of these themes for an emerging Catholic witness form the basis for the concluding recommendations.
Time in Heaven: From Glory to Glory
Authors: Steinkerchner Scott
Published: November 2018

This article addresses three questions: Is there time in heaven? If so, what is it like? and How does it relate to time in this universe? In dialogue with modern science, this paper argues that since Christianity believes in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting, it should also affirm that there is time and space in heaven. Thus, rather than picturing heaven as a changeless, eternal moment, it is better to picture is as an everlasting experience of advancing from glory to glory. The time and the space in heaven is not the same as the time and the space in this universe, but the relationship between spacetime in heaven and spacetime in this universe in shrouded in mystery. While in this universe time always advances in one direction, in heaven, we might be able to move both forwards and backwards in time, though always moving forward in glory. It is also possible that the saints in heaven could revisit different times on earth, making for a complex interaction between heavenly and earthly timelines that could explain how the saints in heaven can hear and respond to earthly prayers.
Estimation of treatment effects for heterogeneous matched‐pairs data with probit models
Authors: Wang Jun , Gao Wei , Tang Man‐Lai
Published: November 2018

Estimating the effect of medical treatments on subject responses is one of the crucial problems in medical research. Matched‐pairs designs are commonly implemented in the field of medical research to eliminate confounding and improve efficiency. In this article, new estimators of treatment effects for heterogeneous matched‐pairs data are proposed. Asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators are derived. Simulation studies show that the proposed estimators have some advantages over the famous Heckman's estimator, the conditional maximum likelihood estimator, and the inverse probability weighted estimator. We apply the proposed methodology to a data set from a study of low‐birth‐weight infants.
Lethality of Previous Suicidal Behavior among Patients Hospitalized for Suicide Risk Predicts Lethality of Future Suicide Attempts
Authors: Rojas Sasha M. , Skinner Kayla D. , Feldner Matthew T. , Rodante Demian E. , Puppo Soledad , Vidjen Patricia , Portela Alicia , Grendas Leandro N. , Daray Federico M.
Published: November 2018

Objective

A suicide attempt is an established risk factor for subsequent suicide attempts and suicide. Nonetheless, the prediction of future suicidal behavior is poor. The lethality of previous suicidal behavior may be informative to better understand future suicide risk among patients hospitalized for suicidal thoughts and behavior. The current study examined whether the lethality of patients' index (most recent suicidal episode at hospitalization), first, and worst suicidal episode predicts the lethality of one's most lethal suicide attempt during a 2‐year follow‐up period.

Method

A total of 98 patients hospitalized at an emergency department for high suicide risk (i.e., acute suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt) were included in the study.

Results

Results indicated that the lethality of the index suicidal episode predicted the lethality of the worst suicide attempt during a 2‐year follow‐up period.

Conclusions

These findings extend a growing literature examining risk factors that influence the progression toward high lethality suicidal behavior.
Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia due to a new alloantigen Bl(a) defined by an Asp458Gly substitution in GPIIIa
Authors: Poles Anthony , Lucas Geoff , Green Frances , Walser Piers , Davey Sue , Ridgwell Kay , Wylie Philip
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) commonly arises due to antibodies against a small number of well‐defined human platelet antigens (HPAs). A minority of NAIT cases occur due to maternal immunization against low‐frequency polymorphisms in platelet glycoprotein that result in new immunogenic epitopes. Antibodies to these novel epitopes can be detected by the incubation of maternal serum with paternal platelets and is usually performed after initial investigation using HPA‐typed panel platelets has failed to provide evidence of NAIT.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The propositus and the parents from a case of suspected neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) were investigated using serologic and molecular techniques to detect and identify relevant platelet‐specific antibodies and for HPA typing. Calculations of molecular dynamics were undertaken to explore potential variations in the molecular structure.

RESULTS

Maternal antibodies were detected that were reactive only in crossmatch with paternal platelets using the platelet immunofluorescence test (PIFT) and a GPIIb/IIIa monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigen (MAIPA) assay. In the propositus and father, a novel mutation c.1373 A > G was found in exon 10 of ITGB3 resulting in the substitution of an aspartic acid for a glycine (p.Asp458Gly). Recombinant GPIIIa glycoprotein mutated to contain the novel mutation and expressed in HEK293 cells with GPIIb was also specifically recognized by maternal antibodies. Calculations of molecular dynamics identified that the mutation was in a structurally constrained site.

CONCLUSION

This case describes a low‐frequency platelet antigen (Asp458Gly) that defines a further alloantigenic target in NAIT. The case emphasizes the role of the platelet crossmatch as the single most useful tool to establish evidence of immunization of low‐frequency platelet glycoprotein polymorphisms. A crossmatch should always be performed where there is strong clinical evidence of NAIT but initial laboratory investigations are not confirmatory.
Lifelong Learning Tendencies of Teacher Candidates Studying in Pedagogical Formation Program
Authors: Gökyer Necmi , Bakcak Serkan , Cihangiroğlu Nevber , Koçak Osman , Yilmaz Gülden
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this research is to determine the lifelong learning tendencies of the teacher candidates who are studying in the pedagogical formation program and to compare them according to various variables. In the research, the following questions have been answered: 1. What is the level of life-long learning tendencies of prospective teachers in the pedagogical formation program? 2. Does the lifelong learning tendencies of students in the pedagogical formation program differ significantly by gender, department, faculty, class levels, location, age, and total monthly incomes of their families? The sample consists of 719 teacher candidates determined by simple random sampling from the groups. Teacher candidates' tendency to life-long learning; in the sub-dimension of motivation in the level of “fits very much”, in the sub-dimensions of persistence and deprivation in learning regulation and in the whole scale in the level of “partially fits” and in the sub-dimension of lack of curiosity in the level of “fits very little”. Women teacher candidates have a higher level of life-long learning tendencies than men. It has been revealed that the life-long learning tendencies of the graduated teacher candidates differ significantly from the teacher candidates who are studying in the third and fourth grades. The level of life-long learning tendencies of teacher candidates aged 19-21 is lower than those aged 22-24 and 25 and over. It is important that the understanding of lifelong learning is gained in the individuals we have trained in our age.
Evaluation of Teacher Education With a Focus on Its Effectiveness
Authors: Opletalová Alena
Published: November 2018

The basis of the project is the current trend of lifelong learning and individual personality development, as well as the requirement to increase the quality of education programmes for Further Teacher Education (FTE). The research project has been carried out based on the findings of D. L. Kirkpatrick and his four-level model of training effectiveness evaluation. The main methods employed in the research are a questionnaire survey and standardized interviews with heads of schools sending their teachers to these programmes. The main objective of the research is to apply the method for FTE effectiveness evaluation at the Faculty of Education of Palacký University Olomouc and verify the method in practice. Tentative research objectives involve determining how the programme is evaluated by its graduates, analysing and interpreting the results of the research in FTE evaluation, and suggesting possible measures for further improvement and innovation regarding implementation of the particular programme.
The Correlation Between Metacognitive Awareness Level and Self-Directed Learning Readiness of Undergraduate Nursingand Midwifery Students
Authors: Örs Mukaddes , Titrek Osman
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Self-directed Learning readiness and Metacognitionof undergraduate students nurses and midwifery. The research is conducted in a public university in the city center of Amasya with 398 undergraduate nursing and midwifery students in 2017-2018 academic years. A descriptive correlational design was used. A structured questionnaire consisted of two parts: Part I: Socio-demographic data, Part II: Fisher’s Self-Directed Learning Readiness scale and Part III: Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (Schraw & Dennison, 1994).Descriptive statistics of the students’ demographic attributes were presented. In order to determine whether there was a correlation between the students’ self directed learning readiness and their Metacognitive Awareness perceived, the Pearson Moment Correlation coefficient was was calculated.The results showed that (1). There is a positive moderate but significantly relationship between metacognitive awareness and Self-directed Learning Readiness scores. (2). There is a significant relationship between metacognitive awareness and Self-directed Learning Readiness subscores.Metacognition awareness is a predictor of SDLR.
Association between ethnicity and changes in weight, blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid levels after bariatric surgery: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Kelly Penny , Hoover Kim
Published: November 2018

Review question:

What is the association between ethnicity and changes in weight, blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid levels after bariatric surgery?
Northern cod species face spawning habitat losses if global warming exceeds 1.5°C
Authors: Dahlke Flemming T. , Butzin Martin , Nahrgang Jasmine , Puvanendran Velmurugu , Mortensen Atle , Pörtner Hans-Otto , Storch Daniela
Published: November 2018

Acidification narrows thermal ranges of Arctic fish embryos and thereby constraints reproductive opportunities in a warming ocean.
Multidimensional risk in a nonstationary climate: Joint probability of increasingly severe warm and dry conditions
Authors: Sarhadi Ali , Ausín María Concepción , Wiper Michael P. , Touma Danielle , Diffenbaugh Noah S.
Published: November 2018

New framework reveals global warming’s impact on risk that multiple regions experience hot and dry conditions simultaneously.
The two immune sides of obesity
Authors: Lujambio Amaia
Published: November 2018

Obesity promotes PD-1–mediated T cell dysfunction but also improves tumor response to immune checkpoint blockade.
Fluorescence anisotropy imaging of a polydiacetylene photopolymer film
Authors: Soleimaninejad Hamid , Ghiggino Kenneth P. , Smith Trevor A. , Paige Matthew F.
Published: November 2018

UV-illumination of phase-separated surfactant films prepared from mixtures of photopolymerizable 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid and perfluorotetradecanoic acid results in the formation of fluorescent polydiacetylene fibers and aggregates. In this work, the orientation of polymer strands that comprise the resulting photopolymer structures has been probed using fluorescence anisotropy imaging in combination with defocused single-molecule fluorescence imaging. Imaging experiments indicate the presence of significant fiber-to-fiber heterogeneity, as well as anisotropy within each fiber (or aggregate), with both of these properties changing as a function of film preparation conditions. This anisotropy can be attributed to various alignments of the constituent polymer strands that comprise the larger fibers and aggregates. Intriguingly, when using defocused imaging, fiber images consisted of a series of discrete “doughnut” fluorescence emission patterns, which exhibited intermittent on–off blinking behavior; both of these properties are characteristic of individual emission transition dipoles (single molecules). Further, all of the individual emission transition dipoles had a uniform orientation with respect to the axis of the fiber, indicating a common orientation of discrete emitters in the larger polymer fiber. The implications of these results for future studies of the electronic properties of conjugated polymers in larger macroscopic systems are noted.
A three-step synthesis of estra-4,9-diene-3,17-dione
Authors: Ma Xiao-Yan , Zhang Kun , Liu Yan , Xu Jiao , Yang Ying-Ying , Liu Jie , Hu Xinjun
Published: November 2018

Estra-4,9-diene-3,17-dione, an important pharmaceutical intermediate, was synthesized by a three-step sequence from δ-lactone 1 in 23.4% overall yield. Reaction of δ-lactone 1 and Grignard reagent 2 followed by treatment with Jones reagent resulted in precursor 4. The domino cyclization reaction of 4 with piperidinium acetate gave estra-4,9-diene-3,17-dione.
Forecasting dirty tanker freight rate index by using stochastic differential equations
Authors: Jafari Hossein , Rahimi Ghazaleh
Published: November 2018

The accurate forecasting of freight rate index is one of the most important issues in shipping market. The continuous and jump-diffusion stochastic differential equations are used for modeling and forecasting of Baltic exchange Dirty Tanker Index (BDTI). Actual observations and simulated data are applied to estimate the best stochastic model. The comparison of forecasting between SDE methods and the ARIMA time series models show that SDE models have better accuracy than the time series techniques.
Human Papillomavirus 16 Oncoproteins Downregulate the Expression of miR-148a-3p, miR-190a-5p, and miR-199b-5p in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Han Mi-Soon , Lee Jae Myun , Kim Soo-Nyung , Kim Jae-Hoon , Kim Hyon-Suk
Published: November 2018

Almost all cervical cancers are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV); however, the majority of women infected with this virus do not develop cervical cancer. Therefore, new markers are needed for reliable screening of cervical cancer, especially in relation to HPV infection. We aimed to identify potential microRNAs that may serve as diagnostic markers for cervical cancer development in high-risk HPV-positive patients. We evaluated the microRNA expression profiles in 12 cervical tissues using the hybridization method and verified them by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Finally, we evaluated the effects of HPV16 oncoproteins on the expression of selected microRNAs using cervical cancer cells (CaSki and SiHa) and RNA interference. With the hybridization method, eight microRNAs (miR-9-5p, miR-136-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-190a-5p, miR-199b-5p, miR-382-5p, miR-597-5p, and miR-655-3p) were found to be expressed differently in the HPV16-positive cervical cancer group and HPV16-positive normal group (fold change ≥ 2). The results of qPCR showed that miR-148a-3p, miR-190a-5p, miR-199b-5p, and miR-655-3p levels significantly decreased in the cancer group compared with the normal group. Upon silencing of HPV16 E5 and E6/E7, miR-148a-3p levels increased in both cell lines. Silencing of E6/E7 in SiHa cells led to the increase in miR-199b-5p and miR-190a-5p levels. Three HPV16 oncoproteins (E5, E6, and E7) downregulate miR-148a-3p, while E6/E7 inhibit miR-199b-5p and miR-190a-5p expression in cervical carcinoma. The three microRNAs, miR-148a-3p, miR-199b-5p, and miR-190a-5p, may be novel diagnostic biomarkers for cervical cancer development in high-risk HPV-positive patients.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Comprehensive Analysis of Pancreatic Cyst Fluids
Authors: Paziewska Agnieszka , Polkowski Marcin , Rubel Tymon , Karczmarski Jakub , Wiechowska-Kozlowska Anna , Dabrowska Michalina , Mikula Michal , Dadlez Michal , Ostrowski Jerzy
Published: November 2018

Pancreatic cyst fluids (PCFs) enriched in tumour-derived proteins are considered a potential source of new biomarkers. This study aimed to determine compositional and quantitative differences between the degradome and proteome of PCFs aspirated from different types of pancreatic cyst lesions (PCLs). 91 patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration under routine clinical diagnosis of PCLs were enrolled. Four cysts were malignant (CAs), and 87 were nonmalignant and consisted of 18 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), 14 mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), nine serous cystic neoplasms (SCNs), 29 pseudocysts (PCs), and 17 unclassified. Profiles of the <5 kDa fraction, the degradome, and the trypsin-digested proteome were analysed using an LTQ-Orbitrap Elite mass spectrometer coupled with a nanoACQUITY LC system. Qualitative analyses identified 796 and 366 proteins in degradome and proteome, respectively, and 689 (77%) and 285 (78%) of them were present in the Plasma Proteome Database. Gene Ontology analysis showed a significant overrepresentation of peptidases and peptidases inhibitors in both datasets. In the degradome fraction, quantitative values were obtained for 6996 peptides originating from 657 proteins. Of these, 2287 peptides were unique to a single type, and 515 peptides, derived from 126 proteins, were shared across cyst types. 32 peptides originating from 12 proteins had differential (adjustedp-value ≤0.05, FC ≥1.5) abundance in at least one of the five cysts types. In proteome, relative expression was measured for 330 proteins. Of them, 33 proteins had significantly (adjustedp-value ≤0.05, FC ≥1.5) altered abundance in at least one of the studied groups and 19 proteins appeared to be unique to a given cyst type. PCFs are dominated by blood proteins and proteolytic enzymes. Although differences in PCF peptide composition and abundance could aid classification of PCLs, the unpredictable inherent PCF proteolytic activity may limit the practical applications of PCF protein profiling.
Preliminary Evaluation of the Diagnostic Usefulness of Uroplakin 2 with an Assessment of the Antioxidant Potential of Patients with Bladder Cancer
Authors: Matuszewski M. , Szymańska B. , Długosz A. , Małkiewicz B. , Dembowski J. , Piwowar A.
Published: November 2018

Background. Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer (BC). It makes up more than 90% of all bladder cancers. Uroplakins are tissue-specific, glycoproteins, playing a role in the construction and function of urothelium. The emergence of uroplakins in the urine and/or plasma may be of potential importance in the early detection of BC. In our study, the diagnostic value of plasma and urine uroplakin 2 (UP2) concentration in bladder cancer was investigated, with an assessment of the antioxidant potential of BC patients. The correlation between UP2, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and concentration of glutathione (GSH) was also examined. Materials and Methods. This study included 61 BC patients and 33 healthy controls. UP2 concentration was estimated by the immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). TAC and GSH were determined in spectrophotometrically methods. Results. UP2 concentration in BC patients was significantly higher (p≤0.001) both in plasma and in urine compared to the control groups (C). TAC concentration in urine (p≤0.001) and GSH concentration in plasma (p=0.047) were significantly lower in BC group compared to the C group. The high specificity and sensitivity for UPK2 in plasma (76%, 80%, respectively) and urine (88%, 84%, respectively) were observed. Positive correlations were observed between concentration of UP2 in plasma and TAC concentration in urine and between UP2 concentration in plasma and GSH concentration in the same material. Conclusion. The study showed the early diagnostic value of urine and plasma UP2 in BC. There was a decrease in UP2 concentration in the urine of patients with the development of BC. The decrease of antioxidant systems (TAC, GSH) indicates their relationship with the BC process. Based on the obtained results, it is justified to continue the study in a larger group of patients with BC.
Buccolingual Inclination Control of Upper Central Incisors of Aligners: A Comparison with Conventional and Self-Ligating Brackets
Authors: Sfondrini Maria Francesca , Gandini Paola , Castroflorio Tommaso , Garino Francesco , Mergati Luca , D’Anca Krizia , Trovati Federico , Scribante Andrea
Published: November 2018

Objective. The upper incisors torque expression is essential for the orthodontic treatment accuracy. Various orthodontic devices are claimed to have different inclination control capacity. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the radiographic buccolingual inclination of upper incisors in patients treated with three different orthodontic techniques. Material and Methods. Conventional brackets (Victory, 3M), self-ligating appliances (Damon Q, Ormco), and aligners (Invisalign, Align Technology) were tested. Cephalometric data of 25 patients with similar skeletal and dental pretreatment parameters were collected for each technique. Position changes of upper central incisors were assessed with radiographic evaluation before and after therapy. Three different parameters were considered: 11∧SnaSnp, 11∧Ocl and I+ TVL. All variables were measured before (T0) and after (T1) treatment and their variation over treatment was assessed. Results. When evaluating angular measurements, 11∧SnaSnp and 11∧Ocl angles showed the highest numeric variation with conventional brackets. Lowest values were reported with aligners. However, the differences among various techniques were not significant for both angles (P>0.05). Also I+ TVL linear value variation did not show significant differences among the different groups tested (P>0.05). Conclusion. Conventional multibrackets appliance showed the highest incisal position variations over treatment, but the differences among various groups were not significantly different.
Characterization of the Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Mechanisms of Epstein-Barr Virus BFLF2
Authors: Li Meili , Chen Tao , Zou Xingmei , Xu Zuo , Wang Yuanfang , Wang Ping , Ou Xiaowen , Li Yiwen , Chen Daixiong , Peng Tao , Wang Yao , Cai Mingsheng
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BFLF2, the homologue of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) UL31, is crucial for the efficient viral DNA packaging and primary egress across the nuclear membrane. However, we still do not know its subcellular transport mechanisms. Methods: Interspecies heterokaryon assays were utilized to detect the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of BFLF2, and mutation analysis, plasmid transfection and fluorescence microscopy assays were performed to identify the functional nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and nuclear export sequence (NES) of BFLF2 in live cells. Furthermore, the nuclear import and export of BFLF2 were assessed by confocal microscopy, co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblot assays. Results: BFLF2 was confirmed to shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Two predicted NESs were shown to be nonfunctional, yet we proved that the nuclear export of BFLF2 was mediated through transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP), but not chromosomal region maintenance 1 (CRM1) dependent pathway. Furthermore, one functional NLS, 22RRLMHPHHRNYTASKASAH40, was identified, and the aa22-23, aa22-25, aa28-30 and aa37-40 had an important role in the nuclear localization of BFLF2. Besides, the nuclear import of BFLF2 was demonstrated through Ran-, importin α7-, importin β1- and transportin-1-dependent mechanism that does not require importin α1, α3 and α5. Conclusion: These works are of significance for the further study of the functions of BFLF2 during EBV infection, as well as for further insights into the design of new antiviral drug target and vaccine development against EBV.
Motivation of play: from ethological to neurological perspectives
Authors: Palagi Elisabetta , Fouts Hillary N.
Published: November 2018

The collection of papers presented in this Special Issue is the outcome of a series of workshops on the evolution of play held between 2011 and 2013 and sponsored by the National Institute of Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN, USA). These workshops were aimed at stimulating a multidisciplinary discussion about one of the most debated and controversial behaviours in the Animal Kingdom. Although neglected for a long time by researchers studying non-human animals, play research seems to be having a new Renaissance and the last ten years have been extremely fruitful in highlighting some important functions and in delineating key correlates of this activity. Obviously, it is impossible to fully represent such a multifaceted topic as play in a handful of papers; however, the articles in this Special Issue bring to light some over-arching themes and together provide innovative perspectives on play.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Moshajia idiofora Siddiqi, 1982 (Dorylaimida: Qudsianematidae), with new insights into the phylogeny of the enigmatic Lordellonematinae
Authors: Imran Zarrin , Abolafia Joaquín , Peña-Santiago Reyes , Ahmad Wasim
Published: November 2018

Seven populations of Moshajia idiofora, six from India and one from Japan, are characterised, including morphological description, morphometrics, LM and SEM observations, and molecular (18S rDNA gene sequence) analysis. These populations are compared to previous records of the species as well as its closest species. Two of these species, M. cultristyla and M. qasimi, are regarded as junior synonyms of M. idiofora. SEM pictures provide new details of the lip region form. Molecular data indicate that M. idiofora belongs to a morphologically heterogeneous clade whose components share the absence of a distinctly developed pars refringens vaginae and raise a serious doubt about the traditional position of Lordellonematinae representatives in the Dorylaimina system.
Immune response of Alabama argillacea (Hubner, 1818) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) treated with formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner
Authors: de Oliveira Andresa Cristina Batista , Wanderley-Teixeira Valéria , Álvaro Abreu de Siqueira Herbert , de Souza Alves Thiago José , da Solidade Ribeiro Lílian Maria , Aguiar Coelho Teixeira Álvaro
Published: November 2018

The use of Cry toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a breakthrough in the cultivation of transgenic Bt plants because of its high specificity and safety for the environment. However, a serious threat to the sustainability of this technology is the potential for insect populations to develop resistance to Bt toxins. It is important to understand the pathogen-insect interactions to extend the usefulness of products based on B. thuringiensis. Recent studies reported evidence of a tolerance mechanism associated with the immune response. Because of the importance of Alabama argillacea (Hubner, 1818) as a cotton pest, this research assessed its immunological alterations (cellular and humoral) when challenged with formulations of B. thuringiensis var. aizawai and B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki. The results suggest that the fourth instar larvae of A. argillacea do not have the potential to develop natural immune tolerance to the formulations based on B. thuringiensis. Dipel® led to a quantitative variation in all cell types, while XenTari® changed prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes and oenocytoids. In insects treated with Dipel® there was no increase in the level of nitric oxide. These differences in response to treatments can be attributed to differences in the composition of the insecticides tested. The results indicate that the insecticide Dipel® caused significant changes in cellular and humoral immune system of fourth instar larvae of A. argillacea, while XenTari® caused only changes in the cellular immune system, furthermore Dipel® was faster to cause the cellular changes mentioned.