bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beta-3 Adrenoreceptors protect from hypertrophic remodelling through AMP-Activated Protein Kinase and Autophagy
Authors: Dubois-Deruy Emilie , Gelinas Roselle , Beauloye Christophe , Esfahani Hrag , Dessy Chantal , Bertrand Luc , Balligand Jean-Luc
Published: January 2020

Aims

The abundance of beta3-adrenergic receptors (β3-ARs) is upregulated in diseased human myocardium. We previously showed that cardiac-specific expression of β3-AR inhibits the hypertrophic response to neurohormonal stimulation. Here, we further analyzed signalling pathways involved in the anti-hypertrophic effect of β3-AR.

Methods

In vitrohypertrophic responses to phenylephrine (PE) were analyzed in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) infected with a recombinant adenovirus expressing the human β3-AR (AdVhβ3). We confirmed results in mice with cardiomyocyte-specific moderate expression of human β3-AR (β3-TG) and WT littermates submitted to thoracic transverse aortic constriction (TAC) for 9 weeks.

Results

We observed a colocalization of β3-AR with the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) both in neonatal rat andin adult mouse cardiomyocytes. Treatment of NRVM with PE induced hypertrophy and a decrease in phosphorylation of Thr172-AMPK (/2, p=0.0487) and phosphorylation of Ser79- acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) (/2.6, p=0.0317), inducing an increase in phosphorylated Ser235/236 S6 protein (x2.5, p=0.0367) known to be involved in protein synthesis. These effects were reproduced by TAC in WT mice, but restored to basal levels in β3-AR expressing cells/mice. siRNA targeting of AMPK partly abrogated the anti-hypertrophic effect of β3-AR in response to PE in NRVM (x1.3, p<0.0001). Concomitant with hypertrophy, autophagy measured by microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II/LC3-I ratio and p62 abundance was decreased by PE in NRVM (/2.6, p=0.0010 and x3, p=0.0016, respectively) or TAC in WT mice (/5.4, p=0.0159); and preserved in human β3-AR expressing cells and mice, together with reduced hypertrophy.

Conclusions

Cardiac-specific moderate expression of β3-AR inhibits the hypertrophic response in part through AMPK activation followed byinhibition of protein synthesis and preservation of autophagy. Activation of the cardiac β3-AR pathway may provide future therapeutic avenues for the modulation of hypertrophic remodelling.
Improving grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering–computed tomography images by total variation minimization
Authors: Ogawa Hiroki , Ono Shunsuke , Nishikawa Yukihiro , Fujiwara Akihiko , Kabe Taizo , Takenaka Mikihito
Published: January 2020

Grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) coupled with computed tomography (CT) has enabled the visualization of the spatial distribution of nanostructures in thin films. 2D GISAXS images are obtained by scanning along the direction perpendicular to the X-ray beam at each rotation angle. Because the intensities at the q positions contain nanostructural information, the reconstructed CT images individually represent the spatial distributions of this information (e.g. size, shape, surface, characteristic length). These images are reconstructed from the intensities acquired at angular intervals over 180°, but the total measurement time is prolonged. This increase in the radiation dosage can cause damage to the sample. One way to reduce the overall measurement time is to perform a scanning GISAXS measurement along the direction perpendicular to the X-ray beam with a limited interval angle. Using filtered back-projection (FBP), CT images are reconstructed from sinograms with limited interval angles from 3 to 48° (FBP-CT images). However, these images are blurred and have a low image quality. In this study, to optimize the CT image quality, total variation (TV) regularization is introduced to minimize sinogram image noise and artifacts. It is proposed that the TV method can be applied to downsampling of sinograms in order to improve the CT images in comparison with the FBP-CT images.
BornAgain: software for simulating and fitting grazing-incidence small-angle scattering
Authors: Pospelov Gennady , Van Herck Walter , Burle Jan , Carmona Loaiza Juan M. , Durniak Céline , Fisher Jonathan M. , Ganeva Marina , Yurov Dmitry , Wuttke Joachim
Published: January 2020

BornAgain is a free and open-source multi-platform software framework for simulating and fitting X-ray and neutron reflectometry, off-specular scattering, and grazing-incidence small-angle scattering (GISAS). This paper concentrates on GISAS. Support for reflectometry and off-specular scattering has been added more recently, is still under intense development and will be described in a later publication. BornAgain supports neutron polarization and magnetic scattering. Users can define sample and instrument models through Python scripting. A large subset of the functionality is also available through a graphical user interface. This paper describes the software in terms of the realized non-functional and functional requirements. The web site https://www.bornagainproject.org/ provides further documentation.
Determinants and overuse of pesticides in grain production
Authors: Sun Shengyang , Zhang Chao , Hu Ruifa
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The negative externalities of pesticide overuse increasingly concern the public. However, little empirical evidence has been provided for pesticide overuse and the relationship between the governmental agricultural extension system reforms and pesticide use in grain production from a nationwide perspective. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the productive effect and overuse of pesticides, and it also investigates the effect of the governmental agricultural extension system reforms on pesticide expenditure in rice, maize and wheat production in China.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-equation system model consisting of an exponential-specific damage-control production function and a pesticide use function is applied to the provincial-level data during the period 1985–2016.

Findings

While pesticide expenditure significantly increases grain productivity, the actual pesticide expenditure exceeds the economically optimal level. The commercialization reform of the governmental agricultural extension system contributed to the increase in pesticide expenditure. Moreover, the de-commercialization reform of the governmental agricultural extension system plays a limited role in pesticide reduction. Price fluctuations for grain and pesticide also impose significant effects on pesticide expenditure.

Originality/value

This study has two important policy implications for pesticide reduction in China. It is urgent to specify the functions of the governmental agricultural extension system, and encourage the development of the socialized agricultural technology service. More efforts should also be made to remove the bureaucratic intervention on the pricing mechanism of grain product and pesticide.
Post-disaster recovery through the evolution of the lakou, a traditional settlement pattern
Authors: Miller James Patrick
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Historically, post-disaster reconstruction policies and practice ignore the embedded knowledge of the affected population; the process following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti followed this trend. This paper aims to examine the production of social space in self-settled post-disaster settlements in Leogane and Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the paper demonstrates the role that traditional settlement patterns played in the production of social capital.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-sited case study approach was implemented to uncover the patterns of the lakou, which is a primary Haitian, traditional settlement pattern reflecting the familial social structure, present in self-settled post-disaster settlements. The study took place between February and June of 2012, two years after the 2010 earthquake across settlements in Leogane and Port-au-Prince. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 inhabitants across the settlements to uncover meanings attached to the creation of space. Together with behavior mapping and participant observations, the interviews were analyzed to validate the reproduction of the lakou.

Findings

This paper demonstrates that endogenous inhabitants create the lakou in post-disaster settlements in Haiti. This case study validates the resilience of the lakou, the inclusive nature of the lakou system, and the important role it plays in the production of social capital within post-disaster communities.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the importance of traditional settlement patterns in post-disaster community well-being and it demonstrates the need to incorporate traditional settlement patterns into post-disaster planning strategies. Furthermore, the study validates that traditional settlement patterns support the production of social capital within a community.
Assessing the green behaviour of academics
Authors: Fawehinmi Olawole , Yusliza Mohd Yusoff , Mohamad Zaleha , Noor Faezah Juhari , Muhammad Zikri
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Studies have highlighted concerns about the role of knowledge creation between human resource management practices and employee behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of green human resource management (green HRM) on employee green behaviour (EGB) through the mediation of environmental knowledge of lecturers in public research universities in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study examines the mechanism in which green HRM affects the EGB of lecturers through environmental knowledge in Malaysian public research universities. Smart PLS was used to analyse the relationships from 425 valid responses.

Findings

The findings of the study show that green HRM affects EGB through the full mediation of environmental knowledge. This finding gives a theoretical implication in terms of ability, motivation and opportunity theory.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this study is limited to public research universities in Malaysia. Future studies may explore other variables that could expedite the relationship between green HRM and EGB. Implications include policy making that emphasises on enhancing environmental knowledge of lecturers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has been conducted using environmental knowledge as a mediator between green HRM and EGB.
The practices of performance management and low performers in the US Federal Government
Authors: Lee Hyung-Woo , Rhee Dong-Young
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Addressing low performers has been an important issue for government. The purpose of this paper is to examine what practices of performance management are effective in reducing the proportion of low performers in the US federal government.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted the binary logit regression analysis and multinomial regression analysis.

Findings

Analyzing the Merit Principle Survey 2016, the authors found that the dismissal of low performing employees and the formal performance improvement plan (PIP) is the most effective in reducing the proportion of low performers. To the contrary, the within-grade-increase did not have a significant influence on the proportion of low performers. Moreover, using the performance appraisal for the purpose of reassigning employees to the position that better match employees’ talent increased the number of low performers in work units.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations are as follows. First, the performance measure for this study was the percentage of employees rated as unsuccessful. Second, the pseudo-R2indicated that the proposed model explained only the small, albeit significant, portion of the total variance in employee performance. Lastly, this study used a cross-sectional research design that may impede the validity of inference of causalities.

Practical implications

According to a recent news article (Rein, 2018), Trump signed an executive order that limits the stable benefits associated with government employment such as, limiting pay associated with union work and negotiating more stringent union contracts. These measures are largely aimed at eliminating low performing employees rather than attempting to improve their performances through carefully designed training programs. Although removing low performers may be an option, the results indicate that providing assistance in order to develop employee knowledge and skills through the PIP have a comparable impact on reducing low performers.

Originality/value

These findings imply that the use of performance evaluation for developmental or sanctioning purpose is more effective than reassignment or incentive purpose.
KPIs for performance measurement of e-fulfillment systems in multi-channel retailing
Authors: Bressolles Gregory , Lang Gerald
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand existing research on fulfillment systems for multi-channel retailers by combining analysis of customer expectation (CE) with economic performance (EP) aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study is based on a literature review of supply chain management and marketing combined with the results of an online questionnaire submitted to French and Chinese multi-channel retailers from two sectors.

Findings

The results enable the authors to identify 13 important key performance indicators (KPIs) used by multi-channel retailers for measuring e-fulfillment system performance and also to determine under which of the EP or CE criteria these KPIs might be linked.

Research limitations/implications

Although the sample size is limited, this research is intended to be exploratory, based on the practices of supply chain and marketing managers. Moreover, the results do not address interdependencies among the different KPIs.

Practical implications

E-fulfillment is a major challenge for multi-channel retailers; it is cost intensive and critical for customer satisfaction. The identified set of KPIs enables retailers to choose those relevant to their particular infrastructure.

Originality/value

A limited number of scholarly works have explored the operational implications of online retailing in terms of e-fulfillment in a multi-channel context. In order to manage such supply chains efficiently and effectively, traditional measures of supply chain performance need to be adapted. This study expands existing knowledge by developing measurement systems and metrics for the evaluation of supply chain performance in this context.
The hierarchy of resource use for a sustainable circular economy
Authors: Nilsen Heidi Rapp
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The original principles of the hierarchy of resource use seem to have been forgotten. The purpose of this paper is to address the necessity of these principles in order for a circular economy (CE) to be sustainable.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a general review paper explaining today’s shortcomings in a CE and in the waste hierarchy. Its theoretical contribution is illustrated using the example of marine plastic waste in the Arctic, as well as the EU’s action plan for a CE: “Closing the loop”.

Findings

There is a need to reduce raw materials into the economy directly and not only as a potential result of recycling. This is supported theoretically and by illustrating that the EU’s action plan is closing the loop primarily from the output side.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical possibility of complete recycling rests on a premise that is now at odds with a sustainable development.

Social implications

The power of existing raw material production cycles must be challenged to allow reduction to be a real option. If not, a CE may exacerbate a moral trade-off by the current generation reducing the safe operating space of future living beings.

Originality/value

The theoretical possibility of recycling everything, also known as the technology-optimist view, has played the role of a safety net for humanity. As we are now exceeding planetary boundaries for a safe and just space for humanity, this theoretical safety net is no longer valid. Instead, we must reinforce the basic principles of the hierarchy of resource use.
Profitability and marketability efficiencies of Vietnam manufacturing firms
Authors: Anh Dao Le Trang , Gan Christopher
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure profitability and marketability efficiencies as well as examine the efficiencies’ determinants of listed manufacturing firms in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a bootstrap two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to investigate the profitability and marketability efficiencies of 102 listed manufacturing firms on Vietnam stock market from 2007 to 2018. The study also applies fractional regression models (FRM) to identify the determinants of Vietnam manufacturing firms’ efficiencies.

Findings

The results reveal that Vietnam manufacturing firms obtain higher average profitability efficiency scores (0.888) than marketability efficiency scores (0.527) from 2007 to 2018. The high-tech firms achieve better profitability and marketability efficiencies than the traditional (resource-intensive and labour-intensive) Vietnam manufacturing firms in recent years (2016–2018). Further, the financial and non-financial factors have heterogeneous impacts on Vietnam manufacturing enterprises’ profit and market valuation efficiencies.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the nature of DEA technique that requires every decision-making unit to have available data of all inputs and outputs, the listed Vietnam manufacturing firms that have incomplete data or go public after 2007 are not included in the data set.

Practical implications

This study provides a reference for Vietnam manufacturing managers to position their firms competitively in the market as well as make wise operating, financing and management decisions.

Originality/value

This is the first study that attempts to combine bootstrap two-stage DEA and FRM, which are considered advantageous methods for DEA scores’ measurements and determinant evaluations in the current literature.
The effect of regional income inequality and social diversity on the provision of local public goods in Indonesia
Authors: Siburian Matondang Elsa
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantify the effects of regional income disparity and social diversity on local public goods delivery in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Indonesian provincial data over the period 2001–2014 and by way of System GMM, this paper circumvents endogeneity and persistence of key variables over time which may bias the estimated impact of the critical variables.

Findings

The result provides no significant evidence on the influence of regional income inequality on the provision of local public goods. The result reveals that ethnic diversity is associated with the more extensive provision of local public goods. A large difference in preferences toward public goods provision in a fragmented society such as Indonesia forces the local government to deliver a greater mixed of public goods to accommodate various preferences for public goods and ensure that each group has equal access to public goods. Political fragmentation within an ethnically heterogeneous society also encourages local politicians to provide a larger provision of public goods to form an inter-ethnic coalition to gain local political access.

Practical implications

The significant effect of ethnic diversity on public goods provision implies a set of policy recommendation for Indonesian Government in order to maintain peace within the country. The central government should establish a clear-cut standard of local public goods provision for local governments to ensure that that anyone has equal access to public goods regardless of ethnicity. This will mitigate the possibility of ethnic conflict in an ethnically plural society.

Originality/value

This paper extends its analysis using both fractionalization and polarization indexes to measure the social diversity in Indonesia to obtain a comprehensive knowledge regarding the influence of ethnic diversity on the public good provision. This paper proposes a set of policy recommendation for Indonesian Government to manage the effect of social diversity on the provision of local public goods. To the author’s knowledge, this has never been done before for Indonesia.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2018-0661
Need for calibration: applying a maximum threshold to liquidity ratio for Islamic banks
Authors: Dolgun Muhammed Habib , Ng Adam , Mirakhor Abbas
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the effects of liquidity regulations on Islamic banking using Turkey as a case study. It recommends an alternative mechanism using capital market standards for liquidity requirement of Islamic banks to mitigate certain risks.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper evaluates the correlation between cash and profit and between liquidity coverage ratio and capital adequacy ratio of participating banks in Turkey.

Findings

Islamic banks hold higher cash than they should. The paper suggests a maximum liquidity ratio for Islamic banks. Applying a cap to the liquidity coverage ratio will impose discipline on Islamic banks to manage their assets appropriately as well as to encourage their financial intermediation to the real sector. In addition, the authors argue that even if the cash outflows from investment account on the right side of Islamic banks’ balance sheets are included in the short-term projection, they should not be included in the denominator of the liquidity coverage ratio.

Practical implications

The current Basel requirements and Islamic Financial Services Board standards are disincentives to Islamic banks to provide risk-sharing or partnership-based investments and services to their customers and depositors. Effective legal and regulatory framework and supervisory oversight need to take into account the difference between the risk profile of a typical Islamic bank and a conventional bank.

Originality/value

Although it is well accepted that without adequate regulatory involvement it would not be possible to control and mitigate the risks related to Islamic banking financial intermediation, there should be a balance between the growth and stability of the industry. The regulatory involvement that satisfies this balance would be welcome.
The toll of service climate on employees: an emotional labor perspective
Authors: Katz-Navon Tal , Vashdi Dana R. , Naveh Eitan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The existing research on service climate emphasizes its benefits for customers, employees and organizational outcomes. Service climate translates into organizational expectations from service employees to continuously show appropriate emotions when engaging with clients. However, these expectations may also take a toll on employees, who need to regulate their emotions using emotional labor strategies in order to conform to the organization’s expectations. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the service climate and employees’ use of emotional labor strategies, and investigate how service employees’ service knowledge, skills, abilities and other attributes (KSAOs) affect this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

In two separate studies, one with a sample including 100 nurses working in 15 wards, and the other comprised of 244 luxury hotel chain employees working in 39 departments, participants were surveyed about their perceptions of the service climate and their use of emotional labor strategies. In addition, each participant’s direct manager assessed his/her service KSAOs.

Findings

Results demonstrated a positive association between the service climate and the use of surface emotional labor strategies for employees who had limited service KSAOs.

Practical implications

Organizations may choose to hire service employees based on their service-related KSAOs and develop training and development programs for those who have fewer capabilities in these areas. In addition, organizations may want to rethink the traditional climate-induced emotional display rules and emphasize instead more authentic service encounters in order to lessen the toll that service climate takes on certain employees.

Originality/value

While service climate depicts the core values and beliefs of the organization about service, and helps employees to translate them into behaviors that promote high service performance, the current paper points to a potential toll it may have on employees well-being due to their use of surface emotional labor strategies.
Effect of extrusion temperature on fused filament fabrication parts orthotropic behaviour
Authors: Attolico Michele Angelo , Casavola Caterina , Cazzato Alberto , Moramarco Vincenzo , Renna Gilda
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify the effects of extrusion temperature on orthotropic behaviour of the mechanical properties of parts obtained by fused filament fabrication (FFF) under quasi-static tensile loads.

Design/methodology/approach

Tensile tests were performed on single layer specimens fabricated in polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) to evaluate the mechanical properties at different extrusion temperatures and raster orientations (0°, 45° and 90°). Furthermore, a detailed study of morphological characteristics of the single layer samples cross-section and of the bonding quality among adjacent deposited filaments was performed by scanning electron microscopy to correlate the morphology of materials with mechanical behaviour.

Findings

The results show that the orthotropic behaviour of FFF-printed parts tends to reduce, while the mechanical properties improved with increase in extrusion temperature. Furthermore, the increase in extrusion temperature led to an improvement in inter-raster bonding quality and in the compactness and homogeneity of the parts.

Originality/value

The relation between the extrusion temperature, orthotropic behaviour and morphological surface characteristics of the single layer specimen obtained by FFF has not been previously reported.
Exploring performance of software houses
Authors: Sahibzada Jawad Sakhawat Ur Rehman , Naushad Sadaf , Yousaf Seemab , Yousaf Zahid
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of market orientation on firm performance of software houses and examine the mediating firm innovativeness in the relationship between market orientation and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from the employees of software houses located in two big cities of Pakistan. Mean, SD, correlation and regression analysis were conducted to check the relationship among variables.

Findings

Results show that the performance of software houses largely depends on firm innovativeness and market orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The authors recommend that further studies are required to test the propositions in longitudinal research design for achieving in-depth insights.

Practical implications

Software houses need to pay more attention toward market orientation and innovativeness.

Originality/value

It has been observed that software houses pay less attention toward market dynamics. This research discusses an implementation approach based on solid theoretical foundations to achieve the firm performance through market orientation and firm innovativeness.
Thiomicrorhabdus streamers and sulfur cycling in perennial hypersaline cold springs in the Canadian high Arctic
Authors: Magnuson Elisse , Mykytczuk Nadia C.S. , Pellerin Andre , Goordial Jacqueline , Twine Susan M. , Wing Boswell , Foote Simon J. , Fulton Kelly , Whyte Lyle G.
Published: January 2020

The Gypsum Hill (GH) springs on Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian high Arctic are host to chemolithoautotrophic, sulfur‐oxidizing streamers that flourish in the high Arctic winter in water temperatures from −1.3 to 7°C with ~8% salinity in a high Arctic winter environment with air temperatures commonly less than −40°C and an average annual air temperature of −15°C. Metagenome sequencing and binning of streamer samples produced a 96% complete Thiomicrorhabdus sp. metagenome‐assembled genome representing a possible new species or subspecies. This is the most cold‐ and salt‐extreme source environment for a Thiomicrorhabdus genome yet described. Metaproteomic and metatranscriptomic analysis attributed nearly all gene expression in the streamers to the Thiomicrorhabdus sp. and suggested that it is active in CO2 fixation and oxidation of sulfide to elemental sulfur. In situ geochemical and isotopic analyses of the fractionation of multiple sulfur isotopes determined the biogeochemical transformation of sulfur from its source in Carboniferous evaporites to biotic processes occurring in the sediment and streamers. These complementary molecular tools provided a functional link between the geochemical substrates and the collective traits and activity that define the microbial community's interactions within a unique polar saline habitat where Thiomicrorhabdus‐dominated streamers form and flourish.
Symbiodiniaceae‐bacteria interactions: rethinking metabolite exchange in reef‐building corals as multi‐partner metabolic networks
Authors: Matthews Jennifer L. , Raina Jean‐Baptiste , Kahlke Tim , Seymour Justin R. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H. , Suggett David J.
Published: January 2020

The intimate relationship between scleractinian corals and their associated microorganisms is fundamental to healthy coral reef ecosystems. Coral‐associated microbes (Symbiodiniaceae and other protists, bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses) support coral health and resilience through metabolite transfer, inter‐partner signalling, and genetic exchange. However, much of our understanding of the coral holobiont relationship has come from studies that have investigated either coral‐Symbiodiniaceae or coral‐bacteria interactions in isolation, while relatively little research has focused on other ecological and metabolic interactions potentially occurring within the coral multi‐partner symbiotic network. Recent evidences of intimate coupling between phytoplankton and bacteria have demonstrated that obligate resource exchange between partners fundamentally drives their ecological success. Here, we posit that similar associations with bacterial consortia regulate Symbiodiniaceae productivity and are in turn central to the health of corals. Indeed, we propose that this bacteria‐Symbiodiniaceae‐coral relationship underpins the coral holobiont's nutrition, stress tolerance and potentially influences the future survival of coral reef ecosystems under changing environmental conditions. Resolving Symbiodiniaceae‐bacteria associations is therefore a logical next step towards understanding the complex multi‐partner interactions occurring in the coral holobiont.
‘Reasonable Offers’ As a Defence to Unfair Prejudice Petitions: Prescott v Potamianos
Authors: Pavlovich Anthony
Published: January 2020

It is long established that a ‘reasonable offer’ for a petitioner's shares can defeat an unfair‐prejudice petition. Lord Hoffmann gave guidance about such offers in O'Neill v Phillips. Now, in Prescott v Potamianos, the Court of Appeal has set out three factors that help to determine in general whether an offer is ‘reasonable’. Those factors are: the value offered; the likelihood of implementation; and the proximity to the unfairly prejudicial conduct. The Court's guidance is useful for lawyers and their clients, as well as being broadly favourable for petitioners. But the Court emphasised that the unfair‐prejudice jurisdiction is based on fairness and so requires a considerable degree of flexibility. Such flexibility impairs the certainty that Lord Hoffmann was seeking to promote, and may create difficulties for parties making or receiving offers.
Baseline parameters for rotational thromboelastometry in healthy labouring women: a prospective observational study
Authors: Lee J , Eley VA , Wyssusek KH , Kimble RMN , Way M , Coonan E , Cohen J , Rowell J , van Zundert AA
Published: January 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to establish rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) baseline parameters in labouring women at term gestation. The secondary aim was to compare these reference ranges with those from previous studies on labouring women and from the manufacturer.

Design

A prospective, observational study.

Setting

Tertiary referral hospital.

Participants

Healthy women in labour.

Methods

Ethics approval was granted for an opt‐out recruitment approach. ROTEM® testing was performed in labouring women at term gestation. Women with any condition affecting coagulation were excluded. ROTEM® Delta reference ranges were derived by calculating the 2.5% and 97.5% centiles for INTEM/EXTEM/FIBTEM parameters including amplitude at 5 minutes (A5), coagulation time (CT) and maximum clot firmness (MCF).

Main outcome measures

ROTEM® parameters were measured in labouring women before delivery. The following tests were performed: FIBTEM, EXTEM and INTEM.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐one women met the inclusion criteria, with a mean (± SD) age of 29.6 ± 5.4 years and median (interquartile range) gestation of 39.4 weeks (37.4–40.4 weeks). Seventy‐five (62.0%) women were nulliparous and 71 (58.7%) delivered vaginally. The median and interquartile ranges for selected ROTEM® parameters were: FIBTEM A5, 21 mm (IQR 18–23 mm); EXTEM A5, 55 mm (52–58 mm); and EXTEM CT, 52 seconds (48–56 seconds).

Conclusions

The FIBTEM/EXTEM/INTEM amplitudes were higher than the manufacturer's reference ranges for non‐obstetric patients. The FIBTEM MCF upper and lower limits were higher and the EXTEM/INTEM CT was shorter and narrower in range. This study provides reference ranges for ROTEM® values in healthy labouring women at term gestation with uncomplicated pregnancies.

Tweetable abstract

This is the first study to report on ROTEM® reference ranges with over 120 healthy labouring women of normal weight at term gestation.
Radical esophagectomy for stage II and III thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma followed by adjuvant radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy: Which is more beneficial?
Authors: Zou Bingwen , Tu Yan , Liao Duwen , Xu Yong , Wang Jin , Huang Meijuan , Ren Li , Zhu Jiang , Gong Youling , Liu Yongmei , Zhou Lin , Zhou Xiaojuan , Peng Feng , Lu You
Published: January 2020

Background

This retrospective study compared the efficacy and side effect profile between postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in stage II or stage III thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC) patients who underwent curative (R0) esophagectomy.

Methods

A total of 272 TESCC patients who underwent radical esophagectomy from 2007 to 2016 were included in this retrospective analysis. All cases were pathologically confirmed with stage II or III disease and 148 patients received postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT), while the remaining 124 patients received postoperative radiotherapy (RT) alone.

Results

In CRT and RT groups, the three‐year overall survival rates were 51.3 versus 31.5% (P < 0.01) and the median overall survival (OS) was 39 months (95% CI, 31.6 to 46.3 months) and 30 months (95% CI, 21.0 to 38.9 months), respectively (P = 0.213). Three‐year disease‐free survival rates (DFS) were 30.5% versus 15.9% (P = 0.008), while the median DFS times were 26 months (95% CI, 17.7 to 34.3 months) and 19 months (95% CI, 16.4 to 21.6 months), respectively (P = 0.156). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer seventh edition) stage and N stage were independent prognostic factors for overall survival, while the N stage was an independent prognostic factor for disease‐free survival.

Conclusions

Postoperative chemoradiotherapy led to one‐ and three‐year overall survival benefits along with an obvious increase in treatment side effects for stage II to III TESCC patients, with no further improvement in five‐year survival. However, the chemoradiotherapy benefits mainly favor stage III,number of resected lymph nodes less than 15, younger (less than 60 years old) and smoking patients.
Has Nguyen Phu Trong's Leadership Curbed Economic Reform? Economic Reform Trends in Vietnam
Authors: Sakata Shozo
Published: January 2020

This paper argues how the features of Vietnam's political‐administrative system and their recent changes have affected economic reform, particularly reform of state‐owned enterprises. After the 12th Party Congress in 2016, the Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong's administration has seemed to exaggerate its conservative and totalitarian‐looking rule in the political arena. In contrast, the economic reform policies introduced by Trong's administration seem more transformative and progressive. This paper suggests that this contradiction must indicate changes in the policies relating to the state management of economic entities and/or a disguised form of reform to retain state influence over economic management, both of which tend to end up with pervasive rent‐seeking practices.
Selection signatures for high‐altitude adaptation in ruminants
Authors: Friedrich J. , Wiener P.
Published: January 2020

High‐altitude areas are important socio‐economical habitats with ruminants serving as a major source of food and commodities for humans. Living at high altitude, however, is extremely challenging, predominantly due to the exposure to hypoxic conditions, but also because of cold temperatures and limited feed for livestock. To survive in high‐altitude environments over the long term, ruminants have evolved adaptation strategies, e.g. physiological and morphological modifications, which allow them to cope with these harsh conditions. Identification of such selection signatures in ruminants may contribute to more informed breeding decisions, and thus improved productivity. Moreover, studying the genetic background of altitude adaptation in ruminants provides insights into a common molecular basis across species and thus a better understanding of the physiological basis of this adaptation. In this paper, we review the major effects of high altitude on the mammalian body and highlight some of the most important short‐term (coping) and genetically evolved (adaptation) physiological modifications. We then discuss the genetic architecture of altitude adaptation and target genes that show evidence of being under selection based on recent studies in various species, with a focus on ruminants. The yak is presented as an interesting native species that has adapted to the high‐altitude regions of Tibet. Finally, we conclude with implications and challenges of selection signature studies on altitude adaptation in general. We found that the number of studies on genetic mechanisms that enable altitude adaptation in ruminants is growing, with a strong focus on identifying selection signatures, and hypothesise that the investigation of genetic data from multiple species and regions will contribute greatly to the understanding of the genetic basis of altitude adaptation.
Evaluation of reproductive parameters in male Neotropical bats during dry and rainy months in a specific area of the Cerrado biome
Authors: de Brito Juliana Lis Mendes , Amaral Thales Simioni , Aguiar Ludmilla Moura de Souza , Lucci Carolina Madeira
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to analyse the reproductive aspects of male bats of three common species of the Phyllostomidae family: Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinus lineatus and Sturnira lilium, during dry and rainy months in a specific area of the Cerrado biome. Body weight was significantly higher during the dry months for S. lilium. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and testicular weight were not significantly different between dry and rainy periods. The tubular parameters were significantly bigger in A. lituratus than in the other two species during both periods. No difference in the tubular/interstitial ratio was observed in any of the species during both periods. In both periods, all sperm cells and germ cell developmental stages were visible on seminiferous tubules whereas sperm cells were observed in epididymides of all sampled animals. The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was low (35%–60%), with no difference between periods. Spermatozoa from A. lituratus presented a leaf‐shaped head, while the head was round‐shaped in the other two species. In conclusion, our data suggest that males from the three studied species did not present reproductive latency during the most critical weather periods (dry and rainy months) in the metropolitan region of Brasilia, Brazil.
Active8: Promoting health beyond the absence of mental illness
Authors: Ennals Priscilla , Muchamore Ian , Langan Vicki , Hall Cristal , Wolstencroft Keren
Published: January 2020

Objective

We sought to understand and develop the critical elements of a program designed to promote physical health for people living with or experiencing mental illness.

Design

The study used a most significant change approach. Participants provided personal accounts of change, and these were analysed in a workshop with a range of stakeholders involved in program design and delivery. Core themes were identified to inform the development of the program.

Setting

The program is delivered by a community managed organisation in the South Eastern Illawarra region of New South Wales and the study took place in this setting.

Participants

Participants included people who had accessed the Active8 program, staff who delivered the program, referrers and the funder of the program.

Main outcome measures

Participants were invited to share stories of how the Active8 program had impacted them or the people they were supporting.

Results

Five key themes were identified as being critical to program success and development: (a) the right start at the right time; (b) a program that fits me; (c) health literacy leads to agency, action and change; (d) a chance to explore and establish healthy connections; and (e) change requires time, focus and ongoing support.

Conclusion

Approaches that steer away from simple advice giving and towards empowering and motivating people in line with their individual needs, aspirations and social context show potential for enhancing health‐behaviour change.
Social capital, acculturation attitudes, and sociocultural adaptation of migrants from central Asian republics and South Korea in Russia
Authors: Tatarko Alexander , Berry John W. , Choi Keunwon
Published: January 2020

This research examines the relationship of social capital with the acculturation attitudes and sociocultural adaptation of 122 migrants from Central Asian republics of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan) and 136 migrants from South Korea. The questionnaire included scales for assessing acculturation attitudes (integration, assimilation, and separation), individual social capital (bridging and bonding), and sociocultural adaptation. Using parallel mediation analysis, we found that acculturation attitudes for migrants from Central Asia are secondary to their social capital in relation to sociocultural adaptation. However, among migrants from South Korea, social capital is not linked to their acculturation attitudes, and in general, its role in sociocultural adaptation is lower as compared to the role of acculturation attitudes. As a whole, our research shows that although sociocultural adaptation for all ethnic groups is linked to acculturation attitudes and social capital, acculturation attitudes for certain ethnic groups can be dependent on social capital.
Epac1 null mice have nephrogenic diabetes insipidus with deficient corticopapillary osmotic gradient and weaker collecting duct tight junctions
Authors: Sivertsen Åsrud Kathrine , Bjørnstad Ronja , Kopperud Reidun , Pedersen Line , van der Hoeven Barbara , Karlsen Tine V. , Brekke Rygh Cecilie , Curry Fitz‐Roy , Bakke Marit , Reed Rolf K. , Tenstad Olav , Døskeland Stein O.
Published: January 2020

Aim

The cAMP‐mediator Epac1 (RapGef3) has high renal expression. Preliminary observations revealed increased diuresis in Epac1−/− mice. We hypothesized that Epac1 could restrict diuresis by promoting transcellular collecting duct (CD) water and urea transport or by stabilizing CD paracellular junctions to reduce osmolyte loss from the renal papillary interstitium.

Methods

In Epac1−/− and Wt C57BL/6J mice, renal papillae, dissected from snap‐frozen kidneys, were assayed for the content of key osmolytes. Cell junctions were analysed by transmission electron microscopy. Urea transport integrity was evaluated by urea loading with 40% protein diet, endogenous vasopressin production was manipulated by intragastric water loading and moderate dehydration and vasopressin type 2 receptors were stimulated selectively by i.p.‐injected desmopressin (dDAVP). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated as [14C]inulin clearance. The glomerular filtration barrier was evaluated by urinary albumin excretion and microvascular leakage by the renal content of time‐spaced intravenously injected 125I‐ and 131I‐labelled albumin.

Results

Epac1−/− mice had increased diuresis and increased free water clearance under antidiuretic conditions. They had shorter and less dense CD tight junction (TJs) and attenuated corticomedullary osmotic gradient. Epac1−/− mice had no increased protein diet‐induced urea‐dependent osmotic diuresis, and expressed Wt levels of aquaporin‐2 (AQP‐2) and urea transporter A1/3 (UT‐A1/3). Epac1−/− mice had no urinary albumin leakage and unaltered renal microvascular albumin extravasation. Their GFR was moderately increased, unless when treated with furosemide.

Conclusion

Our results conform to the hypothesis that Epac1‐dependent mechanisms protect against diabetes insipidus by maintaining renal papillary osmolarity and the integrity of CD TJs.