bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localization of computer-mediated communication and corporate impression on online communities
Authors: Hallier Willi Christine , Nguyen Bang , Melewar T.C. , Gupta Suraksha , Yu Xiaoyu
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of localizing online communities (OCs) and examines how OC members form impressions of organizations that use OCs in their communication activities. A conceptual framework and measurement scale are developed that consist of complex latent constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential multi-method approach is adopted with both qualitative and quantitative investigations. Using Structural equation modeling, the research refines and validates the measurement scales of impression formation in OCs.

Findings

Findings reveal that comprehensive messages have a direct effect on the impressions that an OC member forms. In particular, social context cues are an important predictor of online community corporate impression (OCCIP). Source credibility, affiliation, characteristics and interpersonal communication are all critical to OCCIP, which in turn, influence members’ attitudes toward the company and the intention to use it again. Surprisingly, relevance, timeliness, accuracy and perceived similarity did not have any significant effect on the corporate impression.

Originality/value

Three contributions are offered: First, the study provides reliable scales for measuring OCCIP. Second, support is given to the conceptual model that links OCCIP to a set of consequences, namely, attitudes toward the company, intention to use the company, and word-of-mouth. Finally, the study is conducted across two different and unique types of OC contexts, stipulating further insights into the localization of OCs.
Wheelchair robot navigation in different weather conditions using deep learning and evolved neural controller
Authors: Khalilullah K.M. Ibrahim , Ota Shunsuke , Yasuda Toshiyuki , Jindai Mitsuru
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Wheelchair robot navigation in different weather conditions using single camera is still a challenging task. The purpose of this study is to develop an autonomous wheelchair robot navigation method in different weather conditions, with single camera vision to assist physically disabled people.

Design/methodology/approach

A road detection method, called dimensionality reduction deep belief neural network (DRDBNN), is proposed for drivable road detection. Due to the dimensionality reduction ability of the DRDBNN, it detects the drivable road area in a short time for controlling the robot in real-time. A feed-forward neural network is used to control the robot for the boundary following navigation using evolved neural controller (ENC). The robot detects road junction area and navigates throughout the road, except in road junction, using calibrated camera and ENC. In road junction, it takes turning decision using Google Maps data, thus reaching the final destination.

Findings

The developed method is tested on a wheelchair robot in real environments. Navigation in real environments indicates that the wheelchair robot moves safely from source to destination by following road boundary. The navigation performance in different weather conditions of the developed method has been demonstrated by the experiments.

Originality/value

The wheelchair robot can navigate in different weather conditions. The detection process is faster than that of the previous DBNN method. The proposed ENC uses only distance information from the detected road area and controls the robot for boundary following navigation. In addition, it uses Google Maps data for taking turning decision and navigation in road junctions.
Harnessing knowledge of building end-users: identifying knowledge brokers that matter
Authors: Waheed Zehra , Ogunlana Stephen O.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate projects as social exchange networks, focussing on identifying knowledge brokers within the project network where they are key holders and disseminators of end-user needs. The purpose is to augment current theory through a practice lens so that building end-user requirements can be better incorporated in evolving project ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive, an inductive case study is used to map knowledge brokers during a complex construction and co-location project. During the wider study, a variety of methods including archival data, interviews and questionnaires along with social network analysis (SNA) were used. The mixed methodology used has been pivotal in the triangulation of data from various sources. However, the output of SNA presented in this paper relies mostly on interviews and questionnaires administered to the project’s core network. Network relationships were mapped with knowledge of user requirements, being the key determinant of the binary relationships between actors.

Findings

The research found certain roles to be central knowledge brokers of knowledge related to end-user processes, including real estate and strategic planning, building operations and management, human and environmental factors, planning and project management and facility and service delivery. The knowledge of the above roles, albeit in a contextually situated case study, augments current understanding of which roles to tap on during project execution for better representation of end-user needs.

Practical implications

The research site is representative of a complex network of construction project stakeholders, including several categories of end-users and their representatives. The study demonstrates the use of the project-as-practice approach, whereby project theory is seen to emerge directly from practice. This has impact on practice as emergent theory about knowledge transfer and knowledge brokerage is essentially practice-led and hence more useful and relate-able to practitioners.

Originality/value

Research presented here is novel in terms of its approach towards understanding end-user needs such as need for privacy, control, attachment and interaction during construction projects. This is done through the identification of relevant knowledge brokers. The study uses SNA as an analytical tool to map knowledge transfers through the project’s network. End-user requirements are usually captured in the front-end of projects as specifications and deliverables, as new challenges emerge during execution, changes are required to the project’s direction and outcomes. It is therefore imperative that end-user needs are re-identified through knowledge brokers holding key knowledge. This allows project managers to prepare appropriate responses to changing project ecosystems.
Investigating antecedents of transformational leadership in students
Authors: Crowne Kerri Anne
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study investigates the relationships among cultural intelligence (CQ), personality and transformational leadership in a student population. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of CQ on transformational leadership to see if a relationship exists beyond personality.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are presented and tested on a sample of 465 undergraduate and graduate students who attended a large northeastern US university. Hierarchical regression was used to conduct the analysis, and multiple models were generated to test the relationships posited.

Findings

The data showed that CQ affected transformational leadership; however, when examining the subcomponents of CQ, only behavioral CQ had an impact on transformational leadership beyond personality.

Research limitations/implications

The surveys were self-reported and cross-sectional, so causality could not be determined. Furthermore, the sample, while diverse, was composed of students. However, scholars will find value in this research because it expands the understanding of CQ.

Practical implications

The findings of this research indicate that behavioral CQ impacts transformational-leadership skills. Thus, business educators should consider how to build skills associated with behavioral CQ in students because of the importance of global transformational-leadership skills in the workplace.

Originality/value

This research will impact the literature streams of CQ and transformational leadership because it is the first to examine the relationship between the two while controlling for personality.
Predator–prey role reversal may impair the recovery of declining pike populations
Authors: Nilsson Jonas , Flink Henrik , Tibblin Petter
Published: March 2019

Many fish populations have experienced declines in recent decades due to anthropogenic disturbances, such as overfishing and habitat exploitation. Despite management actions, many populations show a limited capacity to recover. This may be attributed to reversal of predator–prey roles, yet empirical evidence to that effect remains scarce.

Here, we combine field and laboratory studies to investigate the interaction between pike (Esox lucius), a large keystone top predatory fish, and the small‐bodied mesopredatory threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in the Baltic Sea where pike populations have declined.

Our data suggest that stickleback predation on pike larvae depletes a large proportion of the recruitment and influences the size distribution through size‐selective predation, which is corroborated by a gape‐limitation experiment and diet analysis of wild‐captured sticklebacks.

The effects of stickleback predation are present across several populations and years, and our data suggest that early arrival of sticklebacks has stronger effects on juvenile pike survival. Finally, we use data on pike gape‐limitation and the size distribution of sticklebacks to illustrate the process of role reversal.

These findings suggest that mesopredator behaviour can reduce recruitment of a top predator species and impair the capacity of populations to recover. This emphasizes predator–prey role reversal as an important ecological and evolutionary driver that influences the outcome of restoration and management actions.
Contribution of predation to the biological control of a key herbivorous pest in citrus agroecosystems
Authors: Bouvet Juan Pedro R. , Urbaneja Alberto , Pérez‐Hedo Meritxell , Monzó César
Published: March 2019

Biological control has traditionally simplified the view of trophic relationships between herbivorous pests and their natural enemies in agriculture. The success or failure of this pest management strategy is still mainly attributed to the ability of a few key natural enemies to suppress the pest density. For example, successful regulation of the California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii), a key citrus pest, is generally credited to specific parasitoids of the Aphytis genus. Currently, research is revealing how herbivore regulation in agroecosystems can be alternatively achieved with a greater number of trophic associations within the system.

The goals of the present study were as follows: i) to unravel species‐specific trophic links between A. aurantii and its natural enemies in citrus agroecosystems, and ii) to assess their contribution to control of A. aurantii.

Predation and parasitism of this herbivorous pest were assessed through exclusion experiments. Species‐specific trophic links between this herbivorous pest and its natural enemies were studied using gut‐content analysis of field‐collected predators employing prey‐specific DNA molecular markers. Relative predation rates of the species involved in A. aurantii regulation were estimated.

Predation was found to be the main biotic component of A. aurantii mortality, causing reductions of more than 75% in recently settled cohorts. Aonidiella aurantii DNA was detected in the digestive system of 11 species of predators. Generalist and stenophagous predators, mainly associated with other citrus pests such as aphids, proved to be the most important biological control agents of this pest. Complex trophic relationships, such as apparent competition between two key citrus pests, were revealed.

The present study highlights the role of predation as biotic mortality factor of key pests in perennial agroecosystems, wherein it is a rich complex of indigenous or naturalized generalist predators that are primarily responsible for this mortality. The results herein presented may therefore offer another perspective on the biological control of one of the key world‐wide citrus pests, at least in those regions where specific parasitoids are not able to successfully regulate the scale populations.
Are shocks to natural gas consumption transitory or permanent? A more powerful panel unit root test on the G7 countries
Authors: Cai Yifei , Magazzino Cosimo
Published: March 2019

This article re‐examines the persistence in natural gas consumption using an alternative methodology. We compare the results of traditional panel unit root tests with those provided by Bahmani‐Oskooee et al., which allow for both sharp and smooth breaks. Our analysis uses data for the G7 countries over the 1965–2016 years. The empirical findings show that while traditional unit root tests with sharp breaks lean towards the non‐stationarity of the series for all the G7 countries, modeling breaks in our unit root testing methodology can assert that natural gas consumption is non‐stationary only for Canada, France, Italy, and USA. These results imply that, for the majority of our sample, energy demand management policies designed to shrink energy consumption will have temporary effects, as energy consumption will return to its trend path.
Morphology and histology of the Anatolian bobcat (Lynx lynx) hard palate
Authors: Arı Hasan Hüseyin , Uslu Sema
Published: March 2019

The aim of the research was to investigate the morphological and histological structure of the Anatolian bobcat (Lynx lynx) hard palate using light and scanning electron microscopy, in addition to gross examination. The Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Work (Sivas Branch) provided three female Anatolian bobcat cadavers. The Anatolian bobcat hard palate consists of a narrow, rough part in the rostral region (including the incisive papilla, palatine ridges, and palatine raphe) and a wide, smooth part in the caudal part region. The gross examination revealed that the incisive papilla is small and shaped like a carboy icon, the primary and secondary palatine ridges have a serrated appearance, and the palatine raphe forms a single longitudinal row of conical papillae and a single transverse row of conical papillae (in the transverse groove that separates the two palatine ridges). In addition, the microscopy examination revealed microplicae in the epithelium, as well as abundant connective‐tissue bundles running in various directions in the lamina propria and submucosa layer. These adaptations of the hard palate structures may increase efficiency during ingestion and help direct food backwards. This is the first study to provide detailed morphological and histological descriptions of the Anatolian bobcat hard palate.
Switch between AAI and DDD mode pacing—What is the mechanism?
Authors: Ząbek Andrzej , Małecka Barbara , Nowosielska‐Ząbek Ewa , Dębski Maciej , Boczar Krzysztof , Lelakowski Jacek
Published: March 2019

The electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation in patients with implantable pacemaker is often a perplexing problem. The difficulty in the device evaluation increases in the presence of novel timing cycles and additional functions. Authors describe a special function frequently encountered in Medtronic dual‐chamber pacemakers and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator devices called managed ventricular pacing (MVP) and demonstrate its performance in the patient with undersensing episodes in ventricular channel. Intermittent ventricular undersensing in the device with MVP feature turned on caused repetitive mode switches between AAI and DDD mode. This report shows unexceptional occurrence of tricky ECG findings in patient with Medtronic dual‐chamber device.
Endocuff Vision‐assisted colonoscopy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jacob Abraham , Schafer Amy , Yong Johnathan , Tonkin Darren , Rodda David , Eteuati Jimmy , Ganesh Shanthan , Hewett Peter
Published: March 2019

Background

Adenoma detection rate (ADR) has shown to be an independent predictor, to reduce the rate of interval colorectal cancer. Endocuff Vision is a relatively new device that has shown promise to improve the ADR. The primary objective was to conduct a randomized controlled trial to compare Endocuff Vision‐assisted colonoscopy (EVAC) with standard colonoscopy (SC). The primary outcome of the study is ADR and the secondary outcomes are caecal intubation rate, terminal ileum intubation rate, scope withdrawal time, quality of bowel preparation and adverse events.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was performed to compare EVAC versus SC. All patients who presented to the endoscopy suite at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital were assessed for eligibility. Patients were recruited from 15 June 2016 to 20 January 2017. A total of 360 patients were included; 40 were excluded. The patients were randomized using block randomization; 138 patients were recruited to SC and 182 to EVAC.

Results

A total of 231 polyps were retrieved during the study period. Polyp detection rate (PDR) was high in both groups: 53% in the EVAC group versus 41.1% in SC. This was statistically significant with a P‐value of 0.035. ADR was similarly high in both groups: 36.81% in EVAC group versus 28.99% in SC group. ADR did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

EVAC does improve the PDR. Though the ADR did not reach statistical significance, there is a trend towards improved adenoma detection and there is statistical significance in the overall PDR.
Relationship Between Controlling Shareholders’ Participation in Share Pledging and Accounting Conservatism in China
Authors: Xu Jingjing
Published: March 2019

This study examines the relationship between controlling shareholders’ participation in share pledging and accounting conservatism in the Chinese stock market. Share pledging introduces risks to controlling shareholders and leads to severe information asymmetry between controlling shareholders and outside minority shareholders. This, in turn, results in competing incentives with regard to financial reporting. We find that controlling shareholders’ participation in share pledging negatively affects accounting conservatism, especially for firms located in regions with weak legal enforcement and poor investor protection. Our study shows that controlling shareholders’ share‐pledging behaviour negatively influences firms’ reporting quality, especially in areas with weak legal systems.
Performance assessment and standardization in higher education: A problematic conjunction?
Authors: Braun Henry
Published: March 2019

Background

There is unrealized potential in higher education for greater use of performance assessment, particularly in support of teaching and learning: Well‐designed performance tasks can elicit evidence regarding what students know and can do with respect to complex learning objectives. At the same time, there is some pressure, at least in the United States, to widen usage of standardized assessments in order to facilitate comparisons among institutions.

Aims and methods

We distinguish assessments requiring extended performances of some kind from those involving other response formats. Taking student‐produced essays as a paradigmatic example, we examine the processes of assessment design and scoring as they pertain to the validity of the inferences drawn from student work products. We also briefly review the history of standardized assessments and the roles they have played in education. Further, we describe how advances in assessment theory and practice have permitted substantial relaxation in the implementation of standardization.

Results

Our analysis of these issues in the higher education context draws on empirical evidence regarding both faculty usage of performance tasks (particularly as a means for enhancing the construct validity of an overall assessment) and faculty resistance to the imposition of externally developed, standardized assessments. We also describe efforts undertaken in the United States to strengthen faculty expertise in assessment design, scoring, and interpretation.

Conclusions

We conclude that performance tasks have an important role to play in higher education, especially in view of the complexity and depth of the learning goals set for the students. For many purposes, they cannot be replaced by simpler, cheaper forms of assessment. Efforts to facilitate comparability in evaluating institutional outcomes, however, have not borne much fruit despite the substantial investments made. We argue that resources would be better directed at improving the quality of assessments developed and employed by college faculty and suggest how that might be accomplished.
Consolidation, wider reflection, and policy: Response to ‘Super‐recognisers: From the lab to the world and back again’
Authors: Robertson David James , Bindemann Markus
Published: March 2019

Here, David Robertson and Markus Bindemann respond to a recent BJP Target Article on ‘super‐recognisers’ (SRs). They outline the need to consider human factors that could influence SR performance after selection and the need for a co‐ordinated effort to ensure best practice in the implementation of SRs in applied contexts.
Sphincter‐sparing surgery for complex anal fistulas: radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the tract is of no help
Authors: Merlini l'Héritier A. , Siproudhis L. , Bessi G. , Le Balc'h E. , Wallenhorst T. , Bouguen G. , Brochard C.
Published: March 2019

Aim

To compare the rate of failure of radiofrequency thermocoagulation for anal fistula with that of rectal advancement flap in a case‐matched study.

Method

Patients who underwent radiofrequency treatment were compared with age‐ and sex‐matched patients with Crohn's disease (CD) who underwent a rectal flap procedure. Fistula features, general characteristics and the main clinical events were recorded in a prospective database. Failure was defined by at least one of following: abscess, purulent discharge, visible external opening or further drainage procedure.

Results

A total of 62 patients [median age 45 (range 36.8–57.5) years; 22 women, 40 men; 22 with CD] were analysed. The failure rate of radiofrequency treatment was higher than that of rectal flap treatment (74.2% vs 32.2%; P = 0.004). The cumulative probabilities of failure of the radiofrequency treatment were 53.8% (38.8–68.3), 71.8% (55.3–84.0) and 87.4% (70.6–95.3) at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Three patients in the radiofrequency group required drainage for an abscess and one had severe thermal ulceration. The Cox proportional hazards regression model (surgical procedure, obesity, CD) showed rectal flap treatment [3.48 (1.60–8.07); P = 0.001] and CD [2.60 (1.16–6.41); P = 0.02] to be the main independent predictors of healing.

Conclusion

Radiofrequency thermocoagulation is a less satisfactory sphincter‐sparing treatment for the management of anal fistula than a rectal flap procedure.
The age‐related reduction in cerebral blood flow affects vertebral artery more than internal carotid artery blood flow
Authors: Olesen Niels D. , Nielsen Henning B. , Olsen Niels V. , Secher Niels H.
Published: March 2019

Ageing reduces cerebral blood flow (CBF), while mean arterial pressure (MAP) becomes elevated. According to ‘the selfish brain’ hypothesis of hypertension, a reduction in vertebral artery blood flow (VA) leads to increased sympathetic activity and thus increases MAP. In twenty‐two young (24 ± 3 years; mean ± SD) and eleven elderly (70 ± 5 years) normotensive men, duplex ultrasound evaluated whether the age‐related reduction in CBF affects VA more than internal carotid artery (ICA) blood flow. Pulse‐contour analysis evaluated MAP while near‐infrared spectroscopy determined frontal lobe oxygenation and transcranial Doppler middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (MCA Vmean). During supine rest, MAP (90 ± 13 versus 78 ± 9 mmHg; P<0·001) was elevated in the older subjects while their frontal lobe oxygenation (68 ± 7% versus 77 ± 7%; P<0·001), MCA Vmean (49 ± 9 versus 60 ± 12 cm s−1; P = 0·016) and CBF (754 ± 112 versus 900 ± 144 ml min−1; P = 0·004) were low reflected in VA (138 ± 48 versus 219 ± 50 ml min−1; P<0·001) rather than in ICA flow (616 ± 96 versus 680 ± 120 ml min−1; P = 0·099). In conclusion, blood supply to the brain and its oxygenation are affected by ageing and the age‐related decline in VA flow appears to be four times as large as that in ICA and could be important for the age‐related increase in MAP.
Muir‐Torre syndrome appropriate use criteria: Effect of patient age on appropriate use scores
Authors:   Task Force/Committee Members, Vidal Claudia I. , Sutton Angela , Armbrect Eric A. , Lee Jason B. , Litzner Brandon R. , Hurley M. Yadira ,   Rating Panel, Alam Murad , Duncan Lyn M. , Elston Dirk M. , Emanuel Patrick O. , Ferringer Tammie , Fung Maxwell A. , Hosler Gregory A. , Lazar Alexander J. , Lowe Lori , Plaza Jose A. , Robinson June K. , Schaffer Andras
Published: March 2019

Background

Muir‐Torre syndrome (MTS) is a rare inherited syndrome, with an increased risk of sebaceous and visceral malignancy. Prior reports suggest screening for mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency may be warranted in patients <50 years and when sebaceous neoplasms are located on a non‐head and neck location. Previously, appropriate use criteria (AUC) were developed for clinical scenarios in patients >60 years concerning the use of MMR protein immunohistochemistry (MMRP‐IHC). This analysis explores the appropriateness of testing in patients ≤60 years.

Methods

Panel raters from the AUC Task Force rated the use of MMRP‐IHC testing for MTS for previously rated scenarios with the only difference being age.

Results

Results verify the previously developed AUC for the use of MMRP‐IHC in neoplasms associated with MTS in patients >60 years. Results also show that in patients ≤60 years with a single sebaceous tumor on a non‐head and neck site, MMRP‐IHC testing should be considered. Testing can also be considered with a 2‐antibody panel on periocular sebaceous carcinoma in younger patients.

Conclusions

Our findings align with known evidence supporting the need to incorporate clinical parameters in identifying patients at risk for MTS, with age being a factor when considering MMRP‐IHC testing.
Component Procurement for an Assembly Supply Chain with Random Capacities and Random Demand
Authors: Cao Xinyan , Fang Xiang
Published: March 2019

In a decentralized assembly supply chain, one assembler assembles a set of n components, each produced by a different supplier, into a final product to meet an uncertain market demand. Each supplier faces an uncertain production capacity such that only the lesser of the planned production quantity and the realized capacity can be delivered to the assembler. We assume that the suppliers' random capacities and the random demand follow an arbitrary continuous multivariate distribution. We formulate the problem as a two‐stage Stackelberg game. In the base model, the assembler and the suppliers adopt a so‐called vendor‐managed‐consigned‐inventory (VMCI) contract. We analytically characterize the equilibrium of this game, based on which we obtain several managerial insights. Particularly, we show that a reduction in one supplier's production cost or capacity uncertainty, or an increase in the component salvage value, might sometimes hurt this particular supplier's profitability. Furthermore, we demonstrate that when the suppliers' capacities become more positively correlated, the assembler is always better off, but the suppliers might be better or worse off. Later, in the article, we also solve the game under a wholesale price contract. We find that the assembler always prefers the VMCI contract, and the suppliers always prefer the wholesale price contract. In addition, we illustrate that the VMCI contract is more efficient than the wholesale price contract for this decentralized assembly supply chain.
The Usefulness of Endoscopic Color Doppler Ultrasonography in the Detection of Perforating Veins of Esophageal Varices
Authors: SATO Takahiro , HIGASHINO Kiyoshi , TOYOTA Jouji , KARINO Yoshiyasu , OMURA Takumi , MURASHIMA Yoshio , SUGA Toshihiro , YAOSAKA Toru , IMAMURA Akimichi , FUJINAGA Akira , KOITO Kazumitsu
Published: March 2019

We studied 118 patients using endoscopic color Doppler ultrasonography (ECDUS) to evaluate perforating veins of esophageal varices. The ECDUS was performed with a PENTAX FG‐32UA or FG‐36UX (7.5 MHz, convex type) and a HITACHI EUB 565 was used as a display device. We defined the perforating veins as communicating vessels between esophageal varices and paraesophageal veins. We evaluated the detection rate and the direction of blood flow in the perforating veins. Color flow images of perforating veins were obtained in 43 of the 118 (36.4%) patients. We classified the perforating veins into three types. Type 1 was characterized as an inflow type from paraesophageal veins to esophageal varices, Type 2 as an outflow type from esophageal varices to paraesophageal veins and Type 3 as a mixed type showing both inflow and outflow. Type 1 was recognized iri 37 (86.0%), Type 2 in four (9.3%) and Type 3 in two (4.7%) of 43 patients. We conclude that ECDUS is a useful modality for obtaining diagnostic color flow images of perforating veins, and for evaluating the blood flow direction in perforating veins. (Dig Endosc 1996; 8: 180‐183)
Growth Factor mRNA Expression in Colorectal Mucosal Biopsies from Ulcerative Colitis Patients: Association with Disease Duration
Authors: FUKUDA Ryo , CHOWDHURY Aktaruzzaman , ISHIMURA Norihisa , ISHIHARA Shunji , KAJI Takekazu , HIRAKAWA Kazuya , KUSHIYAMA Yoshinori , ARIMA Noriyuki , ADACHI Kyoichi , ASHIZAWA Nobuo , FUKUMOTO Shiro
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether certain growth factors (GFs) in the colonic mucosa in ulcerative colitis (UC) have an association with disease duration. GF mRNAs including those of epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and c‐MET were investigated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using colorectal biopsies taken from both endoscopically active (involved) and normal (uninvolved) mucosa from 16 UC patients. In the involved mucosa with active inflammation, absence of the mRNAs of TGF‐β1 and HGF were significantly associated with longer disease duration (p<0.05). In uninvolved mucosa, the absence of c‐MET mRNA was significantly associated with a longer duration of UC (p<0.05). There was no correlation between patient age and the duration of UC. Investigation of mRNAs including those of TGF‐β1, HGF and its receptor c‐MET, using biopsy specimens, appears to be useful for assessing the intractability of this disease. (Dig Endosc 1996; 8: 199‐204)
Prospective association between late evening food consumption and risk of prediabetes and diabetes: the Whitehall II cohort study
Authors: Færch K. , Quist J. S. , Hulman A. , Witte D. R. , Tabak A. G. , Brunner E. J. , Kivimäki M. , Jørgensen M. E. , Panda S. , Vistisen D.
Published: March 2019

Aims

We examined whether late evening food consumption was prospectively associated with the risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes in a large observational study of individuals with normoglycaemia.

Methods

Participants were 2642 men and women with normoglycaemia (HbA1c < 39 mmol/mol; < 5.7%) from the Whitehall II study. Time of last eating episode (TLEE) before the examination day was assessed at baseline. We studied the associations of TLEE with 5‐year changes in HbA1c and risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 39 mmol/mol; ≥ 5.7%). Potential heterogeneity in the association between TLEE and prediabetes or diabetes was examined using recursive partitioning modelling for time‐to‐event outcomes.

Results

There was a tendency of an overall association of TLEE with change in HbA1c but with little effect size [β per 1‐h increase in TLEE = 0.2 mmol/mol, 95% CI −0.0 to 0.3 (0.01%, −0.00 to 0.03); P = 0.055] and no association with the risk of developing prediabetes/diabetes (risk ratio per 1‐h increase in TLEE = 1.03, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.13; P = 0.511). According to the recursive partitioning modelling, women with HbA1c ≤ 36 mmol/mol and TLEE after 21:00 had a 1.51 times (95% CI 1.16 to 1.93) higher 5‐year risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes than those having their TLEE between 16:00 and 21:00 (35.4% vs. 23.5%; P = 0.003).

Conclusions

There was no overall association of TLEE with the development of prediabetes or diabetes in the Whitehall II population. However, explorative analyses suggested that eating late in the evening was associated with increased risk of developing prediabetes/diabetes among women with good glycaemic control. Whether restricting late evening food consumption is effective and feasible for the prevention of Type 2 diabetes needs testing in randomized controlled trials.
Mitochondrial complex I NUBPL mutations cause combined dystonia with bilateral striatal necrosis and cerebellar atrophy
Authors: Balint B. , Charlesworth G. , Stamelou M. , Carr L. , Mencacci N. E. , Wood N. W. , Bhatia K. P.
Published: March 2019

Background and purpose

The recent advances in genetics have helped to unravel the cause of many dystonia syndromes. With the broadening spectrum of genetically defined dystonia syndromes, distinct clinico‐radiological phenotypes are a welcome handle to guide the diagnostic work‐up.

Methods

Exome sequencing was used to elucidate the genetic cause of a syndrome characterized by generalized dystonia, pyramidal and cerebellar involvement, with bilateral striatal necrosis (BSN) and cerebellar atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging. Homozygosity mapping and linkage analysis were used in a supportive role. Known genetic causes of BSN were excluded by use of exome data or Sanger sequencing.

Results

Compound heterozygous mutations were identified in the NUBPL gene in a small UK kindred. The gene lay in a region of positive linkage and segregated with disease in a family of six individuals.

Conclusion

NUBPL mutations cause early onset, autosomal recessive generalized dystonia with cerebellar ataxia, pyramidal signs, preserved cognition and a distinct magnetic resonance imaging appearance with BSN and cerebellar atrophy.
Effect of molding pressure on structural and densification behavior of microwave‐sintered ceramic tool material
Authors: Yin Zengbin , Ye Jiadong , Hong Dongbo , Xu Weiwei
Published: March 2019

The die‐pressed Al2O3‐based ceramic compacts for microwave sintering were prepared using uniaxial molding pressure. Effect of molding pressure on density distribution, microstructure, and mechanical properties of both green and sintered compacts were studied by simulation and experiments. The results suggested that the density distribution of green compact showed obvious stratification phenomenon as the pressure increased. High pressure could increase the density of green compact but led to large density variation. Cracks were formed within the sintered compact due to the severe stress concentration at high molding pressure. Better mechanical properties were obtained at the pressure of 200‐300°MPa. The optimal mechanical properties of Al2O3/Ti(C,N) ceramic tool were obtained at 1550°C with the soaking time of 10 minutes, which were as high as that of conventional sintering, but the sintering period was sharply shortened.
Variation in public‐funded bariatric surgery intervention rate by New Zealand region
Authors: Murphy Rinki , Ghafel Mazin , Beban Grant , Booth Michael , Bartholomew Karen , Sandiford Peter
Published: March 2019

Inequitable access to bariatric surgery by geographical region has been reported internationally, but comparable data on provision of bariatric surgery have not previously been reported in New Zealand. We examined allocated funding and provision of bariatric surgery amongst different regions in New Zealand in the 2013/14 year, and found that there was large variation in both. This highlights that public funded bariatric surgery needs to take into account population prevalence of morbid obesity to reduce inequities by geographical region.
Hydrogen evolution promotion of Au‐nanoparticles‐decorated TiO2 nanotube arrays prepared by dip‐loading approach
Authors: Zhang Dainan , Chen Jiahui , Deng Peng , Wang Xiaoyi , Li Yuanpeng , Wen Tianlong , Li Yuanxun , Xiang Quanjun , Liao Yulong
Published: March 2019

Au nanoparticle (NPs)@TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) heterostructured films with enhanced H2 generation rate under full spectrum were synthesized, by using a controllable and facile dip‐loading approach. Size of the Au NPs was well‐distributed around 7 nm, and the TiO2 NTAs were found vertically aligned. Due to LSPR effect and Schottky contact, the as‐prepared Au NPs@TiO2 NTAs heterostructured films exhibited improved H2 generation abilities as well as photocatalytic degradation abilities. H2 evolution rate of the obtained samples (effective area: 5.25 cm2) reached 74.56 μmol/h, which was 38 times higher than that of the raw TiO2 NTAs. And the Au NPs@TiO2 NTAs samples also showed an obvious advantage over the raw TiO2 NTAs, in methyl orange degradation under UV illumination. Repetition experiments were further carried out to ensure the dip‐loading method was a reliable fabrication process, and the amount of Au particles attached on TiO2 tube walls could be manipulated by changing the dip‐loading cycle times.
0D CoP cocatalyst/ 2D g‐C3N4 nanosheets: An efficient photocatalyst for promoting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Han Changcun , Zhang Tong , Cai Qijun , Ma Chonghao , Tong Zhengfu , Liu Zhifeng
Published: March 2019

In this work, cobalt phosphide (CoP) nanoparticles were successfully decorated on an ultrathin g‐C3N4 nanosheet photocatalysts by in situ chemical deposition. The built‐in electric field formed by heterojunction interface of the CoP/g‐C3N4 composite semiconductor can accelerate the transmission and separation of photogenerated charge‐hole pairs and effectively improve the photocatalytic performance. TEM, HRTEM, XPS, and SPV analysis showed that CoP/g‐C3N4 formed a stable heterogeneous interface and effectively enhanced photogenerated electron‐hole separation. UV‐vis DRS analysis showed that the composite had enhanced visible light absorption than pure g‐C3N4 and was a visible light driven photocatalyst. In this process, NaH2PO2 and CoCl2 are used as the source of P and Co, and typical preparation of CoP can be completed within 3 hours. Under visible light irradiation, the optimal H2 evolution rate of 3.0 mol% CoP/g‐C3N4 is about 15.1 μmol h−1. The photocatalytic activity and stability of the CoP/g‐C3N4 materials were evaluated by photocatalytic decomposition of water. The intrinsic relationship between the microstructure of the composite catalyst and the photocatalytic performance was analyzed to reveal the photocatalytic reaction mechanism.
Macrophage‐specific hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α deletion suppresses the development of liver tumors in high‐fat diet‐fed obese and diabetic mice
Authors: Takikawa Akiko , Usui Isao , Fujisaka Shiho , Tsuneyama Koichi , Okabe Keisuke , Nakagawa Takashi , Nawaz Allah , Kado Tomonobu , Jojima Teruo , Aso Yoshimasa , Hayakawa Yoshihiro , Yagi Kunikimi , Tobe Kazuyuki
Published: March 2019

Aims/Introduction

Chronic inflammation of the liver is often observed with obesity or type 2 diabetes. In these pathological conditions, the immunological cells, such as macrophages, play important roles in the development or growth of liver cancer. Recently, it was reported that hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) is a key molecule for the acquisition of inflammatory M1 polarity of macrophages. In the present study, we examined the effects of altered macrophage polarity on obesity‐ and diabetes‐associated liver cancer using macrophage‐specific HIF‐1α knockout (KO) mice.

Materials and Methods

To induce liver cancer in the mice, diethylnitrosamine, a chemical carcinogen, was used. Both KO mice and wild‐type littermates were fed either a high‐fat diet (HFD) or normal chow. They were mainly analyzed 6 months after HFD feeding.

Results

Development of liver cancer after HFD feeding was 45% less in KO mice than in wild‐type littermates mice. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 2 was also lower in the liver of KO mice. Those effects of HIF‐1α deletion in macrophages were not observed in normal chow‐fed mice. Furthermore, the size of liver tumors did not differ between KO and wild‐type littermates mice, even those on a HFD. These results suggest that the activation of macrophage HIF‐1α by HFD is involved not in the growth, but in the development of liver cancer with the enhanced oncogenic extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 2 signaling in hepatocytes.

Conclusions

The activation of macrophage HIF‐1α might play important roles in the development of liver cancer associated with diet‐induced obesity and diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome in a sample of Egyptian adolescent girls and its association with apolipoprotein E
Authors: Hassan Nayera E , El Ashmawi Abeer A , El‐Masry Sahar A , Zarouk Waheba A , Mira Marwa F , El‐Saeed Gamila SM , Dwidar Omar H
Published: March 2019

Aim

Obesity and its metabolic complications are increasing in childhood and extend to adulthood. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in a sample of Egyptian adolescent girls and investigate its association with apolipoprotein E.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was used, including 200 Egyptian adolescent girls aged between 12 and 18 years. They were subjected to blood pressure (BP) measurement, anthropometric measurements (weight, height and waist circumference (WC)), laboratory investigations (fasting glucose and lipid profile) and molecular analysis (Apo E).

Results

Overweight/obese girls were suffering significantly, more than normal‐weight girls, from hypertension (66.7 vs. 40.8%), diabetes diagnosed by elevated fasting blood glucose (46.7 vs. 31.2%) and low high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (64 vs. 59.2%). Girls with MS had significantly higher values of body mass index Z‐score, WC, BP, cholesterol and triglycerides and significantly lower HDL. Allele E3 (59.1 vs. 55.1%) was more frequent among girls with MS, while allele E4 (41 vs. 36.4) was more frequent among girls without MS. MS was the most prominent among girls with the E3/E4 genotype (35.7%), who had the highest frequency of elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein and blood glucose, while girls with the E2/E4 genotype, which was rare among both groups, had the highest frequency of elevated BP (68.8%) and low HDL (71.4%).

Conclusion

MS was significantly more prominent among overweight/obese adolescent girls with the E3/E4 genotype, who had the highest frequency of disturbed lipid profile and blood glucose.
Friedelane‐type triterpene cyclase in celastrol biosynthesis from Tripterygium wilfordii and its application for triterpenes biosynthesis in yeast
Authors: Zhou Jiawei , Hu Tianyuan , Gao Linhui , Su Ping , Zhang Yifeng , Zhao Yujun , Chen Shang , Tu Lichan , Song Yadi , Wang Xing , Huang Luqi , Gao Wei
Published: March 2019

Celastrol is a promising bioactive compound isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii and has been shown to possess many encouraging preclinical applications. However, the celastrol biosynthetic pathway is poorly understood, especially the key oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) enzyme responsible for cyclisation of the main scaffold.

Here, we report on the isolation and characterisation of three OSCs from T. wilfordii: TwOSC1, TwOSC2 and TwOSC3. Both TwOSC1 and TwOSC3 were multiproduct friedelin synthases, while TwOSC2 was a β‐amyrin synthase.

We further found that TwOSC1 and TwOSC3 were involved in the biosynthesis of celastrol and that their common product, friedelin, was a precursor of celastrol. We then reconstituted the biosynthetic pathway of friedelin in engineered yeast constructed by the CRISPR/Cas9 system, with protein modification and medium optimisation, leading to heterologous production of friedelin at 37.07 mg l−1 in a shake flask culture.

Our study was the first to identify the genes responsible for biosynthesis of the main scaffold of celastrol and other triterpenes in T. wilfordii. As friedelin has been found in many plants, the results and approaches described here have laid a solid foundation for further explaining the biosynthesis of celastrol and related triterpenoids. Moreover, our results provide insights for metabolic engineering of friedelane‐type triterpenes.
Improving plant allometry by fusing forest models and remote sensing
Authors: Fischer Fabian Jörg , Maréchaux Isabelle , Chave Jérôme
Published: March 2019

Allometry determines how tree shape and function scale with each other, related through size. Allometric relationships help scale processes from the individual to the global scale and constitute a core component of vegetation models. Allometric relationships have been expected to emerge from optimisation theory, yet this does not suitably predict empirical data. Here we argue that the fusion of high‐resolution data, such as those derived from airborne laser scanning, with individual‐based forest modelling offers insight into how plant size contributes to large‐scale biogeochemical processes. We review the challenges in allometric scaling, how they can be tackled by advances in data‐model fusion, and how individual‐based models can serve as data integrators for dynamic global vegetation models.
Prevalence of infant and maternal anemia during the lactation period in Japan
Authors: Amano Izuki , Murakami Ayako
Published: March 2019

Background

The perinatal period is associated with a high risk of infant anemia. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of infant and maternal anemia during the late lactation period and the risk factors for anemia in Japan.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was based on data from health checkups of healthy infants at 6–7 and 9–10 months of age and their mothers who visited Akitsu Children's Clinic between September 2013 and August 2015. Complete blood count data from infant blood samples obtained at 6–7 months and 9–10 months and from maternal blood samples obtained at 6–7 months, information on feeding methods, and other related parameters were analyzed.

Results

Data from 388 mother–infant pairs were analyzed. The prevalence of infant anemia was 21.1% at 6–7 months and 29.1% at 9–10 months. The prevalence of anemia in exclusively breast‐fed infants was 28.4% at 6–7 months and 40.0% at 9–10 months. The risk factors for infant anemia at 9–10 months were exclusive breast‐feeding, lower gestational age at birth, male sex, and high weight gain. The prevalence of maternal anemia was 10.5%. There was no correlation between infant and maternal hemoglobin in exclusively breast‐fed infants.

Conclusions

Japanese infants who were breast‐fed exclusively had a high prevalence of anemia. A nationwide strategy to prevent anemia is required to prevent infant anemia, even in a nutrition‐rich country such as Japan.