bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Will manufacturing investors go to border zones? The case of central Thailand
Authors: Bui Minh Tam Thi , Preechametta Arayah
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine effects of regional economic integration on the concentration of manufacturing firms in provinces of Thailand on the border with Cambodia. It aims to clarify the interactions between dispersion and agglomeration forces within a firm’s location choice in the presence of economic integration and thereby to explain the feasibility of the border SEZs.

Design/methodology/approach

The theory of industrial clustering and New Economic Geography provides a theoretical framework to understand the locations of economic activities when regional economies are integrated. This paper employs provincial level data to calculate industry location quotients across a 10-year period from 2007 to 2017 in central Thailand and uses firm-level data from industrial censuses in 2006 and 2011 to estimate logit models for two border provinces with Cambodia and three eastern seaboard provinces. Two base models and extended models are tested to explain the persistent agglomeration of Thai firms in each manufacturing industry.

Findings

The authors found a positive correlation between the agglomeration level in 2006 and the choice of firms toward the border provinces in 2011. The disaggregated analysis shows that depending on the initial level of concentration in each industry, there can be agglomeration or dispersion effects. The advantage of low trade costs and labor costs of unskilled migrant workers are not significant factors attracting firms to the border. Firms in industries with increasing returns are more likely to stay in the hub.

Practical implications

The disaggregated analysis by industry provides very important implications for SEZ policy interventions. The important role of agglomeration economies limits the extent to which such policies can be successful. It would be an enormous challenge for policy makers to initiate forces which are strong enough to induce firms to relocate away from areas with high agglomerations. Policy interventions with attractive incentives should be very selective to industries already have a certain degree of concentration in the provinces so as to reinforce the agglomeration effects.

Originality/value

The research extends the empirical literature on SEZs by offering a unique case study of an emerging economy with a strong market foundation rather than a transitional or developed economy. It is also different from other research on SEZs when taking into account the effects of regional integration on border SEZ formation and firms’ location choices. In addition, this study employs firm-level data rather than provincial data to bring empirical insights and fill in the knowledge gap on agglomeration economies in Thailand with the presence of regional economic integration.
Understanding continuance intention in traffic-related social media
Authors: Chen Jengchung Victor , Nguyen Trang , Oncheunjit Marissa
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Recent technological advances have led to the growing popularity of traffic-related social media platforms which facilitate drivers to easily share, consume and exchange traffic information instead of the traditional ways using TV or radio. By integrating the information systems success model, social capital theory and dedication-based commitment mechanism, the purpose of this paper is to examine the varying degree of effectiveness in maintaining user’s continuance intention between two different social media platforms for traffic information.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through online questionnaires from two platforms. One is a multi-channel traffic information community that has been specialized in traffic information for many years and has adopted several kinds of social media to engage with its audience. The other is a community-based traffic application created to help people exchange and contribute traffic information with real-time navigation.

Findings

The findings show that the effects of satisfaction and affective commitment on continuance intention are stronger in the community-based traffic application while their antecedents play different roles in shaping satisfaction and affective commitment due to the nature and characteristics of these two groups.

Originality/value

This study will be the first attempt to understand what matters to users and what can retain users to routinely use a specific traffic-related social media platform in their daily lives. This is also one of the first empirical studies that examine both transactional and relational points of view on users’ continuance intention.
Partnering for change
Authors: MacLeod Martha L.P. , Hanlon Neil , Reay Trish , Snadden David , Ulrich Cathy
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Despite many calls to strengthen connections between health systems and communities as a way to improve primary healthcare, little is known about how new collaborations can effectively alter service provision. The purpose of this paper is to explore how a health authority, municipal leaders and physicians worked together in the process of transforming primary healthcare.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal qualitative case study was conducted to explore the processes of change at the regional level and within seven communities across Northern British Columbia (BC), Canada. Over three years, 239 interviews were conducted with physicians, municipal leaders, health authority clinicians and leaders and other health and social service providers. Interviews and contextual documents were analyzed and interpreted to articulate how ongoing transformation has occurred.

Findings

Four overall strategies with nine approaches were apparent. The strategies were partnering for innovation, keeping the focus on people in communities, taking advantage of opportunities for change and encouraging experimentation while managing risk. The strategies have bumped the existing system out of the status quo and are achieving transformation. Key components have been a commitment to a clear end-in-view, a focus on patients, families, and communities, and acting together over time.

Originality/value

This study illuminates how partnering for primary healthcare transformation is messy and complicated but can create a foundation for whole system change.
Digital readiness assessment of Italian SMEs: a case-study research
Authors: Pirola Fabiana , Cimini Chiara , Pinto Roberto
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Given the challenges that Industry 4.0 poses, the purpose of this paper is to propose a comprehensive assessment model suitable for evaluating small- and medium-size enterprises’ (SMEs) digital readiness levels, discuss the results of an assessment of 20 manufacturing SMEs using the proposed model and highlight priorities needed to undertake a successful journey towards Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts an empirical approach using multiple case studies. Starting with a literature review about maturity and readiness-assessment models for Industry 4.0, the study’s model has been built and validated through two pilot case studies, with the final model used in an extensive case studies research with 20 enterprises.

Findings

The SMEs used in this research present an intermediate readiness level with respect to Industry 4.0. They are aware of the phenomenon, but management is still taking the first steps towards identifying the most appropriate strategy to approach this Fourth Industrial Revolution. Companies need to exploit all opportunities that data availability provides in terms of knowledge creation and decision-making support, in all forms, through investments in people skills and expertise and through an infrastructure that can support data gathering, analysis and sharing.

Originality/value

The Italian industrial landscape comprises mainly SMEs, mostly needing support to understand their path towards Industry 4.0. Therefore, the proposed model specifically focuses on SMEs, given its modularity, ease of understanding and fit to SMEs’ organisational structure. Furthermore, insights from 20 Italian SMEs are examined, and a list of priorities is highlighted.
Turning points in tourism’s development: 1946-2095, a perspective article
Authors: Yeoman Ian , McMahon-Beattie Una
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper sets out to identify when, how and why tourism has changed from 1946 to 2020 using historical and future turning points.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the evolutionary paradigm from future studies and the authors’ expertise, this paper aims to provide a focussed review of the history of tourism to identify turning points drawing upon examples from Tourism Review that have transformed or will be of significance in the evolution of tourism.

Findings

This paper identifies three historical turning points which are mobility, Fordism and mass tourism and a modern-day leisure class. Three future turning points are identified including the political importance of tourism, footprint and transformational technologies.

Originality/value

By undertaking a historical analysis of the tourism literature, we can determine that Hobsbawm’s (1995, p. 46) proposition that “the future is a replication of the past” is true, as many of the debates about tourism from the past are relevant today and will be in the future. Thus, this paper identifies six turning points that are of significance to historians and futurists in understanding the evolution of tourism from 1946 to 2095.
Social–ecological feedbacks drive spatial exploitation in a northern freshwater fishery: A halo of depletion
Authors: Wilson Kyle L. , Foos Aaron , Barker Oliver E. , Farineau Anne , De Gisi Joe , Post John R.
Published: December 2019

Freshwater fisheries are complex social–ecological systems spatially structured by coupled feedbacks between people and nature. Spatial exploitation dynamics depend on angler preferences for multiple attributes that influence their site choices. Anglers then reciprocally impact local fish populations through size‐selective catch and harvest. Thus, feedbacks among angler site choices, their capture efficiency (i.e. catchability) and fish population dynamics permeate through whole landscapes.

We studied the coupled feedbacks and effects of spatial exploitation in an iconic northern freshwater fishery of conservation concern. Specifically, we evaluated several coupled feedbacks in the spatially structured Yukon lake trout fishery using a Bayesian multinomial choice model fitted to onsite interviews and fishery‐independent population assessments to identify whether: (a) trip context (day vs. multi‐day trips) shaped angler preferences and site choices, (b) catch‐based quality was influenced by a size–numbers trade‐off and density‐dependent catchability and (c) fish population structure was associated with the gravity of resource usage resulting from spatial exploitation.

Overall, we found that angler site choices were shaped by preferences for multiple characteristics including travel time and catch‐based quality. Angler preferences also varied with trip contexts—for example, anglers on day trips were less willing to travel than anglers on multi‐day trips. We detected strong density‐dependent catchability, which led to hyperstable catches and relatively few anglers dominated most of the catch.

There was a strong demographic trade‐off between lake trout body size and abundance that appeared to dynamically interact with anglers' size‐selective preferences for larger lake trout. Coupled feedbacks among angler site choices, size‐selective and hyperstable catches, and density‐dependent growth and survival appeared to structure spatial exploitation patterns leading to a halo of depletion in fish body sizes and fishing quality near urban centres.

Synthesis and applications. Feedbacks between fish and anglers affected spatial exploitation patterns leading to a halo of depletion in Yukon lake trout. We recommend fisheries' managers consider the size, distance and behaviours of nearby angler communities using measures of gravity to craft policies aligning expected resource usage with spatial conservation risks. Such approaches may help managers balance stakeholder needs with conservation targets across whole ecosystems.
Effectiveness of clear‐cuttings in non‐fragmented pine forests in relation to EU regulations for the eradication of the pine wood nematode
Authors: Robinet Christelle , Castagnone‐Sereno Philippe , Mota Manuel , Roux Géraldine , Sarniguet Corinne , Tassus Xavier , Jactel Hervé
Published: December 2019

The invasive pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is one of the most serious threats to pine forests across the world. Detected in Europe in 1999, it has largely spread despite containment measures.

Following the European Union regulations, the requested eradication measure is to fell, remove and dispose of all susceptible plants within a clear‐cut zone (CCZ) of a radius of 500 m around any infected tree. This measure is controversial since its effectiveness is questioned.

An individual‐based model, describing the dispersal of the nematode vector and the nematode transmission, was used to estimate the relationship between the radius and the effectiveness of the CCZ at eradicating the PWN.

Clear‐cutting of a 500‐m radius is poorly effective in non‐fragmented pine forests since it reduces the number of PWN transmissions by only 0.6%–11.5%. To significantly reduce the number of transmissions, the radius should be between 14 and 38 km, which is not technically nor ethically feasible.

Policy implications. Our results, based on model simulations at a fine spatial scale, prove that clear‐cutting susceptible trees 500 m around any infested tree—as requested by EU regulation to eradicate the PWN—is not effective in large and continuous pine forests. Instead, strengthened surveillance and sanitation felling could be explored.
Pollination biology in Roepera (Zygophyllaceae): How flower structure and shape influence foraging activity
Authors: Naghiloo Somayeh , Bellstedt Dirk U. , Claßen‐Bockhoff Regine
Published: December 2019

The foraging behavior of bees is a complex phenomenon that depends on numerous physical features of flowers. Of particular importance are accessibility of floral rewards, floral proportions, symmetry and orientation. The flowers of Roepera are characterized by the presence of staminal scales (SS), which play an important role in nectar protection. We studied two species of Roepera with different symmetry and flower orientation, which are mainly visited by honeybees (Apis mellifera). We aimed to show how the foraging behavior of honey bees is affected by the function of SS, floral symmetry and orientation. The foraging behavior was documented by video photography. Handling time, access to nectar, percentage of pollen/nectar foraging, percentage of pollen contact and pollen deposition site on the honey bee's body were assessed. The morphometric features of the honey bees and flowers were analyzed. We found that the SS restricted pollinator access to nectar. Our results indicated consistency of visitation patterns in zygomorphic, laterally oriented flowers of R. fuscata versus random patterns in actinomorphic, diversely oriented flowers of R. leptopetala. The relative proportions of SS and proboscis length appear to be crucial for the success of pollinators. The directionality of the honey bees' movement, together with the different positioning of reproductive organs, plays an important role in the accuracy of pollen transfer and pollination efficiency.
DsrL mediates electron transfer between NADH and rDsrAB in Allochromatium vinosum
Authors: Löffler Maria , Feldhues Julia , Venceslau Sofia S. , Kammler Lydia , Grein Fabian , Pereira Inês A. C. , Dahl Christiane
Published: December 2019

Dissimilatory sulphite reductase DsrAB occurs in sulphate/sulphite‐reducing prokaryotes, in sulphur disproportionators and also in sulphur oxidizers, where it functions in reverse. Predictions of physiological traits in metagenomic studies relying on the presence of dsrAB, other dsr genes or combinations thereof suffer from the lack of information on crucial Dsr proteins. The iron–sulphur flavoprotein DsrL is an example of this group. It has a documented essential function during sulphur oxidation and was recently also found in some metagenomes of probable sulphate and sulphite reducers. Here, we show that DsrL and reverse acting rDsrAB can form a complex and are copurified from the phototrophic sulphur oxidizer Allochromatium vinosum. Recombinant DsrL exhibits NAD(P)H:acceptor oxidoreductase activity with a strong preference for NADH over NADPH. In vitro, the rDsrABL complex effectively catalyses NADH‐dependent sulphite reduction, which is strongly enhanced by the sulphur‐binding protein DsrC. Our work reveals NAD+ as suitable in vivo electron acceptor for sulphur oxidation in organisms operating the rDsr pathway and points to reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides as electron donors for sulphite reduction in sulphate/sulphite‐reducing prokaryotes that contain DsrL. In addition, dsrL cannot be used as a marker distinguishing sulphate/sulphite reducers and sulphur oxidizers in metagenomic studies without further analysis.
Dynamics of protest and electoral politics in the Great Recession
Authors: BREMER BJÖRN , HUTTER SWEN , KRIESI HANSPETER
Published: December 2019

This article links the consequences of the Great Recession on protest and electoral politics. It innovates by combining the literature on economic voting with social movement research and by presenting the first integrated, large‐scale empirical analysis of protest mobilisation and electoral outcomes in Europe. The economic voting literature offers important insights on how and under what conditions economic crises play out in the short‐run. However, it tends to ignore the closely connected dynamics of opposition in the two arenas and the role of protests in politicising economic grievances. More specifically, it is argued that economic protests act as a ‘signalling mechanism’ by attributing blame to decision makers and by highlighting the political dimension of deteriorating economic conditions. Ultimately, massive protest mobilisation should, thus, amplify the impact of economic hardship on the electoral losses of incumbents and mainstream parties more generally. The empirical analysis to study this relationship relies on an original semi‐automated protest event dataset combined with an updated dataset of electoral outcomes in 30 European countries from 2000 to 2015. The results indicate that the dynamics of economic protests and electoral punishment are closely related and point to a destabilisation of European party systems during the Great Recession.
Hempseed in food industry: Nutritional value, health benefits, and industrial applications
Authors: Leonard William , Zhang Pangzhen , Ying Danyang , Fang Zhongxiang
Published: December 2019

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds have been consumed in Asian communities since prehistoric times. Recently, Australia, Canada, and the United States have legalized the cultivation and consumption of hempseed at low (<0.3%) tetrahydrocannabinol levels, and there's a growing interest in hempseed due to its nutritional value and pharmaceutical potential. This review aims to summarize the chemical composition, nutritional value, and potential health benefits of hempseed, as researched via in vitro and in vivo trials. The application of hempseed in the food industry is limited due to its poor performance on some functional properties, so the latest processing methods developed to improve these properties were compared. Additionally, manufacturing technologies incorporating hemp seeds into existing food products are also elaborated. This review would promote further in‐depth research on this recently approved food resources and maximize its utilization in new food product development.
A genome‐wide screen identifies genes that suppress the accumulation of spontaneous mutations in young and aged yeast cells
Authors: Novarina Daniele , Janssens Georges E. , Bokern Koen , Schut Tim , van Oerle Noor C. , Kazemier Hinke G. , Veenhoff Liesbeth M. , Chang Michael
Published: December 2019

To ensure proper transmission of genetic information, cells need to preserve and faithfully replicate their genome, and failure to do so leads to genome instability, a hallmark of both cancer and aging. Defects in genes involved in guarding genome stability cause several human progeroid syndromes, and an age‐dependent accumulation of mutations has been observed in different organisms, from yeast to mammals. However, it is unclear whether the spontaneous mutation rate changes during aging and whether specific pathways are important for genome maintenance in old cells. We developed a high‐throughput replica‐pinning approach to screen for genes important to suppress the accumulation of spontaneous mutations during yeast replicative aging. We found 13 known mutation suppression genes, and 31 genes that had no previous link to spontaneous mutagenesis, and all acted independently of age. Importantly, we identified PEX19, encoding an evolutionarily conserved peroxisome biogenesis factor, as an age‐specific mutation suppression gene. While wild‐type and pex19Δ young cells have similar spontaneous mutation rates, aged cells lacking PEX19 display an elevated mutation rate. This finding suggests that functional peroxisomes may be important to preserve genome integrity specifically in old cells.
Predictive Accuracy of Electrocardiographic Monitoring of Patients With Syncope in the Emergency Department: The SyMoNE Multicenter Study
Authors: Solbiati Monica , Dipaola Franca , Villa Paolo , Seghezzi Sonia , Casagranda Ivo , Rabajoli Filippo , Fiorini Elisa , Porta Lorenzo , Casazza Giovanni , Voza Antonio , Barbic Franca , Montano Nicola , Furlan Raffaello , Costantino Giorgio
Published: December 2019

Background

Arrhythmia is one of the most worrisome causes of syncope. Electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring is crucial for the management of non–low‐risk patients in the emergency department (ED). However, its diagnostic accuracy and optimal duration are unknown. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ECG monitoring in non–low‐risk patients with syncope in the ED.

Methods

This prospective multicenter observational study included adult patients presenting to the ED after syncope. Patients without an obvious etiology after ED evaluation who were classified by ED physicians as being at non–low risk of adverse events underwent ECG monitoring. We assessed sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic yield (defined as the proportion of patients with true‐positive ECG monitoring findings) of ECG monitoring in the identification of 7‐ and 30‐day adverse and arrhythmic events according to monitoring duration.

Results

Of 242 patients included in the study, 29 patients had 7‐day serious outcomes. Ten additional patients had serious outcomes at 30 days. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic yield of ECG monitoring in the identification of 7‐day adverse events were 0.55 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36 to 0.74], 0.93 (95% CI = 0.89 to 0.96), and 0.07 (95% CI = 0.04 to 0.10), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic yield of >12‐hour ECG monitoring in the identification of 7‐day adverse events were 0.89 (95% CI = 0.65 to 0.99), 0.78 (95% CI = 0.67 to 0.87), and 0.18 (95% CI = 0.12 to 0.28), respectively. Similar results were observed for 30‐day adverse events. The median (interquartile range) ECG monitoring time was 6.5 (6 to 15) hours. ECG monitoring findings were positive in 31 patients.

Conclusions

Although the overall diagnostic accuracy of ECG monitoring is fair, its sensitivity at >12 hours’ duration is substantially higher. These results suggest that prolonged (>12 hours) monitoring is a safe alternative to hospital admission in the management of non–low‐risk patients with syncope in the ED.
Evaluation of an autoregulatory ECMO system for total respiratory support in an acute ovine model
Authors: Conway Robert G. , Berk Zachary B. , Zhang Jiafeng , Li Tieluo , Tran Douglas , Wu Zhongjun J. , Griffith Bartley P.
Published: December 2019

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become a mainstay of therapy for patients suffering from severe respiratory failure. Ambulatory ECMO systems aim to provide long‐term out‐of‐hospital respiratory support. As a patient’s activity level changes, the required level of ECMO support varies with oxygen consumption and metabolic fluctuations. To compensate for such changes, an autoregulatory ECMO system (AR‐ECMO) has been developed and its performance was evaluated as a proof of concept in an acute ovine model. The AR‐ECMO system consists of a regular ECMO circuit and an electromechanical control system. A custom fuzzy logic control algorithm was implemented to adjust the blood flow and sweep gas flow of the ECMO circuit to meet the varying respiratory demand by utilizing two noninvasive sensors for venous oxyhemoglobin saturation and the oxygenator exhaust gas CO2concentration. Disturbance responses of the AR‐ECMO to induced acute respiratory distress were assessed for six hours in four juvenile sheep cannulated with a veno‐pulmonary artery ECMO configuration, including acute ventilator shutoff, ventilator step change (off‐on‐off), and forced desaturation. All sheep survived for the study duration. The AR‐ECMO system was able to respond and maintain stable hemodynamics and physiological blood gas contents (SpO2 = 96.3 % ± 4.29, pH 7.44 ± 0.09, pCO2 = 38.9 ± 9.9 mm Hg, and pO2=237.9 ± 123.6 mm Hg) during simulated respiratory distress. Acceptable correlation between oxygenator exhaust gas CO2and oxygenator outlet pCO2were observed (R2 = 0.84). In summary, the AR‐ECMO system successfully maintained physiologic control of peripheral oxygenation and carbon dioxide over the study period, utilizing only measurements taken directly from the ECMO circuit. The range of system response necessitates an adaptable system in the setting of variable metabolic demands. The ability of this system to respond to significant disturbances in ventilator support is encouraging. Future work to evaluate our AR‐ECMO system in long‐term, awake animal studies is necessary for further refinement.
Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for locally recurrent rectal cancer and risk factors for re‐recurrence
Authors: Ichihara Momoko , Ikeda Masataka , Uemura Mamoru , Miyake Masakazu , Miyazaki Michihiko , Kato Takeshi , Sekimoto Mitsugu
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN) metastasis is considered a distant metastasis. It is often treated by systemic chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, but complete radical resection of LPLN metastasis can sometimes achieve cure. However, the safety and efficacy of radical resection for recurrent LPLN after curative rectal surgery have not been well elucidated. Therefore, we evaluated the feasibility of laparoscopic radical surgery for recurrent LPLN compared with the conventional open approach and assessed oncological outcomes between patients with and without re‐recurrence.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 17 cases (4 open, 13 laparoscopic) who underwent radical resection for LPLN metastasis after curative rectal surgery between July 2012 and August 2016 at the National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital. Operative factors and short‐term outcomes were compared. Oncological outcome was evaluated based on the pathologic response to preoperative adjuvant therapy.

Results

The laparoscopic group's median blood loss and C‐reactive protein elevation were lower than that of the open group on postoperative day 3. The laparoscopic group also had a shorter postoperative hospital stay. The median operative time, R0 resection rate, and morbidity rate were similar between the two groups. Local re‐recurrence after LPLN resection occurred more frequently in pathologic non‐responders than responders.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery for LPLN metastasis is feasible and less invasive than open surgery. Laparoscopic radical resection of LPLN may be justified for curative intent. Patients with incomplete pathologic response to neoadjuvant therapy have a greater risk of re‐recurrence.
The danger of conflating level‐specific effects of control variables when primary interest lies in level‐2 effects
Authors: Rights Jason D. , Preacher Kristopher J. , Cole David A.
Published: December 2019

In the multilevel modelling literature, methodologists widely acknowledge that a level‐1 variable can have distinct within‐cluster and between‐cluster effects, and that failing to disaggregate these can yield a slope estimate that is an uninterpretable, conflated blend of the two. Methodologists have stated, however, that including conflated slopes of level‐1 variables in a model is not problematic if substantive interest lies only in effects of level‐2 predictors. Researchers commonly follow this advice and use methods that do not disaggregate effects of level‐1 control variables (e.g., grand mean centering) when examining effects of level‐2 predictors. The primary purpose of this paper is to show that this is a dangerous practice. When level‐specific effects of level‐1 variables differ, failing to disaggregate them can severely bias estimation of level‐2 predictor slopes. We show mathematically why this is the case and highlight factors that can exacerbate such bias. We corroborate these findings with simulations and present an empirical example, showing how such distortions can severely alter substantive conclusions. We ultimately recommend that simply including the cluster mean of the level‐1 variable as a control will alleviate the problem.
The origins of gestures and language: history, current advances and proposed theories
Authors: Prieur Jacques , Barbu Stéphanie , Blois‐Heulin Catherine , Lemasson Alban
Published: December 2019

Investigating in depth the mechanisms underlying human and non‐human primate intentional communication systems (involving gestures, vocalisations, facial expressions and eye behaviours) can shed light on the evolutionary roots of language. Reports on non‐human primates, particularly great apes, suggest that gestural communication would have been a crucial prerequisite for the emergence of language, mainly based on the evidence of large communication repertoires and their associated multifaceted nature of intentionality that are key properties of language. Such research fuels important debates on the origins of gestures and language. We review here three non‐mutually exclusive processes that can explain mainly great apes' gestural acquisition and development: phylogenetic ritualisation, ontogenetic ritualisation, and learningviasocial negotiation. We hypothesise the following scenario for the evolutionary origins of gestures: gestures would have appeared gradually through evolutionviasignal ritualisation following the principle of derived activities, with the key involvement of emotional expression and processing. The increasing level of complexity of socioecological lifestyles and associated daily manipulative activities might then have enabled the acquisition and development of different interactional strategies throughout the life cycle. Many studies support a multimodal origin of language. However, we stress that the origins of language are not only multimodal, but more broadly multicausal. We propose a multicausal theory of language origins which better explains current findings. It postulates that primates' communicative signalling is a complex trait continually shaped by a cost–benefit trade‐off of signal production and processing of interactants in relation to four closely interlinked categories of evolutionary and life cycle factors: species, individual and context‐related characteristics as well as behaviour and its characteristics. We conclude by suggesting directions for future research to improve our understanding of the evolutionary roots of gestures and language.
MiR‐1285‐5p/TMEM194A axis affects cell proliferation in breast cancer
Authors: Hironaka‐Mitsuhashi Ai , Otsuka Kurataka , Gailhouste Luc , Sanchez Calle Anna , Kumazaki Minami , Yamamoto Yusuke , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: December 2019

The onset of breast cancer among young patients is a major issue in cancer etiology. Our previous study has shown that poor prognosis in young women with breast cancer is associated with lower expression of the microRNA miR‐1285‐5p. In this study, we showed that the expression of miR‐1285‐5p is lower in tumor tissues than in normal tissues. Accumulating evidence suggests that miR‐1285‐5p plays critical roles in various types of cancers. However, the functional role of miR‐1285‐5p in breast cancer remains to be elucidated. Here, we showed the tumor‐suppressive role of miR‐1285‐5p and detailed its mechanism of action in breast cancer. Overexpression of miR‐1285‐5p significantly inhibited cell proliferation in breast cancer cells regardless of the tumor subtype. Among the target genes of miR‐1285‐5p, we found that transmembrane protein 194A (TMEM194A) was directly regulated by miR‐1285‐5p. Notably, separation of centrosomes from the nuclear envelope was observed upon knockdown of TMEM194A or overexpression of miR‐1285‐5p. In conclusion, our findings show that miR‐1285‐5p is a tumor suppressor via TMEM194A inhibition in breast cancer.
Ubiquitination of NOTCH2 by DTX3 suppresses the proliferation and migration of human esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Ding Xin‐Yu , Hu Hai‐Yang , Huang Ke‐Nan , Wei Rong‐Qiang , Min Jie , Qi Chen , Tang Hua , Qin Xiong
Published: December 2019

The NOTCH2 gene plays a role in the development of many tumors. Deltex E3 ubiquitin ligase 3 (DTX3) was identified as a novel E3 ligase for NOTCH2 and as a potential therapeutic target for esophageal cancer. However, whether DTX3 could regulate NOTCH2 to suppress the progression of esophageal carcinoma remains unknown. In our study, NOTCH2 had higher expression in human esophageal carcinoma cell lines compared to normal human esophageal epithelial cell line, and ablation of NOTCH2 suppressed the proliferation and migration of esophageal carcinoma cells. A novel E3 ligase for NOTCH2 was identified by yeast two‐hybrid (Y2H) screening, and DTX3 promoted the ubiquitination and degradation of NOTCH2. Further study showed that DTX3 overexpression suppressed the proliferation and tumorigenicity of human oesophageal carcinoma cells. The analysis of tissue samples from patients revealed that the expression of NOTCH2 was high while the expression of DTX3 was low in esophageal cancer. Furthermore, the expression of DTX3 and NOTCH2 showed a significant negative correlation in human oesophageal cancer samples. Our study suggested that the DTX3‐NOTCH2 axis plays an important role in the progression of esophageal cancer, and DTX3 acts as an anti–oncogene in esophageal carcinoma, potentially offering a therapeutic target for esophageal cancer.
A 450 million years long latitudinal gradient in age‐dependent extinction
Authors: Silvestro Daniele , Castiglione Silvia , Mondanaro Alessandro , Serio Carmela , Melchionna Marina , Piras Paolo , Di Febbraro Mirko , Carotenuto Francesco , Rook Lorenzo , Raia Pasquale
Published: December 2019

Leigh Van Valen famously stated that under constant conditions extinction probability is independent of species age. To test this 'law of constant extinction', we developed a new method using deep learning to infer age‐dependent extinction and analysed 450 myr of marine life across 21 invertebrate clades. We show that extinction rate significantly decreases with age in > 90% of the cases, indicating that most species died out soon after their appearance while those which survived experienced ever decreasing extinction risk. This age‐dependent extinction pattern is stronger towards the Equator and holds true when the potential effects of mass extinctions and taxonomic inflation are accounted for. These results suggest that the effect of biological interactions on age‐dependent extinction rate is more intense towards the tropics. We propose that the latitudinal diversity gradient and selection at the species level account for this exceptional, yet little recognised, macroevolutionary and macroecological pattern.
Local thermal adaptation and limited gene flow constrain future climate responses of a marine ecosystem engineer
Authors: Miller Adam D. , Coleman Melinda A. , Clark Jennifer , Cook Rachael , Naga Zuraya , Doblin Martina A. , Hoffmann Ary A. , Sherman Craig D. H. , Bellgrove Alecia
Published: December 2019

Rising ocean temperatures and extreme temperature events have precipitated declines and local extinctions in many marine species globally, but patterns of loss are often uneven across species ranges for reasons that are poorly understood. Knowledge of the extent of local adaptation and gene flow may explain such patterns and help predict future trajectories under scenarios of climate change. We test the extent to which local differentiation in thermal tolerance is influenced by gene flow and local adaptation using a widely distributed intertidal seaweed (Hormosira banksii) from temperate Australia. Population surveys across ~2,000 km of the species range revealed strong genetic structuring at regional and local scales (global FST = 0.243) reflecting extremely limited gene flow, while common garden experiments (14‐day exposures to 15, 18, 21°C) revealed strong site differences in early development and mortality in response to elevated temperature. Embryos from many sites spanning a longitudinal thermal gradient showed suppressed development and increased mortality to elevated water temperatures, but populations originating from warmer and more variable thermal environments tended to be less susceptible to warming. Notably, there was significant local‐scale variation in the thermal responses of embryos within regions which was corroborated by the finding of small‐scale genetic differences. We expect the observed genetic and phenotypic differentiation to lead to uneven responses to warming sea surface temperatures in this important marine foundation species. The study highlights the challenges of predicting species responses to thermal stress and the importance of management strategies that incorporate evolutionary potential for “climate‐proofing” marine ecosystems.
Urate‐induced immune programming: Consequences for gouty arthritis and hyperuricemia
Authors: Cabău Georgiana , Crișan Tania O. , Klück Viola , Popp Radu A. , Joosten Leo A. B.
Published: December 2019

Trained immunity is a process in which innate immune cells undergo functional reprogramming in response to pathogens or damage‐associated molecules leading to an enhanced non‐specific immune response to subsequent stimulation. While this capacity to respond more strongly to stimuli is beneficial for host defense, in some circumstances it can lead to maladaptive programming and chronic inflammation. Gout is characterized by persistent low‐grade inflammation and is associated with an increased number of comorbidities. Hyperuricemia is the main risk factor for gout and is linked to the development of comorbidities. Several experimental studies have shown that urate can mechanistically alter the inflammatory capacity of myeloid cells, while observational studies have indicated an association of hyperuricemia to a wide spectrum of common adult inflammatory diseases. In this review, we argue that hyperuricemia is a main culprit in the development of the long‐term systemic inflammation seen in gout. We revisit existing evidence for urate‐induced transcriptional and epigenetic reprogramming that could lead to an altered functional state of circulating monocytes consisting in enhanced responsiveness and maladaptive immune responses. By discussing specific functional adaptations of monocytes and macrophages induced by soluble urate or monosodium urate crystals and their contribution to inflammation in vitro and in vivo, we further enforce that urate is a metabolite that can induce innate immune memory and we discuss future research and possible new therapeutic approaches for gout and its comorbidities.
A randomised clinical trial to compare octyl cyanoacrylate with absorbable monofilament sutures for the closure of laparoscopic cholecystectomy port incisions
Authors: Ben Safta Yacine , Maatouk Mohamed , Bouzidi Mohamed T. , Sakly Nabil , Mabrouk Aymen , Bouafif Marwa , Sghaier Sarra , Maghraoui Hamida , Dziri Chadli , Ben Moussa Mounir
Published: December 2019

Tissue adhesives have gained increasing use as a possible method of wound closure. We compared the use of 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate (OCA) or subcuticular suture in incisions sutures for the closure of laparoscopic cholecystectomy port incisions. A prospective randomised controlled trial was performed. Patients were randomised to have closure of laparoscopic port sites using either OCA or sutures. Patients were reviewed at 24 hours and returned for follow‐up 1 week and 1 month after postoperatively. At these times, different wound characteristics were documented: Two tools were used to measure the cosmetic result using Hollander wound evaluation scale (HWES) and the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS). A total of 70 patients, 35 in each group were enrolled. The wounds were closed significantly faster in the OCA group (mean 229.16 [±43.7] seconds versus 258.82 [±51.7] seconds, P = .01). Statistically significant difference in favour of using OCA was found for dehiscence (17.1% versus none in the suture group, P = .025) after 1 week. However, no difference was found for wound dehiscence after 1 month. OCA and suture groups did not differ significantly on patient satisfaction. There were no differences in the percentage of wounds achieving optimal scores on the HWES (suture 85.7% versus OCA 74.2%, P = .169). Nerveless, wound evolution was judged to be significantly better in the OCA group using POSAS. Patients' median POSAS was 9.45 (6–11) and 11.43 (10–13) in the OCA and suture groups, respectively (P = .005), and surgeon's median POSAS was 9.42 (6–11) and 11.48 (10–13) in the OCA and suture groups, respectively (P = .006). N‐butyl‐cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive is an acceptable technique for the closure of laparoscopic wounds with less operative time, and cosmetic results are comparable to suturing.
Analysis of transcription by ChIP‐seq in the eye: Progress and challenges
Authors: Cvekl Ales
Published: December 2019

Purpose

ChIP‐seq experiments are designed to map in vivo localization of DNA‐binding transcription factors, their associated chromatin remodeling enzymes, RNA polymerase, and histone posttranslational modifications, at the genome scale. The results, coupled with analysis of gene loss‐of‐function studies by RNA‐seq, are used to reconstruct gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that govern cellular development and differentiation. In the eye, the majority of available data include lens and retina. Although some of the chromatin‐based assays can be conducted at single cell level (e.g. ATAC‐seq), mapping of transcription factors and modified histones require large numbers of cells.

Methods

Standard ChIP‐seq experiments require millions of cells. In contrast, recent modifications allow the use of <100 000 cells. Complementary ATAC‐seq experiments employ 1–50 000 individual cells. RNA‐seq experiments are included in the analysis to distinguish directly and indirectly regulated specific targets of these transcription factors.

Results

In lens, standard ChIP‐seq data exist for Pax6, H3K4me1, H3K4me3, H3K27ac, H3K27me3, and RNA polymerase II. Using ATAC‐seq, we found that Pax6 was bound both in “open” and “closed” lens chromatin domains in agreement with its dual roles as transcriptional activator and repressor.

Conclusions

Reconstructions of GRNs that govern lens and retinal morphogenesis are in progress and require joint efforts of multiple research teams. Ongoing studies to use smaller numbers of cells will be reported. Together, these data open the field for mechanistic studies of lens‐ and retinal‐specific promoters and enhancers.
Ocular thermography in keratoconus
Authors: Szentmáry Nóra , Németh Orsolya , Lepper Sabine , Milioti Georgia , Abdin Aladin , Eppig Timo , Zsolt Nagy Zoltán , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold
Published: December 2019

Keratoconus (KC) is defined as a non‐inflammatory corneal disease, however, recent studies discuss a potential inflammatory origin. 251 eyes of 132 patients with KC (TKC ‘0‐1’ to ‘4’; age 37.1 ± 13.2 years, 65.7% males) and 75 eyes of 39 healthy subjects (TKC ‘‐’, age 35.4 ± 12.8 years, 43.6% males) were examined. KC was diagnosted using slitlamp examination and corneal topo‐ (TMS‐5, Tomey, Erlangen‐Tennenlohe, Germany) and tomography (Pentacam, Wetzlar, Germany). The patients filled the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire (score ranges for normal 0–12; mild 13–22; moderate 23–32; severe 33–100 ocular surface disease) and were examined by the Ocular Surface Thermographer TG‐1000 (Tomey, Erlangen‐Tennenlohe, Germany). Main outcome measures beside OSDI were mean corneal surface temperature (CST) at the center and 2 mms from the center nasally, temporally, superiorly and inferiorly, during 10 seconds of sustained eye opening, after blinking.

OSDI Score was significantly higher in KC (30.4 ± 21.5) as in normal subjects (14.6 ± 15.3) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in central (34.2 ± 0.6 vs 34.2 ± 0.6), nasal (34.2 ± 0.6 vs 34.1 ± 0.6), temporal (34.1 ± 0.6 vs 34.2 ± 0.6) and superior (34.1 ± 0.6 vs 34.1 ± 0.6) CST between both groups (p > 0.75). OSDI Score was correlated with surface asymmetry index (SAI) and surface regularity index (SRI) of topographer and with TKC of tomographer (p < 0.006), however did not correlate with CST at the corneal center (p = 0.80). CST at corneal center was also not correlated with SAI, SRI and TKC (p > 0.18).

An increased OSDI Score may refer to corneal surface irregularity in KC, which is not accompanied by an increased CST. Further studies are necessary to clarify the potential inflammatory origin of KC.
Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy – basic optical principles
Authors: Irsch Kristina
Published: December 2019

Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (SLO) produces an ocular fundus image by moving a focused laser beam via scanning mirrors over the retina in a grid pattern and registering the reflected light from each scanned point. In confocal SLO, a pinhole is placed in front of the detector to cut off scattered or defocused light coming from outside the point of interest, which otherwise can blur the image. This results in a focused, high‐contrast image of a single tissue layer located at the focal plane. Tomographic information can be extracted by moving the plane of the pinhole. The use of various wavelengths allows for different applications, such as fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and autofluorescence imaging. This lecture will present the basic principles of SLO, as well as discuss notable applications and variants of the technology.
Optical coherence tomography ‐ machine learning
Authors: Bernardes Rui
Published: December 2019

Machine learning is a method of data analysis. It gives computers the ability to learn from data and to build models from which predictions can be made. Even though OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is mainly used to visualize retinal structures and compute thickness maps, it conveys information on subtle changes within the retina before structural ones can be identified. Exposing the machine learning model to a set of examples allows it to build a model from which predictions can be made on new data and explain differences between groups. This lecture will explain the underlying principles of machine learning and discuss potential applications in ophthalmology and CNS disorders through the imaging of the retina.