bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causes of delays on construction projects: a comprehensive list
Authors: Durdyev Serdar , Hosseini M. Reza
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic review of studies on CPD published between 1985 and 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

Before identifying common CPD, research trends were examined in terms of the number of publications in selected journals, as well as the contributions made by countries, institutions and researchers.

Findings

The findings reveal that researchers from developing countries have contributed the most to identifying the causes of CPD. A total of 149 causes of CPD were identified in a thorough review of 97 selected studies. Weather/climate conditions, poor communication, lack of coordination and conflicts between stakeholders, ineffective or improper planning, material shortages, financial problems, payment delays, equipment/plant shortage, lack of experience/qualification/competence among project stakeholders, labour shortages and poor site management were identified as the ten most common CPDs.

Originality/value

Being the first study of its type, this study provides insight into the research output related to this area and identifies a common set of CPDs, which may provide a better understanding of the key areas requiring attention where steps should be taken to minimise or control factors causing delays in construction projects.
Decomposing service conveniences in self-collection
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Wong Yiik Diew , Teo Chee-Chong , Yuen Kum Fai , Li Kevin X.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Service conveniences (SCs) play a deterministic role in motivating consumers’ participation in self-collection (via attended pickup points or unattended automated locker systems). Accordingly, the SERVCON model provides a multi-dimensional conceptualisation of SCs, whereas the Kano model explains consumers’ satisfaction formation in response to multi-dimensional service attributes. Anchored on synthesised insights of both models, the purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to qualitatively apply the SC concept to develop specific service attributes of self-collection; and second, to quantitatively examine these attributes in relation to consumers’ satisfaction formation.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative Kano model is adopted for survey questionnaire design and data analysis, and 500 valid responses are obtained from an online panel of respondents in Singapore.

Findings

SCs are decomposed into 11 service attributes reflecting access, benefit, transaction and post-benefit conveniences of self-collection services. Distinctive patterns of satisfaction formation are revealed in response to specific service attributes; for example, consumers are most responsive to improvement in transaction convenience. Furthermore, as service performance level increases, benefits of spatial accessibility diminish, whereas those of temporal accessibility increase.

Practical implications

This study reveals key service attributes influencing the self-collection services’ convenience and impact on consumers’ satisfaction. Guidelines are presented for designing an optimal resource allocation strategy for logistics service providers to promote self-collection services.

Originality/value

This study synthesises diverse logistics literature on self-collection services under the central theme of SCs, thus enriching the conceptual development of SCs with a decomposed framework of logistics service attributes.
Fake news and the willingness to share: a schemer schema and confirmatory bias perspective
Authors: Weidner Kelly , Beuk Frederik , Bal Anjali
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a theory of how corporations and brands can address the prevalence of fake news. A matrix is proposed to examine how the transparency of the motivation of the communicator disseminating fake news interacts with how well the content of the fake news coincides with a consumer’s previously held bias.

Design/methodology/approach

A dichotomy is presented examining the role of “Schemer’s Schema” transparency by confirmatory bias.

Findings

Consumers will react differently to fake news depending on their “schemer schema” and the source of the information, as well as the believability of the story based on already existing beliefs.

Research implications/limitations

This paper provides readers with a strategy to address the prevalence and reality of fake news. The purpose of this paper is theoretical in nature. While this manuscript lays the foundation for future empirical studies, said studies have not been conducted. Further, given the ever-changing nature of fake news dissemination this manuscript provides a picture at a specific time and place.

Practical implications

This manuscript provides insights for brand managers who are forced to address fake news.

Originality/value

This manuscript provides marketers with a strategy to better address fake news for organizations and brand.
Return reversal effect in Shanghai A share market
Authors: Reddy Krishna , Qamar Muhammad Ali Jibran , Rao Marriam
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The existing literature about return reversal effect in Chinese stock markets is inconclusive and controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the presence of return reversal effect in the Shanghai A stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the late-stage contrarian strategy of Malin and Bornholt (2013) for the period March 2011‒March 2016.

Findings

The results show that there is a long-term return reversal effect in the Shanghai A stock market for the period March 2011‒March 2016. When portfolios are in the formation period (P=24 months), the excess returns are significant in the holding period, Q=6, 9, 12, 24 months. Further, there is also a significant short-term momentum effect in the Shanghai A stock market. For the robustness check, a new reversal factor was introduced into the Fama‒French three-factor model. Results show that portfolios have a smaller size and have lower book-to-market ratios; the return reversal factor explains a portion of the abnormal returns and coefficient of the reversal effect is significant.

Research limitations/implications

The authors caution readers from generalizing the findings of this study, as the sample is small and the focus is only on A stocks listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Originality/value

The present research expands the current literature by providing a comprehensive information about the presence of the long-term and short-term return reversal effects in Shanghai A stock market. Furthermore, the Chinese stock markets have distinctive features in comparison to the developed stock markets in terms of government control, institutional structure, liquidity, cultural background, etc. Such differences affect the pattern in stock returns compared with those observed in developed stock markets. Contrary to previous studies, the present study also accounts for robustness checks. Finally, it also evaluates the possible reasons for the return reversal effect in the Shanghai market.
Outcomes of team creativity: a person-environment fit perspective
Authors: Bam Louzanne , De Stobbeleir Katleen , Vlok PJ
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Limited research where team creativity (TC) is positioned as an independent variable constitutes a weak point in the body of knowledge. This paper aims to offer three contributions to address this research gap: empirical research that has been conducted on the outcomes of TC is summarized; a person–environment fit perspective is applied to develop a conceptual model for TC; and directions for future empirical research are proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is conducted to identify empirical research on the outcomes of TC. This is summarized into an extension of an existing framework that organizes empirical research on the antecedents of TC. Furthermore, the fit model for TC is developed, based on a person–environment fit perspective.

Findings

Research on the outcomes of TC has focused on three themes: performance; affective state; and processes. Gaps in this body of knowledge include limited knowledge on performance outcomes and a lack of research on potential negative outcomes. Recommendations for future research include: potential moderators of the relationship between TC and two outcome, innovation and team performance, are proposed; strain and unethical decision-making are proposed as potential negative outcomes of TC; and it is proposed that incorporating a temporal dimension would improve the understanding of the cyclical manner in which certain variables and TC may interact over time.

Originality/value

The organizing framework extension summarizes existing knowledge on the outcomes of TC, and together with the fit model for TC, this offers a basis for identifying research gaps and directions for future research. Specific directions for future empirical research are proposed.
Impact of organizational politics on employee work outcomes in higher education institutions of Pakistan
Authors: Asrar-ul-Haq Muhammad , Ali Hafiz Yasir , Anwar Sadia , Iqbal Anam , Iqbal Muhammad Badr , Suleman Nazia , Sadiq Iqbal , Haris-ul-Mahasbi Muhammad
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Organizational politics has been a topic of conceptual and empirical interest for researchers and practitioners for many years. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between organizational politics and employee work outcomes in educational institutions. In addition, this paper also aims to assess the moderating role of social capital.

Design/methodology/approach

Employee perceptions about organizational politics and its impact on their work outcomes have been assessed empirically with a sample of 270 full-time employees in higher education institutions of Pakistan. The data have been collected from faculty members of five universities of Pakistan using survey method. SPSS and AMOS have been used to analyze the data and SEM has been used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate a moderating effect of social capital on the relationship between perceived organizational politics and employee outcomes, and the most significant employee outcomes are job stress, job satisfaction and turnover intentions. The findings of the study support the view that organizational politics has negative association with employee job stress and turnover intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Higher education sector in Pakistan is facing certain challenges, which affect talent retention. The findings of this study will help the administration of higher education institutions to develop effective strategies to cope with the challenges of organizational politics, such as motivation, satisfaction and retention of their employees.

Originality/value

The study adds to the literature on organizational politics by highlighting and validating its adverse effects on employee work outcomes in the context of Pakistani higher education.
Seafood Flavor Perception, Liking, Emotion, and Purchase Intent of Coated Peanuts as Affected by Coating Color and Hydrolyzed Squid Peptide Powder
Authors: Sukkhown Pattraporn , Pirak Tantawan , Chonpracha Pitchayapat , Ardoin Ryan , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: May 2019

This study evaluated effects of green compared with brown coating colors and varying levels of hydrolyzed squid peptide powder (HSP) on seafood flavor perception, sensory liking, emotions, and purchase intent (PI) of coated peanuts. Dried squid head was enzymatically hydrolyzed to produce HSP, which was then incorporated into peanut coating material at 0%, 0.89%, 1.78%, and 2.66% levels. Green‐coated peanuts (GCP) and brown‐coated peanuts (BCP) were produced and tested with U.S. consumers. A 2‐AC test (N = 100 consumers) was used to determine effects of coating colors on expected/perceived seafood flavor intensity of GCP compared with BCP at an equal HSP level based separately on looking, smelling, and tasting. Only tasting produced perceptual differences, at 1.78% and 2.66% HSP, with stronger seafood flavor intensity observed for GCP. Consumer testing (N = 160) yielded low mean seafood aroma liking scores for BCP (4.04) and GCP (4.13) at 2.66% HSP. The emotion “disgusted” was most affected by HSP addition for GCP. Presenting consumers with health benefit information (HBI) increased positive PI from 62.5% to 81.25% for BCP at 1.78% HSP, which had higher mean overall liking scores (6.05 before HBI, 6.24 after HBI) than 2.66% HSP samples. Overall liking was a significant predictor for positive PI with odds ratios of 1.52 to 2.20. Overall, green color and HSP addition levels of the coating inserted negative effects on liking, emotion, and PI of coated peanuts. This study demonstrated that HSP made from byproduct of squid processing could be successfully incorporated into coated peanuts, supporting the concept of sustainability of food supply.

Practical Application

In this study, the functional peptide ingredient made from squid head, a byproduct from seafood industry, was incorporated into coated peanuts. Effects of different coating colors (green compared with brown) and varying levels of hydrolyzed squid peptide powder on consumers’ seafood flavor perception, liking, emotions, and purchase intent of seasoned coated peanuts were clearly observed. The color of the coating material played an important visual cue that influenced product liking. Presenting consumers with health benefit information increased overall liking and positive purchase intent of the samples. Multisensory interactions of color and seafood aroma/flavor in these products should be further optimized.
Tartary Buckwheat Extract and Chitosan Coated Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Fillets Determine Their Shelf Life
Authors: Yang Xilian , Zhou Yuhui , Wang Bin , Wang Fengping , Han Peng , Li Lirong
Published: May 2019

The preservation effects of tartary buckwheat extract (T) and chitosan (C) coatings on the physicochemical (pH value, thiobarbituric acid value, Peroxide value (PV), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), K value, surface color and the texture profiles), bacteriological (total viable counts (TVC) and psychrotrophic bacteria counts (PBC)), and sensory characteristics of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets storage at 0 °C for 18 days were evaluated. The fillets coated with 0.5% T + 1.0% C, 1.0% T + 1.0% C and 1.5% T + 1.0% C maintained better quality and had longer shelf life with respect to samples coated with chitosan alone and the control. Base on the limit values of TVB‐N, K value, TVC and sensory preference scores, the shelf life of control fillets was 6 days. By contrast, shelf life of 9 days for 0.5% T + 1.0% C‐coated fillets, 12 days for 1.0% T + 1.0% C treated‐fillets, and 15 days for 1.5% T + 1.0% C‐treated fillets were obtained. Therefore, TBE combined with chitosan coatings have the potential to extend the shelf life of tilapia fillets during storage at 0 °C.

Practical Application

This study provides basic theory regarding the application of TBE to fish preservation. The edible coating of TBE combined with chitosan has potential use in developing activity food preservation coating.
Salidroside inhibits migration and invasion of poorly differentiated thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Shang Hongxia , Wang Shengnan , Yao Jinming , Guo Congcong , Dong Jianjun , Liao Lin
Published: May 2019

Background

No effective treatment is currently available for poorly differentiated thyroid cancer which is resistant to radioiodine, especially with migration and invasion. A great number of researches have revealed the anticancer effects of salidroside, but none have studied the effects of salidroside on thyroid cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effect of salidroside on migration and invasion of poorly differentiated thyroid cancer cells.

Methods

The effects of salidroside on migration, invasion and apoptosis of poorly differentiated thyroid cancer WRO cells and normal thyroid follicular epithelial Nthy‐ori 3‐1 cells were measured by wound‐healing assay, transwell migration/invasion assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression levels of MMP2 and MMP9 at RNA and protein levels in WRO cells were detected by qRT‐PCR and western blot. The phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the apoptosis‐related protein levels of Bax, cleaved caspase 3 and Bcl‐2 were assessed by western blot.

Results

Salidroside significantly suppressed migration/invasion and induced apoptosis in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer WRO cells. We further illustrated that salidroside significantly inhibited expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 at mRNA and protein levels and the phosphorylation activation of JAK2/STAT3 in WRO cells. In addition, salidroside increased expressions of pro‐apoptotic factors (Bax and cleaved caspase 3) and decreased expression of anti‐apoptotic factor (Bcl‐2) significantly in WRO cells.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that salidroside inhibits migration and invasion of WRO cells (a kind of poorly differentiated cancer cell line) significantly, which might be via suppressing JAK2‐STAT3 signaling pathway.
Histological and histochemical studies on the oviduct microcirculation of the laying Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: El‐Desoky Sara M. M. , Mustafa Fatma El‐Zahraa A.
Published: May 2019

The health of oviduct circulation is very important for normal egg production. The present work describes the histology and histochemistry of vessels of different types on the oviduct of quail. Arteria, venae and lymphatics of the oviduct were described clearly. In addition, special vascular elements were observed presenting circular, longitudinal and oblique smooth muscle fibres on the blood vessel wall. Glomus cells were observed at typical glomus vessels, atypical glomus vessels and on the wall of some of arteria and arteriolae. Also, spirally oriented blood vessels were observed. Dark brown pigment was detected in the wall of arteria, venae, lymphatics and the special types of blood vessels.
Prognostic value of enhancement rate by enhanced ultrasound in hepatitis B virus‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Zhou Guo , Cai Zhi‐Qing , Luo Jun , Hu Zi‐Xing , Luo Hao , Wu Hao , Chen Qing
Published: May 2019

Aim

To assess the prognostic significance of enhancement rate (ER) measured by contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Materials and methods

A total of 253 patients with single primary HCC undergoing preoperative CEUS and RFA were enrolled in this study. The ER were evaluated though pretreatment CEUS. After a mean follow‐up of 36.8 ± 10.2 months, the correlation of ER measured by CEUS and survival after RFA was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. The optimal cutoff ER value to predict survival was determined using receiver‐operating characteristic analysis.

Results

Mean follow‐up period for all 253 patients was 36.8 ± 10.2 months, 31.2% of patients had died at endpoint. The optimal cutoff ER value predicting survival was 2.2 dB/s. Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients with a high ER level had poorer OS (62.8 months vs 48.8 months, P = 0.02) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS = 60.2 months vs 47.4 months, P = 0.03) than patients with a low ER level. ER measured by CEUS also been confirmed as independent risk factor for overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.87; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.21–7.25; P < 0.01) and RFS (HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.08–6.21; P < 0.01) in multivariate analysis enrolling gender, BMI, tumor size, antiviral therapy, HBV DNA, histological differentiation, Child–Pugh score and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage.

Conclusions

ER measured by CEUS was a significant predictive factor for survival after RFA for HCC.
Intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety as explanatory frameworks for extreme demand avoidance in children and adolescents
Authors: Stuart Lisa , Grahame Victoria , Honey Emma , Freeston Mark
Published: May 2019

Background

Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is a proposed subtype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), characterised by extreme avoidance of demands. Demand avoidant behaviour has been proposed to be driven by an anxious need to be in control, although has never been explicitly studied. Emerging evidence suggests intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and anxiety may explain the behaviours seen in ASD. We propose these concepts may be useful starting points for furthering understanding of PDA.

Methods

In Study 1, quantitative methods examined the relationship between PDA, IU and anxiety using data collected in an online survey (N = 214). The sample included cases with clinically diagnosed PDA (n = 69) and those with no clinical diagnosis but parent‐identified features of PDA (n = 151). ‘Children with a diagnosis of PDA scored significantly higher on the IUS‐P (t(212) = 2.45, p < .05) compared to those without a diagnosis of PDA. PDA diagnosis did not impact on scores on any other measure.’ In Study 2, a selection of Study 1 participants (n = 11) were followed up with a telephone interview to gain descriptive data relating to PDA and its association with IU and anxiety.

Results

Regression analyses indicate that demand avoidant behaviour can be conceptualised in part as a possible attempt to increase certainty and predictability to alleviate increasing anxiety. Children and young people with PDA employed varying strategies to manage IU depending on the level of demand presented and degree of anxiety generated. These strategies can be represented by different features of the behaviour profile seen in PDA (control behaviour, withdrawal to fantasy, and meltdown). These behavioural features of PDA showed differential relationships with IU and anxiety, although all were predicted by IU, only meltdown demonstrated a mediation effect by anxiety.

Conclusions

This study represents one of the first attempts to conceptualise and understand the behavioural features of the PDA profile in children and young people. It builds upon emerging evidence from the ASD literature that IU is a relevant construct for conceptualising demand avoidant behaviour in children who show PDA behaviour. This has potential clinical implications for the assessment and management of PDA in children and young people.
Japanese Gentrification from a Local Community Perspective
Authors: Kırmızı Meriç
Published: May 2019

Japanese urban change after the 1990s, studied mostly under the name of reurbanization or “return to the city centres,” was little understood abroad. To locate Japan in the literature on gentrification, the Horie neighborhood in Osaka's Nishi Ward was studied as an example of post–bubble neighborhood change. The aim of this study was to account for Horie's present situation after Tachibana Street's revitalization from the perspectives of different social groups. The research, based on a three–year long qualitative field study, found that the attitudes of these various social groups to revitalization were connected to the type and intensity of their relationships with the area. Furthermore, Horie's lack of irresolvable social tensions over revitalization indicated a major difference between Japanese post–industrial urban change and other gentrification models of the Global North and South. The study concludes by suggesting we should think out of the revitalization construct to protect the local neighborhood culture.
Clinical significance of evaluating endoscopic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Nagai Yohei , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Yoshifumi , Harada Kazuto , Imai Katsunori , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Karashima Ryuichi , Koga Yuki , Nomoto Daichi , Okadome Kazuo , Ishimoto Takatsugu , Imamura Yu , Watanabe Masayuki , Baba Hideo
Published: May 2019

Background and Aim

Clinical significance of endoscopic response (ER) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for esophageal cancer has not been fully understood. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the association between ER to NAC and its clinicopathological outcomes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

In total, 141 patients who underwent NAC and subsequent esophagectomy for ESCC were included. ER to NAC was retrospectively evaluated based on macroscopic findings of the primary tumor, which was classified into three categories: endoscopic no response (eNR), endoscopic partial response (ePR), and endoscopic good response (eGR). An endoscopic responder was defined as patients with eGR/ePR.

Results

Approximately 89.4% of patients had cStage II–III disease, and 7.1% had pathological complete response. Upon ER evaluation, eNR, ePR, and eGR were observed in 46 (32.6%), 54 (38.3%), and 41 (29.1%) patients, respectively. Pathological responders significantly increased as the ER grade became better. Among preoperative clinical factors, only ER significantly correlated with pathological response in univariate and multivariate analysis. Endoscopic responders showed a significantly better prognosis than did eNR patients (P < 0.001), although the overall survival (OS) of the patients with eGR and ePR was equivalent. Endoscopic responder, ypT, ypN, and pathological responder were significant predictors of OS in the univariate analysis, and endoscopic responder, ypN, and pathological responder were independent predictors in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

This study suggests that ER can be a simple and important tool to predict the pathological response and survival of patients who undergo NAC for ESCC.
Reliance on lakes by salmon, trout and charr (Oncorhynchus,SalmoandSalvelinus): An evaluation of spawning habitats, rearing strategies and trophic polymorphisms
Authors: Arostegui Martin C. , Quinn Thomas P.
Published: May 2019

Salmonid fishes may reside within or migrate between stream and lake habitats, or undergo anadromous migrations between freshwater and the ocean. While the degree of anadromy of salmonids has been thoroughly compared, no analogous review has examined the degree of lake use. To assess the extent of reliance on lake habitat in this family, we considered 16 species of salmon, trout and charr from the generaOncorhynchus,SalmoandSalvelinus,comparing their (a) use of lakes as spawning habitat, (b) rearing strategies in lakes, and (c) occurrence and diversity of lacustrine trophic polymorphism. In identifying the primary life‐history patterns of each species and exploring the lesser‐known lacustrine behaviours, we found that the extent of reliance on lakes exhibits a negative association with the degree of anadromy.Oncorhynchusrely least on lakes,Salmoto an intermediate level andSalvelinusthe most, opposite of the general prevalence of anadromy among these genera. Lakes are critical to adfluvial and lake‐resident salmonids, but they also support anadromous and fluvial life histories by providing spawning, rearing, overwintering and/or summer refuge habitat. Adfluviality, although a non‐anadromous life history, consists of similar migration‐related traits and behaviours as anadromy, including the parr–smolt transformation, sex‐biased patterns of migration and residency, and the presence of precocious males. Lakes support life‐history variants, reproductive ecotypes and trophic morphs unique to lacustrine habitat. Therefore, conservation of salmonids is dependent on maintaining the diversity and quality of their habitats, including lakes.
Phosphorylation of Arabidopsis eIF4E and eIFiso4E by SnRK1 inhibits translation
Authors: Bruns Aaron N. , Li Sizhun , Mohannath Gireesha , Bisaro David M.
Published: May 2019

Regulation of protein synthesis is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis. In mammalian systems, translational regulatory networks have been elucidated in considerable detail. In plants, however, regulation occurs through different mechanisms that remain largely elusive. In this study, we present evidence that the Arabidopsis thaliana energy sensing kinase SnRK1, a homologue of mammalian AMP‐activated kinase and yeast sucrose non‐fermenting 1 (SNF1), inhibits translation by phosphorylating the cap binding proteins eIF4E and eIFiso4E. We establish that eIF4E and eIFiso4E contain two deeply conserved SnRK1 consensus target sites and that both interact with SnRK1 in vivo. We then demonstrate that SnRK1 phosphorylation inhibits the ability of Arabidopsis eIF4E and eIFiso4E to complement a yeast strain lacking endogenous eIF4E, and that inhibition correlates with repression of polysome formation. Finally, we show that SnRK1 over‐expression in Nicotiana benthamiana plants reduces polysome formation, and that this effect can be counteracted by transient expression of eIF4E or mutant eIF4E containing non‐phosphorylatable SnRK1 target residues, but not by a phosphomimic eIF4E. Together, these studies elucidate a novel and direct pathway for translational control in plant cells. In light of previous findings that SnRK1 conditions an innate antiviral defense and is inhibited by geminivirus pathogenicity factors, we speculate that phosphorylation of cap binding proteins may be a component of the resistance mechanism.
The syndicate structure of securitized corporate loans
Authors: Guo Zhengfeng , Zhang Shage
Published: May 2019

Securitized loans have lower lead bank shares, but larger shares held by non‐CLO (collateralized loan obligation) institutional investors than nonsecuritized loans. The result can largely be explained by their degree of information asymmetry and credit risk. We find that lead banks increase their holdings after a nonsecuritized loan becomes securitized, but they do not reduce financial exposure to securitized facilities during the boom of the CLO market. Furthermore, we find that securitized loans do not perform differently from similar nonsecuritized loans. We conclude that differences in syndicate structure are likely shaped by participants’ investment preference rather than a manifestation of adverse selection.
Changes in household poverty among South Korean young adults: Decomposition analysis for 1995, 2006 and 2016
Authors: Byun Geumsun
Published: May 2019

This study analysed the causes behind changes in the poverty rate among young South Korean households, using the 1995, 2006 and 2016 Household Income and Expenditure Survey. Labour market instability has intensified since the Asian economic crisis of 1997. This has increased the risk of poverty among young people who lack financial assets and must obtain economic security through work. The poverty rates among people aged 18–29 have steadily increased. Using Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition, this study evaluated the contribution that characteristics and structure make to poverty rate changes. The study found that the poverty rate was lower in households with a higher level of education and in households with fewer members. The study also found that the poverty rate was higher in female‐headed households and in households where fewer of its members were employed. Furthermore, the poverty rate was found to have increased among the younger population in general. These findings indicate that social policies should take into consideration the changing life circumstances of young adults.
Development of circulating CD4+ T‐cell memory
Authors: Soon Megan SF , Engel Jessica A , Lee Hyun J , Haque Ashraful
Published: May 2019

The ability of circulating CD4+ T cells to retain memories of previous antigenic encounters is a cardinal feature of the adaptive immune system. Over the past two decades, since the first description of central and effector memory T cells, many studies have examined molecular mechanisms controlling CD8+ T‐cell memory, with comparatively less research into CD4+ T‐cell memory. Here, we review a number of seminal studies showing that circulating memory CD4+ T cells develop directly from effector cells; and in so doing, preserve features of their effector precursors. We examine mechanisms controlling the development and phenotypes of memory CD4+ T cells, and provide an updated model that accommodates both the central and effector memory paradigm and the diverse T helper cell classification system.
(New) Bulgarian Enlighteners and Ambassadors? The Reinvention of National Identity in Times of Crisis
Authors: Genova Elena
Published: May 2019

Drawing on empirical data from 37 Bulgarian students and young professionals in the UK, this article explores the intersection of the discourses produced by the European crises and migrants' national identity. In Bulgaria, the crisis narrative is embedded in the arguably never‐ending democratic transition, manifested in socio‐economic instability and political volatility. Simultaneously, “Brexit Britain” is enveloped in strong Eurosceptic sentiments, propelled by a combination of austerity measures and intensified Eastern European migratory flows. Both contexts subject Bulgarian migrants to stigmatizing representations. Looking at migrants' everyday practices, the data reveals that young Bulgarians draw on the related ideas of the “new” Enlightener and Ambassador to counterbalance negative discourses. Thus, the article explores the meanings and significance attributed to the Enlighteners and the Ambassadors, arguing that the participants engage in “social creativity” and “individual mobility” strategies that lead to reinvention of national identity.
Thermodynamic properties of PrRhO3 and phase diagrams of the system Pr–Rh–O
Authors: Jacob Kallarackel T. , Muraleedharan Srilekshmi
Published: May 2019

A solid‐state electrochemical cell with yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as the electrolyte is used to measure accurately thermodynamic properties of PrRhO3 in the range of temperature from 875 to 1325 K. The standard Gibbs energy of formation of PrRhO3 with orthorhombically distorted perovskite structure from its binary oxides β‐Rh2O3 and hexagonal Pr2O3 is given by, . Invoking the Newmann‐Kopp rule, the standard enthalpy of formation from elements and standard entropy of PrRhO3 at 298.15 K are evaluated: and . Phase relations in the system Pr–Rh–O at 1200 K are computed from thermodynamic data. Calorimetric data on enthalpy of formation of two intermetallic compounds are combined with the semi‐empirical model of Miedema and phase diagram to estimate Gibbs energy of formation for the intermetallics and liquid alloys. An isothermal section of ternary phase diagram, an oxygen potential‐composition diagram in 2‐D and a 3‐D chemical potential diagram for the system Pr–Rh–O at 1200 K are presented. In addition, temperature‐composition diagrams at different oxygen pressures are developed. The diagrams provide a road map for design and optimization of processing routes for catalysts based on Rh.
Elevational and microclimatic drivers of thermal tolerance in Andean Pristimantis frogs
Authors: Pintanel Pol , Tejedo Miguel , Ron Santiago R. , Llorente Gustavo A. , Merino‐Viteri Andrés
Published: May 2019

Aim

We analysed elevational and microclimatic drivers of thermal tolerance diversity in a tropical mountain frog clade to test three macrophysiological predictions: less spatial variation in upper than lower thermal limits (Bretts’ heat‐invariant hypothesis); narrower thermal tolerance ranges in habitats with less variation in temperature (Janzen's climatic variability hypothesis); and higher level of heat impacts at lower elevations.

Location

Forest and open habitats through a 4,230‐m elevational gradient across the tropical Andes of Ecuador.

Method

We examined variability in critical thermal limits (CTmax and CTmin) and thermal breadth (TB; CTmax–CTmin) in 21 species of Pristimantis frogs. Additionally, we monitored maximum and minimum temperatures at the local scale (tmax, tmin) and estimated vulnerability to acute thermal stress from heat (CTmax–tmax) and cold (tmin–CTmin), by partitioning thermal diversity into elevational and microclimatic variation.

Results

Our results were consistent with Brett's hypothesis: elevation promotes more variation in CTmin and tmin than in CTmax and tmax. Frogs inhabiting thermally variable open habitats have higher CTmax and tmax and greater TBs than species restricted to forest habitats, which show less climatic overlap across the elevational gradient (Janzen's hypothesis). Vulnerability to heat stress was higher in open than forest habitats and did not vary with elevation.

Main conclusions

We suggest a mechanistic explanation of thermal tolerance diversity in elevational gradients by including microclimatic thermal variation. We propose that the unfeasibility to buffer minimum temperatures locally may explain the rapid increase in cold tolerance (lower CTmin) with elevation. In contrast, the relative invariability in heat tolerance (CTmax) with elevation may revolve around the organisms’ habitat selection of open‐ and canopy‐buffered habitats. Secondly, on the basis of microclimatic estimates, lowland and upland species may be equally vulnerable to temperature increase, which is contrary to the pattern inferred from regional interpolated climate estimators.
BAG3‐positive pancreatic stellate cells promote migration and invasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yuan Ye , Jiang Jing‐Yi , Wang Jia‐Mei , Sun Jia , Li Chao , Liu Bao‐Qin , Yan Jing , Meng Xiao‐Na , Wang Hua‐Qin
Published: May 2019

BAG3 is constitutively expressed in multiple types of cancer cells and its high expression is associated with tumour progression and poor prognosis of PDAC. However, little is known about the role of BAG3 in the regulation of stromal microenvironment of PDAC. The current study demonstrated that beside PDAC tumour cells, BAG3 was also expressed in some activated stroma cells in PDAC tissue, as well as in activated PSCs. In addition, the current study demonstrated that BAG3 expression in PSCs was involved in maintenance of PSCs activation and promotion of PDACs invasion via releasing multiple cytokines. The current study demonstrated that BAG3‐positive PSCs promoted invasion of PDACs via IL‐8, MCP1, TGF‐β2 and IGFBP2 in a paracrine manner. Furthermore, BAG3 sustained PSCs activation through IL‐6, TGF‐β2 and IGFBP2 in an autocrine manner. Thereby, the current study provides a new insight into the involvement of BAG3 in remodelling of stromal microenvironment favourable for malignant progression of PDAC, indicating that BAG3 might serve as a potential target for anti‐fibrosis of PDAC.
COPB2 is up‐regulated in breast cancer and plays a vital role in the metastasis via N‐cadherin and Vimentin
Authors: Bhandari Adheesh , Zheng Chen , Sindan Namita , Sindan Namrata , Quan Ruida , Xia Erjie , Thapa Yubaraj , Tamang Dependra , Wang Ouchen , Ye Xiaohe , Huang Duping
Published: May 2019

Breast cancer (BC) is a common malignant tumour for the adult female and its relative incidence has increased continuously in recent years. The primary molecular mechanisms of breast tumourigenesis remain unclear. With the sequencing technology, we found that coatomer protein complex subunit beta 2 (COPB2) gene is overexpressed in breast cancer tissues. However, the biological function of COPB2 in BC has yet to be determined. This current research demonstrates, significant up‐regulation of COPB2 in tissues of breast cancer while comparing the adjacent normal tissue both invalidated cohort and TCGA cohort. Up‐regulated expression of COPB2 was correlated with lymph node metastasis (LNM) and oestrogen receptor (ER) in the TCGA cohort and a high level of COPB2 was associated with age and lymph node metastasis in the validated cohort. Besides, logistic analysis illustrated in BC patient COPB2 expression, tumour size, age, ER and disease stage were independent high‐risk factors of LNM. Loss of function experiments revealed that down‐regulation of COPB2 could inhibit capacities of proliferation and cell invasion in MDA‐MB‐231 and BT‐549 cell lines. Moreover, underexpression of COPB2 could decrease the EMT‐related protein N‐cadherin and vimentin which may lead to cell invasion. This current research provides new shreds of evidence that COPB2 overexpression shows significant character in the progression of breast cancer. To best of our knowledge, our findings indicated that COPB2 was vital oncogene which was associated with breast cancer.
Identification of mineralocorticoid receptor target genes in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: van Weert Lisa T. C. M. , Buurstede Jacobus C. , Sips Hetty C. M. , Vettorazzi Sabine , Mol Isabel M. , Hartmann Jakob , Prekovic Stefan , Zwart Wilbert , Schmidt Mathias V. , Roozendaal Benno , Tuckermann Jan P. , Sarabdjitsingh R. Angela , Meijer Onno C.
Published: May 2019

Brain mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) respond to the same glucocorticoid hormones but can have differential effects on cellular function. Several lines of evidence suggest that MR‐specific target genes must exist and might underlie the distinct effects of the receptors. The present study aimed to identify MR‐specific target genes in the hippocampus, a brain region where MR and GR are co‐localised and play a role in the stress response. Using genome‐wide binding of both receptor types, we previously identified MR‐specific, MR‐GR overlapping and GR‐specific putative target genes. We now report altered gene expression levels of such genes in the hippocampus of forebrain MR knockout (fbMRKO) mice, killed at the time of their endogenous corticosterone peak. Of those genes associated with MR‐specific binding, the most robust effect was a 50% reduction in Jun dimerization protein 2 (Jdp2) mRNA levels in fbMRKO mice. Down‐regulation was also observed for the MR‐specific Nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (Nos1ap) and Suv3 like RNA helicase (Supv3 l1). Interestingly, the classical glucocorticoid target gene FK506 binding protein 5 (Fkbp5), which is associated with MR and GR chromatin binding, was expressed at substantially lower levels in fbMRKO mice. Subsequently, hippocampal Jdp2 was confirmed to be up‐regulated in a restraint stress model, posing Jdp2 as a bona fide MR target that is also responsive in an acute stress condition. Thus, we show that MR‐selective DNA binding can reveal functional regulation of genes and further identify distinct MR‐specific effector pathways.
Clinical outcomes and predictive relapse factors of IgG4‐related disease following treatment: a long‐term cohort study
Authors: Peng Y. , Li J. Q. , Zhang P. P. , Zhang X. , Peng L. Y. , Chen H. , Zhou J. X. , Zhang S. Z. , Yang H. X. , Liu J. J. , Guo H. F. , Li J. , Zhang X. , Zhao Y. , Zeng X. F. , Zhang F. C. , Fei Y. Y. , Zhang W.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive factors for relapse of IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) and observe the long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with IgG4‐RD.

Methods

We included in the present analysis 122 patients who were newly diagnosed with IgG4‐RD, treated with glucocorticoid (GC) monotherapy or GC and immunosuppressant combination therapy, and followed for at least 3 years. Clinical relapse, response and side effects were recorded.

Results

The cumulative relapse rates of patients in this study were 10.66%, 22.95% and 27.87% at 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively. Complete drug withdrawal was an independent risk factor for disease relapse. Higher serum IgG4 concentrations, involvement of more organs, higher IgG4 RI scores and elevation of eosinophils at baseline were closely associated with disease relapse. Re‐elevation of serum IgG4 concentrations and low GC maintenance dosage during the follow‐up period were significantly associated with clinical relapse. The GC dosage should be more than 6.25 mg day−1 as monotherapy during the maintenance stage; moreover, combining with immunosuppressants can reduce the GC dosage. Adding GC or immunosuppressants for patients with re‐elevation of serum IgG4 levels could prevent later disease relapse. No serious complications were noted during long‐term follow‐up.

Conclusions

The combination of GC with immunosuppressants was more effective than GC monotherapy during the steroid tapering and maintenance stages. Higher serum IgG4 levels, involvement of more organs, higher IgG4 RI scores, history of allergy, eosinophil elevation at baseline, re‐elevation of serum IgG4 levels and lower GC maintenance dosage at follow‐up might be predictive of relapse.
Predictive value of low testosterone concentrations regarding coronary heart disease and mortality in men and women – evidence from the FINRISK97 study
Authors: Zeller T. , Appelbaum S. , Kuulasmaa K. , Palosaari T. , Blankenberg S. , Jousilahti P. , Salomaa V. , Karakas M.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The relevance of low testosterone concentrations for incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and mortality has been discussed in various studies. Here, we evaluate the predictive value of low baseline testosterone levels in a large population‐based cohort.

Methods

We measured the serum levels of testosterone in 7671 subjects (3710 male, 3961 female) of the population‐based FINRISK97 study.

Results

The median follow‐up (FU) was 13.8 years. During the FU, a total of 779 deaths from any cause, and 395 incident CHD events were recorded. The age‐adjusted baseline testosterone levels were similar in subjects suffering incident events during FU and those without incident events during FU (men: 15.80 vs. 17.01 nmol L−1; P = 0.69, women: 1.14 vs. 1.15 nmol L−1; P = 0.92). Weak correlations of testosterone levels were found with smoking (R = 0.09; P < 0.001), HDL cholesterol levels (R = 0.22, P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (R = −0.05; P = 0.011), BMI (R = −0.23; P < 0.001) and waist‐hip‐ratio (R = −0.21; P < 0.001) in men, and with eGFR (R = −0.05; P = 0.009) in women. Kaplan–Meier analyses did not reveal a positive association of testosterone levels with incident CHD or mortality. Accordingly, also in Cox regression analyses, testosterone levels were not predictive for incident CHD or mortality – neither in men (HR 1.02 [95%CI: 0.70–1.51]; P = 0.79 for lowest versus highest quarter regarding CHD and HR 1.06 [95%CI: 0.80–1.39]; P = 0.67 regarding mortality), nor in women (HR 1.13 [95%CI: 0.69–1.85]; P = 0.56 for lowest versus highest quarter regarding CHD and HR 0.99 [95%CI: 0.71–1.39]; P = 0.80 regarding mortality).

Conclusions

Low levels of testosterone are not predictive regarding future CHD or mortality – neither in men, nor in women.
Floral development in the androdioecious tree Tapiscia sinensis: Implications for the evolution to androdioecy
Authors: Xin Gui‐Liang , Jia Guo‐Lun , Ren Xiao‐Long , Wang Yue‐Yue , Zhao Peng , Liu Wen‐Zhe
Published: May 2019

The evolutionary pathway between hermaphroditism and dioecy (females and males in a single population) draws widespread interests, and androdioecy (bisexuals and males in a single population) is rarely achieved as an intermediate state between the two breeding systems. Flower bud differentiations in the pistils of hermaphrodites and the pistillodes of males in androdioecious Tapiscia sinensis Oliv. are investigated by routine paraffin section technology, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. A phylogenetic approach is used to analyze the origin of androdioecy. In
T. sinensis, hermaphroditic flowers (HF) and male flowers (MF) experienced a similar development pattern in early flower bud differentiation, including the initiation of tepals and stamens. However, the carpel differentiation of MF and HF proceed in different patterns. In HF, the central zone bulges out and produces a ring meristem on which two to three carpel primordia emerge, which eventually developed into a normal pistil with a stigma, a style, and an ovary. However, in most MF, vestigial pistils are stem‐like (type I), and very few have an empty ovary (type II) or a sterile ovule (type III). Moreover, the evolution of sexual systems within the Huerteales indicates that hermaphroditism is the primitive character of
T.
sinensis.
Tapiscia sinensis shows different degrees of reduction between male flowers and bisexual ones in the evolution to dioecy. Functional androdioecy originated from a hermaphroditic ancestor in
T.
sinensis and, as an intermediate sexual system, involves evolution from hermaphrodites to dioecy.