bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-resolution crystal structures of Escherichia coli FtsZ bound to GDP and GTP
Authors: Schumacher Maria A. , Ohashi Tomoo , Corbin Lauren , Erickson Harold P.
Published: February 2020

Bacterial cytokinesis is mediated by the Z-ring, which is formed by the prokaryotic tubulin homolog FtsZ. Recent data indicate that the Z-ring is composed of small patches of FtsZ protofilaments that travel around the bacterial cell by treadmilling. Treadmilling involves a switch from a relaxed (R) state, favored for monomers, to a tense (T) conformation, which is favored upon association into filaments. The R conformation has been observed in numerous monomeric FtsZ crystal structures and the T conformation in Staphylococcus aureus FtsZ crystallized as assembled filaments. However, while Escherichia coli has served as a main model system for the study of the Z-ring and the associated divisome, a structure has not yet been reported for E. coli FtsZ. To address this gap, structures were determined of the E. coli FtsZ mutant FtsZ(L178E) with GDP and GTP bound to 1.35 and 1.40 Å resolution, respectively. The E. coli FtsZ(L178E) structures both crystallized as straight filaments with subunits in the R conformation. These high-resolution structures can be employed to facilitate experimental cell-division studies and their interpretation in E. coli.
Accurate computation of the rotation matrices. Errata
Authors: Navaza Jorge
Published: February 2020

Two equations in the article by Navaza [Acta Cryst. (1990), A46, 619–620] are corrected.
Gaps in post-disaster community changes in “building back better” in Ayeyarwaddy, Myanmar
Authors: Yang Yunjeong
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of disaster risk reduction (DRR) projects carried out by a Korean NGO in Ayeyarwaddy, Myanmar. The paper discusses project effectiveness, community participation and sustainability in disaster preparedness as well as the “build back better” concept.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings are drawn from a mixed methods approach consisting of focus groups, interviews of key stakeholders and a cross-sectional community household survey comparing project and neighbouring villages.

Findings

Project villages were better prepared in terms of increased awareness and participation in DRR activities. However, the qualitative data showed a low level of participation, facilitating limited changes and leaving the element of sustainability in question. Most activities were responsive rather than preventive.

Research limitations/implications

The study faced unavoidable constraints. The author was invited to assess the project only after implementation, precluding a controlled trial. With time at the site limited, an alternative systematic post hoc evaluation strategies were not feasible. The triangulation of data manages these methodological challenges to the extent possible. Still, that the positive findings on preparedness and capacity changes derive from self-assessment should be kept in mind.

Practical implications

Where appropriate, DRR projects should include measurable evaluation tools from the project design stage. DRR as a goal in of itself is not adequate to transform the region. Instead, DRR projects should consider “development-centred disaster resilience” as the ultimate goal to aim toward.

Originality/value

There have been virtually no assessments of regional DRR project effectiveness in Myanmar. The study applies the Sendai Framework as an analytical framework to assess community-based DRR, which could also be applied to other contexts.
Non-axisymmetric Homann stagnation point flow and heat transfer past a stretching/shrinking sheet using hybrid nanofluid
Authors: Khashi’ie Najiyah Safwa , Arifin Norihan Md , Pop Ioan , Nazar Roslinda , Hafidzuddin Ezad Hafidz , Wahi Nadihah
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to scrutinize the analysis of non-axisymmetric Homann stagnation point flow and heat transfer of hybrid Cu-Al2O3/water nanofluid over a stretching/shrinking flat plate.

Design/methodology/approach

The similarity transformation which fulfils the continuity equation is opted to transform the coupled momentum and energy equations into the nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Numerical solutions which are elucidated in the tables and graphs are obtained using the bvp4c solver.

Findings

Non-unique solutions (first and second) are feasible for both stretching and shrinking cases within the specific values of the parameters. First solution is the physical/real solution based on the execution of stability analysis. An upsurge of the ratio of the ambient fluid strain rate to the plate strain rate can delay the boundary layer separation, whereas a boost of the ratio of the ambient fluid shear rate to the plate strain rate only accelerates the separation of boundary layer. The heat transfer rate of hybrid nanofluid is greater for the stretching case than the shrinking case. However, for the shrinking case, the heat transfer rate intensifies with the increment of the copper (Cu) nanoparticles volume fraction, whereas a contrary result is found for the stretching case.

Originality/value

The present numerical results are original and new. It can contribute to other researchers on electing the relevant parameters to optimize the heat transfer process in the modern industry, and the right parameters to generate non-unique solution so that no misjudgment on flow and heat transfer features.
Fuzzy uncertainty and its applications in reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Woju Utino Worabo , Balu A.S.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is mainly to handle the fuzzy uncertainties present in structures appropriately. In general, uncertainties of variables are classified as aleatory and epistemic. The different sources of uncertainties in reinforced concrete structures include the randomness, mathematical models, physical models, environmental factors and gross errors. The effects of imprecise data in reinforced concrete structures are studied here by using fuzzy concepts. The aim of this paper is mainly to handle the uncertainties of variables with unclear boundaries.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the intended objective, the reinforced concrete beam subjected to flexure and shear was designed as per Euro Code (EC2). Then, different design parameters such as corrosion parameters, material properties and empirical expressions of time-dependent material properties were identified through a thorough literature review.

Findings

The fuzziness of variables was identified, and their membership functions were generated by using the heuristic method and drawn by MATLAB R2018a software. In addition to the identification of fuzziness of variables, the study further extended to design optimization of reinforced concrete structure by using fuzzy relation and fuzzy composition.

Originality/value

In the design codes of the concrete structure, the concrete grades such as C16/20, C20/25, C25/30, C30/37 and so on are provided and being adopted for design in which the intermediate grades are not considered, but using fuzzy concepts the intermediate grades of concrete can be recognized by their respective degree of membership. In the design of reinforced concrete structure using fuzzy relation and composition methods, the optimum design is considered when the degree of membership tends to unity. In addition to design optimization, the level of structural performance evaluation can also be carried out by using fuzzy concepts.
Inpatient aggression in forensic psychiatric patients with autism spectrum disorder: the role of risk and protective factors
Authors: Bosch Rianne , Chakhssi Farid , Hummelen Ko
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are overrepresented in forensic samples. However, research on risk assessment in forensic patients with ASD is scarce. The purpose of this paper was to examine the prevalence of short-term inpatient aggression and explore the risk and protective factors for aggression in forensic psychiatric patients with ASD (N = 32).

Design/methodology/approach

The association between two commonly used violence risk assessment instruments (HKT-R and SAPROF) and physical aggression during ten weeks of inpatient stay was examined in a Dutch forensic psychiatric hospital.

Findings

Results showed no significant association between HKT-R and SAPROF and incidents of physical aggression. This suggests that the commonly used assessment instruments may be of limited use for assessing the risk of short-term inpatient aggression in patients with ASD.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations to the current study include the relatively small sample size and the lack of information on index offenses. Further research with a larger, more homogeneous sample and longer follow-up is indicated to confirm the results of this study. Future research should also include the possible association between aggressive behavior of people with ASD and other factors that might be relevant, such as social cognition deficits, cognitive and sensory impairments, deficient empathy and emotion regulation problems.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to directly examine the prevalence of inpatient aggression of forensic psychiatric patients with ASD and its association with risk and protective factors.
Impact of intra-group coopetitive incentives on the performance outcomes of knowledge sharing: evidence from a randomized experiment
Authors: Liu Fuzhen , Wu Jiang , Huang Xiao , Fong Patrick S.W.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Knowledge sharing, as a kind of social behavior that incorporates collective intelligence to achieve a certain goal, has become a remarkable developing trend in recent years. Under the context of traditional teaching, this study aims to explore the manner in which students become effective in sharing knowledge to help optimize course design and improve our existing education.

Design/methodology/approach

Among 195 university students taking an elective, the effects of different incentives on group performance in completing tasks is explored on the basis of a randomized experiment.

Findings

Results show that intra-group cooperation can be helpful to student performance, whereas intra-group competition neither improves nor worsens student performance. The former is mainly driven by reciprocity, especially for that stimulated by inter-group competition, whereas the latter is stimulated by egoism. Thus, proper reciprocity can promote student behavior to increase voluntary contribution. In addition, intra-group differences do not interfere with group performance, especially task-oriented groups.

Originality/value

Certain suggestions are proposed to improve the curriculum design in large classrooms. Forming groups is the best way to strengthen student knowledge sharing. Within task-oriented groups, the incentives of inter-group competition can encourage students to deepen intra-group cooperation and thus effectively improve group performance under the conditions of external competition.
The future of tourism destination management: building productive coalitions of actor networks for complex destination development
Authors: Hartman Stefan , Wielenga Ben , Heslinga Jasper Hessel
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an enhanced understanding of the evolution of actor networks for destination development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on observations and field notes of the authors regarding evolving organizational structures in the Dutch tourism industry and the conceptualization of this stepwise evolutionary process.

Findings

The authors observe and conceptualize recurring patterns in the ways in which coalitions emerge and develop (Figure 1) and which activities they pursue.

Originality/value

New insights are provided into the emergence and evolution of multi-actor networks that are driven by sustainable destination development. These insights are useful learnings for other destinations that pursue similar goals.
E-mindfulness – the growing importance of facilitating tourists’ connections to the present moment
Authors: Stankov Uglješa , Filimonau Viachaslau , Gretzel Ulrike , Vujičić Miroslav D.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce e-mindfulness as a tourism trend. Mindfulness meditation is becoming increasingly mainstream, which is reflected in a rapidly growing number of related technology applications. Such technology-assisted mindfulness is typically referred to as e-mindfulness. The e-mindfulness trend creates opportunities for the tourism industry but also implies changed consumer perspectives on tourist experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a general review of academic literature, news reports and online resources regarding the offerings of related technologies.

Findings

Implications of e-mindfulness for consumers, tourism service providers and designers of future tourism experiences are outlined.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to conceptualize e-mindfulness as a tourism trend.
Brand expansion through reverse socialization: an example of iPhone in China
Authors: Jiao Ruoshui , Wei Jack
Published: February 2020

Purpose

One of the greatest challenges that global brands face as they expand into new markets and segments is overcoming social and cultural barriers that prevent them from being accepted by consumers. By drawing on theories of Mead’s prefigurative cultures, reverse socialization and symbolic interactionism, this paper aims to investigate the process of reverse socialization, the antecedents and its impact on parents’ attitude toward the reverse socialized brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Using in-depth interviewing method, data were collected from 20 Chinese consumers by capturing the accounts of both parents and their children involved in reverse socialization. The interpretive content analysis was used to study the data.

Findings

Reverse socialization exerts positive influence on brand attitude and facilitates parents’ adoption of the socialized brand. The brand has acquired additional symbolic meanings for Chinese consumers, which in turn enhances self-brand connections among them.

Practical implications

Managerial implications include strategies for cross-cultural marketers to maximize the acceptance of brands by elderly consumers through reverse socialization and efficiently expand the brands’ market into more segments.

Originality/value

As the first research of its kind (to the authors’ knowledge), the findings fill a gap in the marketing literature by demonstrating adult children’s influence on parents through reverse socialization.
Managing marketing communications
Authors: Zimand Sheiner Dorit , Lahav Tamar
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to focus on customer-initiated contact (CIC) discourse on Facebook brand pages. It concentrates on how brands manage CIC on Facebook when customers are more concerned with brand communications than product-related issues, price or distribution. A research framework from the perspective of consumer-initiated touch-point communication model is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Two case studies of Israeli TV ads are examined. Discourse between customers and brands on the Facebook pages of the latter are analyzed. Research was conducted in three phases: data collection, quantitative content analysis and thematic analysis.

Findings

It was demonstrated that customers use Facebook as a discourse platform for TV commercial brand advertising. However, brands are not always prepared to engage in online CIC involving advertising issues. The reply rate is moderate and the reply manner is not consistent, tending to be characterized as “official and dismissive.”

Research limitations/implications

Data collection used a sample of two case studies. However, they generated rich findings, enough to support the purpose of the study.

Originality/value

This paper expands the contemporary CIC point of view and adds an integrated marketing communications (IMC) perspective. It extends the perception of CIC from product-level customer service to brand-level discourse. Finally, it fills the research gap by using a research tool based on consumer-initiated touch-point communication model. Theoretical and practical implications are presented.
The impact of macroeconomic condition on investment-cash flow sensitivity of Indian firms
Authors: Gupta Gaurav , Mahakud Jitendra
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the macroeconomic condition on investment-cash flow sensitivity (ICFS) of Indian firms and examine whether the effect of macroeconomic condition on ICFS depends on the size and group affiliation of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical investigation is conducted using a dynamic panel data model or more specifically system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation technique.

Findings

Empirical findings postulate that the availability of cash flow influences the investment decisions which depicts that Indian manufacturing firms are internally as well as externally financially constrained. This study finds that good economic condition (period of high GDP growth rate) reduces the ICFS, although this effect is stronger for small-sized and standalone firms than the large-sized and business group affiliated firms. The authors find that macroeconomic condition has a positive and significant effect on investment decisions.

Research limitations/implications

This study has considered only the non-financial sector. The future research could explore the effect of macroeconomic condition on ICFS might be affected by firm other characteristics such as firm age and firm capital structure.

Social implications

The government should provide loan on the low rate to the small-sized firms and standalone firms because it is very difficult for these firms to finance their investment during the bad economic condition (period of low high GDP growth rate).

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by analyzing the impact of the macroeconomic condition on ICFS as well as investment decisions of the Indian manufacturing firms, which is an unexplored issue from an emerging market perspective. To the best of my knowledge, this is a first-ever study which explores the effect of macroeconomic condition on investment decisions with respect to business group affiliation and firm size.
Integrating financial, social and environmental accounting
Authors: Nicholls Jeremy Andrew
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a public policy solution to updating mainstream financial accounting from its nineteenth century roots and make it more relevant and consistent with public policy, individual investor motivations and global needs as exemplified in the sustainability development goals. Many approaches to integrating social and environmental accounts with financial accounts are additive; the two types of accounting information sit alongside each other. The opportunity to revise the basic building block of financial accounting, information to help investors make economic decisions relating to investments to increase integration and recognition that this is a public policy decision and not an accounting profession decision, is rarely considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a viewpoint on the opportunities for and benefits of integration of financial, social and environmental accounting.

Findings

The current basis of financial accounting does not reflect private investors’ motivations, and changing the basis of accounting is a public policy issue.

Research limitations/implications

This is a viewpoint paper. The pros and cons of current approaches to valuation of social and environmental outcomes are not explored.

Practical implications

Changing policy would require support from asset managers and owners, accounting bodies, civil society and politicians and would need a plan for transitioning from the existing approach.

Social implications

This is a possible starting point for formal research that could support policy changes that could result in resource allocation decisions taking account of social and environmental impacts.

Originality/value

There are several approaches for integrating social environmental and financial accounting; however, the proposal that integration would result from a change in public policy specifically clarifying and updating investor motivation provides a possible solution to many of the challenges of integration.
Review of performance assessment frameworks of e-government projects
Authors: Singh Harjit , Grover Purva , Kar Arpan Kumar , Ilavarasan P. Vigneswara
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the literature of electronic government frameworks and models to identify various constructs and their relationship to measure the performance of e-government projects.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 77 publications were identified from Scopus database after using exclusion and inclusion criteria. A total of 136 constructs were mapped across five categories. Further using network science, communities of usage of these constructs across different studies were identified.

Findings

Dominant constructs used across studies were ease of use, usefulness, user satisfaction, infrastructure, website maturity, security, user trust, transparency, empowerment, operational efficiency, service quality and information quality. This review offers directions for future research in terms of potential for constructs, which have been explored lesser in the existing literature.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides direction for the usage of theoretical lenses, constructs and association among usage for the evaluation of e-government projects, which have been used less in existing literature, and thus, has higher needs for greater exploration. Search scope is limited to Scopus database, which is one of the largest citation database.

Practical implications

It gives information to the policymakers about the importance of the dominant constructs such as user satisfaction, usefulness, ease of use, efficiency and quality, which have been used across the spectrum of studies of e-government performance assessment frameworks and models. Practitioners need to accommodate the relevance of these factors while designing processes and key performance indicators.

Originality/value

This study analyzes the e-government assessment frameworks and gives direction to theory building for future studies.
Conditions of knowledge management, innovation capability and firm performance in Colombian NTBFs
Authors: Acosta-Prado Julio César , Romero Severiche Ana Karina , Tafur-Mendoza Arnold Alejandro
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to build and analyse the validity and reliability of a measurement scale that establishes the relationship between conditions of knowledge management, innovation capability and firm performance in Colombian New Technology-Based Firms (NTBFs).

Design/methodology/approach

An instrumental study was carried out because of the design and revision of the psychometric properties of a scale. The techniques used for the statistical analysis were carried out in three sequences, namely, the first consists in collecting validity evidence based on test content; the second in an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to gather validity evidence based on internal structure; and third, estimate the test reliability of internal consistency through omega coefficient.

Findings

The results obtained show that the proposed measurement scale complies with the psychometrics properties required for a measurement instrument in social sciences.

Originality/value

The model of measurement scale, including three important constructs for firms, namely, conditions of knowledge management, innovation capability and firm performance, were not tested before for NTBFs. In this way, the present study contributes to the business sector. Finally, this scale can be useful to measure the variables studied in NTBFs of other countries, considering strategic purpose, flexible structure, information and communications technology and internal environment as internal conditions, and, as an external condition, the competitive environment, as conditions of knowledge management; exploration, exploitation and organizational ambidexterity as elements of innovation capability; and the non-economic performance and economic performance as one-dimensional structures.
A framework to support the development of quality simulation‐based learning programmes in speech–language pathology
Authors: Hewat Sally , Penman Adriana , Davidson Bronwyn , Baldac Stacey , Howells Simone , Walters Joanne , Purcell Alison , Cardell Elizabeth , McCabe Patricia , Caird Emma , Ward Elizabeth , Hill Anne E.
Published: February 2020

Background

Simulation‐based learning provides students with a safe learning environment, guaranteed exposure to specific clinical scenarios and patients, time for reflection and repetition of tasks, and an opportunity to receive feedback from multiple sources. Research including studies specific to allied health training programmes have demonstrated that simulation‐based learning also helps increase learners’ confidence and reduces anxiety related to clinical environments, activities and skills. Such evidence, together with increasing challenges in provision of workplace clinical education, has supported an expansion of integrating simulation‐based learning into university curricula.

Aims

To provide detailed information about the processes and considerations involved in the development of a simulation‐based learning programme for speech–language pathology.

Methods & Procedures

Through reflection on the development process of a 5‐day simulation‐based learning programme, and in light of existing research in simulation, this paper outlines the important steps and considerations required for the development of a simulation‐based learning programme to support student competency development in adult speech pathology range of practice areas.

Main Contribution

A proposed framework for the development of future simulation‐based learning programmes in speech–language pathology.

Conclusions & Implications

The framework can be applied to simulation‐based learning for university programmes and/or workplace training in speech–language pathology and across several other health disciplines.
Bureaucratic encounters “after neoliberalism”: Examining the supportive turn in social housing governance
Authors: Clarke Andrew , Cheshire Lynda , Parsell Cameron
Published: February 2020

It is well established that encounters between welfare bureaucracies and their clients have been reconfigured under neoliberalism to address the problem of “welfare dependency.” Contemporary bureaucratic encounters therefore entail measures to activate clients’ entrepreneurial/self‐governing capacities, and conditionality/sanctioning practices to deal with clients who behave “irresponsibly.” Despite the dominance of the neoliberal model, recent research has identified a counter‐trend in the practices of housing services away from entrepreneurializing and punitive strategies and towards a more supportive approach. This paper examines this counter‐trend and its implications for neoliberal welfare governance. To do this, it presents findings from research into social housing governance in Queensland, Australia, where the neoliberal focus on welfare independence, conditionality and sanctioning has been tempered by a new supportive approach focused on assisting vulnerable clients to maintain and benefit from access to welfare/housing support. Following Larner, we argue that this shift signals the emergence of an “after neoliberal” governmental formation, wherein key features of neoliberal governmentality are replaced by, or redeployed in the service of, progressive initiatives that address neoliberalism’s failings at the street level, but leave broader neoliberal policy settings undisturbed. We also challenge recent sociological accounts that construe supportive welfare practices as a function of an all‐encompassing neoliberal project, arguing instead for appreciation of the contingency of these developments and the progressive political affordances that they entail.
The Sister Arts: Textile Crafts between Paint, Print and Practice
Authors: Gowrley Freya
Published: February 2020

This article explores intersections between portraiture, printed genre images and conduct literature in late eighteenth‐ and early nineteenth‐century Britain, focusing on representations of textile crafts and their accoutrements. In extant scholarship needlework has been characterised as an important site of debate, a discursive locus wherein the qualities of appropriate femininity were sketched out and redefined. Centring on the very mechanisms by which this discourse operated, this article argues that visual and literary images of textile‐work were central to the creation of a grammar of respectable femininity, a symbolic language that variously advocated maternal instruction, domestic industry and marital eligibility.
The additive effects of hydroxychloroquine to maintenance therapy with standard of care in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Miyagawa Ippei , Nakano Kazuhisa , Nakayamada Shingo , Iwata Shigeru , Hanami Kentaro , Fukuyo Shunsuke , Kubo Satoshi , Kawabe Akio , Miyazaki Yusuke , Inoue Yoshino , Ueno Masanobu , Ohkubo Naoaki , Fujita Yuya , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: February 2020

Aim

In this retrospective study, the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) added to maintenance therapy according to the standard of care (SoC) was evaluated for 1 year in 101 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

The primary endpoint was the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). The secondary endpoints were the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group index, serum complement activity (CH50) levels, anti‐double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody titer, concomitant corticosteroid (CS) dose, and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) damage index. These variables were compared between the SoC + HCQ (n = 42) and SoC (n = 59) groups.

Results

The SLEDAI improved from 2 (0, 6) to 0 (0, 4) in the SoC + HCQ group (P = .038) but significantly deteriorated from 1 (0, 4) to 2 (0, 8) in the SoC group (P = .033). CH50, anti‐dsDNA antibody titer, concomitant CS dose, and SLICC damage index did not significantly change. The increase in the SLEDAI and concomitant CS dose after 1 year were all significantly greater in the SoC group, and the proportion of patients with SLEDAI flare was significantly lower in the SoC + HCQ group (SoC + HCQ: 4.76% vs SoC: 25.4%, P = .006). Univariate logistic regression analyses identified HCQ as a predictive factor for no SLEDAI flare (P = .003, odds ratio 6.81, 95% confidence interval 1.77‐45.00).

Conclusions

The use of HCQ effectively improved SLEDAI scores and was a predictive factor for the prevention of SLEDAI flare. Therefore, HCQ may be considered a potential mainstay of maintenance therapy.
S‐1 plus cisplatin with concurrent radiotherapy for locally advanced thymic carcinoma: Study protocol of LOGIK1605/JART‐1501
Authors: Fukuda Minoru , Funaki Soichiro , Yamazaki Takuya , Sato Shuntaro , Mukae Hiroshi , Takenoyama Mitsuhiro , Fukuoka Junya , Nabeshima Kazuki , Tateyama Hisashi , Ashizawa Kazuto , Hara Masaki , Seto Takashi , Okumura Meinoshin , Sugio Kenji
Published: February 2020

Thymic carcinoma is a rare epithelial tumor of the thymus with a poor prognosis, and multimodal approaches are important for its treatment. Recently, a number of studies have indicated that S‐1 treatment is effective against thymic carcinoma. S‐1 plus cisplatin with concurrent radiotherapy is a commonly used treatment for other malignancies, including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, its safety has been confirmed, and it has been reported to have a marked effect against thymic carcinoma. Therefore, we conducted a phase II study of S‐1 plus cisplatin with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy for locally advanced thymic carcinoma, in which the overall response rate was employed as the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints were overall survival, progression‐free survival, and safety.
A Daily Study Comparing Alcohol‐Related Positive and Negative Consequences for Days With Only Alcohol Use Versus Days With Simultaneous Alcohol and Marijuana Use in a Community Sample of Young Adults
Authors: Lee Christine M. , Patrick Megan E. , Fleming Charles B. , Cadigan Jennifer M. , Abdallah Devon A. , Fairlie Anne M. , Larimer Mary E.
Published: February 2020

Background

Alcohol and marijuana are psychoactive substances commonly used by young adults and are independently associated with numerous acute and long‐term consequences. Many young adults engage in simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use to cross‐fade (i.e., to enhance the effects of intoxication), although the extent to which alcohol use and alcohol‐related consequences increase on SAM occasions compared to alcohol‐only occasions is unclear. This study examines daily data among a sample of SAM users comparing SAM days to other days when young adults only used alcohol.

Methods

A sample of 409 young adults (age 18 to 25; Mage = 21.6, SD = 2.2; 50.9% women) who reported SAM use in the past month completed 2 bursts of 14 days of daily surveys (28 days in total) assessing alcohol use, alcohol‐related consequences, and SAM use.

Results

Multilevel models based on alcohol‐only and SAM days (n = 3,016 days; 391 individuals) indicated young adults drank more alcohol on SAM days compared to alcohol‐only days (with no marijuana use). Similarly, days with SAM use were associated with more alcohol‐related positive and negative consequences. The daily association between SAM use and positive consequences was statistically significant, after accounting for the amount of alcohol consumed; in contrast, the association between SAM use and negative consequences was diminished and nonsignificant.

Conclusions

Among young adult SAM users, days with SAM use were associated with more alcohol use and positive consequences compared to days they only drank alcohol. Further examination of the motivational context for engaging in SAM use, as well as potential physiological interactions between alcohol and marijuana use on alcohol’s effects, is warranted. Alcohol interventions might benefit from addressing increased alcohol use and alcohol‐related consequences as risks associated with SAM use.
Moderate Prenatal Ethanol Exposure Stimulates CXCL12/CXCR4 Chemokine System in Radial Glia Progenitor Cells in Hypothalamic Neuroepithelium and Peptide Neurons in Lateral Hypothalamus of the Embryo and Postnatal Offspring
Authors: Chang Guo‐Qing , Collier Adam D. , Karatayev Olga , Gulati Gazal , Boorgu Devi Sai Sri Kavya , Leibowitz Sarah F.
Published: February 2020

Background

Prenatal exposure to ethanol (EtOH) has lasting effects on neuropeptide and neuroimmune systems in the brain alongside detrimental alcohol‐related behaviors. At low‐to‐moderate doses, prenatal EtOH stimulates neurogenesis in lateral hypothalamus (LH) and increases neurons that express the orexigenic peptides hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt/OX) and melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH), and the proinflammatory chemokine CCL2, which through its receptor CCR2 stimulates cell differentiation and movement. Our recent studies demonstrated that CCL2 and CCR2 colocalize with MCH neurons and are involved in EtOH’s stimulatory effect on their development but show no relation to Hcrt/OX. Here, we investigated another chemokine, CXCL12, and its receptor, CXCR4, which promote neurogenesis and neuroprogenitor cell proliferation, to determine if they also exhibit peptide specificity in their response to EtOH exposure.

Methods

Pregnant rats were intraorally administered a moderate dose of EtOH (2 g/kg/d) from embryonic day 10 (E10) to E15. Their embryos and postnatal offspring were examined using real‐time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence histochemistry, to determine if EtOH affects CXCL12 and CXCR4 and the colocalization of CXCR4 with Hcrt/OX and MCH neurons in the LH and with radial glia neuroprogenitor cells in the hypothalamic neuroepithelium (NEP).

Results

Prenatal EtOH strongly stimulated CXCL12 and CXCR4 in LH neurons of embryos and postnatal offspring. This stimulation was significantly stronger in Hcrt/OX than MCH neurons in LH and also occurred in radial glia neuroprogenitor cells dense in the NEP. These effects were sexually dimorphic, consistently stronger in females than males.

Conclusions

While showing prenatal EtOH exposure to have a sexually dimorphic, stimulatory effect on CXCL12 and CXCR4 in LH similar to CCL2 and its receptor, these results reveal their distinct relationship to the peptide neurons, with the former closely related to Hcrt/OX and the latter to MCH, and they link EtOH’s actions in LH to a stimulatory effect on neuroprogenitor cells in the NEP.
Effects of Therapist Feedback on the Therapeutic Alliance and Alcohol Use Outcomes in the Outpatient Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Maisto Stephen A. , Schlauch Robert C. , Connors Gerard J. , Dearing Ronda L. , O'Hern Kelly A.
Published: February 2020

Background

It is widely accepted that the therapeutic alliance (TA) is a mediator of psychotherapy effects, but evidence is sparse that the TA is an actual mechanism of behavior change. The purpose of this study was to provide the first systematic evidence regarding the TA as a mechanism of change in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Methods

Participants were 155 adult men and women presenting for individual outpatient treatment of AUD. Each was randomly assigned to 1 of 6 experienced therapists, who did or did not receive over 3 study phases postsession participant feedback on his/her ratings of the TA. All participants received a 12‐session version of cognitive behavioral therapy for AUD. Participants rated the TA by use of the California Psychotherapy Alliance Scale (CALPAS) and reported their daily alcohol consumption between sessions and for 1 year posttreatment by use of the timeline followback interview. Multilevel statistical models that partitioned within‐ and between‐participant effects and between‐therapist effects were run to test the effects of feedback condition on the alliance and alcohol use, and the effects of the alliance on alcohol use.

Results

The study's main hypotheses that feedback causes an enhanced therapeutic alliance and that the alliance is associated with better alcohol use outcomes were not supported.

Conclusions

Several methodological and substantive reasons for the pattern of findings are suggested, as well as directions for future research that would advance study of the TA as a mechanism of change in psychotherapy and in studying therapist effects on outcomes in general.
Perturbations in Mitochondrial Dynamics Are Closely Involved in the Progression of Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Palma Elena , Riva Antonio , Moreno Christophe , Odena Gemma , Mudan Satvinder , Manyakin Nikolai , Miquel Rosa , Degré Delphine , Trepo Eric , Sancho‐Bru Pau , Altamirano Jose , Caballeria Juan , Zamalloa Ane , Menon Krishna , Heaton Nigel , Williams Roger , Bataller Ramon , Chokshi Shilpa
Published: February 2020

Background

Mitochondria play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The preservation of functional mitochondria during toxic alcohol insults is essential for cell survival and is maintained by key processes known as mitochondrial dynamics, including fragmentation and fusion, which are regulated by mitochondria‐shaping proteins (MSP). We have shown mitochondrial dynamics to be distorted by alcohol in cellular and animal models, but the effect in humans remains unknown.

Methods

Hepatic gene expression of the main MSP involved in the mitochondrial fusion and fragmentation pathways was evaluated in patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH) by DNA microarray (n = 15) and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (n = 32). The activation of dynamin‐1‐like protein (Drp1) was also investigated in mitochondria isolated from liver biopsies of ALD patients (n = 8). The effects of alcohol on mitochondrial dynamics and on MSP protein expression were studied in human precision‐cut liver slices (PCLS) exposed for 24 hours to increasing doses of ethanol (EtOH; 50 to 250 mM).

Results

A profound hyperactivation of the fragmentation pathway was observed in AH patients, with a significant increase in the expression of Drp1 and its adapters/receptors. The translocation of Drp1 to the mitochondria was also induced in patients with severe ALD and was affected in the PCLS with short‐term exposure to EtOH but only mildly. The fusion pathway was not altered in ALD, and this was confirmed in the PCLS model.

Conclusions

The present study reveals the role of mitochondrial dynamics in human ALD, confirming our previous observations in animal and cell culture models of ALD. Taken together, we show that alcohol has a significant impact on the fragmentation pathway, and we confirm Drp1 as a potential therapeutic target in severe ALD.
Dynamic cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance of TruNatomy compared with different nickel–titanium rotary instruments
Authors: Elnaghy Amr M. , Elsaka Shaymaa E. , Elshazli Alaa H.
Published: February 2020

This study evaluated the dynamic cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance of recently introduced TruNatomy instruments (TRN) and compare with HyFlex CM (HFC), Vortex Blue (VB) and FlexMaster (FM) instruments. Size 20, 0.04 taper of TRN, HFC, VB and FM instruments was tested for dynamic cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance. Dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance was evaluated using an artificial canal with a radius of 5 mm and a 90° angle of curvature. The number of cycles to failure (NCF) was calculated. The dynamic torsional fatigue resistance was evaluated by holding a 5 mm of the tip of each instrument in a metal block with composite resin. Torsional fatigue resistance was recorded by counting the number of load applications before fracture for each instrument. The HFC instruments had greater fatigue resistance than VB, TRN and FM. FM had a higher resistance to torsional stress than TRN, HFC and VB instruments.
Evaluation of the attraction, lethal and sublethal effects of the faeces of ivermectin‐treated cattle on the dung beetle Digitonthophagus gazella (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Rodríguez‐Vivas Roger I , Basto‐Estrella Gertrudis S , Reyes‐Novelo Enrique , Arceo‐Moran Andreyna Arisbe , Arcila‐Fuentes William R , Ojeda‐Chi Melina M , Martínez‐M Imelda
Published: February 2020

The attraction of the Digitonthophagus gazella dung beetle to the excreta of cattle treated with ivermectin (IVM) at 1% under controlled and field conditions (Phase 1) as well as the lethal (mortality) and sublethal effects (fecundity, emergence, and dung removal) of the excreta of bovines treated with IVM‐1% and IVM‐3.15% were evaluated (Phase 2). In Phase 1, an olfactometer was used to evaluate the attraction/repellency in the laboratory and field‐controlled conditions using faeces of cattle recovered on 5, 14, 21 and 28 days posttreatment (DPT) from animals treated with IVM‐1% (0.2 mg/kg) and untreated animals. Under field conditions, pitfall traps baited with faeces from animals treated with IVM‐1% (5 DPT), and untreated animals were used to evaluate the attraction/repellency for D. gazella. In all three experiments, the faeces of treated cattle did not affect (P > 0.05) the attraction/repellency of D. gazella towards IVM‐1% (P > 0.05). In Phase 2, six cattle were used: (1) three treated with subcutaneous IVM‐1% 0.2 mg/kg and (2) three treated with subcutaneous IVM‐3.15% (0.63 mg/kg). The collection of faeces was at −1 (control), 5, 14, 21 and 28 DPT. Each bioassay consisted of a terrarium with a pair of sexually mature beetles, where they received 50 g of faeces for 10 days with 15 replicates per group. The bioassays consisted of nine groups: control, IVM‐1% at 5, 14, 21 and 28 DPT and IVM‐3.15% at 5, 14, 21 and 28 DPT. There were no lethal effects on adults of D. gazella when exposed to faeces treated with IVM‐1% and IVM‐3.15%; however, faeces collected at 5 DPT from cattle treated with IVM‐1% and IVM‐3.15% showed a significant reduction in the average number of brood masses produced and in the average number of imagoes emerged (P < 0.05). There were no differences in faeces removal between treatments. In conclusion, D. gazella does not discriminate between faeces of cattle treated with IVM and untreated, and there were no lethal effects seen; however, fertility was significantly reduced at 5 DPT.
A study on morphology and morphometric parameters on skull of the Bardhoka autochthonous sheep breed in Kosovo
Authors: Gündemir Ozan , Duro Sokol , Jashari Tefik , Kahvecioğlu Oya , Demircioğlu İsmail , Mehmeti Hajrip
Published: February 2020

In this study, we aim to investigate the skull of Bardhoka sheep, which is the native breed of Kosovo by utilising normal morphometric methods. Differences between male and female were also statistically analysed. Further, the parameters that can be used in gender discrimination were also analysed. The statistical analysis was based on a sample of 24 adult skulls of Bardhoka breed with 12 female and 12 male skulls. Altogether, 31 different measurements were taken morphologically and 7 different indices were applied. Except for the measurement's values of the orbit, measurement's values of length of the cheek tooth row and the measurement's values of height of the foramen magnum, all the measured values of males were higher than females. Nasal index, cranium index and skull index values were statistically significant between both genders. It is envisaged that the findings of this study will motivate and assist other comparative studies with other autochthonous sheep and goat breeds found in the Dukagjini region or in clinical veterinary practice and even in zooarchaeology.
Predictive value of P wave terminal force in lead V1 for atrial fibrillation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Zhuoshan , Zheng Zhenda , Wu Bingyuan , Tang Leile , Xie Xujing , Dong Ruimin , Luo Yanting , Li Suhua , Zhu Jieming , Liu Jinlai
Published: February 2020

Background

Several studies have explored the association between P wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) and risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence, but the results were controversial. This meta‐analysis aimed to examine whether abnormal PTFV1 could predict AF occurrence.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for articles published before August 25, 2018. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) of AF occurrence were calculated using random‐effects models to explore the significance of PTFV1.

Results

A total of 12 studies examining 51,372 participants were included, with 9 studies analyzing PTFV1 as a categorical variable and 4 studies analyzing PTFV1 as a continuous variable. As a categorical variable, abnormal PTFV1 (>0.04 mm s) was significantly associated with AF occurrence with a pooled OR of 1.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.79, p = .01). Subgroup analysis found that ORs of studies in hemodialysis patients (OR = 4.89, 95% CI 2.54–9.90, p < .001) and acute ischemic stroke patients (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.14–2.25, p = .007) were higher than general population (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.03–1.29, p = .01). Studies from Europe (OR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.91–1.20, p = .51) yielded lower OR of endpoints compared with Asia (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.38–2.60, p < .001) and United States (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.19–1.72, p < .001). As a continuous variable, PTFV1 was also significantly associated with AF occurrence with a polled OR per 1 standard deviation (SD) change of 1.27 (95% CI 1.02–1.59, p = .03).

Conclusions

PTFV1 was significantly associated with the risk of AF and was considered to be a good predictor of AF occurrence in population with or without cardiovascular diseases.