bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Takeover defense, collective action and the top management team
Authors: Tribbitt Mark A. , Yang Yi
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the interaction between the structure of the top management team, takeover defense mechanisms and firms rate of collective actions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses elements of agency theory, prospect theory and competitive dynamics research to develop a model for examining heterogeneity in the rate of collective actions among firms in the technology sector. A sample of 299 firm-year observations arrayed into panel regression analyses is used.

Findings

The findings from this study show a positive relationship between the size of the top management team and the count of collective actions when takeover defense mechanisms are present. Further this study finds a negative relationship between top management team ownership and collective actions when these same takeover defense mechanisms are present. Additionally, the female ratio of the top management team is negatively related to collective actions.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted using a sample of technological firms. These relationships may not be generalizable to firms in other contexts. Further, other elements of the firm’s governance structure (i.e. board of directors or shareholders) may play an important role in the strategic decision-making process.

Originality/value

This study expands on existing research by linking several blocks of literature, top management team literature, competitive dynamics literature and corporate governance literature, into a model to examine firm structural characteristics on the heterogeneity in the propensity to formulate collective actions among firms.
Older people’s travel and mobility needs: a reflection of a hierarchical model 10 years on
Authors: Musselwhite Charles , Haddad Hebba
Published: July 2018

Purpose

In 2010, the authors published a model of older people’s travel and mobility needs in the Quality of Ageing and Older Adults journal (Musselwhite and Haddad, 2010b). The model comprises three levels, practical (the need to get from A to B as quickly, cheaply and efficiently as possible), psychosocial (the need for independence, control and status) and aesthetic needs (the need for travel for its own sake), all which need to be fulfilled to achieve wellbeing and quality of life. Since then, the model has been translated into different languages and been cited 119 times across different formats. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Using ten years of analysing feedback that includes articles that cited the model, discussions with academics, policy makers and practitioners as well as from older people themselves, this paper reflects on the original model.

Findings

Five key themes are generated from the re-examination: the validity of the model; the utility and usefulness of needs in understanding travel behaviour and turning them into policy or practice; application of the model to different contexts; understanding the relationship between travel needs and health and wellbeing; and fitting the model to future changes in transport and social policy.

Originality/value

This reflection on this well-cited and well-used model allows a re-adjustment of the model, updating it to be used in conjunction with policy and practice, especially highlighting the need to further distinguish mobility for aesthetic needs.
Impact of contract farming on yield, costs and profitability in low‐value crop: evidence from a low‐income country
Authors: Mishra Ashok K. , Kumar Anjani , Joshi Pramod K. , D'Souza Alwin
Published: July 2018

Lentils, a low‐value and highly nutritious crop, are Nepal's largest pulse cash crop. However, the majority of the nation's smallholders produce lentils on very small plots of land. The large gap in lentil yields between Nepal and other lentil‐producing countries underscores the importance of improving yields and income of smallholders. When it comes to the financial viability of small farms, particularly in developing countries, and globalisation, contract farming (CF) may prove useful in achieving efficiency and profitability in smallholder lentil farms in Nepal. This study employs the propensity score matching approach to examine the effects of the adoption of CF on yields, profitability and costs of smallholder lentil farms in Nepal. Findings from this study reveal that contrary to popular belief, CF adoption by lentil producers in Nepal has a positive and significant effect on per‐hectare revenues, profits and yield and a negative impact on variable and transportation costs. The study finds that only very smallholder lentil farms (0.01‐0.05 ha) benefit from CF.
The impact of conservation tillage on maize yield and input demand: the case of smallholder farmers in north‐west Ethiopia
Authors: Tessema Yohannis Mulu , Asafu‐Adjaye John , Shiferaw Bekele
Published: July 2018

This study analyses the economics of conservation tillage (CT) with respect to its effect on maize yield and chemical fertiliser, herbicide, and female and male labour demand. We estimate production and input demand functions using seemingly unrelated regressions on plot‐level cross‐sectional farm household data collected in the north‐west of Ethiopia. A two‐step control function is applied to address potential endogeneity bias due to the inclusion of the CT adoption decision as an explanatory variable. Our results show that CT increases maize yield and chemical fertiliser demand. Additionally, the results show that the adoption of CT reduces female and male labour required for crop production. However, this is achieved through the increased use of herbicides, which might have an undesirable health and environmental effects.
Either Here or There: Short‐Term Study Abroad and the Discourse of Going
Authors: Barkin Gareth
Published: July 2018

This article examines practices surrounding short‐term study abroad, focusing on how its outsourcing to professional agencies can shape student encounters abroad. Through ethnographic work in Southeast Asia, I explore the “exposure model” of intercultural learning relied on by many programs. I argue that for‐profit providers, catering to administrative and neoliberal exigencies in higher education, have fostered an uncritical “discourse of going,” which subordinates consideration of pedagogical goals and outcomes to the imperative of increasing participation.
Reciprocity in Indigenous Educational Research: Beyond Compensation, Towards Decolonizing
Authors: McGregor Heather E. , Marker Michael
Published: July 2018

With questions about what it means to conduct educational research in Indigenous contexts based on reciprocal relationships, we review key contributions to the literature from Indigenous and qualitative methodologists. We identify four dimensions of reciprocity, extending the notion of reciprocity as transaction or compensation. To design research that fulfills decolonizing commitments, we find resonance with the conceptualization of reciprocity as a “stance” (Trainor and Bouchard ), rather than being achieved through any particular method.
In Search of the “Korean Part”: Reinforcing Cultural Boundaries in a Korean Language School
Authors: Park Eujin
Published: July 2018

This article draws from an ethnographic case study that examined the diverse and contradictory roles of one Korean language school in a predominantly White mid‐sized Midwestern city. While the school provided ethnic and cultural affirmation and respite from racial marginalization, it also reproduced dominant notions of culture that excluded some students from an “authentic” Korean identity. The article demonstrates that community‐based spaces play an important role in defining the boundaries of cultural “authenticity.”
Mandatory sex selection and mitochondrial transfer
Authors: Brandt Reuven
Published: July 2018

The Institute of Medicine has recently endorsed arguments put forward by John Appleby calling for mandatory sex selection against female offspring in the initial trials of mitochondrial replacement techniques. In this paper I argue that, despite this endorsement, the reasons offered by Appleby for mandatory sex selection are inadequate. I further argue that plausible revisions to Appleby's arguments still fail to convincingly defend such an intrusive policy. While I remain neutral about whether intending parents making use of mitochondrial replacement techniques ought to have access to sex selection, I conclude that to date the case for mandatory sex selection has not been satisfactorily made.
Contributions of mothers’ and fathers’ parenting to children's self‐regulation: Evidence from an adoption study
Authors: Bridgett David J. , Ganiban Jody M. , Neiderhiser Jenae M. , Natsuaki Misaki N. , Shaw Daniel S. , Reiss David , Leve Leslie D.
Published: July 2018

The origins of top‐down self‐regulation are attributed to genetic and socialization factors as evidenced by high heritability estimates from twin studies and the influential role of parenting. However, recent evidence suggests that parenting behavior itself is affected by parents’ own top‐down self‐regulation. Because children's top‐down self‐regulation is influenced by genetic factors and parenting is influenced by top‐down self‐regulation, the effects of parenting on children's top‐down self‐regulation identified in prior studies may partially reflect passive gene–environment correlation. The goal of this study was to examine parenting influences on children's top‐down self‐regulation using a longitudinal, adoption‐at‐birth design, a method of identifying parenting influences that are independent of the role of shared genetic influences on children's characteristics because adoptive parents are genetically unrelated to their adopted child. Participants (N = 361) included adoptive families and biological mothers of adopted children. Adoptive mothers’ and fathers’ harsh/negative parenting were assessed when children were 27 months of age and biological mothers’ top‐down self‐regulation was assessed when children were 54 months of age. Adopted children's top‐down self‐regulation was assessed when they were 54 and 72 months of age. Results, accounting for child gender, biological mother top‐down self‐regulation, and the potential evocative effects of adopted child anger, provide evidence that inherited influences and socialization processes uniquely contribute to children's top‐down self‐regulation. Furthermore, findings demonstrate the importance of both mother's and father's parenting behavior as an influence on young children's top‐down self‐regulation. The implications of these findings for understanding the complex mechanisms that influence children's top‐down self‐regulation are discussed.
A Needs and Readiness Assessment of the United States Refugee Resettlement Program: Focus on Syrian Asylum‐Seekers and Refugees
Authors: Utržan Damir , Wieling Elizabeth , Piehler Timothy
Published: July 2018

People fleeing from violence and persecution around the world view the United States (US) as a safe haven. But recent socio political instability and growing anti‐refugee sentiment, in light of an unprecedented global humanitarian crisis, challenge this longstanding view. To better understand the current socio political climate, this study evaluated the US Refugee Resettlement Program (USRP) by focusing on Syrian asylum‐seekers and refugees. Participants consisted of 71 resettlement organization leaders (e.g., chief operating officer and director of refugee services) who, between 2013 and 2016, collectively resettled 76 per cent of all refugees and 44 per cent of Syrians to the US. Reasons for current challenges are explored while strengths are emphasized and future directions offered, along with relevant policy and clinical implications.
Anatomical relevance of ablation to the pulmonary artery root: Clinical implications for characterizing the pulmonary sinus of Valsalva and coronary artery
Authors: Dong Xiaonan , Tang Min , Sun Qi , Zhang Shu
Published: July 2018

Background

Ablation within the pulmonary sinus of Valsalva (PSV) becomes increasingly common in certain ventricular outflow arrhythmia. Understanding the regional anatomy is intensively concerned to avoid procedure complications.

Purpose

To describe the anatomic relationships of PSV to its adjacent structures using computed tomographic coronary angiograms (CTCA).

Methods

We studied 145 patients (77 males, age 47 ± 18 years) investigated for chest pain with CTCA. The relationships between the PSV and adjacent structures were described by analysis of 2‐dimensional images and 3‐dimensional reconstructions.

Results

The left adjacent sinus (LAS) was located within 5 mm of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) in 67% cases (19% within 2 mm) and within 5 mm of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in 87% (36% within 2 mm). The anterior sinus was within 5 mm of the LAD in 1% and out of 5 mm from LMCA in all cases. Note that 93% LAS was within 5 mm of the left aortic sinus of Valsalva (LASV) (within 2 mm in 27%), remaining 80% right adjacent sinus (RAS) within 5 mm from ascending aorta. The right coronary artery (RCA) was within 5 mm of the RAS/right ventricular outflow tract in 82% cases.

Conclusions

Both the left and RASs are intimately related to the aortic root. The LAS is more often close to LMCA, LAD, and the LASV. The anterior sinus is more frequently related to LAD than LMCA. This information may help heighten operator awareness of safety for increasingly performed complex procedures in this area.
Role of oestrogen and its receptors in HEV‐associated feto‐maternal outcomes
Authors: Singh Swati , Daga Mradul K. , Kumar Ashok , Husain Syed A. , Kar Premashis
Published: July 2018

Background

Pregnant women infected with HEV develops adverse pregnancy outcomes like, abortions, intrauterine fetal death, still births, neonatal deaths, preterm delivery and maternal mortality.

Aim

To correlate oestrogen and its receptors ESR1α and ESR2β levels with HEV‐associated feto‐maternal outcomes.

Material & Methods

A total of 142 pregnant women with HEV infection and 142 pregnant controls were included in study from Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Department of Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and associated Lok Nayak Hospital (LNH), New Delhi. Three millilitre of blood sample was collected in plain for quantification of oestrogen, and its receptors ESR1α and ESR2β using commercially available third‐generation ELISA kits.

Results

The levels of oestrogen, ESR1α and ESR2β were considerably higher in HEV‐infected pregnant women (20.11 ± 18.19 ng/mL, 10.58 ± 3.27 ng/mL, 10.42 ± 4.71 ng/mL respectively) than pregnant controls (11.74 ± 6.42 ng/mL, 9.11 ± 1.63 ng/mL, 9.01 ± 1.18 ng/mL respectively)(P < 0.0001). It was found that oestrogen levels were significantly higher in pregnant women infected with HEV who had preterm delivery, low birth weight babies and fetal loss (19.64 ± 17.60 ng/mL, 19.71 ± 17.63 ng/mL, 33.62 ± 23.20 ng/mL respectively) than who had full term delivery, average birth weight babies and live babies (11.71 ± 8.77 ng/mL, 11.99 ± 9.44 ng/mL, 16.58 ± 14.98 ng/mL respectively)(P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between baby birth weight and oestrogen levels in HEV‐infected pregnant women.

Conclusion

The high level of oestrogen plays an important role in preterm delivery, low birth weight babies and fetal mortality in pregnant women with HEV infection through placental dysfunction. Moreover, oestrogen level is a significant predictor for preterm delivery and maternal mortality and ESR2β levels is a significant predictor for maternal mortality in pregnant women infected with HEV.
Knowledge and Temperance in Plato'sCharmides
Authors: Clark Justin C.
Published: July 2018

Toward the end of theCharmides, Socrates declares the search for temperance a ‘complete failure’ (175b2‐3). Despite this, commentators have suspected that the dialogue might contain an implicit answer about temperance. I propose a new interpretation: the dialogue implies that temperance is the knowledge of good and bad, when this knowledge is applied specifically to certain operations of the soul. This amounts to a kind of self‐knowledge; it also involves a kind of reflexivity, for it involves knowing about thevalueof one's knowledge. This positive reading, more than any other, makes sense of the dialogue's dramatic and dialectic features.
Triplet Excited States and Singlet Oxygen Production by Analogs of Red Wine Pyranoanthocyanins
Authors: Silva Gustavo Thalmer M. , Thomas Suma S. , Silva Cassio Pacheco , Schlothauer Jan C. , Baptista Mauricio S. , Freitas Adilson A. , Bohne Cornelia , Quina Frank H.
Published: July 2018

During the maturation of red wines, the anthocyanins of grapes are transformed into pyranoanthocyanins, which possess a pyranoflavylium cation as their basic chromophore. Photophysical properties of the singlet and triplet excited states of a series of synthetic pyranoflavylium cations were determined at room temperature in acetonitrile solution acidified with 0.10 mol dm−3 trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, to inhibit competitive excited state proton transfer) and at 77 K in a rigid TFA‐acidified isopropanol glass. In solution, the triplet states of these pyranoflavylium cations are efficiently quenched by molecular oxygen, resulting in sensitized formation of singlet oxygen, as confirmed by direct detection of the triplet‐state decay by laser flash photolysis and of singlet oxygen monomol emission in the near infrared. The strong visible light absorption, the relatively small singlet‐triplet energy differences, the excited state redox potentials and the reasonably long lifetimes of pyranoflavylium triplet states in the absence of molecular oxygen suggest that they might be useful as triplet sensitizers and/or as cationic redox initiators in polar aprotic solvents like acetonitrile.
DOES A HIGHER LEVEL OF INFRASTRUCTURE INCREASE POPULATION IN LARGE AGGLOMERATIONS? EVIDENCE FROM INDIA
Authors: Tripathi Sabyasachi
Published: July 2018

The present paper investigates the impact of infrastructure on the urban population concentration of large cities (population > 0.1 million) in India. It also assesses the status of large cities according to the availability of infrastructure and the quality of public services using data from the 2001 and 2011 Census periods. The results of Borda ranking show that cities (e.g. Shimla, Mysore, Kochi, Tumkur, Mangalore, and Thiruvananthapuram) provide greater infrastructure. Ordinary least squares regression based on factor scores estimated from principal component factor analysis show that although overall climatic condition encourages population agglomeration, spatial interaction and infrastructure have a negative impact on it. Therefore, our analysis suggests that improvement of infrastructure may not increase population agglomeration (measured by size, density, and growth rate of city population) in large cities, but will substantially improve the potential contribution of the cities to national economic growth in India by improving the ease of living and facilitating business activities.
The proanthocyanidin‐specific transcription factor MdMYBPA1 initiates anthocyanin synthesis under low‐temperature conditions in red‐fleshed apples
Authors: Wang Nan , Qu Changzhi , Jiang Shenghui , Chen Zijing , Xu Haifeng , Fang Hongcheng , Su Mengyu , Zhang Jing , Wang Yicheng , Liu Wenjun , Zhang Zongying , Lu Ninglin , Chen Xuesen
Published: July 2018

In plants, flavonoids play critical roles in resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and contribute substantially to the quality, flavor, and nutritional quality of many fruit crops. In apple (Malus × domestica), inbreeding has resulted in severe decreases in the genetic diversity and flavonoid content. Over the last decade, we have focused on the genetic improvement of apple using wild red‐fleshed apple resources (Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyana). Here, we found that the MYB transcription factors (TFs) involved in the synthesis of proanthocyanidins can be classified into TT2 and PA1 types. We characterized a PA1‐type MYB transcription factor, MdMYBPA1, from red‐fleshed apple and identified its role in flavonoid biosynthesis using overexpression and knockdown‐expression transgenes in apple calli. We explored the relationship between TT2‐ and PA1‐type MYB TFs, and found that MdMYB9/11/12 bind the MdMYBPA1 promoter. In addition, MdMYBPA1 responded to low temperature by redirecting the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway from proanthocyanidin to anthocyanin production. In binding analyses, MdbHLH33 directly bound to the low‐temperature‐responsive (LTR) cis‐element of the MdMYBPA1 promoter and promotes its activity. In addition, the calli expressing both MdMYBPA1 and MdbHLH33, which together form a complex, produced more anthocyanin under low temperature. Our findings shed light on the essential roles of PA1‐type TFs in the metabolic network of proanthocyanidin and anthocyanin synthesis in plants. Studies on red‐fleshed wild apple are beneficial for breeding new apple varieties with high flavonoid contents.
Consecutive crystallographic reorientations and superplasticity in body-centered cubic niobium nanowires
Authors: Wang Qiannan , Wang Jiangwei , Li Jixue , Zhang Ze , Mao Scott X.
Published: July 2018

Niobium nanowires show superplasticity through the close synergy of multiple deformation modes with consecutive reorientations.
Stretching vibration is a spectator in nucleophilic substitution
Authors: Stei Martin , Carrascosa Eduardo , Dörfler Alexander , Meyer Jennifer , Olasz Balázs , Czakó Gábor , Li Anyang , Guo Hua , Wester Roland
Published: July 2018

Molecular vibration often impacts chemical reactions; however, for substitution reactions, we present here a spectator mode.
If we build it, they will come
Authors: Balasubramani Anand
Published: July 2018

Our author-centric approach to publishing your research.
Bioequivalence of a Fixed-Dose Combination Tablet of the Complete Two-Drug Regimen of Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine for Treatment of HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Mehta Rashmi , Wolstenholme Allen , Di Lullo Kristin , Fu Caifeng , Joshi Shashidhar , Crauwels Herta , Givens Naomi , Vanveggel Simon , Wynne Brian , Adkison Kimberly
Published: July 2018

A complete 2-drug regimen of dolutegravir at 50 mg and rilpivirine at 25 mg was approved to treat HIV-1 infection in virologically suppressed patients after demonstrating acceptable efficacy and tolerability. This study investigated the bioequivalence and pharmacokinetics of the fixed-dose combination tablet compared with those of separate tablets.
Legionella pneumophila and Other Legionella Species Isolated from Legionellosis Patients in Japan between 2008 and 2016
Authors: Amemura-Maekawa Junko , Kura Fumiaki , Chida Kyoko , Ohya Hitomi , Kanatani Jun-ichi , Isobe Junko , Tanaka Shinobu , Nakajima Hiroshi , Hiratsuka Takahiro , Yoshino Shuji , Sakata Miho , Murai Miyo , Ohnishi Makoto ,   Working Group for Legionella in Japan F. Kodama Teine Keijinkai Hospital K. Iwabuchi Research Institute for Environmental Sciences and Public Health of Iwate Prefecture S. Fujii Research Institute for Environmental Sciences and Public Health of Iwate Prefecture Y. Yamaguchi Miyagi Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environment N. Numata Sendai City Institute of Public Health T. Konno Akita Research Center for Public Health and Environment A. Kaneko Yamagata Prefectural Institute of Public Health J.
Published: July 2018

Legionella pneumophilaserogroup 1 (SG1) is the most frequent cause of legionellosis. Our previous genetic analysis indicated that SG1 environmental isolates represented 8 major clonal complexes, consisting of 3 B groups, 2 C groups, and 3 S groups, which included major environmental isolates derived from bath water, cooling towers, and soil and puddles, respectively. Here, we surveyed clinical isolates collected from patients with legionellosis in Japan between 2008 and 2016. Most strains belonging to the B group were isolated from patients for whom bath water was the suspected or confirmed source of infection. Among the isolates derived from patients whose suspected infection source was soil or dust, most belonged to the S1 group and none belonged to the B or C groups. Additionally, the U group was discovered as a new group, which mainly included clinical isolates with unknown infection sources.
Characteristics of the Conjugative Transfer System of the IncM Plasmid pCTX-M3 and Identification of Its Putative Regulators
Authors: Dmowski Michał , Gołębiewski Marcin , Kern-Zdanowicz Izabela
Published: July 2018

Horizontal gene transfer is responsible for rapid changes in bacterial genomes, and the conjugative transfer of plasmids has a great impact on the plasticity of bacteria. Here, we present a deletion analysis of the conjugative transfer system genes of the pCTX-M3 plasmid of the IncM group, which is responsible for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes in
Enterobacteriaceae
. We found that the deletion of either of the
orf35
and
orf36
genes, which are dispensable for conjugative transfer, increased the plasmid mobilization efficiency. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis suggested the involvement of
orf35
and
orf36
in regulating the expression of transfer genes. We also revised the host range of pCTX-M3 by showing that its conjugative transfer system has a much broader host range than its replicon.
Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 (SOCS1) and SOCS3 Are Stimulated within the Eye during Experimental Murine Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in Mice with Retrovirus-Induced Immunosuppression
Authors: Chien Hsin , Alston Christine I. , Dix Richard D.
Published: July 2018

Cytomegalovirus infection frequently causes blindness in untreated HIV/AIDS patients. This virus manipulates host cells to dysregulate immune functions and drive disease. Here, we use an animal model of this disease to demonstrate that cytomegalovirus infection within eyes during retinitis causes massive upregulation of immunosuppressive host proteins called SOCS. As viral overexpression of SOCS proteins exacerbates infection with other viruses, they may also enhance cytomegalovirus infection. Alternatively, the immunosuppressive effect of SOCS proteins may be protective against immunopathology during cytomegalovirus retinitis, and in such a case SOCS mimetics or overexpression treatment strategies might be used to combat this disease. The results of this work therefore provide crucial basic knowledge that contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms of AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis and, together with future studies, may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic targets that could improve the treatment or management of this sight-threatening disease.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Disease Outcomes in a Domestic Cat Breeding Colony: Relationship to Endogenous FeLV and Other Chronic Viral Infections
Authors: Powers Jordan A. , Chiu Elliott S. , Kraberger Simona J. , Roelke-Parker Melody , Lowery Isabella , Erbeck Katelyn , Troyer Ryan , Carver Scott , VandeWoude Sue
Published: July 2018

Endogenous retroviruses are harbored by many animals, and their interactions with exogenous retroviral infections have not been widely studied. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a relevant model system to examine this question, as endogenous and exogenous forms of the virus exist. In this analysis of a large domestic cat breeding colony naturally infected with FeLV, we documented that enFeLV copy number was higher in males and inversely related to FeLV viral load and associated with better FeLV disease outcomes. Females had lower enFeLV copy numbers and were more likely to have progressive FeLV disease and FeLV-B subtypes. FFV viral load was correlated with FeLV progression. FFV, FcaGHV-1, and FeLV displayed markedly different patterns of infection with respect to host demographics. This investigation revealed complex coinfection outcomes and viral ecology of chronic infections in a closed population.
Adenovirus E1A Activation Domain Regulates H3 Acetylation Affecting Varied Steps in Transcription at Different Viral Promoters
Authors: Hsu Emily , Pennella Mario A. , Zemke Nathan R. , Eng Carol , Berk Arnold J.
Published: July 2018

Despite a wealth of data associating promoter and enhancer region histone N-terminal tail lysine acetylation with transcriptional activity, there are relatively few examples of studies that establish causation between these histone posttranslational modifications and transcription. While hypoacetylation of histone H3 lysines 18 and 27 is associated with repression, the step(s) in the overall process of transcription that is blocked at a hypoacetylated promoter is not clearly established in most instances. Studies presented here confirm that the adenovirus 2 large E1A protein activation domain interacts with p300, as reported previously (P. Pelka, J. N. G. Ablack, J. Torchia, A. S. Turnell, R. J. A. Grand, J. S. Mymryk, Nucleic Acids Res
37:
1095–1106, 2009,
https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkn1057
), and that the resulting acetylation of H3K18/27 affects varied steps in transcription at different viral promoters.
Impact of social relationships on income–laughter relationships among older people: the JAGES cross-sectional study
Authors: Imai Yurika , Nagai Masato , Ohira Tetsuya , Shirai Kokoro , Kondo Naoki , Kondo Katsunori
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Laughter has a positive and quantifiable effect on certain aspects of health, and previous studies have suggested that income influences the emotion. However, it is unknown whether social relationship-related factors modify the association between equivalised income and laughter among older people. In the present study, we examined the relationship between equivalised income and the frequency of laughter. In addition, we examined the impact of social relationship-related factors on the association between equivalised income and frequency of laughter using a cross-sectional study design.

Design

Cross-sectional study and binomial regression analysis.

Setting

We sampled from 30 municipalities in Japan.

Participants

We examined 20 752 non-disabled Japanese individuals aged ≥65 years using data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study.

Primary outcome

Frequency of laughter.

Results

Laughter increased significantly with an increase in equivalent income (p for trend <0.0001). Prevalence ratios (PR) for laughing almost every day were calculated according to quartile equivalised income after adjusting for age, instrumental activities of daily living, depression, frequency of meeting friends, number of social groups and family structure. The results revealed that PRs in Q4 (men; ≥€24 420, women; ≥€21 154) were 1.21 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.30) among men and 1.14 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.20) among women, as compared with Q1 (men; <€12 041, women; <€9518), respectively. After excluding participants with depression, the association remained significant. In addition, we found inadequate social relationships and living alone were associated with a lower frequency of laughter. In comparison with the lowest equivalent income with meeting friends less frequently and living alone, the PRs of the highest equivalent income with meeting friends frequently and living with someone were higher, respectively.

Conclusions

The results revealed a significant relationship between equivalent income and the frequency of laughter. Social relationships and family structure were also associated with the frequency of laughter.
Sexual behaviours and sexual health outcomes among young adults with limiting disabilities: findings from third British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3)
Authors: Holdsworth Elizabeth , Trifonova Viktoriya , Tanton Clare , Kuper Hannah , Datta Jessica , Macdowall Wendy , Mercer Catherine H
Published: July 2018

Objective

To explore whether the sexual behaviours and sexual health outcomes of young adults with self-reported disabilities that they perceive limit their activities (‘limiting disability’) differ from those without disability.

Design

Complex survey analyses of cross-sectional probability sample survey data collected between September 2010 and August 2012 using computer-assisted personal interviewing and computer-assisted self-interview.

Setting

British general population.

Participants

7435 women and men aged 17–34 years, resident in private households in Britain, interviewed for the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles.

Main outcome measures

Self-reported sexual behaviour and sexual health outcomes.

Results

Approximately 1 in 10 participants reported having a limiting disability. Sexual behaviours were similar between those with limiting disability and those without, with a few exceptions. Women and men with limiting disability were less likely to report having sexual partner(s) (past year, adjusted ORs (AORs) for age and social class: AORs: 0.71, 0.75, respectively). Women with limiting disability were more likely to report having same-sex partner(s) in the past 5 years (AOR: 2.39). Differences were seen in sexual health outcomes, especially among women; those with limiting disability were more likely to report having experienced non-volitional sex (ever, AOR: 3.08), STI diagnoses (ever, AOR: 1.43) and sought help/advice regarding their sex life (past year, AOR: 1.56). Women with limiting disability were also more likely to feel distressed/worried about their sex life than those without limiting disability (AORs: 1.61). None of these associations were seen in men.

Conclusions

Young adults with limiting disability, especially women, are more likely to report adverse sexual health outcomes than those without, despite comparatively few behavioural differences. It is important to ensure that people with disabilities are included in sexual health promotion and service planning, and targeted policy and programme interventions are needed to address negative sexual health outcomes disproportionally experienced by people with disabilities.
Accuracy of colorectal cancer ICD-9-CM codes in Italian administrative healthcare databases: a cross-sectional diagnostic study
Authors: Cozzolino Francesco , Bidoli Ettore , Abraha Iosief , Fusco Mario , Giovannini Gianni , Casucci Paola , Orso Massimiliano , Granata Annalisa , De Giorgi Marcello , Collarile Paolo , Ciullo Valerio , Vitale Maria Francesca , Cirocchi Roberto , Orlandi Walter , Serraino Diego , Montedori Alessandro
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesTo assess the accuracy ofInternational Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision – Clinical Modification(ICD-9-CM) codes in identifying subjects with colorectal cancer.

Design

A diagnostic accuracy study comparing ICD-9-CM codes (index test) for colorectal cancers with medical chart (as a reference standard). Case ascertainment based on neoplastic lesion(s) within the colon/rectum and histological documentation from a primary or metastatic site positive for colorectal cancer.

Setting

Administrative databases from the Umbria region, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Napoli 3 Sud (NA) region and Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) region.

Participants

We randomly selected 130 incident patients from each hospital discharge database, admitted between 2012 and 2014, having colorectal cancer ICD-9 codes located in primary position, and 94 non-cases, that is, patients having a diagnosis of cancer (ICD-9 140–239) other than colorectal cancer in primary position.

Outcome measures

Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for 153.x code (colon cancer) and for 154.x code (rectal cancer).

Results

The positive predictive value (PPV) for colon cancer diagnoses was 80% for Umbria (95% CI 73% to 87%), 81% for NA (95% CI 73% to 88%) and 80% for FVG (95% CI 72% to 87%).

The sensitivity ranged from 98% to 99%, while the specificity ranged from 78% to 80% in the three units.

For rectal cancer, the PPV was 84% for Umbria (95% CI 77% to 90%), 80% for NA (95% CI 72% to 87%) and 81% for FVG (95% CI 73% to 87%). The sensitivities ranged from 98% to 100%, while the specificity estimates from 79% to 82%.

Conclusions

Administrative databases in Italy can be a valuable tool for cancer surveillance as well as monitoring geographical and temporal variation of cancer practice.
Lifestyle, socioeconomic status and healthcare seeking among women with gynaecological cancer alarm symptoms: a combined questionnaire-based and register-based population study
Authors: Balasubramaniam Kirubakaran , Elnegaard Sandra , Rasmussen Sanne , Haastrup Peter Fentz , Christensen René dePont , Søndergaard Jens , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To determine the proportion of contacts to general practitioner (GP) with recent onset gynaecological cancer alarm symptoms (pelvic pain, postmenopausal bleeding, bleeding during intercourse or pain during intercourse) and to analyse the associations between lifestyle factors, socioeconomic status and GP contact for these symptoms.

Design

Cross-sectional survey combined with data from national registers.

Setting

The general Danish population.

Participants

A total of 25 866 non-pregnant women ≥20 years completed the survey. Women reporting at least one of four gynaecological alarm symptoms within the preceding 6 months form the study base (n=2957).

Results

The proportion of women reporting GP contact ranged from 21.1% (pain during intercourse) to 32.6% (postmenopausal bleeding). Women aged 60+ years had higher odds of reporting GP contact for at least one of the four gynaecological cancer alarm symptoms compared with those aged 20–39 years (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.89), and immigrants had higher odds of reporting GP contact for at least one of the symptoms (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.15) compared with ethnic Danish individuals. Among those reporting postmenopausal bleeding and/or bleeding during intercourse, women in the age group 60+ years had higher odds of reporting GP contact compared with those aged 20–39 years (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.33 to 5.87). A high educational level (>12 years) was positively associated with reporting GP contact for postmenopausal bleeding and/or bleeding during intercourse compared with a low educational level (<10 years) (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.19 to 4.19). No associations were found with lifestyle factors.

Conclusions

Few women contacted their GP with recent onset gynaecological cancer alarm symptoms. Higher age, being immigrant and higher educational level increased the odds of GP contact. Future studies should explore the reasons for these findings as this may aid in prompting early diagnosis and thereby improve the prognosis of gynaecological cancer.
Salmonella serovar distribution from non‐human sources in Italy; results from the IT‐Enter‐Vet network
Authors: Mancin Marzia , Barco Lisa , Losasso Carmen , Belluco Simone , Cibin Veronica , Mazzucato Matteo , Bilei Stefano , Carullo Maria Rosaria , Decastelli Lucia , Di Giannatale Elisabetta , D'Incau Mario , Goffredo Elisa , Lollai Stefano , Piraino Chiara , Scuota Stefania , Staffolani Monica , Tagliabue Silvia , Ricci Antonia
Published: July 2018

The study summarises the results obtained over the period 2002–2013 by the Italian IT‐Enter‐Vet network, aimed at collecting data on Salmonella isolates from non‐human sources. A total of 42,491 Salmonella isolates were reported with a progressive decrease over the years. S. Typhimurium was the most frequent serovar up to 2011, but then, it was overtaken by S. 4,[5],12,:i:‐, S. Derby, S. Livingstone and S. Enteritidis alternated as the third most commonly isolated serovars. With regard to the sources of isolation, S. Typhimurium was distributed ubiquitously among the animal species. On the contrary, S. 4,[5],12,:i:‐ and S. Derby were strictly associated with pigs, whereas S. Livingstone, S. Enteritidis and S. Infantis were clearly related to poultry. Intriguingly, when the frequency of serovar distribution along the food chain was considered, it was evident that S. Typhimurium and S. Derby tended to persist along the chain, as they were isolated even more frequently from foods than from animals. A similar distribution was found for S. Enteritidis and S. Hadar. Despite limitations related to non‐mandatory participation of laboratories in the network, the data presented are valuable to obtain a picture of the evolution of Salmonella from non‐human sources over time in Italy.
Nature of transients produced on hydrogen atom transfer from capsaicin
Authors: Joshi Ravi
Published: July 2018

Structure and energies of capsaicin and its probable transients formed in oxidation processes (single electron transfer and hydrogen atom transfer) have been investigated using theoretical calculations. Molecular geometries and energies of truncated and complete capsaicin structures have been optimized using density functional theory (DFT) with Becke three-parameter Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) functional and 6–31[Formula: see text]G(d) basis set. The stable geometries have been confirmed by vibrational analysis. The calculations suggest that single-electron transfer takes place at phenolic O-atom in the first step followed by delocalization of positive charge over the whole molecule. Further, the first step of hydrogen atom abstraction should take place at phenolic group due to lowest dissociation energy but post-optimization bond dissociation energy is least for benzylic group in the side chain as compared to other transients. Effect of water as a solvent on the energies has also been studied using self-consistent reaction field calculation. Similar results are obtained for truncated and complete capsaicin structures. The present study also includes Mulliken spin, charge, vibrational frequencies and assignments of frequencies of the transients. The present study provides explanation for the observation of phenoxyl radical in fast kinetic studies using pulse radiolysis study and, formation of breakdown and dimeric products in other studies.
RNA Interference Mechanisms and Applications in Plant Pathology
Authors: Rosa Cristina , Kuo Yen-Wen , Wuriyanghan Hada , Falk Bryce W.
Published: July 2018

The origin of RNA interference (RNAi), the cell sentinel system widely shared among eukaryotes that recognizes RNAs and specifically degrades or prevents their translation in cells, is suggested to predate the last eukaryote common ancestor ( 138 ). Of particular relevance to plant pathology is that in plants, but also in some fungi, insects, and lower eukaryotes, RNAi is a primary and effective antiviral defense, and recent studies have revealed that small RNAs (sRNAs) involved in RNAi play important roles in other plant diseases, including those caused by cellular plant pathogens. Because of this, and because RNAi can be manipulated to interfere with the expression of endogenous genes in an intra- or interspecific manner, RNAi has been used as a tool in studies of gene function but also for plant protection. Here, we review the discovery of RNAi, canonical mechanisms, experimental and translational applications, and new RNA-based technologies of importance to plant pathology.
Cytomegalovirus Serostatus Affects Autoreactive NK Cells and Outcomes of IL2-Based Immunotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Bernson Elin , Hallner Alexander , Sander Frida E. , Nicklasson Malin , Nilsson Malin S. , Christenson Karin , Aydin Ebru , Liljeqvist Jan-Åke , Brune Mats , Foà Robin , Aurelius Johan , Martner Anna , Hellstrand Kristoffer , Thorén Fredrik B.
Published: July 2018

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is reported to promote NK cell differentiation and education. The CMV-induced generation of highly differentiated adaptive-like NK cells has been proposed to affect favorably on the maintenance of remission in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). The impact of CMV infection and adaptive-like NK cells on relapse and survival of patients with AML not receiving allo-SCT remains unknown. We assayed CMV IgG serostatus to determine past CMV infection in 81 nontransplanted AML patients who were receiving relapse-prevention immunotherapy comprising histamine dihydrochloride and low-dose interleukin-2 (HDC/IL2; NCT01347996). CMV seropositivity correlated negatively with leukemia-free and overall survival of patients receiving HDC/IL2, but did not correlate with outcomes in a contemporary control cohort. Analysis of outcome after stratification of patients based on concordant or discordant killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and HLA genotypes implied that the negative impact of CMV seropositivity was restricted to patients lacking a ligand to inhibitory KIRs (iKIR). Previous CMV infection was also associated with fewer NK cells expressing only nonself iKIRs (NS-iKIR). We propose that CMV-driven NK cell education depletes the population of NS-iKIR NK cells, which in turn reduces the clinical benefit of relapse-preventive immunotherapy in AML. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(9); 1110–9. ©2018 AACR.
Ranolazine Prevents Levosimendan-Induced Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ellermann Christian , Kohnke Anja , Dechering Dirk G. , Kochhäuser Simon , Reinke Florian , Fehr Michael , Eckardt Lars , Frommeyer Gerrit
Published: July 2018

Objectives: Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer that is used as positive inotropic drug in acute decompensated heart failure. An increased incidence of atrial fibrillation after levosimendan-treatment was observed in clinical and experimental studies. Due to the limited range of antiarrhythmic drugs, the aim of the present study was to assess potential antiarrhythmic effects of ranolazine in levosimendan-pretreated isolated rabbit hearts. Methods: Twelve rabbit hearts were excised and retrogradely perfused employing the Langendorff setup. Left and right atrial catheters were used to record monophasic action potentials and to obtain cycle length-dependent atrial action potential durations (aAPD90) and effective refractory periods (aERP). After obtaining baseline data, 0.5 µmol/L levosimendan was infused. Subsequently, 10 µmol/L ranolazine was administered. Results: Infusion of levosimendan led to a reduction of aAPD90 (–9 ms, p < 0.05) and aERP (–13 ms, p < 0.05). Additional treatment with ranolazine prolonged aAPD90 (+23 ms, p < 0.01) and aERP (+30 ms, p < 0.05). Under baseline conditions, a predefined pacing protocol induced 77 episodes of atrial fibrillation. Infusion of levosimendan enhanced the vulnerability to atrial fibrillation (132 episodes, p = 0.14). Further treatment with ranolazine had a significant antiarrhythmic effect (61 episodes, p < 0.05). Conclusions: In this study, ranolazine seems to prevent atrial fibrillation in levosimendan-pretreated hearts. Underlying mechanism is a prolongation of atrial repolarization and aERP.