bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reassortment, positive selection, and the inter-segmental patterns of divergence and polymorphism in influenza virus H3N2
Authors: Kim Kangchon , Park Yeongseon , Kim Yuseob
Published: July 2018

Reassortment in viruses with segmented genome is a major evolutionary process for their genetic diversity and adaptation. It is also crucial in generating different levels of sequence polymorphism among segments when positive selection occurs at different rates on them. Previous studies have detected intra-subtype reassortment events in human influenza H3N2 by between-segment incongruity in phylogenetic tree topology. Here, we quantitatively estimate the reassortment rate, probability that a pair of segments in a viral lineage become separated in a unit time, between hemmaglutinin (HA) and four non-antigenic segments (PB2, PB1, PA and NP) in human influenza virus H3N2. Using statistics that measure incongruity in tree topology or linkage disequilibrium between segments and performing simulations that are constrained to reproduce the various patterns of H3N2 molecular evolution, we infer that reassortment rate ranges between 0.001 and 0.01 assuming one generation to be 1/80 year. However, we find that a higher rate of reassortment is required to generate the observed pattern of ~40% less synonymous sequence polymorphism on HA relative to other non-HA segments, which results from recurrent selective sweeps by antigenic variants on the HA segment. Here, synonymous diversity was compared after correcting for difference in inferred mutation rates among segments, which we found significant. We also explored analytic approximations for inter-segmental difference in sequence diversity for a given reassortment rate to understand the underlying dynamics of recurrent positive selection. It is suggested that the effects of clonal interference and potentially demography-dependent rate of reassortment in the process of recurrent selective sweeps must be considered to fully explain the genomic pattern of diversity in H3N2 viruses.
Polymerase pausing induced by sequence-specific RNA-binding protein drives heterochromatin assembly
Authors: Parsa Jahan-Yar , Boudoukha Selim , Burke Jordan , Homer Christina , Madhani Hiten D.
Published: July 2018

In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, transcripts derived from the pericentromeric dg and dh repeats promote heterochromatin formation via RNAi as well as an RNAi-independent mechanism involving the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-associated RNA-binding protein Seb1 and RNA processing activities. We show that Seb1 promotes long-lived RNAPII pauses at pericentromeric repeat regions and that their presence correlates with the heterochromatin-triggering activities of the corresponding dg and dh DNA fragments. Globally increasing RNAPII stalling by other means induces the formation of novel large ectopic heterochromatin domains. Such ectopic heterochromatin occurs even in cells lacking RNAi. These results uncover Seb1-mediated polymerase stalling as a signal necessary for heterochromatin nucleation.
Identifying a missing lineage driver in a subset of lung neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Pozo Karine , Minna John D. , Johnson Jane E.
Published: July 2018

Tumor heterogeneity of a primary histologic cancer type has major implications for cancer research and therapeutics. An important and understudied aspect of this heterogeneity is the role of transcription factors that serve as “lineage oncogenes” in a tumor type. A demonstration that different subgroups have distinct dependencies on lineage-specific transcription factors is highlighted in a relatively homogenous cancer type: the pulmonary neuroendocrine cancer small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Identification of these factors is providing new insights into the origin of the heterogeneity and subtype-specific vulnerabilities in SCLC and provides a template for studying heterogeneity in other cancer types.
High-Efficiency Yeast Transformation
Authors: Reece-Hoyes John S. , Walhout Albertha J.M.
Published: July 2018

High-efficiency yeast transformation is used for integrations into YM4271 (yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) DNA-bait generation), for transforming libraries of activation domain (AD)-prey clones into Y1H and yeast two-hybrid (Y2H)-bait strains, and for gap repair. The protocol takes 2 d to complete.
Exploring selected antecedents of consumer–brand identification
Authors: Tuškej Urška , Podnar Klement
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how brand anthropomorphism (BA), consumer–brand engagement (CBE), consumer skepticism and brand prestige influence consumer–brand identification (CBI).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed theoretical model is tested using structural equation modelling approach on the data gathered from 464 consumers.

Findings

The paper shows that being more engaged in consumer–brand interactions and perceiving a brand as more humanlike and prestigious increases consumer’s identification with product brands. On the other hand, consumer skepticism towards advertising only slightly decreases their identification. CBI is shown to have a strong positive influence on brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The study restricts itself to those brands that consumers know well and are somehow close to them. It might prove worthwhile to replicate the study to broaden the inferences beyond the criteria used in this study.

Practical implications

To strengthen consumers’ identification with their brands, organisations should maintain a focus on interactions with their target consumers. Specifically, companies should expose their human-like character and engage consumers in company’s offerings. Also, companies should take care for keeping their competitive edge to be perceived as more prestigious than the competition.

Originality/value

While previous papers studying drivers of CBI focused mainly on brand associations that help satisfy one of consumer’s self-definitional need, this paper aims to define the drivers of CBI by examining the origins of consumer’s interactions with brands. The paper proposes CBE and BA as two vital antecedents of CBI.
Environmental globalization
Authors: Allegretti Gabriela , Santos Omar Inácio Benedetti , Hasenack Heinrich , Bauaze Ivandro Xavier Lucas , Riva Fabiana , Mores Giana de Vargas , Talamini Edson
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative viewpoint to better manage the global natural resources using the case of soybean international market as a baseline and water as the natural resource, although the product and natural resource could be any other.

Design/methodology/approach

The case of Brazilian soya production and the international soybean market was used to illustrate the commodities and agricultural use of water, a global and finite natural resource. The water footprint analysis was applied to balance the international water trade associated to soybean exportation.

Findings

The net water balance indicates that Brazil is more efficient in the water use to soybean production considering water origin (types of water) and availability. That implies a benefit for soybean importers from Brazil who does not internalize this natural input in the cost of their products.

Research limitations/implications

The alternatives proposed and discussed in this essay are far from being complete and definitive. The details of their implications are beyond the scope and purpose of this essay. However, it may be the starting point for a wider academic and political debate.

Practical implications

There are externalities in the soybean market that are generating environmental and social costs. Those costs could be minimized by a fair international market that internalizes the costs of using finite natural resources. For that, adequate public policies should be designed, implemented and maintained. The monetary funds obtained from internalization of costs in water use could be addressed to research devoted to enlarge the water saving practices.

Originality/value

From a discussion about the fundamental role of natural resources in the maintenance of mankind life and the implications of its irrational use, a global governance of natural resources is being proposed. As practical actions for global governance, a green soybean, marketed under a water seal, has been discussed.
Intellectual capital and financial performance in social cooperative enterprises
Authors: Bontis Nick , Ciambotti Massimo , Palazzi Federica , Sgro Francesca
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence of the relationship between intellectual capital (IC) and economic performance, with focus on social cooperative enterprises (SCEs) that work in non-profit sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was developed and administered in Italy. A final sample of 151 SCEs participated in the study. Data were collected on IC measures, social enterprise activities and economic and mission-based performance outcomes.

Findings

Two hypotheses that proposed a positive association between IC sub-components (i.e. human capital, structural capital and relational capital) and the economic and mission-based performance of SCEs were tested. Findings highlight that human capital contributes to explain economic performance which is positively affected by the presence of graduate employees and value added per employee. However, economic performance is negatively affected by the yearly training per employee. In addition, human and relational capital contribute to explain mission-based performance which is positively affected by yearly training, the value added per employee and the quality of relationships with customers. However, mission-based performance is negatively affected by the relationships’ quality with the reference territorial community. Therefore, relational capital would seem to affect only mission-based performance, and human capital influences both dimensions of corporate performance. Structural capital does not affect social cooperatives’ performance.

Practical implications

Some of the results in this study are particular to this research setting. It is therefore important for senior leaders of SCEs to take the results of general IC literature with a grain of salt. Whereas most of the academic literature generally supports the positive relationship of all IC sub-components (i.e. human, structural and relational capital) with performance outcomes, this is not the case in this particular study.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study that has examined the linkages between IC sub-components and performance outcomes in SCEs in Italy.
Green supply chain management and export performance
Authors: Al-Ghwayeen Wafaa Shihadeh , Abdallah Ayman Bahjat
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of green supply chain management (GSCM) on environmental performance (EP) and export performance in the context of a developing country, Jordan. In addition, the mediating effect of EP on the relationship between GSCM and export performance is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on survey data collected from 221 manufacturing companies in Jordan. The companies were selected from different industry types to ensure diversity. Validity and reliability analyses were performed using SPSS and Amos, and structural equation modeling was used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that GSCM positively and significantly affects both EP and export performance. In addition, the results demonstrated that EP positively and significantly affects export performance. Further, it is also found that EP positively and significantly mediates the relationship between GSCM and export performance.

Originality/value

The current study is one of the first to investigate the impact of GSCM on export performance, especially in the context of a developing country. In addition, this study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the mediating effect of EP on GSCM—export performance relationship. GSCM is an under-investigated area in Jordan. The results are expected to promote GSCM implementation among manufacturing companies in Jordan in order to achieve economic benefits by increasing their exports through improvements in EP.
Automated valuation models for real estate portfolios
Authors: Tajani Francesco , Morano Pierluigi , Ntalianis Klimis
Published: July 2018

Purpose

As regards the assessment of the market values of properties that compose real estate portfolios, the purpose of this paper is to propose and test an automated valuation model. In particular, the method defined allows for providing for objective, reliable and “quick” valuations of the assets in the phases of periodic reviews of the property values.

Design/methodology/approach

Aiming at both predictive and interpretative purposes, the method, based on multi-objective genetic algorithms to search those model expressions that simultaneously maximize the accuracy of the data and the parsimony of the mathematical functions, is applied to a sample data of office properties characterized by medium and large size, located in the city of Milan (Italy) and sold in the period between 2004 and 2015.

Findings

The model obtained could be an integration of the canonical methodologies (market approach, income approach, cost approach) implemented in the assessment of the market values of properties, so as to provide an additional tool to verify the results. In particular, the inclusion of economic variables in the model is consistent with the need to reiterate the valuations, contextualizing them to the locational characteristics and to the current property cycle phase in the specific area.

Practical implications

The model can be applied by all the operators involved in the periodic reviews of the values of property portfolios: from real estate funds’ insiders, in order to monitor the values obtained through the canonical approaches, to the public institutions, such as the revenue agencies, in order to ensure the fair payment of the taxes through the updating values of the properties according to the actual and current market trends.

Originality/value

The method proposed can be a valid support for all public and private entities that hold significant property assets and that, for various reasons (periodic reviews of the balance sheets, sales, enhancement, investment, etc.), require cyclical updated values of the properties. The automated valuation model developed can be used for the assessment of “comparison” values with the estimates values obtained by other assessment techniques, in order to ensure a further monitoring tool of the results from the subjects involved.
Examining police use of force and citizen complaints
Authors: Terrill William , Ingram Jason Robert , Somers Logan J. , Paoline III Eugene A.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationship between police use of force and citizen complaints alleging improper use of force.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study utilizes official use of force and citizen complaint data, as well as surveys of patrol officers, from the Assessing Police Use of Force Policy and Outcomes Project, a multimethod National Institute of Justice funded study.

Findings

Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the number of use of force incidents that officers were involved in, as well as the types and levels of resistance they encountered from citizens, was related to use of force complaints from citizens. That is, those officers that were involved in more use of force situations were engaged in force encounters where the highest level of citizen resistance was “failure to comply,” and faced higher cumulative levels of citizen resistance, received more complaints alleging improper use of force.

Research limitations/implications

Studies of citizen complaints against police officers, especially those alleging improper use of force, should consider the number of force incidents officers are involved in, as well as other theoretically relevant force correlates.

Practical implications

Administrators, concerned with citizen allegations for improper use of force against their officers, should work to encourage their personnel to minimize the number of use of force applications, or at least less cumulative force, to resolve encounters with citizens.

Originality/value

While prior studies have examined police use of force and citizen complaints independently, the current study examines the empirical connection between use of force behavior and the generation of complaints from citizens.
Monitoring ecosystem degradation using spatial data and the R package spatialwarnings
Authors: Génin Alexandre , Majumder Sabiha , Sankaran Sumithra , Danet Alain , Guttal Vishwesha , Schneider Florian D. , Kéfi Sonia
Published: July 2018

Some ecosystems show nonlinear responses to gradual changes in environmental conditions, once a threshold in conditions—or critical point—is passed. This can lead to wide shifts in ecosystem states, possibly with dramatic ecological and economic consequences. Such behaviours have been reported in drylands, savannas, coral reefs or shallow lakes for example. Important research effort of the last decade has been devoted to identifying indicators that would help anticipate such ecosystem shifts and avoid their negative consequences.

Theoretical and empirical research has shown that, as an ecosystem approaches a critical point, specific signatures arise in its temporal and spatial dynamics; these changes can be quantified using relatively simple statistical metrics that have been referred to as “early warning signals” (EWS) in the literature. Although tests of those EWS on experiments are promising, empirical evidence from out‐of‐laboratory datasets is still scarce, in particular for spatial EWS. The recent proliferation of remote‐sensing data provides an opportunity to improve this situation and evaluate the reliability of spatial EWS in many ecological systems.

Here, we present a step‐by‐step workflow along with code to compute spatial EWS from raster data such as aerial images, test their significance compared to permutation‐based null models, and display their trends, either at different time steps or along environmental gradients. We created the R‐package spatialwarnings (MIT license) to help achieve all these steps in a reliable and reproducible way, and thereby promote the application of spatial EWS to empirical data.

This software package and associated documentation provides an easy entry point for researchers and managers into spatial EWS‐based analyses. By facilitating a broader application, it will leverage the evaluation of spatial EWS on real data, and eventually contribute to providing tools to map ecosystems’ fragility to perturbations and inform management decisions.
Religiosity and cross‐country differences in trade credit use
Authors: Chen Feng , Chen Xiaolin , Tan Weiqiang , Zheng Lin
Published: July 2018

Using the firm‐level data over 1989–2012 from 53 countries, we find religiosity in a country is positively associated with trade credit use by local firms. Specifically, after controlling for firm‐ and country‐level factors as well as industry and year effects, we show that trade credit use is higher in more religious countries. Moreover, both creditor rights and social trust in a country enhance the positive association between religiosity and trade credit use, while the quality of national‐level disclosure mitigates the aforementioned positive association. These results are robust to alternative measures of religiosity, alternative sampling requirements and potential endogeneity concerns.
Dentomaxillofacial radiology in Australia and dentist satisfaction with radiology reports
Authors: Selim DG , Sexton C , Monsour P
Published: July 2018

Background

Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (DMFR) is comprised of the smallest cohort of specialists in Australia. A survey was undertaken to assess awareness of DMFR, radiology reporting and referring protocols as well as dental practitioners’ satisfaction with their radiology reporting arrangements.

Methods

An original online survey created using Checkbox† was sent to dental practitioners. The survey was promoted on Australian‐based dental Facebook forums and emailed to targeted members via Australian professional dental associations.

Results

A total of 399 responses were received, with over 80% of respondents aware of DMFR as a specialty. Approximately 40% of practitioners were self‐reporting their imaging. There was correlation between increased satisfaction with external reporting and utilization of DMFR services and decreased satisfaction with medical radiology services. More than 90% of general dentists and greater than 85% of dental specialists prefer DMFR reports to medical radiology reports. Approximately 80% of practitioners believed that their satisfaction would change positively if they had access to a DMFR report.

Conclusion

The research indicates a high degree of self‐reporting or non‐reporting by dental practitioners. There is low satisfaction with external reporting performed by Medical Radiologists primarily due to a lack of dental knowledge or detail and a preference for DMF Radiology reports.
Revealing the Monastic Kitchen: Chemical Analysis of the Soil Inside the Monastery of Cornellana (North‐West Spain)
Authors: García Álvarez‐Busto A. , Laca A. , Fernández González A.
Published: July 2018

The residues deposited on the floor of the kitchen of the monastery of Cornellana (Asturias, Spain), while it was still in use in the 18th century, have been analysed using different techniques, including the Kjeldahl method, phenol – sulphuric acid assay, FT–IR, SEM–EDX and LOI. This has allowed us to determine the areas of concentration of proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, phosphorus and carbonates, and thus approach the interpretation of the layout of the different areas of activity related to the treatment and cooking of foodstuffs in the kitchen. In any case, and regardless of the fact that this is the first time that these techniques have been applied to study a monastic kitchen in the Iberian Peninsula, the aim of this research is to demonstrate their applicability to other case studies of this integrated set of analytical techniques, some of which are not used very often in the analysis of concentrations of residues and analysis of areas of activity on archaeological soils.
Extensive and invasive guttural pouch granuloma in a 2‐year‐old gelding
Authors: Shell K. , Rijkenhuizen A.
Published: July 2018

This report describes a case of an unusually extensive and invasive fungal granuloma within the right guttural pouch and its surrounding area of a 2‐year‐old Noriker gelding, causing diverse neurogenic deficits and tissue destruction. The gelding was initially presented with cachexia, unilateral nasal discharge, intermittent fever, swelling of the right side of the head, facial nerve paralysis and dysphagia. The right guttural pouch was not accessible to endoscopic examination initially, but after anti‐inflammatory medical management, empyema and an extensive, solid mass appeared within the guttural pouch. Surgical exploration and excision were attempted but were unsuccessful. Histopathological examination identifiedAspergillus fumigatusas the causative infective agent of the extensive fungal granuloma, and the consequent invasion and destruction of surrounding bone and soft tissue structures.
Mapping land use changes resulting from biofuel production and the effect of mitigation measures
Authors: van der Hilst Floor , Verstegen Judith A. , Woltjer Geert , Smeets Edward M. W. , Faaij Andre P. C.
Published: July 2018

Many of the sustainability concerns of bioenergy are related to direct or indirect land use change (LUC) resulting from bioenergy feedstock production. The environmental and socio‐economic impacts of LUC highly depend on the site‐specific biophysical and socio‐economic conditions. The objective of this study is to spatiotemporally assess the potential LUC dynamics resulting from an increased biofuel demand, the related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the potential effect of LUC mitigation measures. This assessment is demonstrated for LUC dynamics in Brazil towards 2030, considering an increase in the global demand for bioethanol as well as other agricultural commodities. The potential effects of three LUC mitigation measures (increased agricultural productivity, shift to second‐generation ethanol, and strict conservation policies) are evaluated by using a scenario approach. The novel modelling framework developed consists of the global Computable General Equilibrium model MAGNET, the spatiotemporal land use allocation model PLUC, and a GIS‐based carbon module. The modelling simulations illustrate where LUC as a result of an increased global ethanol demand (+26 × 109 L ethanol production in Brazil) is likely to occur. When no measures are taken, sugar cane production is projected to expand mostly at the expense of agricultural land which subsequently leads to the loss of natural vegetation (natural forest and grass and shrubland) in the Cerrado and Amazon. The related losses of above and below ground biomass and soil organic carbon result in the average emission of 26 g CO2‐eq/MJ bioethanol. All LUC mitigation measures show potential to reduce the loss of natural vegetation (18%–96%) as well as the LUC‐related GHG emissions (7%–60%). Although there are several uncertainties regarding the exact location and magnitude of LUC and related GHG emissions, this study shows that the implementation of LUC mitigation measures could have a substantial contribution to the reduction of LUC‐related emissions of bioethanol. However, an integrated approach targeting all land uses is required to obtain substantial and sustained LUC‐related GHG emission reductions in general.
The effect of kale cultivar and sowing date on dry‐matter intake, crop utilization, liveweight gain and body condition score gain of pregnant, nonlactating dry dairy cows in winter in New Zealand
Authors: Cheng Long , Groves C. D. , de Ruiter John M. , Dewhurst Richard J. , Edwards Grant R.
Published: July 2018

An outdoor grazing study on kale was conducted with pregnant, nonlactating (dry) dairy cows over a 42‐day winter grazing period commencing 9 June 2008. Kale treatments consisted of two kale cultivars varying in leaf:stem proportion (“Regal,” a leafy variety and “Caledonian,” a stemmy variety) and two sowing dates (8 November and 15 December). Measurements were made for dry‐matter (DM) utilization, apparent DM intake, liveweight gain and changes in body condition score (BCS) for a total of 120 cows allocated to three replicate groups of the four factorial treatments. Cows were offered a daily allowance of 10 kg DM/cow of kale and 2.2 kg DM/cow of straw. Pregrazing DM yield was higher for kale sown in November (16,517 kg DM/ha) than December (13,867 kg DM/ha), but was unaffected by cultivar (average 15,192 kg DM/ha). “Regal” kale had a higher percentage of leaf compared with “Caledonian” (33.6% vs. 25.6%), lower content of NDF (32.4% vs. 34.1%), but similar metabolizable energy content (12.1 MJ/kg DM for both) in the whole plant. Despite the differences in pregrazing DM yield and forage quality among treatments, no differences were found in DM utilization (between 88.5% and 90.2%), apparent DM intake (between 9.4 and 9.6 kg DM/cow.day), liveweight gain (between 0.53 and 0.67 kg/cow.day) and BCS gain (between 0.43 and 0.46 unit/cow over 42 days). Manipulation of kale yield and quality through choice of cultivar and sowing date had no effect on the performance of pregnant, nonlactating dairy cows.
Sex in Midlife: Women's Sexual Experiences in Lesbian and Straight Marriages
Authors: Paine Emily Allen , Umberson Debra , Reczek Corinne
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study examines how married straight and lesbian women understand sexual changes in midlife.

Background

Sexual satisfaction is key to marital quality, yet marital sex typically diminishes in midlife. Little is known, however, about how married straight and lesbian women make sense of midlife sexuality. Comparing the narratives of lesbian and straight women can reveal how midlife events, relational contexts, and gender norms drive women's experiences of and responses to diminishing sex.

Method

Inductive and deductive analyses were performed on interviews with a convenience sample of 16 straight and 16 lesbian mostly high‐status married couples in Massachusetts.

Results

Lesbian and straight women suggest that sexual activity and desire diminish over time due to health, aging, and caregiving events, yet lesbian women additionally emphasize the importance of weight gain, caregiving for adult parents, and shared experiences of menopause. Women further describe distress when their sex lives diverge from norms specific to marriage and their sexual identities. Moreover, women report relationship work designed to maintain or reignite sex; when compared with straight women, lesbians describe more work and a stronger sense of duty to keep sex alive and uniquely describe medical providers as unhelpful in addressing sexual challenges.

Conclusion

The results suggest that relational contexts and cultural discourses shape straight and lesbian women's experiences of distress and comfort about diminishing sex in marriage.
Early cirrhosis and a preserved bone marrow niche favour regenerative response to growth factors in decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Anand Lovkesh , Bihari Chhagan , Kedarisetty Chandan K. , Rooge Sheetalnath B. , Kumar Dhananjay , Shubham Smriti , Kumar Guresh , Sahney Amrish , Sharma Manoj K. , Maiwall Rakhi , Kumar Anupam , Sarin Shiv K.
Published: July 2018

Background

Exogenous growth factor‐mobilized bone marrow (BM) stem cells have shown a differential response in the management of decompensated cirrhosis (DC). This study was designed to evaluate potential clinical benefit of adding Erythropoietin (EPO) in granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐mobilized stem cell therapy, possible mechanisms of regeneration and predictive factors of regenerative response.

Methods

Sixty consecutive DC patients received either G‐CSF with EPO (Group A; n = 30) or G‐CSF and placebo (Group B; n = 30) for 2 months and were carefully followed up for 1 year. Baseline and post‐treatment liver biopsy, BM biopsy and BM aspirate were analysed for fibro‐inflammatory and regenerative response and BM hematopoietic reservoir.

Results

Addition of EPO to G‐CSF showed a significant improvement in Child‐Pugh score (P = 0.03) and MELD score (P = 0.003) as compared to G‐CSF alone, with reduction in mortality (16.6% vs 36.7%, P = 0.09). The combination arm also demonstrated a decreased incidence of acute kidney injury (P < 0.001), encephalopathy (P = 0.005) and refilling of ascites (P = 0.03). Compared to monotherapy, it increased CD163+ macrophages (P = 0.013), Ki67+ index (P < 0.001) with decrease in α‐SMA levels (P < 0.001) in liver tissue. The response was better with grade 1 and 2 than with grade 3 ascites; Child B cirrhosis and MELD < 16. Non‐responders had lower hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) at baseline. On multivariate analysis, the liver disease severity (MELD < 16) and a relatively preserved BM (BM‐HSCs > 0.4) predicted therapeutic response (AUROC = 0.82).

Conclusions

Early DC (MELD < 16) patients with mild‐moderate ascites and those with a healthy cellular baseline BM respond better to growth factor therapy. Addition of EPO to G‐CSF provides better regenerative response than G‐CSF monotherapy.
Meteorite reconnaissance in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hofmann Beda A. , Gnos Edwin , Jull A. J. Timothy , Szidat Sönke , Majoub Ayman , Al Wagdani Khalid , Habibullah Siddiq N. , Halawani Mohammed , Hakeem Mohammed , Al Shanti Mahmoud , Al Solami Abdulaziz
Published: July 2018

Meteorite searches in Saudi Arabia between 2008 and 2014 yielded 46 meteorites from the Yabrin area (23°N 49°E), 35 meteorites from the Rub' al‐Khali sand desert (19°–20°N, 48°–51°E), and 1 meteorite from Al Haddar. No meteorites were found near Hafar al Batin (29°N 45°E). The 82 new meteorites represent ~57 falls comprising 43 ordinary chondrites, 4 carbonaceous chondrites, 2 enstatite chondrites, 3 ureilites, 3 eucrites, 1 acapulcoite, and 1 lunar meteorite. The median of 31 14C terrestrial ages is 6.2 ka, significantly younger than the Oman population (19.5 ka, n = 128). A further assessment of terrestrial 14C contamination is advised by a 11–15 ka 14C terrestrial age of heavily weathered meteorite Khawr al Fazra 014, geology indicating a terrestrial age >100 ka. Find densities of 0.4–2.8 km−2 for Yabrin and the western Rub’ al‐Khali are similar to ~0.5 km−2 observed in Oman. Higher find densities of ~135 km−2 (29 km−2 for masses >10 g) exist on small Pleistocene outcrops in blowouts in the south‐central Rub’ al‐Khali: 21 unpaired meteorites (four >10 g) were found in 11 blowouts with a combined area of 0.14 km2. The Rub’ al‐Khali meteorites show a relatively high degree of weathering (median W 3.6; 2.5 for Yabrin), low median mass (4.3/138 g), and a high H/L ratio (2.3/1.1). The high density of small meteorites is explained by prolonged sand protection and recent deflation. The high meteorite density and relatively high proportion of rare meteorite types render the Rub’ al‐Khali blowouts an interesting target for future exploration.
Why do migrants remit?
Authors: Azizi Seyedsoroosh
Published: July 2018

This paper examines primary incentives of remitting. Using estimated bilateral data on remittances, this paper demonstrates that a rise in the home (remittance‐receiving) country's gross national income (GNI) per capita leads to fewer remittances and that a rise in the host (remittance‐sending) country's GNI per capita motivates migrants to remit more. Real exchange rates and real interest rates have no effect on remittances. These results indicate that altruism is an important and critical component of motivations behind remittances. However, altruism alone does not appear to be a sufficient explanation of the motivations behind remittances. Other incentives such as loan repayment and investment play a non‐negligible role in this regard as well. The degree of altruism is higher for migrants from developing countries in comparison with migrants from developed countries, and it is higher when we define remittances as “personal transfers” rather than “personal transfers and compensation of employees.” The results of the vector error correction model show if remittances deviate from the equilibrium relationship, they will eventually revert.
Numerical Simulation of Cloud Cavitation in Hydrofoil and Orifice Flows With Analysis of Viscous and Nonviscous Separation
Authors: Limbach Phillip , Kowalski Karoline , Hussong Jeanette , Skoda Romuald
Published: July 2018

Three-dimensional (3D) numerical flow simulations with a mass transfer cavitation model are performed to analyze cloud cavitation at two different flow configurations, i.e., hydrofoil and orifice flows, focusing on the turbulence and cavitation model interaction, including a mixture eddy viscosity reduction and cavitation model parameter modification. For the cavitating flow around the hydrofoil with circular leading edge, a good agreement to the measured shedding frequencies as well as local cavitation structures is obtained over a wide range of operation points, even with a moderate boundary layer resolution, i.e., utilizing wall functions (WF), which are found to be adequate to capture the re-entrant jet reasonably in the absence of viscous separation. Simulations of the orifice flow, that exhibit significant viscous single-phase (SP) flow separation, are analyzed concerning the prediction of choking and cloud cavitation. A low-Reynolds number turbulence approach in the orifice wall vicinity is suggested to capture equally the mass flow rate, flow separation, and cloud shedding with satisfying accuracy in comparison to in-house measurements. Local cavitation structures are analyzed in a time-averaged manner for both cases, revealing a reasonable prediction of the spatial extent of the cavitation zones. However, different cavitation model parameters are utilized at hydrofoil and orifice for best agreement with measurement data.
Are Sport Consumers Unique? Consumer Behavior Within Crowded Sport Markets
Authors: Fujak Hunter , Frawley Stephen , McDonald Heath , Bush Stephen
Published: July 2018

Sport consumers and markets have traditionally been thought to exhibit unique behaviors from traditional consumer products, particularly in respect to perceptions of loyalty. Yet, despite sport landscapes becoming increasingly crowded, there has been scant research measuring consumers’ repeat behavior in the context of the dense sports market. Through this research, we address this gap by applying Dirichlet modeling against the behaviors of 1,500 Australian sport consumers. Two questions are explored: First, do sport attendance markets exhibit purchase characteristics distinct from typical consumer markets? Second, do consumers treat sport leagues as complimentary or substitutable goods? The results provide evidence that consumer patterns within the sport attendance market are consistent to other repeat-purchase consumer markets. This finding further diminishes the long-held notion that sport requires unique methods of management. Furthermore, it was found that fans consume sport teams as complimentary products. As sport teams largely share their fans with other teams, practitioners must reorient their expectations around fan loyalty.
Gold Nanoparticle-Conjugated Cinnamic Acid Exhibits Antiacanthamoebic and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Anwar Ayaz , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Shah Muhammad Raza , Khan Naveed Ahmed
Published: July 2018

trans
-Cinnamic acid (CA) is a natural organic compound. Using amoebicidal assays, for the first time we showed that CA affected the viability of the protist pathogen
Acanthamoeba castellanii
.
Uncoupling Fermentative Synthesis of Molecular Hydrogen from Biomass Formation in Thermotoga maritima
Authors: Singh Raghuveer , White Derrick , Demirel Yaşar , Kelly Robert , Noll Kenneth , Blum Paul
Published: July 2018

Biorenewable energy sources are of growing interest to mitigate climate change, but like other commodities with nominal value, require innovation to maximize yields. Energetic considerations constrain production of many biofuels, such as molecular hydrogen (H
2
) because of the competing needs for cell mass synthesis and metabolite formation. Here we describe cell lines of the extremophile
Thermotoga maritima
that exceed the physiologic limits for H
2
formation arising from genetic changes in fermentative metabolism. These cell lines were produced using a novel method called transient gene inactivation combined with adaptive laboratory evolution. Genome resequencing revealed unexpected changes in a maltose transport protein. Reduced rates of sugar uptake were accompanied by lower rates of growth and enhanced productivity of H
2
.
Understanding abdominal aortic aneurysm epidemiology: socioeconomic position affects outcome
Authors: Zommorodi Sayid , Leander Karin , Roy Joy , Steuer Johnny , Hultgren Rebecka
Published: July 2018

Background

Low socioeconomic position (SEP) has been demonstrated to negatively influence outcome in several cardiovascular patient groups. The aim of this study was to analyse time trends of incidence of intact abdominal aortic aneurysm (iAAA) and ruptured AAA (rAAA), respectively, and to investigate whether SEP had any influence on the probability to present with rupture and, finally, to determine the impact of SEP on outcome.

Methods

Nationwide population-based study including all individuals with iAAA or rAAA in Sweden during 2001–2015.

Results

The number of individuals with an AAA was 41 222; the majority were identified as iAAA 33 254 (80.7%) and 7968 (19.3%) as rAAA. Time trends showed decreasing incidence of rAAA but increase in iAAA during the study period. Individuals with low income or low educational level were more likely to present with a rAAA rather than iAAA: OR 2.16 (95 % CI 1.98 to 2.36, p<0.001) and OR 1.33 (95 % CI 1.21 to 1.46, p<0.001), respectively. Low income was also associated with increased 90-day mortality and 1-year mortality after treatment for rAAA, OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.89, p=0.014) and OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.97, p=0.005).

Conclusion

This large nationwide study showed a decreasing incidence of rAAA. Individuals with low SEP were found to have an augmented risk of presenting with rAAA rather than iAAA and, in addition, to fare worse after repair. Consequently, SEP should be regarded as a relevant risk factor that should be included in considerations for improved care flow of patients with AAA.
Novel pathogenicSMAD2variants in five families with arterial aneurysm and dissection: further delineation of the phenotype
Authors: Cannaerts Elyssa , Kempers Marlies , Maugeri Alessandra , Marcelis Carlo , Gardeitchik Thatjana , Richer Julie , Micha Dimitra , Beauchesne Luc , Timmermans Janneke , Vermeersch Paul , Meyten Nathalie , Chénier Sébastien , van de Beek Gerarda , Peeters Nils , Alaerts Maaike , Schepers Dorien , Van Laer Lut , Verstraeten Aline , Loeys Bart
Published: July 2018

Background

Missense variants inSMAD2, encoding a key transcriptional regulator of transforming growth factor beta signalling, were recently reported to cause arterial aneurysmal disease.

Objectives

The aims of the study were to identify the genetic disease cause in families with aortic/arterial aneurysmal disease and to further defineSMAD2genotype–phenotype correlations.

Methods and results

Using gene panel sequencing, we identified aSMAD2nonsense variant and fourSMAD2missense variants, all affecting highly conserved amino acids in the MH2 domain. The premature stop codon (c.612dup; p.(Asn205*)) was identified in a marfanoid patient with aortic root dilatation and in his affected father. A p.(Asn318Lys) missense variant was found in a Marfan syndrome (MFS)-like case who presented with aortic root aneurysm and in her affected daughter with marfanoid features and mild aortic dilatation. In a man clinically diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) that presents with aortic root dilatation and marked tortuosity of the neck vessels, another missense variant, p.(Ser397Tyr), was identified. This variant was also found in his affected daughter with hypertelorism and arterial tortuosity, as well as his affected mother. The third missense variant, p.(Asn361Thr), was discovered in a man presenting with coronary artery dissection. Variant genotyping in three unaffected family members confirmed its absence. The last missense variant, p.(Ser467Leu), was identified in a man with significant cardiovascular and connective tissue involvement.

Conclusion

Taken together, our data suggest that heterozygous loss-of-functionSMAD2variants can cause a wide spectrum of autosomal dominant aortic and arterial aneurysmal disease, combined with connective tissue findings reminiscent of MFS and LDS.
A study of trace elements in plants of the Polar Urals and Chukotka in the search for metallophyte hyperaccumulators
Authors: Drozdova Irina , Alekseeva-Popova Natalya , Kataeva Maria , Bech Jaume , Roca Núria
Published: July 2018

The present study summarizes the results of investigations of the trace element distribution in soils and their uptake by plants of natural habitats on the ultramafic and acidic rocks of the Polar Urals and Chukotka in the Arctic Russia. Concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Co were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in 194 plant species of 30 families and 157 soil samples. Two leaches were used for the soil – 1 M ammonium acetate (exchangeable) and 1 M HNO
3
(acid soluble); a mixture of 1.5 M HNO
3
and 3.7 M HCl was used for the plants. The levels of Fe, Cr and especially Ni in the soils on the ultramafic rocks exceeded those of soils on the acidic rocks. The mineral composition of plant species varies depending on the differences in chemical and mineralogical composition of the two soil-forming rock types. Taxon-specific features in the accumulation of potentially toxic elements in plants of these regions have been revealed for the first time. The data on the metal accumulation ability of plant species show that the species
Thlaspi cochleariforme
DC. and
Alyssum obovatum
(C.A. Mey) Turcz. (
Brassicaceae
) could be considered as Ni hyperaccumulators. These species could therefore have potential for Ni phytoextraction from contaminated soils.
Interview with Siegfried Reich
Authors: Atzenbeck Claus
Published: July 2018

Siegfried Reich has been a scientific director of Salzburg Research since 2003. Salzburg Research is a non-profit research and technology organization (RTO), which conducts applied research in information and communication technologies (ICTs), focused on the "Internet of Things". His research interests are in Web Engineering, hypermedia systems, and trajectory computing.
Reversible Electrochemical Mirror Devices using Room Temperature Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Garich Holly , Hall Tim , Inman Maria , Taylor Jennings E. , Peng Thomas , Davis James , Tench Morgan , O'Brien Richard
Published: July 2018

Room temperature ionic liquid electrolytes are being investigated for reversible electrodeposition reactions on conductive, transparent electrodes. The current work discusses development of a reversible silver electroplating process using a 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide based electrolyte and electrodes comprised of indium tin oxide and other conductive layers atop of glass substrates. Issues associated with cycle lifetime and scaling of the technology are also discussed.
Using Exotic Materials Like EuD4TEA and MgD4TEA to Monitor Damage and Radiation Exposure in Extreme Environments
Authors: Hollerman William , Fontenot Ross S. , Darby Paul , Pugh Nick , Miller John
Published: July 2018

Space radiation poses a significant challenge to exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. As we consider long duration space missions, the risk from radiation exposure increases. There is no simple technique that is capable of real-time radiation detection. Past research shows that the fluorescence yield and decay time are both functions of temperature and radiation fluence. Each of these parameters need to be investigated separately in order to fully understand the physical properties for any useful phosphor. Once the temperature dependencies are known, then the radiation fluence in the surrounding environment can be estimated. This paper will discuss recent research on europium and magnesium tetrakis dibenzoylmethide triethylammonium (EuD4TEA and MgD4TEA) that could be used to measure radiation and temperature in real time. Both of these organic materials have been shown to be sensitive to proton radiation and to changes in temperature.