bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of audit quality on the costs of capital of firms in Ghana
Authors: Coffie William , Bedi Ibrahim , Amidu Mohammed
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of audit quality on the cost of capital in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Non-financial firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) as well as non-listed firms from the database of Ghana Club 100 were included in the sample. Series are yearly, covering a sample of 40 firms during the six-year period, 2008-2013. The study employed the positivist research paradigm to establish the relationship between audit quality and the cost of capital.

Findings

There is evidence to suggest that the cost of debt and the overall cost of capital of firms in Ghana can be explained by the quality of the external auditors. The results also show that the large size of the board is associated with low cost of debt.

Research limitations/implications

The fact that the choice of quality measure is based on firm size only and other measurements of audit quality could not be measured. Future research may examine how other approaches to measuring audit quality affect cost of capital.

Practical implications

The results significant for those charged with assurance and regulation, as well as lenders and managers of companies.

Originality/value

The authors investigate how external auditing quality affects the cost of capital of firms operating in Ghana.
Information content and informativeness of analysts’ report: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin , Mohamad Azhar , Mustaffa Kamil Nazrol Kamil , Duasa Jarita
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to document the influence of information content and the informativeness of analyst reports towards cumulative abnormal return in the Malaysian market.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples of analyst reports for the period 4th January 2010 until 24th December 2015 were collected from the Bursa Malaysia’s repository system for daily basis information. The study uses market-adjusted method for the calculation of cumulative abnormal return and panel regression to test the research objective. In addition, diagnostic tests, which include the variance inflation factor (VIF), correlation analysis, heteroscedasticity tests, serial auto-correlation and the Hausman test, were also performed to ensure the validity and reliability of the data.

Findings

Result from the unbalanced panel data reveals that not all information contained in the analyst reports is able to detect stock returns movement. Only five variables are shown to have a strong association with the returns, and these are target price, earnings forecast, return on equity, cash flows to price and sales to price ratio. TheR-square value has also been shown to be relatively low (0.79 per cent), indicating the low predictive power of information content and the informativeness of the analyst report in explaining stock returns. To support the findings based on the knowledge obtained, a descriptive analysis on whether the analyst reports were able to predict the recommendation accurately was performed. Result from the descriptive analysis shows that only 57 per cent of the recommendations are accurate, evidenced by the differing target price and ending price. This outcome appears to contradict the theory of signalling hypothesis. Hence, it can be concluded that analyst reports have less informational role among investors.

Originality/value

This paper has, thus, provided insight into how information disclosed in the analyst report influence the return of stocks, further extending the limited research on analyst report in the context of the Malaysian markets. The paper has also added to the existing literature by providing several implications to practitioners and researchers alike.
Passion and vision for inclusion
Authors: Pang Yanhui
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to selects a teacher training program located in China’s rural area and focus on its preservice teachers’ attitudes towards inclusive education in China and their expectations of teacher training programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The selected teacher training program is in School of Education of a comprehensive university, located in a small town in Northeast China. Five preservice teachers in the Department of Teacher Education were interviewed. The interviewees were randomly selected among those who have already gained at least 60 credits of coursework prior to the interview. Each interview lasted for approximately 0.5 h. Interview notes were summarized and coded using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step approach. In addition to interview data, other data sources were used, such as classroom observation and review of curriculum and program requirement.

Findings

Although the selected teacher preparation program started offering some selective special education courses to preservice teachers, there are limited number of offerings and a lack of field placement in inclusive settings, and stereotypical opinions towards disabilities still exist as a roadblock for choosing special education teacher profession.

Research limitations/implications

The current study only focuses on one rural teacher training institution and report preservice teachers’ opinions toward teacher education curriculum, factors that lead to their decision in the teacher education major and their vision towards inclusion in China. Recommendations are provided to increase public awareness of disability, and create more field based experience in inclusive settings for preservice teachers. However, the result may not be generalized to reflect preservice teachers of teacher training institutions located in developed areas where there are rich opportunities for field experience in inclusive setting or special education programs, and who offer more extensive special education courses.

Practical implications

It is recommended that teacher preparation program modify curriculum and offer more special education courses, as well as develop connections with local special education schools and inclusive programs, thus creating more field based opportunities for preservice teachers to work with children with disabilities.

Originality/value

There are limited studies on rural preservice teachers’ attitudes towards being a special education teacher and how the teacher training programs prepare them to become a special education teacher. The current study fills the gap and conduct an interview study of preservice teachers’ from a rural teacher training programs perceptions of China’s special education, how they choose the program of study that prepare them to become a special education teacher, and their rating of the teacher preparation program.
Preparing stable pigment dispersion utilizing polyoxyethylene lauryl ether as dispersant
Authors: Agbo Christiana , Acheampong Collins , Zhang Liping , Li Min , Fu Shai Shao
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the use of polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (PLE) as a dispersant in the preparation of novel pigment dispersion with enhanced dispersion ability, which can find application in the printing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

To obtain a good dispersion, PLE was used as a dispersant in pigments dispersion. The colloidal and rheological properties of the PLE-based dispersion, such as particle distribution, zeta potentials and apparent viscosity were evaluated.

Findings

The particle sizes of the pigment dispersions were within the range of 150 to 200 nm. The measurement of zeta potentials varied between −24 to −32 mV, revealing a strong surface charge interaction between pigments and PLE. Subsequently, its stability to high-speed centrifuge and freeze-thaw treatment was carefully investigated. To demonstrate the coverage of pigment particles by PLE, thermogravimetric analysis was carried out. Moreover, X-ray diffraction was used to disclose the combined impacts of PLE and ultrasonic power on the crystal structures of the pigments. Finally, the coloring performance and leveling properties of pigment dispersions on cotton substrates were evaluated by measuring their K/S values (color strength), rub and color fastness properties, which possessed good results.

Research limitations/implications

The dispersant used is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases. More so, modification to improve its dispersion properties can be studied.

Practical implications

The use of PLE as a dispersant could be readily used in pigment dispersion processes and other suitable applications. PLE could also be used as a co-surfactant in synergy with other surfactants or dispersants in the dispersion process.

Originality/value

The use of PLE in pigment dispersion as well as investigating its coloring properties on cotton fabric is novel and can find various applications in the dying, printing and coating industry.
After the march, what? Rethinking how we teach the feminist movement
Authors: Vickery Amanda Elizabeth
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the history of Black women as critical civic agents fighting for the recognition of their intersecting identities in multiple iterations of the feminist movement.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing Black feminism and intersectionality I explore the many ways in which Black women have fought against multiple forms of oppression in the first, second and fourth wave feminist movement and organizations in order to fight for their rights as Black women citizens.

Findings

Black women in the past and present have exhibited agency by working within such multiple civil rights movements to change the conditions and carve out inclusive spaces by working across differences and forging multiracial coalitions.

Originality/value

This paper serves as a call to action for social studies classroom teachers and teacher educators to rethink how we remember and teach feminist movements. I also explore how we can use this past to understand and advance the conversation in this present iteration of the women’s movement to work across differences in solidarity toward equal justice for all.
Demagogues and the “Guardrails of Democracy”
Authors: Pearcy Mark , Clabough Jeremiah
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Contemporary American politics has been characterized by excessive, vitriolic rhetoric since the 2016 presidential victory of Donald Trump. However, Donald Trump’s brand of politics is nothing new. He is the inheritor and latest proponent for a brand of American politics that utilizes demagogic rhetoric. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of demagoguery along with the traits of demagogic rhetoric. Two activities for the high school classroom are given that look at the demagogic rhetoric employed by Joseph McCarthy and George Wallace, two of the most infamous political demagogues of the twentieth century.

Design/methodology/approach

With the first activity, McCarthy’s “Enemies from Within Speech” is analyzed by breaking down the speech with Gustainis’ seven traits of demagoguery (1990). Similarly in the second activity, George Wallace’s inaugural address is examined with Gustainis’ seven traits of demagoguery, and then, the authors provide a series of activities that students can do to protest the demagogic rhetoric in Wallace’s inaugural address. Finally, an appendix is provided with additional speeches from American demagogues that social studies teachers can use to teach about elements of demagoguery.

Findings

In this paper, the authors provide an overview of demagoguery along with the traits of demagogic rhetoric. Two activities for the high school classroom are given that look at the demagogic rhetoric employed by Joseph McCarthy and George Wallace, two of the most infamous political demagogues of the twentieth century.

Originality/value

Contemporary American politics has been characterized by excessive, vitriolic rhetoric since the 2016 presidential victory of Donald Trump. However, Donald Trump’s brand of politics is nothing new. He is the inheritor and latest proponent for a brand of American politics that utilizes demagogic rhetoric. In this paper, the authors provide an overview of demagoguery along with the traits of demagogic rhetoric. Students need to be able to critically examine demagogic rhetoric to hold elected officials accountable for their words, actions and policies.
“Wild words” – analyzing angry rhetoric in American politics
Authors: Clabough Jeremiah , Pearcy Mark
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of angry political rhetoric employed by George Wallace and Donald Trump. The authors start by discussing the civic thinking skills stressed within the C3 Framework, specifically the ability to analyze politicians’ arguments. Then, the focus shifts to look at angry political rhetoric within the US history. Next, the authors discuss the parallels of the angry political rhetoric employed by both Wallace and Trump. Finally, two activities are provided that enable students to grasp the convergences with the angry political rhetoric utilized by both Wallace and Trump.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors explore angry rhetoric in American politics. The authors designed two classroom-ready activities by drawing on the best teaching practices advocated for in the C3 Framework. To elaborate, both activities allow students to research and analyze arguments made by George Wallace and Donald Trump. This enables students to engage in the four dimensions of the Inquiry Arc in the C3 Framework.

Findings

The authors provide two activities that can be utilized in the high school social studies classroom to enable students to dissect American politicians’ messages. These two activities can be adapted and utilized to enable students to examine a political candidate’s messages, especially those that draw on angry rhetoric. By completing the steps of these two activities, students are better prepared to be critical consumers of political media messages.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors explore the role of angry political rhetoric in American politics. The authors examine the parallels of political style between George Wallace and Donald Trump. Two activities are provided to help students break down the angry political rhetoric employed by these two controversial figures.
Characterization of Volatile Compounds and Sensory Analysis of Jasmine Scented Black Tea Produced by Different Scenting Processes
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Luo Liyong , Ma Mengjun , Zeng Liang
Published: October 2018

Jasmine scented black tea is widely popular in China and the scenting process is the most crucial issue affecting its aroma quality. This study aimed to analyze the influence of different processes on aroma quality and the specific contribution of volatiles to aroma quality. To achieve it, the headspace solid‐phase microextraction method combined with gas‐chromatography mass‐spectrometry was used to identify and quantify the volatile compounds, and further collected the characteristics according to odor activity values or contents. The quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and traditional sensory analysis (TSA) were used to evaluate its aroma quality and the correlation analysis between QDA and characteristic aroma compounds was carry out to analyze the specific contribution of characteristics to sensory quality. The GC/MS results showed that 130 aroma components and 20 characteristics were identified in 6 tea samples and more new volatile components appeared and less original volatile components disappeared in traditional scenting process (TSP) compared with continuous scenting process (CSP). The QDA and TSA results showed that TSP samples had better “overall” and “jasmine” than CSP samples. The correlation analysis between QDA and characteristics showed that nerolidol and methylbenzoate were related to “overall,” linalool and methyl anthranilate to “jasmine,” and decanal and benzeneacetaldehyde to “sweet floral,” “roasted,” and “fermented.” This study suggested that TSP is a favorable scenting process for black tea, and QDA is an objective and digital sensory evaluation method for jasmine scented black tea.

Practical Application

Compare the effect of scenting technology on the aroma quality of jasmine scented black tea based on sensory analysis and chemical analysis, and suggested a favorable scenting process for processing jasmine scented black tea with better qualities. Explore the correlation between aroma composition and specific aroma properties to provide some useful information about guiding the scenting process to acquire a product with target aroma qualities. And the application of QDA for evaluation of jasmine scented black tea was better for consumers to understand the quality attributes of product.
Mad Dogs, Sad Dogs and the ‘War against Curs’ in London in 1760
Authors: Howard‐Smith Stephanie
Published: October 2018

On 26 August 1760 the Common Council of the City of London reacted to reports of a rabies outbreak by announcing a two‐month‐long dog cull. Although many Londoners supported this method of halting the spread of the disease, others argued that the killings were excessive or immoral. In mid‐eighteenth‐century Britain sentimental ‘modern’ attitudes were in conflict with traditional beliefs concerning the place of animals. This article argues that the cull exposed this rift in British society's treatment of and relationship with animals, and seeks to position the resultant media event in the context of their shifting status.
Increased risk of adhesive capsulitis among patients with gout: A nationwide population‐based matched‐cohort study
Authors: Hsu Kao‐Chih , Sun Chia‐Hung , Wu Yin‐Yin , Chen Liang‐Cheng , Wu Yung‐Tsan , Chien Wu‐Chien
Published: October 2018

Aim

The pathophysiology of adhesive capsulitis (AC) is uncertain. We noted patients with gout seemed to have higher incidence rates of AC than other people in our clinic. We did not know the true relationship between gout and AC because there are no published reports so far. The aim of this study is to verify the risk of developing AC following gout exposure.

Method

The authors used the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan to select 39 094 subjects with newly diagnosed gout and randomly extracted 78 188 matched control subjects. All of the subjects in study and control groups were followed until the event of AC. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to evaluate the subsequent risk of AC.

Results

There was significance since the 8th year of tracking that patients with gout had a higher risk for AC (log‐rank test P < .001). Cox regression showed the adjusted hazard ratio of developing AC for patients with gout was 1.71 (95% CI = 1.451‐2.565, P < .001) than the control group. Stratified analysis showed that gout patients have a higher risk for AC regardless of diabetes mellitus, stroke or carotid artery disease (P < .05).

Conclusions

This study showed that gout is an independent risk factor for developing AC.
Clinical investigation of the efficacy and toxicity of apatinib (YN968D1) in stage III/IV non‐small cell lung cancer after second‐line chemotherapy treatment: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Di , Zhang Chufeng , Huang Jiaqi , Guan Yan , Guo Qisen
Published: October 2018

Background

This study was designed to assess the clinical efficacy and toxicity of apatinib (YN968D1) as third or subsequent‐line treatment for stage III/IV non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

A total of 100 patients with advanced NSCLC who were treated with apatinib at a daily dose of 250/425/500 mg at Shandong Cancer Hospital from January 2016 to June 2018 were enrolled in our study. The objective response, disease control, and median progression‐free survival rates were reviewed and evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the prognostic factors. The main adverse events were evaluated per the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0.

Results

All patients were assessable for response. No complete responses were observed, 11 patients achieved a partial response, and 56 showed stable disease. The objective response rate was 11.0%, the disease control rate was 67.0%, and the median progression‐free survival was 2.93 months (95% confidence interval 2.07–3.87). In Cox regression analysis, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score (hazard ratio 1.799; P < 0.05) and smoking history (hazard ratio 1.958; P < 0.05) were predictive indicators for apatinib treatment efficacy. Treatment‐related adverse events were tolerated, predictable, reversible, and controllable.

Conclusion

Apatinib was found to be both effective and safe in advanced NSCLC patients without a genetic driver mutation who experienced progression after two or more lines of chemotherapy treatment.
Lower levels of glucocorticoids in crop‐raiders: diet quality as a potential ‘pacifier’ against stress in free‐ranging Asian elephants in a human‐production habitat
Authors: Pokharel S. S. , Singh B. , Seshagiri P. B. , Sukumar R.
Published: October 2018

Overlapping habitats and sharing of resources between elephants and people has led to intense elephant‐human conflicts, especially crop depredation by elephants, across elephant‐range countries. While raiding agricultural crops, elephants face numerous threats from people through chase, injury and the risk of death which could enhance the associated energetic costs, ultimately elevating their stress levels. We hypothesized that crop‐raiders (in the human‐production habitat) would show higher faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) levels, a proxy of stress‐response, as compared to nonraiders (in protected forests). To study this, 208 faecal samples were collected from crop‐raiding elephants in a human‐production habitat and 394 samples from nonraiding elephants in protected forests during 2013 and 2015. Contrary to our expectation,fGCMlevels were significantly higher in nonraiding than in crop‐raiding elephants of both sexes. As one of the possible factors for lowerfGCMin elephants inhabiting the human‐production habitat, the influence of benefits obtained from foraging here was assessed. For this, the difference in vegetation greenness (standing biomass) between the human‐production habitat and the protected forests was analysed from remotely‐sensed Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI), and further confirmed by measuring dietary quality (faecal nitrogen (N) content and C:N ratio as proxies for crude protein). Interestingly, higherNDVIvalues (greater biomass availability), higher N content and lower faecal C:N ratio (indicating higher protein content in the diet) of elephants in the human‐production habitat suggested enhanced nutritional levels here as compared to protected forests. Further, there were significant correlations between faecal C:N ratio (positive) or N content (negative) andfGCMlevels. These findings suggest that crop‐raiding comes with the benefits of a superior quality diet which may help in reducing human‐induced stress‐response in elephants inhabiting or foraging within human‐production habitats.
IgG4 drives M2a macrophages to a regulatory M2b‐like phenotype: potential implication in immune tolerance
Authors: Bianchini Rodolfo , Roth‐Walter Franziska , Ohradanova‐Repic Anna , Flicker Sabine , Hufnagl Karin , Fischer Michael Bernhard , Stockinger Hannes , Jensen‐Jarolim Erika
Published: October 2018

Background

Macrophages can be converted in vitro into immunoregulatory M2b macrophages in the presence of immune complexes (ICs), but the role of the specific subclasses IgG1 or IgG4 in this phenotypic and functional change is not known.

Objective

We aimed to refine the original method by applying precisely defined ICs of the subclasses IgG4 or IgG1 constructed by two independent methods.

Methods

Monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs) were treated with M‐CSF, followed by IL‐4/IL‐13 to induce the M2a allergic phenotype. To mimic unspecific or allergen‐specific ICs, plates were coated with myeloma IgG1 or IgG4, or with grass pollen allergen Phl p 5 followed by recombinant human Phl p 5‐specific IgG1 or IgG4. M2a polarized macrophages were then added, cultured, and examined for cellular markers and cytokines by flow cytometry, ELISA, and rtPCR. Alternatively, immune complexes with IgG1 or IgG4 were formed using protein L.

Results

IgG4 ICs down regulated CD163 and CD206 on M2a cells, and significantly increased IL‐10, IL‐6, TNFα, and CCL1 secretion, indicating a shift to an M2b‐like phenotype. Treatment with IgG4 ICs resulted in expression of FcγRII and down modulation of FcγRII compared with IgG1 treated cells (P = 0.0335) or untreated cells (P < 0.00001).

Conclusion

Immune complexes with subclasses IgG1 and IgG4 can in vitro be generated by plate absorption, and in fluid form by protein L. Cross‐linking of FcγRIIb by the IgG4 subclass redirects pro‐allergic M2a macrophages to an M2b‐like immunosuppressive phenotype. This suggests an interplay of macrophages with IgG4 in immune tolerance, likely relevant in allergen immunotherapy.
Concurrent Implantation of Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Improved Survival of Patients With Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Chen Kai , Hou Jianfeng , Tang Hanwei , Hu Shengshou
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study is to report the combined application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with intra‐aortic balloon pumping (IABP) in postcardiotomy cardiac shock (PCS). A total of 60 consecutive patients who received both ECMO and IABP (concomitantly 24 hours) for PCS from February 2006 to March 2017 at Fuwai Hospital were included in our study. Clinical characteristics of the patients were collected retrospectively and compared between survivors and non‐survivors. Logistic regression analysis was used as predictors for survival to discharge. The study cohort had a mean age of 51.4±12.7 years with 75% males. ECMO was implanted intra‐operatively in 38 (63%) patients and post‐operatively in 22 (37%) patients. ECMO was implanted concurrently with IABP in 38 (63%) patients. Heart transplantation (38%) and coronary artery bypass graft (33%) were the main surgical procedures. ECMO was weaned successfully in 48% patients, and the rate of survival to discharge was 43%. Survivors showed less bedside ECMO implantation (12% vs. 41%, P=0.012) and more concurrent implantation of ECMO with IABP (81% vs. 50%, P=0.014). Concurrent implantation of IABP with ECMO (OR=0.177, P=0.015, 95% CI: 0.044‐0.718) was an independent predictor of survival to discharge. As for complications, the rate of renal failure (59% vs. 15%, P=0.001) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (29% vs. 0, P=0.003) was higher in patients who failed to survive to discharge. Patients who had heart transplantation had a better long‐term survival than others (P=0.0358). In summary, concurrent implantation of ECMO with IABP provides better short‐term outcome for PCS and combined application of ECMO with IABP for PCS after heart transplantation had a favorable long‐term outcome.
The cost‐effectiveness of alternative vision screening models among preschool children in rural China
Authors: Wang Lei , Congdon Nathan , Hogg Ruth E. , Zhang Siqi , Li Mengjie , Shi Yaojiang , Jin Ling , He Fei , Wang Huan , Boswell Matthew , Iyer Mony
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To explore the accuracy and cost‐effectiveness of three vision screening models among preschool children in rural China.

Methods

Vision screening was carried out among children aged 4–5 years in 65 preschools in two counties in Northwest China, using Crowded Single Lea Symbols to test visual acuity. Children were assigned randomly by school to one of three screening models: screening by teachers (15 schools, 1835 children), local optometrists (30 schools, 1718 children) or volunteers (20 schools, 2183 children). Children identifying ≥2 symbols incorrectly in either eye failed screening. Accuracy of screening was compared with screenings executed by experienced optometrists among 141 children selected randomly from the three screening models. Direct and indirect costs for each model were assessed. Costs to detect a true case failed screening were estimated.

Results

The sensitivity for three models ranged from 76.9% to 87.5%, specificity from 84.9% to 86.7% and standardized positive predictive value from 83.7% to 85.7%. None differed significantly between models. The costs per case detected were $37.53, $59.14 and $52.19 for the teachers, local optometrists and volunteers. In producing the cost estimates for teacher screening and local optometrist screening models, we used a salary payment that was identical for both models (with the salary being equal to that of the optometrist). The teacher screening model was the most cost‐effective.

Conclusion

Accuracy of screening by teachers, local optometrists and volunteers was the same in this setting, but the use of teachers was most cost‐effective, reducing the cost per case detected by almost 40%.
Unravelling the suboptimal response of TP53‐mutated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia to ibrutinib
Authors: Guarini Anna , Peragine Nadia , Messina Monica , Marinelli Marilisa , Ilari Caterina , Cafforio Luciana , Raponi Sara , Bonina Silvia , Mariglia Paola , Mauro Francesca R. , Gaidano Gianluca , Del Giudice Ilaria , Foà Robin
Published: October 2018

TP53‐disrupted chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients show a suboptimal long‐term response to ibrutinib. We hereby report that ibrutinib‐induced in vitro apoptosis and proliferation inhibition were significantly lower in TP53‐mutated (TP53‐M) CLL cells compared to TP53 wild‐type cells. Contrariwise, venetoclax effectively killed TP53‐M cells. Gene expression profile analysis of TP53‐M cells revealed a downmodulation of B‐cell receptor (BCR)‐related genes and an upmodulation of genes with anti‐apoptotic/pro‐survival activity, suggesting that the survival and proliferation of TP53‐M cells are less dependent on the BCR pathway. These observations further support the use of drug combinations for the optimal management of TP53‐M CLL patients.
Sight‐threatening Graves’ orbitopathy: Twenty years’ experience of a multidisciplinary thyroid‐eye outpatient clinic
Authors: Tramunt Blandine , Imbert Philippe , Grunenwald Solange , Boutault Franck , Caron Philippe
Published: October 2018

Context

Sight‐threatening Graves’ orbitopathy affects 3% to 5% of patients with Graves’ orbitopathy.

Objectives

To describe the management of patients with sight‐threatening Graves’ orbitopathy seen in a multidisciplinary thyroid‐eye outpatient clinic dedicated to Graves’ orbitopathy (GO).

Patients and methods

We enrolled all patients with sight‐threatening GO (dysthyroid optic neuropathy and corneal ulcer as defined in the EUGOGO statement) seen and treated in our GO multidisciplinary thyroid‐eye outpatient clinic over the last two decades.

Results

A total of 31 patients (median age 51 years old) including 24 women (77%) and 58% active smokers. This population represented 47 cases (case = eye) of sight‐threatening GO. Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) occurred in 40 eyes, corneal ulcer in 15 eyes and both in 8. At presentation, the clinical features of DON were reduced visual acuity (85%), visual field defects (80%), optic disc swelling (42%) and reduced colour vision (100%). At one year, surgical orbital decompression (OD) was performed in 82.5% of DON cases. Only seven eyes with DON were treated with pulses of intra‐venous glucocorticoids. For 10 patients, several therapeutic strategies (OD n = 4, punctal plug n = 1, amniotic membrane graft n = 2, tarsorrhaphy n = 2, botulinum toxin injection = 3 and eyelid surgery n = 2) were used to treat corneal ulcer. For each ophthalmological parameter, more than 85% of DON cases had recovery or improvement after treatment. For visual acuity in corneal ulcer, it was 71.4%.

Conclusion

We report 47 cases of sight‐threatening GO. Orbital decompression was performed in the majority of DON cases and several therapeutic strategies were necessary to treat corneal ulcer. The results are satisfactory in sight‐threatening Graves’ orbitopathy due to multidisciplinary management.
Intracameral antibiotics for prophylaxis of postoperative endophthalmitis in Australia: a review
Authors: Lipsky Lior , Barrett Graham
Published: October 2018

Postoperative endophthalmitis is a severe complication which may result in loss of vision. Intracameral antibiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of this complication and are extensively used worldwide, with vancomycin, cefuroxime and moxifloxacin most commonly used. Choices in Australia are currently limited to vancomycin and cefazolin, since cefuroxime and moxifloxacin are not available. Vancomycin has been safely and effectively used in our department for more than two decades. Recent publications have risen concerns regarding the association of haemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis a potentially blinding complication with intracameral vancomycin. This concern has driven us to review the safety and efficacy of currently available antibiotics in the context of Australian practice.
Loss of GINS2 inhibits cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in human gliomas
Authors: Shen Yun‐Long , Li He‐Zhen , Hu Yan‐Wei , Zheng Lei , Wang Qian
Published: October 2018

Aims

In this study, we examined the expression of GINS2 in glioma and determined its role in glioma development.

Methods

The protein expression of GINS2 was assessed in 120 human glioma samples via immunohistochemistry. Then, we suppressed the expression of GINS2 in glioma cell strains U87 and U251 using a short hairpin RNA lentiviral vector. In addition, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed on glioma cells before and after GINS2 knockdown. Subsequent co‐immunoprecipitation and western blot experiments indicated possible downstream regulatory molecules.

Results

The present results showed that GINS2 can accelerate the growth of glioma cells, whereas the suppression of GINS2 expression decreased the proliferation and tumorigenicity of glioma cells. Mechanism research experiments proved that GINS2 can block the cell cycle by regulating certain downstream molecules, such as MCM2, ATM, and CHEK2.

Conclusion

GINS2 is closely related to the occurrence and development of glioma, and is likely to become a prognostic marker for glioma patients, as well as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of glioma.
H19 regulation of oestrogen induction of symmetric division is achieved by antagonizing Let‐7c in breast cancer stem‐like cells
Authors: Wang Meng , Li Yuan , Xiao Guo‐Dong , Zheng Xiao‐Qiang , Wang Ji‐Chang , Xu Chong‐Wen , Qin Sida , Ren Hong , Tang Shou‐Ching , Sun Xin
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Breast cancer stem‐like cells (BrCSCs) are the major reason for tumour generation, resistance and recurrence. The turbulence of their self‐renewal ability could help to constrain the stem cell expansion. The way BrCSCs divided was related to their self‐renewal capacity, and the symmetric division contributed to a higher ability. Non‐coding long RNA of H19 was involved in multiple malignant procedures; the role and mechanistic proof of non‐coding long RNA of H19 in controlling the divisions of BrCSCs were barely known.

Materials and Methods

Indicative functions of H19 in preclinical study were analysed by using the TCGA data base. Division manners were defined by using fluorescence staining.

Results

We identified the stimulation of H19 on symmetric division of BrCSCs, which subsequently resulted in self‐renewing increasing. H19 inhibited the Let‐7c availability by acting as its specific molecular sponge, and with Let‐7c inhibition, oestrogen receptor activated Wnt signalling was unconstrained. Similarly, restoring Let‐7c constrained oestrogen receptor activated Wnt factors, which sequentially inhibited the H19 decreasing of Let‐7 bioavailability. Let‐7c is reactivated in vitro where H19 was knockdown, and later inhibited the symmetric division of BrCSCs. Reciprocally, Wnt pathway activation leads to H19 increasing, which in turn decreased Let‐7c bioavailability.

Conclusions

Our results revealed a previously undescribed double negative feedback loop between sponge H19 and targeted Let‐7c through oestrogen activated Wnt signalling that dominated in stem cells’ division.
Pedunculopontine tegmentum cholinergic loss leads to a progressive decline in motor abilities and neuropathological changes resembling progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: MacLaren Duncan A.A. , Ljungberg Trisha L. , Griffin Meghan E. , Clark Stewart D.
Published: October 2018

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is the most common atypical Parkinsonism. Although PSP shares some symptomology with Parkinson's disease (PD), PSP has a different underlying pathology characterized by tau aggregation. Furthermore, PSP sufferers respond poorly to PD medications and there are no effective alternative therapeutics. The development of both palliative and disease altering therapeutics has been hampered by the lack of an animal model that displays relevant PSP‐like pathology and behavioral deficits. Previously, our lab found that in rats the selective removal of cholinergic pedunculopontine neurons (whose axonal projections overlap with areas of PSP pathology), mimics the extensive loss of cholinergic pedunculopontine neurons seen in PSP, and produces a unique PSP‐like combination of deficits in: startle reflex, attention, and motor function. The present study extends those findings by allowing the lesion to incubate for over a year and compares behavioral and post‐mortem pathology of pedunculopontine‐cholinergic‐lesioned and sham‐lesioned rats. There was an early startle reflex deficit which did not improve over time. Progressive declines in motor function developed over the course of the year, including an increase in the number of “slips” while navigating various beams and poorly coordinated transitions from an elevated platform into homecages. Histological analysis discovered that the loss off cholinergic pedunculopontine neurons precipitated a significant loss of substantia nigra tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive neurons and a significant enlargement of the lateral ventricles. The latter is a distinguishing feature between PSP and PD. This preclinical animal model of PSP has the potential to further our understanding of PSP and aid in the testing of potential therapeutic agents.
Task errors contribute to implicit aftereffects in sensorimotor adaptation
Authors: Leow Li‐Ann , Marinovic Welber , de Rugy Aymar , Carroll Timothy J.
Published: October 2018

Perturbations of sensory feedback evoke sensory prediction errors (discrepancies between predicted and actual sensory outcomes of movements), and reward prediction errors (discrepancies between predicted rewards and actual rewards). When our task is to hit a target, we expect to succeed in hitting the target, and so we experience a reward prediction error if the perturbation causes us to miss it. These discrepancies between intended task outcomes and actual task outcomes, termed “task errors,” are thought to drive the use of strategic processes to restore success, although their role is incompletely understood. Here, as participants adapted to a 30° rotation of cursor feedback representing hand position, we investigated the role of task errors in sensorimotor adaptation: during target‐reaching, we either removed task errors by moving the target mid‐movement to align with cursor feedback of hand position, or enforced task error by moving the target away from the cursor feedback of hand position, by 20–30° randomly (clockwise in half the trials, counterclockwise in half the trials). Removing task errors not only reduced the extent of adaptation during exposure to the perturbation, but also reduced the amount of post‐adaptation aftereffects that persisted despite explicit knowledge of the perturbation removal. Hence, task errors contribute to implicit adaptation resulting from sensory prediction errors. This suggests that the system which predicts the sensory consequences of actions via exposure to sensory prediction errors is also sensitive to reward prediction errors.
Effect of interannual precipitation variability on dryland productivity: A global synthesis
Authors: Gherardi Laureano A. , Sala Osvaldo E.
Published: October 2018

Climate‐change assessments project increasing precipitation variability through increased frequency of extreme events. However, the effects of interannual precipitation variance per se on ecosystem functioning have been largely understudied. Here, we report on the effects of interannual precipitation variability on the primary production of global drylands, which include deserts, steppes, shrublands, grasslands, and prairies and cover about 40% of the terrestrial earth surface. We used a global database that has 43 datasets, which are uniformly distributed in parameter space and each has at least 10 years of data. We found (a) that at the global scale, precipitation variability has a negative effect on aboveground net primary production. (b) Expected increases in interannual precipitation variability for the year 2,100 may result in a decrease of up to 12% of the global terrestrial carbon sink. (c) The effect of precipitation interannual variability on dryland productivity changes from positive to negative along a precipitation gradient. Arid sites with mean precipitation under 300 mm/year responded positively to increases in precipitation variability, whereas sites with mean precipitation over 300 mm/year responded negatively. We propose three complementary mechanisms to explain this result: (a) concave‐up and concave‐down precipitation–production relationships in arid vs. humid systems, (b) shift in the distribution of water in the soil profile, and (c) altered frequency of positive and negative legacies. Our results demonstrated that enhanced precipitation variability will have direct impacts on global drylands that can potentially affect the future terrestrial carbon sink.
Pathways of mineral‐associated soil organic matter formation: Integrating the role of plant carbon source, chemistry, and point of entry
Authors: Sokol Noah W. , Sanderman Jonathan , Bradford Mark A.
Published: October 2018

To predict the behavior of the terrestrial carbon cycle, it is critical to understand the source, formation pathway, and chemical composition of soil organic matter (SOM). There is emerging consensus that slow‐cycling SOM generally consists of relatively low molecular weight organic carbon substrates that enter the mineral soil as dissolved organic matter and associate with mineral surfaces (referred to as “mineral‐associated OM,” or MAOM). However, much debate and contradictory evidence persist around: (a) whether the organic C substrates within the MAOM pool primarily originate from aboveground vs. belowground plant sources and (b) whether C substrates directly sorb to mineral surfaces or undergo microbial transformation prior to their incorporation into MAOM. Here, we attempt to reconcile disparate views on the formation of MAOM by proposing a spatially explicit set of processes that link plant C source with MAOM formation pathway. Specifically, because belowground vs. aboveground sources of plant C enter spatially distinct regions of the mineral soil, we propose that fine‐scale differences in microbial abundance should determine the probability of substrate–microbe vs. substrate–mineral interaction. Thus, formation of MAOM in areas of high microbial density (e.g., the rhizosphere and other microbial hotspots) should primarily occur through an in vivo microbial turnover pathway and favor C substrates that are first biosynthesized with high microbial carbon‐use efficiency prior to incorporation in the MAOM pool. In contrast, in areas of low microbial density (e.g., certain regions of the bulk soil), MAOM formation should primarily occur through the direct sorption of intact or partially oxidized plant compounds to uncolonized mineral surfaces, minimizing the importance of carbon‐use efficiency, and favoring C substrates with strong “sorptive affinity.” Through this framework, we thus describe how the primacy of biotic vs. abiotic controls on MAOM dynamics is not mutually exclusive, but rather spatially dictated. Such an understanding may be integral to more accurately modeling soil organic matter dynamics across different spatial scales.
Natural forests exhibit higher carbon sequestration and lower water consumption than planted forests in China
Authors: Yu Zhen , Liu Shirong , Wang Jingxin , Wei Xiaohua , Schuler Jamie , Sun Pengsen , Harper Richard , Zegre Nicolas
Published: October 2018

Large‐scale planted forests (PF) have been given a higher priority in China for improving the environment and mitigating climate change relative to natural forests (NF). However, the ecological consequences of these PF on water resource security have been less considered in the national scale. Moreover, a critically needed comparison on key ecological effects between PF and NF under climate change has rarely been conducted. Here, we compare carbon sequestration and water consumption in PF and NF across China using combination of remote sensing and field inventory. We found that, on average, NF consumed 6.8% (37.5 mm per growing season) less water but sequestered 1.1% (12.5 g C m−2 growing season−1) more carbon than PF in the period of 2000–2012. While there was no significant difference in water consumption (p = 0.6) between PF and NF in energy‐limited areas (dryness index [DI] < 1), water consumption was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in PF than that in NF in water‐limited regions (DI > 1). Moreover, a distinct and larger shift of water yield was identified in PF than in NF from the 1980s to the 2000s, indicating that PF were more sensitive to climate change, leading to a higher water consumption when compared with NF. Our results suggest NF should be properly valued in terms of maximizing the benefits of carbon sequestration and water yield. Future forest plantation projects should be planned with caution, particularly in water‐limited regions where they might have less positive effect on carbon sequestration but lead to significant water yield reduction.
The persistence of inter‐regional hierarchy in technology transfer networks: An analysis of Chinese patent licensing data
Authors: Seo Ilwon , Sonn Jung Won
Published: October 2018

This paper asks whether the technological development of a nation reduces the inter‐regional hierarchy in knowledge flow. We examine two scenarios that are the alternative to each other. The first is what we call the globalization of regional innovation system/weakening of inter‐regional hierarchy scenario: As many regions develop their niches in the global economy, the national “anchor” region loses its relative importance as the importer and distributor of new knowledge, rendering the domestic inter‐regional hierarchy less significant as a result. The second scenario is the globalization of national innovation system/persistence of inter‐regional hierarchy. The nation’s traditional anchor region becomes even more active in importing technology and distributing it to other regions of the country. To test which scenario is closer to reality, we employ social network metrics to analyse inter‐regional technology diffusion networks using Chinese patent licensing data for the 1998–2013 period. Our findings support the second scenario, showing that the influence of the traditional anchor region persists in the hierarchical network structure as new cities enter the network. We found five anchor regions: the three usual suspects—Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen—plus two that were slightly less expected—Dongguan and Suzhou.