bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex-biased genetic programs in liver metabolism and liver fibrosis are controlled by EZH1 and EZH2
Authors: Lau-Corona Dana , Bae Woo Kyun , Hennighausen Lothar , Waxman David J 
Published: March 2019

SummaryBackgroundSex differences in the incidence and progression of many liver diseases, including liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, are associated with sex-biased expression of hundreds of genes in the liver. This sexual dimorphism is largely determined by the sex-specific pattern of pituitary growth hormone secretion, which controls a transcriptional regulatory network operative in the context of sex-biased chromatin states. Histone H3K27-trimethylation yields a major sex-biased repressive chromatin mark that is specifically deposited by polycomb repressive complex-2, via its homologous catalytic subunits Ezh1 and Ezh2, at many strongly female-biased genes in male mouse liver, but not at male-biased genes in female liver.ResultsWe usedEzh1-knockout mice with a hepatocyte-specific knockout ofEzh2to elucidate the sex bias of liver H3K27-trimethylation and its functional role in regulating sex-differences in the liver. Combined hepatic Ezh1/Ezh2 deficiency led to a significant loss of sex-biased gene expression, particularly in male liver, where many female-biased genes increased in expression while male-biased genes showed decreased expression. The associated loss of H3K27me3 marks, and increases in the active enhancer marks H3K27ac and H3K4me1, were also more pronounced in male liver. Many genes linked to liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma were induced in Ezh1/Ezh2-deficient livers, which may contribute to the increased sensitivity of these mice to hepatotoxin-induced liver pathology.ConclusionsEzh1/Ezh2-catalyzed H3K27-trimethyation is thus essential for the sex-dependent epigenetic regulation of liver chromatin states controlling phenotypic sex differences in liver metabolism and liver fibrosis, and may be a critical determinant of the sex-bias in liver disease susceptibility.
Microvasculopathy, Luminal Calcification and Premature Aging in Fetuin-A Deficient Mice
Authors: Herrmann Marietta , Babler Anne , Moshkova Irina , Gremse Felix , Kiessling Fabian , Kusebauch Ulrike , Nelea Valentin , Kramann Rafael , Moritz Robert L. , McKee Marc D. , Jahnen-Dechent Willi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe plasma protein fetuin-A mediates the formation of protein-mineral colloids known as calciprotein particles (CPP) – rapid clearance of these CPP by the reticuloendothelial system prevents errant mineral precipitation and therefore ectopic mineralization (calcification). The mutant mouse strain D2,Ahsg-/- combines fetuin-A deficiency with the mineralization-prone DBA/2 genetic background, having a particularly severe compound phenotype of microvascular and soft tissue mineralization. Here we studied mechanisms leading to soft tissue mineralization, organ damage and premature aging in these mice.Approach and ResultsWe analyzed mice longitudinally by echocardiography, X-ray-computed tomography, analytical electron microscopy, histology, mass spectrometry proteomics, and genome-wide microarray-based expression analyses of D2 wildtype and Ahsg-/- mice.Fetuin-A deficient mice had calcified lesions in myocardium, lung, brown adipose tissue, reproductive organs, spleen, pancreas, kidney and the skin, associated with reduced growth, cardiac output and premature aging. Importantly, early stage calcified lesions presented in the lumen of the microvasculature suggesting precipitation of mineral containing complexes from the fluid phase of blood. Genome-wide expression analysis of calcified lesions and surrounding (not calcified) tissue, together with morphological observations, indicated that the ectopic mineralization was not associated with osteochondrogenic cell differentiation, but rather with thrombosis and fibrosis.ConclusionsCollectively, these results demonstrate that pathological mineralization can start by intravascular mineral deposition causing microvasculopathy, which impacts on growth, organ function and survival. Our study underscores the importance of fetuin-A and related systemic regulators of mineralized matrix metabolism to prevent cardiovascular disease, especially in dysregulated mineral homeostasis.
Short-term effects of hurricanes Maria and Irma on forest birds of Puerto Rico
Authors: Lloyd John D. , Rimmer Christopher C. , Salguero Faría José A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe compared occupancy in local assemblages of birds in forested areas across Puerto Rico during a winter before (2015) and shortly after (2018) the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria. Using dynamic community models analyzed within a Bayesian framework, we found significant changes in detectability, with some species becoming more readily detected after the storms and others becoming more difficult to detect during surveys. Changes in occupancy were equally mixed. Five species – mostly granivores and omnivores, but also Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus), a migratory insectivore – occupied more sites in 2018 than in 2015. Thirteen species were less common after the hurricanes, including all of the obligate frugivores. Declines in site-occupancy rates were not only more common than increases, but tended to be of greater magnitude. Our results support the general conclusions that bird species respond largely independently to changes in forest structure caused by hurricanes, but that some dietary guilds, notably frugivores, are more sensitive and more likely to show changes in abundance or occupancy following strong storms.
Parametric optimization of friction stir welding process for marine grade aluminum alloy
Authors: Goyal Amit , Garg Ramesh Kumar 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to deal with the experimental data related to the friction stir welding (FSW) of marine grade Al-Mg4.2 alloy. Mathematical models are developed to study the individual and interaction effects of input variables on the performance characteristics of joints. FSW parameters are optimized to maximize the yield strength and weld nugget microhardness of the welded joints.

Design/methodology/approach
Response surface methodology is applied to establish the mathematical relationship between six input factors, namely, tool rotational speed, transverse speed, tool shoulder diameter, tool material hardness, tilt angle and pin profile; and two response variables, namely, yield strength and weld nugget microhardness. Six factors–five-level rotatable central composite matrix is used for the design of experiments. The quadratic model is used, as suggested by the design expert software, to express the response parameters as a function of investigated input parameters. The competence of the developed models is verified through analysis of variance.

Findings
The present investigation clearly indicates that the studied input factors have a significant effect on the quality of the joints. The optimal combination of input factors is determined to achieve the desired responses.

Originality/value
This paper teems a new look on tensile and hardness properties of Al-Mg4.2 joints by relating the microstructure, fractrographs and grains distribution with the dynamic recrystallization and plasticized material movement during the FSW process. The outcome of this research will help in seizing the opportunities of joining Al-Mg4.2 alloy using FSW, in the offshore and marine applications.
Drivers for IWMS implementation in real estate management
Authors: Maslesa Esmir , Jensen Per Anker 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
IT platforms such as integrated workplace management system (IWMS) gain higher importance in real estate management, but there is a lack of knowledge on what IWMS is and what the drivers are for its implementation in real estate organisations. The paper aims to provide knowledge on this.

Design/methodology/approach
The research combines theories of real estate management, IT implementations and change management, with a qualitative case study of IWMS implementation in a public real estate organisation in Denmark. The research data consist of customer surveys, document studies, semi-structured interviews and in-depth analysis of IWMS features.

Findings
The paper identifies several drivers for IWMS implementation, such as data standardisation, validation and easier data exchange, business process optimisation, decrease in IT costs and improved customer service. Furthermore, the case study reveals that the IWMS implementation is not considered as a definite IT project but as an organisational change project impacting the entire organisation.

Originality/value
There has so far not been any public real estate organisations in Denmark using IWMS, and the knowledge about IWMS in public real estate sector is therefore limited. To date, no one has analysed what the drivers are for IWMS implementation in real estate organisations. This research paper brings new knowledge on IWMS and presents drivers for IWMS implementation, observed from an implementation process in a public real estate organisation.
Pride or prejudice: accounting and Polynesian entrepreneurs
Authors: Yong Sue 
Published: March 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the role of accounting, accountants and the cash management processes of indigenous Māori and Pacific (collectively referred as Polynesian) entrepreneurs in New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research methodology was used; 43 in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with Polynesian entrepreneurs, key informants, business experts and accountants to align with the oral Polynesian traditions and protocols.FindingsThe paper highlights the influence of cultural values on Polynesians’ accounting decision-making processes. It also provides some unique insights into the interrelationships of the cultural, economic and social dynamics that sculpt Polynesians’ decisions towards accounting, cash management and their accountants.Research limitations/implicationsPurposive sampling of a small sample was drawn from Auckland, New Zealand. Though statistical generalisability is not possible, in-depth interview data provided rich and contextual evidence which are often missing from a quantitative research approach.Practical implicationsIt highlights the need for contextualised accounting services to Polynesian entrepreneurs by the accounting profession. It also calls for more cultural sensitivity when servicing and regulating Polynesian entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThis study identifies some unique insights into the interrelationships of culture, economic and social dynamics in Polynesian entrepreneurs. In particular, the cultural values of communality, reciprocity and “gift-giving” and respect for authority are important factors in shaping the Polynesians’ approach to accounting disposition and business cash management. It also identifies the power differentials between Polynesian entrepreneurs and their accountants, in which the former takes on a subordinate role to the latter.
Conclusion: Energy ethics and ethical worlds
Authors: Appel Hannah 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWhat happens when the effects of our ethical actions stretch beyond, often far beyond, first‐ and second‐person phenomena? What happens when one person's richly textured ethical world is another's profound violation? Energy offers a particularly useful empirical terrain on which to think through the questions posed by ethical worlds. Ethical worlds gesture both to the supra‐individual, supra‐present contexts in which we all craft quotidian ethics, and to the expansive geographies and timescapes in which the effects of our ethical practices ramify. Ethical worlds, fields, or landscapes are not bordered by first‐ or second‐person experiences, but rather they intersect and interfere with one another often at great distance, often over multiple generations, and certainly not equally. Ethical practices in more powerful fields spill out, invade, and give shape to ethical practices in other ethical fields. What does it mean to start to see and feel and analyse at these ethical crossroads? In particular, what might it mean to acknowledge that structure, power, and interest – which are too often arrayed against close ethnographic attention to individual and shared experience – are not ‘larger forces’ but other ethical worlds, equally amenable to ethnographic attention?
Impact of Auditor Report Changes on Financial Reporting Quality and Audit Costs: Evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Reid Lauren C. , Carcello Joseph V. , Li Chan , Neal Terry L. , Francis Jere R. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTWhile substantial revisions to auditor reporting requirements are being implemented internationally, the impact of these reforms on financial reporting quality is unknown. We exploit the United Kingdom's recent auditor reporting changes and find that the United Kingdom's new reporting regime is associated with an improvement in financial reporting quality as proxied by significant decreases in absolute abnormal accruals and the propensity to just meet or beat analyst forecasts, and a significant increase in earnings response coefficients. As for audit costs, we do not find a significant change in audit fees or audit delay surrounding the implementation of the new reporting regime. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that new auditor reporting requirements are associated with a significant improvement in financial reporting quality without detecting a significant increase in audit costs.
Post‐surgical chronic pain and quality of life in children operated for congenital heart disease
Authors: Matsuda Megumi , Takemura Hitomi , Yamashita Ayahiro , Matsuoka Yutaka , Sawa Teiji , Amaya Fumimasa 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundAdvances in medical technology have resulted in an increased life expectancy in pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases. Assessment of health‐related quality of life is crucial to improving their healthcare status. We aimed to assess post‐surgical pain prevalence and its impact on health‐related quality of life in pediatric patients who underwent cardiac surgery during childhood.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study recruited patients aged 4 years or older who underwent cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease at least 1 year prior, during the age of 0‐10 years, and were admitted for post‐surgical follow‐up at our institute. The prevalence, intensity, and location of pain and health‐related quality of life were assessed in an interview. Perioperative information was collected from the patients’ medical records. Health‐related quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric quality of life inventory 4.0 (PedsQL).ResultsPain was reported by 24 (17%) of the 141 participants. One‐third of them reported moderate to severe pain that required medical intervention. After adjustment for several confounding factors, multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of pain and the number of surgeries were associated with lower total PedsQL scores.ConclusionsPain was present in 17% of the patients who underwent cardiac surgery during childhood. Presence of pain had a negative impact on long‐term health‐related quality of life after pediatric cardiac surgery.
Parents' perception of health care services for girls with Rett syndrome
Authors: Rodocanachi Roidi Marina Luisa , Grange Francesca , Cozzi Francesca , Pari Elisa , Toshimori Kumiko , Ripamonti Enrico 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundRett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, implying impairment and disability across several domains.MethodWe investigated parents' perception of the caregiving process in a sample of 55 mothers and fathers of girls with RTT using the MPOC‐20 questionnaire. The association of parents' satisfaction with clinical variables has also been explored.ResultsWe obtained intermediate levels of satisfaction on the MPOC‐20 Coordinated and Comprehensive Care and Respectful and Supportive Care scales. The performance was lower on the scales Providing General Information and Providing Specific Information. Mothers' assessment was not associated with clinical variables such as walking disability, presence of scoliosis, or epilepsy. For children with greater degree of walking impairment, fathers expressed the need of having more information available.ConclusionsAlthough parents seemed satisfied of the caregiving process, clinicians should put more emphasis on their need of receiving general and specific information on RTT along the entire rehabilitation program.
Filaggrin gene loss‐of‐function mutations constitute a factor in patients with multiple contact allergies
Authors: Elhaji Youssef , Sasseville Denis , Pratt Melanie , Asai Yuka , Matheson Kara , McLean William H. I. , Hull Peter R. 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundPolysensitivity is defined as three or more positive patch test reactions. The role of filaggrin gene (FLG) loss‐of‐function mutations in patients with polysensitivity has not been studied when barrier bypass and possible preceding barrier damage have been excluded.ObjectivesTo determine whether FLG loss of function mutations play a role in patients with multiple contact sensitivities when barrier bypass is excluded.MethodsOne hundred and sixty‐nine patients with three or more, non‐cross‐reacting, positive patch test reactions were prospectively enrolled in this study. Exclusion criteria were a history of hand dermatitis, nickel and metal implants, and stasis dermatitis. Subjects were patch tested with the North American extended patch test series, and with other relevant haptens. DNA was obtained and sequenced for the following FLG loss‐of‐function mutations: R501X, 2282del4, R2447X, and S3247X.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐five patients were genotyped for the four FLG mutations. There was a significant association between R501X mutation and polysensitivity. For the other three tested mutations, there were no significant associations with polysensitivity. When all mutations were combined, there was a significant association between loss‐of‐function FLG mutations and polysensitivity in patients with a history of atopic dermatitis.ConclusionWhen skin barrier bypass is excluded, there is a significant association between polysensitivity and FLG loss‐of‐function mutations.
The Impact of Spinal Manipulation on Migraine Pain and Disability: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Rist Pamela M. , Hernandez Audrey , Bernstein Carolyn , Kowalski Matthew , Osypiuk Kamila , Vining Robert , Long Cynthia R. , Goertz Christine , Song Rhayun , Wayne Peter M. 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundSeveral small studies have suggested that spinal manipulation may be an effective treatment for reducing migraine pain and disability. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to evaluate the evidence regarding spinal manipulation as an alternative or integrative therapy in reducing migraine pain and disability.MethodsPubMed and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for clinical trials that evaluated spinal manipulation and migraine‐related outcomes through April 2017. Search terms included: migraine, spinal manipulation, manual therapy, chiropractic, and osteopathic. Meta‐analytic methods were employed to estimate the effect sizes (Hedges’ g) and heterogeneity (I2) for migraine days, pain, and disability. The methodological quality of retrieved studies was examined following the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.ResultsOur search identified 6 RCTs (pooled n = 677; range of n = 42‐218) eligible for meta‐analysis. Intervention duration ranged from 2 to 6 months; outcomes included measures of migraine days (primary outcome), migraine pain/intensity, and migraine disability. Methodological quality varied across the studies. For example, some studies received high or unclear bias scores for methodological features such as compliance, blinding, and completeness of outcome data. Due to high levels of heterogeneity when all 6 studies were included in the meta‐analysis, the 1 RCT performed only among chronic migraineurs was excluded. Heterogeneity across the remaining studies was low. We observed that spinal manipulation reduced migraine days with an overall small effect size (Hedges’ g = −0.35, 95% CI: −0.53, −0.16, P < .001) as well as migraine pain/intensity.ConclusionsSpinal manipulation may be an effective therapeutic technique to reduce migraine days and pain/intensity. However, given the limitations to studies included in this meta‐analysis, we consider these results to be preliminary. Methodologically rigorous, large‐scale RCTs are warranted to better inform the evidence base for spinal manipulation as a treatment for migraine.
Early morning—Best time window of hourly 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure in relation to hypertensive organ damage: The Japan Morning Surge‐Home Blood Pressure study
Authors: Wanthong Sirisawat , Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Hoshide Satoshi , Buranakitjaroen Peera , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: March 2019

The correlations between organ damage and hourly ambulatory blood pressure (BP) have not been established. The patients were 1464 participants of the Japan Morning Surge‐Home Blood Pressure (J‐HOP) study participants who underwent ambulatory BP monitoring. The hourly systolic BP (SBP) at x o'clock was defined as the average of SBP values measured at times x − 30 minutes, x, and x + 30 minutes. The mean age was 64.8 ± 11.6 years. The percentage of male participants was 47.8%. The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was significantly associated with SBP at 6 o'clock (r = 0.166, P < 0.001). The carotid intima‐media thickness was significantly associated with SBP at 5 o'clock (r = 0.196, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, antihypertensive drug use, clinic SBP, and 24‐hour ambulatory SBP, the correlations of the LVMI and hourly SBP at 6 o'clock remained significant (beta coefficient = 0.125, P < 0.01). In conclusion, morning ambulatory systolic BP especially at 5 and 6 o'clock was independently associated with organ damage.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/aspart (twice‐daily injections), insulin glargine 300 U/mL, and insulin glulisine (basal–bolus therapy)
Authors: Kawaguchi Yuji , Sawa Jun , Hamai Chie , Nishimura Yuri , Kumeda Yasuro 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionWe compared the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/aspart (IDegAsp) twice‐daily injections with insulin glargine 300 U/mL and insulin glulisine basal–bolus therapy (Gla300/Glu) using insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla300) and insulin glulisine (Glu).Materials and MethodsA total of 20 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were treated with IDegAsp twice‐daily injections; achievement of target preprandial glucose concentration of 100–130 mg/dL at breakfast and supper was determined using a wearable flash glucose monitoring system. Patients were later switched to Gla300/Glu basal–bolus therapy before breakfast and before supper. Data were collected on days 2–4 and days 12–14 for each treatment period. The study's primary efficacy end‐point was the mean percentage of time with a target glucose range of 70–180 mg/dL, and safety end‐points were the mean percentage of time with hypoglycemia having glucose levels <70 mg/dL, clinically important hypoglycemia with glucose levels <54 mg/dL and nocturnal (00.00–06.00) hypoglycemia.ResultsConsidering efficacy, the mean percentage of time for the target glucose range of IDegAsp was significantly lower than that of Gla300/Glu (73.1 [69.4–81.1] vs 84.2 [80.2–93.1], P = 0.001). Considering safety, the mean percentages of hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL; 2.1 [0.0–9.4] vs 14.4 [4.4–22.3]), clinically important hypoglycemia (<54 mg/dL; 0.0 [0.0–0.2] vs 1.9 [0.0–5.6]) and nocturnal (00.00–06.00 hours) hypoglycemia (0.5 [0.0–5.9] vs 8.9 [3.1–11.8]) of Gla300/Glu were significantly lower than those of IDegAsp (P = 0.012, 0.036 and 0.007, respectively).ConclusionsWhen compared with the IDegAsp twice‐daily injections, Gla300/Glu basal–bolus therapy might achieve more effective glycemic control without hypoglycemic risk.