bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding culinary innovation as relational: Insights from Tarde's relational sociology
Authors: Feuls Miriam
Published: January 2018

This article argues that a relational view of innovation opens up new perspectives of examining and explaining how novelty develops in creative industries. Although many researchers have given time to this topic, a theoretically grounded concept of relational innovation remains undeveloped within the literature. To address this issue, I set out to offer a framework informed by Gabriel Tarde's relational sociology, by re‐interpreting this sociology with regard to practice theory. By applying this framework in an empirical study of haute cuisine, I identify three processes of innovating at varying degrees of novelty (repeating, adapting, and differentiating). By relating those processes in the form of practices‐nets, I show that innovating is not a linear development process, but that a culinary innovation emerges in between relations of everyday practices that define and transform its value. I hope, in this way, to contribute to a more complex and subtle understanding of culinary innovation as relational.
Measurement of Typhi Vi antibodies can be used to assess adaptive immunity in patients with immunodeficiency
Authors: Evans C , Bateman E , Steven R , Ponsford M , Cullinane A , Shenton C , Duthie G , Conlon C , Jolles S , Huissoon A P , Longhurst H J , Rahman T , Scott C , Wallis G , Harding S , Parker A R , Ferry B L
Published: January 2018

Vaccine-specific antibody responses are essential in the diagnosis of antibody deficiencies. Responses to Pneumovax II are used to assess the response to polysaccharide antigens, but interpretation may be complicated. Typhim Vi®, a polysaccharide vaccine for Salmonella typhoid fever, may be an additional option for assessing humoral responses in patients suspected of having an immunodeficiency. Here we report a UK multi-centre study describing the analytical and clinical performance of a Typhi Vi immunoglobulin (Ig)G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) calibrated to an affinity-purified Typhi Vi IgG preparation. Intra- and interassay imprecision was low and the assay was linear, between 7·4 and 574 U/ml (slope = 0·99–1·00; R2 > 0·99); 71% of blood donors had undetectable Typhi Vi IgG antibody concentrations. Of those with antibody concentrations  > 7·4 U/ml, the concentration range was 7·7–167 U/ml. In antibody-deficient patients receiving antibody replacement therapy the median Typhi Vi IgG antibody concentrations were  < 25 U/ml. In vaccinated normal healthy volunteers, the median concentration post-vaccination was 107 U/ml (range 31–542 U/ml). Eight of eight patients (100%) had post-vaccination concentration increases of at least threefold and six of eight (75%) of at least 10-fold. In an antibody-deficient population (n = 23), only 30% had post-vaccination concentration increases of at least threefold and 10% of at least 10-fold. The antibody responses to Pneumovax II and Typhim Vi® correlated. We conclude that IgG responses to Typhim Vi® vaccination can be measured using the VaccZyme Salmonella typhi Vi IgG ELISA, and that measurement of these antibodies maybe a useful additional test to accompany Pneumovax II responses for the assessment of antibody deficiencies.
Three‐dimensional genome architecture in health and disease
Authors: Ouimette J.‐F. , Rougeulle C. , Veitia R.A.
Published: January 2018

More than a decade of massive DNA sequencing efforts have generated a large body of genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic information that has provided a more and more detailed view of the functional elements and transactions within the human genome. Considerable efforts have also focused on linking these elements with one another by mapping their interactions and by establishing 3‐dimensional (3D) genomic landscapes in various cell and tissue types. In parallel, multiple studies have associated genomic deletions, duplications and other rearrangements with human pathologies. In this review, we explore recent progresses that have allowed connecting disease‐causing alterations with perturbations of the 3D genome organization.
Revisiting habitat and lifestyle transitions in Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera): insights from a combined morphological and molecular phylogeny
Authors: Weirauch Christiane , Schuh Randall T. , Cassis Gerasimos , Wheeler Ward C.
Published: January 2018

Heteroptera, the true bugs, are part of the largest clade of non‐holometabolous insects, the Hemiptera, and include > 42 000 described species in about 90 families. Despite progress in resolving phylogenetic relationships between and within infraorders since the first combined morphological and molecular analysis published in 1993 (29 taxa, 669 bp, 31 morphological characters), recent hypotheses have relied entirely on molecular data. Weakly supported nodes along the backbone of Heteroptera made these published phylogenies unsuitable for investigations into the evolution of habitats and lifestyles across true bugs. Here we present the first combined morphological and molecular analyses of Heteroptera since 1993, using 135 taxa in 60 families, 4018 aligned bp of ribosomalDNAand 81 morphological characters, and various analytical approaches. The sister‐group relationship of the predominantly aquatic Nepomorpha with all remaining Heteroptera is supported in all analyses, and a clade formed by Enicocephalomorpha, Dipsocoromorpha and Gerromorpha in some. All analyses recover Leptopodomorpha + (Cimicomorpha + Pentatomomorpha), mostly with high support. Parsimony‐ and likelihood‐based ancestral state reconstructions of habitats and lifestyles on the combined likelihood phylogeny provide new insights into the evolution of true bugs. The results indicate that aquatic and semi‐aquatic true bugs invaded these habitats three times independently from terrestrial habitats in contrast to a recent hypothesis. They further suggest that the most recent common ancestor of Heteroptera was predacious, and that the two large predominantly phytophagous clades (Trichophora and Miroidea) are likely to have derived independently from predatory ancestors. We conclude that by combining morphological and molecular data and employing various analytical methods our analyses have converged on a relatively well‐supported hypothesis of heteropteran infraordinal relationships that now requires further testing using phylogenomic and more extensive morphological datasets.
Association of early pregnancy body mass index with post‐partum weight change among African–American women
Authors: Schneider C. R. , Biggio J. R. , Chandler‐Laney P. C.
Published: January 2018

Post‐partum weight retention is relatively common and increases the risk for future obesity. Women who are overweight or obese prior to pregnancy, or who gain excessively during pregnancy, are more likely to retain weight post‐partum. Much of the existing research is limited by a single post‐partum body‐weight measure and therefore cannot distinguish post‐partum weight retention from post‐partum weight accrual. This study tested the hypothesis that early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is positively associated with post‐partum weight change, independent of gestational weight gain (GWG) and breastfeeding (BF) among African–American women, a demographic group with greater risk for obesity. Healthy African–American women (n = 32) were weighed at 2 weeks and 3 months post‐partum to derive post‐partum weight change. Data from prenatal care records were retrieved to calculate BMI at the first prenatal care visit and GWG. BF status at 2 weeks post‐partum was self‐reported. Early pregnancy BMI was positively associated with post‐partum weight change (partial r = 0.53, P < 0.005), independent of GWG and BF status at 2 weeks post‐partum. These results extend the literature by suggesting that the association between early pregnancy BMI and post‐partum weight retention may be at least partially attributable to the accrual of new weight during the post‐partum period. Future research in a larger and more diverse cohort is warranted and should explore potential mechanisms contributing to post‐partum weight change.
Merchants of doubt in the free‐ranging cat conflict
Authors: Loss Scott R. , Marra Peter P.
Published: January 2018

Article impact statement: Misinformation campaigns create false doubt about free‐ranging cat impacts, hinder efforts to manage cat numbers and conserve biodiversity.
Impact of intraoperative cytokine adsorption on outcome of patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation—an observational study
Authors: Nemeth Endre , Kovacs Eniko , Racz Kristof , Soltesz Adam , Szigeti Szabolcs , Kiss Nikolett , Csikos Gergely , Koritsanszky Kinga B. , Berzsenyi Viktor , Trembickij Gabor , Fabry Szabolcs , Prohaszka Zoltan , Merkely Bela , Gal Janos
Published: January 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of intraoperative cytokine adsorption on the perioperative vasoplegia, inflammatory response and outcome during orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT).

Methods

Eighty‐four OHT patients were separated into the cytokine adsorption (CA)‐treated group or controls. Vasopressor demand, inflammatory response described by procalcitonin and C‐reactive protein, and postoperative outcome were assessed performing propensity score matching.

Results

In the 16 matched pairs, the median noradrenaline requirement was significantly less in the CA‐treated patients than in the controls on the first and second postoperative days (0.14 vs 0.3 μg*kg−1*min−1, P = .039 and 0.06 vs 0.32 μg*kg−1*min−1, P = .047). The inflammatory responses were similar in the two groups. There was a trend toward shorter length of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) stay in the CA‐treated group compared to the controls. No difference in adverse events was observed between the two groups. However, the frequency of renal replacement therapy was significantly less in the CA‐treated patients than in the controls (P = .031).

Conclusions

Intraoperative CA treatment was associated with reduced vasopressor demand and less frequent renal replacement therapy with a favorable tendency in length of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. CA treatment was not linked to higher rates of adverse events.
Teaching Ivory 101: Building on a Legacy at the Walters Art Museum
Authors: Lauffenburger Julie , Drayman‐Weisser Terry
Published: January 2018

The Walters Art Museum is a leader in the study, exhibition, and preservation of ivory. This is due to the confluence of several circumstances: a collection that includes over 2000 objects made wholly or in part from ivory and related materials, curatorial decisions to include ivory objects in display, and in‐house conservation expertise leading to new treatments and better understanding of the materials we collectively refer to as ivory. The Walters also plays a major role in ivory education, using its collections recently enhanced by a gift of over 400 non‐accessioned ivory specimens specifically for public access and outreach. This paper describes the museum's history and on‐going activities focused on ivory. It highlights the role of the ivory study collection to create public awareness and to address issues raised by the endangered status of the African elephant, supporting advocacy for both art and animal conservation. Since teaching about ivory at the Walters originated and has been consistently pursued through the Conservation and Technical Research Department, this paper is presented primarily from that perspective and demonstrates how such a program is enhanced by collaboration with staff educators. The article includes object accession numbers for works cited in the text.
Brown adipose tissue lipid metabolism in morbid obesity: Effect of bariatric surgery‐induced weight loss
Authors: Dadson Prince , Hannukainen Jarna C. , Din Mueez U , Lahesmaa Minna , Kalliokoski Kari K. , Iozzo Patricia , Pihlajamäki Jussi , Karlsson Henry K. , Parkkola Riitta , Salminen Paulina , Virtanen Kirsi A. , Nuutila Pirjo
Published: January 2018

Objective

We aimed to investigate the effect of bariatric surgery on lipid metabolism in supraclavicular brown adipose tissue in morbidly obese women. We hypothesized that lipid metabolism improves after surgery‐induced weight loss.

Materials and methods

A total of 23 morbidly obese women (BMI, 42.1 ± 4.2 kg/m2; age, 43.8 ± 9.8 years) were assessed before and 6 months after bariatric surgery and 15 age‐ and sex‐matched controls (22.6 ± 2.8 kg/m2) were assessed once. In the supraclavicular fat depot, fractional (FUR) and NEFA uptake rates were measured with 18F‐FTHA‐PET. We assessed tissue morphology (triglyceride content) using computed tomography (CT)‐radiodensity (in Hounsfield Units[HU]) and the proportion of fat with high density (sBAT [%]) in the entire supraclavicular fat depot.

Results

The supraclavicular fractional uptake rate was lower in obese women compared to controls (0.0055 ± 0.0035 vs 0.0161 ± 0.0177 1/min, P = .001). Both FUR (to 0.0074 ± 0.0035 1/min, P = .01) and NEFA uptake rates (to 0.50 ± 0.50 μmol/100 g/min, P = .001) increased after surgery. Compared to controls, obese women had lower CT‐radiodensity (−101.2 ± 10.1 vs −82.5 ± 5.8 HU, P < .001) and sBAT (43.4 ± 8.4% vs 64.5 ± 12.4%, P < .001). After surgery, CT‐radiodensity increased (to −82.5 ± 9.6 HU, P < .001), signifying decreased triglyceride content and sBAT improved (to 58.0 ± 10.7%, P < .001), indicating an increased proportion of brown fat. The change in tissue morphology, reflected as increase in CT‐radiodensity and sBAT (%), was associated with a decrease in adiposity indices and an increase in whole‐body insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions

A decrease in triglyceride content, coupled with the increased proportion of brown adipose tissue in the supraclavicular fat depot, may play a role in the improvement of whole‐body insulin sensitivity observed in morbidly obese women after surgery‐induced weight loss.
Two‐year trial of intermittent insulin therapy vs metformin for the preservation of β‐cell function after initial short‐term intensive insulin induction in early type 2 diabetes
Authors: Retnakaran Ravi , Choi Haysook , Ye Chang , Kramer Caroline K. , Zinman Bernard
Published: January 2018

Aims

To test the hypothesis that “induction” intensive insulin therapy (IIT) needs to be followed by “maintenance therapy” to preserve β‐cell function, and to evaluate the impact on β‐cell function over 2 years of two approaches to maintenance therapy: intermittent short‐term IIT every 3 months vs daily metformin.

Materials and methods

In this trial, 24 adults with a mean type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) duration of 2.0 ± 1.7 years and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels 6.4 ± 0.1% (46 ± 1.1mmol/mol) were randomized to 3 weeks of induction IIT (glargine, lispro) followed by either repeat IIT for up to 2 weeks every 3 months or daily metformin. Participants underwent serial assessment of β‐cell function using the Insulin Secretion‐Sensitivity Index‐2 (ISSI‐2) on an oral glucose tolerance test every 3 months.

Results

The primary outcome of baseline‐adjusted ISSI‐2 at 2 years was higher in the metformin arm compared with intermittent IIT (245.0 ± 31.7 vs 142.2 ± 18.4; P = .008). Baseline‐adjusted HbA1c at 2 years (secondary outcome) was lower in the metformin arm (6.0 ± 0.2% vs 7.3 ± 0.2%; P = .0006) (42 ± 2.2 vs 56 ± 2.2mmol/mol). At study completion, 66.7% of participants randomized to metformin had an HbA1c concentration ≤ 6.0% (≤42mmol/mol), compared with 8.3% of those on intermittent IIT (P = .009). There were no differences in insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion

After induction IIT, metformin was superior to intermittent IIT for maintaining β‐cell function and glycaemic control over 2 years. The strategy of induction and maintenance therapy to preserve β‐cell function warrants exploration in early T2DM.
Wage Flexibility and Employment Fluctuations: Evidence from the Housing Sector
Authors: Pischke Jörn‐Steffen
Published: January 2018

Many economists suspect that downward nominal wage rigidities in ongoing labour contracts are an important source of employment fluctuations over the business cycle, but there is little direct empirical evidence on this conjecture. This paper compares three occupations in the housing sector with very different wage setting institutions: real estate agents, architects and construction workers. I study the wage and employment responses of these occupations to the housing cycle, a proxy for labour demand shocks to the industry. The employment of real estate agents, whose pay is far more flexible than the other occupations, indeed reacts less to the cycle than employment in the other occupations, although specific estimates are noisy. I show that the aggregate implications of the estimates depend also on the aggregate labour demand elasticity, which captures how easily laid off workers can find employment in alternative sectors.
Local epidemiology of the wood decay agent Laetiporus sulphureus in carob stands in Sicily
Authors: Sillo F. , Gianchino C. , Giordano L. , Mari M. , Gonthier P.
Published: January 2018

The basidiomycete Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull) Murrill is a forest pathogen causing brown cubical heart rot in a broad range of host trees. Despite its wide distribution and importance, studies aimed at understanding the epidemiology of the fungus in specific areas or hosts are lacking. In this study, an incidence of L. sulphureus as high as 34% was determined through molecular analysis of wood samples collected from 70 carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) trees in the South‐west of Sicily, Italy. A phylogenetic analysis of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences indicated that all carob isolates belonged to the cluster E of Laetiporus taxonomy. Ten molecular markers based on Single Sequence Repeats (SSRs) designed on the L. sulphureus genome were developed, and isolates were genotyped through High‐resolution Melting (HRM) analysis. High gene diversity (0.581), no correlation between fungal genotype and host tree species and significant correlation between spatial and genetic distance were observed, suggesting an important role of basidiospores in the epidemiology of the fungus and a risk of transmission from a host tree species to the others. Finally, from a prognostic perspective, significant differences among isolates in terms of mycelial growth suggest that in addition to an accurate identification, a phenotypic characterization of isolates affecting trees may also be important.
Rater Agreement in Test‐to‐Curriculum Alignment Reviews
Authors: Traynor A. , Merzdorf H. E.
Published: January 2018

During the development of large‐scale curricular achievement tests, recruited panels of independent subject‐matter experts use systematic judgmental methods—often collectively labeled “alignment” methods—to rate the correspondence between a given test's items and the objective statements in a particular curricular standards document. High disagreement among the expert panelists may indicate problems with training, feedback, or other steps of the alignment procedure. Existing procedural recommendations for alignment reviews have been derived largely from single‐panel research studies; support for their use during operational large‐scale test development may be limited. Synthesizing data from more than 1,000 alignment reviews of state achievement tests, this study identifies features of test–standards alignment review procedures that impact agreement about test item content. The researchers then use their meta‐regression results to propose some practical suggestions for alignment review implementation.
Increased expression of TREM2 in peripheral cells from mild cognitive impairment patients who progress into Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Casati M. , Ferri E. , Gussago C. , Mazzola P. , Abbate C. , Bellelli G. , Mari D. , Cesari M. , Arosio B.
Published: January 2018

Background and purpose

Neuroinflammation plays a role in the aetiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a cell surface receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, seems to have protective anti‐inflammatory activity in AD.

Methods

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 expression was analysed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy subjects (CT) and from patients with either AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI patients were re‐evaluated at a 2‐year follow‐up to investigate their progression to AD (MCI‐AD) or lack thereof (MCI‐MCI).

Results

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 gene expression was higher in AD than CT patients, but was highest in MCI. At recruitment TREM2 levels were higher in MCI‐AD than in MCI‐MCI, and in MCI‐AD were higher initially than at follow‐up. TREM2 displayed a moderate degree of sensitivity and specificity for identifying MCI‐AD in all MCI patients. Our data showed higher TREM2 levels in allele ε4 of apolipoprotein E (ApoE ε4) carriers than non‐carriers in MCI and particularly in MCI‐AD.

Conclusions

These data seem to confirm the protective role of TREM2 in the pre‐clinical stage of AD. Upregulation of TREM2 in MCI‐AD could be a mechanism to counteract the activation of neuroinflammatory processes. It is possible that TREM2 and ApoE ε4 interact synergistically in the pre‐clinical stage of AD. Therefore, TREM2 may be useful as an early peripheral biomarker for the development of AD.
Effect of finish line design on stress distribution in bilayer and monolithic zirconia crowns: a three‐dimensional finite element analysis study
Authors: Miura Shoko , Kasahara Shin , Yamauchi Shinobu , Egusa Hiroshi
Published: January 2018

This study evaluated the influence of different finish line designs and abutment materials on the stress distribution of bilayer and monolithic zirconia crowns using three‐dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). Three‐dimensional models of two types of zirconia premolars – a yttria‐stabilized zirconia framework with veneering ceramic and a monolithic zirconia ceramic – were used in the analysis. Cylindrical models with the finish line design of the crown abutments were prepared with three types of margin curvature radius (CR): CR = 0 (CR0; shoulder margin), CR = 0.5 (CR0.5; rounded shoulder margin), and CR = 1.0 (CR1.0; deep chamfer margin). Two abutment materials (dentin and brass) were analyzed. In the FEA model, 1 N was loaded perpendicular to the occlusal surface at the center of the crown, and linear static analysis was performed. For all crowns, stress was localized to the occlusal loading area as well as to the axial walls of the proximal region. The lowest maximum principal stress values were observed when the dentin abutment with CR0.5 was used under a monolithic zirconia crown. These results suggest that the rounded shoulder margin and deep chamfer margin, in combination with a monolithic zirconia crown, potentially have optimal geometry to minimize occlusal stress.
Development and assessment of the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE‐16)
Authors: Goodwin Shane W. , Ferro Mark A. , Speechley Kathy N.
Published: January 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a brief version of the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE). A secondary aim was to compare the results described in previously published studies using the QOLCE‐55 with those obtained using the new brief version.

Methods

Data come from 373 children involved in the Health‐related Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy Study, a multicenter prospective cohort study. Item response theory (IRT) methods were used to assess dimensionality and item properties and to guide the selection of items. Replication of results using the brief measure was conducted with multiple regression, multinomial regression, and latent mixture modeling techniques.

Results

IRT methods identified a bi‐factor graded response model that best fits the data. Thirty‐nine items were removed, resulting in a 16‐item QOLCE (QOLCE‐16) with an equal number of items in all 4 domains of functioning (Cognitive, Emotional, Social, and Physical). Model fit was excellent: Comparative Fit Index = 0.99; Tucker‐Lewis Index = 0.99; root mean square error of approximation = 0.052 (90% confidence interval [CI] 0.041‐0.064); weighted root mean square = 0.76. Results that were reported previously using the QOLCE‐55 and QOLCE‐76 were comparable to those generated using the QOLCE‐16.

Significance

The QOLCE‐16 is a multidimensional measure of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) with good psychometric properties and a short‐estimated completion time. It is notable that the items were calibrated using multidimensional IRT methods to create a measure that conforms to conventional definitions of HRQoL. The QOLCE‐16 is an appropriate measure for both clinicians and researchers wanting to record HRQoL information in children with epilepsy.
Grazing enhances belowground carbon allocation, microbial biomass, and soil carbon in a subtropical grassland
Authors: Wilson Chris H. , Strickland Michael S. , Hutchings Jack A. , Bianchi Thomas S. , Flory S. Luke
Published: January 2018

Despite the large contribution of rangeland and pasture to global soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, there is considerable uncertainty about the impact of large herbivore grazing on SOC, especially for understudied subtropical grazing lands. It is well known that root system inputs are the source of most grassland SOC, but the impact of grazing on partitioning of carbon allocation to root tissue production compared to fine root exudation is unclear. Given that different forms of root C have differing implications for SOC synthesis and decomposition, this represents a significant gap in knowledge. Root exudates should contribute to SOC primarily after microbial assimilation, and thus promote microbial contributions to SOC based on stabilization of microbial necromass, whereas root litter deposition contributes directly as plant‐derived SOC following microbial decomposition. Here, we used in situ isotope pulse‐chase methodology paired with plant and soil sampling to link plant carbon allocation patterns with SOC pools in replicated long‐term grazing exclosures in subtropical pasture in Florida, USA. We quantified allocation of carbon to root tissue and measured root exudation across grazed and ungrazed plots and quantified lignin phenols to assess the relative contribution of microbial vs. plant products to total SOC. We found that grazing exclusion was associated with dramatically less overall belowground allocation, with lower root biomass, fine root exudates, and microbial biomass. Concurrently, grazed pasture contained greater total SOC, and a larger fraction of SOC that originated from plant tissue deposition, suggesting that higher root litter deposition under grazing promotes greater SOC. We conclude that grazing effects on SOC depend on root system biomass, a pattern that may generalize to other C4‐dominated grasslands, especially in the subtropics. Improved understanding of ecological factors underlying root system biomass may be the key to forecasting SOC and optimizing grazing management to enhance SOC accumulation.
VS2DRTI: Simulating Heat and Reactive Solute Transport in Variably Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Healy Richard W. , Haile Sosina S. , Parkhurst David L. , Charlton Scott R.
Published: January 2018

Variably saturated groundwater flow, heat transport, and solute transport are important processes in environmental phenomena, such as the natural evolution of water chemistry of aquifers and streams, the storage of radioactive waste in a geologic repository, the contamination of water resources from acid‐rock drainage, and the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide. Up to now, our ability to simulate these processes simultaneously with fully coupled reactive transport models has been limited to complex and often difficult‐to‐use models. To address the need for a simple and easy‐to‐use model, the VS2DRTI software package has been developed for simulating water flow, heat transport, and reactive solute transport through variably saturated porous media. The underlying numerical model, VS2DRT, was created by coupling the flow and transport capabilities of the VS2DT and VS2DH models with the equilibrium and kinetic reaction capabilities of PhreeqcRM. Flow capabilities include two‐dimensional, constant‐density, variably saturated flow; transport capabilities include both heat and multicomponent solute transport; and the reaction capabilities are a complete implementation of geochemical reactions of PHREEQC. The graphical user interface includes a preprocessor for building simulations and a postprocessor for visual display of simulation results. To demonstrate the simulation of multiple processes, the model is applied to a hypothetical example of injection of heated waste water to an aquifer with temperature‐dependent cation exchange. VS2DRTI is freely available public domain software.
Effect of agro‐waste pore formers on the microstructure, hardness, and tensile properties of porous alumina ceramics
Authors: Dele‐Afolabi Temitope , Mohamed Ariff Azmah Hanim , Mazlan Norkhairunnisa , Sobri Shafreeza , Calin Recep , Zahari Nur Ismarrubie
Published: January 2018

This study demonstrates a simple and economically viable approach to fabricate porous alumina ceramics shaped with low‐priced natural organic pore‐forming agents (PFAs) from rice husk (RH) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) of various weight contents using the powder metallurgy method. Experimental findings revealed that the total porosity (44‐67vol%) and average pore size (70‐178 μm) maintained a linear relationship with rising PFA inclusion. Using the diametral compression test, the mechanical response of porous alumina samples was evaluated as a function of porosity and pore geometry. From the overall mechanical strength characterization, the susceptivity of strength on porosity became well marked as the agro‐waste shaped porous ceramics exhibited hardness, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of 529.1‐26HV, 20.4‐1.5MPa and 1662‐57MPa, respectively. Moreover, the fractography of the RH and SCB graded porous alumina samples was evaluated as a function of the respective microstructural features. With a plausible tradeoff between pore interconnectivity and mechanical strength, recommended areas of application include solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) design, filtration, and thermal insulation systems.
Religiosity and cultural consumption
Authors: Montoro‐Pons Juan D. , Cuadrado‐García Manuel
Published: January 2018

This article empirically investigates the impact of religiosity on cultural consumption. To this end we extend the standard model of cultural participation by hypothesizing that religious beliefs and religiosity shape preferences. In so doing, we identify two latent traits through which religiosity affects cultural consumption. First, a general religiosity factor which stands out for the functional aspects of religion, through which individuals build and enhance social relations and the belonging to a specific group. Second, an attribute linked to the intensity of beliefs and which manifests itself on an individual's degree of attachment to religion. Using U.S. data, the estimation of a simultaneous equations model shows that while the former increases the likelihood of participation in highbrow cultural manifestations, the latter decreases it. Additionally, we find evidence of religiosity marginally affecting popular forms of cultural consumption.
Impact of climate change on dermatological conditions related to flooding: update from the International Society of Dermatology Climate Change Committee
Authors: Dayrit Johannes F. , Bintanjoyo Lunardi , Andersen Louise K. , Davis Mark Dennis P.
Published: January 2018

Climate change contributes to the increase in severity and frequency of flooding, which is the most frequent and deadly disaster worldwide. Flood‐related damage can be very severe and include health effects. Among those health impacts, dermatological diseases are one of the most frequently encountered. Both infectious and noninfectious dermatological conditions are increasing after flooding. We searched PubMed using the search term climate change OR global warming OR rainfall OR flooding OR skin. Articles published in the English‐language literature were included. We also searched the International Society of Dermatology website library on climate change for additional articles. There is an increased risk of trauma during the course of a natural disaster. The majority of post‐tsunami wound infections were polymicrobial, but gram‐negative bacteria were the leading causes. Infectious diseases with dermatological manifestations, such as impetigo, leptospirosis, measles, dengue fever, tinea corporis, malaria, and leishmaniasis, are important causes of morbidity among flood‐afflicted individuals. Insect bites and stings, and parasite infestations such as scabies and cutaneous larva migrans are also frequently observed. Inflammatory conditions including irritant contact dermatitis are among the leading dermatological conditions. Dermatological conditions such as alopecia areata, vitiligo, psoriasis, and urticaria can be induced or exacerbated by psychological conditions post disaster. Prevention is essential in the management of skin diseases because of flooding. Avoiding exposure to contaminated environments, wearing protective devices, rapid provision of clean water and sanitation facilities, prompt vector controls, and education about disease risk and prevention are important.
Incidence of diseases primarily affecting the skin by age group: population‐based epidemiologic study in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and comparison with age‐specific incidence rates worldwide
Authors: Wessman Laurel L. , Andersen Louise K. , Davis Mark D. P.
Published: January 2018

Understanding the effects of age on the epidemiology of diseases primarily affecting the skin is important to the practice of dermatology, both for proper allocation of resources and for optimal patient‐centered care. To fully appreciate the effect that age may have on the population‐based calculations of incidence of diseases primarily affecting the skin in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and worldwide, we performed a review of all relevant Rochester Epidemiology Project–published data and compared them to similar reports in the worldwide English literature. Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, population‐based epidemiologic studies have been performed to estimate the incidence of specific skin diseases over the past 50 years. In older persons (>65 years), nonmelanoma skin cancer, lentigo maligna, herpes zoster, delusional infestation, venous stasis syndrome, venous ulcer, and burning mouth syndrome were more commonly diagnosed. In those younger than 65 years, atypical nevi, psoriatic arthritis, pityriasis rosea, herpes progenitalis, genital warts, alopecia areata, hidradenitis suppurativa, infantile hemangioma, Behçet's disease, and sarcoidosis (isolated cutaneous, with sarcoidosis‐specific cutaneous lesions and with erythema nodosum) had a higher incidence. Many of the incidence rates by age group of diseases primarily affecting the skin derived from the Rochester Epidemiology Project were similar to those reported elsewhere.
Harlequin ichthyosis due to novel splice site mutation in the ABCA12 gene: postnatal to prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Sheth Jayesh J. , Bhavsar Riddhi , Patel Dhairya , Joshi Aishwarya , Sheth Frenny J.
Published: January 2018

Background

Harlequin ichthyosis (HI) is a severe genetic disorder caused by the mutation in the ABCA12 gene. Infants born with this condition have markedly thickened, hard stratum corneum skin all over the body.

Methods

A female child born with a thick white plate of skin with deep cracks all over the body was investigated for genes associated with congenital Ichthyosis by Next Generation sequencing. The variant relevant to the clinical indications was identified using Picard and GATK version 3.6. Variant's pathogenicity was predicted by “in silico” tools like Mutation Taster 2, Mutation Assessor and LRT. Bidirectional Sanger sequencing further validated the same variant detected in the proband and confirmed in the parental blood and CVS.

Results

A homozygous 5′ splice site variation that affects the position at 4 nucleotides downstream to the donor proximal splice site of intron 40 (c.5939+4A>G; ENST00000272895) of the ABCA12 gene was detected in the proband, and the parents were heterozygous for the same variant. This led to the confirmation of diagnosis of Harlequin ichthyosis in the proband. “In silico” prediction of the variant was found to be damaging by MutationTaster2. The CVS sample during subsequent pregnancy was confirmed to be heterozygous for the same variant.

Conclusions

The novel intronic mutation found in the proband confirmed the clinical diagnosis as a severe type of HI and has helped the family in providing precise genetic counseling for further prevention of the disease and carrier screening of other family members.
Redirecting adult mesenchymal stromal cells to the brain: a new approach for treating CNS autoimmunity and neuroinflammation?
Authors: Wilson Jasmine J , Foyle Kerrie L , Foeng Jade , Norton Todd , McKenzie Duncan R , Payne Natalie , Bernard Claude C , McColl Shaun R , Comerford Iain
Published: January 2018

Mesenchymal stromal cells or stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to participate in tissue repair and are immunomodulatory in neuropathological settings. Given this, their potential use in developing a new generation of personalized therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) will be explored. To effectively exert these effector functions, MSCs must first gain entry into damaged neural tissues, a process that has been demonstrated to be a limiting factor in their therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss approaches to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs by altering their intrinsic trafficking programs to effectively enter neuropathological sites. To this end, we explore the significant role of chemokine receptors and adhesion molecules in directing cellular traffic to the inflamed CNS and the capacity of MSCs to adopt these molecular mechanisms to gain entry to this site. We postulate that understanding and exploiting these migratory mechanisms may be key to the development of cell‐based therapies tailored to respond to the migratory cues unique to the nature and stage of progression of individual CNS disorders.
The advent of pattern bargaining in Irish industrial relations
Authors: Roche William K. , Gormley Tom
Published: January 2018

Drawing on the international literature on pattern bargaining in Europe and other countries, the article examines the recent advent of pattern bargaining in Irish industrial relations. Qualitative and quantitative data are deployed to explore the genesis, features, institutional and economic context and future of pattern bargaining in Ireland.
Work, employment and engagement conditions in a female‐dominated public service occupation after restructuring/outsourcing
Authors: Kirton Gill , Guillaume Cécile
Published: January 2018

Most research on the phenomenon of public service restructuring/outsourcing focuses on lower skilled work in peripheral activities and typically provides an overview of effects on work, employment and employment relations. Through an in‐depth case study of probation, the intention of this article is to explore professional worker experiences of the restructuring/outsourcing of a core public service activity where the workforce is female dominated. The article highlights three dimensions of job quality that all suffered deterioration—work, employment and engagement. The case of probation adds to evidence demonstrating that employees experience adverse effects even though transfer regulations and union agreements supposedly protect workers. Probation also stands as an exemplar of impoverishment processes in a female‐dominated occupation which reinforces the view that public services can no longer be relied upon to provide high‐quality jobs for highly qualified women.
The ‘Singapore scenario’: the uncertain prospects for labour standards in post‐Brexit Britain
Authors: Woolfson Charles
Published: January 2018

The Conservative government of Theresa May asserted that labour standards would be preserved post‐Brexit. The Labour Party also privileged labour standards in its anti‐austerity programme. The threat remains however that Brexit will provide an incentive to erode labour standards in a global ‘race to the bottom’ in a ‘Singapore scenario’.
Mobile health technology adoption across generations: Narrowing the digital divide
Authors: Fox Grace , Connolly Regina
Published: January 2018

Mobile health (m‐health) technologies offer many benefits to individuals, organizations, and health professionals alike. Indeed, the utilization of m‐health by older adults can foster the development of proactive patients, while also reducing financial burden and resource pressures on health systems. However, the potentially transformative influence of m‐health is limited, as many older adults resist adoption leading to the emergence of an age‐based digital divide. This study leverages protection motivation theory and social cognitive theory to explore the factors driving resistance among older adults. This mixed methods study integrates survey findings with insights from qualitative interviews to highlight that the m‐health digital divide is deepening due to older adults' perceived inability to adopt and their unwillingness to adopt stemming from mistrust, high risk perceptions, and strong desire for privacy. The paper contributes to the privacy and social inclusion literature by demonstrating that while many older adults have access to m‐health, they are currently excluded and require careful consideration by technology organizations and researchers. The study provides recommendations for narrowing the m‐health digital divide through inclusive design and educational efforts to improve self‐efficacy, develop privacy literacy, and build trust, thereby ensuring that older citizens are both capable and willing to adopt.
Knowledge boundaries in enterprise software platform development: Antecedents and consequences for platform governance
Authors: Foerderer Jens , Kude Thomas , Schuetz Sebastian Walter , Heinzl Armin
Published: January 2018

The widespread uptake of platform strategies turns many vendors of enterprise software into curators of an ecosystem of firms that collaboratively develop and commercialize a shared technology. As a platform owner's effectiveness in integrating knowledge across ecosystem participants will distinguish it from its competitors, we investigate the management of development‐related knowledge across firm boundaries. Our exploratory, multiple‐case study of 4 platforms illustrates how “knowledge boundaries” emerge between platform owners and complementors. We observe that knowledge boundaries are influenced by a platform's functional extent, interface design, and evolutionary dynamics, which create differences, dependencies, and novelty of development knowledge, resulting in qualitatively distinct types of knowledge boundaries. To overcome knowledge boundaries, platform owners provide various resources at the boundary, including information portals, documentation, helpdesks, and alignment workshops. We observe that in shaping these resources, platform owners face a trade‐off between providing knowledge at the right scope, while allowing for the scalability of knowledge resources for the entire ecosystem. Depending on their scope and scale, we classify knowledge boundary resources as broadcasting, brokering, and bridging, each representing qualitatively distinct patterns in managing knowledge in platform ecosystems. We conclude with implications for researchers and managers.
Defect engineering on phase structure and temperature stability of KNN‐based ceramics sintered in different atmospheres
Authors: Cen Zhenyong , Wang Xiaohui , Huan Yu , Zhen Yichao , Feng Wei , Li Longtu
Published: January 2018

Lead‐free MnO‐doped 0.955K0.5Na0.5NbO3‐0.045Bi0.5Na0.5ZrO3 (Abbreviated as KNN‐0.045BNZ) ceramics have been prepared by the conventional solid‐state sintering method in reducing atmosphere ( = 1 × 10−10 atm) and air. For ceramics sintered in reducing atmosphere, only Mn2+ ions exist in ceramics who preferentially occupy the cation vacancies in A‐site at x = 0.2‐0.4, whereas Mn2+ ions substitute for Zr4+ ions in B‐site to form defects () at x > 0.4. For ceramics sintered in air, mixed Mn2+, Mn3+, and Mn4+ ions coexist here. The Mn2+ ions preferentially occupy the cation vacancies in A‐site at x = 0.2‐0.4 and then Mn2+ ions substitute for Zr4+ ions in B‐site at x > 0.4. Meanwhile, the Mn3+ ions and Mn4+ ions substitute for Nb5+ ions in B‐site to form defects () at x = 0.2‐0.8. The (, , and ) dipolar defects show a positive dipolar defect contribution (DDC) to the , whereas the dipolar defects () show a negative DDC to the . The dipolar defects ( ‐ and ) can help improve the temperature stability of . The 0.4% MnO‐doped KNN‐0.045BNZ ceramics sintered in reducing atmosphere show excellent piezoelectric constant d33 = 300 pC/N and 0.2% MnO‐doped KNN‐0.045BNZ ceramics sintered in air possess optimal piezoelectric constant d33 = 290 pC/N.
Process modeling of the low‐temperature evolution and yield of polycarbosilanes for ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Key Thomas S. , Wilks Garth B. , Parthasarathy Triplicane A. , King Derek S. , Apostolov Zlatomir D. , Cinibulk Michael K.
Published: January 2018

The volatilization of polycarbosilanes is important to the processing and performance of polymer infiltration and pyrolysis‐based ceramic matrix composites. Low molecular weight (MW) polycarbosilane is often present in preceramic polymers and enhances viscosity for the purpose of composite infiltration. Due to the volatility of low MW chains, a model was developed to semi‐empirically determine the MW distribution and then predict the mass yield and evolution of the MW distribution as a function of temperature and time for StarPCS™ SMP‐10. The enthalpy of vaporization, the temperature dependence of the enthalpy of vaporization, the temperature dependence of the normal boiling point and a representation of the molecular weight distribution were fit using a series of thermogravimetric measurements, involving isothermal holds on a particular batch of SMP‐10. Once calibrated for SMP‐10 in this fashion, the molecular weight distribution of different batches of SMP‐10 could be fit using a thermogravimetric measurement involving a reduced temperature‐time series. The model was then predictive of mass loss over time for temperatures below the onset of curing (>90°C). Understanding this volatilization enables improved SiC yield, reduced processing time and minimizing void/bubble formation.
Comprehension and navigation of networked hypertexts
Authors: Blom Helen , Segers Eliane , Knoors Harry , Hermans Daan , Verhoeven Ludo
Published: January 2018

This study aims to investigate secondary school students' reading comprehension and navigation of networked hypertexts with and without a graphic overview compared to linear digital texts. Additionally, it was studied whether prior knowledge, vocabulary, verbal, and visual working memory moderated the relation between text design and comprehension. Therefore, 80 first‐year secondary school students read both a linear text and a networked hypertext with and without a graphical overview. Logfiles registered their navigation. After reading the text, students answered textbased multiple choice questions and drew mindmaps to assess their structural knowledge of each text content. It was found that both textbased and structural knowledge were lower after reading a networked hypertext than a linear text, especially in students with lower levels of vocabulary. Students took generally more time to read the hypertext than the linear text. We concluded that networked hypertexts are more challenging to read than linear texts and that students may benefit from explicit training on how to read hypertexts.