bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
European private equity real estate compliance under the AIFMD
Authors: Sleptcova Maiia , Falkenbach Heidi , Majamaa Wisa
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) on European private equity real estate (PERE) industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon a set of 12 semi-structured interviews with European PERE fund managers to explore their views on the reporting and risk management under the AIFMD, the costs and benefits associated with the AIFMD compliance and the effect of the AIFMD on European PERE industry.

Findings

A “one size fits all” approach adopted by the AIFMD results in difficulties in understanding and implementing the AIFMD requirements by PERE managers. Due to the limited applicability of the AIFMD risk reporting requirements to PERE funds, PERE managers have developed their own risk metrics, which they report internally. The formalization of risk management process and the separation of risk management function constitute the two most significant changes experienced by PERE managers. The managers recognize a positive branding effect from the authorization and improved risk awareness in their organizations due to the AIFMD.

Research limitations/implications

The current paper focuses on PERE fund managers and does not address other real estate funds falling under the AIFMD.

Practical implications

PERE fund managers require feedback and guidance from authorities and best practice recommendations from industry organizations to enable proper compliance. Industry-specific reporting requirements would benefit both the industry players and authorities.

Originality/value

Given the broad scope of the AIFMD, it is of interest to look at how PERE fund managers have adapted to the regulatory change.
Understanding Public Service Innovation as Resource Integration and Creation of Value Propositions
Authors: Skålén Per , Karlsson Jenny , Engen Marit , Magnusson Peter R.
Published: January 2018

This paper departs from research on Public Service Logic (PSL) to advance a framework of public service innovation (PSI) by incorporating the notions of resource integration and value proposition. The framework consists of three resource integration processes, referred to as value creation, value co‐creation and value facilitation, through which users and employees detect problems and suggest solutions that contribute to service innovation by creating new, or by developing existing, value propositions. To test and illustrate the framework, a study of six service innovation groups in primary care was drawn on. Four aggregates of service innovation ideas were identified in the study: access, patient experience, physical environment and organization of work. In line with the framework, the findings suggest that users and employees contribute to PSI by drawing on their knowledge and experience of conducting resource integration, and by detecting problems and suggesting solutions to these problems.
Lotus Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids: Health Promotion and Safe Consumption Dosages
Authors: Limwachiranon Jarukitt , Huang Hao , Shi Zhenghan , Li Li , Luo Zisheng
Published: January 2018

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., also known as the sacred lotus, is extensively cultivated in Southeast Asia, primarily for food and as an herbal medicine. This article reviews studies published between 1995 and 2017, on flavonoid and phenolic acid profiles and contents of 154 different cultivars of lotus. So far, some 12 phenolic acids and 89 to 90 flavonoids (47 flavonols, 25 to 26 flavons, 8 flavan‐3‐ols, 4 flavanons, and 5 anthocyanins) have been isolated from different parts of the lotus plant, including its leaves (whole leaf, leaf pulp, leaf vein, and leaf stalk), seeds (seedpod, epicarp, coat, kernel, and embryo), and flowers (stamen, petal, pistil, and stalk), although not all of them have been quantified. Factors affecting flavonoids and phenolic acid profiles, including types of tissues and extracting factors, are discussed in this review, in order to maximize the application of the lotus and its polyphenols in the food industry. Health promotion activities, attributed to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, are described along with toxicology studies, illustrating appropriate usage and safe consumption dosages of lotus extracts. This review also presents the controversies and discusses the research gaps that limit our ability to obtain a thorough understanding of the bioactivities of lotus extracts.
Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program on Stamp Impressions Examination in Accordance with ISO/IEC 17043 Requirements
Authors: Li Chi‐keung , Hui Janesse Wing‐sze , Pang Chi‐Ming
Published: January 2018

Stamps and stamp impressions examinations are based on matching defects and design details on the questioned and control samples. These examinations are routinely carried out by document examiners around the world. International proficiency tests for questioned documents examination have been available for decades while similar programs specifically focusing on stamp impressions examination are rare. This study reported a recent proficiency testing program on stamp impressions examination organized by an accredited provider in accordance with ISO/IEC 17043 requirements. Twenty‐four forensic laboratories registered for the program. Apart from giving details on the design and operation of the program, this study also aimed to provide the limitations and difficulties encountered in sample preparations, homogeneity, and stability tests of the testing materials. Various comments and feedbacks received from the participants, particularly in respect of examination approaches, challenges faced by the participants in forming conclusions and their suggestions for further improvement would be evaluated.
Use of olmesartan and enteropathy outcomes: a multi‐database study
Authors: Dong Y.‐H. , Jin Y. , Tsacogianis T. N. , He M. , Hsieh P.‐H. , Gagne J. J.
Published: January 2018

Background

Multiple case reports suggest that olmesartan may be linked to sprue‐like enteropathy; however, few epidemiological studies have examined this association and results have been mixed.

Aim

To assess whether olmesartan is associated with a higher rate of enteropathy vs other angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).

Methods

We conducted a cohort study among ARB initiators in 5 US claims databases representing different health insurance programmes. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for enteropathy‐related outcomes, including coeliac disease, malabsorption, concomitant diagnoses of diarrhoea and weight loss, and non‐infectious enteropathy, comparing olmesartan initiators to initiators of other ARBs after propensity score (PS) matching.

Results

We identified 1 928 469 eligible patients. The unadjusted incidence rates were 0.82, 1.41, 1.66 and 29.20 per 1000 person‐years for coeliac disease, malabsorption, concomitant diagnoses of diarrhoea and weight loss, and non‐infectious enteropathy respectively. HRs after PS matching comparing olmesartan to other ARBs were 1.21 (95% CI, 1.05‐1.40), 1.00 (95% CI, 0.88‐1.13), 1.22 (95% CI, 1.10‐1.36) and 1.04 (95% CI, 1.01‐1.07) for each outcome. HRs were larger for patients aged 65 years and older (eg for coeliac disease, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.20‐2.05]), for patients receiving treatment for more than 1 year (1.62 [95% CI, 1.24‐2.12]), and for patients receiving higher cumulative olmesartan doses (1.78 [95% CI, 1.33‐2.37]).

Conclusions

This large‐scale, multi‐database study found a higher rate of enteropathy in olmesartan initiators as compared to initiators of other ARBs, although the absolute incidence rate was low in both groups.
One Language and Two Mother Tongues in the Consulting Room: Dilemmas of a Bilingual Psychotherapist
Authors: Gulina Marina , Dobrolioubova Vera
Published: January 2018

The purpose of the present study is twofold: first, to explore the bilingual therapist's experience of working in a second language; and second, to explore the major functions of language within the therapeutic setting. Interpretative phenomenological analysis is used to explore in depth the experience of 16 bilingual therapists of different professional orientations: psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, counselling psychologists, clinical psychologists and counsellors. Semi‐structured life‐world interviews were employed in accordance with the exploratory nature of the research. Four major themes were identified: ‘Listening and understanding the client’; ‘Interventions and interpretations’; ‘Potential impact of language on the therapeutic encounter: Therapist's point of view’; and ‘Therapist's experience of self’. The data demonstrated differences in the understanding of functions of language within the therapeutic setting among psychotherapists. The importance of the symbolic functions of language in therapeutic discourse is discussed. In addition, the specifics of language within the therapeutic encounter are explored and outlined.
Sense and Sensitivity: A Response to the Commentary by Keller et al. (2018)
Authors: Mesman Judi
Published: January 2018

This reply to the commentary by Keller et al. (2018) on the article “Universality Without Uniformity: A Culturally Inclusive Approach to Sensitive Responsiveness in Infant Caregiving” (Mesman et al., ) highlights key points of agreement emphasizing the sense of investing in synergies across research traditions. These include the importance of distinguishing between different parenting constructs, the need for more studies to test the presented theoretical assumptions, and the value of examining multiple caregiver sensitivity in relation to infants’ developing membership of a community. The only point of disagreement reflects the rigidity versus flexibility of the sensitivity construct. This reply argues that it is exactly the versatility of the sensitivity construct that makes it a valuable building block for bridges between fields.
The Myth of Universal Sensitive Responsiveness: Comment on Mesman et al. (2017)
Authors: Keller Heidi , Bard Kim , Morelli Gilda , Chaudhary Nandita , Vicedo Marga , Rosabal‐Coto Mariano , Scheidecker Gabriel , Murray Marjorie , Gottlieb Alma
Published: January 2018

This article considers claims of Mesman et al. (2017) that sensitive responsiveness as defined by Ainsworth, while not uniformly expressed across cultural contexts, is universal. Evidence presented demonstrates that none of the components of sensitive responsiveness (i.e., which partner takes the lead, whose point of view is primary, and the turn‐taking structure of interactions) or warmth are universal. Mesman and colleagues’ proposal that sensitive responsiveness is “providing for infant needs” is critiqued. Constructs concerning caregiver quality must be embedded within a nexus of cultural logic, including caregiving practices, based on ecologically valid childrearing values and beliefs. Sensitive responsiveness, as defined by Mesman and attachment theorists, is not universal. Attachment theory and cultural or cross‐cultural psychology are not built on common ground.
Longitudinal analysis on the effect of insertion torque on delayed single implants: A 3‐year randomized clinical study
Authors: Marconcini Simone , Giammarinaro Enrica , Toti Paolo , Alfonsi Fortunato , Covani Ugo , Barone Antonio
Published: January 2018

Background

Implant stability is commonly related to insertion torque. Recently, it has been suggested that higher insertion torque may lead to greater bone resorption.

Purpose

The aim of the present randomized clinical study was to evaluate the role of different insertion torque values in terms of implant success, marginal bone loss, and facial soft tissues recession.

Materials and Methods

Patients requiring a single dental implant were recruited and randomized to receive one of two implants with the same macro‐geometry but different cutting designs. First group consists of a 90 degrees cutting groove know as self‐tapping implant, and the second group known as Blossom™ cutting groove. (Intra‐Lock, Boca Raton, Florida). The insertion torque (IT) was assessed and two groups followed: high‐IT (≥50 Ncm) group and regular‐IT (<50 Ncm) group. After 3 months, all the implants were restored. At baseline, buccal bone thickness (BBT) was recorded. During the 3‐year survey, the following outcomes had been registered: implant failures and success, radiographic marginal bone level around dental implant (MBL) and facial soft tissue level (FSTL).

Results

A hundred and sixteen implants were placed in healed sites. The overall survival rate after 3 years was 96.5%. The Cumulative Success Rate was 91.3% for the High IT group and 98.2% for the Regular IT group. The mean marginal bone loss and facial soft tissue recession, at a 3‐year evaluation, were significantly greater for the High‐IT group and in the mandible than that reached in the Regular‐IT group and in the maxilla.

Conclusion

Present findings showed that implants placed with higher insertion torque in mandible led to greater bone resorption and mucosal recession than that registered for implants placed with a regular IT. Moreover, sites with a thick buccal bone wall (≥1 mm) showed smaller recession at the facial soft tissue level after 3 years.
Extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic fields accelerates wound healing modulating MMP‐9 and inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Patruno A. , Ferrone A. , Costantini E. , Franceschelli S. , Pesce M. , Speranza L. , Amerio P. , D'Angelo C. , Felaco M. , Grilli A. , Reale M.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

In our previous reports, we have demonstrated that extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF‐EMF) exposure enhances the proliferation of keratinocyte. The present study aimed to clarify effects of ELF‐EMF on wound healing and molecular mechanisms involved, using a scratch in vitro model.

Materials and methods

The wounded monolayer cultures of human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT), at different ELF‐EMF and Sham exposure times were monitored under an inverted microscope. The production and expression of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐18 and IL‐18BP were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real‐time PCR. The activity and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐2/9 was evaluated by zymography and Western blot analysis, respectively. Signal transduction proteins expression (Akt and ERK) was measured by Western blot.

Results

The results of wound healing in vitro assay revealed a significant reduction of cell‐free area time‐dependent in ELF‐EMF‐exposed cells compared to Sham condition. Gene expression and release of cytokines analysed were significantly increased in ELF‐EMF‐exposed cells. Our results further showed that ELF‐EMF exposure induced the activity and expressions of MMP‐9. Molecular data showed that effects of ELF‐EMF might be mediated via Akt and ERK signal pathway, as demonstrated using their specific inhibitors.

Conclusions

Our results highlight ability of ELF‐EMF to modulate inflammation mediators and keratinocyte proliferation/migration, playing an important role in wound repair. The ELF‐EMF accelerates wound healing modulating expression of the MMP‐9 via Akt/ERK pathway.
The transient receptor potential vanilloid‐3 regulates hypoxia‐mediated pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells proliferation via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Qianlong , Cao Yonggang , Luo Qian , Wang Peng , Shi Pilong , Song Chao , E Mingyao , Ren Jing , Fu Bowen , Sun Hongli
Published: January 2018

Objectves

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) is a member of the TRP channels family of Ca2+‐permeant cation channels. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of TRPV3 in pulmonary vascular remodeling and PASMCs proliferation under hypoxia.

Materials and methods

The expression of TRPV3 was evaluated in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and hypoxic rats, using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry. In vitro, MTT assay, flow cytometry, Western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to investigate the effects of TRPV3 on proliferation of PASMCs.

Results

We found that, in vivo, the expression of TRPV3 was increased in patients with PAH and hypoxic rats. Right ventricular hypertrophy measurements and pulmonary pathomorphology data show that the ratio of the heart weight/tibia length (HW/TL), the right ventricle/left ventricle plus septum (RV/LV+S) and the medial width of the pulmonary artery were increased in chronic hypoxic rats. Moreover, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Cyclin D, Cyclin E and Cyclin A, phospho‐CaMKII (p‐CaMKII) were induced by hypoxia. In vitro, we revealed that hypoxia promoted PASMCs viability, increased the expression of PCNA, Cyclin D, Cyclin E, Cyclin A p‐CaMKII, made more cells from G0/G1 phase to G2/M + S phase, enhanced the microtubule formation, and increased [Ca2+]i, which could be suppressed by Ruthenium Red, an inhibitor of TRPV3, and TRPV3 silencing has similar effects. Furthermore, the up‐regulated expression of PCNA, Cyclin D, Cyclin E and Cyclin A, the increased number of cells in G2/M and S phase, and the enhanced activation and expression of PI3K and AKT proteins induced by hypoxia and in presence of carvacrol (an agonist of TRPV3), was significantly attenuated by incubation of LY 294002, a specific inhibitor for PI3K/AKT.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that TRPV3 is involved in hypoxia‐induced pulmonary vascular remodeling and promotes proliferation of PASMCs and the effect is, at least in part, mediated via the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Transmission electron microscopic and optical spectroscopic studies of Ni2+/Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ doped dual‐phase glass‐ceramics
Authors: Gao Zhigang , Lu Xiaosong , Zhang Yindong , Guo Shu , Liu Yinyao , Sun Shiyu , He Fei , Yang Piaoping , Ren Jing , Yang Jun
Published: January 2018

Ni2+/Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ codoped transparent glass‐ceramics (GCs) containing both hexagonal β‐YF3 and spinel‐like γ‐Ga2O3 dual‐phase nanoparticles (NCs) are synthesized by melt‐quenching and subsequent heating procedures. Two techniques of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) nanoanalytics and optical spectroscopy are conjugated to understand the distribution of the rare‐earth ions (REs) and transition metals (TMs) in the nanostructured GCs. It is found that the REs are located predominantly in β‐YF3, whereas the TMs in γ‐Ga2O3 NCs. As a result, energy transfer (ET) between the REs and TMs is considerably suppressed due to the large spatial separation (> 3 nm), but it is enhanced between the REs partitioned in the β‐YF3 NCs. This has important implications for intended and demanding photoluminescence functions. For example, an ultrabroadband near‐infrared (NIR) emission in the wavelength region of 1000‐2000 nm covering the entire telecommunications window is observed for the first time. Meanwhile, intense upconversion (UC) emissions covering the 3 primary colors and locating in the first biological window can be also recorded under excitation by a single pump source at 980 nm.
Dispersion and densification of nano Si–(Al)–C powder with amorphous/nanocrystalline bimodal microstructure
Authors: Yoon Bola , Lee Sea‐Hoon , Feng Lun
Published: January 2018

The dispersion behavior and densification of nano Si–(Al)–C powder with amorphous/nanocrystalline bimodal microstructure were investigated. The Si–C powders synthesized by a mechanical alloying (MA) process had a near‐spherical shape with an average particle size of 170 nm. A solid loading of 62 vol% was achieved using polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a dispersant. The optimum dispersant amount was 1 wt% based on zeta potential, sedimentation, and viscosity analysis data. The high zeta potential value (73 mV) compared with that of the commercially available SiC (65 mV) was caused by modified surface properties and consequent promotion of the cationic dispersant adsorption. A Si–Al–C slurry containing 6.5 wt% of sintering additives with a solid loading of 60 vol% was also prepared. The relative density of the dried Si–Al–C slurry was 63.3% without additional compaction, which could be densified at 1650°C at a pressure of 20 MPa using a spark plasma sintering furnace.
Mn doping effects on electric properties of 0.93(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3‐0.07Ba(Ti0.945Zr0.055)O3 ceramics
Authors: Zhang Xingru , Jiang Guicheng , Guo Feifei , Liu Danqing , Zhang Shantao , Yang Bin , Cao Wenwu
Published: January 2018

The validity of Mn element on 0.93(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3‐0.07Ba(Ti0.945Zr0.055)O3 ceramics (BNT‐BZT‐xMn) is certified by doping. On account of multiple effects introduced by Mn, the appropriate Mn content facilitates property improvement effectively. Compared with pure BNT‐BZT, d33 of the component x = 0.25 increases about 8% up to 187 pC/N and Qm of the component x = 1 increases about 84% up to 197. Thermally stimulated depolarization currents (TSDC) measurement reveals Mn additive is helpful to pyroelectric properties as well. The Mn‐doped component x = 0.125 exhibits better pyroelectric performance at room temperature. Corresponding pyroelectric coefficient and the figures of merit reach up to 0.061 μC/(cm2 °C), Fi=217 pm/V, Fν = 0.023 m2/C, and Fd = 12.6 μPa−1/2, respectively, even superior to lead‐based ceramics. Similar pyroelectric advantage is also observed in the component x = 0.5 near depolarization temperature Td. Mn doping has slight harmful influence on the ferroelectric‐to‐relaxor transition temperature TF−R, as well as Td, but hardly shows restriction on application. These results confirm Mn doping is an available strategy to improve BNT‐based ceramics. Therefore, Mn‐doped BNT‐BZT ceramics will be excellent candidates in area of high‐power piezoelectric application and pyroelectric detectors.
Biosimilars: what the dermatologist should know
Authors: Yamauchi P. , Crowley J. , Kaur P. , Spelman L. , Warren R.
Published: January 2018

Biosimilars are highly similar versions of approved branded biologics. In contrast to generics, which are identical copies of the originator medicines, biosimilars are considered unique but related molecules that differ from the originator reference product as well as from each other. Owing to the complexity of biologic medicines, such as therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, minor differences between biosimilars and the reference products are acceptable provided these differences do not result in any clinically meaningful differences in safety or efficacy. In addition, minor changes in structure and function may occur over time in originator biologic products as a result of alterations in production materials (e.g. cell lines), processes or conditions. The developmental process for biosimilars focuses on a ‘totality of evidence’ approach that emphasizes a stepwise investigational process, including comprehensive structural, functional, pharmacologic and clinical assessment for similarity. The goal of the phase 3 clinical development programme for a biosimilar is not to establish efficacy, per se, but to demonstrate that there are no clinically meaningful differences between the proposed biosimilar and the reference product. The requirement to show clinical similarity informs biosimilar study design, including the selection of the patient population, disease state (indication), study endpoints and statistical methods. Based on the clinical trial results in a representative patient population, results may be extrapolated to other indications provided scientific justification is demonstrated based on, among other things, similar mechanism of action in the extrapolated indications. This review presents the current state of knowledge with respect to biosimilars. We aim to provide the practising clinician with a working knowledge of biosimilars as well as provide some practical guidance on their use and potential benefits in treating dermatologic diseases.
COALITION FORMATION AND BARGAINING PROTOCOLS: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Rogna Marco
Published: January 2018

This paper offers a review of the vast literature regarding bargaining and coalition formation. This topic has been generally described as the attempt to provide strategic foundations to cooperative solution concepts. It can therefore be seen as the linking ring between the non‐cooperative and the cooperative game‐theoretic approach to coalition formation. Its central role in economic theory and its relatively long history that goes back to the Nash program have fostered a large academic production, including surveys. Nonetheless, this paper will focus on an aspect that is often neglected in the dedicated surveys: the specificities of the bargaining protocols leading to different outcomes. Although generally downgraded to the rank of details, the differences in bargaining protocols, even when minor, can cause significant changes in fundamental aspects such as the possibility to reach full cooperation, the distribution of final pay‐offs and the time taken to reach an agreement. Focused on externalities‐free games, therefore on bargaining protocols sustaining solution concepts for cooperative games in characteristic function form, the paper aims at providing a brief but exhaustive review of the topic that could result in a very useful tool for any researcher approaching the subject of coalitional bargaining.
Successful management of obstetric disseminated intravascular coagulation using a portable fibrinogen‐measuring device
Authors: Inoue Rie , Sumikura Hiroyuki , Kumagai Asako , Kato Noriko , Makino Shintaro , Itakura Atsuo
Published: January 2018

The importance of fibrinogen replacement therapy in obstetric disseminated intravascular coagulation is well recognized. However, fibrinogen measurement in conventional laboratories has been a time‐consuming task. Recently, a Japanese manufacturer developed a portable device that enables immediate fibrinogen measurement at the point of care. This report describes a case in which this device was used for the successful management of obstetric disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Gender roles, food system biodiversity, and food security in Indigenous Peoples' communities
Authors: Kuhnlein Harriet V.
Published: January 2018

Traditional knowledge and practice of Indigenous Peoples related to their food use and well‐being is a wealth of information for academic study and for public health nutrition. Despite unique long‐evolved heritages of knowledge of ecosystem resources, Indigenous Peoples comprise 15% of the global poor, but only 5% of the world's population, and they experience poverty, discrimination, and poor nutritional health at far greater rates than mainstream populations in their nations of residence. These disparities are unacceptable in all human rights frameworks, and the call to alleviate them resonates through all human development programmes and the United Nations organizations. The scholars contributing to this special issue of Maternal and Child Nutrition describe how gender roles and the right to food for several cultures of Indigenous Peoples can be fostered to protect their unique foods and traditions, providing food sovereignty and food and nutrition security benefits, especially for women and children. Aspects of societal maternal or paternal lineality and locality, division of labour, spirituality and decision‐making are described. These factors structure the impact of gender roles with Indigenous worldviews on the dynamics of family food access, its availability and use, and the use of local food biodiversity. Cultures of Indigenous Peoples in Ecuador, Nigeria, Thailand, India, Canada, Japan, and Morocco are discussed. This publication is a work of the Task Force on Traditional, Indigenous and Cultural Food and Nutrition of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences.
Mothers' groups enrich diet and culture through promoting traditional Quichua foods
Authors: Roche Marion L. , Ambato Lorena , Sarsoza Julieta , Kuhnlein Harriet V.
Published: January 2018

Indigenous Peoples in Latin America bear a disproportionate burden of undernutrition, yet traditional foods, including wild leafy greens, can contribute nutritional value to diets. As part of a community nutrition intervention using local foods in highland Tungurahua, Ecuador, mothers' groups promoted the consumption of wild leafy greens through community cooking clubs and recipe competitions at local fairs. The objective was to assess the social, cultural, and nutritional potential of a mothers' club intervention that promoted 2 indigenous greens (stinging nettle/Urtica dioica L. and round‐leaved dock/Rumex obtusifolius L.) into children's diets. Key informant interviews and focus groups were conducted with 54 mothers and 16 elders to identify perceptions of the intervention and traditional foods. Social and cultural dimensions were identified through content analysis. The nutritional contribution of the leafy greens was estimated through semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires conducted with 160 participant mothers and 98 mothers living in comparison communities who had not been exposed to the intervention. The use of local foods generated pride for mothers and elders. Nonfood uses of the nettle proved an initial barrier to acceptance; however, peer support within mothers' groups enabled increased consumption. The greens were estimated to contribute an additional 8% vitamin A, 7% iron, 12% vitamin C, and 27% folate to children's recommended dietary intakes. By promoting wild leafy greens, mothers' groups improved food security and the cultural and nutritional value of their diets. Additionally, mothers' cooking clubs increased self‐efficacy and cultural identity for Quichua women, offering a highly acceptable nutrition intervention model.
Changing gender roles and relations in food provisioning among matrilineal Khasi and patrilineal Chakhesang Indigenous rural People of North‐East India
Authors: Ellena Rachele , Nongkynrih Kyrham Aurelius
Published: January 2018

Women's position in society, gender roles, and gender division of labour affect household food security, dietary diversity, nutritional status, and well‐being of all household members, especially children. Building on both primary and secondary data, this study explores gender roles and relations in food provisioning among the North‐East India Indigenous matrilineal Khasi and patrilineal Chakhesang Peoples, amid societal transition. With the use of a combination of ethnographic and ethnobotanical research tools, a total number of 200 informants participated in 20 focus group discussions and 28 key informant interviews. The feminist political ecology framework was used to analyse the structural power relations influencing gender food‐provisioning labour. Results show that both matrilineal and patrilineal women play equally crucial roles in agrobiodiversity management, subsistence agricultural production, and household food provisioning. However, customary laws shape different gender relations, women's status, and appreciation of women's work in the two societies. Gender roles appeared more flexible in the matrilineal society and more clearly defined in the patrilineal society, and gender relations more egalitarian among the Khasis while more hierarchical among the Chakhesangs. Household food‐provisioning work and engagement in agricultural production did not seem to positively contribute to the social status of Chakhesang women, because these were expected as structural elements of the patriarchy. Current socio‐cultural and economic changes in both Indigenous societies have altered the traditional food system, traditional livelihoods, and resource management practices, affecting women's role in household food provisioning and leading to the deterioration of women's status, influencing household dietary diversity, food, and nutritional security.
A genomic map of clinal variation across the European rabbit hybrid zone
Authors: Rafati Nima , Blanco‐Aguiar José A. , Rubin Carl J. , Sayyab Shumaila , Sabatino Stephen J. , Afonso Sandra , Feng Chungang , Alves Paulo C. , Villafuerte Rafael , Ferrand Nuno , Andersson Leif , Carneiro Miguel
Published: January 2018

Speciation is a process proceeding from weak to complete reproductive isolation. In this continuum, naturally hybridizing taxa provide a promising avenue for revealing the genetic changes associated with the incipient stages of speciation. To identify such changes between two subspecies of rabbits that display partial reproductive isolation, we studied patterns of allele frequency change across their hybrid zone using whole‐genome sequencing. To connect levels and patterns of genetic differentiation with phenotypic manifestations of subfertility in hybrid rabbits, we further investigated patterns of gene expression in testis. Geographic cline analysis revealed 253 regions characterized by steep changes in allele frequency across their natural region of contact. This catalog of regions is likely to be enriched for loci implicated in reproductive barriers and yielded several insights into the evolution of hybrid dysfunction in rabbits: (i) incomplete reproductive isolation is likely governed by the effects of many loci, (ii) protein–protein interaction analysis suggest that genes within these loci interact more than expected by chance, (iii) regulatory variation is likely the primary driver of incompatibilities, and (iv) large chromosomal rearrangements appear not to be a major mechanism underlying incompatibilities or promoting isolation in the face of gene flow. We detected extensive misregulation of gene expression in testis of hybrid males, but not a statistical overrepresentation of differentially expressed genes in candidate regions. Our results also did not support an X chromosome‐wide disruption of expression as observed in mice and cats, suggesting variation in the mechanistic basis of hybrid male reduced fertility among mammals.
The Role of Anger in the Biased Assimilation of Political Information
Authors: Suhay Elizabeth , Erisen Cengiz
Published: January 2018

Political psychologists have established that politically motivated reasoning is a common phenomenon; however, the field knows comparatively less about the psychological mechanisms that drive it. Drawing on advances in the understanding of the relevance of emotion to political reasoning and behavior, we argue that anger likely plays a major role in motivating individuals to engage in thebiased assimilationof political information—an evaluative bias in favor of information that bolsters one's views and against information that undercuts them. We test this proposition with two online studies, the second of which includes a quasi‐representative sample of Americans. The studies support our expectations. Individuals felt more negative emotions toward arguments that undermined their attitudes and positive emotions toward arguments that confirmed them; however, anger was nearly alone in fueling biased reactions to issue arguments.
Recreating man's cunning virtues – The philosophical project of Netherlandish arts culture
Authors: van Dixhoorn Arjan
Published: January 2018

Using a few texts produced in Dutch in the late medieval and early modern Low Countries as key witnesses, this essay argues that the performative literary culture of the Dutch rhetoricians was an epistemic culture of a particular kind. Rhetoricians established their literary culture as the core of a culture of consten (i.e. a culture of the liberal arts). Consten‐culture, this essay argues, was a culture of personal virtue, and the primary fruits of exercising the arts were considered as spiritual (i.e. in the human mind); material results (i.e. creating external content or material effects) would be secondary. Material results in the world of practice were believed to follow the sharpening of wits and the shaping of personal cunning (in the early modern sense of the readiness and shrewdness needed in action). Using literary exercises for spiritual effect, the chambers of rhetoric became the institutionalised expression of the first truly philosophical school in the Dutch vernacular, until their pedagogical ideals were undermined fundamentally, and in the course of the seventeenth century, a new knowledge culture took shape.
Embodied wits – The representation of deliberative thought in rhetoricians’ drama
Authors: Ramakers Bart
Published: January 2018

One of the reasons for the enduring popularity of rhetoricians’ theatre was the efficacy of the spel van sinne, the Netherlandish version of the morality play, as a means of knowledge acquisition and transmission. This essay demonstrates how the rhetorical process of knowledge creation was literally bodied forth by personifications. These allegorical characters exemplified how knowledge ensued from discursive thought, thus turning man's wits inside out. They expressed the workings of the soul in its widest sense, that is, the functions of thinking, sensing, feeling, and willing. Their names are the starting point of the analysis, but in order to better understand their interactions, the staging conditions and likely performance of a number of plays are taken into account. The form and content of these plays have to be understood against the background of contemporary virtue ethics, as championed by humanists such as Erasmus and Coornhert, and can be compared to contemporary moral print.
Every language has its laws – Rhetoricians and the study of the Dutch vernacular
Authors: van de Haar Alisa
Published: January 2018

The first printed grammar of Dutch, which appeared in 1584, was created by members of the Amsterdam chamber of rhetoric De Eglantier. They presented their text as breaking with traditional ways of dealing with Dutch in the chambers by treating the vernacular as an object of study, by proposing rules, and by rejecting words borrowed from other languages. By studying three cases of rhetoricians active before De Eglantier's grammar was printed this essay shows that the Amsterdam chamber, in fact, took part in an already established tradition of studying the vernacular. These three rhetoricians, Eduard de Dene, Matthijs de Castelein, and Jan van Mussem, were interested in the rules, form, and structure of Dutch, and in how it differed from other languages. All three of them accepted, to a certain extent, loanwords, but they also emphasised the importance of using them carefully and critically. De Eglantier could delve into this pre‐existing learned stance on language. De Dene's case shows, moreover, that language study was not just a theoretical enterprise. Through his poetry, he experimented with neologisms and with the ability of Dutch to incorporate elements taken from other languages, thus exploring the frontiers of his mother tongue.
Intermediaries, transport costs and interlinked transactions
Authors: Lefèvre Mélanie , Tharakan Joe
Published: January 2018

Farmers in developing countries often encounter difficulties selling their products on local markets. Inadequate transport infrastructure in rural areas and large distances between areas of production and consumption mean that farmers find it costly to bring their produce to the market and this very often results in small net margins and poverty among farmers who are geographically isolated. Agriculture in developing countries is characterized by the presence of intermediaries that have a cost advantage over farmers. Because of their market power, these intermediaries are able to impose interlinked contracts and are free to choose the spatial pricing policy they use. In this paper, we develop a model of input–output interlinked contracts between an intermediary and geographically dispersed farmers. We establish when the intermediary uses either uniform or mill pricing policies, as opposed to spatial discriminatory pricing. For each pricing policy, we analyze what the welfare implications are in terms of an increase in farmers' income and a reduction in poverty in rural areas. We also establish how the choice of a spatial pricing policy impacts geographically isolated farmers and how it influences the participation by farmers.
You've got a friend(ly school): Can school prosocial norms and friends similarly protect victims from distress?
Authors: Schacter Hannah L. , Juvonen Jaana
Published: January 2018

Testing the potential protective effects of school‐level prosocial norms and having friends on peer victimization‐related distress, this study examined whether one protective factor is particularly important in the absence of the other. An ethnically diverse sample (N = 5,991) from 26 middle schools reported on peer prosocial behavior, social anxiety, loneliness, and perceived school safety; peer nominations assessed victimization and friends. Multilevel analyses revealed that sixth grade friendless victims felt significantly less anxious, lonely, and unsafe a year later in schools characterized by stronger peer prosocial norms (e.g., helping others). Additionally, victims in less prosocial schools experienced less social anxiety if they had at least one friend. The findings suggest that attending a school characterized by prosocial peer norms can compensate for high social risk (victimized and friendless) following the transition to middle school, and having friends is important for bullied youth in less prosocial school contexts. These results highlight the importance of simultaneously studying relational and school‐level protective factors; implications for anti‐bullying interventions are discussed.
Investigation of antibody to severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) in blood samples donated in a SFTS‐endemic area in Japan
Authors: Matsumoto C. , Shinohara N. , Furuta R. A. , Tanishige N. , Shimojima M. , Matsubayashi K. , Nagai T. , Tsubaki K. , Satake M.
Published: January 2018

The risk of transfusion‐transmitted infection (TTI) for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a concern because person‐to‐person transmission resulting from contact with SFTSV‐contaminated blood has been reported. To obtain information regarding the risk of TTI‐SFTSV, antibody testing was performed for blood samples donated in an severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome‐endemic area in Japan. No antibody‐positive samples were detected among 3990 samples. This finding suggested that there were few cases of SFTSV infection among donors and that the risk of TTI‐SFTSV was also estimated low in Japan.
Interface states reduction in atomic layer deposited TiN/ZrO2/Al2O3/Ge gate stacks
Authors: Kolla Lakshmi Ganapathi , Ding Yiming , Misra Durga , Bhat Navakanta
Published: January 2018

In this work, the authors report the application and influence of slot plane antenna plasma oxidation (SPAO) on the quality of Ge/high-k based metal–oxide–semiconductor capacitors. The effect of SPAO exposure on the Ge/high-k interface during atomic layer deposition of the dielectric along with the reliability characteristics has been studied. A significant improvement in the electrical properties has been observed when the high-k stacks are exposed to SPAO treatment. The devices treated with SPAO after Al2O3/ZrO2 deposition (CASE-1) show slightly better equivalent oxide thickness, low leakage current density, and marginally better breakdown characteristics compared to the devices treated with SPAO in-between Al2O3/ZrO2 deposition (CASE-2). This can be attributed to the densification of the gate stack as the plasma exposed to the total stack and the formation of the thick interfacial layer as evident from the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. A stable and thin interfacial layer formation was observed from XPS data in the samples treated with SPAO in-between high-k stack deposition compared to the samples treated with SPAO after high-k stack deposition. This leads to the low interface state density, low hysteresis, comparable dielectric breakdown, and reliable characteristics in CASE-2 compared to CASE-1. On the other hand, XPS data revealed that the interface is deteriorated in the samples treated with SPAO before high-k stack deposition (CASE-3) and leads to poor electrical properties.
Experimental investigation of the influence of natural convection and end-effects on Rayleigh streaming in a thermoacoustic engine
Authors: Ramadan Islam A. , Bailliet Hélène , Valière Jean-Christophe
Published: January 2018

The influence of both the natural convection and end-effects on Rayleigh streaming pattern in a simple standing-wave thermoacoustic engine is investigated experimentally at different acoustic levels. The axial mean velocity inside the engine is measured using both Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Particle Image Velocimetry. The mean flow patterns are categorized in three different regions referred to as “cold streaming” region, “hot streaming” region, and “end-effects” region. In the cold streaming region, the dominant phenomenon is Rayleigh streaming and the mean velocity measurements correspond well with the theoretical expectations of Rayleigh streaming at low acoustic levels. At higher acoustic levels, the measurements deviate from the theoretical expectations which complies with the literature. In the hot streaming region, temperature measurements reveal that the non-uniformity of the resonator wall temperature is the origin of natural convection flow. Velocity measurements show that natural convection flow superimposes on the Rayleigh streaming flow so that the measured mean velocity deviates from the theoretical expectations of Rayleigh streaming. In the last region, the measured mean velocity is very different from Rayleigh streaming due to the combined effects of both the flow disturbances generated near the extremity of the stack and the natural convection flow.
Screening and Genomic Characterization of Filamentous Hemagglutinin-Deficient Bordetella pertussis
Authors: Weigand Michael R. , Pawloski Lucia C. , Peng Yanhui , Ju Hong , Burroughs Mark , Cassiday Pamela K. , Davis Jamie K. , DuVall Marina , Johnson Taccara , Juieng Phalasy , Knipe Kristen , Loparev Vladimir N. , Mathis Marsenia H. , Rowe Lori A. , Sheth Mili , Williams Margaret M. , Tondella M. Lucia
Published: January 2018

Despite high vaccine coverage, pertussis cases in the United States have increased over the last decade. Growing evidence suggests that disease resurgence results, in part, from genetic divergence of circulating strain populations away from vaccine references. The United States employs acellular vaccines exclusively, and current
Bordetella pertussis
isolates are predominantly deficient in at least one immunogen, pertactin (Prn). First detected in the United States retrospectively in a 1994 isolate, the rapid spread of Prn deficiency is likely vaccine driven, raising concerns about whether other acellular vaccine immunogens experience similar pressures, as further antigenic changes could potentially threaten vaccine efficacy. We developed an electrochemiluminescent antibody capture assay to monitor the production of the acellular vaccine immunogen filamentous hemagglutinin (Fha). Screening 722 U.S. surveillance isolates collected from 2010 to 2016 identified two that were both Prn and Fha deficient. Three additional Fha-deficient laboratory strains were also identified from a historic collection of 65 isolates dating back to 1935. Whole-genome sequencing of deficient isolates revealed putative, underlying genetic changes. Only four isolates harbored mutations to known genes involved in Fha production, highlighting the complexity of its regulation. The chromosomes of two Fha-deficient isolates included unexpected structural variation that did not appear to influence Fha production. Furthermore, insertion sequence disruption of
fhaB
was also detected in a previously identified pertussis toxin-deficient isolate that still produced normal levels of Fha. These results demonstrate the genetic potential for additional vaccine immunogen deficiency and underscore the importance of continued surveillance of circulating
B. pertussis
evolution in response to vaccine pressure.