bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling first‐year cost‐of‐illness of melanoma attributable to sunbed use in Europe
Authors: Krensel M. , Schäfer I. , Augustin M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Melanoma is a life‐threatening disease of the skin with an increasing incidence of approximately 87 000 new cases treated per year in the European Union and the European Free Trade Association states resulting in considerable costs for the society. Since the use of sunbeds is known to be a risk factor, which can be easily avoided, costs of malignant melanoma attributable to sunbed use are modelled in the present study.

Methods

Costs‐of‐illness of melanoma were calculated and compared for all member states of the European Union and the European Free Trade Association states using an established modelling approach. Calculations were based on a systematic literature research. For countries with no available information on cost‐of‐illness the gross domestic product, health expenditures and gross national income served as a basis for extrapolation of costs. International comparison was enabled by adjusting costs by the national purchasing power parity.

Results

After adjusting melanoma treatment costs for the purchasing power parity, direct costs per patient vary between € 1056 in Romania and € 10 215 in Luxembourg. Costs due to morbidity range from € 102 per patient in Sweden and € 5178 in the UK resulting in total costs of € 1751–€ 12 611 per patient. Average weighted total costs per patient amount for € 6861–€ 6967 annually. In total, in 2012 approximately 4450 new cases of melanoma have been induced by sunbed use in the 31 included countries, which corresponds to 5.1% of all incident melanoma cases. National attributable melanoma costs range from € 1570 in Malta to € 11.1 million in Germany and sum up to an amount of € 32.5–€ 33.4 million for all countries.

Conclusion

This article provides a first estimation on costs of melanoma in Europe. It illustrates the contribution of exposure to artificial ultraviolet light in the economic burden of malignant melanoma.
Males from populations with higher competitive mating success produce sons with lower fitness
Authors: Nguyen Trinh T. X. , Moehring Amanda J.
Published: February 2019

Female mate choice can result in direct benefits to the female or indirect benefits through her offspring. Females can increase their fitness by mating with males whose genes encode increased survivorship and reproductive output. Alternatively, male investment in enhanced mating success may come at the cost of reduced investment in offspring fitness. Here, we measure male mating success in a mating arena that allows for male–male, male–female and female–female interactions in Drosophila melanogaster. We then use isofemale line population measurements to correlate male mating success with sperm competitive ability, the number of offspring produced and the indirect benefits of the number of offspring produced by daughters and sons. We find that males from populations that gain more copulations do not increase female fitness through increased offspring production, nor do these males fare better in sperm competition. Instead, we find that these populations have a reduced reproductive output of sons, indicating a potential reproductive trade‐off between male mating success and offspring quality.
Dementia in the Bangladeshi diaspora in England: A qualitative study of the myths and stigmas about dementia
Authors: Hossain Muhammad Zakir , Khan Hafiz T.A.
Published: February 2019

Rationale, aims and objectives

Although Bangladeshis are three times more likely to be carers than White British, Bangladeshi family carers are the most deprived, neglected, and effectively a hidden group in the United Kingdom.1 There is a paucity of research within the Bangladeshi community that is capable of explaining and predicting the experiences and concerns of Bangladeshi family carers providing care for their relatives with dementia. The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives of Bangladeshi family carers' knowledge and day‐to‐day experiences living in England.

Methods

This is a qualitative study involving semistructured face‐to‐face interviews with six Bangladeshi family carers living in London and Portsmouth. Interviews were recorded with the consent and transcribed verbatim. Data were managed by using NVivo software, and thematic analysis was performed.

Results

This paper explores that most carers have a lack of knowledge and awareness of the symptoms of dementia. The results of this study are in contrast to previous studies, where South Asian carers perceived dementia as being possessed by evil spirits or God's punishment for previous life's sins; this study reveals that Bangladeshi family carers believed dementia was a medical condition. Unlike earlier South Asian studies, however, all family carers in this study also believed that there was no stigma attached to dementia.

Conclusions

Further research is warranted to investigate the religious beliefs, familism, and interpersonal motives as theoretical perspectives to explain how Bangladeshi family carers negotiate and construct their caregiving roles for their relatives with dementia.
The effect of acute exercise on the performance of verbal fluency in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Chen C.‐C. (J. J.). , Ringenbach S. D. R.
Published: February 2019

Background

The high prevalence of cognitive dysfunction is well documented in individuals with Down syndrome. However, only a few studies have focused on the effect of exercise on cognitive performance in this population. In particular, verbal fluency has been shown to be relevant to the early onset of Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome. Thus, this study was aimed at investigating the relationship between acute exercise and verbal fluency in this population.

Methods

It was a pre‐post design. Twenty‐eight participants (aged 14–31) were assigned to high‐intensity exercise (i.e. 70–85% of predicted maximum heart rate) (N = 8), moderate‐intensity exercise (i.e. 50–69% of predicted maximum heart rate) (N = 10) or attentional control (N = 10) groups. Two exercise groups walked on a treadmill using an incremental walking protocol, and the attentional control group watched a video for 20 min. Measures of verbal fluency (i.e. semantic fluency and phonetic fluency) were tested pre‐intervention and post‐intervention.

Results

The result showed a quadric trend between semantic fluency and intensity of exercise. The improvement in cognitive performance on semantic fluency test was observed in the moderate‐intensity exercise. However, neither a linear trend nor a quadric trend was seen in phonetic fluency.

Conclusions

The result showed an inverted‐U relationship between exercise intensity and semantic fluency. A larger sample size, testing time and more reliable psychophysiological measures (e.g. VO2max and neuroimaging technology), should be considered to explore the underlying mechanisms in this population.
Global rosacea treatment guidelines and expert consensus points: The differences
Authors: Juliandri Juliandri , Wang Xiaoyan , Liu Zijing , Zhang Jiawen , Xu Yang , Yuan Chao
Published: February 2019

Background

Rosacea is a highly prevalent, chronic inflammatory disease. The treatment of rosacea remains a challenge to dermatologists. Therapies include skin care, medications, lasers, and various combinations of these modalities. The appropriate treatment depends on clinical types and patient's various clinical symptoms.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to review and compare current therapies for rosacea of all severities from four different guidelines.

Methodology

We searched PubMed using the keywords “rosacea,” “treatment” AND [“erythema rosacea” OR “papulopustular rosacea” OR “ocular rosacea” OR “phymatous rosacea”]. We selected randomized controlled trials, observational studies, controlled clinical trials, and clinical trials. We indentified further studies (including the guidelines) by hand‐searching relevant publications and included those that met the inclusion criteria.

Results

The total number of records identified was 421. We limited our search to the specific abovementioned study types. Twenty‐five of these studies met with our inclusion criteria. An additional five manuscripts were selected using the abovementioned method, and four guidelines were included in this review.

Conclusion

Diagnosing and choosing the appropriate treatment options of rosacea according to guidelines is the basis of scientific criteria. More large‐scale randomized controlled clinical trials on new treatment methods, new drugs, or new dosage forms provide a new guideline for future rosacea treatment. Although there are some differences in the treatment of rosacea, it is generally based on anti‐demodex, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐angiogenesis.
Time‐Varying Asset Volatility and the Credit Spread Puzzle
Authors: DU DU , ELKAMHI REDOUANE , ERICSSON JAN
Published: February 2019

Most extant structural credit risk models underestimate credit spreads—a shortcoming known as the credit spread puzzle. We consider a model with priced stochastic asset risk that is able to fit medium‐ to long‐term spreads. The model, augmented by jumps to help explain short‐term spreads, is estimated on firm‐level data and identifies significant asset variance risk premia. An important feature of the model is the significant time variation in risk premia induced by the uncertainty about asset risk. Various extensions are considered, among them optimal leverage and endogenous default.
Labor‐Technology Substitution: Implications for Asset Pricing
Authors: ZHANG MIAO BEN
Published: February 2019

This paper studies the asset pricing implications of a firm's opportunities to replace routine‐task labor with automation. I develop a model in which firms optimally undertake such replacement when their productivity is low. Hence, firms with routine‐task labor maintain a replacement option that hedges their value against unfavorable macroeconomic shocks and lowers their expected returns. Using establishment‐level occupational data, I construct a measure of firms' share of routine‐task labor. Compared to their industry peers, firms with a higher share of routine‐task labor (i) invest more in machines and reduce more routine‐task labor during economic downturns, and (ii) have lower expected stock returns.
The effect of perceived organisational justice on job satisfaction and burnout levels of haemodialysis nurses
Authors: Topbaş Eylem , Bay Hakan , Turan Buğra Burak , Çıtlak Umut , Emir Ahmet Hüdai , Erdoğan Tuğba Kavalalı , Akkaya Lale
Published: February 2019

Background

Organisational justice influences job satisfaction, the performance of individuals and the functioning of institutions. The lack of evidence‐based studies investigating the relationship between hemodialysis nurses' perceptions of organisational justice, job satisfaction and burnout has created a research gap in this area.

Objective

To investigate the effect of perceived organisational justice on professional satisfaction and burnout levels of haemodialysis nurses and to identify any relation ship with individual and organisational factors.

Material and Methods

The study was designed as a multi‐centre descriptive study. The data were collected using the ‘personal information form’, the Organisational Justice Scale’, the ‘Maslach Burnout Inventory’ and the ‘Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire’.

Results

The distributive justice scores decreased as the depersonalisation scores of the nurses increased. As the personal accomplishment scores of the nurses increased, the interactional justice scores also increased. It was observed that the job satisfaction scores increased as the sub‐dimensional scores of the organisational justice scale increased and exhaustion decreased.

Conclusion

It was detected that there was a significant relationship between the organisational justice perception of nurses and their job satisfaction and level of burnout. Institutions are encouraged to adopt a fair policy towards nurses and promote personal development.
Statistical Regularities Affect the Perception of Second Language Speech: Evidence From Adult Classroom Learners of Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Wiener Seth , Lee Chao‐Yang , Tao Liang
Published: February 2019

This study investigated how adult second language (L2) learners of Mandarin Chinese use knowledge of phonological and lexical statistical regularities when acoustic information is insufficient for word recognition. A gating task was used to test intermediate L2 learners at two time points across a semester of classroom learning. Native Mandarin speakers (tested once) served as a control group. Mixed‐effects modeling revealed that upon hearing truncated speech, L2 learners, like native speakers, identified high token frequency syllable–tone combinations more accurately than low token frequency syllable–tone combinations. Error analysis of correct syllable/incorrect tone responses revealed that native speakers made specific probability‐based errors. L2 learners primarily demonstrated more acoustic‐based errors but exhibited a trend toward greater probability‐based errors during the second test. These findings are interpreted in light of L2 speech learning models that emphasize a statistical learning mechanism.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded an Open Materials badge. All materials are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework athttps://osf.io/c4zn6. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science:https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Convergence, constraint and the potential for mutualism between ants and gut microbes
Authors: Pringle Elizabeth G.
Published: February 2019

Ants are a hugely diverse family of eusocial insects that dominate terrestrial ecosystems all over the planet. Did mutualistic gut microbes help ants to achieve their diversity and ecological dominance? Initial studies suggested the potential for widespread convergence in ant gut bacterial communities based on dietary niche, but it now seems possible that dedicated bacterial symbionts are restricted to a minority of ant lineages (Russell et al., 2017). Nevertheless, as most ants are omnivores, the evidence so far has suggested a broad, positive correlation between the evolution of dietary specialization and ant investment in nutrient‐provisioning gut bacteria. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Sapountzis et al. (2019) and Rubin et al. (2019) examine the evolution of gut bacterial communities in two iconic ant taxa—the attine fungus farmers and the Pseudomyrmex plant bodyguards, respectively—in a comparative context. By comparing gut bacteria between ant species of differing dietary specialization within each taxon, these studies demonstrate a hint of convergence in the midst of widespread apparent constraints. These results raise numerous interesting questions about the nature of these apparent constraints and whether they are causes or consequences of varying investment by ants to mutualism with their gut microbes.
Invasive invertebrates associated with highly duplicated gene content
Authors: Makino Takashi , Kawata Masakado
Published: February 2019

Invasion of alien species has led to serious problems, including the destruction of native ecosystems. In general, invasive species adapt to new environments rapidly, suggesting that they have high genetic diversity that can directly influence environmental adaptability. However, it is not known how genomic architecture causes genetic diversity that leads to invasiveness. Recent studies have showed that the proportion of duplicated genes (PD) in whole animal genomes correlate with environmental variability within a habitat. Here, we show that PD and propagule size significantly explain the differences in species categories (invasive species, noninvasive species, and parasites). PD correlated negatively with the propagule size. The residual values of regression of PD on propagule size revealed that the invasive species had higher PD values and larger propagule size than those of the noninvasive species, whereas the parasites had lower PD values and smaller propagule size than those of others. There were no correlations between the invasive species and other genomic factors including the genome size, number of genes, and certain gene families. Our results suggest that the PD values of a genome might be a potential genomic source causing genetic variations for adaptation to diverse environments. The results also showed that the invasiveness status of a species would be predicted by the residual values of regression of PD on propagule size. Our innovative approach provides a measure to estimate the environmental adaptability of organisms based on genomic data.
Intergroup Conflict 2020
Authors: Halevy Nir , Cohen Taya R.
Published: February 2019

The pervasiveness, persistence, and petrifying scope of intergroup conflict have fueled substantial scholarly interest in intergroup conflict across the social and biological sciences. Here we outline five questions that we hope students of intergroup conflict will undertake to research in years to come: (a) When and why do people engage in, and publicly display, blatant forms of intergroup hostility? (b) How do different moral motives shape individual behavior in intergroup conflict? (c) How do intragroup processes influence intergroup processes and vice versa? (d) How does the changing nature of “groups” influence intergroup conflict and its resolution? And (e) how will global challenges shape intergroup relations in the 21st century? Although it is unimaginable that the problem of intergroup conflict will be eradicated, we hope that addressing these questions will help us understand how to manage intergroup conflicts and their harmful consequences better.
When the SUIT Fits: Constructive Controversy Training in Face‐to‐Face and Virtual Teams
Authors: O'Neill Thomas A. , Hancock Samantha , McLarnon Matthew J. W. , Holland Taylor
Published: February 2019

One of the major reasons organizations have turned to work teams is because challenges are too complex, and too large in scope, for any single individual to address. As a result, teams must engage in information sharing, exchange, and processing that optimize the use of each team member's knowledge. Accordingly, we invoked a framework called SUIT, based on the theory of constructive controversy, that teaches teams to effectively share, understand, integrate, and make team decisions. We also considered whether a training program developed in accordance with the SUIT principles has stronger effects for virtual teams (VTs) relative to face‐to‐face (FtF) teams, given that VTs tend to need more information sharing and decision‐making support. Using a fully crossed and balanced experimental design, we found that teams receiving SUIT training reported greater constructive controversy levels and, in turn, higher objective task performance. The communication medium did not moderate this effect.
Path model of factors influencing health‐related quality of life among older people with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Aree‐Ue Suparb , Kongsombun Usa , Roopsawang Inthira , Youngcharoen Phichpraorn
Published: February 2019

Chronic illness has a significant effect on quality of life, and a critical measure of health outcomes. Correlations between pain, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and physical function and their direct and indirect effects on quality of life were determined among 200 Thai older population with knee osteoarthritis using the Numeric Rating Scale, the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue, and the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale‐15. Physical function was investigated by using the Timed Up and Go test. Path analysis revealed significant negative direct paths from pain, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and Timed Up and Go test results to quality of life. Pain, fatigue, and the Timed Up and Go test results had indirect effects on quality of life, while depressive symptoms had no indirect effect on quality of life. Increases in pain, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and Timed Up and Go test results were associated with reductions in quality of life. An understanding of the complex relationship among these variables is beneficial for designing an appropriate intervention for improving quality of life among older people with knee osteoarthritis.
Do renewable energy incentive policies improve the performance of energy firms? Evidence from OECD countries
Authors: Hassan Aminu
Published: February 2019

Natural capital inventory approach to sustainability accounting advocates accountability system that keeps stock of natural capital intact. Substituting exhaustible energy resources with renewable energies (RE) is a particular example of the ‘substitutability’ condition for sustainability and a key principle of the natural capital theory. This paper investigates the effects ofREincentive policies, as facilitators of ‘substitutability’, on the financial performance of 420 energy firms inOECDcountries over 4 years (2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016). Findings reported using fixed effects panel‐data modelling reveal that mostREincentive policies deployed inOECDcountries stimulate improved accounting‐based measures of financial performance. In addition, some incentive policies that are long‐term in nature appear value relevant. Overall, the paper documents that substitutingREfor fossil fuels, incentivised throughREpolicies, stimulates improved financial performance of energy companies inOECDcountries. The significance of these results is evident in the empirical support they lend to the effectiveness ofREincentive policies, progress of global energy transition and the natural capital inventory theory. Furthermore, the results could be of benefit to policymakers, energy firms and investors.
Identification and gene cloning of a male‐sterile mutant Oswbc11 in rice
Authors: Xuan Changqing , Liu Yaping , Liu Chengjie , Lusuwi Lewis Bongani‐Tafadzwa , Fu Xiaojin , Chen Xifeng , Ma Bojun
Published: February 2019

Commercial application of nuclear genetic male sterility has been improved recently by a novel technique, Seed Production Technology (SPT), which incorporates transgenic maintainer lines capable of propagating non‐transgenic nuclear male‐sterile lines for use as female parents in hybrid production. Here, we identified a rice nuclear male‐sterile mutant, Oswbc11, with abnormal pollen development and lipid transport. We finely mapped the Oswbc11 gene into a 12.5‐kb region on chromosome 10 and found one candidate gene, which had a base substitution (C to T) resulting in a premature stop codon and was functionally confirmed by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Gene OsWBC11 encodes a sub‐family member of adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter, which participates in the active transport of a wide range of molecules across membranes. Moreover, the agronomic traits of Oswbc11 mutants showed no significant differences compared to the wild‐type control except for the seed setting rate. These results indicated that Oswbc11 gene could be used in rice hybrid breeding as a recessive nuclear male‐sterile gene combined with CRISPR/Cas9 and the SPT technology and applied in different rice varieties.
Microalgae biotechnology in Nordic countries – the potential of local strains
Authors: Cheregi Otilia , Ekendahl Susanne , Engelbrektsson Johan , Strömberg Niklas , Godhe Anna , Spetea Cornelia
Published: February 2019

Climate change, energy use and food security are the main challenges that our society is facing nowadays. Biofuels and feedstock from microalgae can be part of the solution if high and continuous production is to be ensured. This could be attained in year‐round, low cost, outdoor cultivation systems using strains that are not only champion producers of desired compounds but also have robust growth in a dynamic climate. Using microalgae strains adapted to the local conditions may be advantageous particularly in Nordic countries. Here, we review the current status of laboratory and outdoor‐scale cultivation in Nordic conditions of local strains for biofuel, high‐value compounds and water remediation. Strains suitable for biotechnological purposes were identified from the large and diverse pool represented by saline (NE Atlantic Ocean), brackish (Baltic Sea) and fresh water (lakes and rivers) sources. Energy‐efficient annual rotation for cultivation of strains well adapted to Nordic climate has the potential to provide high biomass yields for biotechnological purposes.
Age‐typical changes in neural reward response are moderated by maternal anhedonia
Authors: Luking Katherine R. , Infantolino Zachary P. , Nelson Brady D. , Hajcak Greg
Published: February 2019

Reward response and mood disorders both increase during adolescence. Here, we investigate whether age and gonadal hormone levels relate to neural response to win and loss feedback in 9‐ to 14‐year‐old girls and whether such relations are moderated by maternal anhedonia, a factor linked to psychopathology risk and reward response. Psychiatrically healthy daughters of mothers who did not meet criteria for any current DSM‐5 disorder or past anxiety/depression diagnosis (N = 69) completed a monetary fMRI guessing task and provided saliva samples for gonadal hormone assay. Voxelwise regressions revealed unique quadratic effects of age and linear effects of gonadal hormones; neither effect was explained by reported puberty. Striatal/insular responses to win/loss feedback peaked between 12 and 13 years, whereas estradiol predicted greater response to wins versus losses within the medial prefrontal cortex, concurrently. Maternal anhedonia specifically moderated the quadratic effect of age within dorsolateral striatum and insula. Daughters of mothers reporting greater anhedonia showed an earlier peak in striatal/insular response to reward and loss feedback. As such, maternal anhedonia predicted blunted striatal/insular response to feedback only in older daughters. A similar pattern was observed for daughters of mothers with lifetime depression in exploratory analyses. These cross‐sectional findings suggest that familial anhedonia may relate to altered trajectories of reward responding during adolescence and that these effects are specific to age.
How Structural Variations in Collaborative Governance Networks Influence Advocacy Involvement and Outcomes
Authors: Mosley Jennifer E. , Jarpe Meghan
Published: February 2019

Collaborative governance is intended to solve complex problems and promote democratic outcomes by connecting ground‐level stakeholders with government. In order for these goals to be met, however, participants must have meaningful influence and opportunities for voice. Using national survey data from Continuums of Care (CoCs) mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this article investigates what structural characteristics of collaborative governance networks are related to promoting stakeholder inclusion and voice through policy advocacy involvement. Specifically, it investigates which network characteristics are associated with (1) the frequency of advocacy involvement by the network, (2) providers' engagement in and influence over that advocacy, and (3) the CoC having stronger relationships with policy makers. Findings show significant relationships between greater network capacity and network advocacy, and between network governance structure and provider engagement and influence in that advocacy. Networks have stronger relationships with policy makers when providers are more engaged, providers have more influence, network capacity is higher, and direct advocacy tactics are used.
In vivo probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy in chronic interstitial lung diseases: Specific descriptors and correlation with chest CT
Authors: Salaün Mathieu , Guisier Florian , Dominique Stéphane , Genevois Anne , Jounieaux Vincent , Bergot Emmanuel , Thill Caroline , Piton Nicolas , Thiberville Luc
Published: February 2019

Background and objective

Probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) enables in vivo microimaging of the distal lung, during bronchoscopy. This study aims at identifying pCLE descriptors of chronic interstitial lung diseases (ILD), their correlations with chest HRCT and assessing inter‐observer agreement.

Methods

pCLE was performed in 21 healthy volunteers (HV) and 59 non‐smoking ILD patients, including 19 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or asbestosis, 15 with connective tissue disease‐associated ILD (CTD‐ILD), 17 with sarcoidosis and 8 with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). pCLE descriptors were identified in ILD on the basis of comparison with HV.

Results

Nine pCLE descriptors were more frequent in ILD compared to HV, with good inter‐observer agreement, including fluorescent bronchiolar cells (sarcoidosis, CTD‐ILD and HP), fluorescent alveolar cells (CTD‐ILD and HP), small alveolar entrance rings (IPF or asbestosis and CTD‐ILD), enlarged axial elastic fibres (IPF or asbestosis), septal fibres (IPF or asbestosis, CTD‐ILD and HP), disorganized acinar network and rigid acinar network (IPF or asbestosis and CTD‐ILD), dense elastic network (IPF or asbestosis) and alveolar fluorescent nodular structures (in sarcoidosis) (P < 0.01, Fisher's exact test, all comparisons). The distribution of nodules on computed tomography (CT) appeared to correlate with pCLE alveolar nodular structures, rigid acinar network and septal fibres, while reticulations were associated with septal fibres and disorganized or dense acinar network; ground‐glass opacities on CT with small alveolar entrances, rigid elastic network and septal fibres; and honeycombing with septal fibres.

Conclusion

In the four groups of ILD studied, 9 pCLE descriptors are described, which appear specific and reproducible, and correlate with chest HRCT patterns.
20 Years of Indian Gaming: Reassessing and Still Winning
Authors: Conner Thaddieus W. , Franklin Aimee L.
Published: February 2019

Objective

In this article, we establish the most recent 10‐year and 20‐year impacts of Indian gaming related to income and employment for persons living on tribal lands.

Methods

We use 1990, 2000, and 2010 U.S. Census data for 361 native nations in the 48 contiguous states.

Results

We find that Indian gaming continues to have a meaningful impact on income, labor force participation, and unemployment between 1990 and 2010 in tribal areas, both for American Indians as well as persons of all races. A second finding is that gaming tribes with per capita payment plans account for the greatest share of improvements. Finally, the decadal impacts between 2000 and 2010 reveal a diminished trajectory suggesting effects related to increased competition and the effects of the Great Recession.

Conclusion

Indian gaming has improved living conditions for Indians and all persons residing on tribal lands. When comparing the experience between the first decade and the second decade since Indian gaming was introduced, Class III gaming improvements in the living conditions on Indian lands persisted, but on a flatter trajectory than in the prior decade. Future research is needed to disentangle the endogenous and exogenous effects that may signal a shifting landscape in the Indian gaming industry.
Caregiver socioemotional health as a determinant of child well‐being in school‐aged and adolescent Ugandan children with and without perinatal HIV exposure
Authors: Webster Kyle D. , de Bruyn Miko M. , Zalwango Sarah K. , Sikorskii Alla , Barkin Jennifer L. , Familiar‐Lopez Itziar , Musoke Philippa , Giordani Bruno , Boivin Michael J. , Ezeamama Amara E.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Caregiver socio‐emotional attributes are major determinants of child well‐being. This investigation in vulnerable school‐aged Ugandan children estimates relationships between children's well‐being and their caregiver's anxiety, depression and social support.

Methods

Perinatally HIV‐infected, HIV‐exposed uninfected and HIV‐unexposed Ugandan children and their caregivers were enrolled. Perinatal HIV status was determined by 18 months of age using DNA‐polymerase chain‐reaction test; status was confirmed via HIV rapid diagnostic test when children were 6–18 years old. Five indicators of child well‐being (distress, hopelessness, positive future orientation, esteem and quality of life (QOL)) and caregivers’ socioemotional status (depressive symptoms, anxiety and social support) were measured using validated, culturally adapted and translated instruments. Categories based on tertiles of each caregiver psychosocial indicator were defined. Linear regression analyses estimated percent differences (β) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for child well‐being in relation to caregiver's psychosocial status.

Results

As per tertile increment, caregiver anxiety was associated with 2.7% higher distress (95%CI:0.2%, 5.3%) and lower self‐esteem/QOL (β = −1.3%/−2.6%; 95%CI: −5.0%,‐0.2%) in their children. Child distress/hopelessness increased (β = 3.3%/7.6%; 95%CI:0.4%, 14.7%) and self‐esteem/QOL decreased 2.3% (β = −2.3%/−4.4%; 95%CI: −7.2%, −1.3%) as per tertile increment in caregiver depression. Higher caregiver social support was associated with lower distress and higher positive outlook (β = 3%; 95%CI:1.4%, 4.5%) in their children. HIV‐infected/exposed children had most caregiver depression‐related QOL deficit (β = −5.2%/−6.8%; 95%CI: −12.4%, −0.2%) and HIV‐unexposed children had most caregiver social support‐related enhancements in positive outlook (β=4.5%; 95%CI:1.9%, 7.1%).

Conclusions

Caregiver anxiety, depressive symptoms and low social support were associated with worse well‐being in school‐aged and adolescent children. Improvement of caregiver mental health and strengthening caregiver social support systems may be a viable strategy for improving well‐being of vulnerable children and adolescents in this setting.
Load‐dependent detachment kinetics plays a key role in bidirectional cargo transport by kinesin and dynein
Authors: Ohashi Kazuka G. , Han Lifeng , Mentley Brandon , Wang Jiaxuan , Fricks John , Hancock William O.
Published: February 2019

Bidirectional cargo transport along microtubules is carried out by opposing teams of kinesin and dynein motors. Despite considerable study, the factors that determine whether these competing teams achieve net anterograde or retrograde transport in cells remain unclear. The goal of this work is to use stochastic simulations of bidirectional transport to determine the motor properties that most strongly determine overall cargo velocity and directionality. Simulations were carried out based on published optical tweezer characterization of kinesin‐1 and kinesin‐2, and for available data for cytoplasmic dynein and the dynein‐dynactin‐BicD2 (DDB) complex. By varying dynein parameters and analyzing cargo trajectories, we find that net cargo transport is predicted to depend minimally on the dynein stall force, but strongly on dynein load‐dependent detachment kinetics. In simulations, dynein is dominated by kinesin‐1, but DDB and kinesin‐1 are evenly matched, recapitulating recent experimental work. Kinesin‐2 competes less well against dynein and DDB, and overall, load‐dependent motor detachment is the property that most determines a motor's ability to compete in bidirectional transport. It follows that the most effective intracellular regulators of bidirectional transport are predicted to be those that alter motor detachment kinetics rather than motor velocity or stall force.
Functional analysis of novel RHD variants: splicing disruption is likely to be a common mechanism of variant D phenotype
Authors: Raud Loann , Ka Chandran , Gourlaouen Isabelle , Callebaut Isabelle , Férec Claude , Le Gac Gérald , Fichou Yann
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

We previously showed that several variations in the RHD gene, including synonymous changes, can be classified as splice site variants and may play a direct role in D variant phenotype expression. We sought to extend our study to additional candidates, notably in the first and last exons of the gene, by engineering a novel universal splice reporting vector, i.e., minigene.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Our previous plasmid construct was modified to allow subcloning of any exon(s) of interest for assessing effect of variations on splicing. Seventeen novel and/or uncharacterized variations of the RHD gene were selected for the study and tested in our novel model.

RESULTS

We engineered and validated a novel universal minigene for assessing virtually any variations of interest for splicing defect. Of the 17 variants tested in the novel model, 11 were shown to alter splicing either totally or partially, including the silent c.1065C>T variation, which induces major skipping of exon 7, and may therefore be responsible for reducing D antigen expression. We also showed that while all three missense variations c.1154G>C, c.1154G>T, and c.1154G>A in exon 9 are splice site variants, splicing is differentially altered and D‐negative phenotype observed in the presence of the latter substitution is likely due to a defect in RhD protein folding.

CONCLUSION

Overall, we hypothesize that splicing alteration is likely to be a common mechanism of D phenotype variation that has been underestimated so far. Further large‐scale studies are necessary to demonstrate this statement definitely.
A case of hemophagocytic syndrome progressing into large granular lymphoma in a dog
Authors: Akiyoshi Makoto , Hisasue Masaharu , Neo Sakurako , Akiyoshi Masami , Goto‐Koshino Yuko
Published: February 2019

A 12‐year‐old castrated male mixed breed dog was presented with anorexia, lethargy, intermittent vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Clinicopathologic and imaging abnormalities included pancytopenia, icterus, and splenomegaly with multiple minute hypoechogenic nodules. Bone marrow (BM) smears revealed 2.5% hemophagocytic macrophages. In addition, an increased number of small to intermediate lymphocytes (16.3%) and plasma cells (3.2%) were recognized in the BM smears. More than 80% of the lymphocytes contained multiple small intracytoplasmic magenta granules. Histopathologic findings of the spleen revealed hemophagocytosis. Large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) were not found on the liver cytology or splenic histopathology at this time. PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) analysis showed a clonal reaction in the T‐cell receptor ɤ (TCRɤ) gene in the BM sample. The dog was diagnosed with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS). The dog was maintained in good condition with immunosuppressive therapy. However, the dog developed hepatic LGL lymphoma 7 months later. At this time, PARR analysis showed a clonal TCRɤ gene rearrangement in the hepatic LGL lymphoma samples. The BM and liver sample clonal rearrangements showed 100% homology, indicating that the small to intermediate granular lymphocytes in the BM at the HPS stage had progressed to hepatic LGL lymphoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of canine secondary HPS caused by the occurrence of a BM LGL lymphoma clone that progressed to hepatic LGL lymphoma.
Reconstruction of water balance components using tree‐ring proxy records
Authors: Sane Iman , Saghafian Bahram , Hassanjabbar Amin
Published: February 2019

Long‐term hydrological data are important elements in water resource planning and management. The hydrometric data record period in Iran varies from a few years to about 60 years; generally inadequate for long‐term planning. Reconstruction of meteorological data using tree‐ring proxy records is a viable technique in extending meteorological data in the past (i.e. backcasting). This study reconstructed the precipitation and temperature data based on the tree‐ring proxy records over the 1710–2000 period in Kermanshah Province, Iran. Furthermore, using WASMOD water balance model, streamflow and other hydrological water balance components were reconstructed. In the study basin, the average monthly streamflows were determined as 6.25, 5.56 and 5.50 mm for the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries, respectively. While the eighteenth century was the wettest, in nineteenth and twentieth centuries the streamflow reduced by an average of 14% compared to that of the eighteenth century.
Characteristics of coconut frond as a potential feedstock for biochar via slow pyrolysis
Authors: Mohamad Aziz Nur Syairah , Shariff Adilah , Abdullah Nurhayati , Mohamed Noor Nurhidayah
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of coconut frond as a feedstock for biochar production via slow pyrolysis process.  Proximate, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis were performed to evaluate the chemical and thermal properties of the coconut frond.  The percentage of its lignocellulosic component and high heating value were determined. Surface morphology of coconut frond was examined using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Coconut frond (CF) contains 78.03±3.91 d.b. wt% of volatile matter, 4.96±0.07 d.b. wt% of ash content and 17.01±3.86 d.b. wt% of fixed carbon. Elemental analysis revealed a sulfur content of 0.94±0.12 %, while the percentage of nitrogen is 0.46±0.33%. The composition of carbon and hydrogen are 34.0±6.22 % and 7.71±0.34 % respectively. The high heating value of CF is 17.77±0.40 MJ/kg. CF consists of 43.91±1.80 % cellulose, 31.58±1.20 % hemicellulose, and 18.15±0.60 % lignin. From thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, it is apparent that the weight loss of CF occurred prominently in the temperature range 200°C - 400°C.  The peaks of the DTG curve at 281.75±0.35 °C and 334.08±0.35°C indicate the weight loss of coconut frond sample due to the degradation of hemicellulose and cellulose, respectively. The FESEM images of CF show its fibrous strands are compact with a few large pores with diameters around 42.5 - 48.1 μm large pores in the center of the CF sample. The results of the analysis show that CF has a potential as a feedstock for biochar production via slow pyrolysis. CF also can be used in other application such as syngas and bio-oil production due to the low lignin percentage and high volatile percentage.
Low cost palm oil fuel ash based ceramic membranes for oily water separation
Authors: Tai Zhong Sheng , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Hubadillah Siti Khadijah , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Rahman Mukhlis A , Jaafar Juhana , Koo Khong Nee , Abd Aziz Mohd Haiqal
Published: February 2019

Ceramic membranes have been gaining so much interest for oily water separation due to their superior characteristics such as good anti-fouling property, superhydrophilic, as well as excellent thermal and chemical stabilities. However, ceramic membranes are very expensive which hinders their uses in large scale applications. Therefore, the aim of our study is to develop a low cost palm oil fuel ash (POFA) based ceramic hollow fiber ceramic membrane for oily water separation application. An asymmetric membrane structure consisting of sponge-like and macrovoid layers were acquired using a combined phase inversion and sintering technique. The membranes were sintered at different temperatures ranging from 1000 to 1150 °C. The sintered membranes were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical strength, porosity, permeate flux and oil rejection performance. A high oil rejection efficiency of up to 96.0% was obtained for the membrane sintered at 1050 °C with the permeate flux of 185.42 L/m2h at the applied pressure of 3 bar. Based on the comparison with other ceramic membranes reported in the literature, it can be concluded that POFA based ceramic hollow fiber membrane showed a comparable performance and thus can be a promising low cost alternative ceramic membrane for oily water separation application.
Synthesis and characterization of two-stage curing reactive bio-based polymers
Authors: Ang Jing Jing , Wong Tuck Whye , Abdul Karim Zulhairun
Published: February 2019

Two-stage curing reactive bio-based polymers network namely, poly(octanediol-co-dodecanedioate-co-citrate-co-itaconate) (PODCI) were successfully synthesized using 1,8-octanediol, citric acid, itaconic acid and 1,12-dodecanedioic acid. In the first curing stage, a prepolymer of PODCI was thermally crosslinked. At a later time, a second curing was completed thru photo-initiated free-radical polymerization. Here, we discovered that permanent shape of the thermally crosslinked PODCI was successfully reconfigured by application of second stage curing. The molar ratio of itaconic acid (IA) to citric acid (CA) and time of photo-curing was varied. Based on XRD analysis, the polymer crystallinity of the bio-based polymer decreased with time of photo-curing. The swelling ratio of bio-based polymer decreased from 2750 % to 250 % as soon as completion of second stage curing. PODCI existed as a semi-crystalline polymer with a melting transition temperature of 40.2 ℃. Also, PODCI exhibited excellent shape memory properties with shape recovery by nearly 100%.
Assessing Information Integration Processes Using Between- or Within-Subjects Designs: Some More Evidence
Authors: Chasseigne Gérard , Muñoz Sastre Maria Teresa , Sorum Paul CLay , Mullet Etienne
Published: February 2019

Within-subject designs (WSDs) remain unappreciated in psychology although many experimental tactics can reduce or eliminate the demand and order effects that WSDs tend to create. Comparative studies conducted in the Information Integration Theory (IIT) framework have shown that patterns of results observed using WSDs can largely be replicated using between-subject designs (BSDs). In order to add evidence to these findings, three additional studies were conducted in order to complement data obtained in previous studies. One of these studies was about health risk perception and tested the possibility to find evidence for a disjunctive rule of information integration using a BSD. The other two studies focused on the valuation process of IIT. The new findings regarding the disjunctive rule added support to the view that equivalent results can be obtained either with a highly economical repeated-measures design or with a much costlier independent factorial group arrangement. However, when the focus was on the valuation process and not on the integration process, ratings obtained in the BSD condition seemed to be restricted to a limited range of values by comparison with ratings obtained in the WSD condition. An explanation in terms of context effect is offered.
Energy-Saving Behavior: the Different Roles of Altruism and of Environmentalism
Authors: Loureiro Ana , Lima Maria Luisa
Published: February 2019

This experimental study, in which 118 university students participated, addresses how environmental and altruistic cues induce energy-saving behavior and intention, and their interaction with environmental and altruistic values, thus testing the influence of context or situational variables in energy-saving behavior and intention. Additionally, it does an empirical approach to the role that environmental and altruistic values may have as individual predictors of energy-saving. Environmental and altruistic situational cues are operationalized by environment and altruism conceptual priming. The results reveal an interaction between situational variables and personal values: environment priming induced more energy-saving behavior among individuals with lower altruistic values. The same effect is not observed for energy-saving intention. When the environment and altruism priming were present, individuals with lower altruistic values had less energy-saving intentions. These results underline the importance of distinguishing environmental and altruistic frames and motives when explaining energy-saving behavior.