bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The History of Bordetella pertussis Genome Evolution Includes Structural Rearrangement
Authors: Weigand Michael R. , Peng Yanhui , Loparev Vladimir , Batra Dhwani , Bowden Katherine E. , Burroughs Mark , Cassiday Pamela K. , Davis Jamie K. , Johnson Taccara , Juieng Phalasy , Knipe Kristen , Mathis Marsenia H. , Pruitt Andrea M. , Rowe Lori , Sheth Mili , Tondella M. Lucia , Williams Margaret M.
Published: February 2017

Despite high pertussis vaccine coverage, reported cases of whooping cough (pertussis) have increased over the last decade in the United States and other developed countries. Although
Bordetella pertussis
is well known for its limited gene sequence variation, recent advances in long-read sequencing technology have begun to reveal genomic structural heterogeneity among otherwise indistinguishable isolates, even within geographically or temporally defined epidemics. We have compared rearrangements among complete genome assemblies from 257
B. pertussis
isolates to examine the potential evolution of the chromosomal structure in a pathogen with minimal gene nucleotide sequence diversity. Discrete changes in gene order were identified that differentiated genomes from vaccine reference strains and clinical isolates of various genotypes, frequently along phylogenetic boundaries defined by single nucleotide polymorphisms. The observed rearrangements were primarily large inversions centered on the replication origin or terminus and flanked by IS
481
, a mobile genetic element with >240 copies per genome and previously suspected to mediate rearrangements and deletions by homologous recombination. These data illustrate that structural genome evolution in
B. pertussis
is not limited to reduction but also includes rearrangement. Therefore, although genomes of clinical isolates are structurally diverse, specific changes in gene order are conserved, perhaps due to positive selection, providing novel information for investigating disease resurgence and molecular epidemiology.

IMPORTANCE
Whooping cough, primarily caused by
Bordetella pertussis
, has resurged in the United States even though the coverage with pertussis-containing vaccines remains high. The rise in reported cases has included increased disease rates among all vaccinated age groups, provoking questions about the pathogen's evolution. The chromosome of
B. pertussis
includes a large number of repetitive mobile genetic elements that obstruct genome analysis. However, these mobile elements facilitate large rearrangements that alter the order and orientation of essential protein-encoding genes, which otherwise exhibit little nucleotide sequence diversity. By comparing the complete genome assemblies from 257 isolates, we show that specific rearrangements have been conserved throughout recent evolutionary history, perhaps by eliciting changes in gene expression, which may also provide useful information for molecular epidemiology.
Adopting and sustaining a Virtual Fracture Clinic model in the District Hospital setting – a quality improvement approach
Authors: Logishetty Kartik , Subramanyam Soosainathan
Published: February 2017

Virtual Fracture Clinics (VFCs) are an alternative to the conventional fracture clinics, to manage certain musculoskeletal injuries. This has recently been reported as a safe, cost-effective and efficient care model. As demonstrated at vanguard sites in the United Kingdom, VFCs can enhance patient care by standardising treatment and reducing outpatient appointments.

This project demonstrates how a Quality Improvement approach was applied to introduce VFCs in the District General Hospital setting. We demonstrate how undertaking Process Mapping, Driver Diagrams, and Stakeholder Analysis can assist implementation. We discuss Whole Systems Measures applicable to VFCs, to consider how robust and specific data collection can progress this care model.

Three Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles led to a change in practice over a 21-month period. Our target for uptake of new patients seen in VFCs within 6 months of starting was set at 50%. It increased from 0% to 56.1% soon after introduction, and plateaued at an average of 56.4% in the six-months before the end of the study period.

Careful planning, frequent monitoring, and gathering feedback from a multidisciplinary team of varying seniority, were the important factors in transitioning to, and sustaining, a successful VFC model.
Improving community access to terminal phase medicines through the implementation of a ‘Core Medicines List’ in South Australian community pharmacies
Authors: Tait Paul , Horwood Chris , Hakendorf Paul , To Timothy
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Difficulties accessing medicines in the terminal phase hamper the ability of patients to die at home. The aim of this study was to identify changes in community access to medicines for managing symptoms in the terminal phase throughout South Australia (SA), following the development of a ‘Core Medicines List’ (the List) while exploring factors predictive of pharmacies carrying a broad range of useful medicines.

Methods

In 2015, SA community pharmacies were invited to participate in a repeat survey exploring the availability of specific medicines. Comparisons were made between 2012 and 2015. A ‘preparedness score’ was calculated for each pharmacy, scoring 1 point for each medicine held from the following 5 classes: opioid, benzodiazepine, antiemetic, anticholinergic and antipsychotic.

Results

The proportion of pharmacies carrying all items from the List rose from 7% in 2012 to 18% in 2015 (p=0.01). Multiple linear regression demonstrated that a monthly online newsletter subscription (p=0.04) and provision of a clinical service to aged care facilities (p=0.02) were predictors of pharmacies carrying all items on the List. Furthermore, multiple linear regression demonstrated that the provision of an afterhours service (p=0.02) and clinical services to aged care facilities (p=0.04) were predictors of pharmacies with a high ‘preparedness score’. In responding to issues with supply of medicines at end of life, respondents were more likely to contact the prescriber if aware of palliative patients (p=0.03).

Conclusions

These results suggest that there is value in developing and promoting a standardised list of medicines, ensuring that community palliative patients have timely access to medicines in the terminal phase.
From concept to practice, is multidimensional care the leading principle in hospice care? An exploratory mixed method study
Authors: de Graaf Everlien , van Klinken Merel , Zweers Danielle , Teunissen Saskia
Published: February 2017

Background

Hospice care (HC) aims to optimise the quality of life of patients and their families by relief and prevention of multidimensional suffering. The aim of this study is to gain insight into multidimensional care (MC) provided to hospice inpatients by a multiprofessional team (MT) and identify facilitators, to ameliorate multidimensional HC.

Methods

This exploratory mixed-method study with a sequential quantitative–qualitative design was conducted from January to December 2015. First a quantitative study of 36 patient records (12 hospices, 3 patient records/hospice) was performed. The outcomes were MC, clinical reasoning and assessment tools. Second, MC was qualitatively explored using semistructured focus group interviews with multiprofessional hospice teams. Both methods had equal priority and were integrated during analysis.

Results

The physical dimension was most prevalent in daily care, reflecting the patients' primary expressed priority at admission and the nurses' and physicians' primary focus. The psychological, social and spiritual dimensions were less frequently described. Assessment tools were used systematically by 4/12 hospices. Facilitators identified were interdisciplinary collaboration, implemented methods of clinical reasoning and structures.

Conclusions

MC is not always verifiable in patient records; however, it is experienced by hospice professionals. The level of MC varied between hospices. The use of assessment tools and a stepped skills approach for spiritual care are recommended and multidimensional assessment tools should be developed. Leadership and commitment of all members of the MT is needed to establish the integration of multidimensional symptom management and interdisciplinary collaboration as preconditions for integrated multidimensional HC.
Development of a foraging model framework to reliably estimate daily food consumption by young fishes
Authors: Deslauriers David , Rosburg Alex J. , Chipps Steven R.
Published: February 2017

We developed a foraging model for young fishes that incorporates handling and digestion rate to estimate daily food consumption. Feeding trials were used to quantify functional feeding response, satiation, and gut evacuation rate. Once parameterized, the foraging model was then applied to evaluate effects of prey type, prey density, water temperature, and fish size on daily feeding rate by age-0 (19–70 mm) pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). Prey consumption was positively related to prey density (for fish >30 mm) and water temperature, but negatively related to prey size and the presence of sand substrate. Model evaluation results revealed good agreement between observed estimates of daily consumption and those predicted by the model (r2 = 0.95). Model simulations showed that fish feeding on Chironomidae or Ephemeroptera larvae were able to gain mass, whereas fish feeding solely on zooplankton lost mass under most conditions. By accounting for satiation and digestive processes in addition to handling time and prey density, the model provides realistic estimates of daily food consumption that can prove useful for evaluating rearing conditions for age-0 fishes.
Vibro-Acoustic Analysis of the Railway Tracks with Fractional Railpads and Nonlinear Ballast
Authors: Hosseinkhani Ali , Younesian Davood
Published: February 2017

Noise and vibration from the railway tracks with fractional railpads are studied in this paper. The track system is modeled by a beam on a viscoelastic foundation including the fractional railpads and nonlinear ballast. The nonlinear fractional governing equation is obtained in the time domain by use of the fractional finite element formulation. The Newmark’s method is combined with the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) to solve the nonlinear fractional equation. The acoustical pressure field around the vibrating beam is obtained by the Rayleigh integral approach. The effects of the fractional parameters, load speed and condition on the track responses are investigated. It is found that the dynamic deflection and stress alongside the railways are more influenced by the loading condition, while the acoustical pressure is remarkably influenced by the load speed.
IMPACT OF LEFT VENTRICULAR FALSE TENDONS ON YOUNG ATHLETES’ CARDIOVASCULAR ADAPTATION TO EXERCISE LOADS
Authors: MEKHDIEVA K. , BLYAKHMAN F.
Published: February 2017

False tendons (FT) are additional chord-like structures in left ventricle (LV) cavity considered as a phenotypic feature of the connective tissue dysplasia (CTD) syndrome. The search for a range of heart adaptability to exercise loads of young athletes with FT in LV is the aim of the proposed study. Sixty six members of student basketball and indoor soccer teams (mean age: 19.8[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]3.9 years) underwent treadmill stress-test and heart ultrasound transthoracic examination. Further, image processing to perform the tendons mapping within LV 3D-reconstructed model was applied. The number of FT located in different parts of LV varied from 1 to 6 units per LV. Based on the comparative and correlation analyses of data obtained, we found that the more the number of FT per LV, the less is a range of the heart adaptation to increased exercise loads. In accordance with the results of two-way multivariate analysis of variance, we concluded that the FT, located in basal and median LV zones, connecting interventricular septum and posterior-lateral parts of LV wall mainly affect the ability of the heart to adapt to exercise loads. Therefore, athletes with certain number and types of FT in the LV critically need individual prescription for exercise loads.
Intravenous Administration of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Protein Extracts Improves Neurological Deficits in a Rat Model of Stroke
Authors: Zhao Kai , Li Rui , Gu Changcong , Liu Long , Jia Yulong , Guo Xize , Zhang Wanping , Pei Chunying , Tian Linlu , Li Bo , Jia Jianrong , Cheng Huakun , Xu Hongwei , Li Lixian
Published: February 2017

Treatment of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) substantially improves the neurological deficits during stroke by reducing neuronal injury, limiting proinflammatory immune responses, and promoting neuronal repair, which makes ADSC-based therapy an attractive approach for treating stroke. However, the potential risk of tumorigenicity and low survival rate of the implanted cells limit the clinical use of ADSC. Cell-free extracts from ADSC (ADSC-E) may be a feasible approach that could overcome these limitations. Here, we aim to explore the potential usage of ADSC-E in treating rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). We demonstrated that intravenous (IV) injection of ADSC-E remarkably reduces the ischemic lesion and number of apoptotic neurons as compared to other control groups. Although ADSC and ADSC-E treatment results in a similar degree of a long-term clinical beneficial outcome, the dynamics between two ADSC-based therapies are different. While the injection of ADSC leads to a relatively mild but prolonged therapeutic effect, the administration of ADSC-E results in a fast and pronounced clinical improvement which was associated with a unique change in the molecular signature suggesting that potential mechanisms underlying different therapeutic approach may be different. Together these data provide translational evidence for using protein extracts from ADSC for treating stroke.
Capacity Allocation and Revenue Sharing in Airline Alliances: A Combinatorial Auction‐Based Modeling
Authors: Gu Ying-jing , Zhu Jin-Fu
Published: February 2017

This paper attempts to establish a framework to help airline alliances effectively allocate their seat capacity with the purpose of maximizing alliances’ revenue. By assuming the airline alliance as the auctioneer and seat capacity in an itinerary as lots, the combinatorial auction model is constructed to optimize the allocation of the seat, and the revenue sharing method is established to share revenue between partners by Vickrey‐Clarke‐Groves (VCG) mechanism. The result of the numerical study shows that the seat capacity allocation is effective even without information exchanging completely and the twofold revenue shares method shows more excitation for the airlines.
Validation of the Italian Version of the Caregiver Abuse Screen among Family Caregivers of Older People with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Melchiorre Maria Gabriella , Di Rosa Mirko , Barbabella Francesco , Barbini Norma , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Chiatti Carlos
Published: February 2017

Introduction. Elder abuse is often a hidden phenomenon and, in many cases, screening practices are difficult to implement among older people with dementia. The Caregiver Abuse Screen (CASE) is a useful tool which is administered to family caregivers for detecting their potential abusive behavior.Objectives. To validate the Italian version of the CASE tool in the context of family caregiving of older people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and to identify risk factors for elder abuse in Italy.Methods. The CASE test was administered to 438 caregivers, recruited in the Up-Tech study. Validity and reliability were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficients, principal-component analysis, and Cronbach’s alphas. The association between the CASE and other variables potentially associated with elder abuse was also analyzed.Results. The factor analysis suggested the presence of a single factor, with a strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.86). CASE score was strongly correlated with well-known risk factors of abuse. At multivariate level, main factors associated with CASE total score were caregiver burden and AD-related behavioral disturbances.Conclusions. The Italian version of the CASE is a reliable and consistent screening tool for tackling the risk of being or becoming perpetrators of abuse by family caregivers of people with AD.
Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Dental Nanomaterials
Authors: Peskersoy Cem , Culha Osman
Published: February 2017

This study examines the properties of nanobased dental restorative materials with nanoindentation method in a precise, repeatable, and comparable way. Microhybrid and nanohybrid composites, conventional glass ionomer materials, and light cured nanoionomer materials were utilised for the study. Specimen discs (r=10 mm,h=2 mm) were prepared to test the hardness, modulus of elasticity, yield strength, and fracture toughness values for each sample in a nanoindentation device with an atomic force microscopy add-on (n=25). Comparative analyses were performed by one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests. The hardness and modulus of elasticity values of nanocomposite were higher (2.58 GPa and 32.86 GPa, resp.) than those of other dental materials. Although glass ionomer exhibited a hardness that was similar to a nanoionomer (0.81 versus 0.87 GPa), glass ionomer had the lowest fracture toughness value (Kc=0.83 MPa/mm0.5). The mechanical properties of resin composites improve with additional nanoscale fillers, unlike the glass ionomer material.
Glycomacropeptide Attenuates Inflammation, Pruritus, and Th2 Response Associated with Atopic Dermatitis Induced by 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene in Rat
Authors: Muñoz Fabiola Carolina , Cervantes Maritza Montserrat , Cervantes-García Daniel , Jiménez Mariela , Ventura-Juárez Javier , Salinas Eva
Published: February 2017

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin diseases, whose incidence is increasing in industrialized countries. The epicutaneous application of a hapten, such as 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), evokes an experimental murine AD-like reaction. Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is a dairy bioactive peptide derived from hydrolysis ofκ-casein by chymosin action. It has anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and immunomodulatory effects. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of GMP administration on DNCB-induced AD in rats. The severity of inflammatory process, pruritus, production of cytokines, and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) content were measured, and the histopathological features were analyzed. GMP reduced the intensity of inflammatory process and edema of DNCB-induced dermatitis, with a significant decrease in eosinophils recruitment and mast cells hyperplasia. In addition GMP suppressed the serum levels of total IgE and IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 expression in AD-lesions. Besides, the levels of IL-10 were significantly increased. Remarkably, GMP administration before AD-induction abolished pruritus in dermatitis-like reactions in the rats. Taken together, these results indicate that GMP has an inhibitory effect on AD by downregulating Th2 dominant immune response, suggesting GMP as a potential effective alternative therapy for the prevention and management of AD.
Primary Tumor Characteristics Are Important Prognostic Factors for Sorafenib-Treated Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Kim Sung Han , Kim Sohee , Nam Byung-Ho , Lee Sang Eun , Kim Choung-Soo , Seo Ill Young , Kim Tae Nam , Hong Sung-Hoo , Kwon Tae Gyun , Seo Seong Il , Joo Kwan Joong , Song Kanghyon , Kwak Cheol , Chung Jinsoo
Published: February 2017

We aimed to identify prognostic factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated with sorafenib. We investigated 177 patients, including 116 who received sorafenib as first-line therapy, using the Cox regression model. During a median follow-up period of 19.2 months, the PFS and OS were 6.4 and 32.6 months among all patients and 7.4 months and undetermined for first-line sorafenib-treated patients, respectively. Clinical T3-4 stage (hazard ratio [HR] 2.56) and a primary tumor size >7 cm (HR 0.34) were significant prognostic factors for PFS among all patients, as were tumor size >7 cm (HR 0.12), collecting system invasion (HR 5.67), and tumor necrosis (HR 4.11) for OS (p<0.05). In first-line sorafenib-treated patients, ≥4 metastatic lesions (HR 28.57), clinical T3-4 stage (HR 4.34), collecting system invasion (univariate analysis HR 2.11; multivariate analysis HR 0.07), lymphovascular invasion (HR 13.35), and tumor necrosis (HR 6.69) were significant prognosticators of PFS, as were bone metastasis (HR 5.49) and clinical T3-4 stages (HR 4.1) for OS (p<0.05). Our study thus identified a number of primary tumor-related characteristics as important prognostic factors in sorafenib-treated mRCC patients.
Whole-Genome Characteristics and Polymorphic Analysis of Vietnamese Rice Landraces as a Comprehensive Information Resource for Marker-Assisted Selection
Authors: Trinh Hien , Nguyen Khoa Truong , Nguyen Lam Van , Pham Huy Quang , Huong Can Thu , Xuan Tran Dang , Anh La Hoang , Caccamo Mario , Ayling Sarah , Diep Nguyen Thuy , Nguyen Cuong , Trung Khuat Huu , Khanh Tran Dang
Published: February 2017

Next generation sequencing technologies have provided numerous opportunities for application in the study of whole plant genomes. In this study, we present the sequencing and bioinformatic analyses of five typical rice landraces including threeindicaand twojaponicawith potential blast resistance. A total of 688.4 million 100 bp paired-end reads have yielded approximately 30-fold coverage to compare with the Nipponbare reference genome. Among them, a small number of reads were mapped to both chromosomes and organellar genomes. Over two million and eight hundred thousand single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions and deletions (InDels) inindicaandjaponicalines have been determined, which potentially have significant impacts on multiple transcripts of genes. SNP deserts, contiguous SNP-low regions, were found on chromosomes 1, 4, and 5 of all genomes of rice examined. Based on the distribution of SNPs per 100 kilobase pairs, the phylogenetic relationships among the landraces have been constructed. This is the first step towards revealing several salient features of rice genomes in Vietnam and providing significant information resources to further marker-assisted selection (MAS) in rice breeding programs.
Unconventional Role of Caspase-6 in Spinal Microglia Activation and Chronic Pain
Authors: Berta Temugin , Lee Jee Eun , Park Chul-Kyu
Published: February 2017

Chronic pain affects ~20% of the worldwide population. The clinical management of chronic pain is mostly palliative and results in limited success. Current treatments mostly target the symptoms or neuronal signaling of chronic pain. It has been increasingly recognized that glial cells, such as microglia, and inflammatory signaling play a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic pain. Caspases (CASPs) are a family of protease enzymes involved in apoptosis and inflammation. They are pivotal components in a variety of neurological diseases. However, little is known about the role of CASPs in microglial modulation as to chronic pain. In particular, our recent studies have shown that CASP6 regulates chronic pain via microglial inflammatory signaling. Inhibition of microglia and CASP signaling might provide a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of chronic pain.
Inhibition of Isoprenylcysteine Carboxylmethyltransferase Induces Cell-Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis through p21 and p21-Regulated BNIP3 Induction in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Manu Kanjoormana Aryan , Chai Tin Fan , Teh Jing Tsong , Zhu Wan Long , Casey Patrick J. , Wang Mei
Published: February 2017

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult to treat human cancers despite recent advances in targeted therapy. Inhibition of isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (ICMT), an enzyme that posttranslationally modifies a group of proteins including several small GTPases, suppresses proliferation of some human cancer cells. However, the efficacy of ICMT inhibition on human pancreatic cancer has not been evaluated. In this study, we have evaluated a panel of human pancreatic cancer cell lines and identified those that are sensitive to ICMT inhibition. In these cells, ICMT suppression inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis. This responsiveness to ICMT inhibition was confirmed in in vivo xenograft tumor mouse models using both a small-molecule inhibitor and shRNA-targeting ICMT. Mechanistically, we found that, in sensitive pancreatic cancer cells, ICMT inhibition induced mitochondrial respiratory deficiency and cellular energy depletion, leading to significant upregulation of p21. Furthermore, we characterized the role of p21 as a regulator and coordinator of cell signaling that responds to cell energy depletion. Apoptosis, but not autophagy, that is induced via p21-activated BNIP3 expression accounts for the efficacy of ICMT inhibition in sensitive pancreatic cancer cells in both in vitro and in vivo models. In contrast, cells resistant to ICMT inhibition demonstrated no mitochondria dysfunction or p21 signaling changes under ICMT suppression. These findings not only identify pancreatic cancers as potential therapeutic targets for ICMT suppression but also provide an avenue for identifying those subtypes that would be most responsive to agents targeting this critical enzyme. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(5); 914–23. ©2017 AACR.
The Evolution of Spatial Audio in the AlloSphere
Authors: Cabrera Andrés , Kuchera-Morin JoAnn , Roads Curtis
Published: February 2017

Spatial audio has been at the core of the multimodal experience at the AlloSphere, a unique instrument for data discovery and exploration through interactive immersive display, since its conception. The AlloSphere multichannel spatial audio design has direct roots in the history of electroacoustic spatial audio and is the result of previous activities in spatial audio at the University of California at Santa Barbara. A concise technical description of the AlloSphere, its architectural and acoustic features, its unique 3-D visual projection system, and the current 54.1 Meyer Sound audio infrastructure is presented, with details of the audio software architecture and the immersive sound capabilities it supports. As part of the process of realizing scientific and artistic projects for the AlloSphere, spatial audio research has been conducted, including the use of decorrelation of audio signals to supplement spatialization and tackling the thorny problem of interactive up-mixing through the Sound Element Spatializer and the Zirkonium Chords project. The latter uses the metaphor of geometric spatial chords as a high-level means of spatial up-mixing in performance. Other developments relating to spatial audio are presented, such as Ryan McGee's Spatial Modulation Synthesis, which simultaneously explores the synthesis of space and timbre.
AP Adjacency as a Precedence Constraint
Authors: Belk Zoë , Neeleman Ad
Published: February 2017

Attributive APs precede certain other categories (PPs, genitive DPs, etc.), when the noun precedes both ( Giurgea 2009 , Adger 2012 ). This observation may suggest an analysis in terms of X-bar-style “structural layering.” However, such an account faces several problems: (a) in languages with PP-AP-N order, scrambling of the AP is permitted; (b) in languages with AP-N-PP or PP-N-AP order, there is evidence that the AP can c-command the PP, as well as the other way around; and (c) in languages with N-AP-PP order, the AP can take scope over the PP, as well as the other way around, arguably as a consequence of a structural ambiguity. We therefore develop an alternative analysis based on a striking parallel between the syntax of attributive APs and that of objects: while OV languages systematically allow adverbs to intervene between object and verb, VO languages tend to require verb-object-adverb order. This aspect of verbal syntax is familiar and can be captured in terms of a well-known linear constraint: Case Adjacency ( Stowell 1981 , Janke and Neeleman 2012 ). We propose that this constraint has a nominal counterpart that ensures N-AP adjacency in noun-initial structures. Thus, this instance of NP/VP parallelism has its source in parallel constraints, rather than parallel structural layers.
Tuber and root resistance of potato genotypes against Meloidogyne chitwoodi in the presence of Avena strigosa, related to tuber quality
Authors: Teklu Misghina G. , Schomaker Corrie H. , Been Thomas H. , Molendijk Leendert P.G.
Published: February 2017

Relative tuber infestation and quality of two Meloidogyne chitwoodi resistant potato genotypes, AR04-4096 and 2011M1, were compared in glasshouse experiments at initial population density () = 16 second-stage juveniles (g dry soil)−1 in the presence and absence of the bristle oat, Avena strigosa. When A. strigosa was added, ( final population) on both AR04-4096 and 2011M1 increased 130×, increased 1.9 and 3.7×, respectively, while × fresh root weight (FRW)−1 was the same. Nematode hatch from peel of AR04-4096, without A. strigosa, was delayed by 3 weeks but relative hatching rate was increased. Although the RStuber (RS = Relative Susceptibility) of both AR04-4096 and 2011M1 were lower than 1%, in the presence of A. strigosa tuber quality of 2011M1 dropped below the marketable level, while that of AR04-4096 was hardly affected. We conclude that: i) is influenced by root mass; ii) root quality influences nematode hatch; iii) tuber quality is not an estimator for tuber resistance, and the reverse; iv) root resistance is equal to tuber resistance.
Translational biology of nematode effectors. Or, to put it another way, functional analysis of effectors – what’s the point?
Authors: Mantelin Sophie , Thorpe Peter , Jones John T.
Published: February 2017

There has been a huge amount of work put into identifying and characterising effectors from plant-parasitic nematodes in recent years. Although this work has provided insights into the mechanisms by which nematodes can infect plants, the potential translational outputs of much of this research are not always clear. This short article will summarise how developments in effector biology have allowed, or will allow, new control strategies to be developed, drawing on examples from nematology and from other pathosystems.
A new species of Pleurothallis (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) from Ecuador
Authors: DOUCETTE ALFONSO , PORTILLA JOSE , MEDINA HUGO , CAMERON KENNETH M.
Published: February 2017

A new species, superficially similar to Pleurothallis allenii, and best attributed to Pleurothallis sect. Pleurothallis subsect. Acroniae ser. Amphygiae, is described here as Pleurothallis flavomarginata. The new species was discovered under cultivation at the orchid nursery Ecuagenera. The new species is described, illustrated, and distinguished from similar species based on its morphological distinctness.
Does accessibility matter? Understanding the effect of job accessibility on labour market outcomes
Authors: Jin Jangik , Paulsen Kurt
Published: February 2017

In this study, we examine the effect of access to employment opportunities on labour market outcomes, especially focusing on unemployment rates and household income in the Chicago metropolitan area during 2000–2010. Using accessibility measures derived from detailed employment data, we calculate job accessibility by race and income. In order to deal with the endogeneity problem, we employ instrumental variables with a generalised spatial two-stage least square (GS2SLS) model with fixed-effects. Our findings suggest that job accessibility plays a significant role in explaining unemployment rates and household income. Consistent with Kain’s spatial mismatch hypothesis, increases in job accessibility for African Americans lead to decreases in unemployment. Results also show that increased job accessibility for low-income households not only reduce unemployment but also improve household income.
The institutional design of the United Nations General Assembly: an effective equalizer?
Authors: Panke Diana
Published: February 2017

Most international organizations are based on the principle of equality of states. Their institutional design grants all member states the same formal rights. Although formally equal, states differ immensely concerning their power capacities and size. Can institutional designs of international organizations mitigate real-world power- and size-related differences between member states, and if so, to which extent? To provide an answer, this article focuses on the United Nations General Assembly, which combines an equalizing institutional design with a large very heterogeneous membership. It shows that the strength of the equalizing effect varies across stages of the policy cycle. It is the weakest in the negotiation stage and the strongest in the final decision-making stage, while institutional design of international organizations has a de facto equalizing effect of medium strength in the agenda setting stage. Thus, while power and capacity differences matter, larger powerful states are not systematically better off throughout the entire policy cycle.
Hepatitis and thrombocytopenia: markers of dengue mortality
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Smitha , Bhatt Arun N , Mathew Celine Thalappillil , Ittyachen Abraham M
Published: February 2017

Dengue fever is of great concern to public health in India as it contributes significantly to the burden of healthcare. The aim of our study was to measure mortality in dengue and its association with hepatitis and thrombocytopenia. Our study was performed in a tertiary care setting in the state of Kerala in southern India. Adult patients admitted in the year 2013 were included. Among 1308 confirmed dengue patients, the mortality rate was 1.76%. Hepatitis and thrombocytopenia were present in over 80% of all patients, but severe hepatitis was seen in 11.4% and severe thrombocytopenia in 9.3%. These were markers of fatal outcome. Other factors significantly associated with mortality were age >60 years, male sex, diabetes and the presence of any co-morbidity.
Personality preference facets and self-regulatory employability of human resource professionals
Authors: Potgieter Ingrid L , Ferreira Nadia
Published: February 2017

Scholars interested in investigating the career well-being of employees have reported that employability includes a number of person-centred constructs needed to deal effectively with career-related changes in today’s economy. This study explored the relationship between employees’ self-regulatory employability skills and personality preference facets. A convenience sample ( N = 196) of predominantly female (73%), Black African people (88%) in the early stages of their careers (80% < 45 years) participated in the study. A cross-sectional, quantitative research design approach was followed. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product–moment correlations, and canonical correlation analysis were performed to achieve the objective of this study. The results yielded significant associations between the variables. The findings add new insights that may be useful for theoretical views on the personality preference facets underpinning employees’ self-regulatory employability skills.
How do hospital doctors manage patients with medically unexplained symptoms: a qualitative study of physicians
Authors: Warner Alex , Walters Kate , Lamahewa Kethakie , Buszewicz Marta
Published: February 2017

Objective

Medically unexplained symptoms are a common presentation in medical practice and are associated with significant morbidity and high levels of service use. Most research exploring the attitudes and training of doctors in treating patients with unexplained symptoms has been conducted in primary care. This study aims to explore the ways in which doctors working in secondary care approach and manage patients with medically unexplained symptoms.

Design

A qualitative study using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis.

Setting

Three hospitals in the North Thames area.

Participants

Twenty consultant and training-grade physicians working in cardiology, gastroenterology, rheumatology and neurology.

Main outcome measure

Physicians' approach to patients with medically unexplained symptoms and their views on managing these patients.

Results

There was considerable variation in how the physicians approached patients who presented with medically unexplained symptoms. Investigations were often ordered without a clear rationale and the explanations given to patients when results of investigations were normal were highly variable, both within and across specialties. The doctor’s level of experience appeared to be a more important factor in their investigation and management strategies than their medical specialty. Physicians reported little or no formal training in how to manage such presentations, with no apparent consistency in how they had developed their approach. Doctors described learning from their own experience and from senior role models. Organisational barriers were identified to the effective management of these patients, particularly in terms of continuity of care.

Conclusions

Given the importance of this topic, there is a need for serious consideration as to how the management of patients with medically unexplained symptoms is included in medical training and in the planning and delivery of services.
A Review and Road Map of Entrepreneurial Equity Financing Research: Venture Capital, Corporate Venture Capital, Angel Investment, Crowdfunding, and Accelerators
Authors: Drover Will , Busenitz Lowell , Matusik Sharon , Townsend David , Anglin Aaron , Dushnitsky Gary
Published: February 2017

Equity financing in entrepreneurship primarily includes venture capital, corporate venture capital, angel investment, crowdfunding, and accelerators. We take stock of venture financing research to date with two main objectives: (a) to integrate, organize, and assess the large and disparate literature on venture financing; and (b) to identify key considerations relevant for the domain of venture financing moving forward. The net effect is that organizing and assessing existing research in venture financing will assist in launching meaningful, theory-driven research as existing funding models evolve and emerging funding models forge new frontiers.
Analysis of Audiometric Outcomes following Combined Middle Cranial Fossa/Transmastoid Approaches for Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea
Authors: Stevens Shawn M. , Crane Ryan , Pensak Myles L. , Samy Ravi N.
Published: February 2017

Outcome Objectives

To (1) explore audiometric outcomes following use of a combined transmastoid/middle cranial fossa (TM‐MCF) approach in the treatment of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea and (2) determine the influence of dehiscence location and reconstructive methodology on audiometric outcomes.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

Adults with spontaneous CSF otorrhea were reviewed from 2007 to 2016 if they underwent combined TM‐MCF. Definitive audiometric evaluations were performed at least 3 months postoperatively. The primary outcomes measures were pre‐ to postoperative changes in pure‐tone average (PTA) and air‐bone gap (ABG). Two subset analyses were performed for audiometric outcomes comparisons: first, patients with skull base dehiscences anterior to the ossicular chain were compared with those with posterior dehiscences. Second, patients undergoing skull base resurfacing plus abdominal fat graft mastoid obliteration (AFGMO) were compared with those undergoing resurfacing alone.

Results

A total of 28 patients and 31 ears were reviewed. There was 1 recurrent leak (3.5%). The cohort demonstrated significant improvement in mean postoperative ABG (P =. 008) but not PTA. On subset analysis, ears with posterior dehiscences demonstrated significant improvements in PTA (P =. 03) and ABG (P =. 05), while ears with anterior dehiscences did not. In addition, ears undergoing resurfacing plus AFGMO achieved significant improvements on all parameters (P =. 01). Only 3 of 15 ears undergoing resurfacing plus AFGMO experienced worsened postoperative hearing.

Conclusion

Use of the combined TM‐MCF approach for treating spontaneous CSF otorrhea achieved good audiometric outcomes. Patients with skull base dehiscences posterior to the ossicles and those undergoing skull base resurfacing plus AFGMO achieved the most favorable results.
Factors Affecting Quality of Work Life of Private Taxi Drivers
Authors: Kumari Lalita , Sidhu Amarjit Singh
Published: February 2017

This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the quality of work life (QWL) among private taxi drivers in Punjab state of India. This is an empirical study. A well-structured research schedule was used to collect data from 300 private taxi drivers using convenient random sampling technique. The data have been analyzed with the help of Kaiser–Meyer–Oklin (KMO) test, Bartlett’s test of sphericity, correlation matrix and factor analysis to identify the factors. The study identified 12 factors that affect the QWL of taxi drivers, namely, accidental and environmental risk factor, safety, health and well-being, ergonomics risks, unsocial working hours (sleep/fatigue-related risks), job and social security, extent of interpersonal relations (with co-workers), occupational stress, human relations and social aspects of work life, work and life space, adequate and fair compensation, social relevance of working life and effective grievance handling procedure, and in demographics characteristics age, experience and income were used. The present study will be useful for human resource managers, policy makers and government while framing their human resource-related policies and procedures for the labourers working in the unorganized service sector.
Perceived Learning and Students’ Perceptions Toward Using Tablets for Learning: The Mediating Role of Perceived Engagement Among High School Students
Authors: Soffer Tal , Yaron Efrat
Published: February 2017

Integrating mobile technology in schools has become a growing trend in recent years. Studies suggest that the use of tablets has potential contributions for learning. The current study explored the use of tablets for learning among 427 high school students, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods. The purpose was to assess students’ perceptions toward the effectiveness of using tablets in learning and to examine a model in which perceived engagement mediates the effects of content usage types, and technological and social aspects on perceived learning. The findings indicate that overall, students reported moderate levels of positive attitudes toward tablet use in learning. In addition, it was found that the more students consumed information via tablets, perceived tablet software as easy to use, and communicated with other students through tablets, the higher their engagement was, which in turn led to more positive perceptions of learning. Moreover, a qualitative content analysis indicated that students perceived the technological aspects as the main advantage, and barrier, of using tablets for learning. The implications of the results, as well as the role of perceived engagement in enhancing learning outcomes, are discussed in the context of tablet use in learning.
The Health and Well-Being at Work Agenda: Good News for (Disabled) Workers or Just a Capital Idea?
Authors: Foster Deborah
Published: February 2017

Health and well-being (H&WB) initiatives have increasingly appeared in workplaces, but are the subject of surprisingly little critical analysis. The terms H&WB have also become positively embedded in Human Resource Management (HRM) and academic vocabularies, often displacing disability, which, it is argued, is (wrongly) regarded as a negative descriptor. This article challenges the sometimes taken-for-granted assumption that employer-led H&WB initiatives are inherently positive. It considers how they are being used to undermine statutory trade union health and safety representatives, reinforce concepts of normalcy and ableism in respect of worker lifestyle and impairments, and individualize/medicalize experiences of workplace stress. Utilizing a critical disability studies lens debate challenges a dominant element of many H&WB programmes – employee resilience – and concludes that a social model of disability and workplace well-being is needed to focus debate on the social, economic and political causes of ill-health and dis-ability in workplaces under neo-liberal austerity.
Forced Mergers on Bank Efficiency and Productivity: Evidence from Semi-parametric Malmquist Productivity Index
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan , Kamarudin Fakarudin
Published: February 2017

The paper examines the impact of mergers and acquisitions on the productivity of the Malaysian banking sector. The analysis consists of two stages. Firstly, the semi-parametric Malmquist productivity index (MPI) method is applied to a [-5, +8] window to examine the efficiency and productivity of the acquiring and target banks during the pre- and post-merger periods. Secondly, as suggested by Banker and Natarajan (2008), we employ a battery of parametric and non-parametric univariate tests to examine the difference in the efficiency and productivity of the Malaysian banking sector during the pre- and post-merger periods. We find that the Malaysian banking sector has exhibited a higher total factor productivity level during the post-merger period attributed to technological progress. The empirical findings do not provide conclusive evidence on the less productive banks becoming the target for acquisitions.
Experimental verification of a control law for the position and attitude of two objects using multiple coils
Authors: Torisaka Ayako , Masuda Sho , Ozawa Satoru , Kobayashi Nobuyuki , Yamakawa Hiroshi
Published: February 2017

This article presents a method for relative position and attitude control for reconfigurable space structures using magnetic force with a multi-dipole system. This technology can be applied to the docking phases of space structures that can restructure themselves by assembling basic structural units. The focus of this research is on current control of dipoles, which produces strong nonlinear magnetic forces, and on the development of a method to control a strong nonlinear electromagnetic system. In a previous study, the feasibility of using this method to perform relative position and attitude control was investigated by conducting a series of three-dimensional simulations of position and attitude control. In this study, experimental verification of the control method is conducted to determine whether magnetic forces can be used to correct position and attitude simultaneously. The good agreement obtained between the simulation results and the experimental results confirms the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Economic Freedom, Race, and Health Disparities
Authors: Hall Joshua C. , Humphreys Brad R. , Ruseski Jane E.
Published: February 2017

The social determinants of health include the communities in which people reside. Associated with geographic areas are public policies that influence a variety of economic and social outcomes. The group of public policies associated with economic freedom have been found to be positively related to a number of economic and social outcomes. In this article, we investigate the impact of economic freedom on self-reported health and racial health disparities. We use propensity score matching to construct a control group of whites who can be compared to blacks in the 2007, 2009, and 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. After accounting for confounding variables and possible selection, we find evidence that economic freedom is associated with lower levels of self-reported health for the population overall. After allowing for the effects of economic freedom to differ by race, we find that higher levels of economic freedom mitigate the observed gap in health status.