bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher Intensity, Higher Profit? Empirical Evidence from Dairy Farming in New Zealand
Authors: Ma Wanglin , Renwick Alan , Bicknell Kathryn
Published: February 2018

Over the last two decades there have been significant and well‐documented changes in the nature and structure of New Zealand dairy production. One particular feature has been a marked shift in the ‘input intensity’ of dairy farming systems through increased use of supplementary feed. These changes have generated debate about the impact of dairy farm intensity on the performance of farm businesses and the competitiveness of the New Zealand dairy sector. Using a novel econometric approach, we assess statistically the impact of three types of dairy farming systems on milk production and financial performance, using farm business data provided by DairyBase®. Our empirical results show that higher input systems perform significantly better physically than lower input systems, but not financially. The disaggregated analysis suggests that the average treatment effects differ by region and performance quantiles.
Community structure, dispersal ability and functional profiling of microbiome existing in fat body and ovary of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Hua , Yu Na , Xu Xi‐Xia , Liu Ze‐Wen
Published: February 2018

The endosymbionts play vital roles in growth, development and reproduction in insects. Yeast‐like endosymbionts (YLSs) have been well studied in Nilaparvata lugens (N. lugens), but little is known about the tissue‐specific bacterial microbiomes, especially on the microbial intersection among internal tissues. Here, the correlation of microbial composition, structure, dispersal ability and functional profiling were illuminated in two tissues, the fat body and ovary in N. lugens. A total of 11 phyla and 105 genera were captured from all samples; Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the most predominant and accounted for more than 99% in all samples. However, the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria was significantly different in ovary and fat body through Fisher's Least Significant Difference test. Microbial diversity but not the richness index in the two tissues exhibited significant difference. Furthermore, the microbial community structure of the ovary and fat body were primarily determined by tissue quality. Firmicutes showed strong dispersal ability between ovary and fat body based on the quantitative null model assessing, indicating the frequent interaction of these microbiomes in the two tissues. In addition, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways of microbial participation were delineated. The ten most abundant pathways counted for over 46% of the annotation and were shared between the two tissues, mainly containing Energy Metabolism and Amino Acid Metabolism/Biosynthesis. The results will provide insights into the correlation of microbial community structure between ovary and fat body of N. lugens.
Optimal regulation of network expansion
Authors: Willems Bert , Zwart Gijsbert
Published: February 2018

We model the regulation of irreversible capacity expansion by a firm with private information about capacity costs, where investments are financed from the firm's cash flows and demand is stochastic. The optimal mechanism is implemented by a revenue tax that increases with the price cap. If the asymmetric information has large support, then the optimal mechanism consists of a laissez‐faire regime for low‐cost firms. That is, the firm's price cap corresponds to that of an unregulated monopolist, and it is not taxed. This “maximal distortion at the top” is necessary to provide information rents, as direct subsidies are not feasible.
All‐units discounts as a partial foreclosure device
Authors: Chao Yong , Tan Guofu , Wong Adam Chi Leung
Published: February 2018

We investigate the strategic effects of all‐units discounts (AUDs) used by a dominant firm in the presence of a capacity‐constrained rival. Due to the limited capacity of the rival, the dominant firm has a captive portion of the buyer's demand for the single product. As compared to linear pricing, the dominant firm can use AUDs to go beyond its captive portion by tying its captive demand with part of the competitive demand and partially foreclose its small rival. When the rival's capacity level is well below relevant demand, AUDs reduce the buyer's surplus.
Bundling and quality assurance
Authors: Dana James D. , Spier Kathryn E.
Published: February 2018

With imperfect private monitoring, a firm selling two experience goods can increase both producer and consumer surplus by bundling. Bundling constrains consumers to buy two products, making consumers better informed and ensuring that they use tougher punishment strategies. Both increased monitoring and increased punishment benefit other consumers, so bundling overcomes a free‐rider problem. The social value of bundling is even larger if consumers cannot attribute a negative signal to the specific product that generated it, or if one of the two goods is a durable and the other is a complementary nondurable. Our results are robust to mixed bundling.
Consumer search with observational learning
Authors: Garcia Daniel , Shelegia Sandro
Published: February 2018

This article studies observational learning in a consumer search environment. Consumers observe the purchasing decision of a predecessor with similar preferences. Consumers rationally emulate by initiating their search at the firm from which their predecessor purchased, free‐riding on search effort, and reacting less to price changes. Prices are nonmonotone in search costs and may be as low as marginal costs. We discuss several extensions and show that the effect of emulation on prices is stronger when (i) the number of firms increases, (ii) consumers' first visits are more elastic with respect to market shares, and (iii) prices are adjusted more frequently.
A realistic evaluation approach highlighted the success factors and difficulties of an innovative and comprehensive malnutrition programme in Madagascar
Authors: Magnin Margot , Jeannot Emilien , Voahangy Rajaobelina , Stoll Beat
Published: February 2018

Aim

Malnutrition has multiple causes, not just a lack of calories. We explored the successes and barriers of an innovative, comprehensive programme in Madagascar that educated mothers in particular about nutrition.

Methods

The outpatient programme in Antananarivo treats 2400 malnourished children from 6 to 59 months each year. The 35‐day programme comprises health checks, cooking demonstrations, the distribution of enriched flour supplements and two food‐related games that are called Nutricartes and are based on boards and picture cards. In 2014, we involved 74 of the children's mothers in a realistic evaluation process, which investigates the mechanisms that produce a particular outcome in a given context.

Results

The mechanisms of success were the community‐based aspects of the programme, the kindness and equality displayed by the nutritional assistants and improved household budgeting and hygiene. Children ate better and improved their health, which reduced medical visits and costs. Finally, the mothers became proud of their achievements and told other mothers what they had learnt. Adherence was greatest when the women were on a minimum wage and strongly motivated.

Conclusion

The effect of this multifaceted programme was that the mothers received sustainable education about healthy eating and improved childhood health and nutrition.
Acenocoumarol as an alternative anticoagulant in a patient with warfarin‐related nephropathy
Authors: Behera Sapan Kumar , Xavier Alphienes Stanley , Selvarajan Sandhiya , Munuswamy Hemachandren , Haridasan Satish , Srinivas Bheemanathi Hanuman
Published: February 2018

Adverse Event

Warfarin‐related nephropathy.

Drug Implicated

Warfarin.

The Patient

A 31‐year‐old female, managed with warfarin for rheumatic heart disease with atrial fibrillation.

Evidence that Links the Drug to the Event

There were no alternative causes of nephropathy that could have caused the adverse event in this patient.

Management

Shifting the drug from warfarin to acenocoumarol.

Mechanism

Difference in renal elimination between warfarin and acenocoumarol.

Implication for Therapy

Clinicians should be aware of this rare adverse effect of warfarin, and acenocoumarol can be considered as an alternative therapy for this condition.

Hypotheses to be Tested

Further prospectively designed studies are needed to consider acenocoumarol as an alternative therapy in warfarin‐related nephropathy.
Prevalence and risk factors of drug‐resistant extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Boonsarngsuk Viboon , Mangkang Khattiya , Santanirand Pitak
Published: February 2018

Background

Physicians are usually aware of the occurrence of drug‐resistant (DR) pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), but lack concern about DR‐extrapulmonary TB (EPTB). Data regarding the prevalence and risk factors of DR‐EPTB remain limited.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of DR‐EPTB.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in patients who had culture‐proven Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) from various specimens between January 2013 and December 2015. Patients were classified into three groups: PTB, EPTB and concomitant PTB and EPTB (PTB + EPTB). Clinical data, chest radiographic extent of disease and patterns of DR were collected.

Results

There were 1014 culture‐proven MTB specimens (716 pulmonary specimens and 298 extrapulmonary specimens) from 986 patients (648 PTB, 218 EPTB and 120 PTB + EPTB). The prevalences of isoniazid‐, rifampicin‐ and multidrug‐resistant EPTB were 7.8%, .5% and .5%, respectively, which were lower than those of PTB. When PTB and EPTB coexisted, a higher rate of DR‐TB was observed than for PTB alone. Of 338 EPTB patients, the extent of radiographic disease was associated with isoniazid‐, rifampicin‐ and multidrug‐resistant TB. Previous history of TB and use of steroids/immunosuppressive drugs were also associated with rifampicin‐ and multidrug‐resistant TB in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

The prevalence of DR‐EPTB was high in patients who had concomitant PTB. Although the prevalences of rifampicin‐ and multidrug‐resistant TB were low in isolated EPTB, the prevalence of isoniazid‐resistant TB remained high. Therefore, drug susceptibility testing should be performed in EPTB patients, especially those who carry the aforementioned risk factors.
HNF1A variant, energy‐reduced diets and insulin resistance improvement during weight loss: The POUNDS Lost trial and DIRECT
Authors: Huang Tao , Wang Tiange , Heianza Yoriko , Sun Dianjianyi , Ivey Kerry , Durst Ronen , Schwarzfuchs Dan , Stampfer Meir J. , Bray George A. , Sacks Frank M. , Shai Iris , Qi Lu
Published: February 2018

Aim

To determine whether weight‐loss diets varying in macronutrients modulate the genetic effect of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1A) rs7957197 on weight loss and improvement of insulin resistance.

Materials and methods

We analysed the interaction between HNF1A rs7957197 and weight‐loss diets with regard to weight loss and insulin resistance improvement among 722 overweight/obese adults from a 2‐year randomized weight‐loss trial, the POUNDS Lost trial. The findings were replicated in another independent 2‐year weight‐loss trial, the Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial (DIRECT), in 280 overweight/obese adults.

Results

In the POUNDS Lost trial, we found that a high‐fat diet significantly modified the genetic effect of HNF1A on weight loss and reduction in waist circumference (P for interaction = .006 and .005, respectively). Borderline significant interactions for fasting insulin and insulin resistance (P for interaction = .07 and .06, respectively) were observed. We replicated the results in DIRECT. Pooled results showed similar significant interactions with weight loss, waist circumference reduction, and improvement in fasting insulin and insulin resistance (P values for interaction = .001, .005, .02 and .03, respectively). Greater decreases in weight, waist circumference, fasting insulin level and insulin resistance were observed in participants with the T allele compared to those without the T allele in the high‐fat diet group (P = .04, .03 and .01, respectively).

Conclusions

Our replicable findings provide strong evidence that individuals with the HNF1A rs7957197 T allele might obtain more benefits in weight loss and improvement of insulin resistance by choosing a hypocaloric and high‐fat diet.
Documenting the unauthorized: Political responses to unauthorized immigration
Authors: Baerg Nicole Rae , Hotchkiss Julie L. , Quispe‐Agnoli Myriam
Published: February 2018

Cultural prejudice rather than self interest is the conventional wisdom for why voters respond negatively to immigration. Using a new measure of unauthorized immigrants based on self‐reported invalid social security numbers, we show that voters’ responses are more nuanced than mere prejudice against minorities. Using county level data from the U.S. state of Georgia, we find that voters in counties with above median levels of unauthorized workers are more likely to support the Republican Party. We also find that wealthier counties and wealthier voters are most likely to respond negatively to the unauthorized. Our evidence warns against arguments that depict opposition to immigration as motivated solely by xenophobia and cultural fears among lower income Whites.
Systematic Comparison of Decision Accuracy of Complex Compensatory Decision Rules Combining Multiple Tests in a Higher Education Context
Authors: Yocarini Iris E. , Bouwmeester Samantha , Smeets Guus , Arends Lidia R.
Published: February 2018

This real‐data‐guided simulation study systematically evaluated the decision accuracy of complex decision rules combining multiple tests within different realistic curricula. Specifically, complex decision rules combining conjunctive aspects and compensatory aspects were evaluated. A conjunctive aspect requires a minimum level of performance, whereas a compensatory aspect requires an average level of performance. Simulations were performed to obtain students' true and observed score distributions and to manipulate several factors relevant to a higher education curriculum in practice. The results showed that the decision accuracy depends on the conjunctive (required minimum grade) and compensatory (required grade point average) aspects and their combination. Overall, within a complex compensatory decision rule the false negative rate is lower and the false positive rate higher compared to a conjunctive decision rule. For a conjunctive decision rule the reverse is true. Which rule is more accurate also depends on the average test reliability, average test correlation, and the number of reexaminations. This comparison highlights the importance of evaluating decision accuracy in high‐stake decisions, considering both the specific rule as well as the selected measures.
Unexpected heterogeneity derived from Cas9 ribonucleoprotein‐introduced clonal cells at the HPRT1 locus
Authors: Sakuma Tetsushi , Mochida Keiji , Nakade Shota , Ezure Toru , Minagawa Sachi , Yamamoto Takashi
Published: February 2018

Single‐cell cloning is an essential technique for establishing genome‐edited cell clones mediated by programmable nucleases such as CRISPR‐Cas9. However, residual genome‐editing activity after single‐cell cloning may cause heterogeneity in the clonal cells. Previous studies showed efficient mutagenesis and rapid degradation of CRISPR‐Cas9 components in cultured cells by introducing Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). In this study, we investigated how the timing for single‐cell cloning of Cas9 RNP‐transfected cells affected the heterogeneity of the resultant clones. We carried out transfection of Cas9 RNPs targeting several loci in the HPRT1 gene in HCT116 cells, followed by single‐cell cloning at 24, 48, 72 hr and 1 week post‐transfection. After approximately 3 weeks of incubation, the clonal cells were collected and genotyped by high‐resolution microchip electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing. Unexpectedly, long‐term incubation before single‐cell cloning resulted in highly heterogeneous clones. We used a lipofection method for transfection, and the media containing transfectable RNPs were not removed before single‐cell cloning. Therefore, the active Cas9 RNPs were considered to be continuously incorporated into cells during the precloning incubation. Our findings provide a warning that lipofection of Cas9 RNPs may cause continuous introduction of gene mutations depending on the experimental procedures.
Integrin αM activation and upregulation on esophageal eosinophils and periostin‐mediated eosinophil survival in eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Vimalathas Praveen , Farris Alexandra , Letner Dorothea , Deshpande Vikram , Yajnik Vijay , Shreffler Wayne , Garber John
Published: February 2018

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an increasingly recognized allergic disease associated with dysphagia and esophageal fibrosis. We aimed to determine expression patterns of specific eosinophil integrins that promote eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal epithelium, and to determine how key EoE‐related cytokines influence eosinophil activation and survival. Esophageal and peripheral eosinophils were isolated from 20 adult subjects with EoE for immunophenotyping and integrin profiling using multicolor flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Expression signatures of eosinophil integrins were further assessed by immunohistochemistry using serial sections of esophageal biopsy specimens. Purified eosinophils were used to assess the effect of EoE‐relevant cytokines and recombinant periostin on expression of known eosinophil integrins and eosinophil survival and activation. We found that resting eosinophils express high levels of the β2‐pairing integrins αL and αM, and lower levels of α4, α6 and α4β7. The migration of peripheral eosinophils to the esophagus is characterized by the specific induction of αM, and a significant increase in the proportion of αM in high‐activity conformation. Periostin, a secreted extracellular matrix protein that is significantly overexpressed in EoE, enhances eosinophil survival, and this effect is mediated by αM interaction. Integrin αM is a specific marker of activated tissue eosinophils in EoE, and promotes eosinophil survival through interactions with periostin. The ability of αMβ2 to mediate eosinophil tissue residency via periostin represents a key mechanism for disease development and a potential therapeutic target in EoE.
RETRACTED: HSP27 associates with epithelial–mesenchymal transition, stemness and radioresistance of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Chen Wei , Ren Xiaohua , Wu Jiashun , Gao Xiaolei , Cen Xiao , Wang Shasha , Sheng Surui , Chen Qianming , Tang Ya‐jie , Liang Xin‐hua , Tang Ya‐ling
Published: February 2018

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to associate with cancer stem cells and radioresistance. However, it is obscure whether EMT itself or specific EMT regulators play causal roles in these properties of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). Here, we exhibited that overexpression of HSP27 drove the migration and invasion, induced EMT, as well as mediated TGF‐β1‐induced EMT in SACC cells, accompanying the up‐regulation of Snail1 and Prrx1. Conversely, HSP27 silencing reduced the migration and invasion and contributed to MET of SACC cells. HSP27 indirectly down‐regulates the expression of E‐cadherin through activating Snail1 and Prrx1 expressions. Overexpression of Snail1 or Prrx1 restored the migration and invasion in HSP27 knockdown cells. Enforced expression of HSP27 enhanced colony formation, CD133+/CD44+ population and radioresistance of SACC cell lines. In addition, HSP27 expression was positively associated with radioresistance and poor prognosis of SACC patients as well as with the expression of Prrx1 or Snail1 in SACC tissues. The data confirm an important function for HSP27 in SACC progression through regulating EMT and stemness, and they imply the possible association between EMT and radioresistance of SACC.
Association of lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 mass with asymptomatic cerebral artery stenosis
Authors: Wang Youxin , Zhou Bin , Zhou Pingan , Yao Yan , Cui Qinghua , Liu Yingping , Yang Jichun , Wu Shouling , Zhao Xingquan , Zhou Yong
Published: February 2018

Cerebral artery stenosis (CAS) is the most important causes of ischaemic stroke. Lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) plays 2 diverse roles in atherosclerosis (pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory), and the association between Lp‐PLA2 mass and cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events is inconsistent among previous studies. A cross‐sectional study including 2012 North Chinese adults aged ≥40 years was performed in 2010‐2011 to investigate whether Lp‐PLA2 mass is associated with asymptomatic cerebral artery stenosis (ACAS). Serum Lp‐PLA2 mass was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All participants underwent transcranial Doppler (TCD) and bilateral carotid duplex ultrasound to evaluate intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) and extracranial arterial stenosis (ECAS). The median serum Lp‐PLA2 mass of the participants was 140.74 ng/mL (interquartile range: 131.79‐158.07 ng/mL). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) when comparing the 4th quartile to the 1st quartile of Lp‐PLA2 was 1.98 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42‐2.78), 1.79 (95% CI: 1.08‐2.94) and 1.87 (95% CI: 1.28‐2.73) for the occurrence of ACAS, asymptomatic ECAS and asymptomatic ICAS, respectively, after controlling for vascular risk factors. These independently significant associations remained statistically significant in the male or elderly subgroups, but not in females or middle‐aged participants. Lp‐PLA2 mass is positively correlated with subclinical atherosclerosis determined by ACAS, ICAS and ECAS in North Chinese, particularly in male and older participants, suggesting that serum Lp‐PLA2 mass might be potential biomarker for the detection of ACAS in the adults.
Mouse models of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis: A reflection on recent literature
Authors: Haczeyni Fahrettin , Yeh Matthew M , Ioannou George N , Leclercq Isabelle A , Goldin Robert , Dan Yock Young , Yu Jun , Teoh Narcissus C , Farrell Geoffrey C
Published: February 2018

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is strongly associated with overnutrition, insulin resistance, and predisposition to type 2 diabetes. To critically analyze the translational significance of currently used animal models of NASH, we reviewed articles published during the last 3 years that studied NASH pathogenesis using mouse models. Among 146 articles, 34 (23%) used models in which overnutrition was reported, and 36 (25%) demonstrated insulin resistance, with or without glucose intolerance. Half the articles contained no information on whether mice exhibited overnutrition or insulin resistance. While 75 papers (52%) reported > 2‐fold increase of serum/plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) compared with controls, ALT levels were near normal or not reported in 48%. Liver pathology was assessed by a pathologist with an interest in liver pathology in 53% of articles published in gastroenterology/hepatology journals, versus 43–44% in other journals. While there appears to be a trend to use models that are potentially relevant to the pathogenesis of human NASH, journals currently publish data on mouse models in which overnutrition and insulin resistance do not occur, without ALT increase or appropriate analysis of NASH pathology. We recommend that investigators, reviewers, and journal editors carefully consider the validity of NASH models in current use and that moves are made to reach a consensus on what the minimal criteria should be.
Calcium imaging in Arabidopsis pollen cells using G‐CaMP5
Authors: Diao Min , Qu Xiaolu , Huang Shanjin
Published: February 2018

Calcium (Ca2+) signaling has been implicated in pollen germination and pollen tube growth. To date, however, we still know very little about how exactly Ca2+ signaling links to various physiological subcellular processes during pollen germination and pollen tube growth. Given that Ca2+ signaling is tightly related to the cytosolic concentration and dynamics of Ca2+, it is vital to trace the dynamic changes in Ca2+ levels in order to decode Ca2+ signaling. Here, we demonstrate that G‐CaMP5 serves well as an indicator for monitoring cytosolic Ca2+ dynamics in pollen cells. Using this probe, we show that cytosolic Ca2+ changes dramatically during pollen germination, and, as reported previously, Ca2+ forms a tip‐focused gradient in the pollen tube and undergoes oscillation in the tip region during pollen tube growth. In particular, using G‐CaMP5 allowed us to capture the dynamic changes in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) in pollen tubes in response to various exogenous treatments. Our data suggest that G‐CaMP5 is a suitable probe for monitoring the dynamics of [Ca2+]cyt in pollen cells.
Embedding routine health checks for adults with intellectual disabilities in primary care: practice nurse perceptions
Authors: Macdonald S. , Morrison J. , Melville C. A. , Baltzer M. , MacArthur L. , Cooper S. A.
Published: February 2018

Background

Adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have consistently poorer health outcomes than the general population. There is evidence that routine health checks in primary care may improve outcomes. We conducted a randomised controlled trial of practice nurse led health checks. Here, we report findings from the nested qualitative study.

Aim

To explore practice nurse perceptions and experience of delivering an anticipatory health check for adults with IDs.

Design and Setting

Qualitative study in General Practices located in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland, UK.

Method

Eleven practice nurses from 11 intervention practices participated in a semi‐structured interview. Analysis was guided by a framework approach.

Results

Practice nurses reported initially feeling ‘swamped’ and ‘baffled’ by the prospect of the intervention, but early misgivings were not realised. Health checks were incorporated into daily routines with relative ease, but this was largely contingent on existing patient engagement. The intervention was thought most successful with patients already well known to the practice. Chronic disease management models are commonly used by practice nurses and participants tailored health checks to existing practice. It emerged that few of the nurses utilised the breadth of the check instead modifying the check to respond to individual patients' needs. As such, already recognised ‘problems’ or issues dominated the health check process. Engaging with the health checks in this way appeared to increase the acceptability and feasibility of the check for nurses. There was universal support for the health check ethos, although some questioned whether all adults with IDs would access the health checks, and as a consequence, the long‐term benefits of checks.

Conclusion

While the trial found the intervention to be dominant over standard health care, the adjustments nurses made may not have maximised potential benefits to patients. Increasing training could further improve the benefits that health checks provide for people with IDs.
Beyond the Shareholder Corporation: Alternative Business Forms and the Contestation of Markets
Authors: Boeger Nina
Published: February 2018

This article considers various, established and emerging, alternative business forms that differ categorically from the traditional corporation in terms of their governance, objectives, and/or ownership structures, including mission‐led businesses, social enterprises, cooperatives, and co‐owned firms. Notwithstanding their considerable diversity, the underpinning pattern of these alternatives points towards a stakeholder model of corporate governance that commits the firm to generating value by maximizing the positive impact on its (internal and external) stakeholders while limiting negative impacts, with trade‐offs carefully balanced against each other. Through these commitments, the firm internalizes a process of democratic contestation: a procedure to mediate the different interests of these market actors is incorporated directly into the structure of the firm, through procedural mechanisms embedded within its internal constitution.
‘BorrowMyDoggy.Com’: Rethinking Peer‐to‐peer Exchange for Genuine Sharing
Authors: Prabhat Devyani
Published: February 2018

This article re‐examines what constitutes genuine sharing in peer‐to‐peer collaborative transactions by contrasting a pet owner‐borrower matching initiative to other enterprises such as Uber and Airbnb. It argues that aims of public spiritedness and community building through interactions are essential for sustaining peer‐to‐peer collaborations. When money is the focal point of exchange, the collaborative relationship is motivated by profit making rather than goals of sustainability, well‐being or good citizenship. Interactions that create new kinds of connections within communities (rather than replacing traditional connections with cheaper or more accessible ones) are more likely to generate a genuine sharing ethos. The chief implication of the case study is that collaborators need to think carefully about objectives and means of exchange. Capturing new kinds of productive relationships, which are not overly reliant on the exchange of money, may contribute to genuine exchange and enhance community relations, leading to greater cultural citizenship.
‘This Land is Yours’: Ownership and Agency in the Sharing City
Authors: Thorpe Amelia
Published: February 2018

As people try to remake cities in more collaborative ways, how do law and legality shape their actions and aspirations? Focusing on Lande, an organization that brings citizens together to transform vacant sites into parks, playgrounds, and productive gardens, this article finds a co‐constitutive relationship between law and citizen engagement. Established in Montreal, Canada, Lande drew inspiration and advice from organizations in New York and other cities internationally. Law was a key concern. Yet, more than the navigation of particular rules and regulations, interactions with international groups were crucial in facilitating engagement with legality more generally. Just as Lande tells the citizens of Montreal in a very grounded way that ‘this land is yours’, the relational and material ways in which the group's international precursors engage and (re)develop understandings of law and ownership provide powerful invitations to reshape the city and one's place in it.
Regulating Crowd Equity Funding – the Why and the How
Authors: Nehme Marina
Published: February 2018

Crowd equity funding is a form of sharing economy that allows companies to obtain seed or other capital through small equity investments from a large range of investors via an online portal. Investors receive shares in the company in return for their investment. This form of finance has been viewed as a way to remedy the shortfall of capital for small and medium enterprises. However, in certain jurisdictions the regulation of this form of sharing economy is akin to that used for the traditional economy. This has created hurdles to the growth of this alternate form of finance. Accordingly, this article provides a snapshot of the regulation that applies to crowd equity funding in different jurisdictions to highlight the flaws of such regulatory approaches. The article concludes by advocating that an ‘outside‐the‐box’ solution may be needed to regulate this emerging industry.
Alternative Imaginings of Regulation: An Experiment in Co‐production
Authors: McDermont Morag ,   with the Productive Margins Collective
Published: February 2018

Despite decades of regulatory scholarship that took responsive regulation and regulatory space as starting points, much regulatory practice still has little focus on the experiences of those at the ‘sharp end’ of regulation. This article develops some of the insights from a five‐year research programme that aimed to explore what regulatory systems might look like if they took seriously the idea of ‘regulating for engagement’, working with community organizations to understand how regulation is experienced ‘at the margins’. We argue that the methodology of co‐production expands our ways of knowing by allowing in expertise‐by‐experience to the deliberative processes of regulation; the creative processes that artists bring in can produce artefacts that have an important role in developing ‘really responsive regulation’.
A qualitative investigation of the origins of excessive work behaviour
Authors: Kirrane Melrona , Breen Marianne , O'Connor Cliódhna
Published: February 2018

Studies of workers who engage in excessive work behaviour continue to attract the attention of researchers. Most research in this field adheres to quantitative methodologies aligned to the addiction or trait paradigms and largely focuses on correlates and consequences of such behaviour. However, within this literature, empirically based understandings of the factors that propel individuals to engage in excessive work patterns are sparse. Resting on socio‐cultural theories of work, we adopt a novel approach to this field of enquiry and examine the genesis of excessive working using a qualitative methodology. We use discourse analysis to comparatively explore data from a sample of twenty‐eight workers comprising excessive and non‐excessive workers. Our study identified the roles of family of origin, educational experience, and professional norms as clear drivers of excessive work patterns. Data to support the dominant addiction and trait paradigms within this research domain were equivocal. Lifestyle decision‐making differentiated the comparison group from the excessive workers. We discuss our findings with reference to theories of workaholism and consider their implications for the evolution of this field.

Practitioner points

Organizational culture can strongly influence the emergence of excessive work patterns among employees. Human resource professionals and organizational leaders are in a position to intervene in the development and support of work cultures that are conducive to effective work patterns

Employee selection and assessment procedures should be sufficiently in‐depth to gather relevant information into the personal backgrounds of applicants

Employee development initiatives should take account of learned work orientations to ensure the effectiveness of interventions.
A confirmatory examination of age‐associated personality differences: Deriving age‐related measurement‐invariant solutions using ant colony optimization
Authors: Olaru Gabriel , Schroeders Ulrich , Wilhelm Oliver , Ostendorf Fritz
Published: February 2018

Objective

The goal of this study was to examine age‐associated personality differences using a measurement‐invariant representation of the higher‐order structure of the Five‐Factor Model.

Method

We reanalyzed the German NEO‐PI‐R norm sample (N = 11,724) and applied ant colony optimization in a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis setting in order to select three items per first‐order factor that would optimize model fit and measurement invariance across 18 age groups ranging from 16 to 65 years of age.

Results

Ant colony optimization substantially improved absolute and relative model fit under measurement invariance constraints. However, the results showed that even when selecting items, measurement invariance across a large age span could not be guaranteed. Strong measurement invariance for Extraversion and Agreeableness could not be established. The age‐associated mean‐level differences of the first‐order factors of Neuroticism and Conscientiousness supported the maturity hypothesis. The mean levels of the first‐order factors of Openness varied substantially from each other across age.

Conclusions

Findings on age differences in personality can be particularly distorted in older age groups. Testing for and ensuring measurement invariance with item selection procedures can help solve this problem. The higher‐order structure of personality should be accounted for when personality development is examined.
Pierre Hadot on Habit, Reason, and Spiritual Exercises
Authors: del Nido Daniel
Published: February 2018

This essay is a reappraisal of Pierre Hadot's concept of spiritual exercises in response to recent criticisms of his work. The author argues that contrary to the claims of his critics, Hadot articulates a compelling argument that spiritual exercises that employ imaginative, rhetorical, and cognitive techniques are both necessary for and successful at producing a subject in which reason is integrated into human character. Such exercises are critical for overcoming the effects of habit, as a result of which everyday conduct resists rational control, and Hadot provides a nuanced account of how particular practices affect different aspects of emotion, behavior, and thought. The concept of spiritual exercises remains a viable component of theoretical frameworks for the study of religious ethics, though the author concludes that Hadot's position on habit and its role in ethical practice requires further investigation.
Sterculia and Brachychiton: a comprehensive overview on their ethnopharmacology, biological activities, phytochemistry and the role of their gummy exudates in drug delivery
Authors: Thabet Amany A , Youssef Fadia S , El-Shazly Mohamed , Singab Abdel Nasser B
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Sterculia and Brachychiton are two related genera (Malvaceae) containing more than 300 species. Most of these species are ornamental trees that are native to Australia and widely cultivated in many countries. Different members of the two genera were used by various cultures for medicinal and economical purposes. This review sheds light on the medicinal values and chemical composition of various species of these two genera.

Key findings

Sterculia and Brachychiton species were used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, microbial infection, skin diseases, inflammation and many other conditions. The seeds of various species were roasted and eaten by many traditional tribes. Plants from the two genera revealed their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiulcer, insecticidal and analgesic activity. These activities may be attributed to the presence of a wide range of secondary metabolites as flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, terpenoids particularly sesquiterpenes and triterpenes in addition to sterols and fatty acids. Moreover, the gummy exudates obtained from some members of these genera played an important role in different pharmaceutical dosage forms and drug-delivery systems.

Conclusions

More research is recommended on other species of Sterculia and Brachychiton to discover new molecular entities with potential biological and economic values.
Pteridryaceae: A new fern family of Polypodiineae (Polypodiales) including taxonomic treatments
Authors: Zhou Xin‐Mao , Zhang Liang , Lu Ngan Thi , Gao Xin‐Fen , Zhang Li‐Bing
Published: February 2018

We undertook phylogenetic analyses to resolve the relationships of Pteridrys and related taxa based on six plastid markers (atpA, atpB, matK & rps16‐matK, rbcL, rps4 & rps4‐trnS, and trnL & trnL‐F) and nuclear pgiC. We included 195 accessions representing approximately 147 species in 38 genera, and seven of the nine families in Polypodiineae (eupolypods I). Tectariaceae s.l. (i.e., Arthropteris, Draconopteris, Hypoderris, Malaifilix, Pteridrys, Tectaria, and Triplophyllum in addition to Polydictyum) is recovered as monophyletic (97% maximum likelihood bootstrap value), but with low (<50%) maximum parsimony jackknife value. The family Tectariaceae s.l. is therefore the only family in ferns without a corresponding non‐parametric‐based strong support in spite of our data totaling 9616 aligned base pairs. Tectariaceae s.l. can not be unambiguously recognized by any of the 13 morphological characters analyzed. However, if the clade composed of Draconopteris, Malaifilix, Polydictyum, and Pteridrys (DMPP) is recognized as a distinct family, at least four morphological characters enable the distinction of the DMPP clade from its sister clade. Considering the uncertainty in the monophyly, the diagnosability, and the deep divergence, we propose to establish a new family, Pteridryaceae, to accommodate the DMPP clade. Species of Pteridryaceae share mostly the following characteristics: erect to suberect rhizomes, reduced basal pinnae, anastomosing or free venation, absence of catenate hairs at the leaf surface, and perine ornamentation lacking spines or spinules. Identification keys are provided for the four genera and 31 species of the DMPP clade (or Pteridryaceae). Reflecting the presented results, the recognition of Arthropteridaceae is the preferred taxonomic status of the Arthropteris clade.
Characterization of Paroxysmal Gluten‐Sensitive Dyskinesia in Border Terriers Using Serological Markers
Authors: Lowrie M. , Garden O.A. , Hadjivassiliou M. , Sanders D.S. , Powell R. , Garosi L.
Published: February 2018

Background

Paroxysmal gluten‐sensitive dyskinesia (PGSD) in border terriers (BTs) results from an immunologic response directed against transglutaminase (TG)2 and gliadin. Recent evidence suggests that PGSD is only one aspect of a range of possible manifestations of gluten sensitivity in the breed.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Gluten sensitivity in BTs is a heterogeneous disease process with a diverse clinical spectrum; to characterize the phenotype of PGSD using TG2 and gliadin autoantibodies as diagnostic markers.

Animals

One hundred twenty‐eight client‐owned BTs with various disorders.

Methods

Prospective study. BTs with paroxysmal episodes and a normal interictal examination were phenotyped using footage of a representative episode and assigned to 3 groups: idiopathic epilepsy (IE), paroxysmal dyskinesia (PD), or other. Owners of each dog completed a questionnaire to obtain information regarding clinical signs. Healthy BTs formed a control group. Serum antibodies against TG2 and AGA were measured in all dogs.

Results

One hundred twenty‐eight BTs were enrolled; 45 with PD, 28 with IE, 35 with other conditions, and 20 controls. Three overlapping phenotypes were identified; PD, signs suggestive of gastrointestinal disease, and dermatopathy. AGA‐IgG concentrations were increased in PD, compared with IE (P = 0.012), controls (P < 0.0001) and other (P = 0.018) conditions. Anti‐canine TG2‐IgA concentrations were increased in PD, compared with IE (P < 0.0001), controls (P < 0.0001) and other (P = 0.012) conditions. Serological markers are highly specific for PGSD but lack sensitivity.

Conclusions

PGSD appears part of a syndrome of gluten intolerance consisting of episodes of transient dyskinesia, signs suggestive of gastrointestinal disease, and dermatological hypersensitivity.
Evaluation of SNAP cPL, Spec cPL, VetScan cPL Rapid Test, and Precision PSL Assays for the Diagnosis of Clinical Pancreatitis in Dogs
Authors: Cridge H. , MacLeod A.G. , Pachtinger G.E. , Mackin A.J. , Sullivant A.M. , Thomason J.M. , Archer T.M. , Lunsford K.V. , Rosenthal K. , Wills R.W.
Published: February 2018

Background

The sensitivity, specificity, and agreement of 4 diagnostic assays (SNAP canine pancreatic lipase (cPL), specific cPL (Spec cPL), VetScan cPL Rapid Test, and Precision PSL) for pancreatitis in dogs have not been directly compared.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine the level of agreement among each of the 4 assays and a clinical suspicion score, level of agreement among the assays, and sensitivity and specificity of each assay in a clinically relevant patient group.

Animals

Fifty client‐owned dogs with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease.

Methods

Prospective study. History, physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, abdominal ultrasound examination, and the 4 diagnostic assays for pancreatitis were performed. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to determine the level of agreement between each assay and a clinical suspicion score determined by a panel of 5 board‐certified veterinary internists.

Results

The ICC between the clinical suspicion score and the 4 assays were SNAP cPL, 0.61; Spec cPL, 0.68; VetScan cPL Rapid Test, 0.68; and Precision PSL, 0.60. The sensitivities of the assays ranged from 73.9 to 100.0%, whereas the specificities were SNAP cPL, 71.1–77.8%; Spec cPL, 74.1–81.1%; VetScan cPL Rapid Test, 76.9–83.8%; and Precision PSL, 64.0–74.3%.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A good to excellent level of agreement was demonstrated among the 4 assays. The previously unreported sensitivity and specificity of the VetScan cPL Rapid Test were 73.9–83.3% and 76.9–83.8%, respectively. Results of any of the 4 diagnostic assays alone, in the absence of supporting clinical findings, are insufficient to establish a diagnosis of clinical pancreatitis in dogs.
Streptococcus equiInfections in Horses: Guidelines for Treatment, Control, and Prevention of Strangles—Revised Consensus Statement
Authors: Boyle A.G. , Timoney J.F. , Newton J.R. , Hines M.T. , Waller A.S. , Buchanan B.R.
Published: February 2018

This consensus statement update reflects our current published knowledge and opinion about clinical signs, pathogenesis, epidemiology, treatment, complications, and control of strangles. This updated statement emphasizes varying presentations in the context of existing underlying immunity and carrier states of strangles in the transmission of disease. The statement redefines the “gold standard” for detection of possible infection and reviews the new technologies available in polymerase chain reaction diagnosis and serology and their use in outbreak control and prevention. We reiterate the importance of judicious use of antibiotics in horses with strangles. This updated consensus statement reviews current vaccine technology and the importance of linking vaccination with currently advocated disease control and prevention programs to facilitate the eradication of endemic infections while safely maintaining herd immunity. Differentiation between immune responses to primary and repeated exposure of subclinically infected animals and responses induced by vaccination is also addressed.
Clinical Utility of Plasma Fructosamine Concentration as a Hypoglycemic Biomarker during Early Lactation in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Megahed A.A. , Hiew M.W.H. , Constable P.D.
Published: February 2018

Background

Plasma fructosamine concentration ([FRA]) is a widely used long term hyperglycemic biomarker in humans and dogs, but its clinical usefulness as a hypoglycemic biomarker in dairy cattle is uncertain.

Objectives

To evaluate the relationship between plasma [FRA] and glucose concentration ([gluc]) as well as indices of energy balance during early lactation in dairy cattle, and to characterize the influence of plasma total protein concentration ([TP]) and albumin concentration ([albumin]) on [FRA].

Animals

Convenience sample comprising 103 periparturient Holstein–Friesian cattle.

Methods

Plasma [gluc], [TP], [albumin], and other clinicopathologic indices of energy status were determined periodically from Day 4 postpartum. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed, and backfat thickness (BFT) and longissimus dorsi muscle thickness (LDT) were measured ultrasonographically. Plasma [FRA] was measured at approximately 28 days postpartum. Associations between plasma [FRA] and study variables were evaluated using Spearman's rho and stepwise forward linear regression. Statistical significance was declared atP < 0.05.

Results

A positive association was detected between plasma [FRA] and mean plasma [gluc] from Days 4–28 postpartum (rs = +0.36,P < 0.001), and between plasma [FRA] and LDT (rs = +0.28,P = 0.007), BCS (rs = +0.23,P = 0.029), and BFT (rs = +0.21,P = 0.043). Multivariable regression identified a positive association between plasma [FRA] and mean plasma [gluc] and [albumin] from Days 4–28 postpartum. Correcting plasma [FRA] for [albumin] improved the association (rs = +0.46,P < 0.001) between plasma [FRA] and mean plasma [gluc].

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Plasma [FRA] does not provide a clinically useful method for quantifying the magnitude of hypoglycemia or negative energy balance in dairy cows during early lactation.