bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagation of risks and their impact on performance in fresh food retail
Authors: Srivastava Samir K , Chaudhuri Atanu , Srivastava Rajiv K.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to carry out structural analysis of potential supply chain risks and performance measures in fresh food retail by applying interpretive structural modeling (ISM).

Design/methodology/approach

– Inputs were taken from industry experts in identifying and understanding interdependencies among food retail supply chain risks on different levels (sourcing and logistics outside the retail stores; storage and customer interface at the stores). Interdependencies among risks and their impact on performance measures are structured into a hierarchy in order to derive subsystems of interdependent elements to derive useful insights for theory and practice.

Findings

– Using the ISM approach the risks and performance measures were clustered according to their driving power and dependence power. Change in/inadequate government regulations’ are at the bottom level of the hierarchy implying highest driving power and require higher attention and focussed mitigation strategies. Risks like lack of traceability, transport delays/breakdowns and temperature abuse, cross-contamination in transport and storage have medium driver and dependence powers.

Research limitations/implications

– The approach is focussed on food retail supply chains in the Indian context and thereby limits the ability to generalize the findings. The academics and experts were selected on convenience and availability.

Practical implications

– It gives managers a better understanding of the risks and performance measures that have most influence on others (driving performance measures) and those measures which are most influenced by others (dependent performance measures) in fresh food retail and also a tool to prioritize them. This kind of information is strategic for managers who can use it to identify which performance measures they should concentrate on managing the trade-offs between measures. The findings and the applicability for practical use have been validated by both experts and practicing managers in food retail supply chains.

Originality/value

– The work is perhaps the first to link supply chain risks with performance and explains the propagation of risks in food retail supply chains. It contributes to theory by addressing a few research gaps and provides relevant managerial insights for practitioners.
Supply chain relationships as a context for learning leading to innovation
Authors: Knoppen Desirée , Johnston David , Sáenz María  Jesús
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to integrate the literature on learning in the context of boundary spanning innovation in supply chains. A two-dimensional framework is proposed: the learning stage (exploration, assimilation, exploitation) and the learning facet (structural, cultural, psychological and policy). Supply chain management (SCM) practices are examined in light of this framework and propositions for further empirical research are developed.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 60 empirical papers from the major journals on supply chain relationships published over an 11-year time span (2000-2010) were systematically analyzed.

Findings

– The paper reveals a comprehensive set of best practices and identifies four gaps for future research. First, assimilation and exploitation are largely ignored as mediating learning stages between exploration and performance. Second, knowledge brokers and reputation management are key mechanisms that foster assimilation. Third, the iteration from exploitation back to exploration is critical though underdeveloped in efficiency seeking supply chains. Fourth, the literature stresses structural mechanisms of learning, at the expense of a more holistic view of structural, cultural, psychological and policy mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

– The search could be extended to other journals that report on joint learning and innovation.

Practical implications

– The framework provides guidelines for practitioners to develop learning capabilities and leverage the knowledge from supply chain partners in order to continuously or radically improve boundary spanning processes and products.

Originality/value

– The study is multi-disciplinary; it applies a model developed by learning scholars to the field of SCM.
Coordinating a supply chain with a heterogeneous vehicle fleet under greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Glock Christoph H , Kim Taebok
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This paper studies a supply chain consisting of multiple suppliers and a single buyer. It considers the case where a set of heterogeneous trucks is used for transporting products, and develops a mathematical model that coordinates the supply chain. The purpose of this paper is to minimise the costs of producing and delivering a product as well as carbon emissions resulting from transportation. In addition, the authors analyse how imposing a tax on carbon emissions impacts the delivery of products from the suppliers to the buyer.

Design/methodology/approach

– It is assumed that heterogeneous vehicles are used for transporting products, which have different performance and cost attributes. A mathematical model that considers both operating costs and carbon emissions from transportation is developed. The impact of vehicle attributes on lot sizing and routing decisions is studied with the help of numerical examples and a sensitivity analysis.

Findings

– The analysis shows that considering carbon emissions in coordinating a supply chain leads to changes in the routing of vehicles. It is further shown that if carbon emissions lead to costs, routes are changed in such a way that vehicles travel long distances empty or with a low vehicle load to reduce fuel consumption and therewith emissions.

Research limitations/implications

– Several areas for future work are highlighted. The study of alternative supply chain structures, for example structures which include logistics service providers, or the investigation of different functional relationships between vehicle load and emission generation offer possibilities for extending the model.

Originality/value

– The paper is one of the first to study the use of heterogeneous vehicles in an inventory model of a supply chain, and one of the few supply chain inventory models that consider ecological aspects.
Living apart together
Authors: de Vries Walter Timo , Laarakker Peter Marinus , Wouters Hendrikus Johannes
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Against the backdrop of European eGovernment (eGov) and new public management strategies, public sector mergers are the ultimate transformation after collaboration and integration. The land administration domain is useful to evaluate how and why mergers occur or not. The domain usually comprises two types of organizations, cadastres and land registries. There are both national and international calls to merge these two types, yet some countries have opted to merge these, while others persist in maintaining two separate ones. How and why this occurs is the key question.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study applies a mixed-methods approach of data collection and a co-evolutionary perspective on organizational changes. Agencies change alongside perceptions of staff members and external stimuli of policies. These are exposed through narrated personal vignettes and international benchmarking surveys of land agencies.

Findings

– Decisions on mergers are primarily embedded in local organizational cultures, and follow non-linear paths and are historically path-dependent. Internal staff members tend to disfavour mergers. Contrastingly, external stimuli such as the benchmark surveys act as national and international stimuli which favour mergers. The common narrative of both perspectives is an increased relevance of “simplicity”, which does not however have an effect on merger decisions.

Research limitations/implications

– The land administration domain is perhaps idiosyncratic. It has a long history with discussions on merging collaborating organizations. Still, other domains affected by eGov strategies have so far only focused on operational interoperability and database integration, and less on the potential for institutional or organizational mergers. Therefore, experiences from land administration will be useful in the future.

Practical implications

– During the formulation of new eGov projects which foster further collaboration and integration in the public sector, it is necessary to take the merger experiences of land agencies into account. It is especially necessary to be aware of implicit norms which are fostered by positive feedback loops of social networks during mergers, which may influence discretionary decisions. In addition, international benchmarks and ranking need to reconsider their benchmarking criteria which currently only focus on efficiency measures.

Originality/value

– Mergers may not be a next logical step when collaborating and integrating. Instead, mergers need to be rooted in personal long-standing collaboration practices. Furthermore, individual staff members may only be willing to engage in the operational aspects of mergers if it significantly makes their own tasks simpler and the quality of their work better appreciated by external customers.
Looking Too Old? How an Older Age Appearance Reduces Chances of Being Hired
Authors: Kaufmann Michèle Céline , Krings Franciska , Sczesny Sabine
Published: October 2015

Building on theories of impression formation based on faces, this research investigates the impact of job candidates’ facial age appearance on hiring as well as the underlying mechanism. In an experiment, participants decided whether to hire a fictitious candidate aged 50 years, 30 years or without age information. The candidate's age was signalled either via chronological information (varied by date of birth) or via facial age appearance (varied by a photograph on the résumé). Findings showed that candidates with older‐appearing faces – but not chronologically older candidates – triggered impressions of low health and fitness, compared to younger‐appearing candidates. These impressions reduced perceptions of person–job fit, which lowered hiring probabilities for older‐appearing candidates. These findings provide the first evidence that trait impressions from faces are a determinant of age discrimination in personnel selection. They call for an extension of current models of age discrimination by integrating the effects of face‐based trait impressions, particularly with respect to health and fitness.
The ongoing quest for biomarkers in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Danve Abhijeet , O'Dell James
Published: October 2015

Ankylosing Spondylitis poses significant challenges in terms of early diagnosis, assessment of disease activity, predicting response to the treatment and monitoring radiographic progression. With better understanding of underlying immunopathogenesis, effective targeted therapies are available which improve symptoms, quality of life and possibly slow the radiographic progression. There has been a growing interest in the discovery of biomarkers for defining various aspects of disease assessment and management in Ankylosing Spondylitis. The C‐reactive protein and HLA‐B27 are most commonly used biomarkers. This review describes many other newer biomarkers which have potential clinical applications in this chronic inflammatory disease.
Australian Climate Change Policy – Where To From Here?
Authors: Nelson Tim
Published: October 2015

Over the past decade, Australia's approach to climate change policy could be described as erratic. In 2007, both major political parties announced support for a domestic emissions trading scheme (ETS) but bipartisan agreement evaporated in 2009. An ETS was established in 2011 but then repealed in 2014. The Commonwealth Government has subsequently introduced a “Direct Action” climate change policy, but there is little political agreement about the best long‐term policy approach. This is unfortunate given climate science is indicating that relatively significant cuts to emissions may be required to avoid “dangerous climate change.” This article provides some insights for future Australian climate change policy suggested by an analysis of the realities of electricity generation costs, international policy settings and Australian policy history. Enlightened and effective policy cannot ignore how comparative generation costs affect incentives to replace existing assets and how different policy instruments impact on electricity prices. As a significant exporter of emitting fuels, Australia would also be wise to consider how to manage the economic risks of reduced international demand for these fuels in the absence of technological development that eliminates externality costs. Such consideration could be focused on both reductions in domestic emissions and Australia's strategic negotiating position ahead of international climate change mitigation negotiations in late 2015.
Polarization and the Decline of the American Floating Voter
Authors: Smidt Corwin D.
Published: October 2015

The observed rate of Americans voting for a different party across successive presidential elections has never been lower. This trend is largely explained by the clarity of party differences reducing indecision and ambivalence and increasing reliability in presidential voting. American National Election Studies (ANES) Times Series study data show that recent independent, less engaged voters perceive candidate differences as clearly as partisan, engaged voters of past elections and with declining rates of ambivalence, being undecided, and floating. Analysis of ANES inter‐election panel studies shows the decline in switching is present among nonvoters too, as pure independents are as reliable in their party support as strong partisans of prior eras. These findings show parties benefit from the behavioral response of all Americans to polarization. By providing an ideological anchor to candidate evaluations, polarization produces a reliable base of party support that is less responsive to short‐term forces.
A 1 year retrospective audit of quality indicators of clinical pharmacological advice for personalized linezolid dosing: one stone for two birds?
Authors: Pea Federico , Cojutti Piergiorgio , Dose Lucia , Baraldo Massimo
Published: October 2015

Aim

This study explored the clinical and economic impact of clinical pharmacological advice (CPA) (based on therapeutic drug monitoring [TDM] results, and on patients' characteristics and co‐medications) on personalized linezolid therapy in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

A 1 year retrospective analysis of quality indicators of CPA (clinicians' adherence rate to CPA, pre‐post rate of linezolid trough concentrations within the desired range and cost balance analysis) was conducted.

Results

Five hundred and forty‐four CPAs were provided to clinicians during 2014 for personalizing linezolid therapy in 168 patients. Clinicians' adherence to CPAs was very high (94.7%). The pre‐post rate of linezolid Cmin distribution showed a favourable impact of CPA on patient care (pre‐post ratio of Cmin within the desired range + 23.4%, pre, 51.2% vs. post, 74.6%). Overall, linezolid dosage was mainly reduced (56.9% of cases), whereas dose augmentation was needed only in a minority of cases (7.7%). Cost balance analysis showed that overall 1258 standard doses of linezolid (unitary dose 600 mg) were spared for treating 168 patients with a personalized dosage for a median duration of 11 days (range 3–128 days) with a cost saving of 60038.05 €.

Conclusion

Active computerized advice elaborated by the clinical pharmacologist on the basis of TDM results and of patient's pathophysiological data and co‐medications may be cost‐effective for personalizing linezolid treatment.
How Long Is a Normal Labor? Contemporary Patterns of Labor and Birth in a Low‐Risk Sample of 1,612 Women from Four Nordic Countries
Authors: Hildingsson Ingegerd , Blix Ellen , Hegaard Hanne , Huitfeldt Anette , Ingversen Karen , Ólafsdóttír Ólof Ásta , Lindgren Helena
Published: October 2015

Objective

Normal progress of labor is a subject for discussion among professionals. The aim of this study was to assess the duration of labor in women with a planned home birth and spontaneous onset who gave birth at home or in hospital after transfer.

Methods

This is a population‐based study of home births in four Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). All midwives assisting at a home birth from 2008 to 2013 were asked to provide information about home births using a questionnaire.

Results

Birth data from 1,612 women, from Denmark (n = 1,170), Norway (n = 263), Sweden (n = 138), and Iceland (n = 41) were included. The total median duration from onset of labor until the birth of the baby was approximately 14 hours for primiparas and 7.25 hours for multiparas. The duration of the different phases varied between countries. Blood loss more than 1,000 mL and perineal ruptures that needed suturing were associated with a longer pushing phase and the latter with country of residence, parity, single status, and the baby's weight.

Conclusion

In this population of healthy women with a low prevalence of interventions, the total duration of labor was fairly similar to what is described in the literature for multiparas, but longer for primiparas. Although the duration of the phases of labor differed among countries, it was to a minor extent associated with severe outcomes.
Spatial analysis of Listronotus maculicollis immature stages demonstrates strong associations with conspecifics and turfgrass damage but not with optimal hosts on golf course fairways
Authors: McGraw Benjamin A. , Koppenhöfer Albrecht M.
Published: October 2015

For insects that develop on few hosts and/or have immobile immature stages, optimal oviposition theory suggests that females should seek high‐quality hosts that maximize larval development and reduce competition from conspecifics. However, there is a growing amount of evidence that suggests female choice may often be at odds with their offspring's development. Listronotus maculicollis (Kirby) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a serious pest of golf course turfgrass in eastern North America. The weevil develops on few hosts and demonstrates improved fitness traits when developing on Poa annua L. (Poaceae). However, previous population studies observed either weak or no correlations between the spatial dispersion of larval populations and P. annua in the field. In this study, populations on three golf course fairways were monitored over a 4‐year period (2009–2012) to determine whether the lack of spatial associations between preferred hosts and immatures was a result of spatial scale or the density and distribution of conspecifics. Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs (SADIE) was used to characterize the spatial dispersion of populations of individual stages (larvae and pupae), P. annua, and turfgrass damage. Life stages were aggregated in each observation, independent of population density or the spatial dispersion of hosts. The distribution of consecutive and non‐consecutive immature stages was found to be correlated in all years, suggesting that females do not avoid patches already occupied by conspecific eggs. Surprisingly, significant spatial associations were not found between larvae and P. annua when the host plant was relatively abundant. Hence, multiple mechanisms may drive L. maculicollis oviposition site‐selection behavior, and a flexible strategy may allow the weevil to persist in areas where P. annua is not the dominant species. Future studies are required to determine what other factors (e.g., natural enemy‐free space, egg or time limitations) influence oviposition behavior.
Vocational Education and Training: Researching the Relationship between School and Work
Authors: Mulder Regina H. , Messmann Gerhard , König Christoph
Published: October 2015

Researchers and policy makers agree that the relation between school and work is an important characteristic of vocational education and training (VET) and needs attention. The relation itself poses several challenges for research to be successful and useful for policy makers. In this article, we outline these challenges and answer the following question: What needs to be considered when researching the relation between school and work? Our central claim is that research on the relation between school and work needs to (1) take into account contextual conditions of the VET system, including identifying the central actors and their responsibilities within a VET system, (2) take into account the characteristics of VET itself, (3) define the quality of the relation between school and work (depending on the context, characteristics of the VET system and VET itself), and (4) be consistent with respect to chosen research aims and paradigms. To illustrate how these aspects can be taken into account an example of empirical research conducted in the German dual apprenticeship system is described. The readers are provided with guidelines for researchers and policy makers to carry out high quality research on the relation between school and work in VET systems that enables policy makers to make use of the results to improve the relation between school and work in VET systems.
Chemogenetic manipulation of ventral pallidal neurons impairs acquisition of sign‐tracking in rats
Authors: Chang Stephen E. , Todd Travis P. , Bucci David J. , Smith Kyle S.
Published: October 2015

Cues associated with rewarding events acquire value themselves as a result of the incentive value of the reward being transferred to the cue. Consequently, presentation of a reward‐paired cue can trigger reward‐seeking behaviours towards the cue itself (i.e. sign‐tracking). The ventral pallidum (VP) has been demonstrated to be involved in a number of motivated behaviours, both conditioned and unconditioned. However, its contribution to the acquisition of incentive value is unknown. Using a discriminative autoshaping procedure with levers, the effects of disrupting VP activity in rats on the emergence of sign‐tracking was investigated using chemogenetics, i.e. Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs). Transient disruption of VP neurons [activation of the inhibitory hM4D(Gi) DREADD through systemic injections of clozapine N‐oxide (CNO) prior to each autoshaping session] impaired acquisition of sign‐tracking (lever press rate) without having any effect on approach to the site of reward delivery (i.e. goal‐tracking) or on the expression of sign‐tracking after it was acquired. In addition, electrophysiological recordings were conducted in freely behaving rats following VP DREADD activation. The majority of VP units that were responsive to CNO injections exhibited rapid inhibition relative to baseline, a subset of CNO‐responsive units showed delayed excitation, and a smaller subset displayed a mixed response of inhibition and excitation following CNO injections. It is argued that disruption of VP during autoshaping specifically disrupted the transfer of incentive value that was attributed to the lever cue, suggesting a surprisingly fundamental role for the VP in acquiring, compared with expressing, Pavlovian incentive values.
Sexual selection drives asymmetric introgression in wall lizards
Authors: While Geoffrey M. , Michaelides Sozos , Heathcote Robert J. P. , MacGregor Hannah E. A. , Zajac Natalia , Beninde Joscha , Carazo Pau , Pérez i de Lanuza Guillem , Sacchi Roberto , Zuffi Marco A.L. , Horváthová Terézia , Fresnillo Belén , Schulte Ulrich , Veith Michael , Hochkirch Axel , Uller Tobias
Published: October 2015

Hybridisation is increasingly recognised as an important cause of diversification and adaptation. Here, we show how divergence in male secondary sexual characters between two lineages of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) gives rise to strong asymmetries in male competitive ability and mating success, resulting in asymmetric hybridisation upon secondary contact. Combined with no negative effects of hybridisation on survival or reproductive characters in F1‐hybrids, these results suggest that introgression should be asymmetric, resulting in the displacement of sexual characters of the sub‐dominant lineage. This prediction was confirmed in two types of secondary contact, across a natural contact zone and in two introduced populations. Our study illustrates how divergence in sexually selected traits via male competition can determine the direction and extent of introgression, contributing to geographic patterns of genetic and phenotypic diversity.
The Long Shadow of Port Infrastructure in Germany: Cause or Consequence of Regional Economic Prosperity?
Authors: Breidenbach Philipp , Mitze Timo
Published: October 2015

Transport infrastructure is conceived as an important determinant of regional economic development. While this prediction especially holds from a theoretical perspective on the premises of endogenous growth theories, from an empirical perspective it is not that easy to verify this causal link, though. Measuring whether transport infrastructure indeed fosters regional development or if it is merely an endogenous reflection of the higher transportation demand in prospering regions is a challenging task. This paper analyzes the long‐run effects of port facilities on regional income levels in Germany. Since it is very likely that results from standard least square estimations suffer from endogeneity problems, we base the identification on exogenous long‐run instruments. In particular, port facilities built before the industrial revolution provide an adequate instrument for current port infrastructure since they are exogenous to recent economic development but the natural requirements of a port site form an experimental character of their locations. Results from German district‐level data for 1991–2008 hint at a positive correlation between port locations and gross domestic product per capita, but do not provide evidence for a causal relationship regarding the instrumental variable approach. Further robustness checks with population distribution as outcome hint at positive long‐run persistence effects of port infrastructure.
The use of vascular access audit and infections in home hemodialysis
Authors: Rousseau‐Gagnon Mathieu , Faratro Rose , D'Gama Celine , Fung Stella , Wong Elizabeth , Chan Christopher T.
Published: October 2015

Vascular access‐related infection is an important adverse event in home hemodialysis (HHD). We hypothesize that errors in self‐cannulation or manipulation of dialysis vascular access are associated with increased incidence of access‐related infection. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all prevalent HHD patients at the University Health Network. All vascular access‐related infections were recorded from 2006 to 2013. Errors in dialysis access were ascertained by nurse‐administered vascular access checklist. Ninety‐two patients had completed at least one vascular access audit. Median HHD vintage was 2.3 (0.9–5.0) years in patients with appropriate vascular access technique and 5.8 (1.5–9.4) years in patients with erroneous vascular access technique. The overall rate of infection between patients with and without appropriate vascular access technique was similar (0.27 and 0.28 infections per year, P = 0.166). Among patients who were identified with errors in dialysis access manipulation, patients with five or more errors were associated with higher rate of access‐related infection (mean of 0.47 vs. 0.16 infection per patient‐year, P < 0.001). The use of vascular access audit is a feasible strategy, which can identify errors in vascular access technique. Patients with a longer median HHD vintage are associated with higher risk of inappropriate vascular access technique. Patients with multiple errors in vascular access technique are associated with a higher risk of dialysis access‐related infection. Prospective evaluation of the impact of vascular access audit on adverse vascular access events is warranted.
Effect of a chlorhexidine‐containing brush‐on gel on peri‐implant mucositis
Authors: Hallström H , Lindgren S , Twetman S
Published: October 2015

Objective

The aim was to evaluate the effect of a chlorhexidine‐containing brush‐on gel when used as supplement to oral hygiene instructions and mechanical debridement, on peri‐implant mucositis in adults.

Materials and methods

The study group consisted of 38 adults (48–87 years.) with peri‐implant mucositis that were consecutively enrolled in three private clinics after informed consent. The study employed a double‐blind controlled design with two parallel arms. After baseline registrations, oral hygiene reinforcement and mechanical debridement, the patients were randomly allocated to either a test group with once daily tooth brushing with an oral care brush‐on gel containing 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate (Cervitec Gel) or a control gel group. The duration of the intervention was 12 weeks. The primary outcome was bleeding on probing (BOP) and secondary endpoints were local plaque score (LPS) and pocket probing depth (PPD).

Results

The groups were balanced at baseline. The daily use of the chlorhexidine‐containing gel resulted in reduced BOP after 4 and 12 weeks compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The PPD was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) after 12 weeks compared to baseline in the test group, but not in the control group. No side effects or adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

The present findings indicated moderate but significant improvements of clinical parameters when mechanical debridement was combined with a self‐applied oral care brush‐on gel for the management of peri‐implant mucositis.
Lack of adaptation from standing genetic variation despite the presence of putatively adaptive alleles in introduced sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)
Authors: Gould B. , Geber M.
Published: October 2015

Population genetic theory predicts that the availability of appropriate standing genetic variation should facilitate rapid evolution when species are introduced to new environments. However, few tests of rapid evolution have been paired with empirical surveys for the presence of previously identified adaptive genetic variants in natural populations. In this study, we examined local adaptation to soil Al toxicity in the introduced range of sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), and we genotyped populations for the presence of Al tolerance alleles previously identified at the long‐term ecological Park Grass Experiment (PGE, Harpenden, UK) in the species native range. We found that markers associated with Al tolerance at the PGE were present at appreciable frequency in introduced populations. Despite this, there was no strong evidence of local adaptation to soil Al toxicity among populations. Populations demonstrated significantly different intrinsic root growth rates in the absence of Al. This suggests that selection on correlated root growth traits may constrain the ability of populations to evolve significantly different root growth responses to Al. Our results demonstrate that genotype–phenotype associations may differ substantially between the native and introduced parts of a species range and that adaptive alleles from a native species range may not necessarily promote phenotypic differentiation in the introduced range.
Genetic diversity for mycorrhizal symbiosis and phosphate transporters in rice
Authors: Jeong Kwanho , Mattes Nicolas , Catausan Sheryl , Chin Joong Hyoun , Paszkowski Uta , Heuer Sigrid
Published: October 2015

Phosphorus (P) is a major plant nutrient and developing crops with higher P‐use efficiency is an important breeding goal. In this context we have conducted a comparative study of irrigated and rainfed rice varieties to assess genotypic differences in colonization with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and expression of different P transporter genes. Plants were grown in three different soil samples from a rice farm in the Philippines. The data show that AM symbiosis in all varieties was established after 4 weeks of growth under aerobic conditions and that, in soil derived from a rice paddy, natural AM populations recovered within 6 weeks. The analysis of AM marker genes (AM1, AM3, AM14) and P transporter genes for the direct Pi uptake (PT2, PT6) and AM‐mediated pathway (PT11, PT13) were largely in agreement with the observed root AM colonization providing a useful tool for diversity studies. Interestingly, delayed AM colonization was observed in the aus‐type rice varieties which might be due to their different root structure and might confer an advantage for weed competition in the field. The data further showed that P‐starvation induced root growth and expression of the high‐affinity P transporter PT6 was highest in the irrigated variety IR66 which also maintained grain yield under P‐deficient field conditions.
European sea bass gill pathology after exposure to cadmium and terbuthylazine: expert versus fractal analysis
Authors: MANERA M. , GIARI L. , DEPASQUALE J.A. , DEZFULI B.S.
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study was to compare expert versus fractal analysis as new methods to evaluate branchial lamellar pathology in European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758) experimentally exposed to cadmium and to terbuthylazine. In particular, guided expert quantitative and fractal analysis were performed on selected images from semithin sections to test possible differences according to exposure class (unexposed, cadmium exposed, or terbuthylazine exposed) and the discrimination power of the two methods. With respect to guided expert quantitative analysis, the following elementary pathological features were assessed according to pre‐determined cover classes: ‘epithelial lifting’, ‘epithelial shrinkage’, ‘epithelial swelling’, ‘pillar cells coarctation’, ‘pillar cells detachment’, ‘channels fusion’, ‘chloride cells swelling’ and ‘chloride cells invasion’. Considering fractal analysis, DB (box dimension), DM (mass dimension), (mean fractal dimension) as fractal dimensions and lacunarity from DM and scan types were calculated both from the outlined and skeletonized (one pixel wide lines) images. Despite significant differences among experimental classes, only expert analysis provided good discrimination with correct classification of 91.7 % of the original cases, and of 87.5 % of the cross‐validated cases, with a sensitivity of 95.45 % and 91.3 %, respectively, and a specificity of 75 % in both cases. Guided expert quantitative analysis appears to be a reliable method to objectively characterize fish gill pathology and may represent a powerful tool in environmental biomonitoring to ensure proper standardization and reproducibility. Though fractal analysis did not equal the discrimination power of the expert method, it certainly warrants further study to evaluate local variations in complexity or possible multiple scaling rules.
Framework for morphometric classification of cells in imaging flow cytometry
Authors: GOPAKUMAR G. , JAGANNADH VEERENDRA KALYAN , GORTHI SAI SIVA , SUBRAHMANYAM GORTHI. R. K. SAI
Published: October 2015

Imaging flow cytometry is an emerging technology that combines the statistical power of flow cytometry with spatial and quantitative morphology of digital microscopy. It allows high‐throughput imaging of cells with good spatial resolution, while they are in flow. This paper proposes a general framework for the processing/classification of cells imaged using imaging flow cytometer. Each cell is localized by finding an accurate cell contour. Then, features reflecting cell size, circularity and complexity are extracted for the classification using SVM. Unlike the conventional iterative, semi‐automatic segmentation algorithms such as active contour, we propose a noniterative, fully automatic graph‐based cell localization. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed framework, we have successfully classified unstained label‐free leukaemia cell‐lines MOLT, K562 and HL60 from video streams captured using custom fabricated cost‐effective microfluidics‐based imaging flow cytometer. The proposed system is a significant development in the direction of building a cost‐effective cell analysis platform that would facilitate affordable mass screening camps looking cellular morphology for disease diagnosis.
Development of the ventral body wall in the human embryo
Authors: Mekonen Hayelom K. , Hikspoors Jill P. J. M. , Mommen Greet , Köhler S. Eleonore , Lamers Wouter H.
Published: October 2015

Migratory failure of somitic cells is the commonest explanation for ventral body wall defects. However, the embryo increases ~ 25‐fold in volume in the period that the ventral body wall forms, so that differential growth may, instead, account for the observed changes in topography. Human embryos between 4 and 10 weeks of development were studied, using amira® reconstruction and cinema 4D® remodeling software for visualization. Initially, vertebrae and ribs had formed medially, and primordia of sternum and hypaxial flank muscle primordium laterally in the body wall at Carnegie Stage (CS)15 (5.5 weeks). The next week, ribs and muscle primordium expanded in ventrolateral direction only. At CS18 (6.5 weeks), separate intercostal and abdominal wall muscles differentiated, and ribs, sterna, and muscles began to expand ventromedially and caudally, with the bilateral sternal bars fusing in the midline after CS20 (7 weeks) and the rectus muscles reaching the umbilicus at CS23 (8 weeks). The near‐constant absolute distance between both rectus muscles and approximately fivefold decline of this distance relative to body circumference between 6 and 10 weeks identified dorsoventral growth in the dorsal body wall as determinant of the ‘closure’ of the ventral body wall. Concomitant with the straightening of the embryonic body axis after the 6th week, the abdominal muscles expanded ventrally and caudally to form the infraumbilical body wall. Our data, therefore, show that the ventral body wall is formed by differential dorsoventral growth in the dorsal part of the body.
An exploration of partnership through interactions between young ‘expert’ patients with cystic fibrosis and healthcare professionals
Authors: MacDonald Kath , Irvine Lindesay , Smith Margaret Coulter
Published: October 2015

Aims and objectives

To explore how young ‘expert patients’ living with Cystic Fibrosis and the healthcare professionals with whom they interact perceive partnership and negotiate care.

Background

Modern healthcare policy encourages partnership, engagement and self‐management of long‐term conditions. This philosophy is congruent with the model adopted in the care of those with Cystic Fibrosis, where self‐management, trust and mutual respect are perceived to be integral to the development of the ongoing patient/professional relationship. Self‐management is associated with the term; ‘expert patient’; an individual with a long‐term condition whose knowledge and skills are valued and used in partnership with healthcare professionals. However, the term ‘expert patient’ is debated in the literature as are the motivation for its use and the assumptions implicit in the term.

Design

A qualitative exploratory design informed by Interpretivism and Symbolic Interactionism was conducted.

Methods

Thirty‐four consultations were observed and 23 semi‐structured interviews conducted between 10 patients, 2 carers and 12 healthcare professionals. Data were analysed thematically using the five stages of ‘Framework’ a matrix‐based qualitative data analysis approach and were subject to peer review and respondent validation. The study received full ethical approval.

Results

Three main themes emerged; experiences of partnership, attributes of the expert patient and constructions of illness. Sub‐themes of the ‘ceremonial order of the clinic’, negotiation and trust in relationships and perceptions of the expert patient are presented.

Conclusions

The model of consultation may be a barrier to person‐centred care. Healthcare professionals show leniency in negotiations, but do not always trust patients' accounts. The term ‘expert patient’ is unpopular and remains contested.

Relevance to clinical practice

Gaining insight into structures and processes that enable or inhibit partnership can lead to a collaborative approach to service redesign and a revision of the consultation model.
Windfall of Low Interest Payments and Fiscal Sustainability in the Euro Area: Analysis through Panel Fiscal Reaction Functions
Authors: Ciżkowicz Piotr , Rzońca Andrzej , Trzeciakowski Rafał
Published: October 2015

We estimate various panel fiscal reaction functions, including those of the main categories of general government revenue and expenditure for 12 Euro area member states over the 1970‐2013 period. We find that in the peripheral countries where sovereign bond yields decreased sharply in the years 1996‐2007, fiscal stance ceased to respond to sovereign debt accumulation. This was due to lack of sufficient adjustment in government current expenditure and direct taxes. In contrast, in the core member states, which did not benefit from yields’ convergence related to the Euro area establishment, responsiveness of fiscal stance to inherited sovereign debt increased during 1996‐2007. This was achieved mainly through pronounced adjustments in government current expenditure. The findings are robust to various changes in modelling approach.
What Drives the Gender Gap? An Analysis Using Sexual Orientation
Authors: Montag Josef
Published: October 2015

Gender differences in productivity, if any, that are unobserved to researchers may produce an omitted variable bias in gender gap studies. Finding a subpopulation with less acute differences in unobserved characteristics would allow this concern to be addressed. This paper shows that gays and lesbians are one such interesting group—for the intra‐household division of labor and its effects on market productivity cannot be sex‐determined in this subpopulation. Indeed, there are substantial intra‐household variations in labor market outcomes and other characteristics; the patterns and magnitudes are similar to different‐sex households. Simultaneously, the gender wage gap between gays and lesbians is much smaller than in the heterosexual population; in specifications that control for geographic location it is near zero. These findings suggest that the intra‐household division of labor is an important factor driving gender differences in labor market outcomes. Such an interpretation is consistent with recent studies that control for productivity.
Source of Underestimation of the Monetary Policy Effect: Re‐Examination of the Policy Effectiveness in Japan's 1990s
Authors: Shibamoto Masahiko
Published: October 2015

This paper re‐examines empirical evidence on the potency of Japanese monetary policy in the 1990s by comparing the estimated impacts of various proxies for monetary policy shocks on the macroeconomy. My empirical results demonstrate that surprise target changes modeled as proxies for monetary policy shocks had impacts on real output and financial variables over the period 1990–2001. I also show that the estimated effects of identified monetary policy shocks depend on whether or not the shocks are expected: the monetary policy effects on the economy are underestimated when the empirical models fail to control for the market expectation for the monetary policy stance.
Prognostic impact of renal dysfunction in patients with acute coronary syndrome—role beyond the CHA2DS2‐VASc score: Data from Taiwan acute coronary syndrome full spectrum registry
Authors: Chua Su‐Kiat , Lo Huey‐Ming , Chiu Chiung‐Zuan , Shyu Kou‐Gi ,   Taiwan ACS Full Spectrum Registry Investigators
Published: October 2015

Aim

CHA2DS2‐VASc score has been proven to have great prognostic value in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aimed to determine whether the addition of renal dysfunction in the CHA2DS2‐VASc score would improve the prognostic impact of the scoring system to predict prognosis among ACS patients.

Methods

A total of 3031 ACS patients were prospectively enrolled at 39 hospitals and followed for 1 year. The patients were divided into three groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (group 1, eGFR>90; group 2, eGFR between 60 and 90; and group 3, eGFR<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2). The occurrence of subsequent myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or death was recorded.

Results

As renal function progressively decreased from group 1 to 3, the patients were, respectively older and had higher incidence of comorbidity, worse Killip classification, and less evidence‐based medical therapies. The rate of subsequent MI, stroke or death increased from 3.4% in group 1 to 7.4% in group 2 and 17.2% in group 3 (P < 0.001). Renal dysfunction (eGFR<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores were both significant predictors of adverse events in multivariable regression analyses. Renal dysfunction can further stratify patients with CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 0 or 1 into 3 groups with different adverse event rates (group 1, 3.0%; group 2, 4.1%; and group 3, 9.2%, P < 0.001). A new scoring system (R‐CHA2DS2‐VASc score) derived by assigning one more point for eGFR ≤ 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 to the CHA2DS2‐VASc score could improve its predictive accuracy (area under the receiver operating curve, 0.70 vs. 0.66, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Renal dysfunction is a significant risk factor of future adverse events in ACS patients and may improve the prognostic impact of the CHA2DS2‐VASc score.
Tripogon mahendragiriensis sp. nov. (Poaceae) from the Eastern Ghats of Odisha (Orissa) State, India
Authors: Chorghe Alok , Dey Sangita , Prasad K. , Prasanna P. V. , Rao Y. V.
Published: October 2015

Tripogon mahendragiriensis (Poaceae), a new species from Mahendragiri Hills, Eastern Ghats, Odisha (Orissa) State, India is described and illustrated. It is similar to Tripogon humilis and T. purpurascens, but differs mainly by having longer culms, leaf blades and spike, unlobed lemmas and 2 anthers which are longer. From T. purpurascens it also differs by having 3‐awned lemmas.
Dioecy does not consistently accelerate or slow lineage diversification across multiple genera of angiosperms
Authors: Sabath Niv , Goldberg Emma E. , Glick Lior , Einhorn Moshe , Ashman Tia‐Lynn , Ming Ray , Otto Sarah P. , Vamosi Jana C. , Mayrose Itay
Published: October 2015

Dioecy, the sexual system in which male and female organs are found in separate individuals, allows greater specialization for sex‐specific functions and can be advantageous under various ecological and environmental conditions. However, dioecy is rare among flowering plants. Previous studies identified contradictory trends regarding the relative diversification rates of dioecious lineages vs their nondioecious counterparts, depending on the methods and data used.

We gathered detailed species‐level data for dozens of genera that contain both dioecious and nondioecious species. We then applied a probabilistic approach that accounts for differential speciation, extinction, and transition rates between states to examine whether there is an association between dioecy and lineage diversification.

We found a bimodal distribution, whereby dioecious lineages exhibited higher diversification in certain genera but lower diversification in others. Additional analyses did not uncover an ecological or life history trait that could explain a context‐dependent effect of dioecy on diversification. Furthermore, in‐depth simulations of neutral characters demonstrated that such bimodality is also found when simulating neutral characters across the observed trees.

Our analyses suggest that – at least for these genera with the currently available data – dioecy neither consistently places a strong brake on diversification nor is a strong driver.