bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discolouration of raw and cooked coloured fleshed potatoes differing in anthocyanins and polyphenols content
Authors: Rytel Elżbieta , Nemś Agnieszka , Pęksa Anna , Kita Agnieszka , Miedzianka Joanna , Tajner‐Czopek Agnieszka , Kucharska Alicja Zofia , Sokół‐Łętowska Anna , Hamouz Karel
Published: August 2018

Despite variations in the content of polyphenols, the tested potato varieties with red and purple flesh contained similar amounts of anthocyanins. Potatoes of the red‐fleshed HBr variety were distinguished by a significant content of pelargonidin‐3‐feruloylrutinoside‐5‐glucoside, and those of the purple‐fleshed Vitelotte variety were characterised by a significant cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside content. Immediately after cutting, raw potatoes with red flesh showed a small share of yellow (b* parameter) and double the share of red (a*) as compared to purple‐fleshed tubers. A reduction in the share of red dye was observed in purple‐ and red‐fleshed potatoes except Vitelotte and Rosalinde tubers, at both 1 and 4 h after being cut. The flesh colour of cooked potatoes was characterised by low susceptibility to darkening, and purple‐fleshed tubers were more saturated by chroma than tubers of red‐fleshed varieties.
Site‐specific transgenesis of the Drosophila melanogaster Y‐chromosome using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Buchman A. , Akbari O. S.
Published: August 2018

Despite the importance of Y‐chromosomes in evolution and sex determination, their heterochromatic, repeat‐rich nature makes them difficult to sequence (due, in part, to ambiguities in sequence alignment and assembly) and to genetically manipulate. Therefore, they generally remain poorly understood. For example, the Drosophila melanogaster Y‐chromosome, one of the most extensively studied Y‐chromosomes, is widely heterochromatic and composed mainly of highly repetitive sequences, with only a handful of expressed genes scattered throughout its length. Efforts to insert transgenes on this chromosome have thus far relied on either random insertion of transposons (sometimes harbouring ‘landing sites’ for subsequent integrations) with limited success or on chromosomal translocations, thereby limiting the types of Y‐chromosome‐related questions that could be explored. Here, we describe a versatile approach to site‐specifically insert transgenes on the Y‐chromosome in D. melanogaster via CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated homology‐directed repair. We demonstrate the ability to insert, and detect expression from, fluorescently marked transgenes at two specific locations on the Y‐chromosome, and we utilize these marked Y‐chromosomes to detect and quantify rare chromosomal nondisjunction effects. Finally, we discuss how this Y‐docking technique could be adapted to other insects to aid in the development of genetic control technologies for the management of insect disease vectors and pests.
Linking information systems and entrepreneurship: A review and agenda for IT‐associated and digital entrepreneurship research
Authors: Steininger Dennis M.
Published: August 2018

More than 50 years ago, information technology (IT) began to change society, the economy, and industries worldwide. This change has included waves of technological disruption that have been exploited by entrepreneurial actors who seize the associated new opportunities. Research on related phenomena is spread across different disciplines. Recently, there have been calls for further research on the marriage of information systems (IS) and entrepreneurship. We review 292 articles in the IS, entrepreneurship, and general and strategic management literature to create an overview of the IT‐associated entrepreneurship research landscape. On the basis of that review, we elaborate on the different roles that IT can assume to support entrepreneurial operations and value creation in these settings. Our findings suggest that IT plays four major roles in entrepreneurial operations: as a facilitator, making the operations of start‐ups easier; as a mediator for new ventures' operations; as an outcome of entrepreneurial operations; and as a ubiquity, becoming the business model itself. Leveraging these roles of IT, we develop a set of definitions to clear up definition uncertainties surrounding IT‐associated new ventures such as digital start‐ups and digital business models. We also outline a research agenda for IT‐associated entrepreneurship research based on identified roles, types, and gaps.
Technostress and social networking services: Explaining users' concentration, sleep, identity, and social relation problems
Authors: Salo Markus , Pirkkalainen Henri , Koskelainen Tiina
Published: August 2018

It is common for users of social networking sites and services (SNS) to suffer from technostress and the various associated strains that hinder their well‐being. Despite prior SNS stress studies having provided valuable knowledge regarding SNS stressors and their use consequences, they have not examined the various strains related to well‐being that those stressors can create nor the underlying SNS characteristics. To address this gap in the research, we used a qualitative approach involving narrative interviews. As a contribution, our findings reveal four types of strains related to well‐being (concentration problems, sleep problems, identity problems, and social relation problems) as well as two different patterns with distinct sets of SNS stressors and SNS characteristics that generate those strains. As practical implications, the findings of this study can help technostressed users to identify their strains, understand their underlying SNS characteristics and SNS stressors, and increase the possibility that they will be able to avoid the strains in the future.
Psychological morbidity in ovarian cancer: An alternative assessment method
Authors: Pitts Sandra , Phillips Renee R. , Miltenberger Paula B. , Bennett Monica , Tucker Christy , Thomas Anna J. , Cassedy Hannah F. , Stringer Claude A.
Published: August 2018

Studies of psychological morbidity and quality of life in ovarian cancer (OC) patients have largely relied on self‐report measures despite substantial research questioning the confounding effects of denial and self‐deception in self‐report scores. This study investigated the use of the Early Memory Index (EMI) for detection of psychological distress among OC patients. Early Memory Index outcomes of 77 OC outpatients were compared with high and low distress scores on the Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression (CES‐D) and State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory Form‐Y (STAI‐S, STAI‐T). A higher percentage of participants scored as distressed on the EMI (51%) than the CES‐D (30%), STAI‐S (16%), and STAI‐T (21%). A sizable percentage (up to 48%) of low distress respondents on self‐report measures demonstrated illusory mental health on the EMI. Results support earlier research demonstrating self‐report scales’ limitation detecting psychological distress and the possibility of the EMI as an alternative screening measure of psychological adjustment in OC patients.
Crack‐tip toughness of lead‐free (1−x)(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3–xBaTiO3 piezoceramics
Authors: Vögler Malte , Fett Theo , Rödel Jürgen
Published: August 2018

Crack opening displacements were evaluated on semi‐elliptical indentation cracks in lead‐free (1−x)(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3–xBaTiO3 piezoceramics and a commercially available PZT ceramic. The observed crack‐tip toughness of NBT‐xBT was found to be substantially higher than for PZT. Two evaluations for the crack opening displacement were demonstrated and contrasted: A more elaborate three‐term‐approximation and a pragmatic utilization of the Irwin parabola.
Reactive flash sintering: MgO and α‐Al2O3 transform and sinter into single‐phase polycrystals of MgAl2O4
Authors: Yoon Bola , Yadav Devinder , Ghose Sanjit , Raj Rishi
Published: August 2018

We show that flash experiments with three phase mixed‐powders of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (8YSZ), MgO, and α‐Al2O3 not only produce polycrystals of high density, but also the transformation of magnesia and alumina into single‐phase spinel. The presence of zirconia facilitates the onset of the flash. The sintering experiments in the laboratory were extended to live experiments at the National Synchrotron Light Source II at Brookhaven National Laboratory in order to measure the time‐dependent evolution of single‐phase spinel. The phase transformation occurred in <3 seconds during Stage II. Later, during Stage III the cubic zirconia transformed partly into the monoclinic phase, which reverted back to the cubic phase when the flash was extinguished by turning off the current to the specimen. The results underpin a recent report on the synthesis of single‐phase bismuth ferrite from constituent oxides in reactive flash experiments, raising the specter of flash as a method for synthesis as well as sintering of complex oxide ceramics. The role of zirconia in catalyzing the flash in the present study is discussed.
Perceived group discrimination and psychological well‐being in ethnic minority adolescents
Authors: Stevens Gonneke W. J. M. , Thijs Jochem
Published: August 2018

Few studies have examined the relation of perceived group discrimination and psychological well‐being. Yet, there are theoretical reasons to expect such a relation, and members of ethnic minorities usually perceive higher levels of group discrimination than personal discrimination. In this research, we investigated the associations between perceived group discrimination and several indicators of psychological well‐being among 354 Moroccan‐Dutch adolescents controlling for perceived personal discrimination and testing the extent to which ethnic group identification moderated these associations. Our results showed that higher perceived group discrimination was associated with higher parent‐ and adolescent‐reported internalizing (e.g., fear, worries) and externalizing problems (e.g., anger, aggression) but not with lower personal self‐esteem. For personal self‐esteem a negative association with perceived personal discrimination was found. Moreover, for adolescents with a strong ethnic group identification, there was no relationship between perceived group discrimination and parent‐ and adolescent‐reported internalizing problems, while for those with a weak ethnic group identification, perceived group discrimination was associated with more parent‐ and adolescent‐reported internalizing problems. Conversely, perceived group discrimination was unrelated to personal self‐esteem among low identifiers, but positively related to it among high identifiers. Results indicate that minority group members can be negatively affected by discrimination, even if they do not experience it at first hand. Thus, future research on the psychological effects of discrimination should include group perceptions.
Longitudinal evaluation of periodontitis and development of cognitive decline among older adults
Authors: Nilsson Helena , Sanmartin Berglund Johan , Renvert Stefan
Published: August 2018

Aim

To determine whether having periodontitis is associated with cognitive decline among older adults.

Material and Methods

A prospective population study of older adults, Swedish National Study on Ageing and Care, (SNAC) provided repeated registrations of cognitive functions. Cognitive decline was defined as ≥3‐points deterioration from a predetermined level at baseline, using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Between 2001 and 2003, 715 individuals had a medical as well as a clinical and radiographic dental examination. The individuals were re‐examined after 6 years. Periodontitis was defined as ≥4 mm bone loss at ≥30% of tooth sites. Social variables were captured from questionnaires.

Results

The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between prevalence of periodontitis and cognitive decline after adjustments of confounding factors of importance.

Conclusions

A history of periodontitis may be of importance for cognitive functions among older adults.
Direct medical costs for patients with type 2 diabetes in 16 tertiary hospitals in urban China: A multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Xiang , Xu Zhangrong , Ji Linong , Guo Lixin , Liu Jing , Feng Kun , Xu Yushan , Zhu Dalong , Jia Weiping , Ran XinWu , Chen Limin , Zhao Shi , Shi Bingying , Zhu Jun , Shan Zhongyan , Zhou Zhiguang , Zeng Longyi , Weng Jianping ,   the cooperative group on Direct Medical Cost Investigation of Diabetes in Chinese Urban Tertiary Hospitals, Chinese Diabetes Society
Published: August 2018

Aims/Introduction

To investigate the direct medical costs for patients with type 2 diabetes in China and to examine the influencing factors.

Materials and Methods

In the present multicenter study, 1,070 patients with type 2 diabetes from 16 tertiary hospitals in 14 major cities of China were enrolled. Patient data and direct medical costs were collected during a follow‐up period of 6 months at intervals of 1 month. The log‐transformed direct medical costs were fitted by a generalized estimation equation to indicator variables for demographics, metabolic control, treatments, complications and comorbidities.

Results

Data of 871 participants were included in the analysis. The mean annual total direct medical costs and outpatient medical costs were $1,990.20 and $1,687.20 respectively. The average costs per inpatient per admission were $2,127.10. The share of out‐of‐pocket for total medical costs, outpatient costs and cost per inpatient per admission were 45.4, 46.3 and 26.0% respectively. Independent determinants of total medical costs were diabetes duration, dyslipidemia and diabetic complications, such as neuropathy and nephropathy, as well as diabetes treatment, such as the use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists. Costs showed prominent variation across centers.

Conclusions

Diabetes is imposing a growing economic burden in patients with type 2 diabetes in China. Diabetes‐related complications and comorbidities have a great impact on the medical costs. As different health policies, economic development and regional health inequalities also have an important influence on the direct medical cost, healthcare reform needs to optimize resource allocation in health service delivery systems, and provide more equitable and affordable healthcare.
Use of Home‐Based Medical Care and Disparities
Authors: Yao Nengliang (Aaron) , Ritchie Christine , Cornwell Thomas , Leff Bruce
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To examine the volume of home‐based medical care (HBMC) visits made to frail older adults between 2011 and 2014 and sex, racial, ethnic, frailty‐related comorbidity, and geographic disparities in HBMC use.

Design

Observational study using secondary data.

Setting

5% Medicare claims for 2011 to 2014.

Participants

Medicare beneficiaries.

Measurements

Usage rates of HBMC of frail Medicare beneficiaries were compared using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

From 2011 to 2014, use of HBMC increased from 8.7% to 10.1% in beneficiaries with medium comorbidity and from 14.2% to 15.7% in those with high comorbidity. After adjustment for multiple factors, blacks were 21% more likely (95% confidence interval (CI)=17–25%, p<.001) to use HBMC, and Asians were 31% less likely (95% CI=24–38%, p<.001) to use HBMC than whites. Women were 24% more likely (95% CI=21–27%, p<.001) to use HBMC than men. Rural residents were 78% less likely (95% CI=76–79%) than those in the largest metropolitan county to receive HBMC. Nurse practitioners made 40% of HBMC visits to rural residents, and internists made 32% of HBMC visits in large metropolitan counties. There were substantial geographic variations in the use of HBMC in frail older adults; the national usage rate was 11%, and 7 states had rates less than 5%.

Conclusion

Although there was a small increase in the use of HBMC between 2011 and 2014, the majority of eligible home‐limited individuals have not received medical care at home, particularly rural residents and those living in underserved states. More HBMC practices are needed, and programs may need to integrate telemedicine to expand HBMC in rural communities.
Comparative Effectiveness of 2 Interventions for Hispanic Caregivers of Persons with Dementia
Authors: Luchsinger José A. , Burgio Louis , Mittelman Mary , Dunner Ilana , Levine Jed A. , Hoyos Carolina , Tipiani Dante , Henriquez Yefrenia , Kong Jian , Silver Stephanie , Ramirez Mildred , Teresi Jeanne A.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To compare the effectiveness of 2 caregiver interventions with known efficacy: the Resources for Enhancing Caregiver Health‐Offering Useful Treatment (REACH‐OUT) and the New York University Caregiver Intervention (NYUCI).

Design

1:1 randomized pragmatic trial.

Setting

New York City.

Participants

Informal Hispanic caregivers of persons with dementia (N=221; mean age 58.2, 82.8% female, 63.3% adult children, 31.7% spouses).

Intervention

Participants were randomized to 6 months of NYUCI (n=110) or REACH‐OUT (n=111), balanced on characteristics at baseline. All participants were referred for social supportive services.

Measurements

The primary outcomes were changes between baseline and 6 months in depressive symptoms, measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and caregiver burden, measured using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS).

Results

There were no differences in outcomes between NYUCI and REACH‐OUT. Both interventions showed a reduction in burden (REACH‐OUT: 5.2 points, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.2–8.1, p<.001; NYUCI: 4.6‐points, 95% CI=1.7–7.5, p=.002). There were no significant changes on the GDS. Effects for the ZCBS were significant only for spouses and older caregivers.

Conclusion

Although there were no significant intervention group differences, both interventions resulted in significantly reduced burden for Hispanic caregivers at 6 months, particularly for spouses and older caregivers.
Effect of oropharyngeal colostrum therapy in the prevention of necrotising enterocolitis among very low birthweight neonates: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Garg B. D. , Balasubramanian H. , Kabra N. S. , Bansal A.
Published: August 2018

Background

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most common life‐threatening emergencies of the gastrointestinal tract in preterm neonates. The present study aimed to determine the efficacy of oropharyngeal colostrum with respect to reducing NEC in preterm neonates.

Methods

A literature search was conducted for various randomised control trials by searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMBASE and ongoing clinical trials. Randomised or quasi‐randomised trials comparing oropharyngeal colostrum versus placebo in neonates (birthweight ≤ 1500 g or gestational age ≤ 32 weeks) were included in the review. The methodological quality of each trial was independently reviewed by the authors. For categorical and continuous variables, typical estimates for relative risk and typical estimates for weighted mean difference were calculated, respectively. A random effect model was assumed for meta‐analysis.

Results

In total, four eligible trials were included in the review. Oropharyngeal colostrum therapy was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of NEC stage ≥2 [typical relative risk (RR) = 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.27–1.49], mortality from any cause (typical RR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.15–4.80) and time to reach full feed [typical weighted mean difference (WMD) = −3.26; 95% CI = −8.87 to 2.35]. Duration of hospital stay was significantly less in the control group (typical WMD = 9.77; 95% CI = 3.96–15.59).

Conclusions

The current evidence is insufficient for recommending oropharyngeal colostrum as a routine clinical practice in the prevention of NEC. We emphasise the need for large randomised controlled trials with an adequate sample size and validated clinical outcomes in preterm neonates.
Introducing a novel model: The special theory of relativity for attractiveness to define a natural and pleasing outcome following cosmetic treatments
Authors: Dayan Steven , Romero Diana H.
Published: August 2018

A meteoric expansion in esthetic medicine followed the introduction of nonsurgical cosmetic neuromodulators and fillers in the early 2000s, which has been recently declining. The initial inertia has likely been tempered by the cosmetically interested patient's fear of appearing unnatural. Defining a natural outcome is a mission essential to the advancement of esthetic medicine; however, achieving a natural result following cosmetic intervention is a misnomer and a logically flawed endeavor that cannot exist. The ever elusive “natural” that is loudly desired by the populous, and ardently pursued by both industry and physicians, can only be an interpreted deduction. To better define a natural outcome, a novel model based on the theory of relativity is suggested. Attractiveness consists of a 3‐dimensional area defined by beauty, genuineness, and self‐esteem. When all three variables are at a maximum, a desirable attractive appearance is achieved that can be interpreted as “natural.” Similar to the time‐space dilemma, attractiveness is relative, dynamic, and highly dependent on the position of the projector and the interpreter. The 3D cube of attractiveness is therefore contained within a 4th dimension that takes into account the perspective of the judger. It is hoped that by realizing a new theory of what defines a natural outcome, esthetic medicine will be prepared to meet the needs of future generations.
Motor blocks and operative deliveries with ropivacaine and fentanyl for labor epidural analgesia: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Yang , Qin Qing‐Rong , Hui Liang‐Tu
Published: August 2018

Aim

Aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of motor blocks, instrumental deliveries and cesarean deliveries with ropivacaine and fentanyl in epidural analgesia for labor and to identify factors affecting the outcomes.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for original research papers by using appropriate medical subject heading terms and keywords. Effect sizes of individual studies were pooled under random effects model to obtain weighted overall effect size/s. Metaregression analyses were performed to evaluate the factors affecting motor block and cesarean delivery incidences.

Results

Thirty studies (2851 women; age 27.42 years [95% CI 26.56, 28.26]) were included. Concentrations of drugs (weighted average) were: 0.095% [0.08, 0.11] ropivacaine and 0.000215% [0.00018, 0.00025] fentanyl. Overall, incidences of motor blocks, instrumental deliveries and cesarean deliveries were 14.36% [13.47, 15.26]; 25.55% [22.38, 28.71] and 12.45% [11.17, 13.73], respectively. Maternal age was significantly positively associated with motor blocks as well as cesarean deliveries. Second stage of labor duration was also positively associated with motor block and instrumental delivery incidences. Cervical diameter at trial entry was significantly negatively associated with cesarean deliveries. Fentanyl concentration as well as total usage were associated negatively with instrumental delivery but positively with cesarean delivery incidence.

Conclusion

Epidural analgesia for labor with ropivacaine and fentanyl is associated with the incidence of approximately 14% motor blocks, 25% instrumental deliveries and 12% cesarean deliveries. Age, duration of the second stage of labor, cervical dilatation at initiation of neuraxial analgesia and dose of fentanyl may affect obstetric outcome.
A novel totally biodegradable device for effective atrial septal defect closure: A 2‐year study in sheep
Authors: Lu Wenxin , Ouyang Wenbin , Wang Shouzheng , Liu Yao , Zhang Fengwen , Wang Weiwei , Pan Xiangbin
Published: August 2018

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a fully biodegradable poly lactic acid (PLA)‐based occluder for atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in an animal model.

Methods

ASDs, approximately 12‐mm in diameter, were generated in sheep (n = 18) by needle puncture and balloon dilatation. For ASD closure, occluders were implanted by percutaneous transcatheter approach under echocardiographic guidance. Outcomes were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography, electrocardiography, blood testing, and histology within the follow‐up period ranging from 1 month to 2 years.

Results

All occluders were successfully implanted. During follow‐up, no animal died; rectal temperatures, blood test results, and electrocardiograms were within normal ranges; and transthoracic echocardiograms, macroscopic studies, and histopathological and electron microscopic examination demonstrated that the occluders were well positioned, with no shifting, residual shunts, severe inflammation, thrombus formation, atrioventricular valve insufficiency, cardiac erosion or arrhythmias. The occluders gradually embedded into the endocardial tissue of the hosts with complete endothelialization and disk absorption at 12 months, and a distinct molecular weight decrease of the framework (to 9% of initial) at 24 months after implantation.

Conclusions

In a sheep model, the use of totally biodegradable occluders appears feasible, efficacious and safe for ASD closure. Studies in humans are ongoing.
Immediate loading at single crowns and 2‐unit bridges supported by implants installed in a healed alveolar bony ridge or immediately after tooth extraction. An experimental study in dogs
Authors: Viganò Paolo , Lang Niklaus P. , Cesaretti Gianfranco , Bengazi Franco , Omori Yuki , Botticelli Daniele
Published: August 2018

To evaluate presumptive differences in osseointegration at implants installed in healed sites or extraction sockets, supporting either crowns or bridges that were functionally loaded or left unloaded. In six dogs, the mesial roots of the first mandibular molars were treated endodontically. Bilaterally, the teeth were hemisected, and the distal roots extracted. First and second mandibular premolars were extracted as well. After 3 months, the mandibular third and fourth distal roots were extracted after endodontic treatment of the mesial roots. Four implants were installed bilaterally, two in the healed sites corresponding to the second premolar and first molar regions, and two into the extraction sockets. Cobalt‐chrome single crowns were prepared and installed in the two most anterior implants, and bridges at the two most posterior implants, bilaterally. A 3‐unit bridge was applied to the premolars in the upper jaw only at the loaded sites. All prostheses had a flat occlusal surface and contacts in centric occlusion only at the loaded sites. Three months later, biopsies were retrieved for histological analysis. Higher levels of osseointegration and bone density were observed at the unloaded sites, both at implants installed in healed and post‐extraction sites. However, only at implants installed in the post‐extraction sites and supporting single crowns, the difference in bone‐to‐Implant contact was statistically significant. In implant installation immediately following extraction or delayed after three months, osseointegration and bone density were not affected by occlusal contact schemes.
Insurance Covenants in Corporate Credit Agreements
Authors: Nini Greg
Published: August 2018

In a large sample of private credit agreements of publicly traded firms, nearly all agreements contain at least a boilerplate provision requiring the borrower to purchase insurance. In about 80 percent of the agreements, the insurance covenant is more explicit. Four additional features of the insurance covenant are quite common: requirements of coverage for specific risks, naming the lender as a loss payee, mandating that any insurance proceeds be used to repay the loan, and explicit permission for the borrower to self‐insure. Credit agreements contain more stringent insurance requirements for borrowers that pose higher credit risk. The insurance requirements are strongly positively correlated with the loan being secured by collateral, which suggests that insurance creates value by protecting lenders from unexpected changes in seniority that might happen following the destruction of collateral. Insurance covenants are an important ingredient of credit agreements designed to create a very safe claim for senior, secured lenders.
Insurance Fraud in a Rothschild–Stiglitz World
Authors: Martin Boyer M. , Peter Richard
Published: August 2018

In this article, we model a competitive insurance market where policyholders privately have information about their probability of accident ex ante and know the state of the world ex post. We combine costly state verification without commitment and arguments from insurance contracting under adverse selection to characterize the resulting allocations. Insurance fraud convexifies the insurer's zero expected profit condition, which can lead to complete unraveling with low risks dropping out of the market. The standard case, however, involves rationing of low risks, which raises their probability of fraud and their success rate when committing it. As a result, adverse selection increases fraud in the economy. We also show that cross‐subsidization from low risks to high risks mitigates the fraud externality. Our results highlight that adverse selection and insurance fraud interact in nontrivial ways and have the potential to aggravate each other.
The determination of public tuition fees in a mixed education system: A majority voting model
Authors: Lasram Hejer , Laussel Didier
Published: August 2018

We study the determination of public tuition fees through majority voting in a vertical differentiation model where agents' returns on educational investment differ and public and private universities coexist and compete in tuition fees. The private university offers higher educational quality than its competitor, incurring higher unit cost per trained student. The tuition fee for the state university is fixed by majority voting while that for the private follows from profit maximization. Then agents choose to train at the public university or the private one or to remain uneducated. The tax per head adjusts in order to balance the state budget. Because there is a private alternative, preferences for education are not single‐peaked and no single‐crossing condition holds. An equilibrium is shown to exist, which is one of three types: high tuition fee (the “ends” are a majority), low tuition fee (the “middle” is a majority), or mixed (votes tie). The cost structure determines which equilibrium obtains. The equilibrium tuition is either greater (majority at the ends) or smaller (majority at the middle) than the optimal one.
Influences of salinity on the physiology and distribution of the Arctic coralline algae, Lithothamnion glaciale (Corallinales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Schoenrock Kathryn M. , Bacquet Marion , Pearce Danni , Rea Brice R. , Schofield J. Edward , Lea James , Mair Doug , Kamenos Nicholas
Published: August 2018

In Greenland, free‐living red coralline algae contribute to and dominate marine habitats along the coastline. Lithothamnion glaciale dominates coralline algae beds in many regions of the Arctic, but never in Godthåbsfjord, Greenland, where Clathromorphum sp. is dominant. To investigate environmental impacts on coralline algae distribution, calcification and primary productivity were measured in situ during summers of 2015 and 2016, and annual patterns of productivity in L. glaciale were monitored in laboratory‐based mesocosm experiments where temperature and salinity were manipulated to mimic high glacial melt. The results of field and cold‐room measurements indicate that both L. glaciale and Clathromorphum sp. had low calcification and photosynthetic rates during the Greenland summer (2015 and 2016), with maximum of 1.225 ± 0.17 or 0.002 ± 0.023 μmol CaCO3 · g−1 · h−1 and −0.007 ±0.003 or −0.004 ± 0.001 mg O2 · L−1 · h−1 in each species respectively. Mesocosm experiments indicate L. glaciale is a seasonal responder; photosynthetic and calcification rates increase with annual light cycles. Furthermore, metabolic processes in L. glaciale were negatively influenced by low salinity; positive growth rates only occurred in marine treatments where individuals accumulated an average of 1.85 ± 1.73 mg · d−1 of biomass through summer. These results indicate high freshwater input to the Godthåbsfjord region may drive the low abundance of L. glaciale, and could decrease species distribution as climate change increases freshwater input to the Arctic marine system via enhanced ice sheet runoff and glacier calving.
Spirituality: What Does it Mean and to Whom?
Authors: Steensland Brian , Wang Xiaoyun , Schmidt Lauren Chism
Published: August 2018

While there is increasing interest in the topic of spirituality, scholars have limited data on its meaning among ordinary Americans. Based on an open‐ended question in a new nationally representative survey, this article documents the elements that make up people's views of spirituality. We find that theism is the dominant focus of American spirituality, with a relatively small percentage of people offering exclusively immanent descriptions. Cognitive and relational orientations are more prominent than behavioral or ethical orientations. Using latent class analysis, we identify seven distinctive views of spirituality that vary considerably in their prevalence and social profiles. Binary logit regression shows that spiritual self‐identification, belief in God, and worship attendance are the religious factors most strongly associated with views of spirituality. Among sociodemographic predictors, significant associations with gender, race, education, and income are limited or absent. In contrast, the influences of age and political ideology are more substantial.
Gall bladder mucoceles in Border terriers
Authors: Allerton F. , Swinbourne F. , Barker L. , Black V. , Kathrani A. , Tivers M. , Henriques T. , Kisielewicz C. , Dunning M. , Kent A.
Published: August 2018

Background

Gall bladder mucoceles (GBM) are a leading cause of biliary disease in dogs with several breeds, including the Shetland Sheepdog, American Cocker Spaniel, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Miniature Schnauzer apparently predisposed.

Objective

To determine risk factors, clinical features, and response to treatment of GBM in Border terriers (BT).

Animals

Medical records of 99 dogs (including 51 BT) with an ultrasonographic (±histopathologic) diagnosis of GBM from three referral centers in the United Kingdom were collected. A control group of 87 similar‐aged BT with no ultrasonographic evidence of gall bladder disease was selected for comparison.

Method

Retrospective case‐control study. Odds ratios were calculated to establish breed predisposition. Signalment, presence of endocrine disease, clinicopathologic results, and outcome were compared between the BT, other breeds, and control BTs.

Results

The odds of identifying a GBM in a BT in this hospital population was 85 times that of all other breeds (95% confidence interval 56.9‐126.8). BT had similar clinical signs and clinicopathologic changes to other breeds with GBM. There was no evidence that endocrinopathies were associated with GBM in BT.

Clinical Significance

A robust breed predisposition to GBM is established for the BT.
Relationship of the mucosal microbiota to gastrointestinal inflammation and small cell intestinal lymphoma in cats
Authors: Garraway Kayode , Johannes Chad M. , Bryan Angela , Peauroi John , Rossi Giacomo , Zhang Min , Wang Chong , Allenspach Karin , Jergens Albert E.
Published: August 2018

Background

The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota in healthy cats is altered in IBD. Little research has been performed to identify whether specific bacterial groups are associated with small cell GI lymphoma (LSA).

Hypothesis

Mucosal bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae and Fusobacterium spp., are abundant in intestinal biopsies of cats with small cell GI LSA compared to cats with IBD.

Animals

Fourteen cats with IBD and 14 cats with small cell GI LSA.

Methods

Retrospective case control study. A search of the medical records was performed to identify cats diagnosed with IBD and with GI LSA. Bacterial groups identified by FISH in GI biopsies were compared between cohorts and correlated to CD11b+ and NF‐κB expression.

Results

Fusobacterium spp. (median; IQR bacteria/region) were higher in cats with small cell GI LSA in ileal (527; 455.5 – 661.5; P = .046) and colonic (404.5; 328.8 – 455.5; P = .016) adherent mucus, and combined colonic compartments (free mucus, adherent mucus, attaching to epithelium) (8; 0 – 336; P = .017) compared to cats with IBD (ileum: 67; 31.5 – 259; colon: 142.5; 82.3 – 434.5; combined: 3; 0 – 34). Bacteroides spp. were higher in ileal adherent mucus (P = .036) and 3 combined ileal compartments (P = .034) of cats with small cell GI LSA. There were significant correlations between Fusobacterium spp. totals and CD11b+ cell (P = .009; rs .476) and NF‐κB expression (P = .004; rs .523).

Conclusions

The bacterial alterations appreciated might be influential in development of small cell GI LSA, and should drive further studies to elucidate the effects of microbial‐mediated inflammation on GI cancer progression.
The pharmacokinetics of orally administered butylscopolamine in greyhound dogs
Authors: Morris Tim , Paine Stuart W. , Viljanto Marjaana , Hudson Simon , Gower Simon , Pittorino Melissa , Colgan Sally
Published: August 2018

The oral tablet formulation of butylscopolamine, which is available without prescription, is commonly used by trainers of racing greyhounds to treat functional urethral obstruction. As medication control of butylscopolamine is therefore required for such use to ensure the integrity of greyhound racing, an administration study was performed in six greyhounds to determine the pharmacokinetics of orally administered butylscopolamine. A single dose of one 10 mg butylscopolamine tablet was administered orally to simulate this use in greyhound racing. Blood, urine and faeces were collected at regular intervals from the greyhounds for up to 9 days and butylscopolamine concentrations determined. There was some, but very limited, absorption of butylscopolamine, with rapid elimination from plasma with a mean half‐life of 2 hr. Urine concentrations initially declined in a similar manner to the plasma pharmacokinetics but then entered a much longer half‐life of approximately 50 hr. Faecal concentrations declined to very low levels between 48 and 120 hr. The use of orally administered butylscopolamine for functional urethral obstruction in greyhounds is unjustified due to this very limited drug absorption. Medication control of butylscopolamine's antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract is possible by setting screening limits based on the urinary and faecal drug levels as determined in this study.
Static hedging and pricing of exotic options with payoff frames
Authors: Kirkby Justin Lars , Deng Shijie
Published: August 2018

We develop a general framework for statically hedging and pricing European‐style options with nonstandard terminal payoffs, which can be applied to mixed static–dynamic and semistatic hedges for many path‐dependent exotic options including variance swaps and barrier options. The goal is achieved by separating the hedging and pricing problems to obtain replicating strategies. Once prices have been obtained for a set of basis payoffs, the pricing and hedging of financial securities with arbitrary payoff functions is accomplished by computing a set of “hedge coefficients” for that security. This method is particularly well suited for pricing baskets of options simultaneously, and is robust to discontinuities of payoffs. In addition, the method enables a systematic comparison of the value of a payoff (or portfolio) across a set of competing model specifications with implications for security design.
On the path to extinction: Inbreeding and admixture in a declining grey wolf population
Authors: Gómez‐Sánchez Daniel , Olalde Iñigo , Sastre Natalia , Enseñat Conrad , Carrasco Rafael , Marques‐Bonet Tomas , Lalueza‐Fox Carles , Leonard Jennifer A. , Vilà Carles , Ramírez Oscar
Published: August 2018

Allee effects reduce the viability of small populations in many different ways, which act synergistically to lead populations towards extinction vortexes. The Sierra Morena wolf population, isolated in the south of the Iberian Peninsula and composed of just one or few packs for decades, represents a good example of how diverse threats act additively in very small populations. We sequenced the genome of one of the last wolves identified (and road‐killed) in Sierra Morena and that of another wolf in the Iberian Wolf Captive Breeding Program and compared them with other wolf and dog genomes from around the world (including two previously published genome sequences from northern Iberian wolves). The results showed relatively low overall genetic diversity in Iberian wolves, but diverse population histories including past introgression of dog genes. The Sierra Morena wolf had an extraordinarily high level of inbreeding and long runs of homozygosity, resulting from the long isolation. In addition, about one‐third of the genome was of dog origin. Despite the introgression of dog genes, heterozygosity remained low because of continued inbreeding after several hybridization events. The results thus illustrate the case of a small and isolated wolf population where the low population density may have favoured hybridization and introgression of dog alleles, but continued inbreeding may have resulted in large chromosomal fragments of wolf origin completely disappearing from the population, and being replaced by chromosomal fragments of dog origin. The latest population surveys suggest that this population may have gone extinct.
Haemoplasmas in wild rodents: Routes of transmission and infection dynamics
Authors: Cohen Carmit , Shemesh Merav , Garrido Mario , Messika Irit , Einav Monica , Khokhlova Irina , Tasker Séverine , Hawlena Hadas
Published: August 2018

The way that some parasites and pathogens persist in the hostile environment of their host for long periods remains to be resolved. Here, longitudinal field surveys were combined with laboratory experiments to investigate the routes of transmission and infection dynamics of such a pathogen—a wild rodent haemotropic bacterium, specifically a Mycoplasma haemomuris‐like bacterium. Fleaborne transmission, direct rodent‐to‐rodent transmission and vertical transmission from fleas or rodents to their offspring were experimentally quantified, and indications were found that the main route of bacterial transmission is direct, although its rate of successful transmission is low (~20%). The bacterium's temporal dynamics was then compared in the field to that observed under a controlled infection experiment in field‐infected and laboratory‐infected rodents, and indications were found, under all conditions, that the bacterium reached its peak infection level after 25–45 days and then decreased to low bacterial loads, which persist for the rodent's lifetime. These findings suggest that the bacterium relies on persistency with low bacterial loads for long‐term coexistence with its rodent host, having both conceptual and applied implications.
Seasonally varying marine influences on the coastal ecosystem detected through molecular gut analysis
Authors: Verschut Vasiliki , Strandmark Alma , Esparza‐Salas Rodrigo , Hambäck Peter A.
Published: August 2018

Terrestrial predators on marine shores benefit from the inflow of organisms and matter from the marine ecosystem, often causing very high predator densities and indirectly affecting the abundance of other prey species on shores. This indirect effect may be particularly strong if predators shift diets between seasons. We therefore quantified the seasonal variation in diet of two wolf spider species that dominate the shoreline predator community, using molecular gut content analyses with general primers to detect the full prey range. Across the season, spider diets changed, with predominantly terrestrial prey from May until July and predominantly marine prey (mainly chironomids) from August until October. This pattern coincided with a change in the spider age and size structure, and prey abundance data and resource selection analyses suggest that the higher consumption of chironomids during autumn is due to an ontogenetic diet shift rather than to variation in prey abundance. The analyses suggested that small dipterans with a weak flight capacity, such as Chironomidae, Sphaeroceridae, Scatopsidae and Ephydridae, were overrepresented in the gut of small juvenile spiders during autumn, whereas larger, more robust prey, such as Lepidoptera, Anthomyidae and Dolichopodidae, were overrepresented in the diet of adult spiders during spring. The effect of the inflow may be that the survival and growth of juvenile spiders is higher in areas with high chironomid abundances, leading to higher densities of adult spiders and higher predation rates on the terrestrial prey next spring.
Reconstruction of female heterogamety from admixture of XX‐XY and ZZ‐ZW sex‐chromosome systems within a frog species
Authors: Ogata Mitsuaki , Lambert Max , Ezaz Tariq , Miura Ikuo
Published: August 2018

Sex‐determining mechanisms change repeatedly throughout evolution, and it is difficult to track this continual process. The Japanese soil‐frog Glandirana rugosa is a remarkable evolutionary witness to the ongoing process of the evolution of sex‐determining modes. The two geographic groups, designated XY and Neo‐ZW, have homologous sex chromosomes, yet display opposite types of sex chromosomes, XX‐XY and ZZ‐ZW, respectively. These two groups are sympatric at the edges of their respective ranges in Central Japan. In this study, we discovered molecular evidence that the eastern part of the Neo‐ZW group (Neo‐ZW2 subgroup), which is found near the sympatric area, shares mitochondrial haplotypes with the XY group. By analysing single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci, we have also discovered that the representative nuclear genome of the Neo‐ZW2 subgroup shares allele clusters with both the XY group and another part of the Neo‐ZW group (Neo‐ZW1 subgroup), indicating a hybrid origin of the Neo‐ZW2. Further analysis of sex‐linked SNP loci revealed that the alleles on the W chromosomes of the Neo‐ZW2 were derived mostly from X chromosomes, while alleles on the Z chromosomes originated from the Z chromosomes of the Neo‐ZW1 subgroup and partly from the Y chromosomes of the XY group. Our study revealed that admixture of the two opposite sex‐chromosome systems reconstructed a female heterogametic system by recycling the X chromosomes into new W chromosomes. This work offers an illustrative example of how de novo sex‐chromosome systems can arise by recycling material from ancestral sex chromosomes.
A two‐way road: novel roles for fungal extracellular vesicles
Authors: Rodrigues Marcio L. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: August 2018

The biological functions of fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) or exosomes have been mostly determined on the basis of the assumption that they are vehicles of trans‐cell wall transport and molecular export. The possibility that fungal cells can bind to and internalize EVs remained largely unaddressed. Recent studies, however, demonstrated that fungal cells can internalize host‐derived and/or fungal EVs through processes that profoundly modify their regular physiology. To illustrate this novel view, we discuss (i) the uptake of plant EVs by phytopathogenic fungi culminating in growth defects and virulence attenuation, (ii) the influence of EV internalization in prion transmission and biofilm formation in yeast cells, and (iii) the EV‐mediated transfer of virulence in isolates of Cryptococcus gattii. These recent observations indicate that the functions exerted by EVs in fungal cells result from previously unknown mechanisms of bidirectional transport, opening new venues for the investigation of how EVs impact fungal physiology.