bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of T-DNA architecture for Cas9-mediated mutagenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Castel Baptiste , Tomlinson Laurence , Locci Federica , Yang Ying , Jones Jonathan D G
Published: September 2018

Bacterial CRISPR systems have been widely adopted to create operator-specified site-specific nucleases. Such nuclease action commonly results in loss-of-function alleles, facilitating functional analysis of genes and gene families We conducted a systematic comparison of components and T-DNA architectures for CRISPR-mediated gene editing in Arabidopsis, testing multiple promoters, terminators, sgRNA backbones and Cas9 alleles. We identified a T-DNA architecture that usually results in stable (i.e. homozygous) mutations in the first generation after transformation. Notably, the transcription of sgRNA and Cas9 in head-to-head divergent orientation usually resulted in highly active lines. Our Arabidopsis data may prove useful for optimization of CRISPR methods in other plants.
Distribution of duck-origin parvovirus over time in Cherry Valley ducks in vivo and histopathological investigation
Authors: Chen Bing , Luo Qihui , Xu Jing , Huang Chao , Liu Wentao , Cheng An-chun , Chen Zhengli
Published: September 2018

In 2015, we successfully isolated a strain of duck-origin parvovirus from Cherry Valley ducks, which we named QH-L01. In this study, duck-origin parvovirus in Cherry Valley ducks was quantified and localized by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and pathological damage to the tissues and organs was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE staining). qPCR showed that the viral load was higher in the spleen, brain, lung, cecum, ileum, and duodenum over time. The results from IHC experiments showed positive reactions in hepatocytes, epithelium of the lung atrium, myocardial cells, goblet cells of the intestine, and brain cells. Primary histological examination revealed pulmonary lobule depletion and dilation in the lung as well as necrosis and erosion of the villus tips in the duodenum, ileum and cecum. This study is the first demonstration that duck-origin parvovirus can be transmitted from the spleen to the brain and lung, resulting in proliferation and dissemination of the virus to the cecum, ileum, duodenum and other tissues through the blood. The lung, duodenum, ileum and cecum may thus represent the main target tissues and organs for duck-origin parvovirus.
Quality cost of material procurement in construction projects
Authors: Sawan Rema , Low Jwen Fai , Schiffauerova Andrea
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Material procurement constitutes a large share of the overall cost of construction projects. Understanding the factors influencing the cost of quality (COQ) in the procurement process could help identify opportunities for lowering quality cost without compromising quality. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a COQ model for the construction material procurement process is developed using the traditional prevention–appraisal–failure (PAF) approach. Using data from a $4bn aluminum smelter construction project, the authors conducted a simulation of the COQ model to evaluate various quality assurance policies.

Findings

This paper confirms that raising the prevention cost leads to a drop in failure cost as well as COQ for the project studied. While the authors are unable to provide blanket recommendations as the results are derived from a single project case study, it does suggest that construction material procurement processes would benefit from a higher prevention expenditure. And for certain cases where the authors observe a deviation from the traditional Juran’s model of COQ – the high appraisal cost in the procurement process – reduction of appraisal expenditure may in fact be more beneficial than its increase.

Originality/value

The research results suggest that appraisal expenditure should be tailored to each purchase order in order to maximize the total benefits. Additionally, this paper presents the first COQ model developed for the construction material procurement process. Another unique feature of the model is its inclusion of supplier-side costs, which are excluded in the conventional COQ analysis.
Socio-economic disparity in the occurrence of disability among older adults in six low and middle income countries
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Hifz Ur , Singh Ashish
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Nearly 200m people in the world experience considerable functioning difficulties. Also, more than three-fourth of the population aged 50 years and over is suffering from some kind of disability in India, China, Ghana, Russia, Mexico and South Africa. Despite the compelling nature of this issue, evidence on socioeconomic disparity in the occurrence of disability is lacking throughout the world and particularly in the aforementioned countries. The purpose of this paper is twofold – first, to examine the socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of disability in the selected countries; and second, to investigate the cross-country differentials in the prevalence of disability by socioeconomic characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) conducted in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa during 2007–2010. Disability scores have been constructed using Item Response Theory Partial Credit Model based on eight health and functioning domains. Bivariate analysis, concentration curves, concentration indices and multivariate regressions have been used in the analysis presented in this paper.

Findings

The authors find that the prevalence of disability varied considerably across sociodemographic groups. Moreover, this variation is not uniform across all countries. Also, age, Sex, work status, years of schooling and economic status emerged out as significant predictors of disability among the studied countries.

Originality/value

This is perhaps the first study which examines the socioeconomic inequality in disability conceptualized in a comprehensive manner among older adults spread across low to upper middle income countries. The alarming level of prevalence of disability among sociodemographic disadvantage groups calls for immediate attention in terms of detailed study of risk factors, effective policy and timely intervention.
Decision modeling of risks in pharmaceutical supply chains
Authors: Moktadir Md. Abdul , Ali Syed Mithun , Mangla Sachin Kumar , Sharmy Tasnim Ahmed , Luthra Sunil , Mishra Nishikant , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Managing risks is becoming a highly focused activity in the health service sector. In particular, due to the complex nature of processes in the pharmaceutical industry, several risks have been associated to its supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the risks occurring in the supply chains of the pharmaceutical industry and propose a decision model, based on the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, for evaluating risks in pharmaceutical supply chains (PSCs).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model was developed based on the Delphi method and AHP techniques. The Delphi method helped to select the relevant risks associated to PSCs. A total of 16 sub risks within four main risks were identified through an extensive review of the literature and by conducting a further investigation with experts from five pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh. AHP contributed to the analysis of the risks and determination of their priorities.

Findings

The results of the study indicated that supply-related risks such as fluctuation in imports arrival, lack of information sharing, key supplier failure and non-availability of materials should be prioritized over operational, financial and demand-related risks.

Originality/value

This work is one of the initial contributions in the literature that focused on identifying and evaluating PSC risks in the context of Bangladesh. This research work can assist practitioners and industrial managers in the pharmaceutical industry in taking proactive action to minimize its supply chain risks. To the end, the authors performed a sensitivity analysis test, which gives an understanding of the stability of ranking of risks.
Mediating effect of intrinsic motivation on the relationship between Islamic work ethic, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment in banking sector
Authors: Gheitani Alborz , Imani Saheb , Seyyedamiri Nader , Foroudi Pantea
Published: September 2018

Purpose

In line with the general purpose mentioned, this paper aims to determine the impact of the Islamic work ethic (IWE) on job satisfaction and organizational commitment among the employees of Bank Maskan by examining the mediating role of intrinsic motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of data obtained from 220 questionnaires related to research variables with AMOS software shows a positive and significant relationship between IWE and job satisfaction and organizational commitment with the mediating role of intrinsic motivation.

Findings

The findings revealed a direct effect of IWE on job satisfaction, but there was no direct significant relationship between this variable and organizational commitment. Also, intrinsic motivation plays a partial and completely mediatory role in the relationship between IWE and job satisfaction and between IWE and organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The impact of participation in strategic planning on managers’ creation of budgetary slack: The mediating role of autonomous motivation and affective organizational commitment.

Originality/value

As the nature of bank employees’ work is such that it confronts them with numerous ethical choices, the adherence to ethical standards, particularly IWE, can greatly affect their enthusiasm and, as a result, their satisfaction and organizational commitment.
Modelling the barriers to online banking in the Indian scenario: an ISM approach
Authors: Katiyar Rajesh , Badola Sneha
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Online banking, a phenomenon widely adopted and appreciated in developing and developed countries, is becoming an essential part of the lives of people from all walks of life, but there exist a good fraction of customers resisting these services. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify the barriers generating resistance to online banking. The special focus of the paper is to explore resistance among bank customers who already have valid contracts for online banking but still prefer to approach the traditional branches for transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objective, interpretive structural modelling (ISM) with cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) approach is used to investigate the interrelationships among the barriers to online banking.

Findings

Online banking, although proven to be a glorious innovation, has still not been adopted by all, and hence, has not met all the expectations of banks and banking sector. The outcome shows that the online illiteracy and online unawareness are the most important barriers and these two are working as the root cause and demand strong attention on part of the banking sector which is working towards the inclusion of customers to online banking. These findings may help the Indian banking sector in identifying the crucial points that affect online banking system in India the most.

Originality/value

This research explored the interactions among the barriers to online banking in the Indian scenario and revealed significant results through the ISM-based technique.
Business model innovation and value-creation: the triadic way
Authors: Andreassen Tor Wallin , Lervik-Olsen Line , Snyder Hannah , Van Riel Allard C.R. , Sweeney Jillian C. , Van Vaerenbergh Yves
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Building on the multi-divisional business model (M-model), the purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding of triadic business models – T-models – and how they create value for their three categories of stakeholders, i.e., the suppliers, the platform firm and the buyers. The research question that guides the present study is twofold: How is value created individually and collectively in triadic business models and what might challenge their sustainability?

Design/methodology/approach

Anchored in extant literature and a process of conceptual modeling with empirical examples from Uber, a new business model archetype was developed for two-sided markets mediated by a middleman.

Findings

The paper provides a theoretically and conceptually derived roadmap for sustainable business in a triadic business model, i.e., for the buyers, sellers and the platform firm. This model is coined the T-model. A number of propositions are derived that argue the relationship between key constructs. Finally, the future beyond the T-model is explored.

Research limitations/implications

The paper identifies, illustrates and discusses the ways in which value is created in sustainable T-models. First, value is created from a number of sources, not only from lower transaction costs. Second, it is proposed that it is not about a choice of either M-model or T-model but rather a continuum. Toward 2050, technology in general and Blockchain specifically may for some transactions or services, eliminate the need for middlemen. The main conclusion is that despite this development, there will, for most organizations, be elements of the M-model in all or most T-model businesses. In short: middlemen will have elements of the M-model embedded in the T-model when co creating value with buyers and sellers.

Originality/value

While two-sided T-models are not new to the business area, surprisingly no papers have systematically investigated, illustrated, and discussed how value is created among and between the three stakeholder categories of the T-model. With this insight, more sustainable T-models can be created.
Mindfulness‐based stress reduction for menopausal symptoms after risk‐reducing salpingo‐oophorectomy (PURSUE study): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: van Driel CMG , de Bock GH , Schroevers MJ , Mourits MJ
Published: September 2018

Objective

To assess the short‐ and long‐term effects of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) on the resulting quality of life, sexual functioning, and sexual distress after risk‐reducing salpingo‐oophorectomy (RRSO).

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

A specialised family cancer clinic of the university medical center Groningen.

Population

Sixty‐six women carriers of the BRCA1/2 mutation who developed at least two moderate‐to‐severe menopausal symptoms after RRSO.

Methods

Women were randomised to an 8‐week MBSR training programme or to care as usual (CAU).

Main outcome measures

Change in the Menopause‐Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Female Sexual Distress Scale, administered from baseline at 3, 6, and 12 months. Linear mixed modelling was applied to compare the effect of MBSR with CAU over time.

Results

At 3 and 12 months, there were statistically significant improvements in the MENQOL for the MBSR group compared with the CAU group (both P = 0.04). At 3 months, the mean MENQOL scores were 3.5 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI 3.0–3.9) and 3.8 (95% CI 3.3–4.2) for the MBSR and CAU groups, respectively; at 12 months, the corresponding values were 3.6 (95% CI 3.1–4.0) and 3.9 (95% CI 3.5–4.4). No significant differences were found between the MBSR and CAU groups in the other scores.

Conclusion

Mindfulness‐based stress reduction was effective at improving quality of life in the short‐ and long‐term for patients with menopausal symptoms after RRSO; however, it was not associated with an improvement in sexual functioning or distress.

Tweetable abstract

Mindfulness improves menopause‐related quality of life in women after risk‐reducing salpingo‐oophorectomy.
Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC06 Activity Prevents Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Colitis by Regulating the IL‐8 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yi Ruokun , Qian Yu , Sun Peng , Zhao Xin , Yang Zhennai
Published: September 2018

Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC06 (LP‐CQPC06) is a newly discovered lactic acid bacterial strain. Here, the beneficial effects of this strain on C57BL/6J mice with dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis were investigated. LP‐CQPC06 was more resistant to gastric acid and bile salts than L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LB). In the DSS‐induced colitis mouse model, LP‐CQPC06 treatment decreased the colon weight/length ratio and increased the colon length as compared to untreated mice with DSS‐induced colitis. LP‐CQPC06 also reduced the serum levels of interleukin 8 (IL‐8), IL‐1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1 alpha, as well as reducing levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) in the colon tissues of mice with DSS‐induced colitis. In all cases, the effects of LP‐CQPC06 were significantly stronger than those of LB. Quantitative polymerase chain reactions and western blots indicated that LP‐CQPC06 increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B‐cells inhibitor alpha, while decreasing the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor kappa‐beta, C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1), and CXCR2. Thus, L. plantarum CQPC06 had a good protective effect against colitis in a mouse model via the IL‐8 pathway. Therefore, L. plantarum CQPC06 might have potential uses as a probiotic for colonic protection.

Practical Application

In this study, a newly discovered lactic acid bacteria was investigated. This bacterial strain had a good prophylactic effect against colitis in a mouse model, and might have potential utility as a probiotic.
Chinese multidisciplinary expert consensus: Guidelines on percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy
Authors: Guo Zhi , Shi Hong , Li Wentao , Lin Dongmei , Wang Changli , Liu Chen , Yuan Min , Wu Xia , Xiong Bin , He Xinhong , Duan Feng , Han Jianjun , Yang Xueling , Yu Haipeng , Si Tongguo , Xu Linfeng , Xing Wenge , Jinhua Huang , Wang Yingjuan , Xie Hui , Cui Li , Gao Wei , He Dongfeng , Liu Changfu , Liu Zhou , Ma Chunhua , Pan Jie , Shao Haibo , Tu Qiang , Yong Li , Xu Yan , Weihao Zhang , Qiang Zou , Wang Sen
Published: September 2018

Biopsy has been used to diagnose thoracic diseases for more than a century. Percutaneous needle biopsy plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning for tumors in the lungs, thoracic wall, hilum, and mediastinum. With the continuous improvement in imaging techniques, the range of clinical applications for percutaneous needle biopsy is also expanding. It has become important to improve Chinese professionals’ and technicians’ understanding of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) in order to standardize operating procedures and to strengthen perioperative management. However, there is currently no Chinese expert consensus that provides systematic standardization and guidance for PTNB in clinical practice. The Committee of Chinese Society of Interventional Oncology (CSIO) of the Chinese Anti‐Cancer Association (CACA) initiated a Chinese multidisciplinary expert consensus on PTNB. The consensus includes image‐guided methods, indications, contraindications, multidisciplinary team recommendations, biopsy procedures, daytime/outpatient biopsy, complications, pathological examination, and management of negative results.
Validation of CPS+EG, Neo‐Bioscore, and modified Neo‐Bioscore staging systems after preoperative systemic therapy of breast cancer: Protocol of a retrospective multicenter cohort study in China
Authors: Xu Ling , Zhang Zhuo , Liu Qianxin , Zhou Bin , Liu Yinhua , Xiang Qian , Zhu Sainan , Duan Xuening , Cui Yimin
Published: September 2018

Prognostic assessment after preoperative systemic therapy (PST) is critical to develop a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer management. Currently, a clinical–pathologic staging system that incorporates ER status and nuclear grading (CPS + EG), and the Neo‐Bioscore system that includes HER2 status into CPS + EG, are used to predict outcomes in patients with breast cancer after PST. While HER2‐positive is recognized as a favorable factor in the Neo‐Bioscore system based on results in patients administered one year of trastuzumab as anti‐HER2 therapy, most HER2‐positive cases have difficulty accessing anti‐HER2 treatment in China. Therefore, it is crucial that a modified Neo‐Bioscore staging system is developed that incorporates an additional factor of poor prognosis, HER2‐positive status without trastuzumab treatment, to determine accurate prognosis. We propose a retrospective multicenter cohort study in China to validate CPS + EG, Neo‐Bioscore, and the modified Neo‐Bioscore system and determine the accuracy of prediction. Primary breast cancer patients without metastasis treated with PST and surgery in academic institutions or hospitals of provincial level in China will be included. Disease‐free, disease specific, and overall survival will be calculated using the Kaplan–Meier Method, stratified by CPS + EG, Neo‐Bioscore, and the modified Neo‐Bioscore staging system. Areas under the curve of each staging system will be calculated. Multivariate analysis using Wald testing and maximum likelihood estimates in a Cox proportional hazards model will be conducted.
Information Quality and Endogenous Project Outcomes
Authors: Deng Mingcherng , Nan Lin , Wen Xiaoyan
Published: September 2018

In this study, we show that when a firm needs external financing, information quality has real effects via financing contracts on the firm's input to influence its operational outcome. Interestingly, we find that higher information quality decreases overall efficiency. Our analysis highlights the importance of considering the role of information quality in the presence of the firm's input decision upon financing contracts. In particular, information quality has a feedforward effect on the firm's real input decision via financing contracts, which in turn has a feedback effect on financing contracts and overall efficiency.
Mineral composition of cow milk from multibreed herds
Authors: Manuelian Carmen L. , Penasa Mauro , Visentin Giulio , Zidi Ali , Cassandro Martino , De Marchi Massimo
Published: September 2018

This study estimated the effect of Holstein‐Friesian, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Simmental and Alpine Grey cattle breeds on milk mineral contents (Ca, Mg, P, K, and Na) in multibreed herds using data predicted with mid‐infrared spectroscopy. The dataset included 139,821 observations from 16,566 cows and 977 herds. Fixed effects considered in the mixed model were breed, parity, stage of lactation and first‐order interactions, and random effects were cow, herd‐test‐date, and the residual. Multiple comparisons of least squares means were performed for the main effect of breed, parity, and stage of lactation using Bonferroni adjustment. Holstein‐Friesian yielded milk with the lowest fat, protein, and casein concentration, and Ca, Mg, and P contents, whereas Jersey cows produced milk with the greatest fat, protein, and casein concentration, and Ca and Mg contents. Results of this study suggest that mixing milk from different breeds could enhance milk composition and technological ability, and therefore contribute to improve dairy industry efficiency.
Human‐centred design to empower “teachers as designers”
Authors: Garreta‐Domingo Muriel , Sloep Peter B. , Hernández‐Leo Davinia
Published: September 2018

Educators of all sectors are learning designers, often unwittingly. To succeed as designers, they need to adopt a design mindset and acquire the skills needed to address the design challenges they encounter in their everyday practice. Human‐centred design (HCD) provides professional designers with the methods needed to address complex problems. It emphasizes the human perspective throughout the design lifecycle and provides a practice‐oriented approach, which naturally fits educators’ realities. This research reports the experiences of educators who used HCD to design ICT‐based learning activities. A mixed‐methods approach was used to gauge how participating educators experienced the design tasks. The perceived level of difficulty and value of the various methods varied, revealing significant differences between educators according to their level of knowledge of pedagogy frameworks. We discuss our findings from the vantage point of educators’ pedagogical beliefs and how experience shapes these. The results support the idea that HCD is a valuable framework for educators, one that may inform ongoing international efforts to shape a science and practice of learning design for teaching.
The role of learners’ epistemic beliefs in an online Community of Inquiry
Authors: Huang Kun , Law Victor , Lee Sang Joon
Published: September 2018

The Community of Inquiry (CoI) model provides a lens to examine online learning through three elements: teaching presence (the design and facilitation of learning experiences), social presence (the extent to which learners project themselves as real people) and cognitive presence (the extent to which learners are able to construct meaning through inquiry and reflection activities). While research to date has established the importance of these essential presences in online learning environments, recent research on the CoI model calls for the need to explore the role of learner characteristics. The current study responded to the call by examining the role of learners’ epistemic beliefs (EB) (ie, individuals’ fundamental beliefs about the nature of knowledge and knowing) in an online CoI. Multiple linear regressions analyses revealed that EB moderated the relationship between learners’ perceived teaching presence and cognitive presences. Future studies on CoI should take learners’ epistemic beliefs into consideration, especially in the case of low teaching presences. Theoretical and practical implications for designing and investigating online learning are discussed.
A visual affective analysis of mass media interventions to increase antimicrobial stewardship amongst the public
Authors: Langdridge Darren , Davis Mark , Gozdzielewska Lucyna , McParland Joanna , Williams Lynn , Young Mairi , Smith Fraser , MacDonald Jennifer , Price Lesley , Flowers Paul
Published: September 2018

Objectives

In an innovative approach to improve the contribution of health psychology to public health we have analysed the presence and nature of affect within the visual materials deployed in antimicrobial stewardship interventions targeting the public identified through systematic review.

Design

A qualitative analysis focused on the affective content of visual materials garnered from a systematic review of antibiotic stewardship (k = 20).

Methods

A novel method was devised drawing on concepts from semiotics to analyse the affective elements within intervention materials.

Results

Whilst all studies examined tacitly rely on affect, only one sought to explicitly deploy affect. Three thematic categories of affect are identified within the materials in which specific ideological machinery is deployed: (1) monsters, bugs, and superheroes; (2) responsibility, threat, and the misuse/abuse of antibiotics; (3) the figure of the child.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates how affect is a present but tacit communication strategy of antimicrobial stewardship interventions but has not – to date – been adequately theorized or explicitly considered in the intervention design process. Certain affective features were explored in relation to the effectiveness of antimicrobial resistance interventions and warrant further investigation. We argue that further research is needed to systematically illuminate and capitalize upon the use of affect to effect behaviour change concerning antimicrobial stewardship.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The (mis)use of antibiotics and consequent risk of antimicrobial resistance is a critical public health problem. If sufficient action is not taken, global society will face the ‘post‐antibiotic’ era, in which common infections will lead to death for many millions.

Key desirable behavioural changes are decreased patient demands for antibiotics, use of them for targeted purposes alone, and compliance with prescribed dosing.

There is a growth of interest in the role of affect in mass media interventions designed to engage publics and produce health‐related behavioural change.

What does this study add?

This article presents a novel analytic approach to understanding and intervening within behaviour change in public health that may complement other types of analysis.

We present findings specifically from an ‘affective’ analysis based on semiotics in which we critically interrogated the visual imagery being deployed in mass media public health interventions concerning antimicrobial stewardship.

Three thematic categories of affect are identified within the materials in which specific ideological machinery is deployed and that demonstrate some association with intervention effectiveness worthy of further investigation and testing.
Walking through doorways differentially affects recall and familiarity
Authors: Seel Sabrina V. , Easton Alexander , McGregor Anthony , Buckley Matthew G. , Eacott Madeline J.
Published: September 2018

Previous research has reported that walking through a doorway to a new location makes memory for objects and events experienced in the previous location less accurate. This effect, termed the location updating effect, has been used to suggest that location changes are used to mark boundaries between events in memory: memories for objects encountered within the current event are more available than those from beyond an event boundary. Within a computer‐generated memory task, participants navigated through virtual rooms, walking through doorways, and interacting with objects. The accuracy and their subjective experience of their memory for the objects (remember/know and confidence) were assessed. The findings showed that shifts in location decreased accurate responses associated with the subjective experience of remembering but not those associated with the experience of knowing, even when considering only the most confident responses in each condition. These findings demonstrate that a shift in location selectively impacts recollection and so contributes to our understanding of boundaries in event memory.
How many voices did you hear? Natural variability disrupts identity perception from unfamiliar voices
Authors: Lavan Nadine , Burston Luke F. K. , Garrido Lúcia
Published: September 2018

Our voices sound different depending on the context (laughing vs. talking to a child vs. giving a speech), making within‐person variability an inherent feature of human voices. When perceiving speaker identities, listeners therefore need to not only ‘tell people apart’ (perceiving exemplars from two different speakers as separate identities) but also ‘tell people together’ (perceiving different exemplars from the same speaker as a single identity). In the current study, we investigated how such natural within‐person variability affects voice identity perception. Using voices from a popular TV show, listeners, who were either familiar or unfamiliar with this show, sorted naturally varying voice clips from two speakers into clusters to represent perceived identities. Across three independent participant samples, unfamiliar listeners perceived more identities than familiar listeners and frequently mistook exemplars from the same speaker to be different identities. These findings point towards a selective failure in ‘telling people together’. Our study highlights within‐person variability as a key feature of voices that has striking effects on (unfamiliar) voice identity perception. Our findings not only open up a new line of enquiry in the field of voice perception but also call for a re‐evaluation of theoretical models to account for natural variability during identity perception.
Keys to the Gate? Equal Sign Knowledge at Second Grade Predicts Fourth‐Grade Algebra Competence
Authors: Matthews Percival G. , Fuchs Lynn S.
Published: September 2018

Algebraic competence is a major determinant of college access and career prospects, and equal sign knowledge is taken to be foundational to algebra knowledge. However, few studies have documented a causal effect of early equal sign knowledge on later algebra skill. This study assessed whether second‐grade students’ equal sign knowledge prospectively predicts their fourth‐grade algebra knowledge, when controlling for demographic and individual difference factors. Children (N = 177; Mage = 7.61) were assessed on a battery of tests in Grade 2 and on algebraic knowledge in Grade 4. Second‐grade equal sign knowledge was a powerful predictor of these algebraic skills. Findings are discussed in terms of the importance of foregrounding equal sign knowledge to promote effective pedagogy and educational equity.
A mixed‐methods study of the management of hearing loss associated with otitis media with effusion in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Hall Amanda , Pryce Helen , Bruce Iain A. , Callery Peter , Lakhanpaul Monica , Schilder Anne G. M.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To scope current service provision across England for management of otitis media with effusion and hearing loss in children with Down syndrome; to explore professional decision‐making about managing otitis media with effusion and hearing loss; and to explore patient and public views on the direction of future research.

Design

Mixed methods including a service evaluation of NHS clinical practice through a structured telephone survey; a qualitative study of professional decision‐making with in‐depth interviews collected and analysed using grounded theory methods; patient/public involvement consultations.

Participants

Twenty‐one audiology services in England took part in the evaluation; 10 professionals participated in the qualitative study; 21 family members, 10 adults with Down syndrome and representatives from two charities contributed to the consultations.

Results

There was variation across services in the frequency of routine hearing surveillance, approaches to managing conductive hearing loss in infancy and provision of hearing aids and grommets. There was variation in how professionals describe their decision‐making, reflecting individual treatment preferences, differing approaches to professional remit and institutional factors. The consultations identified that research should focus on improving practical support for managing the condition and supporting decision‐making about interventions.

Conclusions

There is system‐level variation in the provision of services and individual‐level variation in how professionals make clinical decisions. As a consequence, there is inequity of access to hearing health care for children with Down syndrome. Future research should focus on developing core outcomes for research and care, and on improving decision support for families.
Detection of high‐grade dysplasia, carcinoma in situ and squamous cell carcinoma in the upper aerodigestive tract: Recommendations for optimal use and interpretation of narrow‐band imaging
Authors: Zwakenberg Manon A. , Dikkers Frederik G. , Wedman Jan , van der Laan Bernard F. A. M. , Halmos Gyorgy B. , Plaat Boudewijn E. C.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The primary goal was to study the diagnostic potential of narrow‐band imaging (NBI), and the secondary goal was to evaluate the most common mistakes when using and interpreting NBI.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

University Medical Center Groningen, tertiary referral hospital, the Netherlands.

Participants

Three hundred and seventy patients who underwent rigid endoscopy of the upper aerodigestive tract. Two observers assessed all lesions. Twelve observers assessed a selection of 100 lesions. All observers were provided with both white light imaging and NBI.

Main outcome measures

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy and reasons for insufficient photograph quality.

Results

When using NBI, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy for detecting invasive carcinoma, carcinoma in situ or high‐grade dysplasia were 92%, 68%, 61%, 94% and 77%, respectively. In multiple‐observer analysis, values were 76%, 58%, 53%, 83% and 65% with the evaluation strictly based on type V patterns of Ni's classification, vs 83%, 68%, 64%, 85% and 74% when evaluation was also based on lesion‐specific clinical characteristics. Lesions that caused misinterpretations were leukoplakia, papillomas and mucosal lesions after irradiation. In total, 185 photographs were assessed to be of suboptimal quality due to blurring (36%), bleeding (6%), insufficient zooming (15%) and/or insufficient lighting (17%).

Conclusion

NBI is a relatively reliable screening method for detecting malignancy. Evaluation based on Ni's classification alone is not sufficient. To optimise NBI photograph quality, we recommend sufficient zooming and prevention of bleeding, blurring and inadequate lighting.
A randomized controlled trial of lorcaserin and lifestyle counselling for weight loss maintenance: changes in emotion‐ and stress‐related eating, food cravings and appetite
Authors: Chao A. M. , Wadden T. A. , Pearl R. L. , Alamuddin N. , Leonard S. M. , Bakizada Z. M. , Pinkasavage E. , Gruber K. A. , Walsh O. A. , Berkowitz R. I. , Alfaris N. , Tronieri J. S.
Published: September 2018

Anti‐obesity medication may help people maintain diet‐induced reductions in appetite. The present exploratory analysis assessed the effects of lorcaserin on changes at 24 weeks post‐randomization in emotion‐ and stress‐related eating, food cravings and other measures of appetite (i.e. binge eating, cognitive restraint, disinhibition, hunger, preoccupation with eating and fullness). The parent study investigated the efficacy of combined lorcaserin and behavioural treatment in facilitating weight loss maintenance (WLM) in 137 adults (mean age = 46.1 years, 86.1% female, 68.6% black) who had lost ≥5% of initial weight during a 14‐week, low‐calorie diet (LCD) run‐in. Participants were randomly assigned to lorcaserin or placebo and were provided with group WLM counselling sessions. Emotion‐ and stress‐related eating, food cravings and appetite were measured at the start of the LCD (week −14), randomization (0) and week 24. From randomization, lorcaserin‐treated participants had significantly greater improvements in emotion‐ and stress‐related eating compared to placebo‐treated participants (P = 0.04). However, groups did not differ significantly after randomization in changes in the frequency of food cravings, binge eating or other measures of appetite (Ps > 0.05). Compared to placebo, lorcaserin may improve emotion‐ and stress‐related eating.
Autophagy and mitochondrial metabolism: insights into their role and therapeutic potential in chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Baquero Pablo , Dawson Amy , Helgason Gudmundur Vignir
Published: September 2018

Despite the development of selective BCR‐ABL‐targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) transforming the management of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), therapy‐resistant leukaemic stem cells (LSCs) persist after TKI treatment and present an obstacle to a CML cure. Recently, we and others have made significant contributions to the field by unravelling survival dependencies in LSCs to work towards the goal of eradicating LSCs in CML patients. In this review, we describe these findings focusing on autophagy and mitochondrial metabolism, which have recently been uncovered as two essential processes for LSCs quiescence and survival respectively. In addition, we discuss the therapeutic potential of autophagy and mitochondrial metabolism inhibition as a strategy to eliminate CML cells in patients where the resistance to TKI is driven by BCR‐ABL‐independent mechanism(s).
Bank capital buffers in a dynamic model
Authors: Mankart Jochen , Michaelides Alexander , Pagratis Spyros
Published: September 2018

We estimate a dynamic structural banking model to examine the interaction between risk‐weighted capital adequacy and unweighted leverage requirements, their differential impact on bank lending, and equity buffer accumulation in excess of regulatory minima. Tighter risk‐weighted capital requirements reduce loan supplies and lead to an endogenous fall in bank profitability, reducing bank incentives to accumulate equity buffers and, therefore, increasing the incidence of bank failure. Alternatively, tighter leverage requirements increase lending, preserve bank charter value, and incentives to accumulate equity buffers leading to lower bank failure rates.
Systems genetics of sensation seeking
Authors: Dickson Price E. , Roy Tyler A. , McNaughton Kathryn A. , Wilcox Troy D. , Kumar Padam , Chesler Elissa J.
Published: September 2018

Sensation seeking is a multifaceted, heritable trait which predicts the development of substance use and abuse in humans; similar phenomena have been observed in rodents. Genetic correlations among sensation seeking and substance use indicate shared biological mechanisms, but the genes and networks underlying these relationships remain elusive. Here, we used a systems genetics approach in the BXD recombinant inbred mouse panel to identify shared genetic mechanisms underlying substance use and preference for sensory stimuli, an intermediate phenotype of sensation seeking. Using the operant sensation seeking (OSS) paradigm, we quantified preference for sensory stimuli in 120 male and 127 female mice from 62 BXD strains and the C57BL/6J and DBA/2J founder strains. We used relative preference for the active and inactive levers to dissociate preference for sensory stimuli from locomotion and exploration phenotypes. We identified genomic regions on chromosome 4 (155.236‐155.742 Mb) and chromosome 13 (72.969‐89.423 Mb) associated with distinct behavioral components of OSS. Using publicly available behavioral data and mRNA expression data from brain regions involved in reward processing, we identified (a) genes within these behavioral QTL exhibiting genome‐wide significant cis‐eQTL and (b) genetic correlations among OSS phenotypes, ethanol phenotypes and mRNA expression. From these analyses, we nominated positional candidates for behavioral QTL associated with distinct OSS phenotypes including Gnb1 and Mef2c. Genetic covariation of Gnb1 expression, preference for sensory stimuli and multiple ethanol phenotypes suggest that heritable variation in Gnb1 expression in reward circuitry partially underlies the widely reported relationship between sensation seeking and substance use.
Morphological characterization of aluminum‐doped zinc oxide nanomaterials (AZO) for dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ekmekci Mesut , Ela Cagatay , Erten‐Ela Sule
Published: September 2018

In this work, aluminum‐doped ZnO (AZO, Al:ZnO) nanocomposite materials were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method using the microwave oven. Zinc oxide nanostructures were doped with aluminum in different dopant concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%). AZO materials were analyzed using XRD, SEM and EDX measurements. Also dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performances of AZOs were investigated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirms that the synthesized AZO nanomaterials were nanorods and nanoplates in shape and have 200 nm to 974 nm sizes in length and 116.1‐269.5 nm in diameters (shown Figure 4‐5). Dye‐sensitized solar cell efficiencies are higher in 0.5% and 1% AZO nanorod materials. We have found the maximum efficiency as 1.94% for 1% doped AZO nanorod materials.
Impact of a 6‐month family‐based weight management programme on child food and activity behaviours: short‐term and long‐term outcomes of the PEACH™ intervention
Authors: Perry R. A. , Daniels L. , Baur L. A. , Magarey A.
Published: September 2018

Background

The PEACH™ randomized controlled trial measured changes to children's food and activity behaviours following participation in a weight management programme. We have previously reported a 10% reduction in body mass index z‐score at intervention end (6‐month post‐baseline) that was maintained to 24 months with no further intervention for the full study sample.

Objectives

The objective of the study is to report changes in food and activity outcomes in the full sample at (i) the end of the 6‐month intervention and (ii) 24‐month post‐baseline (18‐month post‐intervention).

Methods

Changes in dietary and activity outcomes were assessed over time (baseline: n = 169, 8.1 ± 1.2 years, body mass index z‐score 2.72 ± 0.62). Dietary intake was assessed using the Child Dietary Questionnaire, and times spent active and sedentary were assessed using a study‐specific questionnaire. Linear mixed models were used.

Results

There were significant time effects for all Child Dietary Questionnaire scores and activity and sedentary behaviours in the expected direction. Significant sex effects were observed for fruit and vegetable and sweetened beverages scores and for time spent in small screen‐based activity.

Conclusions

This is one of few child weight management studies to report short‐term and long‐term behaviour outcomes. It demonstrates that an intervention promoting food and activity behaviours consistent with guidelines can achieve modest changes, mediating improvements in relative weight.
Modelling Group Heterogeneity for Small Area Estimation Using M‐Quantiles
Authors: Dawber James , Chambers Raymond
Published: September 2018

Small area estimation typically requires model‐based methods that depend on isolating the contribution to overall population heterogeneity associated with group (i.e. small area) membership. One way of doing this is via random effects models with latent group effects. Alternatively, one can use an M‐quantile ensemble model that assigns indices to sampled individuals characterising their contribution to overall sample heterogeneity. These indices are then aggregated to form group effects. The aim of this article is to contrast these two approaches to characterising group effects and to illustrate them in the context of small area estimation. In doing so, we consider a range of different data types, including continuous data, count data and binary response data.
Effect of heating rate and process atmosphere on the thermodynamics and kinetics of the sintering of pre‐alloyed water‐atomized powder metallurgy steels
Authors: Hryha Eduard , Wendel Johan
Published: September 2018

During the sintering of powder metallurgy steels the full removal of the iron oxide layer is required in order to develop strong inter‐particle necks. Although this iron oxide layer has low thermodynamic stability, its removal from the powder compact is a very complex process that is determined by a number of parameters such as temperature profile, sintering atmosphere, compact properties, powder properties, and additives. This paper summarizes these sintering parameters in correlation with the powder properties through the use of thermogravimetry analysis. In this work, hydrogen additions were identified as the most effective agent for the removal of the surface iron oxide during the early stages of sintering (at temperature range between ~300 and 600°C). The process depends on the heating rate and a rather low activation energy of 48 kJ/mol was determined for this reaction. Carbothermal reduction plays the largest role in the oxide reduction at high temperatures where two main reactions can be distinguished. The first was the reduction of the surface oxide residue and particulates, which occurred at temperatures between 950 and 1150°C. This reaction is characterized by an activation energy of 253 kJ/mol. Second was believed to be associated with the reduction of the internal oxides, occurred at temperatures above 1150°C. This reaction is characterized by rather high activation energy of 422 kJ/mol.