bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dyslexia susceptibility KIAA0319 gene shows a highly specific expression pattern during zebrafish development supporting a role beyond neuronal migration
Authors: Gostic Monika , Martinelli Angela , Tucker Carl , Yang Zhengyi , Gasparoli Federico , Ewart Jade-Yi , Dholakia Kishan , Sillar Keith , Tello Javier , Paracchini Silvia
Published: February 2018

Dyslexia is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects reading abilities and is predicted to be caused by a significant genetic component. Very few genetic susceptibility factors have been identified so far and amongst those,KIAA0319is a key candidate.KIAA0319is highly expressed during brain development but its function remains poorly understood. Initial RNA-interference studies in rats suggested a role in neuronal migration whereas subsequent work with double knock-out mouse models for bothKiaa0319and its paralogueKiaa0319-likereported effects in the auditory system but not in neuronal migration. To further understand the role ofKIAA0319during neurodevelopment, we carried out an expression study of the zebrafish orthologue at different embryonic stages. We report particularly high gene expression during the first few hours of development. At later stages, expression becomes localised in well-defined structures such as the eyes, the telencephalon and the notochord, supporting a role forkiaa0319that is not restricted to brain development. Surprisingly,kiaa0319-like, which generally shows a similar expression pattern, was not expressed in the notochord suggesting a role specific tokiaa0319in this structure. This study contributes to our understanding ofKIAA0319function during embryonic development which might involve additional roles in the visual system and in the notochord. Such a specific spatiotemporal expression pattern is likely to be under the controlled of tightly regulated sequences. Therefore, these data provide a framework to interpret the effects of the dyslexia-associated genetic variants that reside inKIAA0319non-coding regulatory regions.
Stochasticity of cellular growth: sources, propagation and consequences
Authors: Thomas Philipp , Terradot Guillaume , Danos Vincent , Weiße Andrea Y.
Published: February 2018

Cellular growth impacts a range of phenotypic responses. Identifying the sources of fluctuations in growth and how they propagate across the cellular machinery can unravel mechanisms that underpin cell decisions. We present a stochastic cell model linking gene expression, metabolism and replication to predict growth dynamics in single bacterial cells. In addition to several population-averaged data, the model quantitatively recovers how growth fluctuations in single cells change across nutrient conditions. We develop a framework to analyse stochastic chemical reactions coupled with cell divisions and use it to identify sources of growth heterogeneity. By visualising cross-correlations we then determine how such initial fluctuations propagate to growth rate and affect other cell processes. We further study antibiotic responses and find that complex drug-nutrient interactions can both enhance and suppress heterogeneity. Our results provide a predictive framework to integrate single-cell and bulk data and draw testable predictions with implications for antibiotic tolerance, evolutionary biology and synthetic biology.
Counting-loss correction for X-ray spectroscopy using unit impulse pulse shaping
Authors: Hong Xu , Zhou Jianbin , Ni Shijun , Ma Yingjie , Yao Jianfeng , Zhou Wei , Liu Yi , Wang Min
Published: February 2018

High-precision measurement of X-ray spectra is affected by the statistical fluctuation of the X-ray beam under low-counting-rate conditions. It is also limited by counting loss resulting from the dead-time of the system and pile-up pulse effects, especially in a high-counting-rate environment. In this paper a detection system based on a FAST-SDD detector and a new kind of unit impulse pulse-shaping method is presented, for counting-loss correction in X-ray spectroscopy. The unit impulse pulse-shaping method is evolved by inverse deviation of the pulse from a reset-type preamplifier and a C-R shaper. It is applied to obtain the true incoming rate of the system based on a general fast–slow channel processing model. The pulses in the fast channel are shaped to unit impulse pulse shape which possesses small width and no undershoot. The counting rate in the fast channel is corrected by evaluating the dead-time of the fast channel before it is used to correct the counting loss in the slow channel.
Tris-amidoximate uranyl complexesviaη2binding mode coordinated in aqueous solution shown by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory methods
Authors: Zhang Linjuan , Qie Meiying , Su Jing , Zhang Shuo , Zhou Jing , Li Jiong , Wang Yu , Yang Shitong , Wang Shuao , Li Jingye , Wu Guozhong , Wang Jian-Qiang
Published: February 2018

The present study sheds some light on the long-standing debate concerning the coordination properties between uranyl ions and the amidoxime ligand, which is a key ingredient for achieving efficient extraction of uranium. Using X-ray absorption fine structure combined with theoretical simulation methods, the binding mode and bonding nature of a uranyl–amidoxime complex in aqueous solution were determined for the first time. The results show that in a highly concentrated amidoxime solution the preferred binding mode between UO22+and the amidoxime ligand is η2coordination with tris-amidoximate species. In such a uranyl–amidoximate complex with η2binding motif, strong covalent interaction and orbital hybridization between U 5f/6dand (N, O) 2pshould be responsible for the excellent binding ability of the amidoximate ligand to uranyl. The study was performed directly in aqueous solution to avoid the possible binding mode differences caused by crystallization of a single-crystal sample. This work also is an example of the simultaneous study of local structure and electronic structure in solution systems using combined diagnostic tools.
Sustainability of microenterprises: an empirical analysis
Authors: Chatterjee Susmita , DuttaGupta Sangita , Upadhyay Parijat
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the facilitators and impediments of business sustainability of the microenterprises. The study also proposes a framework of social sustainability through women microentrepreneurs in India.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to fulfill the objectives, primary data have been collected and analyzed by employing binary logit model. Additionally, in-depth interviews and focus group interviews were conducted to get more precise insight on the issue.

Findings

The study finds out the factors determining sustainability of microenterprises. The economic, political, demographic factors along with family contribution are found to be important factors in determining sustainability and success of microenterprises. The study also show that microenterprises emerging from self-help groups (SHGs) are adding value to the society by overall women empowerment.

Research limitations/implications

The study will pave the way for further research about the sustainability factors of microenterprises in emerging economies.

Practical implications

The finding of this paper will give directions to policy makers as well as to stakeholders as small businesses are becoming way of life in all developing countries.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by identifying how microentrepreneurs emerging from SHGs are achieving societal goals of poverty eradication. It determines the indicators of business sustainability for small businesses run by women. Empirical and in-depth study explores the issues those have policy implications.
Work disengagement among SME workers: evidence from India
Authors: Rastogi Ashish , Pati Surya Prakash , Dixit Jitendra Kumar , Kumar Pankaj
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the two alternative theoretical explanations of disengagement at work. Following the job demands-resources (JD-R) perspective, the relationship between job complexity and disengagement is tested. In accordance with the process model of burnout, the association between exhaustion and disengagement is examined. The paper also examines conservation of resources (COR) as an integrative framework as far as the moderating role of resilience in both these relationships is concerned.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey-based quantitative methodology was followed. A total of 138 employees of an agro-processing unit in North India were surveyed, and 119 usable responses were obtained. Besides the constructs of interest, the questionnaire also sought responses on the relevant demographic variables.

Findings

Both job complexity and exhaustion predicted disengagement at work. However, contrary to a negatively hypothesized relationship between job complexity and disengagement, a positive association was found. Resilience was found to be negatively moderating exhaustion-disengagement relationship. No influence of resilience was found on the complexity-disengagement association.

Research limitations/implications

The findings could be specific to the sample and to India. Caution should be exercised while generalizing. Future researchers should validate the findings across contexts.

Practical implications

The results suggest that complexity may not necessarily be perceived as a resource. Hence organizations must invest in training and skill development programs for their workers. Further, managers should assess resilience as an important component while selecting workers.

Originality/value

Contrary findingsvis-à-visjob complexity and disengagement could have implications for the JD-R perspective. Further, this research integrates alternative explanations of disengagement employing the COR framework.
Quantifying the contribution of competencies toward performance
Authors: Poovathingal James Sebastian , Kumar Deepti V.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Performance management (PM) is an important tool to enhance productivity. However, its Achilles heel is its lack of future orientation. The main reason for this is that PM systems fail to empirically link competencies to results. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses literature review and deductive logic to evolve the concept of “Contribution of Competencies (CC)” and proof tests it quantitatively.

Findings

The impact of a level of competency on the results of a job can be determined by CC. The gap between expected and actual CC can predict future performance, determine the training needs with precision and measure individual efficacy and human capital adequacy of a department/an organization.

Research limitations/implications

This is single organization research for proof of concept. Multi-organizational research using empirical study linking CC with demonstrated performance can make the concept of CC more robust.

Practical implications

CC helps to: prioritize training for competencies that would impact performance with surgical precision, fix responsibility for failure to perform on individual/organizational factors, compare individual employees across functions, determine interdepartmental/inter-firm human capital efficacy, and evaluate human capital of a firm.

Originality/value

Empirical expression of the nature of relationship between competency levels and results through CC and its byproducts, individual efficacy ratio, and human capital adequacy ratio are original contributions.
Micro downtime
Authors: Zennaro Ilenia , Battini Daria , Sgarbossa Fabio , Persona Alessandro , De Marchi Rosario
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Automated flow line manufacturing systems are becoming more and more relevant in industry, especially in the food and beverage sector. Improving the efficiency of automated flow line manufacturing systems is the core objectives of all companies as measured by the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) index. The purpose of this paper is to carry out an innovative micro downtime data collection and statistical analysis in the food and beverage sector; it introduces a numerical indicator called “Cost Performance Indicator-CPI” to estimate the performance improvement of investment activities. Moreover this analysis will be used as a basis to carry out a new simulative model to study micro downtime of automatic production lines. In addition, the presented micro downtime data collection and statistical analysis will be used to construct a new simulative model to support improvement activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive and statistical analyses are carried out about OEE, time to repair (TTR) and time to failure (TTF) data. The least efficient production line is identified and principal causes of inefficiency are investigated. Micro downtime (downtime lower than 15 minutes) covers 57 percent of inefficiency. Investigations are carried out into the three principal machines affected by this inefficiency. The study then investigates the causes of micro downtime of these machines using ad hoc data collection and analysis. The probability distributions of TTF and TTR are evaluated and an analysis of micro downtime causes and a cause-effect is carried out. The most attractive investment in terms of recoverable OEE (1.44 percent) and costs is analyzed through the calculation of a CPI. One of the conclusions is to recommend the introduction of a payback period with a variable contribution margin.

Findings

This study get the basis for the construction of a new simulative model based on ad hoc micro downtime probability distributions, applied in automated flow line manufacturing systems. It gives an effort to downtime analysis in automated production lines and a guideline for future analysis. Results of this study can be generalized and extended to other similar cases, in order to study similar micro downtime inefficiency of other production lines. The statistical analysis developed could also potentially be used to further investigate the relationship between the reliability of specific machines and that of the entire line.

Originality/value

The case study presents a new detailed micro downtime data collection and statistical analysis in the beverage sector with the application of a numerical indicator, the CPI, in order to drive future actions. In addition, the presented micro downtime data collection and statistical analysis will be used to construct a new simulative model to support improvement activities. Moreover, results can be generalized and used as a basis for other micro downtime analyses involving the main causes of inefficiency in automated production lines.
Rozeff on free banking: a critique
Authors: Davidson Laura , Block Walter E.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to correct Rozeff (2010). He contends that fractional-reserve banking is legitimate and efficacious. The authors demonstrate that it is not.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of this paper is to quote widely from Rozeff (2010) and then to expose his errors of analysis.

Findings

The authors demonstrate that fractional-reserve banking is neither legitimate nor efficacious.

Originality/value

Money is the lifeblood of the economy. If so, then banking is the marrow of the economy, since it is from that sector that money arises in the first place. It is crucially important, then, that the monetary system be based on sound principles. Fractional-reserve banking is a violation of these sound principles. Therefore, it is valuable to demonstrate that this is indeed the case.
Measuring sentiment in real estate – a comparison study
Authors: Heinig Steffen , Nanda Anupam
Published: February 2018

Purpose

In mainstream economics and finance literature, market sentiment is considered “irrational”. This leads to significant challenges in capturing the effect of sentiment on economic relationships. Real estate is even more complex due to the fact that the sector exhibits several market inefficiencies. The purpose of this paper is to explore the literature and present a simple test for the potential of using three different sentiment indicators to improve a basic cap rate model. The authors establish the case using commercial real estate (CRE) data for London West End.

Design/methodology/approach

The three indicators differ in their underlying source and method. The authors used orthogonalisation and principal component analysis for a macroeconomic sentiment indicator. Furthermore, online search volume data have been used to mirror the market sentiment for the London West End market. Finally, textual analysis based on word lists has been applied to corpus of market reports.

Findings

The results indicate considerable improvement in the authors’ ability to capture the effect of sentiment. Furthermore, the consideration of a human factor leads to improvement in the basic yield model.

Practical implications

The methods suggest that sentiment extracted from more forward-looking sources, such as online searches, could be a significant information gain for investors, lenders or other market participants. The additional information could be used to adjust their behaviour within the market.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that applies textual analysis to market reports for the CRE market in the UK.
The effect of community and company participation and implementation of good forest fire governance on the forest fire policy in Indonesia
Authors: Fernandes Adji Achmad Rinaldo , Panjaitan Raffles Brotestes , Solimun Solimun
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of community and company participation on corporate governance and forest fire prevention in the forest zone, which has a high level of vulnerability to forest fires, in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey method in this research used a quantitative approach with the survey method, with the sample being forest areas having a high level of vulnerability to forest fires in Indonesia. This study used a questionnaire instrument and was conducted from January to March 2017. The research population was 105 villages located in forest areas in six major provinces known to endure the largest forest fires in Indonesia. From a total population of 258 villages, 52 were selected for this study. The proportional random sampling area technique was used. The data analysis methods selected in this research were descriptive analysis and inferential statistical analysis using the partial least squares method.

Findings

Community and company participation has a significant effect on the implementation of good governance. The implementation of good governance has a significant effect and community and company participation has no direct effect on the forest fire policy, but through good governance mediation, an indirect effect of community participation on the forest fire policy is seen.

Originality/value

No previous research has comprehensively studied the role of community and company participation and implementation of good forest fire governance on the forest fire policy.
Impacts of regulatory focus and institutions on innovation
Authors: Cowden Birton J. , Bendickson Joshua S.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Many factors influence entrepreneurs, some of which influence the level of innovation (i.e. innovative or imitative) of new products or services pursued. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the psychological motivations of the entrepreneurs and their institutional setting on the innovativeness of the new venture they pursue. Through this exploration, we can gain a better understanding of how innovative new ventures still occur in varying institutional environments.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to deliver the authors’ propositions as they pertain to innovation, the authors review the literature on entrepreneurs’ default regulatory focus (i.e. promotion or prevention seeking) and the strength of the institutions in which they are operating.

Findings

The authors theorize that promotion focus enhances innovativeness of ventures while prevention focus enhances imitativeness of ventures. The authors also provide a conceptual framework for the interplay among institutions and regulatory focus and provide a typology for how these varying combinations impact innovativeness or imitativeness of venture type.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors discuss and unpack the entrepreneurial mindset in order to bridge gaps between institutions and cognitive motivations of entrepreneurs as they pertain to innovativeness of venture type. By synthesizing several areas of research, the authors shed light on entrepreneurs’ innovativeness by proposing how these factors work together in determining whether an entrepreneur’s venture is more or less innovative based on regulatory disposition and in different institutional settings.
Where do wintering cormorants come from? Long‐term changes in the geographical origin of a migratory bird on a continental scale
Authors: Frederiksen Morten , Korner‐Nievergelt Fränzi , Marion Loïc , Bregnballe Thomas
Published: February 2018

Populations of migratory birds often mix to a considerable extent in their wintering areas. Knowledge about the composition of wintering populations is highly relevant to management, not least for species such as the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis, prone to conflicts with human interests. However, few studies have been able to estimate long‐term changes in winter population composition.

We use 30 years of ringing and recovery data (1983–2013) from all major breeding populations of cormorants in continental Europe (except the Black Sea region) to estimate partitioning probabilities (i.e. the probabilities of moving to specific wintering areas) using a Bayesian capture–mark–recovery model. Combining these results with information on breeding numbers and reproductive output in a population model, we estimate the size and composition of wintering populations in Europe and North Africa.

Partitioning probabilities showed some variation over time, but were similar for first‐winter and older birds. Cormorants from the western part of the breeding range tended to winter progressively further west over time. This may be a density‐dependent response to the recent growth of more easterly breeding populations.

All wintering populations grew rapidly over the study period, and their composition showed pronounced changes. All wintering populations were composed of birds from many different breeding populations, but the proportion of cormorants of more easterly origin increased markedly over time in most wintering areas.

Policy implications. Cormorant wintering populations in Europe consist of mixtures of birds of different breeding origins. These mixtures are also highly variable over time. These factors reduce the chances of successfully limiting conflicts in specific wintering areas through, for example, regulation of breeding numbers in one breeding area. The dynamic nature of cormorant winter populations means that conflicts are best addressed when and where the conflict occurs, or on the scale of the entire continental population. It is unlikely that the latter will be cost‐effective and politically realistic.
Disparities in second‐generation DNA metabarcoding results exposed with accessible and repeatable workflows
Authors: Divoll Timothy J. , Brown Veronica A. , Kinne Jeff , McCracken Gary F. , O'Keefe Joy M.
Published: February 2018

Different second‐generation sequencing technologies may have taxon‐specific biases when DNA metabarcoding prey in predator faeces. Our major objective was to examine differences in prey recovery from bat guano across two different sequencing workflows using the same faecal DNA extracts. We compared results between the Ion Torrent PGM and the Illumina MiSeq with similar library preparations and the same analysis pipeline. We focus on repeatability and provide an R Notebook in an effort towards transparency for future methodological improvements. Full documentation of each step enhances the accessibility of our analysis pipeline. We tagged DNA from insectivorous bat faecal samples, targeted the arthropod cytochrome c oxidase I minibarcode region and sequenced the product on both second‐generation sequencing platforms. We developed an analysis pipeline with a high operational taxonomic unit (OTU) clustering threshold (i.e., ≥98.5%) followed by copy number filtering to avoid merging rare but genetically similar prey into the same OTUs. With this workflow, we detected 297 unique prey taxa, of which 74% were identified at the species level. Of these, 104 (35%) prey OTUs were detected by both platforms, 176 (59%) OTUs were detected by the Illumina MiSeq system only, and 17 (6%) OTUs were detected using the Ion Torrent system only. Costs were similar between platforms but the Illumina MiSeq recovered six times more reads and four additional insect orders than did Ion Torrent. The considerations we outline are particularly important for long‐term ecological monitoring; a more standardized approach will facilitate comparisons between studies and allow faster recognition of changes within ecological communities.
Double‐digest RAD sequencing outperforms microsatellite loci at assigning paternity and estimating relatedness: A proof of concept in a highly promiscuous bird
Authors: Thrasher Derrick J. , Butcher Bronwyn G. , Campagna Leonardo , Webster Michael S. , Lovette Irby J.
Published: February 2018

Information on genetic relationships among individuals is essential to many studies of the behaviour and ecology of wild organisms. Parentage and relatedness assays based on large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci hold substantial advantages over the microsatellite markers traditionally used for these purposes. We present a double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD‐seq) analysis pipeline that, as such, simultaneously achieves the SNP discovery and genotyping steps and which is optimized to return a statistically powerful set of SNP markers (typically 150–600 after stringent filtering) from large numbers of individuals (up to 240 per run). We explore the trade‐offs inherent in this approach through a set of experiments in a species with a complex social system, the variegated fairy‐wren (Malurus lamberti) and further validate it in a phylogenetically broad set of other bird species. Through direct comparisons with a parallel data set from a robust panel of highly variable microsatellite markers, we show that this ddRAD‐seq approach results in substantially improved power to discriminate among potential relatives and considerably more precise estimates of relatedness coefficients. The pipeline is designed to be universally applicable to all bird species (and with minor modifications to many other taxa), to be cost‐ and time‐efficient, and to be replicable across independent runs such that genotype data from different study periods can be combined and analysed as field samples are accumulated.
Internalisation of International Investment Agreements in Public Policymaking: Developing a Conceptual Framework of Regulatory Chill
Authors: Schram Ashley , Friel Sharon , Anthony VanDuzer J. , Ruckert Arne , Labonté Ronald
Published: February 2018

The growing number of public policy measures challenged through investor‐state dispute settlement has raised critiques that international investment agreements could lead governments to avoid introducing new policy measures out of a fear that these could be challenged by foreign investors, often referred to as ‘regulatory chill’. While the body of work on regulatory chill is still in its infancy, there is a need to interrogate extant studies to better understand the state of the knowledge and the methodological approaches being employed to produce an evidence base. Grounded in a critical review of the existing literature, this paper develops a conceptual framework of regulatory chill, identifying it as one possible policy response wherein investment agreements are internalised by policy makers as considerations during their policy decision‐making. Three distinct bodies of work were identified in the literature which helped to populate this framework, including analysis of investment treaty language and awards, interviews with policy makers to explore internalisation of such treaties, and case studies of suspected regulatory chill policy responses. The conceptual framework is intended to help drive forward a cohesive research agenda on regulatory chill that can underpin the ongoing investment treaty reform.
Internet Searches for Affect‐Related Terms: An Indicator of Subjective Well‐Being and Predictor of Health Outcomes across US States and Metro Areas
Authors: Ford Michael T. , Jebb Andrew T. , Tay Louis , Diener Ed
Published: February 2018

Background

The present study explored the potential for internet search data to serve as indicators of subjective well‐being (SWB) and predictors of health at the state and metro area levels. We propose that searches for positive and negative affect‐related terms represent information‐seeking behavior of individuals who are experiencing emotions and seeking information about them.

Method

Data on the frequency of Google searches for 15 affect terms were collected from Google's Trends website (trends.google.com). These were paired with data on health, self‐reported emotions, psychological well‐being, personality, and Twitter postings at the state and metro area levels.

Results

Several internet search scores correlated with indicators of cardiovascular health and depression. Some search term scores also correlated strongly with self‐reported emotions, well‐being metrics, neuroticism, per capita income, and Twitter postings at the state or metro area level. Multiple regression analyses suggest that affect searches predict depression rates at the metro area level beyond the effects of income and other well‐being measures.

Conclusion

The results highlight the promise and challenges of using internet search data at the aggregate level for physical and mental health assessment and surveillance.
Cannabinoids in arterial, pulmonary and portal hypertension – mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic significance
Authors: Malinowska Barbara , Toczek Marek , Pędzińska‐Betiuk Anna , Schlicker Eberhard
Published: February 2018

The endocannabinoid system is overactivated in arterial, pulmonary and portal hypertension. In this paper, we present limited clinical data concerning the role of cannabinoids in human hypertension including polymorphism of endocannabinoid system components. We underline differences between the acute cannabinoid administration and their potential hypotensive effect after chronic application in experimental hypertension. We discuss pleiotropic effects of cannabinoids on the cardiovascular system mediated via numerous neuronal and non‐neuronal mechanisms both in normotension and in hypertension. The final results are dependent on the model of hypertension, age, sex, the cannabinoid ligands used or the action via endocannabinoid metabolites. More experimental and clinical studies are needed to clarify the role of endocannabinoids in hypertension, not only in the search for new therapeutic strategies but also in the context of cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids and the steadily increasing legalization of cannabis use for recreational and medical purposes.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc
Multi‐scale effects of habitat structure and landscape context on a vertebrate with limited dispersal ability (the brown‐throated sloth, Bradypus variegatus)
Authors: Neam Kelsey D. , Lacher Thomas E.
Published: February 2018

As human population, food consumption, and demand for forest products continue to rise over the next century, the pressures of land‐use change on biodiversity are projected to intensify. In tropical regions, countryside habitats that retain abundant tree cover and structurally complex canopies may complement protected areas by providing suitable habitats and landscape connectivity for a significant portion of the native biota. Species with low dispersal capabilities are among the most at risk of extinction as a consequence of land‐use change. We assessed how the spatial distribution of the brown‐throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus), a model species for a vertebrate with limited dispersal ability, is shaped by differences in habitat structure and landscape patterns of countryside habitats in north‐central Costa Rica using a multi‐scale framework. We quantified the influence of local habitat characteristics and landscape context on sloth occurrence using mixed‐effects logistic regression models. We recorded 27 sloths within countryside habitats and found that both local and landscape factors significantly influenced their spatial distribution. Locally, sloths favored structurally complex habitats, with greater canopy cover and variation in tree height and basal area. At the landscape scale, sloths demonstrated a preference for habitats with high proportions of forest and nearby large tracts of forest. Although mixed‐use areas and tree plantations are not substitutes for protected forests, our results suggest they provide important supplemental habitats for sloths. To promote the conservation and long‐term viability of sloth populations in the tropical countryside, we recommend that land managers retain structurally complex vegetation and large patches of native habitat.
Challenges of analyzing the global trade in CITES‐listed wildlife
Authors: Robinson Janine E. , Sinovas Pablo
Published: February 2018

Article impact statement: Better understanding and interpretation of CITES trade data is required to avoid erroneous conclusions in publications about wildlife trade.
Predicting reintroduction outcomes for highly vulnerable species that do not currently coexist with their key threats
Authors: Parlato Elizabeth H. , Armstrong Doug P.
Published: February 2018

Predicting reintroduction outcomes before populations are released is inherently challenging. It becomes even more difficult when the species being considered for reintroduction no longer coexists with the key threats limiting its distribution. However, data from other species facing the same threats can be used to make predictions under these circumstances. We used an integrated Bayesian modeling approach to predict growth of a reintroduced population at a range of predator densities when no data are available for the species in the presence of that predator. North Island Saddlebacks (Philesturnus rufusater) were extirpated from mainland New Zealand by exotic mammalian predators, particularly ship rats (black rats [Rattus rattus]) but are now being considered for reintroduction to sites with intensive predator control. We initially modeled data from previous saddleback reintroductions to predator‐free sites to predict population growth at a new predator‐free site while accounting for random variation in vital rates among sites. We then predicted population growth at different rat‐tracking rates (an index of rat density) by incorporating a previously modeled relationship between rat‐tracking and vital rates of another predator‐sensitive species, the North Island Robin (Petroica longipes), and accounted for greater vulnerability of saddlebacks to rat predation based on information on historical declines of both species. The results allowed population growth to be predicted as a function of management effort while accounting for uncertainty, which means formal decision analysis could be used to decide whether to proceed with a reintroduction. Similar approaches could be applied to other situations where data on the species of interest are limited and provide an alternative to decision making based solely on expert judgment.
Understanding the role of economic transition in enlarging energy price elasticity
Authors: Li Jianglong , Li Zhi
Published: February 2018

Evidence of energy price elasticity would allow for a better understanding of economic, distributional and environmental consequences of varying energy prices. We document the previously unnoticed causal relationship between energy price elasticity and economic transition by modelling energy price elasticity as endogenous to the economic system. The central message is that economic transition promotes incentives and flexibility of micro‐units to sufficiently use price signals. Three potential mechanisms are proposed and tested for economic transition affecting the energy price elasticity. The findings provide implications for energy price policies because it reveals how energy consumers respond to energy price changes alongside economic transition.
World traumatic dental injury prevalence and incidence, a meta‐analysis—One billion living people have had traumatic dental injuries
Authors: Petti Stefano , Glendor Ulf , Andersson Lars
Published: February 2018

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) account for a considerable proportion of bodily injuries. Nevertheless, global TDI frequency is unknown, probably because TDI diagnosis is not standardized. This study estimated world TDI frequency. A literature search (publication years 1996‐2016) was aimed at covering as many countries, communities, ethnic groups as possible, thus achieving high generalizability. In particular, non‐specific keywords, no language restrictions, and large databanks were used. Observational studies reporting proportions of individuals with at least one TDI (prevalence) and who developed TDI (incidence rate) were considered. Prevalence rates to permanent dentition, primary dentition and in 12‐year‐olds, incidence rate to any tooth for any age, male‐to‐female prevalence ratio (PR) in 12‐year‐olds, with 95% confidence intervals (95 CIs), were extracted/calculated. Study quality, Z‐score distribution, funnel plot symmetry analysis, between‐study heterogeneity, sensitivity, and subgroup analyses were performed. Selected primary studies were 102 (permanent dentition; 268 755 individuals; median age, 13.8 years), 46 (primary dentition; 59 436 individuals; median age, 3.4 years), 42 (12‐year‐olds; 33 829 individuals), 11 (incidence rate; 233 480 person‐years; median age, 7.8 years), and 31 (PR; 16 003 males, 16 006 females). World TDI frequency resulted as follows: permanent dentition prevalence 15.2% (95 CI, 13.0%‐17.4%); primary dentition prevalence 22.7% (95 CI, 17.3%‐28.7%); 12‐year‐olds prevalence 18.1% (95 CI, 15.3%‐21.0%); incidence rate, 2.82 (95 CI, 2.28%‐3.42%) per 100 person‐years; PR, 1.43 (95 CI, 1.34%‐1.52%). Differences between WHO Regions were found. This study shows that more than one billion living people have had TDI. TDI is a neglected condition which could rank fifth if it was included in the list of the world's most frequent acute/chronic diseases and injuries.
Unequal networks: comparing the pre‐migration overseas networks of Indonesian and Filipino migrant domestic workers
Authors: PAUL ANJU MARY
Published: February 2018

Previous studies of Asian migrant domestic workers' pre‐migration overseas networks have tended to be ethnographic, small‐n case studies such that it is unclear if network differences between migrants are due to individual‐ or country‐level differences or both. This article draws from an original survey of 1,206 Filipino and Indonesian domestic workers in Singapore and Hong Kong to reveal statistically significant differences in the pre‐migration overseas networks of these two nationality groups even after controlling for migrants' educational attainment, marital status, employment status, age, year of first migration, and survey location. Multiple regression analysis highlights how Filipino respondents are more likely than Indonesian respondents to have known existing migrants prior to their first migration from their homeland. Filipino respondents' overseas networks are also significantly larger, more geographically dispersed, and comprise more white‐collar contacts. These findings open up new terrain for migration scholars to study the impact of these nationality‐based network differences on the two groups' divergent migration experiences and aspirations.
Effects of in vitro digestion on the composition of flavonoids and antioxidant activities of the lotus leaf at different growth stages
Authors: Su Dongxiao , Li Ni , Chen Min , Yuan Yang , He Shan , Wang Yun , Wu Qinhua , Li Li , Yang Hualin , Zeng Qingzhu
Published: February 2018

The lotus leaf is rich in phenolic compounds and has good antioxidant activity. The effects of simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) digestions on the active substances and antioxidant activity of the lotus leaf in different growth stages (D25, D45 and D65) were investigated. The total phenolic content of D25 and D45 significantly increased by SGF digestion but not D65 compared to the DW treatment. However, SIF treatment saw markedly increased total phenolic content across all growth stages (D25, D45 and D65). Moreover, the total flavonoid content at all growth stages was increased by SIF digestion compared to SGF treatment. The pepsin and trypsin had different effects on the FRAP and ABTS (2, 2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid)) antioxidant activities of the lotus leaf. The SGF digestion increased the FRAP antioxidant capacity of the lotus leaf, and SIF digestion increased the ABTS antioxidant capacity of the lotus leaf. The HPLC results showed that the main flavonoid compound in the lotus leaf was isoquercetin. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development and utilisation of the lotus leaf as an inexpensive natural and functional food ingredient.
Implications of macrophage polarization in autoimmunity
Authors: Funes Samanta C. , Rios Mariana , Escobar‐Vera Jorge , Kalergis Alexis M.
Published: February 2018

Macrophages are extremely heterogeneous and plastic cells with an important role not only in physiological conditions, but also during inflammation (both for initiation and resolution). In the early 1990s, two different phenotypes of macrophages were described: one of them called classically activated (or inflammatory) macrophages (M1) and the other alternatively activated (or wound‐healing) macrophages (M2). Currently, it is known that functional polarization of macrophages into only two groups is an over‐simplified description of macrophage heterogeneity and plasticity; indeed, it is necessary to consider a continuum of functional states. Overall, the current available data indicate that macrophage polarization is a multifactorial process in which a huge number of factors can be involved producing different activation scenarios. Once a macrophage adopts a phenotype, it still retains the ability to continue changing in response to new environmental influences. The reversibility of polarization has a critical therapeutic value, especially in diseases in which an M1/M2 imbalance plays a pathogenic role. In this review, we assess the high plasticity of macrophages and their potential to be exploited to reduce chronic/detrimental inflammation. On the whole, the evidence detailed in this review underscores macrophage polarization as a target of interest for immunotherapy.
The effects of interleukin‐33 on airways collagen deposition and matrix metalloproteinase expression in a murine surrogate of asthma
Authors: An Gao , Zhang Xin , Wang Wenjun , Huang Qiong , Li Yan , Shan Shan , Corrigan Chris J. , Wang Wei , Ying Sun
Published: February 2018

It has been suggested that interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma through a variety of pathways, but its role in airways fibrosis in asthma has not been fully elucidated. In the present study we evaluated changes in the expression of extracellular matrix proteins (ECMs) as well as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) in an IL‐33‐induced, antigen‐independent murine surrogate of asthma as well as a conventional surrogate employing per‐nasal challenge of mice previously sensitized to produce an IgE response to ovalbumin (OVA). In addition, in in vitro experiments we explored the direct effects of IL‐33 on the proliferation and function of murine fibroblasts. Per‐nasal administration of IL‐33 alone was sufficient to induce airways deposition of ECMs, including collagens I, III, V and fibronectin, to a degree comparable with that observed in the OVA‐sensitized and challenged mice. These changes were associated with a local imbalance between the expression of extracellular MMPs and TIMPs. Per‐nasal challenge of mice with IL‐33 also induced elevated airways expression of connective tissue growth factor and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4, two key facilitators of local fibrosis, again to a degree compatible with that observed in OVA‐sensitized and challenged mice. Deletion of the ST2 gene, which encodes the IL‐33 receptor, abrogated these fibrotic changes in the airways in the OVA surrogate. In vitro, IL‐33 significantly increased the proliferation and expression of collagen III by murine lung fibroblasts. These data suggest that direct exposure of murine airways to IL‐33 is able to induce local fibrotic changes, at least partially through effects of signalling through the IL‐33/ST2 axis on fibroblast function and local expression of MMPs and their inhibitors, and other fibrosis‐related proteins.
Thermophysical properties of rare earth barium aluminates
Authors: Feng Jing , Zhou Yunxuan , Ren Xiaorui , Song Peng , Pan Wei
Published: February 2018

The super low thermal conductivity and ultrahigh thermal expansion of Ba6Ln2Al4O15 (Ln = Gd, Dy, Er, and Yb) compounds with one‐sixth of the oxygen vacancy have been synthesized by the solid‐state reaction method. The lowest thermal conductivity of Ba6Yb2Al4O15 was found to be 0.98 W/(m.K) at 1073 K. The large concentration of oxygen vacancies in Ba6Ln2Al4O15 compounds leads to low elastic modulus and loose chemical bonds. The average thermal expansion coefficients of Ba6Ln2Al4O15 compounds was 11.8 × 10−6 ˜ 13.6 × 10−6 · K−1. The loose chemical bonds with Young's moduli were in the range of 102.8 ˜ 135.9 GPa.
Conversion of calcium aluminate cement hydrates at 60°C with and without water
Authors: Zhang Yang , Ye Guotian , Gu Wenjing , Ding Dafei , Chen Liugang , Zhu Lingling
Published: February 2018

There have been different hypotheses about the transformation mechanisms of calcium aluminate cement hydrates and this work aims to clarify the long‐running debate about the conversion approaches. In this work, CAH10 and C2AH8 were produced from the pastes of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) cured for 24 hours at 10 and 20°C separately. And the cured pastes were continually cured at 60°C for 3 days with water and without water, respectively. The hydration of the pastes was halted by freeze‐drying, and the phases and microstructure of hydrates were investigated by XRD and SEM, respectively. The results indicate that CAH10 and C2AH8 converted into C3AH6 and AH3 in water presence at 60°C, but did not transform into C3AH6 and AH3 without water. It is confirmed that the conversion of CAH10 and C2AH8 to C3AH6 and AH3 happens through preceding solution of CAH10 and C2AH8 and subsequent precipitation of C3AH6 and AH3.