bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient cycling potential within microbial communities on culturally important stoneworks
Authors: Zanardini Elisabetta , May Eric , Purdy Kevin J. , Murrell J. Colin
Published: October 2018

Previous studies on microbes associated with deterioration of cultural heritage (CH) stoneworks have revealed a diverse microbiota adapted to stresses such as low nutrients, aridity and high salinity, temperatures and radiation. However, the function of these pioneer microbial communities is still unclear. This study examines bacterial and archaeal diversity in exfoliated and dark encrustation sandstone from Portchester Castle (UK) by 16S rRNA and functional gene analyses. Bacterial and archaeal communities from the exfoliated sites were distinctly different from the dark encrustation. Detected genera were linked to extreme environmental conditions, various potential functional roles and degradation abilities. From these data it was possible to reconstruct almost complete nitrogen and sulfur cycles, as well as autotrophic carbon fixation and mineral transformation processes. Analysis of RNA showed that many of the detected genera in these nutrient cycles were probably active in situ. Thus, CH stonework microbial communities are highly diverse and potentially self‐sustaining ecosystems capable of cycling carbon, nitrogen and sulfur as well as the stone biodeterioration processes that lead to alterations such as exfoliation and corrosion. These results highlight the importance of diversity and internal recycling capacity in the development of microbial communities in harsh and low energy systems.
CCN family member 1 deregulates cholesterol metabolism and aggravates atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhao Jin‐Feng , Chen Hsiang‐Ying , Wei Jeng , Jim Leu Shr‐Jeng , Lee Tzong‐Shyuan
Published: October 2018

Aim

CCN family member 1 (CCN1) is an extracellular matrix cytokine and appears in atherosclerotic lesions. However, we have no evidence to support the role of CCN1 in regulating cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis.

Methods

Apolipoprotein E‐deficient (apoE−/−) mice were used as in vivo model. Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL)‐induced macrophage‐foam cells were used as in vitro model. RT‐PCR and western blot analysis were used for evaluating gene and protein expression, respectively. Conventional assay kits were used for assessing the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and cytokines.

Results

We show predominant expression of CCN1 in foamy macrophages in atherosclerotic aortas of apoE−/−mice. In apoE−/− mice, CCN1 treatment worsened hyperlipidaemia, systemic inflammation, and the progression of atherosclerosis. In addition, CCN1 decreased the capacity of reverse cholesterol transport and downregulated the protein expression of ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ABCG1 in atherosclerotic aortas. Notably, CCN1 decreased the protein expression of cholesterol clearance‐related proteins, including ABCG5, ABCG8, liver X receptor α (LXRα), cholesterol 7α‐hydrolase and LDL receptor in liver, and exacerbated hepatic lipid accumulation. In macrophages, treatment with oxLDL increased CCN1 expression. Inhibition of CCN1 activity by neutralizing antibody or small interfering RNA attenuated the oxLDL‐induced lipid accumulation. In contrast, cotreatment with CCN1 or overexpression of CCN1 augmented oxLDL‐induced lipid accumulation by impairing apolipoprotein AI‐ and high‐density lipoprotein‐dependent cholesterol efflux, which was attributed to downregulation of LXRα‐dependent expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that CCN1 plays a pivotal role in regulating cholesterol metabolism and the development of atherosclerosis.
Stress, Depressive Symptoms, and Maternal Self‐Efficacy in First‐Time Mothers: Modelling and Predicting Change across the First Six Months of Motherhood
Authors: Law Kwok Hong , Dimmock James , Guelfi Kym J. , Nguyen Thinh , Gucciardi Daniel , Jackson Ben
Published: October 2018

Background

First‐time mothers commonly experience stress and depressive symptoms in the postpartum period. Maternal self‐efficacy has been shown to be an important protective factor against these experiences; however, research on the dynamic nature of stress, depressive symptoms, and maternal self‐efficacy is limited. The aim of this study was to document changes in these psychological factors among first‐time mothers, and determine how early maternal self‐efficacy perceptions may predict change in stress and depressive symptoms over the first 6 months postpartum.

Methods

Sixty first‐time Australian mothers were recruited during their third trimester of pregnancy. Participants completed a baseline survey during the third trimester of pregnancy (M = 32.87 weeks,SD = 2.62 weeks), and subsequently reported stress, depressive symptoms, and maternal self‐efficacy every 3 weeks postpartum for 6 months. Latent growth curve modelling was used to estimate participants’ change over time for stress and depressive symptoms.

Results

First‐time mothers’ stress and depressive symptoms peaked, and maternal self‐efficacy was weakest, at 3 weeks postpartum. Maternal self‐efficacy at 3 weeks postpartum was a significant (negative) predictor of 3‐week levels of, and also (positively) predicted later reductions in, stress.

Conclusion

Future interventions aimed at bolstering early maternal self‐efficacy may protect against postpartum stress for first‐time mothers.
Prime and Prejudice
Authors: Sergent Kayla , Stajkovic Alexander D.
Published: October 2018

Drawing upon theoretical perspectives from applied and social psychology, sociology, and management literatures, we develop a conceptual model in which conscious and subconscious prejudice interact to cause work discrimination. We posit that consciously non‐prejudiced employees can face cognitive trade‐offs outside of awareness that stem from a contradictory pull of primed subconscious prejudice. This cognitive paradox can lead to unintended, automatic discriminatory behaviour. Understanding the interplay between conscious lack of prejudice and primed subconscious prejudice, ostensibly, has greater organisational implications than studying either one alone. This is because employees cannot effectively grapple with unintended work discrimination without a more complete understanding of mechanisms that trigger these behaviours without awareness. In this article, we fuse new and prior points to offer novel theory insights.
Co‐authorship Network Analysis in the Accounting Discipline
Authors: Kılıç Merve , Uyar Ali , Koseoglu Mehmet Ali
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study is to explore co‐authorship structures in the accounting discipline through social network analysis. For this purpose, we hand‐collected the authorship data of 10 863 papers published in 22 accounting journals listed on the Web of Science for the period 2000–2016. The findings indicate that the proportion of multi‐author papers has increased over time while the trend away from sole authorship has continued. The network indicators and visualisations reflect that accounting research manifests a small‐world property. Despite the large network size, a high number of ties among nodes, the size of giant components and a high clustering coefficient all support this inference. We hope that emphasis on collaboration metrics motivates and encourages researchers to engage with other scholars both locally and abroad. Furthermore, the development of research networks in the analysis period indicates that the trend is moving towards more collaboration; thus, being part of a team or team‐making is key to integration with other scholars.
Influence of thiopurine S‐methyltransferase polymorphisms in mercaptopurine pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers
Authors: Saiz‐Rodríguez Miriam , Ochoa Dolores , Belmonte Carmen , Román Manuel , Martínez‐Ingelmo Cristina , Ortega‐Ruíz Lucía , Sarmiento‐Iglesias Carmen , Herrador Coral , Abad‐Santos Francisco
Published: October 2018

Mercaptopurine is a drug commonly used in the treatment of different types of cancer, especially acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and autoimmune diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease and in patients receiving organ transplants. It is metabolized by three cytosolic enzymes. One of them, thiopurine S‐methyltransferase (TPMT), is responsible for catalysing the methylation reaction of mercaptopurine to 6‐methylmercaptopurine, thus inactivating the drug. Individuals with TPMT loss‐of‐function alleles (*2, *3A, *3B or *3C) can be extremely sensitive to the effect of mercaptopurine, since it can be accumulated, therefore producing haematological toxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of TPMT polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of mercaptopurine. For that purpose, we used collected pharmacokinetic data from 48 healthy volunteers (all males) who received a single oral dose of mercaptopurine 50 mg in two bioequivalence studies. The volunteers were subsequently genotyped for TPMT *2, *3A, *3B and *3C alleles by real‐time PCR. There were four carriers (8.3%) of TPMT*2 and TPMT*3A alleles. Mercaptopurine elimination was affected by TPMT loss‐of‐function polymorphisms, since heterozygous subjects show 18% higher half‐life compared to wild‐type individuals. This fact is consistent with the expected since the presence of loss‐of‐function alleles decreases TPMT enzymatic activity and, thus, affects mercaptopurine elimination. Moreover, mercaptopurine pharmacokinetic parameters were different among races, since Latins showed higher plasma concentrations and lower clearance compared to Caucasians. This fact might be due to a different distribution of polymorphisms in genes, other than TPMT, that also influence the pharmacokinetics of mercaptopurine.
Population pharmacokinetics and dosing regimen optimisation of lopinavir in Chinese adults infected with HIV
Authors: Niu Wan‐jie , Sun Tao , Liu Li , Liu Xiao‐qian , Zhang Ren‐fang , Yin Lin , Wang Jiang‐rong , Jia Xiao‐fang , Lu Hong‐Zhou , Zhong Ming‐kang , Jiao Zheng , Zhang Li‐jun
Published: October 2018

Lopinavir (LPV) is a protease inhibitor (PI) for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Current studies on LPV are mainly focused on Caucasians, and none have investigated the population pharmacokinetics (PPK) of LPV in Chinese population. The present study aimed to develop a PPK model for oral LPV in Chinese adults who are HIV‐infected. A total of 460 LPV concentrations from 174 Chinese patients who received LPV/ritonavir (LPV/r) 400/100 mg orally every 12 hours (q12h) were analysed using the non‐linear mixed‐effects modelling approach. Simulations of the LPV concentration profile were performed with different dosing regimens. A one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination process described the data. The estimated apparent clearance (CL/F) and volume of distribution (V/F) (% relative standard error [RSE]) for oral LPV were 5.9 L/h (3%) and 117 L (8%), respectively. Body‐weight was identified as a covariate on CL/F. In patients who weighed between 45 and 115 kg and received the standard 400/100 mg q12h regimen, the probability of achieving target trough concentration (Ctrough) of 1 mg/L was >98% for PI‐naïve patients and the probability of achieving target Ctrough of 4 mg/L was <80% for PI‐pretreated patients. This is the first population pharmacokinetic study to characterise the PK of LPV in Chinese patients with HIV infection. There were no obvious ethnic differences in the PK of LPV between the Chinese population and Caucasian population. The simulations demonstrated that the standard dosing regimen of 400/100 mg q12h (LPV/r tablets) appears to be sufficient for PI‐naïve patients but suboptimal for PI‐pretreated patients. Therefore, the regimen of 800/200 mg q12h was recommended for PI‐pretreated patients. Further investigation of dosage recommendation could be helpful in optimising LPV therapy for HIV infections.
Identification of alcohol‐binding site(s) in proteins using diazirine‐based photoaffinity labeling and mass spectrometry
Authors: Das Joydip
Published: October 2018

Defining molecular targets of alcohol and understanding the molecular mechanism of alcohol actions are necessary to develop effective therapeutics for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here, we describe a detailed protocol for identifying alcohol‐binding site(s) in proteins using diazirine‐based azialcohol as photoaffinity labeling agents. Upon photoirradiation, azialcohol photoincorporates into alcohol‐binding proteins. The stoichiometry and site of azialcohol photoincorporation can be determined using high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Identification of the alcohol‐binding residues in protein followed by measuring the biological significance of these residues in regulating alcohol action are important steps in characterizing the molecular targets of alcohol.
A Longitudinal and Multidimensional Examination of the Associations Between Temperament and Self‐Restraint During Toddlerhood
Authors: Smith Watts Ashley K. , Friedman Naomi P. , Corley Robin P. , Hewitt John K. , Hink Laura K. , Robinson JoAnn L. , Rhee Soo H.
Published: October 2018

Developing self‐restraint, or the inhibition of behavior in response to a prohibition, is an important process during toddlerhood. The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of individual differences in the development of self‐restraint during toddlerhood by examining stable elements and growth of temperament (i.e., attentional control, behavioral inhibition, negative emotionality), general intelligence, and self‐restraint. Participants were 412 same‐sex twin pairs (approximately 90% European American) from predominately middle‐class households in Colorado. Data were collected at 14, 20, 24, and 36 months. Results indicated that higher behavioral inhibition, attentional control, and intelligence were independently associated with better self‐restraint, whereas higher negative emotionality was an independent predictor of lower self‐restraint. The associations between temperament and self‐restraint generally appeared to be stable from 14 to 36 months.
Demystifying viral anterior uveitis: A review
Authors: Chan Nicole Shu‐Wen , Chee Soon‐Phaik
Published: October 2018

A viral aetiology should be suspected when anterior uveitis is accompanied by ocular hypertension, diffuse stellate keratic precipitates or the presence of iris atrophy. The most common viruses associated with anterior uveitis include herpes simplex virus, varicella‐zoster virus, cytomegalovirus and rubella virus. They may present as the following: Firstly, granulomatous cluster of small and medium‐sized keratic precipitates in Arlt's triangle, with or without corneal scars, suggestive of herpes simplex or varicella‐zoster virus infection. Secondly, Posner‐Schlossman syndrome with few medium‐sized keratic precipitates, minimal anterior chamber cells and extremely high intraocular pressure; this is mainly associated with cytomegalovirus. Thirdly, Fuchs uveitis syndrome, with fine stellate keratic precipitates diffusely distributed over the corneal endothelium, with diffuse iris stromal atrophy but without posterior synechiae, is associated mainly with rubella or cytomegalovirus infection. In rubella, the onset is in the second to third decade. It presents with posterior subcapsular cataract, may have iris heterochromia and often develops vitritis without macular oedema. Cytomegalovirus affects predominantly Asian males in the fifth to seventh decade, the keratic precipitates may be pigmented or appear in coin‐like pattern or develop nodular endothelial lesions, but rarely vitritis. Eyes with cytomegalovirus tend to have lower endothelial cell counts than the fellow eye. As their ocular manifestations are variable and may overlap considerably, viral AU can pose a diagnostic dilemma. Thus, quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Goldmann‐Witmer coefficient assay from aqueous humour samples are preferred to confirm the aetiology and determine the disease severity as this impacts the treatment.
Confronting the Goldilocks Problem: Encountering “The Middle” in Anthropological Studies of Food and Agriculture
Authors: Thompson Jennifer Jo , Stinnett Ashley
Published: October 2018

Globally, and in the U.S., agricultural and food systems are increasingly bifurcated into large and small‐scale operations. Our ethnographic work indicates that there is a great deal of creativity and innovation between these poles, but this is largely being overlooked in agricultural research and policy where “the middle” is largely subject to erasure. Although constructs of scale are ideological in nature, they have material impacts across actors and networks. In this context, there is a critical need for theoretical and ethnographic work that seeks to understand the vast middle. Anthropologists are poised to bring the depth of contextualized, materially focused, process‐oriented ethnography to understanding how agriculture and food systems are experienced and navigated, in highly heterogeneous ways—at the thresholds of scale, and in the interconnections of networks. To illustrate, we draw upon our ethnographic research in the meat industry and with farm to school initiatives.
Mission‐Driven Intermediaries as Anchors of the Middle Ground in the American Food System: Evidence from Warrenton, NC
Authors: Tewari Meenu , Kelmenson Sophie , Guinn Andrew , Cumming Gabriel , Colloredo‐Mansfeld Rudolph
Published: October 2018

Moving beyond direct marketing, food systems work is increasingly connecting sustainably grown food with supermarkets, dining services, and other mainstream outlets. It is here that growers come face‐to‐face with the rigid conditions of a globalized food system. In this paper we document the emergence of mission‐driven intermediaries as bridging institutions in the middle spaces of American agriculture that are using value addition and strategic scaling up to connect alternative food systems to local and regional markets at profitable prices. Through in‐depth interviews with Working Landscapes of Warrenton, North Carolina, we describe one path to becoming a Mission‐Driven Intermediary, in which intermediaries with roots in the nonprofit sector evolve into organizations of hybrid form that include revenue‐generating activities. This institutional heterodoxy allows lateral alliances with diverse entities that help recombine existing resources in new ways, enabling the organization to demonstrate long‐term commitment to the local food project while successfully improvising to survive in a highly competitive and corporatized industry.
New Inquiries into the Agri‐Cultures of the Middle
Authors: De Master Kathryn
Published: October 2018

The disappearing “agriculture of the middle” (AOTM) in the US has been characterized as a market structure phenomenon, with midsized farms being defined as “too small to compete in the highly consolidated commodity markets and too large and commoditized to sell in the direct markets” (Kirschenmann et al. 2008). A national priority research agenda aimed at addressing this market vulnerability and renewing the AOTM has analyzed values‐based supply chains models, new forms of aggregation and distribution, and linkages among vulnerable small and midsized farming operations. These contributions have significantly advanced research on alternative market structures within the mid‐tier agricultural sector. However, insufficient attention has been given to cultural particularities and the AOTM. This cultural gap in the scholarship is partially redressed with the new collection of case studies presented in this special issue of CAFE. This commentary traces some of the key contributions of AOTM research and situates these recent CAFE contributions in the context of the existing literature. It concludes by suggesting two lines of inquiry for future research that examine critical cultural questions pertinent to AOTM scholarship.
Conclusion: Developing conceptual understandings of transitions and policy implications
Authors: Downes Paul , Anderson Jim , Nairz‐Wirth Erna
Published: October 2018

Transition requires a multidimensional, interdisciplinary approach for its re‐conceptualisation to bring to the fore systemic and power related concerns affecting marginalised and vulnerable groups. This concluding article examines the special issue articles through a range of perspectives. These include examining transitions through a hermeneutics of suspicion, as a mask to displace focus away from other issues of system blockages and failures, building on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and Bourdieu’s symbolic violence and cultural capital. A distinctive focus on spatial systems as concentric relational spaces contrasted with fragmented, hierarchical diametric spatial systems is applied to transitions. This goes beyond conventional spatial assumptions of transition as a “bridge”. Temporal assumptions underpinning transitions are explored to challenge one directional approaches, while key issues of marginalised students’ and parents’ voices are highlighted. Intersectionality theory is invoked to examine the interplay between issues of social class, ethnicity, gender in the special issue articles. Building on the special issue articles’ qualitative and quantitative research findings, key policy conclusions for transitions are identified. These include the need to promote relational spaces, increase system capacity, develop flexible nonlinear pathways, address structural segregation issues, and recognise that formal equality principles are insufficient for a culturally responsive approach to transitions. These policy conclusions regarding transitions are relevant for the multiple educational domains explored, ranging from early childhood, primary, postprimary, through to access to university and the labour market. They go beyond typical transition policy responses of induction days, information transfer, staff and interinstitutional communication, and curricular bridging approaches.
Prophylaxis of chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia and febrile neutropenia with lipegfilgrastim in patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NADIR study)
Authors: Wolff Thomas , Schulz Holger , Losem Christoph , Reichert Dietmar , Hurtz Hans‐Jürgen , Sandner Reiner , Harde Johanna , Grebhardt Sina , Potthoff Karin , Mueller Udo , Fietz Thomas
Published: October 2018

Objective

The prospective non‐interventional study (NIS) NADIR was designed to evaluate both effectiveness and safety of prophylactic use of lipegfilgrastim (Lonquex®), a glycopegylated granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, in cancer patients with different tumor entities undergoing chemotherapy in routine clinical practice. The primary objective was incidence of severe neutropenia, febrile neutropenia (FN), and neutropenia‐associated complications.

Method

NADIR was a national, multicenter, prospective NIS.

Results

Here, we present the data on patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Final analysis comprised 337 NHL patients having received ≥1 administration of lipegfilgrastim. Primary prophylaxis with lipegfilgrastim was documented in 78.7% of patients with high risk to develop FN. In total, ≥1 severe neutropenia (grade 3/4) was reported in 115 (34.1%) patients and ≥1 event of FN documented in 15 (4.5%) patients. Grade 3/4 infections were reported in 22 (6.5%) patients overall. Most frequently reported adverse events (AEs) related to lipegfilgrastim in total were bone pain (5.4%), leukocytosis (2.1%), back pain (1.8%), platelet count decreased (1.2%), and myalgia (1.2%). Fatal serious AEs were documented in 9 (2.7%) patients; none were attributable to lipegfilgrastim.

Conclusion

Prophylaxis or therapeutic intention with lipegfilgrastim in NHL patients in routine clinical practice showed similar effectiveness and safety as demonstrated in the pivotal trials.
A novel hybrid method for selecting soccer players during the transfer season
Authors: Nasiri Mohammad Mahdi , Ranjbar Mojtaba , Tavana Madjid , Santos Arteaga Francisco J. , Yazdanparast Reza
Published: October 2018

The quality of its players is one of the most significant features determining the failure or success of a sports team. The wide array of factors contributing to the performance of the players together with the inherent financial limitations of the clubs have transformed the selection of players into a complex problem. The current paper presents an integrated approach that combines multiple‐criteria decision‐making analysis and mathematical programming to support the decision maker through the building process of a soccer team. First, the fuzzy analytic network process is applied to evaluate the significance of the different performance criteria for each position in the field. The score attained by the different players in each potential position is computed using PROMETHEE II. A biobjective integer programming model has been designed to evaluate the transfer status of the players. Finally, data envelopment analysis is used to identify the most efficient Pareto solution determining the status of each player. In order to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach, the position in the field and transfer status of 60 players being considered by a real soccer team have been determined.
Child Custody and Three Case Studies of Mortality: When Child Custody Litigation Should Involve Risk Assessment
Authors: Ezzo Frank R.
Published: October 2018

This article presents three case studies; two cases involving suicide of a parent during or shortly after custody litigation and one case of an infant death. Common themes of mental illness and substance abuse are identified, together with a legal and child‐protective system that failed to address documented and known risk factors that formed a nexus with the deaths. The importance of collaboration between the legal and mental health systems and in‐house mental health staff is stressed so that evidence‐based risk assessment can occur and reduce the mortality risk. The article concludes with a court's response to proactively identify risk factors and triage at‐risk litigants to appropriate treatment resources in the public and private mental/substance abuse treatment sectors.
Safe‐Haven Reopening: Lowering the Custody Modification Standard to Reopen an Initial Agreement in Cases of Domestic Violence
Authors: DeVries Brittany E.
Published: October 2018

This article argues for a safe‐haven reopening, which would consequently lower the custody modification standard that is currently required to reopen an initial custody order when evidence of domestic violence that was not before the court in the initial hearing phase, is plausibly alleged and corroborated. Further, in most jurisdictions in this country, the legal definition of domestic violence is too limited. The article argues that domestic violence definitions in this courtroom should be broadened to their nonphysical and/or unreported forms of violence, which some psychologists and researchers have labeled "coercive control."
Artificial pathway emergence in central metabolism from three recursive phosphoketolase reactions
Authors: Krüsemann Jan L. , Lindner Steffen N. , Dempfle Marian , Widmer Julian , Arrivault Stephanie , Debacker Marine , He Hai , Kubis Armin , Chayot Romain , Anissimova Macha , Marlière Philippe , Cotton Charles A. R. , Bar‐Even Arren
Published: October 2018

The promiscuous activities of a recursive, generalist enzyme provide raw material for the emergence of metabolic pathways. Here, we use a synthetic biology approach to recreate such an evolutionary setup in central metabolism and explore how cellular physiology adjusts to enable recursive catalysis. We generate an Escherichia coli strain deleted in transketolase and glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, effectively eliminating the native pentose phosphate pathway. We demonstrate that the overexpression of phosphoketolase restores prototrophic growth by catalyzing three consecutive reactions, cleaving xylulose 5‐phosphate, fructose 6‐phosphate, and, notably, sedoheptulose 7‐phosphate. We find that the activity of the resulting synthetic pathway becomes possible due to the recalibration of steady‐state concentrations of key metabolites, such that the in vivo cleavage rates of all three phosphoketolase substrates are similar. This study demonstrates our ability to rewrite one of nature's most conserved pathways and provides insight into the flexibility of cellular metabolism during pathway emergence.
Effect of Laves phase on the toughness of P92 weld metals
Authors: Wang Xue , Du Chengchao , Liu Hong , Liu Hongwei
Published: October 2018

In this investigation, Laves phase was found to gradually precipitate from the tempered martensitic matrix of the two P92 weld metals (WMs) during the aging treatment. The particle size of Laves phase in the two WMs was ranged from 0.18 to 0.24 μm and was larger than the M23C6 particle size (ranged from 0.09 to 0.13 μm). The dislocation density of the two WMs was stable during aging. The hardness of the two WMs was stable during aging treatment, as the loss of solid solution strengthening was continuously compensated by the precipitation strengthening of Laves phase. The impact toughness of the two WMs declined gradually as the extending of aging time. The crack initiation zone and shear lip zone of the fracture surface were ductile fracture mode which consumed more fracture energy during impacting. The generation of Laves phase narrowed the crack initiation zone and shear lip zone and contributed to the decline of ductile fracture area percentage of aged WMs. The smaller ductile fracture area percentage contributed to the toughness reduction of aged WMs.
Improved survival following splenectomy combined with curative treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma in Child B patients: A propensity score matching study
Authors: Pei Youliang , Zhang Zhanguo , Mba'nbo‐koumpa Abdoul‐aziz , Chen Xiaoping , Zhang Wanguang
Published: October 2018

Aims

To explore the benefits of curative treatments (liver resection or local ablation) combined with splenectomy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and Child grade B liver function.

Methods

We reviewed 245 patients with Child grade B liver function who underwent treatment with curative intent for HCC. Among these patients, 116 patients underwent curative treatment combined with splenectomy (the splenectomy group); the other 129 patients only underwent curative treatment (the non‐splenectomy group). A one‐to‐one matching produced 95 paired patients, perioperative and oncological outcomes were compared, and liver function changes were reassessed 1 year later.

Results

The perioperative liver failure rates were 7.4% and 6.3% (P = 1.000) and the 90‐day mortality was 4.2% and 6.3% (P = 0.747) in the splenectomy group and non‐splenectomy group, respectively. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival rates were remarkably greater in the splenectomy group than in the non‐splenectomy group (92.6% vs. 79.8%, 53.4% vs. 34.7%, and 19.9% vs. 11.0%, respectively; P = 0.004). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, splenectomy was identified as a protective factor for long‐term survival. The proportion of patients whose liver function improved to Child A 1 year after surgery was also higher in the splenectomy group than in the non‐splenectomy group (95.4% vs. 83.3%; P = 0.048).

Conclusions

Compared with non‐splenectomy, curative treatments combined with splenectomy for patients with HCC and Child B grade liver function showed no different perioperative outcomes but achieved significant survival benefit. Splenectomy is a beneficial factor for patients with HCC and Child B liver function; liver function improved significantly 1 year after splenectomy.
Interdisciplinarity for sale: Logics of knowledge, labour markets and consumerism
Authors: Pizarro Milian Roger , Missaghian Rod
Published: October 2018

Interdisciplinary programmes have proliferated across post‐secondary education in recent decades. Despite this, little attention has been paid to the manner in which interdisciplinary programmes promote themselves to external constituents. To study this process, we conduct a content analysis of the online self‐descriptions of 203 credential‐granting interdisciplinary programmes across the Canadian university sector. We find that these entities embrace contrasting logics of superior knowledge, labour market outcomes and customisation. We interpret these findings through the lens of contemporary theorising within organisation studies, noting that their ambidexterity bodes well for their continued existence within the sector.
Supplement overview: what the Healthy Communities Study is telling us about childhood obesity prevention in U.S. communities
Authors: Kumanyika S. K.
Published: October 2018

The Healthy Communities Study (HCS), conducted between 2010 and 2016, tells a real‐world story of how childhood obesity prevention efforts have unfolded in 130 U.S. communities. The study documented nearly 10,000 current and past community policies and programs (CPPs) and assessed dietary and physical activity behaviors, weight, height, and waist circumference of more than 5,000, 4‐ to 15‐year‐old children. The articles in this HCS supplement describe the variables created to characterize the CPPs, CPP relationships with children's behavioral and weight status, other analyses of interest, and recruitment challenges. Findings suggest that many of the strategies being implemented work as intended to improve children's behaviors and weight status. However, of concern, findings also indicate lesser reach to children in demographic groups at highest risk of obesity. Overall, the HCS insights can guide the next phase of efforts to strengthen existing CPPs and motivate other, novel approaches to combating childhood obesity.
Optimal carbon reduction level and ordering quantity under financial constraints
Authors: Cao Kaiying , Xu Bing , He Yi , Xu Qingyun
Published: October 2018

Carbon tax policy is widely adopted by many countries to curb carbon emissions. In the context of carbon tax policy, firms have more incentive to improve carbon reduction levels by reducing their carbon tax costs. However, firms need to bear carbon reduction costs that may cause shortage of capital. Thus, firms may face problems of financial constraints, which may demotivate firms to produce greener products. To address the decision‐making challenges of firms in the contexts of carbon tax policy and financial constraints, we consider a supply chain with a manufacturer who produces green products and a retailer who sells these products. Our study develops five models to investigate the two firms’ optimal wholesale price, carbon reduction level and ordering quantity, according to the manufacturer and retailer with or without financial constraints. Our goal in this study is to explore how carbon tax policy and banks’ interest rates affect the profits of the two firms, supply chain and consumer surplus. Certain managerial insights are obtained as follows. We demonstrate that carbon tax policy and banks’ interest rates demotivate the manufacturer to produce greener products and demotivate the retailer to order more products. If the interest rate to the manufacturer (retailer) is relatively low, then the manufacturer with financial constraint benefits (harms) the consumers compared with the retailer with financial constraint. Importantly, our analysis suggests that carbon tax policy harms the firms but benefits consumers, and the government in some conditions should reduce unit carbon tax.
Annual Research Review: Educational neuroscience: progress and prospects
Authors: Thomas Michael S. C. , Ansari Daniel , Knowland Victoria C. P.
Published: October 2018

Educational neuroscience is an interdisciplinary research field that seeks to translate research findings on neural mechanisms of learning to educational practice and policy and to understand the effects of education on the brain. Neuroscience and education can interact directly, by virtue of considering the brain as a biological organ that needs to be in the optimal condition to learn (‘brain health’); or indirectly, as neuroscience shapes psychological theory and psychology influences education. In this article, we trace the origins of educational neuroscience, its main areas of research activity and the principal challenges it faces as a translational field. We consider how a pure psychology approach that ignores neuroscience is at risk of being misleading for educators. We address the major criticisms of the field comprising, respectively, a priori arguments against the relevance of neuroscience to education, reservations with the current practical operation of the field, and doubts about the viability of neuroscience methods for diagnosing disorders or predicting individual differences. We consider future prospects of the field and ethical issues it raises. Finally, we discuss the challenge of responding to the (welcome) desire of education policymakers to include neuroscience evidence in their policymaking, while ensuring recommendations do not exceed the limitations of current basic science.
Notes on the Underground: Monetary Policy in Resource‐Rich Economies
Authors: FERRERO ANDREA , SENECA MARTIN
Published: October 2018

The central bank of a commodity‐exporting small open economy faces the traditional trade‐off between domestic inflation and output gap. The commodity sector introduces a terms‐of‐trade inefficiency that gives rise to an endogenous cost‐push shock, changes the target level for output, reduces the slope of the Phillips curve, and increases the importance of stabilizing the output gap. Optimal monetary policy calls for a reduction of the interest rate following a drop in the oil price. In contrast, a central bank with a mandate to stabilize consumer price inflation raises interest rates to limit the inflationary impact of an exchange rate depreciation.
Public Funding for Science and the Value of Corporate R&D Projects; Evidence from Project Initiation and Termination Decisions in Cell Therapy
Authors: Huang Hsini , Jong Simcha
Published: October 2018

How do firms decide which R&D projects to pursue and which ones to cast aside? We use a real options approach to advance our understanding of how firms manage uncertainties in R&D project management, in particular uncertainties linked to the external scientific environment. Our findings highlight how these uncertainties have an impact on the initiation and discontinuation of R&D projects. We examine these effects in the context of shifts in US science policy in the cell therapy field, using a dataset on 570 R&D projects in the global cell therapy sector, initiated over the period 1986–2011. We find decreased R&D project initiation rates and higher discontinuation rates for projects initiated by US firms in the aftermath of policy shifts that increased uncertainties about public funding support for US cell therapy research. We also highlight how this effect was reversed as the US public funding outlook for such research recovered.
How does the Household Labour Supply Respond to the Unemployment of the Household Head?
Authors: Cardona‐Sosa Lina , Flórez Luz Adriana , Morales Leonardo Fabio ,   Banco de la República
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we explore one of the oldest labour market phenomena documented in the literature: the added worker effect. This refers to the labour supply response of secondary earners of the household to the main earner's job losses. Using longitudinal data for Colombia, we find that when the head of the household becomes unemployed, the labour supply of the female partner increases between 9 and 20 percentage points. Such response appears during the first 6 months of the unemployment spell of the household head. In addition, within 1 year of the unemployment shock, household members under college age were more likely to enter the labour market and less likely to be in tertiary education.
Chronic kidney disease is independently associated with increased mortality in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Paik James , Golabi Pegah , Younoszai Zahra , Mishra Alita , Trimble Gregory , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: October 2018

Background & Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic kidney disease share similar pathophysiologic features. Our aim was to assess the association between different stages of chronic kidney disease and mortality in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Methods

Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey‐linked mortality files were utilized. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was diagnosed by hepatic ultrasound and chronic kidney disease was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global outcomes guideline. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the effect of chronic kidney disease on overall and cardiovascular mortality.

Results

Total cohort included 11 695 adult participants; mean age 43.3 years, 48.4% male, 76.4% white, 18.6% had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and 9.3% had chronic kidney disease. 5.6% had diabetes, 21.3% had hypertension, 4.3% had cardiovascular disease. Compared to subjects without chronic kidney disease or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients with chronic kidney disease were more likely to be older, had less income, and higher prevalence of comorbidities (all P < 0.001). Prevalence of chronic kidney disease among nonalcoholic fatty liver disease cohort was 11.31%. Compared to non‐nonalcoholic fatty liver disease group, patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease had higher rates of stage 1, 2 and 3a chronic kidney disease, but similar rates for stage 3b, 4 and 5. Mortality rate was 18.5% in 17 years. Among nonalcoholic fatty liver disease cohort, the presence of chronic kidney disease stages 2‐3a (HR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.70‐3.15) and stages 3b‐5 (HR = 4.83, 95% CI: 2.40‐9.71) were independently associated with increased overall mortality.

Conclusions

Among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, moderate to advanced stages of chronic kidney disease are associated with overall mortality. Identification of chronic kidney disease in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has important prognostic implications.
Longitudinal analysis of risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in adulthood
Authors: Cuthbertson Daniel J. , Brown Emily , Koskinen Juha , Magnussen Costan G. , Hutri‐Kähönen Nina , Sabin Matthew , Tossavainen Päivi , Jokinen Eero , Laitinen Tomi , Viikari Jorma , Raitakari Olli T. , Juonala Markus
Published: October 2018

Background & Aims

We aimed to determine how childhood body mass index and metabolic health, along with the change in body mass index between childhood and adulthood, determine the risk of adult non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Methods

Data from 2020 participants aged 3‐18 years at baseline, followed up 31 years later, were examined to assess the utility of four childhood metabolic phenotypes (Metabolic Groups I: normal body mass index, no metabolic disturbances; II: normal body mass index, one or more metabolic disturbances; III: overweight/obese, no metabolic disturbances; IV: overweight/obese, one or more metabolic disturbances) and four life‐course adiposity phenotypes (Adiposity Group 1: normal child and adult body mass index; 2, high child, normal adult body mass index; 3, normal child body mass index, high adult body mass index; 4, high child and adult body mass index) in predicting adult non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Results

The risk for adult non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was similar across all four groups after adjustment for age, sex, lifestyle factors and adult body mass index. Risk of adult non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was not increased among individuals overweight/obese in childhood but non‐obese in adulthood. In contrast, overweight or obese adults, irrespective of their youth body mass index status, had ~eight‐fold to 10‐fold increased risk (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Childhood overweight/obesity, not metabolic health, is associated with increased risk for adult non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the increased risk associated with childhood overweight/obesity can be largely removed by obtaining a normal body mass index by adulthood.
Factors associated with catch‐up growth in early infancy in rural Pakistan: A longitudinal analysis of the women's work and nutrition study
Authors: Pradeilles Rebecca , Norris Tom , Ferguson Elaine , Gazdar Haris , Mazhar Sidra , Bux Mallah Hussain , Budhani Azmat , Mehmood Rashid , Aslam Saba , Dangour Alan D. , Allen Elizabeth
Published: October 2018

The adverse health impacts of early infant stunting can be partially ameliorated by early catch‐up growth. Few studies have examined predictors of and barriers to catch‐up growth to identify intervention points for improving linear growth during infancy. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, catch‐up growth among infants in Pakistan. A longitudinal study of mother–infant dyads (n = 1,161) was conducted in rural Sindh province, with enrolment between December 2015 and February 2016 (infants aged 0.5–3 months), and follow‐up (n = 1035) between November 2016 and January 2017 (infants aged 9–15 months). The outcome was catch‐up growth (change in conditional length‐for‐age z‐scores >0.67 between baseline and endline). Associated factors were examined using multivariable logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of stunting was 45.3% at baseline and 60.7% at follow‐up. 22.8% of infants exhibited catch‐up growth over this period. Factors positively associated with catch‐up growth included maternal height (odds ratio (OR) = 1.08 [1.05–1.11]), household wealth (OR = 3.61 [1.90–6.84]), maternal (OR = 2.43 [1.30–4.56]) or paternal (OR = 1.46 [1.05–2.03]) education, and households with two or more adult females (OR = 1.91 [1.26–2.88]). Factors negatively associated with catch‐up growth were two (OR = 0.64 [0.45–0.89]) or three or more (OR = 0.44 [0.29–0.66]) preschool children in the household and the infant being currently breastfed (OR = 0.59 [0.41–0.88]). Catch‐up growth was exhibited among approximately a quarter of infants despite living in challenging environments associated with extremely high rates of early infant stunting. Several modifiable factors were identified that might represent suitable programme intervention points to off‐set early infant stunting in rural Pakistan.
Effects of opaque, weighted bottles on maternal sensitivity and infant intake
Authors: Ventura Alison K. , Hernandez Alexandra
Published: October 2018

Caregivers' abilities to assess how much is in the bottle may lead to encouragement of infant bottle emptying and overfeeding. The present study assessed whether use of opaque, weighted bottles (as compared with conventional, clear bottles) improves feeding outcomes. Mothers with infants <32 weeks of age (n = 76) were assessed on two separate days. Mothers fed their infants from an opaque, weighted bottle on 1 day and a clear bottle on the other; conditions were counterbalanced. Blinded raters certified in the Nursing Child Assessment Feeding Scale scored all videos to determine maternal sensitivity. Infant intake was assessed by weighing the bottle before and after each feeding, and feeding outcomes included infant intake (mL), intake per kilogram body weight (mL/kg), meal duration (min), and feed rate (mL/min). Mothers exhibited significantly greater sensitivity (p = 0.041), fed their infants fewer millilitres per kilogram body weight (p = 0.049), and fed their infants at a significantly slower rate (p = 0.009) when using opaque compared with clear bottles. Infant clarity of cues was a significant moderator of effects of bottle type on intake per kilogram body weight (p = 0.028): Infants who exhibited greater clarity of cues were fed less during the opaque versus clear conditions whereas infants who exhibited poorer clarity of cues were fed similar amounts during both conditions. Effects of bottle type were not moderated by bottle contents (expressed breast milk vs. formula). In sum, promotion of opaque, weighted bottles for infant feeding may be a pragmatic approach to improve the quality and outcome of bottle‐feeding interactions.