bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D reconstruction of magnetization from dichroic soft X-ray transmission tomography
Authors: Hierro-Rodriguez Aurelio , Gürsoy Doga , Phatak Charudatta , Quirós Carlos , Sorrentino Andrea , Álvarez-Prado Luis Manuel , Vélez Maria , Martín José Ignacio , Alameda José Maria , Pereiro Eva , Ferrer Salvador
Published: May 2018

The development of magnetic nanostructures for applications in spintronics requires methods capable of visualizing their magnetization. Soft X-ray magnetic imaging combined with circular magnetic dichroism allows nanostructures up to 100–300 nm in thickness to be probed with resolutions of 20–40 nm. Here a new iterative tomographic reconstruction method to extract the three-dimensional magnetization configuration from tomographic projections is presented. The vector field is reconstructed by using a modified algebraic reconstruction approach based on solving a set of linear equations in an iterative manner. The application of this method is illustrated with two examples (magnetic nano-disc and micro-square heterostructure) along with comparison of error in reconstructions, and convergence of the algorithm.
Metal–organic framework assembled from erbium and a tetrapodal polyphosphonic acid organic linker
Authors: Mendes Ricardo F. , Firmino Ana D. G. , Tomé João P. C. , Almeida Paz Filipe A.
Published: May 2018

A three-dimensional metal–organic framework (MOF), poly[[μ6-5′-pentahydrogen [1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′,5,5′-tetrayltetrakis(phosphonato)]erbium(III)] 2.5-hydrate], formulated as [Er(C12H11O12P4)]·2.5H2O or [Er(H5btp)]·2.5H2O (I) and isotypical with a Y3+-based MOF reported previously by our research group [Firmino et al. (2017b). Inorg. Chem.
56, 1193–1208], was constructed based solely on Er3+ and on the polyphosphonic organic linker [1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′,5,5′-tetrakis(phosphonic acid) (H8btp). The present work describes our efforts to introduce lanthanide cations into the flexible network, demonstrating that, on the one hand, the compound can be obtained using three distinct experimental methods, i.e. hydro(solvo)thermal (Hy), microwave-assisted (MW) and one-pot (Op), and, on the other hand, that crystallite size can be approximately fine-tuned according to the method employed. MOF I contains hexacoordinated Er3+ cations which are distributed in a zigzag inorganic chain running parallel to the [100] direction of the unit cell. The chains are, in turn, bridged by the anionic organic linker to form a three-dimensional 6,6-connected binodal network. This connectivity leads to the existence of one-dimensional channels (also running parallel to the [100] direction) filled with disordered and partially occupied water molecules of crystalization which are engaged in O—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions with the [Er(H5btp)] framework. Additional weak π–π interactions [intercentroid distance = 3.957 (7) Å] exist between aromatic rings, which help to maintain the structural integrity of the network.
Real-space refinement inPHENIXfor cryo-EM and crystallography
Authors: Afonine Pavel V. , Poon Billy K. , Read Randy J. , Sobolev Oleg V. , Terwilliger Thomas C. , Urzhumtsev Alexandre , Adams Paul D.
Published: May 2018

This article describes the implementation of real-space refinement in thephenix.real_space_refineprogram from thePHENIXsuite. The use of a simplified refinement target function enables very fast calculation, which in turn makes it possible to identify optimal data-restraint weights as part of routine refinements with little runtime cost. Refinement of atomic models against low-resolution data benefits from the inclusion of as much additional information as is available. In addition to standard restraints on covalent geometry,phenix.real_space_refinemakes use of extra information such as secondary-structure and rotamer-specific restraints, as well as restraints or constraints on internal molecular symmetry. The re-refinement of 385 cryo-EM-derived models available in the Protein Data Bank at resolutions of 6 Å or better shows significant improvement of the models and of the fit of these models to the target maps.
Industrial relations in France
Authors: Rehfeldt Udo
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the actors, institutions and changing rules of the French system of industrial relations (IR). It questions whether the traditional view of the French model as “state-centric” is still adequate.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on institutionalist IR theories of social regulation and neocorporatism, the paper analyses the evolution of the French IR system from a “State-centric” model to the development of collective bargaining, both at the sector and company level, as well as of tripartite concertation.

Findings

Initially based on adversarial relations between trade unions and employers, compensated by strong state interventionism, the French IR system has experienced a series of reforms, adopted under the pressure of the unions in the 1980s and mostly under the pressure of the employers’ organisations since the turn of the century. These reforms boosted collective bargaining at the workplace level and tripartite concertation at the peak level. The paper analyses the limits of both developments and explains why a reversal of the hierarchy of norms was imposed in 2016 by law without prior concertation.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original explanation of the change of the initial French IR model, stressing the importance of power relations and the role of IR experts in the different reform moments.
Assessment of service quality using text mining – evidence from private sector banks in India
Authors: Chakrabarti Somnath , Trehan Deepak , Makhija Mayank
Published: May 2018

Purpose

As the retail banking institutions are becoming more customer centric, their focus on service quality is increasing. Established service quality frameworks such as SERVQUAL and SERVPERF have been applied in the banking sector. While these models are widely accepted, they are expensive because of the need for replication across bank branches. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel, user friendly and cost effective approach by amalgamating the traditional concept of service quality in banks (marketing base) and sentiment analysis literature (information systems base).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the main objective is to analyze user reviews to better understand the correlation between RATER dimension sentiment scores as independent variables and user overall rating (customer satisfaction) grouping in “good” and “bad” as dependent variable through development of authors’ own logistic regression model using lexicon-based sentiment analysis. The model has been developed for three largest private banks in India pertaining to three banking product categories of loans, savings and current accounts and credit cards.

Findings

The results show that the responsiveness and tangibles dimensions significantly impact the user evaluation rating. Even though the three largest private banks in India are concentrating on the tangibles dimension, not all of them are sufficiently focused on the responsiveness dimension. Additionally, customers looking for loan products are more susceptible to negative perceptions on service quality.

Originality/value

This study has highlighted two types of scores whereby user provided overall evaluation scores help provide validation to the sentiment scores. The developed model can be used to assess performance of a bank in comparison to its peers and to generate in depth insights on point of parity (POP) and point of difference (POD) fronts.
Expectations of Facebook users towards a virtual dialogue with their public utility
Authors: Martin Sebastian , Greiling Dorothea , Wetzelhütter Daniela
Published: May 2018

Purpose

A growing amount of German and Austrian utilities create own Facebook accounts to communicate with their stakeholders. Whereas existing studies describe how utility companies are currently using Facebook, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there exists no study which focuses on the actual expectations of Facebook users. Nevertheless, as the occurrence of social media redefined stakeholders’ expectations, research on the expectations of Facebook users become crucial. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing social media literature by investigating the expectations of Facebook users towards a virtual stakeholder dialogue with their public utility companies on Facebook.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight German and six Austrian public utilities supported the empirical study by posting a link to an online survey on their Facebook account. In total, 258 Facebook users followed that link and completed the survey.

Findings

The broad majority of participants expect public utility companies to use Facebook as a communication channel. They request to regularly receive a variety of information on different topics. In addition, participants want to have the opportunity to post general queries, complaints or criticism, suggestions for improvement, positive feedback or queries in a crisis situation. Moreover, the empirical data reveal that user-specific characteristics such as gender, age, country of residence, length of Facebook membership or number of Facebook friends impact the expectations towards a Facebook conversation.

Originality/value

The findings enable scholars and practitioners to gain in-depth insights into Facebook conversations from the actual user perspective.
Interactive Network Branding
Authors: Koporcic Nikolina , Halinen Aino
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Interactive Network Branding (INB) as an emergent process where the corporate identity and reputation of a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) are created through interpersonal interaction. The INB process is socially constructed through interaction between individual people who act on behalf of their companies in business relationships and networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conceptual. Drawing on corporate branding literature, IMP research and empirical studies as well as short illustrative cases from SME contexts, the paper provides a conceptual description of INB and its sub-processes. Corporate branding literature offers conceptual understanding of corporate identity and reputation; the recent IMP-based studies offer an overview of current thinking within the paradigm, and the empirical studies and case examples from SMEs show the validity of the interpersonal approach for the INB.

Findings

The paper provides an enhanced understanding of INB in which interpersonal interaction lead to the creation of a corporate brand – as an integral part of the companies’ networking process. Three types of interpersonal interactions are distinguished: internal, external, and boundary spanning, the latter occurring at the borderline of the company and its environment. A process model of INB is proposed that specify the role of various interactions for the emerging process.

Research limitations/implications

Since the paper is conceptual, further research is needed to study the INB process empirically and in more depth in different SME contexts and through differing interaction perspectives.

Practical implications

Managerial implications denote the crucial role of individuals in performing INB. Through interpersonal interactions, SMEs are able to create their identity and reputation, i.e. a strong corporate brand, and thereby to influence their network position.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first attempts to link the IMP network approach with corporate branding literature, while focusing on the interpersonal interactions. The study builds bridges between these two distant but important research paradigms and contributes to each by developing a process perspective on corporate branding in business networks. This new approach to corporate branding seen through business interactions offers unique conceptual and managerial implications.
The effectiveness of fiscal policy: contributions from institutions and external debts
Authors: Phuc Canh Nguyen
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The effectiveness of fiscal policy is an interesting field in literature of macroeconomics. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of fiscal policy on economic growth under contributions from the differences in institutions and external debt levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use panel data from 2002 to 2014 from 20 emerging markets and use GMM estimators for unbalanced panel data.

Findings

The results show positive growth effects of fiscal policy across emerging markets in the examined periods. Notably, the improvement in institutions promotes higher crowding-in effects of fiscal policy. In addition, this paper finds interesting evidences that the external debt has non-linear effects on economic growth, whereas the heterogeneous effects of fiscal policy on economic growth as positive effects in low indebted level and negative effect in high indebted level may explain the mechanism of this non-linear relationship.

Originality/value

This study proposes the non-linear relationship of fiscal growth effects in emerging economies under the dynamic of debt levels.
Higher authority organizational stressors among higher education deans: a multiple case study
Authors: Chan Alfred Huan Zhi , Malek Mohd Dahlan , Bahari Ferlis
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify higher authority organizational stressors encountered by higher education deans.

Design/methodology/approach

This current research employed a qualitative approach utilizing a contextual paradigm with a multiple case study methodology.

Findings

Out of ten investigated deans in a public higher education institution in Malaysia, nine reported experiences of organizational stressor elements arising from higher authority. Three non-overlapping subthemes were systematically discovered.

Practical implications

Successful identification of these higher authority organizational stressors has implications for higher education management policies. Policies that reduce or eliminate these stressors may create a positive and progressive environment for deans and the higher education field.

Originality/value

This study will thus serve to promote a deeper understanding of higher authority organizational stressors encountered by higher education deans.
Examining the functions of prison critical incidents: a preliminary qualitative analysis of public reporting
Authors: Hughes Cameron , Ireland Jane L. , Ireland Carol A.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the function of crisis incidents in prisons within the UK and USA. The incidents reviewed included riots and hostage incidents, focusing only on information that was available publically. It did not intend to capture official reports not in the public domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Publically available information on incidents were systematically reviewed. Functional assessment and grounded theory were employed to examine background factors, triggers and maintaining factors. In total, 25 crisis incidents were analysed (UK =10 and USA =15) from the past 30 years. It was predicted that crisis incidents would be motivated by negative and positive reinforcement, with negative more evidenced than positive. Precipitating factors (i.e. triggers) were predicted to include negative emotions, such as frustration and anger.

Findings

Similarities in triggers and background factors were noted between hostage taking and riot incidents. Positive reinforcement was primarily indicated. Riots appeared driven by a need to communicate, to secure power, rights, control and/or freedom, whereas for hostage taking these functions extended to capture the removal of negative emotions, to inflict pain, to punish/gain revenge, to effect a release, to manage boredom and to promote positive emotions.

Research limitations/implications

The study is preliminary and focused on the reporting of incidents in publically available sources; consequently, the data are secondary in nature and further limited by sample size. Nevertheless, it highlights evidence for similarities between types of crisis incidents but also some important potential differences. The need to understand the protective factors preventing incidents and minimising harm during incidents is recommended.

Practical implications

It highlights evidence for similarities between types of critical incidents but also some important potential differences. Understanding differences between incidents is important in the tailoring of specific policies to address these areas. Understanding motivation and reinforcement is valuable in working towards the prevention of critical incidents. Understanding the protective factors preventing incidents and minimising harm during incidents is recommended.

Originality/value

This is an under-researched area. The study contributes to the field not only by focusing on providing a detailed analysis of an under-used source (public reporting) but by also identifying where gaps in research remain. The results demonstrate the value in understanding incidents through their motivation, particularly in distinguishing between negative and positive reinforcement.
How are students on the autism spectrum affected by bullying? Perspectives of students and parents
Authors: Ashburner Jill , Saggers Beth , Campbell Marilyn A. , Dillon‐Wallace Julie A. , Hwang Yoon‐Suk , Carrington Suzanne , Bobir Natasha
Published: May 2018

Previous research has focused on the prevalence of bullying of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with little attention given to its emotional effect. This mixed methods study examined levels of worry about bullying and bullying experiences reported by students and parents. To determine whether some students with ASD are differentially affected, we explored associations between students’ characteristics (understanding of bullying, age and co‐morbid conditions) and their bullying experiences and worries. Surveys exploring bullying experiences and levels of worry about bullying were completed by 89 students with ASD without intellectual disability aged 11–16 years and their parents. We also qualitatively explored parents’ perceptions of how bullying affects their children, through semi‐structured interviews of nine parents. Students with comorbid anxiety disorders were more likely to report face‐to‐face victimization and were more troubled by both face‐to‐face bullying and cyberbullying, while students with depression were more likely to report cyber victimization. Parental concerns included the impact of victimization on school attendance, self‐esteem, mental health, social participation, academic performance, and behaviour. The significantly higher levels of worry about bullying and higher victimization rates reported by students with internalizing symptoms suggest that these students may be disproportionately at risk of psychological harm.
Layer‐by‐Layer Alginate and Fungal Chitosan Based Edible Coatings Applied to Fruit Bars
Authors: Bilbao‐Sainz Cristina , Chiou Bor‐Sen , Punotai Kaylin , Olson Donald , Williams Tina , Wood Delilah , Rodov Victor , Poverenov Elena , McHugh Tara
Published: May 2018

Food waste is currently being generated at an increasing rate. One proposed solution would be to convert it to biopolymers for industrial applications. We recovered chitin from mushroom waste and converted it to chitosan to produce edible coatings. We then used layer‐by‐layer (LbL) electrostatic deposition of the polycation chitosan and the polyanion alginate to coat fruit bars enriched with ascorbic acid. The performance of the LbL coatings was compared with those containing single layers of fungal chitosan, animal origin chitosan and alginate. Bars containing alginate‐chitosan LbL coatings showed increased ascorbic acid content, antioxidant capacity, firmness and fungal growth prevention during storage. Also, the origin of the chitosan did not affect the properties of the coatings.

Practical Application

Mushroom stalk bases could be an alternative source for isolating chitosan with similar properties to animal‐based chitosan. Also, layer‐by‐layer assembly is a cheap, simple method that can improve the quality and safety of fruit bars.
SIRT4 is essential for metabolic control and meiotic structure during mouse oocyte maturation
Authors: Zeng Juan , Jiang Manxi , Wu Xinghan , Diao Feiyang , Qiu Danhong , Hou Xiaojing , Wang Haichao , Li Ling , Li Chunling , Ge Juan , Liu Jiayin , Ou Xianghong , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2018

SIRT4 modulates energy homeostasis in multiple cell types and tissues. However, its role in meiotic oocytes remains unknown. Here, we report that mouse oocytes overexpressing SIRT4 are unable to completely progress through meiosis, showing the inadequate mitochondrial redistribution, lowered ATP content, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, with the severely disrupted spindle/chromosome organization. Moreover, we find that phosphorylation of Ser293‐PDHE1α mediates the effects of SIRT4 overexpression on metabolic activity and meiotic events in oocytes by performing functional rescue experiments. By chance, we discover the SIRT4 upregulation in oocytes from aged mice; and importantly, the maternal age‐associated deficient phenotypes in oocytes can be partly rescued through the knockdown of SIRT4. These findings reveal the critical role for SIRT4 in the control of energy metabolism and meiotic apparatus during oocyte maturation and indicate that SIRT4 is an essential factor determining oocyte quality.
Involvement of NMDA Receptors, Nitric Oxide, and GABA in Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla in Acute Ethanol‐Induced Cardiovascular Responses in Rats
Authors: Lo Hsuan , Lin Hsun‐Hsun , Chen Jun‐Kai , Situmorang Jiro Hasegawa , Lai Chih‐Chia
Published: May 2018

Background

Consumption of ethanol (EtOH) (alcohol) has many effects on physiological functions, particularly those in the central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular system. Acute excessive intake of EtOH (alcohol intoxication) may cause hypotension and tachycardia. In this study, we examined the mechanistic involvement of glutamatergic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors, nitric oxide (NO), and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathways in the CNS in acute EtOH‐induced cardiovascular effects.

Methods

EtOH was administered by intraperitoneal (IP) injection in Sprague‐Dawley rats. The blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured in conscious and in urethane‐anesthetized rats. Inhibitors were applied by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection or by microinjection into rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Microdialysis was used to determine the level of glutamate, NO, and GABA in the RVLM.

Results

IP injection of EtOH (3.2 g/kg) caused a significant decrease in BP in conscious and anesthetized rats and a late increase in HR in conscious rats. The cardiovascular effects of EtOH were significantly attenuated by ICV or by RVLM post treatment with ketamine (an NMDA receptor antagonist), N5‐(nitroamidino)‐L‐2,5‐diaminopentanoic acid (L‐NNA; a NO synthase inhibitor), or bicuculline (a GABA receptor antagonist). EtOH caused an increase in the level of glutamate, NO, and GABA in the RVLM during the hypotensive responses. RVLM posttreatment with ketamine blocked the increase in NO and GABA levels; post treatment with L‐NNA blocked the increase in GABA level.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that EtOH augmentation of glutamatergic NMDA receptors/NO/GABA pathways in the RVLM may participate in the hypotensive effects induced by acute administration of EtOH.
Oncogenic roles of enhancer of zeste homolog 1/2 in hematological malignancies
Authors: Nakagawa Makoto , Kitabayashi Issay
Published: May 2018

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins regulate the expression of target genes by modulating histone modifications and are representative epigenetic regulators that maintain the stemness of embryonic and hematopoietic stem cells. Histone methyltransferases enhancer of zeste homolog 1 and 2 (EZH1/2), which are subunits of polycomb repressive complexes (PRC), are recurrently mutated or highly expressed in many hematological malignancies. EZH2 has a dual function in tumorigenesis as an oncogene and tumor suppressor gene, and targeting PRC2, in particular EZH1/2, for anticancer therapy has been extensively developed in the clinical setting. Here, we review the oncogenic function of EZH1/2 and introduce new therapeutic drugs targeting these enzymes.
Where in the world? Latitude, longitude and season contribute to the complex co‐ordinates determining cortisol levels
Authors: Hadlow Narelle , Brown Suzanne , Wardrop Robert , Conradie Johan , Henley David
Published: May 2018

Objective

Cortisol is a critical stress hormone with circadian rhythms synchronized by light. There are seasonal differences in expression of pro‐inflammatory genes and in some diseases moderated by glucocorticoids. As light changes with season and with latitude and longitude, we assessed changes in population cortisol associated with these parameters.

Design

Retrospective data audit.

Patients

Populations across 4 states of Australia over 3 years.

Measurements

Serum cortisol levels, age, gender, time of collection, sunrise time, season and location were determined.

Results

In 4 geographically separate populations (n = 84 937), sunrise time and time of sample collection were the most important factors influencing median cortisol. Over 2 hours in the morning cortisol could decrease by up to 76 nmol/L, and for each hour that sunrise time advanced there was up to 6.9% increase in cortisol. A cyclic seasonal pattern of cortisol was confirmed each year in all populations with autumn/winter cortisol highest compared to spring/summer with differences of up to 44 nmol/L. There was less change in cortisol in latitudes closer to the equator but cortisol progressively increased from 25 to 30°S of the equator. In more southerly latitudes, seasonal cortisol variation also increased, and over the entire latitude range, there was up to 50 nmol/L change in cortisol. Longitude variation within a time zone had a minimal effect on median cortisol.

Conclusions

Location, time of year and time of day are important influences on population cortisol levels. Elevated autumn/winter morning cortisol levels are likely due to sampling closer to the circadian peak due to later sunrise time. Understanding how the environment can influence cortisol levels may further our knowledge of physiology and disease.
Solvent Orange 60 is a potent contact sensitizer in occupational and everyday life
Authors: Linauskienė Kotryna , Zimerson Erik , Antelmi Annarita , Bruze Magnus , Hagvall Lina , Hamnerius Nils , Hauksson Inese , Ryberg Kristina , Isaksson Marléne
Published: May 2018

Background

Solvent Orange (SO) 60 is a perinone‐type dye that is often used in plastic materials such as spectacle frames and has been shown to cause contact allergy. The first case of SO 60 allergic contact dermatitis caused by spectacle frames was reported in 1999, and the second in 2011. We have recently seen 10 patients, of whom 6 developed dermatitis in the retroauricular/temporal area after wearing plastic spectacles.

Objectives

To report the cause of the dermatitis in the 10 patients and to describe our first case with occupational SO 60 contact allergy.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patch test results of 10 patients, tested with the Swedish baseline series and our specific spectacle and/or plastic series, including SO 60 1.0% pet., in 2011‐2017 were analysed.

Results

Ten patients, 2 males and 8 females, aged 43 to 71 years, reacted positively to SO 60 1.0% pet., namely, 4 pensioners, 2 nurses, 1 office worker, 1 teacher, 1 shop assistant, and 1 unemployed person. Four of the patients had an atopic history. Patch test reactions varied from + to +++; some had spread >20 cm outside the test area in terms of erythematous, infiltrated skin with papules. Retesting of patient no. 1 with serial dilutions of SO 60 in acetone showed positive reactions down to 1 ppm. Three patients reacted to the extracts of their earpieces. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was used to confirm the presence of SO 60 in 2 earpieces.

Conclusions

SO 60 should be included in any spectacle patch test series that may be used. If there is a strong suspicion of contact allergy to SO 60 before patch testing, lowering the test concentration from 1.0% to 0.01% should be considered.
Extended documentation for hand dermatitis patients: Pilot study on irritant exposures
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Bauer Andrea , Bensefa‐Colas Lynda , Brans Richard , Crépy Marie‐Noëlle , Giménez‐Arnau Ana , Larese Filon Francesca , Ljubojević Hadžavdić Suzana , Pesonen Maria , Schuttelaar Marie L. , Wilkinson Mark , Lidén Carola
Published: May 2018

Background

Irritant exposure may be a contributory cause or the sole cause of (occupational) hand dermatitis. However, the documentation of irritant exposures in clinical practice is not standardized.

Objectives

To examine the feasibility and usefulness of a form with different items addressing both occupational and non‐occupational irritant exposures in a semiquantitative way.

Methods

Between May 2016 and May 2017, successive patients with work‐related hand dermatitis, irrespective of aetiology, were examined in 9 specialized European departments. Department‐specific investigation was supplemented with the above proforma. The results were recorded by use of an anonymized secured online documentation system in a pilot study.

Results

Altogether, 193 patients were included; 114 females and 79 males, with a mean age of 40 years (range 18–68 years). The most common occupational group comprised healthcare workers (n = 35); occupational exposure of the hands to gloves, dusts and water without detergents of >2 hours/day was seen in 54.5%, 24.4% and 24.3% of patients, respectively. Non‐occupational exposures rarely exceeded 2 hours/day.

Conclusions

It is hoped that the set of descriptors will offer a basis for (clinical) epidemiological studies assessing the role of irritant exposures in occupational hand dermatitis, and to support a high level of quality and consistency in daily patient care.
Note on Idea Diffusion Models with Cohort Structures
Authors: Caicedo Santiago
Published: May 2018

In this note I propose two alternative frameworks to study idea diffusion models with cohort structures. Both frameworks fix the Lucas (2009) aggregation mistake while keeping the analytical tractability of the model and its insights. The frameworks differ in their assumptions on the meeting process. I study first a continuous arrival process where agents meet at each point in time, and then a more commonly used Poisson process where meeting opportunities arrive stochastically at some given Poisson rate. I generalize the growth formula in Lucas (2009) and show that both models yield the same growth rate on a balanced growth path. Moreover, I show that the continuous arrival process can be viewed as the limit of Poisson processes where the meeting rate increases but the quality of meetings decreases.
Genome‐wide genotyping of a novel Mexican Chile Pepper collection illuminates the history of landrace differentiation after Capsicum annuum L. domestication
Authors: Taitano Nathan , Bernau Vivian , Jardón‐Barbolla Lev , Leckie Brian , Mazourek Michael , Mercer Kristin , McHale Leah , Michel Andrew , Baumler David , Kantar Michael , van der Knaap Esther
Published: May 2018

Studies of genetic diversity among phenotypically distinct crop landraces improve our understanding of fruit evolution and genome structure under domestication. Chile peppers (Capsicum spp. L.) are economically valuable and culturally important species, and extensive phenotypic variation among landraces exists in southern Mexico, a center of C. annuum diversity. We collected 103 chile pepper seed accessions from 22 named landraces across 27 locations in southern Mexico. We genotyped these accessions with genotyping by sequencing (GBS), yielding 32,623 filtered single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. Afterward, we genotyped 32 additional C. annuum accessions from a global collection for comparison to the Mexican collection. Within the Mexican collection, genetic assignment analyses showed clear genetic differentiation between landraces and clarified the unique nature of the Tusta landrace. Further clustering analyses indicated that the largest fresh‐use Chile de Agua and dry‐use Costeño landraces were part of separate clades, indicating that these two landraces likely represent distinct populations. The global accessions showed considerable admixture and limited clustering, which may be due to the collapse of use‐type divisions outside of Central America. The separation of the Mexican landraces in part by fruit morphology related to use highlights the relevance of this use‐type morphological diversity for plant breeders and the utility of fruit development variation for evolutionary biologists.
Effect of lactic acid bacteria inoculants on fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of three native grasses in Mongolian steppe
Authors: Zhang Qing , Wu Zhe , Yu Zhu , Na Risu
Published: May 2018

Leymus chinensis, Leymus secalinus and Elymus nutans are three common grasses of the steppes of Central Asia. This study examined the effects of lactic acid bacteria on the fermentation qualities and aerobic stabilities of L. chinensis, L. secalinus and E. nutans silages. The forages were directly ensiled with or without lactic acid bacteria. Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), Lactobacillus brevis (LBR) and Lactobacillus buchneri NCIMB40788 (LBU) from a commercial inoculant were used as additives at 1.0 × 105 cfu g−1 of fresh matter. The control was sprayed with the same volume of distilled water. Six replicates from each treatment were ensiled in 3‐L plastic buckets and stored at ambient temperature (~30°C). Fermentation quality and aerobic stability were determined after 60 days of ensiling. LP increased lactic acid content, lowered pH and decreased the content of butyric acid and ammonia nitrogen (P < 0.001) of the three silages. LBU increased the aerobic stabilities of the silages (P < 0.001). Lactobacillus brevis slowed the increase in pH, ammonia N content, and yeast count and slowed the decrease of lactic acid content during exposure to air. Overall, LP improved fermentation quality and LBU increased the aerobic stabilities of the native grass silages. Lactobacillus brevis reduced aerobic spoilage of L. chinensis and L. secalinus silages.
Breeding‐site vagrancy and hybridization in albatrosses
Authors: Phillips Richard A. , Cooper John , Burg Theresa M.
Published: May 2018

Given the rarity of hybridization in seabirds, which presumably relates to their very high philopatry, the degree of breeding‐site vagrancy should correspond with the incidence of mixed‐species pairing, although not necessarily with the production of hybrids if there are behavioural or genetic barriers to successful reproduction. Using molecular methods, we verified that two of the three chicks hatched by a vagrant male White‐capped Albatross Thalassarche steadi paired with a female Black‐browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris at South Georgia were genuine hybrids (these chicks died before fledging, but a third chick – the result of an extra‐pair copulation – fledged successfully). In a wider review, we could find only five known or suspected mixed‐species pairs, and three different hybrids in albatrosses, mostly between closely related species. This appears to reflect behavioural barriers to hybridization in sympatric species and the low incidence of breeding‐site vagrancy (which mainly involves single individuals that invariably associate with the most phenotypically similar local taxon). Breeding‐site vagrancy is most frequent in the ‘shy‐albatross’ complex, which could explain why genetic divergence occurred more recently in this group than in other Thalassarche, and hence exploratory behaviour appears to be more important than numerical abundance or breeding distribution in driving colonization as well as hybridization processes in albatrosses.
Exploring pathways for sustained melanogenesis in facial melasma: an immunofluorescence study
Authors: Espósito A. C. C. , Brianezi G. , de Souza N. P. , Miot L. D. B. , Marques M. E. A. , Miot H. A.
Published: May 2018

Background

The physiopathology of epidermal hypermelanization in melasma is not completely understood. Several cytokines and growth factors are increased in skin with melasma, nevertheless, nor the pathways involved in the increased αMSH expression have been adequately evaluated, nor a model for sustained focal melanogenesis is available.

Objective

To explore stimulatory pathways for epidermal pigmentation in facial melasma related to αMSH: those linked to ultraviolet radiation, oxidative stress, inflammation, neural crest pigmentation cell differentiation and antagonism of αMSH.

Methods

Paired skin biopsies (3 mm) from 26 women with facial melasma and from normal adjacent skin (<2 cm far) were processed for immunofluorescence with markers for p53, p38, αMSH, MC1R, Melan‐A, IL‐1α, COX2, Wnt1, WIF‐1 and ASIP.

Results

The fluorescence intensity in the skin from melasma was higher for MC1R, αMSH at epidermis as at melanocytes (P < 0.05). There were no differences between the sites in epidermal protein expression of COX2, IL‐1α, p53, WIF‐1 and ASIP (P > 0.1). P53 was expressed only in epidermis, without difference between sites (P = 0.92). WNT1 was remarkable in the epidermis of melasma (P < 0.01), but not in dermis. Positive p38 cells were prominent in the upper dermis of melasma (P < 0.01), despite no marking in epidermis.

Conclusion

Melanogenesis in melasma involves epithelial secretion of αMSH and activation of the Wnt pathway; nevertheless, it seems to be independent of the stimulation by ultraviolet radiation/p53, IL‐1α, COX2/PgE2, WIF‐1 and ASIP. Damaged cells at upper dermis suggest the role of senescence/autophagy in sustained pigmentation in melasma.
Investigation of stainless steel 316L/zirconia joint part fabricated by powder injection molding
Authors: Gal Chang Woo , Han Sang Soo , Han Jun Sae , Lin Dongguo , Park Seong Jin
Published: May 2018

The joint part of stainless steel 316L (SUS316L)/zirconia was investigated. The specimens were fabricated using the powder injection molding (PIM) with insert‐injection molding. SUS316L, zirconia, and a mixture of SUS316L and zirconia were used as bonding materials. The processing conditions for PIM were developed and optimized to avoid defects in the final sintered part. The bonded parts of SUS316L/mixed layer and zirconia/mixed layer were fabricated without joint failure. However, warpage and contamination existed due to the different sintering behavior and remaining binders. To reduce the warpage, the solids loading of SUS316L were changed to 44 and 40 vol. %. The warpage was decreased by reducing the shrinkage difference between the SUS316L and mixed layer. The contamination was also reduced by increasing the powder bedding in the debinding and sintering process. The microstructures and chemical compositions were confirmed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscope (EDS). Migration of the main components was observed at the interface and the main components were presented together at the whole part interface and interface between 2 materials in the mixed layer. It was confirmed that the joining was done with bonding of the same materials in each layer and diffusion bonding.
Managing the demands of the preregistration mental health nursing programme: The views of students with mental health conditions
Authors: Ramluggun Pras , Lacy Mary , Cadle Martha , Anjoyeb Mahmood
Published: May 2018

An increasing number of students with a pre‐existing mental health condition are enrolling on preregistration mental health nursing programmes. The challenges faced by these students in managing the demands of the programme have not been fully explored. Mental health and well‐being is an integral part of providing a healthy university in which students can flourish. The purpose of the study was to explore how students with an underlying mental health issue manage the demands of the mental health nursing programme. The outcomes of the study are aimed at informing inclusive teaching and learning and current student support provision. Ethics approval was given. Students from two universities in South East England who met the criterion of having a pre‐existing mental health condition when enrolling on the mental health preregistration nursing programme were invited to take part. Nine students took part in the study. Using an interpretative descriptive design, 1:1 face‐to‐face, audio‐taped, semistructured interviews were undertaken. The data were analysed using a framework approach, and this revealed four main themes: timing of disclosure; managing lived experience in learning environments; students’ coping mechanisms, and experience of support. Recommendations for practice was that approved education institutes (AEIs) should ensure they have a robust, inclusive practice by implementing strategies to develop these students’ resilience, and enhance their learning and the current support provisions. This will ensure the barriers to disclosing their mental health conditions are recognized and minimized to enable these students to fully contribute to their own learning and teaching experience.
Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) questionnaire in psoriasis patients
Authors: Wu J.J. , Lin C. , Sun L. , Goldblum O. , Zbrozek A. , Burge R. , Augustin M. , Feldman S.R.
Published: May 2018

Background

The clinical meaningfulness of improvements in the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire for Psoriasis (WPAI‐PsO) reported by patients with psoriasis in response to treatment is unknown due to the lack of any publications that report minimal clinically importance differences (MCID) for WPAI‐PsO outcomes.

Objective

To determine the MCIDs for the work productivity loss and activity impairment domains of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire for Psoriasis (WPAI‐PsO) using results from three Phase 3 trials of ixekizumab.

Methods

MCIDs for WPAI‐PsO domains were derived using treatment agnostic data from patients participating in UNCOVER‐1/‐2/‐3. The analysis included patients randomized to placebo and two ixekizumab treatment groups (ixekizumab either every 2 weeks or 4 weeks) from the trials. WPAI‐PsO was administered at baseline and Week 12 for UNCOVER‐1/‐2/‐3 and at Weeks 24, 36, 52 and 60 in UNCOVER‐1/‐2. MCIDs for the WPAI‐PsO domains through Week 12 were derived using an anchor‐based method supplemented with the distribution‐based method. Anchors included 75%/90%/100% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, Static Physicians Global Assessment (sPGA[0] and sPGA[0,1]) and Dermatology Life Quality Index MCID). MCIDs were triangulated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and distribution‐based methods.

Results

The analyses included 3126 patients (Placebo: 792, Ixekizumab: 2334). All anchors were shown to be valid. Significant differences in the domains of WPAI‐PsO were observed between patients achieving clinically meaningful improvement in the validated anchors (all P‐values < 0.001). ROC analyses suggested a 20% improvement in the work productivity loss or activity impairment components best represented the benefit of meeting a clinical meaningful improvement in the validated anchors. The distribution‐based method supported the results of the anchor‐based method.

Conclusion

The MCIDs for both the work productivity loss and the activity impairment domains of WPAI‐PsO were estimated to be 20% in patients with PsO.
The Real‐Time Properties of the Bank of Canada's Staff Output Gap Estimates
Authors: CHAMPAGNE JULIEN , POULIN‐BELLISLE GUILLAUME , SEKKEL RODRIGO
Published: May 2018

We study the revision properties of the Bank of Canada's staff output gap estimates since the mid‐1980s and show that the average revision has been significantly smaller since the early 2000s. Alternatively, revisions from econometric output gap estimates have not experienced a similar improvement. We show that the overestimation of potential output in real time following the 1991–92 recession explains the large revisions in the first half of the sample. Although Phillips‐curve inflation forecasts slightly worsen when conditioned on real time instead of final gaps, their relative poor performance reflects the general lack of inflation predictability rather than real‐time gap measurement issues.
Unconventional Monetary Policy and International Risk Premia
Authors: ROGERS JOHN H. , SCOTTI CHIARA , WRIGHT JONATHAN H.
Published: May 2018

We assess the relationship between monetary policy, foreign exchange risk premia, and term premia including the period at the zero lower bound (ZLB). We estimate a structural vector autoregression including U.S. and foreign interest rates and exchange rates and identify monetary policy shocks through a method that uses high‐frequency monetary policy surprises as the external instrument that achieves identification without using implausible restrictions. We split out effects of different types of monetary policy surprises that apply at the ZLB, including forward guidance and asset purchases. This allows us to measure the effects of policy shocks on expectations, and hence risk premia.
Damasio's error – Prosopagnosia with intact within‐category object recognition
Authors: Rossion Bruno
Published: May 2018

The sudden inability to recognize individual faces following brain damage was first reported in a scientific journal 150 years ago and termed ‘prosopagnosia’ 70 years ago. While the term originally identified a face‐selective neurological condition, it is now obscured by a sequence of imprecisions. First, prosopagnosia is routinely used to define symptoms of individual face recognition (IFR) difficulties in the context of visual object agnosia or other neurological conditions, or even in the normal population. Second, this over‐expansive definition has lent support to a long‐standing within‐category recognition account of prosopagnosia, that is, that the impairment of IFR reflects a general impairment in recognizing within‐category objects. However, stringent experimental studies of classical cases of prosopagnosia following brain damage show that their core impairment is not in recognizing physically similar exemplars within non‐face object categories. Instead, the impairment presents specifically for recognizing exemplars of the category of faces. Moreover, compared to typical observers, the impairment appears even more severe for recognizing individual faces against physically dissimilar than similar distractors. Here, I argue that we need to limit accordingly our definition of prosopagnosia to a clinical (i.e., neurological) condition in which there is no basic‐level object recognition impairment. Other criteria for prosopagnosia are proposed, with the hope that this conservative definition enables the study of human IFR processes in isolation, and supports progress in understanding the nature of these processes.