bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health-Related Quality of Life With Cochlear Implants: The Children’s Perspective
Authors: Haukedal Christiane Lingås , Lyxell Björn , Wie Ona Bø
Published: August 2019

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to assess self-reported health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in a group of children with cochlear implants (CIs) and to compare their scores to age- and gender-matched controls. The authors also assessed the agreement between proxy- and self-reported HR-QOL in the CI group and examined individual and environmental variables that could be associated with higher or lower self-reported HR-QOL in the CI group.

Design:

The sample consisted of 168 children between the ages of 5;6 and 13;1 (years;months), where 84 children had CIs (CI group) and 84 were age- and gender-matched controls with normal hearing (NH group). HR-QOL was assessed with the generic questionnaire Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Parents of the children in the CI group completed the same questionnaire as the children. In addition, the children in the CI group completed tests of language, hearing, and nonverbal I.Q. and background variables such as age at implantation and socioeconomic status were assessed.

Results:

On average, children with CIs rated their HR-QOL lower than peers with normal hearing on school functioning, social functioning, and overall HR-QOL. A higher percentage of children with CIs reported low levels of HR-QOL than did those in the NH group, 27% and 12%, respectively. The differences between groups were small, and fewer children than parents reported concerningly low HR-QOLs. Better spoken-language skills and older age at the time of testing was associated with better HR-QOL.

Conclusions:

Most children with CIs in this study reported HR-QOLs that were close to those of their age- and gender-matched normal-hearing peers. The children, however, reported concerns about social and school functioning, indicating that these areas require more attention to ensure children with CIs have good HR-QOL. Improving spoken-language skills in children with CIs may contribute to improved HR-QOL.
Perspective on the Development of a Large-Scale Clinical Data Repository for Pediatric Hearing Research
Authors: Pennington Jeffrey W. , Ruth Byron , Miller Jeffrey M. , Peterson Joy , Xu Baichen , Masino Aaron J. , Krantz Ian , Manganella Juliana , Gomes Tamar , Stiles Derek , Kenna Margaret , Hood Linda J. , Germiller John , Crenshaw E. Bryan
Published: August 2019

The use of “big data” for pediatric hearing research requires new approaches to both data collection and research methods. The widespread deployment of electronic health record systems creates new opportunities and corresponding challenges in the secondary use of large volumes of audiological and medical data. Opportunities include cost-effective hypothesis generation, rapid cohort expansion for rare conditions, and observational studies based on sample sizes in the thousands to tens of thousands. Challenges include finding and forming appropriately skilled teams, access to data, data quality assessment, and engagement with a research community new to big data. The authors share their experience and perspective on the work required to build and validate a pediatric hearing research database that integrates clinical data for over 185,000 patients from the electronic health record systems of three major academic medical centers.
The search for genetic determinants of human neural tube defects
Authors: Wolujewicz Paul , Ross M. Elizabeth
Published: August 2019

Purpose of review

An update is presented regarding neural tube defects (NTDs) including spina bifida and anencephaly, which are among the most common serious birth defects world-wide. Decades of research suggest that no single factor is responsible for neurulation failure, but rather NTDs arise from a complex interplay of disrupted gene regulatory networks, environmental influences and epigenetic regulation. A comprehensive understanding of these dynamics is critical to advance NTD research and prevention.

Recent findings

Next-generation sequencing has ushered in a new era of genomic insight toward NTD pathophysiology, implicating novel gene associations with human NTD risk. Ongoing research is moving from a candidate gene approach toward genome-wide, systems-based investigations that are starting to uncover genetic and epigenetic complexities that underlie NTD manifestation.

Neural tube closure is critical for the formation of the human brain and spinal cord. Broader, more all-inclusive perspectives are emerging to identify the genetic determinants of human NTDs.
How do maternal HIV infection and the early nutritional environment influence the development of infants exposed to HIVin utero?
Authors: White Marina , Duffley Eleanor , Feucht Ute D. , Rossouw Theresa , Connor Kristin L.
Published: August 2019

Malnutrition and infectious disease often coexist in socially inequitable contexts. Malnutrition in the perinatal period adversely affects offspring development and lifelong non-communicable disease risk. Less is known about the effects ofinfectiousdisease exposure during critical windows of development and health, and links betweenin uteroHIV-exposure in the absence of neonatal infection, perinatal nutritional environments, and infant development are poorly defined. In a pilot feasibility study at Kalafong Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa, we aimed to better understand relationships between maternal HIV infection and the early nutritional environment ofin uteroHIV exposed uninfected (HEU) infants. We also undertook exploratory analyses to investigate relationships between food insecurity and infant development. Mother-infant dyads were recruited after delivery and followed until 12 weeks postpartum. Household food insecurity, nutrient intakes and dietary diversity scores did not differ between mothers living with or without HIV. Maternal reports of food insecurity were associated with lower maternal nutrient intakes 12 weeks postpartum, and in infants, higher brain-to-body weight ratio at birth and 12 weeks of age, and attainment of fewer large movement and play activities milestones at 12 weeks of age, irrespective of maternal HIV status. Reports of worry about food runout were associated with increased risk of stunting for HEU, but not unexposed, uninfected infants. Our findings suggest that food insecurity, in a vulnerable population, adversely affects maternal nutritional status and infant development.In uteroexposure to HIV may further perpetuate these effects, which has implications for early child development and lifelong human capital.
Early post-zygotic mutations contribute to congenital heart disease
Authors: Hsieh Alexander , Morton Sarah U. , Willcox Jon A.L. , Gorham Joshua M. , Tai Angela C. , Qi Hongjian , DePalma Steven , McKean David , Griffin Emily , Manheimer Kathryn B. , Bernstein Daniel , Kim Richard W. , Newburger Jane W. , Porter George A. , Srivastava Deepak , Tristani-Firouzi Martin , Brueckner Martina , Lifton Richard P. , Goldmuntz Elizabeth , Gelb Bruce D. , Chung Wendy K. , Seidman Christine E. , Seidman J. G. , Shen Yufeng
Published: August 2019

Background

The contribution of somatic mosaicism, or genetic mutations arising after oocyte fertilization, to congenital heart disease (CHD) is not well understood. Further, the relationship between mosaicism in blood and cardiovascular tissue has not been determined.

Results

We developed a computational method, Expectation-Maximization-based detection of Mosaicism (EM-mosaic), to analyze mosaicism in exome sequences of 2530 CHD proband-parent trios. EM-mosaic detected 326 mosaic mutations in blood and/or cardiac tissue DNA. Of the 309 detected in blood DNA, 85/97 (88%) tested were independently confirmed, while 7/17 (41%) candidates of 17 detected in cardiac tissue were confirmed. MosaicHunter detected an additional 64 mosaics, of which 23/46 (50%) among 58 candidates from blood and 4/6 (67%) of 6 candidates from cardiac tissue confirmed. Twenty-five mosaic variants altered CHD-risk genes, affecting 1% of our cohort. Of these 25, 22/22 candidates tested were confirmed. Variants predicted as damaging had higher variant allele fraction than benign variants, suggesting a role in CHD. The frequency of mosaic variants above 10% mosaicism was 0.13/person in blood and 0.14/person in cardiac tissue. Analysis of 66 individuals with matched cardiac tissue available revealed both tissue-specific and shared mosaicism, with shared mosaics generally having higher allele fraction.

Conclusions

We estimate that ~1% of CHD probands have a mosaic variant detectable in blood that could contribute to cardiac malformations, particularly those damaging variants expressed at higher allele fraction compared to benign variants. Although blood is a readily-available DNA source, cardiac tissues analyzed contributed ~5% of somatic mosaic variants identified, indicating the value of tissue mosaicism analyses.
Opportunity recognition efficiency of small Chinese firms: findings from data envelopment analysis
Authors: Guo Zisheng , Zhang Jianqi , Liu Heng
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Small firms in China anticipate entrepreneurial opportunities for continual growth. However, they may fail to recognize opportunities because of their inefficiency in managing their knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

In this explorative paper, the authors assess the opportunity recognition efficiency of 168 small Chinese firms using data envelopment analysis (DEA). Supplementary Tobit regressions were conducted for further exploring the factors that influence the firms’ efficiency in opportunity recognition.

Findings

Results from the DEA suggest that most respondents recognize significantly fewer opportunities than those with equivalent knowledge stock. Moreover, many firms have low levels of pure technical efficiency but high levels of scale efficiency, indicating insufficient use of knowledge as a major reason for inefficiency in opportunity recognition. The Tobit regressions show that sales and research and development intensity are relevant to a firm’s opportunity recognition efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

This study calls for the investigation of efficiency issues in opportunity recognition and suggests that managers guard against unwarranted loss of opportunities owing to inefficient use of existing knowledge elements.

Originality/value

First, the authors introduce the concept of opportunity recognition efficiency within the entrepreneurial process. Second, they manifest the role of knowledge management in opportunity recognition. Third, they introduce DEA to investigate the relationship between knowledge stock and opportunity recognition. Fourth, this study reveals that inefficient use of knowledge is a disadvantage of small Chinese firms in terms of opportunity recognition.
“Soft law” and innovations: empirical analysis of ICO-related statements
Authors: Dostov Victor , Shust Pavel , Leonova Anna , Krivoruchko Svetlana
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the initial coin offering (ICO) statements as “soft law” instrument used to regulate disruptive innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on the qualitative content analysis of 40 ICO statements issued by regulators in 37 countries by applying a custom-made coding table.

Findings

The research shows that “soft law” is used predominantly by high-capacity jurisdictions. “Soft law” allows for more flexibility and less technological and business neutrality. The findings also show the contradiction between empirical evidence and public sentiment: it seems that the widespread notion that virtual currencies have connotations with money laundering/financing of terrorism (ML/FT) is not shared by the regulators, who are more concerned by the fraud. Finally, it was found that the standard-setting bodies are lagging behind in providing guidance on the emergence technologies.

Research limitations/implications

The content analysis is based on 40 statements, which is a limited set of data. The method might be subject to interpersonal bias, although arrangements were made to ensure the uniformity of coding process.

Practical implications

The findings imply that soft law is an attractive risk-mitigation tool when the object of regulation is still evolving but the risks are present. Soft law also might contradict with the “technology and business neutrality” principle which requires further research. Finally, the findings show the need for more active involvement of the standard setting bodies.

Originality/value

This is the first in-depth research of the ICO-related statements as “soft law” instruments. It also offers a new perspective on the issue of financial innovations regulation.
Conditional dependence structure between oil prices and international stock markets
Authors: Hamma Wajdi , Salhi Bassem , Ghorbel Ahmed , Jarboui Anis
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the optimal hedging strategy of the oil-stock dependence structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consists to model the data over the daily period spanning from January 02, 2002 to May 19, 2016 by a various copula functions to better modeling the dependence between crude oil market and stock markets, and to use dependence coefficients and conditional variance to calculate optimal portfolio weights and optimal hedge ratios, and to suggest the best hedging strategy for oil-stock portfolio.

Findings

The findings show that the Gumbel copula is the best model for modeling the conditional dependence structure of the oil and stock markets in most cases. They also indicate that the best hedging strategy for oil price by stock market varies considerably over time, but this variation depends on both the index introduced and the model used. However, the conditional copula method with skewed student more effective than the other models to minimize the risk of oil-stock portfolio.

Originality/value

This research implication can be valuable for portfolio managers and individual investors who seek to make earnings by diversifying their portfolios. The findings of this study provide evidence of the importance of stock assets for making an optimal portfolio consisting of oil in the case of investments in oil and stock markets. This paper attempts to fill the voids in the literature on volatility among oil prices and stock markets in two important areas. First, it uses copulas to investigate the conditional dependence structure of the oil crude and stock markets in the oil exporting and importing countries. Second, it uses the dependence coefficients and conditional variance to calculate dynamic hedge ratios and risk-minimizing optimal portfolio weights for oil–stock.
Key licensing technologies for patents based on university– industry collaboration
Authors: Chang Shu-Hao
Published: August 2019

Purpose

As the university–industry collaboration (UIC) gradually attracts the attention of various national governments, the number of studies on UIC has increased substantially. Past UIC studies have mostly focused on investigating the incentives and the motivation for UIC, forms of UIC and performance output of UIC. However, they have not actively identified the key technologies and technology distribution that are conductive to the commercialization of UIC outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to adopt the licensed UIC patents as the basis for analysis and to construct a patent licensing technology network.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focused on licensed patents because past studies have indicated that such patents usually have higher value. Moreover, patent licensing can be seen as the final step for the commercialization of UIC outcomes. Finally, past studies have rarely explored patent examiners’ views on key technologies. However, during the substantive examination of patents, patent examiners often use their background knowledge regarding the technology to include citations to other patented technologies that they consider valuable or indispensable. Therefore, this study focused on investigating the patents recognized and cited by patent examiners and conducted key technology identification.

Findings

The results indicated that past key technologies in UIC focused on surveying, medicine, biochemistry and electric digital data processing; these fields are crucial to the commercialization of key UIC technologies. Finally, the USA, Japan, Sweden and Germany play critical roles in the network of global university–industry cooperation and technology licensing.

Originality/value

Patent examiners’ perspectives were adopted to establish a patent licensing technology network, through which the key technologies that could promote UIC patent licensing were mined. This study can also serve as a reference for resource allocation in university research and development and for governments to promote new technologies.
A lean six sigma approach for improving university campus office moves
Authors: Wheeler-Webb Jennifer , Furterer Sandra L.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to improve the quoting, scheduling, invoicing and paying for campus office moves at a university. The Lean Six Sigma project goal was to improve the campus office move process by making it less complicated, free-up program managers’ time and pay the vendor on time.

Design/methodology/approach

The team used the Lean Six Sigma Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control methodology to improve the process.

Findings

The average time from the campus move to when the invoice was paid improved by 27%, with an improved median of 16%. The standard deviation was greatly reduced by 51%. The average invoiced date to paid date remained statistically the same, and the median increased from 20 to 30 days, due to a policy change to move the target from 20 to 30 days. The standard deviation of the invoice to paid date was greatly reduced by 38%. This was a successful project because the sponsors were on-board from the beginning and included the process owners in the improvement effort.

Originality/value

Other higher education institutions or other industry areas with a similar process can implement this methodology and processes outlined in this case study to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness and as a guide for improving other processes within institutions.
The impact of a spiritual environment on performance mediated by job resourcefulness
Authors: Joelle Maria , Coelho Arnaldo
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and present the process of management as viewed through the lens of spirituality at work, and to identify the influence of a spiritual environment on individual performance, mediated by job resourcefulness and moderate by affective commitment. Structural equation modeling was used.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample size consisted of 273 individuals from Portugal. The methodological design is quantitative. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used to assess construct validity based on AMOS 21.

Findings

The results show that with the implementation of a spirituality culture, this fact increases the presence of spirituality at work and the individual performance, mediated by job resourcefulness.

Research limitations/implications

There are methodological limitations, because the work is based on “perceptions.” Another limitation is about spirituality at work conceptualization, considering it is still subject to different perspectives and definitions.

Originality/value

The findings can provide fundamental guidance for managers and academics to implement a set of practices that promote the presence of spirituality at work as a new management tool to run a company.
Immune response and oxidative stress in workers of a copper concentration factory
Authors: Farsipour Behdokh , Faghihi-Zarandi Ali , Mozaffari Abbas , Karami-Mohajeri Somayyeh
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The main occupational safety measure in factories is monitoring workers exposed to various types of contaminations. The main environmental concern of governments about copper industries is emission of dust, metals, metal compounds and volatile organic compounds in air. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the immune system status of workers in a copper concentration factory in Iran by placing the emphasis on oxidative stress biomarkers.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative cross-sectional study was performed on 40 workers of the copper concentration factory and 40 unexposed individuals. White blood cell count, plasma interleukin 2 and 4, oxidative burst of neutrophils, oxidative damages of DNA and RNA, lipid and protein, total antioxidant capacity of plasma, and antioxidant enzymes activities were measured.

Findings

A significant decrease in the white blood cell count and interleukin 2 and an increase in the interleukin 4 were observed in the workers and these changes represented the possibility of inflammation and weakening of the immune system. The elevation of oxidative damages, total antioxidant capacity and the activity of antioxidant enzymes are indicative of the change in oxidative stress status.

Originality/value

The oxidative stress induction and immune system changes might be useful biomarkers in screening and surveillance for occupational hazard. More studies are needed to find out the type and the concentration of pollutants and to evaluate the protective effects of natural antioxidants.
A(n) (a)symmetric perspective towards task-technology-performance fit in mobile app industry
Authors: Valaei Naser , Nikhashemi S.R. , Bressolles Gregory , Jin Hwang Ha
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine (a)symmetric features of task-technology-performance characteristics that are most relevant to fit, satisfaction and continuance intention of using apps in mobile banking transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory factor analysis was used with maximum likelihood extraction and Varimax rotation on a separate sample of 183 mobile banking apps users prior to the main data collection. The theoretical model was tested applying a factor-based structural equation modelling approach to a sample of 250 experienced mobile banking apps users.

Findings

The study unveiled that the task and performance characteristics are more relevant compared to technology characteristics when doing transactions via apps. In addition, the findings uncovered that user satisfaction and continuous intention to use apps stem from the degree of fit in online transactions. The findings of moderation analysis highlighted that users in the lower income group are more concerned about the performance characteristics of banking apps, and there are no differences across age and gender groups. Surprisingly, technology characteristic has a nonlinear nature and this study shows potential boundary conditions of technology characteristics in degree of fit, user satisfaction and continuance intention to use apps.

Practical implications

Findings from the conditional probabilistic queries reveal that with 83.3 per cent of probability, user satisfaction is high when using apps for banking transactions, if the levels of fit, task, performance and technology characteristics are high. Furthermore, with 72 per cent of probability, continuance intention to use apps is high, if the levels of performance and task characteristics are high.

Originality/value

Contributing to task-technology fit theory, this study shows that performance characteristics need to be aligned with task and technology characteristics in order to have better fit when using apps for online banking transactions.
A systematical approach to classification problems with feature space heterogeneity
Authors: Xiao Hongshan , Wang Yu
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Feature space heterogeneity exists widely in various application fields of classification techniques, such as customs inspection decision, credit scoring and medical diagnosis. This paper aims to study the relationship between feature space heterogeneity and classification performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A measurement is first developed for measuring and identifying any significant heterogeneity that exists in the feature space of a data set. The main idea of this measurement is derived from a meta-analysis. For the data set with significant feature space heterogeneity, a classification algorithm based on factor analysis and clustering is proposed to learn the data patterns, which, in turn, are used for data classification.

Findings

The proposed approach has two main advantages over the previous methods. The first advantage lies in feature transform using orthogonal factor analysis, which results in new features without redundancy and irrelevance. The second advantage rests on samples partitioning to capture the feature space heterogeneity reflected by differences of factor scores. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified on a number of benchmarking data sets.

Research limitations/implications

Measurement should be used to guide the heterogeneity elimination process, which is an interesting topic in future research. In addition, to develop a classification algorithm that enables scalable and incremental learning for large data sets with significant feature space heterogeneity is also an important issue.

Practical implications

Measuring and eliminating the feature space heterogeneity possibly existing in the data are important for accurate classification. This study provides a systematical approach to feature space heterogeneity measurement and elimination for better classification performance, which is favorable for applications of classification techniques in real-word problems.

Originality/value

A measurement based on meta-analysis for measuring and identifying any significant feature space heterogeneity in a classification problem is developed, and an ensemble classification framework is proposed to deal with the feature space heterogeneity and improve the classification accuracy.
Eutectic Sb7.4Te92.6 thin film for non-volatile phase-change memories
Authors: Barbon Claudio , Bilovol Vitaliy , Di Liscia Emiliano Javier , Arcondo Bibiana
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the structure and electrical properties of eutectic Sb7.4Te92.6 as made thin films to evaluate their potentiality for application to non-volatile phase-change memories.

Design/methodology/approach

The films were prepared by the pulsed laser deposition technique. The films were characterized by using X-ray diffraction in grazing-incident geometry, differential scanning calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy and transversal current–voltage curves.

Findings

The memory effect state, characteristic of a typical phase-change memory material, was observed. The temperature of crystallization was about 100ºC.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies on endurance, scaling and SET/RESET operations are needed.

Practical implications

One of the main characteristic values, the hold voltage and the threshold voltage values, were about 0.85 and 1.2 V, respectively, in a line with those of Ge2Sb2Te5, GeTe and Sb2Te being considered to date as the main compounds for phase-change memory devices.

Originality/value

The conduction mechanism in the amorphous regime is highly agreed with the Poole–Frenkel effect in deep traps.
Making sense of the sack race: the impact of managerial change in the English Football League
Authors: Wilson Rob , Plumley Daniel , Flint Stuart William
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of managerial change in the English football industry. The authors’ theoretical discussion covers three contrasting concepts that attempt to explain the association between manager change and organizational performance (scapegoating theory, vicious circle theory and tenure and life-cycle theory).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected for the four main English Football Leagues (EFLs) between 2000/2001 and 2015/2016. A total of 2,816 football matches were included in the study and during this time 525 instances of managerial change were observed. Analysis was conducted using relevant statistical techniques to examine the impact of managerial change on performance.

Findings

The results show significant differences in all four EFLs when considering teams who make a managerial change and those who do not. Further analysis revealed that a managerial change is more beneficial for clubs in the bottom half of the league, particularly for the English Premier League.

Originality/value

The implications for clubs competing in English football are clear when considering the strategic direction of the club in respect of managerial change and its impact on team performance. Yet, our findings come with a warning. The findings do not infer direct cause and effect here, and any board decision should consider additional factors other than sporting performance before deciding to sack their manager.
Scott Kupor explains the new realities of accessing venture capital
Authors: Davidson Alistair
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Interview with Scott Kupor, a managing partner at Andreessen Horowitz (AH Capital Management LLC), a private American venture capital firm founded in 2009. Its investments span the mobile, gaming, social, e-commerce, education and enterprise IT – including cloud computing, security, and software-as-a-service industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Kupor’s book, Secrets of Sand Hill Road: Venture Capital and How to Get It (Portfolio, 2019) can be used as a handbook for strategizing about venture capital deals, how to partner with multiple venture capitalists and how to assess new business ideas and market opportunities.

Findings

Kupor was interviewed to obtain a venture capitalist’s perspective on the strategic guidelines for starting up an innovative business.

Practical implications

One of the key issues that VC investors seek to understand is, Why is this particular team best positioned to win the market versus any of the others that might approach the same opportunity? The team in many ways can become more important than the original business idea, particularly since we know the market and product will evolve over time.

Originality/value

Kupor warns that competition is growing more intense. The cost of starting a business is much lower than in the past. However, given the widespread availability of talent, it is unlikely that most startups will have the field to themselves.
Two‐dimensional data‐space joint inversion of magnetotelluric, gravity, magnetic and seismic data with cross‐gradient constraints
Authors: Zhang Rongzhe , Li Tonglin , Deng Xinhui , Huang Xingguo , Pak Yongchol
Published: August 2019

In recent years, joint inversion has been widely used for integrated geological interpretation. We extended a data‐space joint inversion algorithm of magnetotelluric, gravity and magnetic data to include first‐arrival seismic travel‐time and normalized cross‐gradient constraints. We describe the main features of the algorithm and apply it to synthetic data generated for hypothetical models. For the synthetic data, we find that the joint inversion with multiple parameters is superior to the joint inversion with two or even three parameters, which can reduce the multisolution of inversion results more effectively. Furthermore, data‐space joint inversion involves fewer memory requirements and better calculation speeds than traditional model‐space joint inversion. The normalized cross‐gradient constraints can better couple model parameters of different magnitudes compared with traditional unnormalized cross‐gradient constraints, resulting in higher levels of structural similarity among resistivity, density, magnetic susceptibility and velocity models.
Rapid plastic breeding response to rain matches peak prey abundance in a tropical savanna bird
Authors: Hidalgo Aranzamendi Nataly , Hall Michelle L. , Kingma Sjouke A. , van de Pol Martijn , Peters Anne
Published: August 2019

Changes in climate are shifting the timing of life cycle events in the natural world. Compared to northern temperate areas, these effects are relatively poorly understood in tropical and southern regions, where there is limited information on how timing of breeding and food availability are affected by climatic factors, and where patterns of breeding activity are more unpredictable within and between years.

Combining a new statistical modelling approach with 5 years of continuous individual‐based monitoring of a monsoonal tropical insectivorous bird, we quantified (a) the proximate climatic drivers at two trophic levels: timing of breeding and abundance of arthropod prey; (b) the effect of climate variation on reproductive output and (c) the role of individual plasticity.

Rainfall was identified as the main determinant of phenology at both trophic levels. Throughout the year, likelihood of egg laying increased very rapidly in response to even small amounts of rain during the preceding 0–3 weeks. Adult body mass and male sperm storage also increased rapidly after rain, suggesting high breeding preparedness. Additionally, females were flexible, since they were more likely to nest whether their previous attempt was longer ago and unsuccessful. Arthropod abundance also increased after rainfall, but more slowly, with a peak around 10 weeks. Therefore, the peak food availability coincided with the presence of dependent fledglings.

Fitness benefits of nesting after more rain appeared to be linked to offspring quantity rather than quality: nest attempts following higher rainfall produced larger clutches, but showed no improvement in nestling mass or relative fledging success. The response of clutch size to rainfall was plastic, since repeated sampling showed that individual females laid larger clutches after more rain, possibly mediated by improved body mass.

Rapid, individually flexible breeding in response to rainfall and slower increase in arthropod abundance also as a response to rainfall, might buffer insectivorous species living in tropical seasonal environments from climate change‐induced phenological trophic mismatches.
The interplay of nested biotic interactions and the abiotic environment regulates populations of a hypersymbiont
Authors: Mestre Alexandre , Poulin Robert , Holt Robert D. , Barfield Michael , Clamp John C. , Fernandez‐Leborans Gregorio , Mesquita‐Joanes Francesc
Published: August 2019

The role of biotic interactions in shaping the distribution and abundance of species should be particularly pronounced in symbionts. Indeed, symbionts have a dual niche composed of traits of their individual hosts and the abiotic environment external to the host, and often combine active dispersal at finer scales with host‐mediated dispersal at broader scales. The biotic complexity in the determinants of species distribution and abundance should be even more pronounced for hyper symbionts (symbionts of other symbionts).

We use a chain of symbiosis to explore the relative influence of nested biotic interactions and the abiotic environment on occupancy and abundance of a hypersymbiont.

Our empirical system is the epibiont ciliate Lagenophrys discoidea, which attaches to an ostracod that is itself ectosymbiotic on crayfish (the basal host). We applied multimodel selection and variance partitioning for GLMM to assess the relative importance of (a) traits of symbiotic hosts (ostracod sex and abundance), (b) traits of basal hosts (crayfish body weight, abundance and intermoult stage), (c) the abiotic environment (water chemistry and climate) and (d) geospatial autocorrelation patterns (capturing potential effects of crayfish dispersal among localities).

Our models explained about half of the variation in prevalence and abundance of the hypersymbiont. Variation in prevalence was partly explained, in decreasing order of importance (18%–4%) by shared effects of symbiotic host traits and the abiotic environment, pure fixed effects of symbiotic hosts, abiotic environment and geospatial patterns (traits of basal hosts were not relevant). Hypersymbiont abundance was most strongly explained by random effects of host traits (mainly the symbiotic host), in addition to weaker fixed effects (mostly abiotic environment).

Our results highlight the major role of the interplay between abundance of symbiotic hosts and water physico‐chemistry in regulating populations of a hypersymbiotic ciliate, which is likely critical for dispersal dynamics, availability of attachment resources and suitability of on‐host living conditions for the ciliate. We also found moderate signal of regulation by the basal host, for which we propose three mechanisms: (a) modulation of microhabitat suitability (crayfish‐created water currents); (b) concentration of symbiotic hosts within crayfish; and (c) dispersal mediated by crayfish.
Grey Power: Towards a Political Economy of Older Voters in the UK
Authors: Chrisp Joe , Pearce Nick
Published: August 2019

The impact of age on voting behaviour and political outcomes has become an issue of increasing interest, particularly in the UK. Age divides in voter turnout and political preferences have led to claims that age is the ‘new class’. In this article, we contrast existing ‘cultural backlash’ and political economy explanations of the age divide in politics, and challenge the view that older people are predominantly ‘left behind’, culturally or economically. We show that older people have distinct material interests, related to housing wealth and pensions’ income, that are visible in their political preferences. We argue for the development of a new political economy of age.
Associated ileocaecal location is a marker for greater severity of low rectal endometriosis
Authors: Marcellin L , Leconte M , Gaujoux S , Santulli P , Borghese B , Chapron C , Dousset B
Published: August 2019

Objective

To determine whether ileocaecal endometriosis (ICE) is a marker for low rectal endometriosis (LRE) severity.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

France.

Population and sample

Analysis of 375 colorectal resections performed in women undergoing complete surgery for LRE from January 1995 to December 2015 in a university centre for endometriosis.

Methods

Univariate and multivariate analysis of anatomical, postoperative clinical, and long‐term outcomes according to presence of ICE.

Main outcomes and measures

Mean number and type of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) lesions, the existence of an associated endometrioma, and mean total American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) score.

Results

The prevalence of ICE was 25.6%. Primary end‐point data showed that women with ICE had a significantly higher adjusted number of DIE lesions (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.02–3.03; P = 0.048), higher prevalence of endometriomas (OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.04–3.51; P = 0.044), more associated DIE sigmoid lesions (OR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.07–3.91; P = 0.025), and a higher mean total ASRM score (OR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.12–4.14; P = 0.025). Women with ICE resected during the surgical procedure for LRE did not have more adverse postoperative clinical outcomes than ICE‐negative patients.

Conclusion

Ileocaecal endometriosis was significantly associated with greater LRE severity. In a complete surgical resection strategy, combining resection of ICE and LRE did not appear to increase postoperative rates of complications, morbidity or recurrence, nor did it seem to impair long‐term clinical outcomes.

Tweetable abstract

In women with low rectal endometriosis, 25% have an associated ileocaecal location that is a marker for severity.
The Predominance of Psychrotrophic Pseudomonads on Aerobically Stored Chilled Red Meat
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nirmani N. , Ravensdale Joshua , Coorey Ranil , Chandry Scott P. , Dykes Gary A.
Published: August 2019

Microbial spoilage of meat during chilled aerobic storage causes significant financial losses to the industry. Even with modern day preservation techniques, spoilage remains an unsolved problem. Spoilage of meat is a complex process that involves the activity of endogenous enzymes and microorganisms. Psychrotrophic Pseudomonas species are the key microorganisms that cause spoilage in aerobically stored chilled meat. Spoilage pseudomonads are highly robust and able to withstand stressful environmental conditions that would otherwise inhibit the growth of other spoilage organisms. In order to implement efficient control measures, and to minimize spoilage, a thorough understanding of the characteristics of spoilage pseudomonads is essential. This review focuses on the spoilage process and the key metabolic attributes of the main psychrotrophic spoilage Pseudomonas species to explain their predominance on meat over other psychrotrophic bacteria. This review also highlights less studied, but important, characteristics of psychrotrophic pseudomonads such as biofilm formation and quorum sensing in the context of meat spoilage. The importance of the use of model systems that are closely applicable to the food industry is also discussed in detail.
EGFR T790M detection in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues of patients with lung cancer using RNA‐based in situ hybridization: A preliminary feasibility study
Authors: Wu Shafei , Shi Xiaohua , Si Xiaoyan , Liu Yuanyuan , Lu Tao , Zhang Li , Liang Zhiyong , Zeng Xuan
Published: August 2019

Background

Following drug resistance in patients with lung cancer treated by EGFR TKIs, a biopsy is required to obtain sufficient cancer tissue for T790M detection in order to select potential beneficiaries suitable for third‐generation EGFR TKIs, such as osimertinib. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of using a new in situ analysis technique based on RNA target sequences to detect EGFR T790M in lung cancer.

Methods

A total of 28 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples from 24 lung adenocarcinoma patients archived in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2015 to 2016 were collected. The BaseScope T790M detection technique by in situ hybridization on FFPE slides was used to analyze the mutation of EGFR T790M, and then the results were compared with the data acquired by Scorpions ARMS assay, which is the so‐called gold standard for EGFR gene mutation testing. The sensitivity and specificity of the BaseScope T790M detection technique were preliminarily evaluated.

Results

Of the 28 FFPE specimens, the average proportion of T790M‐positive cells was 35.78% ± 17.68% in 18 samples with EGFR T790M, confirmed by Scorpions ARMS assay, Compared with real‐time PCR assay, the sensitivity and specificity of BaseScope T790M were all 100% in our cohort.

Conclusion

BaseScope T790M assay could be completed on only one FFPE slide and the visualized molecular result overplayed with histomorphological information perfectly, so it may be the alternative method for EGFR T790M evaluation. BaseScope assay has potential clinical utility, and it will be necessary to carry out validation with a large number of cases.
Antagonism of Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus against Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus in zucchini and cucumber
Authors: Crespo Oscar , Robles Carmen , Ruiz Leticia , Janssen Dirk
Published: August 2019

Tomato leaf curl New Delhi begomovirus (ToLCNDV) (genus Begomovirus, family Begomoviridae) and Cucumber green mottle mosaic tobamovirus (CGMMV) (genus Tobamovirus, family Virgaviridae) cause diseases in cucurbit crops and are of increasing importance in many parts of the world. Both virus species belong to different families and have different modes of transmission, but share common hosts. We examined single and mixed infections of these viruses in cucumber and zucchini. Cucumber plants single‐infected with CGMMV and co‐infected with ToLCNDV, produced identical tobamovirus‐specific symptoms, and had reduced growth and number of fruits when compared with single ToLCNDV infections. Zucchini infected with CGMMV remained symptomless but when infected with ToLCNDV only, most developed severe begomovirus‐specific symptoms, and had reduced vegetative development and less fruits. Fewer zucchini plants with ToLCNDV co‐infected with CGMMV produced symptoms than those infected with ToLCNDV only. When inoculated with CGMMV, this tobamovirus accumulated at similar rates in single and mixed infections with ToLCNDV in cucumber as well as zucchini, whereas the begomovirus accumulated significantly less when co‐infected with CGMMV. The results suggest the existence of an antagonistic effect of CGMMV against ToLCNDV accumulation in cucumber. Such effect would also explain similar differences in viral loads, the vegetative and reproductive development, and the reduced symptom expression in zucchini.
Trade Wars and the World Trade Organization: Causes, Consequences, and Change
Authors: Hoekman Bernard
Published: August 2019

The rise in trade tensions and launch of a trade war by the USA is in part a result of World Trade Organization (WTO) working practices that have impeded the ability to use the organization to address the underlying sources of conflict through dialogue, analysis, and rule‐making. Open plurilateral agreements between the major protagonists offer an avenue for revitalizing the ability of the WTO to resolve trade conflicts. More generally, reform of WTO working practices is needed for the organization to be more effective in providing a platform for members to cooperate on trade policy matters.
Comment
Authors: BESTEMAN CATHERINE
Published: August 2019

A comment on Heath Cabot's “The Business of Anthropology and the European Refugee Regime,” American Ethnologist 46, no. 3 (2019): 261–75.
Comment
Authors: EL‐SHAARAWI NADIA , RAZSA MAPLE
Published: August 2019

A comment on Heath Cabot's “The Business of Anthropology and the European Refugee Regime,” American Ethnologist 46, no. 3 (2019): 261–75.
Comment
Authors: PEUTZ NATHALIE
Published: August 2019

A comment on Heath Cabot's “The Business of Anthropology and the European Refugee Regime,” American Ethnologist 46, no. 3 (2019): 261–75.
Comment
Authors: ROZAKOU KATERINA
Published: August 2019

A comment on Heath Cabot's “The Business of Anthropology and the European Refugee Regime,” American Ethnologist 46, no. 3 (2019): 261–75.
Reply
Authors: CABOT HEATH
Published: August 2019

A reply to comments on Heath Cabot's “The Business of Anthropology and the European Refugee Regime,” American Ethnologist 46, no. 3 (2019): 261–75.
Self serving reference points in double auctions
Authors: Ahmad Husnain Fateh
Published: August 2019

We present a novel approach for modelling self serving bias by way of reference dependence. Bias is modelled as a systematic individual level deviation of the endogenous reference point from the expected price of a good in a two person k‐double auction. We find that bias decreases the efficiency of the model, and that efficiency is decreasing in both the level of bias and reference dependence.
Syrian refugee resettlement: A case study of local response in Hamilton, Ontario
Authors: Dam Huyen , Wayland Sarah V.
Published: August 2019

This paper examines the response by local government and stakeholders to the arrival and resettlement of Syrian newcomers in Hamilton, Ontario in 2015 and 2016—the first major wave of refugee arrivals since two significant changes in Hamilton's settlement organizational landscape. The creation of a local immigration partnership called the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC) is an example of place‐based policymaking within local immigration and settlement in Canada. Place‐based approaches emerged to bypass top‐down policy ineffectiveness, and the shift to empower civic participation in the local decision‐making process is seen as one solution to public policy innovations. Examination of HIPC's role in this context is thus critical to understand the challenges and learnings encountered in one place‐based setting. Our findings suggest that the lack of power (in terms of information, communication, resources, and funding) led to a missed opportunity for HIPC to lead a significant resettlement initiative. HIPC's inability to bring together key partners across the sector prior to and during the event is symptomatic of systemic barriers the Council had faced, including competing interpretations of HIPC and its role by its members. This study suggests the effectiveness of place‐based policy is not without its nuances, and iterative challenges and learnings.