bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of AC to DC current sources for field‐assisted sintering of aluminum alloy 5083 powder
Authors: Kellogg Frank , Kornecki Michael , Raju Selva Vennila , McWilliams Brandon , Brennan Raymond
Published: June 2018

The viability of resistively sintering aluminum 5083 powder with an alternating current (AC) was explored under both as‐atomized and cryomilled conditions. Samples were processed under an AC field and a direct current (DC) field. Samples processed by both methods exhibited similar microstructures and densities at different die wall temperatures. For as‐atomized powders, similar densities (99% of theoretical [TD]) were achieved at die wall temperatures of 564°C under DC fields and 525°C under AC fields. For cryomilled 5083, densities up to 90% of theoretical were achieved at 550°C under DC fields, while density values 99% of TD were achieved at 500°C under AC fields. Based on these findings, it has been determined that AC fields can be used as an alternative to SPS for achieving optimal density.
Quantitative prediction of the structure and properties of Li2O–Ta2O5–SiO2 glasses via phase diagram approach
Authors: Tan Linling , Mauro John C. , Peng Jie , Yang Xinlei , Peng Mingying
Published: June 2018

Tantalum silicate glasses serve as laser host materials to take advantage of their high refractive index and the ability to tailor their physical properties in the design of high‐performance photonic and photoelectric components. However, successful attainment of feature control in tantalum‐doped materials remains a longstanding problem due to the limited understanding of local structure around the tantalum ions, a problem that lies at the heart of predicting the micro‐ and macroscopic properties of these glasses. Herein, we present a novel approach for predicting the local structural environments in tantalum silicate glass based on a phase diagram approach. The phase relations and glass formation region of Li2O–Ta2O5–SiO2 ternary systems are explored to calculate the structure and additive physical properties of lithium tantalum silicate glasses. These measured and calculated results are in good quantitative agreement, indicating that the phase diagram approach can be applied broadly to Li2O–Ta2O5–SiO2 ternary glass systems. Using the phase diagram approach, the local structure of tantalum can be directly obtained. Each Ta atom is surrounded by six atoms, and its polyhedron, the TaO6 octahedron, bonds through oxygen to Li and Ta. As a network modifier, Ta5+ depolymerizes the silicate glass structure by modulating the local structure of lithium atoms in Li2O–Ta2O5–SiO2 ternary glass system. The compositional dependence of structure in lithium tantalum silicate glasses is quantitatively determined based on the structure of the nearest neighbor congruent compound through the lever rule. These findings offer a precise prediction of tantalum silicate glass properties with quantitative control over local structural environment of the disordered materials.
Post‐independence mortality of juveniles is driven by anthropogenic hazards for two passerines in an urban landscape
Authors: Adalsteinsson Solny A. , Buler Jeffrey J. , Bowman Jacob L. , D'Amico Vincent , Ladin Zachary S. , Shriver W. Gregory
Published: June 2018

Urban environments impose novel selection pressures with varying impacts across species and life history stages. The post‐fledging stage for migratory passerines, defined as the period of time from when hatch‐year birds fledge until their first migration, is a poorly understood component of annual productivity that potentially limits population growth. We studied two migratory passerines with positive and negative population responses to urbanization, respectively: gray catbirdDumetella carolinensisand wood thrushHylocichla mustelina. Our goals were to estimate post‐fledging survival rates for urban bird populations and determine which features of the urban landscape impact mortality risk during the post‐fledging stage. From 2012–2014, we tracked 127 fledglings (60 gray catbirds and 67 wood thrushes). Over 55 d after fledging, cumulative survival of gray catbirds (0.32 [95% CI: 0.22–0.47]) was approximately half that of wood thrushes (0.63 [95% CI: 0.52–0.75]). Thus, survival rates during the post‐fledging stage, taken in isolation, do not explain differential trajectories of gray catbird and wood thrush populations in urban environments. Most mortality (86%) for both species was due to predation. However, after reaching independence from parental care, 6 birds (9.4% of mortalities) died of anthropogenic causes (e.g. building, car strikes). Crossing roads significantly increased mortality risk, but increasing daily movement distance decreased mortality risk. Our results raise the question of whether anthropogenic sources of mortality are compensatory or additive to natural mortality; we emphasize the need to monitor fledgling survival beyond the parental‐dependence stage in order to fully understand the impacts of anthropogenic hazards on juvenile birds.
Nest survival in year‐round breeding tropical red‐capped larks Calandrella cinerea increases with higher nest abundance but decreases with higher invertebrate availability and rainfall
Authors: Mwangi Joseph , Ndithia Henry K. , Kentie Rosemarie , Muchai Muchane , Tieleman B. Irene
Published: June 2018

Nest survival is critical to breeding in birds and plays an important role in life‐history evolution and population dynamics. Studies evaluating the proximate factors involved in explaining nest survival and the resulting temporal patterns are biased in favor of temperate regions. Yet, such studies are especially pertinent to the tropics, where nest predation rates are typically high and environmental conditions often allow for year‐round breeding. To tease apart the effects of calendar month and year, population‐level breeding activity and environmental conditions, we studied nest survival over a 64‐month period in equatorial, year‐round breeding red‐capped larks Calandrella cinerea in Kenya. We show that daily nest survival rates varied with time, but not in a predictable seasonal fashion among months or consistently among years. We found negative influences of flying invertebrate biomass and rain on nest survival and higher survival of nests when nests were more abundant, which suggests that nest predation resulted from incidental predation. Although an increase in nest predation is often attributed to an increase in nest predators, we suggest that in our study, it may be caused by altered predator activity resulting from increased activity of the primary prey, invertebrates, rather than activity of the red‐capped larks. Our results emphasize the need to conduct more studies in Afro‐tropical regions because proximate mechanisms explaining nest predation can be different in the unpredictable and highly variable environments of the tropics compared with the relatively predictable seasonal changes found in temperate regions. Such studies will aid in better understanding of the environmental influences on life‐history variation and population dynamics in birds.
Local adaptation versus historical isolation as sources of melanin‐based coloration in the white‐throated thrushTurdus assimilis
Authors: Núñez‐Zapata Jano , Benites Pilar , Gutiérrez‐Arellano Claudia , Ortiz‐Ramírez Marco F. , Navarro‐Sigüenza Adolfo G.
Published: June 2018

Local adaptation seems to be one of the causes of variation in melanin‐based colors in bird plumages, related mainly to the heterogeneity of the environmental conditions along the distribution of a species. Based on comparisons of genetic (mtDNA sequences), ecological (niche models), and quantitative colorimetric data, we explored variation in plumage coloration of the white‐throated thrushTurdus assimilis, a Mesoamerican species whose dorsal color varies from brown (northern and central Mexico) to dark gray (southern Mexico and Central America). Our results suggest the existence of two major patterns of coloration in this bird, which are congruent with the genetic structure, and comparisons of ecological niche models showed that population's niches were more similar than expected by chance, suggesting that color variation in plumage ofT. assimilisis not consequence of local adaptation to different environmental conditions. Our results also showed that a greater geographic distance between populations is correlated with greater colorimetric differences, suggesting that color variation inT. assimilismay be consequence of historical isolation.
Barometer logging reveals new dimensions of individual songbird migration
Authors: Sjöberg Sissel , Pedersen Lykke , Malmiga Gintaras , Alerstam Thomas , Hansson Bengt , Hasselquist Dennis , Thorup Kasper , Tøttrup Anders P. , Andersson Arne , Bäckman Johan
Published: June 2018

Recent advances in tracking technology are based on the use of miniature sensors for recording new aspects of individual migratory behaviour. In this study, we have used activity data loggers with barometric and temperature sensors to record the flight altitudes as well as ground elevations during stationary periods of migratory songbirds. We tracked one individual of red‐backed shrike and one great reed warbler along their autumn migration from Europe to Africa. Both individuals performed their migration stepwise in travel segments and climbed most metres during the passage across the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert and least metres during the first flight segment in Europe. The great reed warbler reached its highest flight altitude of 3950 m a.s.l. during the travel segment from Europe to west Africa, while the red‐backed shrike reached 3650 m a.s.l as maximum flight altitude during its travel segment from Sahel to southern Africa. Both individuals used both lowlands and highlands for resting periods along their migrations. Furthermore, temperature decreased with increasing altitude during migratory flights for both individuals, highlighting the potential to determine flight duration from temperature measurements. Finally, we discuss how barometric data could be used to investigate birds’ responses to changes in air pressure as a cue for departures on migratory flights. This new technique, i.e. using a miniature data logger with barometric pressure sensor to estimate flight altitudes and ground elevations, will open up new avenues for research and importantly advance our understanding on how small birds behave during migratory flights.
Researching the Opportunities and Challenges for Women in Supply Chain
Authors: Zinn Walter , Goldsby Thomas J. , Cooper Martha C.
Published: June 2018

In this editorial, we call attention to the underresearched issue of women in logistics and supply chain management. Despite growing interest in the field and the much recognized gap in talent, women remain underrepresented in the field—and particularly in the senior ranks. We explore some of the reasons offered in existing literature for this deficiency. While progress is noted, much work remains to be carried out. Rigorous research can be instrumental in illuminating the path forward. Possible avenues for research, including an array of research questions, are presented in this call for action.
Local prey community composition and genetic distance predict venom divergence among populations of the northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus)
Authors: Holding Matthew L. , Margres Mark J. , Rokyta Darin R. , Gibbs H. Lisle
Published: June 2018

Identifying the environmental correlates of divergence in functional traits between populations can provide insights into the evolutionary mechanisms that generate local adaptation. Here, we assess patterns of population differentiation in expressed venom proteins in Northern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) from 13 locations across California. We evaluate the relative importance of major biotic (prey species community composition), abiotic (temperature, precipitation and elevation) and genetic factors (genetic distance based on RAD‐seq loci) as correlates of population divergence in venom phenotypes. We found that over half of the variation in venom composition is associated with among‐population differentiation for genetic and environmental variables and that this variation occurred along axes defining previously observed functional trade‐offs between venom proteins that have neurotoxic, myotoxic and hemorrhagic effects. Surprisingly, genetic differentiation among populations was the best predictor of venom divergence, accounting for 46% of overall variation, whereas differences in prey community composition and abiotic factors explained smaller amounts of variation (23% and 19%, respectively). The association between genetic differentiation and venom composition could be due to an isolation‐by‐distance effect or, more likely, an isolation‐by‐environment effect where selection against recent migrants is strong, producing a correlation between neutral genetic differentiation and venom differentiation. Our findings suggest that even coarse estimates of prey community composition can be useful in understanding the selection pressures acting on patterns of venom protein expression. Additionally, our results suggest that factors other than adaptation to spatial variation in prey need to be considered when explaining population divergence in venom.
Sleeping with the enemy: introgressive hybridization in two invasive centrarchids
Authors: Diedericks Genevieve , Henriques Romina , von der Heyden Sophie , Weyl Olaf L. F. , Hui Cang
Published: June 2018

Introgressive hybridization between Micropterus dolomieu and Micropterus salmoides was assessed in their invaded South African range using nine microsatellite markers and two mtDNA gene regions. Although M. dolomieu and M. salmoides are distantly related, indicated by the large uncorrected pairwise distances observed between the two species, mitochondrial introgression and unidirectional admixture was detected.
Machado–Joseph disease/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: lessons from disease pathogenesis and clues into therapy
Authors: Matos Carlos A. , de Almeida Luís Pereira , Nóbrega Clévio
Published: June 2018

Machado–Joseph disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), is an incurable disorder, widely regarded as the most common form of spinocerebellar ataxia in the world. MJD/SCA3 arises from mutation of the ATXN3 gene, but this simple monogenic cause contrasts with the complexity of the pathogenic mechanisms that are currently admitted to underlie neuronal dysfunction and death. The aberrantly expanded protein product – ataxin‐3 – is known to aggregate and generate toxic species that disrupt several cell systems, including autophagy, proteostasis, transcription, mitochondrial function and signalling. Over the years, research into putative therapeutic approaches has often been devoted to the development of strategies that counteract disease at different stages of cellular pathogenesis. Silencing the pathogenic protein, blocking aggregation, inhibiting toxic proteolytic processing and counteracting dysfunctions of the cellular systems affected have yielded promising ameliorating results in studies with cellular and animal models. The current review analyses the available studies dedicated to the investigation of MJD/SCA3 pathogenesis and the exploration of possible therapeutic strategies, focusing primarily on gene therapy and pharmacological approaches rooted on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease.

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Methyl donors dietary supplementation to gestating sows diet improves the growth rate of offspring and is associating with changes in expression and DNA methylation of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 gene
Authors: Jin Chao , Zhuo Yong , Wang Jun , Zhao Yang , Xuan Yuedong , Mou Daolin , Liu Hong , Zhou Pan , Fang Zhengfeng , Che Lianqiang , Xu Shengyu , Feng Bin , Li Jian , Jiang Xuemei , Lin Yan , Wu De
Published: June 2018

The study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal dietary methyl donors on the performance of sows and their offspring, and the associated hepatic insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) expression of the offspring. A total of 24 multiparous sows were randomly fed the control (CON) or the CON diet supplemented with methyl donors (MD) at 3 g/kg betaine, 15 mg/kg folic acid, 400 mg/kg choline and 150 μg/kg VB12, from mating until delivery. After farrowing, sows were fed a common lactation diet through a 28‐days lactation period and six litters per treatment were selected to be fed until at approximately 110 kg BW. Maternal MD supplementation resulted in greater birthweight (p < 0.05) and increased the piglet weights (p < 0.01) and litter weights (p < 0.05) at the age of day 28, compared with that in CON group. The offspring pigs in the MD group had greater ADG (p < 0.05) and tended to lower F:G ratio (p = 0.07) compared with that of CON group from day 28 to 180 of age. The offspring pigs from MD group had greater serum IGF‐1 concentrations and expressions of hepatic IGF‐1 gene and muscular IGF‐1 receptor (IGF‐1r) protein at birth (p < 0.05), and greater hepatic IGF‐1 protein (p = 0.03) and muscular IGF‐1r gene expressions (p < 0.05) at slaughter, than that from the CON group. Moreover, the methylation at the promoter of IGF‐1 gene in the liver of newborn piglets and finishing pigs was greater in the MD group than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal MD supplementation throughout gestation could enhance the birthweight and postnatal growth rate of offspring, associated with an increased expression of the IGF‐1 gene and IGF‐1r, as well as the altered DNA methylation of IGF‐1 gene promotor.
Hepatitis C virus incidence in HIV‐infected and in preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP)‐using men having sex with men
Authors: Cotte Laurent , Cua Eric , Reynes Jacques , Raffi François , Rey David , Delobel Pierre , Gagneux‐Brunon Amandine , Jacomet Christine , Palich Romain , Laroche Hélène , Cabie André , Hoen Bruno , Chidiac Christian , Pradat Pierre ,   The Dat'AIDS Study Group
Published: June 2018

Background & Aims

HCV incidence still appears on the rise in HIV‐infected MSM in France. We assessed the incidence of HCV infection in HIV‐positive and in preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP)‐using MSM.

Methods

HIV‐infected, HCV‐negative MSM with serological follow‐up in 2016 and HIV‐negative, HCV‐negative PrEP‐using MSM enrolled from January 2016 to May 2017 in the French Dat’AIDS cohort were analysed to assess the incidence of a primary HCV infection. The incidence of HCV reinfection was also determined in patients having cured a previous infection.

Results

Among 10 049 HIV‐infected MSM followed in 2016, 681 patients were already HCV‐infected when entering the study (prevalence 6.8%). Serological follow‐up was available in 2016 for 4151 HCV‐negative patients. Virological follow‐up was available for 478 patients who had cured a previous infection. Fifty‐seven HCV infections occurred in 2016 (42 primary infections, 15 reinfections). Incidence of primary HCV infection, reinfection and overall HCV infection was, respectively, 1.0, 3.1 and 1.2/100 person‐years (PY). From January 2016 to May 2017, 930 HIV‐negative subjects were enrolled for PrEP. Seventeen patients were already HCV‐infected (prevalence 1.8%). Twelve HCV infections occurred during follow‐up (10 primary infections, 2 reinfections) giving an incidence of primary infection of 1.0/100 PY and an overall incidence of 1.2/100 PY.

Conclusions

The overall incidence of HCV infection and of a primary HCV infection in HIV‐positive and in PrEP‐using MSM appeared similar in France in 2016 to early 2017. HIV‐positive and PrEP‐using MSM probably share similar at‐risk practices and both should be targeted for preventative interventions.
Evolution and genetic control of the floral ground plan
Authors: Smyth David R.
Published: June 2018

Contents

Summary
70

I.
Introduction
70

II.
What is the floral ground plan?
71

III.
Diversity and evolution of the floral ground plan
72

IV.
Genetic mechanisms
77

V.
What's next?
82

Acknowledgements
83

References
83

The floral ground plan is a map of where and when floral organ primordia arise. New results combining the defined phylogeny of flowering plants with extensive character mapping have predicted that the angiosperm ancestor had whorls rather than spirals of floral organs in large numbers, and was bisexual. More confidently, the monocot ancestor likely had three organs in each whorl, whereas the rosid and asterid ancestor (Pentapetalae) had five, with the perianth now divided into sepals and petals. Genetic mechanisms underlying the establishment of the floral ground plan are being deduced using model species, the rosid Arabidopsis, the asterid Antirrhinum, and in grasses such as rice. In this review, evolutionary and genetic conclusions are drawn together, especially considering how known genes may control individual processes in the development and evolution of ground plans. These components include organ phyllotaxis, boundary formation, organ identity, merism (the number or organs per whorl), variation in the form of primordia, organ fusion, intercalary growth, floral symmetry, determinacy and, finally, cases where the distinction between flowers and inflorescences is blurred. It seems likely that new pathways of ground plan evolution, and new signalling mechanisms, will soon be uncovered by integrating morphological and genetic approaches.
The transient response of ecosystems to climate change is amplified by trophic interactions
Authors: Boulangeat Isabelle , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Daufresne Tanguy , Leblond Mathieu , Gravel Dominique
Published: June 2018

Studies of ecosystem responses to climate change often focus on potential equilibria in species or community distributions, overlooking the transitions to new equilibrium states. Transient phases can however last for decades or centuries, during which both demography and interspecific interactions are expected to play a crucial role. Here, we investigate the response of vegetation to climate warming at high latitudes involving a shift from open vegetation to either boreal (mainly coniferous) or temperate (mainly deciduous) forests. We specifically address how interactions among browsers and vegetation could affect the shift in dominance of vegetation type after climate warming. We characterize the transient dynamics using five measures: 1) asymptotic resilience, i.e. the rate at which equilibrium is restored, 2) initial resilience, the short‐term rate of change of the ecosystem after climate change, 3) ecosystem exposure, i.e. the shift of the equilibrium due to climate change, 4) sensitivity, or the time to recover equilibrium, and 5) vulnerability, measured as the cumulative amount of changes in vegetation states during the transient phase. We find that plant–herbivore interactions usually extend the length of the transient period and induce more cumulative changes in vegetation types. This result implies that the consideration of multiple interacting species is necessary to provide robust scenarios of how ecosystems will respond to global changes. We furthermore show that plant–herbivore interactions disrupt the correlation between the five measures characterizing the transient dynamics, highlighting the need for a full multidimensional characterization of transients.
Shifts in plant nutrient content in combined warming and drought scenarios may alter reproductive fitness across trophic levels
Authors: Rosenblatt Adam E.
Published: June 2018

Ecological effects of climate change are difficult to predict because climate change is a multi‐variable phenomenon that can impact ecosystems through diverse pathways. Despite this fact, climate change ecology research has been dominated by relatively simplistic experiments and models. To test the importance of assessing more realistic climate and ecological scenarios an experiment was conducted to assess the interactive effects of multiple climate change variables (warming, drought) on survival and reproductive fitness across three trophic levels within a well‐studied terrestrial food web. The effects of warming and drought on the nutrient content of plants and how such changes may affect consumers was also examined. Results showed that warming and drought in combination can significantly alter the nutrient profiles of plants relative to climate variables in isolation and that multi‐variable climate change can severely impact plant reproductive fitness. Also, consumer nutrient profiles did not shift in accordance with their resources, but reproductive fitness of grasshoppers was nonetheless severely affected by warming and drought in combination. Predator survival rates decreased by more than 45% under all climate change scenarios, highlighting the variable responses of different trophic levels. The impacts across the entire food web were likely caused by a combination of metabolic changes due to warming, dehydration, altered nutrient availability and resource quality, and behavioral shifts. The results suggest that realistic climate change scenarios could dramatically affect long‐term demographic patterns as well as food web dynamics, and that single variable studies may fail to reveal the true impacts of climate change.
Empathy and literary style
Authors: Mangen Anne , Begnum Anne Charlotte , Kuzmičová Anežka , Nilsson Kersti , Steenberg Mette , Støle Hildegunn
Published: June 2018

This article presents the design, methodology, and materials of an inter‐Nordic, empirical study of literary reading among students in teacher education, in which relations between literary style and experiential aspects of literary reading (e.g. empathy and transportation) were assessed empirically. The primary aim of the article is to introduce paradigms and measures from interdisciplinary empirical research on literary reading which is less known in a Nordic context but which is rapidly gaining momentum internationally. The participants in the study read Katherine Mansfield's short story “The Fly” (1922) in the original version versus in a manipulated version in which typical features of literariness (e.g. metaphors and similes) were removed. Combining quantitative measures of empathy, appreciation of literature, and aspects of reading engagement with qualitative methods, the aim is to probe deeper into readers’ subjective reading experience.
Crossroads or “Flyovers” novel insights into ventricular tachycardia mechanisms: The path is twisting
Authors: Maury Philippe , Rollin Anne , Waintraub Xavier , Capellino Stefano , Gandjbakhch Estelle
Published: June 2018

Diverging channels of activation may be observed in some ventricular tachycardia (VT) using ultra‐high‐density mapping. We present here cases of such diverging activation patterns as observed from 60 consecutive VT activation maps using the Rhythmia system™ (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA). Diverging directions of activation in the same area with “crossroads” or “flyover” pattern can be traced, implying recording of independent multilayer channels. Adaptation of current automated recording by the 3D mapping system is mandatory for better investigating this phenomenon.
Performance and validation of a simplified postoperative atrial fibrillation risk score
Authors: Chen Lizhu , Du Xin , Dong Jianzeng , Ma Chang‐Sheng
Published: June 2018

Background

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurs in 20–40% patients who received isolated coronary artery cardiac bypass surgery (CABG). Several POAF risk prediction models have been developed, but none of them is widely adopted in practice. Our objective was to derive and validate a simple scoring system to estimate POAF risk after isolated CABG, using easily available clinical information.

Methods

Medical records of 1,000 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG were reviewed. The data of first 700 patients were used for model derivation and data of the remaining 300 patients were used for model validation. Discrimination and calibration of the newly developed model were assessed.

Results

POAF incidence in both the derivation and validation cohorts was 27.3%. Age ≥65, history of hypertension, heart failure, and myocardial infarction were independently associated with POAF risk. Risk scores were calculated by summing weighting points for each independent predictor. The score ≥3 was associated with high POAF incidence (41.1% in the derivation cohort and 44.3% in the validation cohort). The positive and negative POAF predictive value was 41.1% and 78.5%, respectively, in the derivation cohort, and 44.3% and 80.8%, respectively, in the validation cohort, when the cut‐point score ≥3 was used. The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness‐of‐fit test P‐values were 0.917 and 0.894 in the derivation cohort and validation cohort, respectively.

Conclusions

This POAF risk following isolated CABG can be predicted with simple patient characteristic during the preoperative period. Patients with high risk scores (≥3) may constitute a target population for POAF prevention and prolonged postoperative surveillance.
Immune response in goats vaccinated with thiol‐binding proteins from Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Molina José Manuel , Hernández Yeray Isidoro , Martín Sergio , Ferrer Otilia , Rodríguez Francisco , Ruiz Antonio
Published: June 2018

The experimental protocol of immunization tested here confirms its protective effect against Haemonchus contortus in goats. This protection translated into a 65.5% mean reduction in adult worm burden after a homologous challenge, and a significant decrease (73.2%) in cumulative faecal egg counts (FECs). These parasitological findings were consistent with the levels of some biopathological parameters. Thus, the reduction in adult worms and FEC observed in immunized animals were associated with increased levels of packed cell volume as well as plasma proteins. This response seems to be related to an important increase in specific antibodies (in serum and gastric mucus) and eosinophilia in response to challenge. At the local level, a cellular response was also observed in which CD4+ lymphocytes and globule leucocytes played a predominant role. Finally, it should be noted that the study of immunolocalization of proteins used in the vaccination trial suggests that these antigens have an internal location (at intestinal and reproductive tissues) in the adult worm. This observation, in conjunction with the kinetics of specific antibody levels after the challenge, suggests that these antigens may be part of excretory/secretory (E/S) products.
Bayesian Log-Gaussian Cox Process Regression: Applications to Meta-Analysis of Neuroimaging Working Memory Studies
Authors: Samartsidis Pantelis , Eickhoff Claudia R. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Wager Tor D. , Barrett Lisa Feldman , Atzil Shir , Johnson Timothy D. , Nichols Thomas E.
Published: June 2018

Working memory (WM) was one of the first cognitive processes studied with functional magnetic resonance imaging. With now over 20 years of studies on WM, each study with tiny sample sizes, there is a need for meta-analysis to identify the brain regions that are consistently activated by WM tasks, and to understand the interstudy variation in those activations. However, current methods in the field cannot fully account for the spatial nature of neuroimaging meta-analysis data or the heterogeneity observed among WM studies. In this work, we propose a fully Bayesian random-effects metaregression model based on log-Gaussian Cox processes, which can be used for meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies. An efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme for posterior simulations is presented which makes use of some recent advances in parallel computing using graphics processing units. Application of the proposed model to a real data set provides valuable insights regarding the function of the WM.
The distribution of HLA‐DRB3 alleles among HLA‐DRB1*03:01‐positive haplotypes
Authors: Stingl Jankovic K. , Grubic Z. , Jakupic J. , Burek Kamenaric M. , Maskalan M. , Zunec R.
Published: June 2018

HLA‐DRB3 allelic polymorphism on HLA‐DRB1*03:01‐positive haplotypes was investigated among 104 cadaveric donors typed for HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐DRB1, and ‐DRB3. Only HLA‐DRB3*01:01:02 and ‐DRB3*02:02:01:01 alleles were detected among HLA‐DRB1*03:01‐positive individuals and their distribution depended on HLA‐B*08 presence: nearly all HLA‐B*08‐positive samples carried DRB3*01:01:02, while HLA‐DRB3*02:02:01:01 was more frequent among HLA‐B*08‐negative subjects.
Risk acceptance of human T‐lymphotropic virus infection in solid organ transplantation—A survey of Atlantic Canadian ambulatory patients
Authors: Patriquin Glenn , Hatchette Jill E. , Hatchette Todd F.
Published: June 2018

Background

Human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV) has an estimated prevalence of 12 per 100 000 in the general Canadian population (with higher rates in distinct groups) and is most commonly transmitted by breast feeding, sexual intercourse, sharing injection tools, and blood transfusions. A minority of those infected will develop severe disease. Health Canada mandates that people who are positive for HTLV are not suitable to be solid organ donors. Given the apparent low‐disease burden of HTLV in Canada, we explored HTLV risk tolerance among patients, in the context of organ transplantations.

Methods

Using telephone, and in‐person questionnaires, we assessed willingness of patients to accept the risk of HTLV infection in hypothetical scenarios in which they required an organ transplant for survival.

Results

Seventy‐four outpatients attending various medical clinics participated in the survey. In a standard gamble scenario, 37.5% of respondents would have accepted a solid organ transplant regardless of HTLV risk, as compared to 27.3% and 24.6% accepting organ transplantation if there was a risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or of human virus Y (HVY; a fictitious virus describing HTLV in terms of neurological outcomes), respectively. Similarly, the median longevity traded to ensure a virus‐free organ was 4‐5 years regarding all viruses, except for HVY, for which the median time exchanged to ensure a virus‐free organ was 10 (out of a possible 20) years.

Conclusions

These data suggest that patients, though willing to accept some risk of viral infection, would not be willing to forgo HTLV screening of solid organs.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: July 2018

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 5, Number 4Ali Massoud, Sohag University, EgyptAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelDyah Wulan Sari, Airlangga University, IndonesiaErdal Gumus, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TurkeyEyup Kadioglu, Capital Markets Board, TurkeyGetamesay Bekele Meshesha, Debre Berhan University, EthiopiaHe Nie, Jinan University, ChinaIgor Matyushenko, School of Foreign Economic Relations and Touristic Business, UkraineJolita Vveinhardt, Lithuanian Sports University, LithuaniaMagdalena Zioło, University of Szczecin, PolandMahmoud Mohammed Sabra     Al Azhar University-Gaza     PalestineMamdouh Abdelmoula M. Abdelsalam, Minufiya University, EgyptMarco Muscettola, Independent Researcher-Credit Risk Manager, ItalyMarta Borda, Wroclaw University of Economics, PolandMojeed Idowu John Odumeso-Jimoh, Noble Integrated Resources & Management, NigeriaNicolas Afflatet, University of the Federal Armed Forces, GermanyNuno Crespo, ISCTE-IUL, PortugalOlena Sokolovska, Research Institute of Fiscal Policy, State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, UkrainePatrycja Kowalczyk-Rolczynska, Wroclaw University of Economics, PolandPayal Chadha, University of Wales Prifysgol Cymru, KuwaitRamona Orastean, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, RomaniaRichard Nguyen, Alliant International University, USARomeo Victor Ionescu, Dunarea de Jos University, RomaniaSteven V. Cates, Kaplan University, USASzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, GuatemalaTaro Abe, Nagoya Gakuin University, JapanVictoria Cociug, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, MoldovaZi-Yi Guo, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., USANikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Carotid artery wall mechanics in young males with high cardiorespiratory fitness
Authors: Pugh Christopher J. A. , Stone Keeron J. , Stöhr Eric J. , McDonnell Barry J. , Thompson Jane E. S. , Talbot Jack S. , Wakeham Denis J. , Cockcroft John R. , Shave Robert
Published: June 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Common carotid artery (CCA) two‐dimensional strain imaging detects intrinsic arterial wall properties beyond conventional measures of arterial stiffness, but the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on two‐dimensional strain‐derived indices of CCA stiffness is unknown.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Two‐dimensional strain imaging of the CCA revealed greater peak circumferential strain and systolic strain rate in highly fit men compared with their less fit counterparts. Altered CCA wall mechanics might reflect intrinsic training‐induced adaptations that help to buffer the increase in pulse pressure and stroke volume during exercise.

The influence of cardiorespiratory fitness on arterial stiffness in young adults remains equivocal. Beyond conventional measures of arterial stiffness, two‐dimensional strain imaging of the common carotid artery (CCA) provides new information related to the intrinsic properties of the arterial wall. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on both conventional indices of CCA stiffness and two‐dimensional strain parameters, at rest and after a bout of aerobic exercise in young, healthy men. Short‐axis ultrasound images of the CCA were recorded in 34 healthy men {22 years old [95% confidence interval (CI), 19, 22]} before and immediately after 5 min of aerobic exercise (40% of maximal oxygen consumption). Images were analysed for arterial diameter, peak circumferential strain (PCS) and peak systolic and diastolic strain rates (S‐SR and D‐SR). Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were simultaneously assessed, and Peterson's elastic modulus (Ep) and β‐stiffness (β1) were calculated. Participants were separated post hoc into moderate‐ and high‐fitness groups [maximal oxygen consumption, 48.9 (95% CI, 44.7, 53.2) versus 65.6 ml kg−1 min−1 (95% CI, 63.1, 68.1), respectively; P < 0.001]. The Ep and β1 were similar between groups at baseline (P > 0.13) but were elevated in the moderate‐fitness group postexercise (P < 0.04). The PCS and S‐SR were elevated in the high‐fitness group at both time points [3.0% (95% CI, 1.2, 4.9), P = 0.002, and 0.401 s−1 (95% CI, 0.085, 0.72), P = 0.02, respectively]. No group differences were observed in CCA heart rate, systolic or diastolic blood pressure or D‐SR throughout the protocol (P > 0.05). Highly fit individuals exhibit elevated CCA, PCS and S‐SR, which might reflect training‐induced adaptations that help to buffer the increase in pulse pressure and stroke volume during exercise.
Morphological ontogeny of Hafenrefferia gilvipes (Acari: Oribatida: Tenuialidae), with comments on Hafenrefferia Oudemans
Authors: Seniczak Anna , Seniczak Stanisław , Graczyk Radomir , Pacek Sylwiusz
Published: July 2018

The morphological ontogeny of Hafenrefferia gilvipes (C.L. Koch, 1839) is described and illustrated. The juveniles of this species are unpigmented, and have most gastronotal setae long, and the nymphs carry the exuvial scalps of previous instars, using mainly seta c2. This seta is curved posteromedially and covers these scalps, representing a new manner of fastening of exuvial scalps to the mites’ body in eupheredermous. The larva has 12 pairs of gastronotal setae, the nymphs have 12 pairs; the latter also have a small posterior excrescence, with a long, setiform and dorsally raised seta h1.
Quality of life of extremely preterm school-age children without major handicap: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Gire Catherine , Resseguier Noémie , Brévaut-Malaty Véronique , Marret Stéphane , Cambonie Gilles , Souksi-Medioni Isabelle , Müller Jean-Baptiste , Garcia Patricia , Berbis Julie , Tosello Barthélémy , Auquier Pascal
Published: June 2018

Objective

To determine the quality of life (QoL) of school-aged children who were born <28
+0
weeks of gestation and who have no resultant major disabilities.

Design, setting and patients

A cross-sectional multicentre study of extremely preterm (EPT) infants born <28
+0
weeks, discharged alive and free from severe impairments (cerebral palsy, autism, major cognitive disabilities). Two generic, self-evaluation and hetero-evaluation (by parent) QoL measurement questionnaires (Kidscreen 10/VSP-A) were used and then compared with French population reference.

Main outcome measures

Clinical examination, an assessment of cognitive functions and QoL between 7 and 10 years of age.

Results

40 (7.5%) severely disabled children were excluded. Among those 471 eligible, the lost to follow-up group (169 (36%)) paralleled those 302 (64%) included in the study. The mean gestational age was 26.2 (±0.8), birth weight was 879 (±181) g and the mean age was 8.4 (±0.87) years. 48% of participants had minor or moderate cognitive disabilities based on their Full-Scale Index Quotient. Working memory, attention and mental flexibility scored as low-average. Except for family relationships, the EPT QoL VSP-A and Kidscreen 10 assessment were significantly lower based on the children’s and parent’s perspectives. Children reported the most significant QoL decline as (1) friends’ relationships, (2) self-esteem and (3) leisure, while parents indicated (1) psychological well-being, (2) schoolwork and (3) vitality.

Conclusion

The QoL of a school-age EPT child without severe impairment was lower relative to a reference population from both the parents’ and child’s points of view. This evaluation should help to better understand the long-term outcomes and to provide better support for them and their families.

Trial registration number

NCT01675726
, pre-results.
Sex differences in utilisation of hospital care in a state-sponsored health insurance programme providing access to free services in South India
Authors: Shaikh Maaz , Peters Sanne A E , Woodward Mark , Norton Robyn , Jha Vivekanand
Published: June 2018

Background

Universal healthcare coverage provides healthcare and financial protection to all citizens and might help to facilitate gender equity in care. We assessed the utilisation of hospital care services among women and men in a large underprivileged population with access to free hospital care in India.

Methods

The Rajiv Aarogyasri Community Health Insurance Scheme, a state-sponsored scheme, provided access to free hospital care for poor households across undivided Andhra Pradesh. Claims data for hospitalisations between 2008 and 2012 were analysed to determine the number of individuals, hospitalisations, bed-days and hospital expenditure for sex-specific and sex-neutral conditions, by sex, disease category and age group.

Results

A total of 961 442 individuals (43% women), 1 223 723 hospitalisations (48% women), 7.7 million bed-days (47% women) and hospital expenditure of US$579.3 million (42% women) were recorded. Sex-specific conditions accounted for 27% of hospitalisations, 12% of bed-days and 15% of costs for women, compared with 5%, 4% and 4% in men. Women had a lower share of hospitalisations (42%), bed-days (45%) and costs (39%) for sex-neutral conditions than men. These findings were observed across 14 of 18 disease categories and across all age groups, but especially for older and younger women.

Interpretation

In this large underprivileged population in India with access to free hospital care, utilisation of hospital care differed for women and men. For sex-neutral conditions, women accessed a smaller proportion of care than men, suggesting that coverage of hospital care alone is not sufficient to guarantee gender equity in access to healthcare.
Does gentle assisted pushing or giving birth in the upright position reduce the duration of the second stage of labour? A three-arm, open-label, randomised controlled trial in South Africa
Authors: Hofmeyr G Justus , Vogel Joshua P , Singata Mandisa , Habib Ndema Abu , Landoulsi Sihem , Gülmezoglu A Metin
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Gentle assisted pushing (GAP) is an innovative method of applying gentle, steady pressure to a woman’s uterine fundus during second stage of labour. This randomised trial evaluated GAP in an upright position, compared with upright position alone or routine practice (recumbent posture).

Methods

An open-label, hospital-based, randomised trial was conducted in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Randomisation occurred following at least 15 min in second stage of labour. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) using computer-generated block randomisation of variable size using opaque, sealed, numbered envelopes. Primary analysis was intention to treat. Participants were healthy, nulliparous, consenting women with a singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation where vaginal birth was anticipated. The primary outcome was mean time from randomisation to birth.

Results

1158 participants were randomly allocated to GAP (n=388), upright position (n=386) and routine practice (n=384), with no loss to follow-up. Baseline characteristics were largely similar. In the experimental arm, GAP was applied a median of two times (IQR 1.0–3.0). Women in upright position alone spent a median of 6 min (IQR 3.0–10.0) upright. Mean duration from randomisation to birth was not different across groups (mean (SD) duration: 24.1 (34.9) min in GAP group, 24.6 (30.5) min in upright group, 25.0 (39.3) min in routine practice group). There were no differences in secondary outcomes, except that at two sites maternal discomfort was greater for both GAP and upright position compared with routine practice; at the other sites there were no differences.

Conclusion

No benefit was identified from GAP in the second stage; some women found the position uncomfortable. The use of fundal pressure should be limited to further research to determine techniques or settings in which it can safely assist vaginal birth. Women should be encouraged to assume the position they find most comfortable.

Trial registration number

PACTR201502001034448.