bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of multi-based quality function deployment (QFD) model to improve halal meat industry
Authors: Vanany Iwan , Maarif Ghoffar Albab , Soon Jan Mei
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Halal food market has grown significantly over the years. As consumers are becoming more aware of the significance of halal food products and certification, food industries will benefit from a model that controls and assures halal food production. Quality function deployment (QFD) is a tool to support product design and improve food quality systems. Thus, the purpose of this study is to propose a multi-phased QFD model to identify key processes and prioritise programmes to improve halal food production.

Design/methodology/approach

The matrix in the first phase was designed using the halal assurance system (HAS) requirements and the set of production process. The relationships between HAS requirements and a set of halal critical factors [i.e. raw material (chicken), workers, procedures and documentation, equipment and premises] were established in the second phase. In the final phase, potential problems and improvement programmes arising under each critical halal phase were identified. The QFD model was developed and applied in a chicken processing plant in Indonesia.

Findings

In Matrix 1, slaughtering, meat processing and meat delivery were identified as the key process, whilst equipment, procedures and documentation and workers were determined as the most critical halal factors in Matrix 2. The final phase of the QFD approach assisted the chicken processing plant in reducing potential issues by identifying key improvement programmes. The prioritisation of improvement programmes also supports the company in decision-making and allocating their resources accordingly.

Practical implications

The multi-phased QFD model can be designed and adapted to specific food industry. It can be used to assure halal food production and inform food industry which area to prioritise and to allocate resources accordingly. The improvement of halal food production will assist food companies to target and access international markets.

Originality/value

This study proposed a new multi-phased QFD model that can be used as a halal food assurance and prioritisation tool by the food industry. This model will benefit food industry intending to implement halal assurance scheme in their process, halal auditors and policymakers.
The 2008 financial and economic crisis and the family business sale intention
Authors: Hirigoyen Gérard , Basly Sami
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assessthe probable influence of some of the emotional costs and returns expected by owners on their family business sale decision; and examine if the perceived economic environment during the economic and financial crisis of 2008 had an impact on the intention to sell their family business.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a sample of 69 family businesses responding to a postal questionnaire survey. The empirical study is made up of a descriptive analysis of the factors influencing the intention of a family business sale and an explanatory analysis of the sale intention.

Findings

The desire for family business renewal through family generational succession is the main emotional factor lying behind the decision to continue/sell the business. Furthermore, the financial and economic crisis does not seem to be a factor that accentuates the intention to sell the family business even if firms’ financial performance has declined.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could implement a direct measure of owners’ performance thresholds and explicitly integrate the moderating role of “Perceived economic environment.”

Practical implications

By showing that continuity is a key concern for family business owners, the research invites them to effectively prepare their succession instead of postponing this strategic process given its significance in guaranteeing the survivability of the family business.

Originality/value

Executives who perceived economic conditions as very poor are less likely to consider the sale of the business in the horizon of two years than executives perceiving them as “normal.” The study confirms that in family-owned businesses, for the owner-managers and the active and serene family shareholders, the sale price does not compensate for their emotional regret evaluated through the loss of the family business’ emotional value.
Are mega-journals a publication outlet for lower quality research? A bibliometric analysis of Spanish authors in PLOS ONE
Authors: Borrego Ángel
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Open-access mega-journals (OAMJs), which apply a peer-review policy based solely on scientific soundness, elicit opposing views. Sceptical authors believe that OAMJs are simply an easy target to publish uninteresting papers that would not be accepted in more selective traditional journals. The purpose of this paper is to investigate any differences in scholars’ considerations of OAMJs by analysing the productivity and impact of Spanish authors in Biology and Medicine who publish in PLOS ONE.

Design/methodology/approach

Scopus was used to identify the most prolific Spanish authors in Biology and Medicine between 2013 and 2017 and to determine their publication patterns in PLOS ONE. Any differences in terms of citation impact between Spanish authors who publish frequently in PLOS ONE and the global Spanish output in Biology and Medicine were measured.

Findings

Results show a moderate correlation between the total number of articles published by prolific authors in Biology and Medicine and the number of articles they publish in PLOS ONE. Authors who publish frequently in PLOS ONE tend to publish more frequently than average in Quartile 1 and Top 10 per cent impact journals and their articles are more frequently cited than average too, suggesting that they do not submit to PLOS ONE for the purpose of gaining easier publication in a high-impact journal.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to one country, one OAMJ and one discipline and does not investigate whether authors select PLOS ONE for what they might regard as their lower quality research.

Originality/value

Very few studies have empirically addressed the implications of the soundness-based peer-review policy applied by OAMJs.
Emerging dynamics of workplace stress of employees in a large organization in Hong Kong
Authors: Low Adrian , McCraty Rollin
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Research on workplace stress measurements varied without much accuracy and effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new quantitative assessment tool emWave Pro Plus (Institute of HeartMath) and compare heart rate variability (HRV) results with the Personal and Organizational Quality Assessment (POQA) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).

Design/methodology/approach

This research opted for a correlational study which involves 85 full-time employees who were working at least 40 h per week in a large corporation participated in this study. The POQA and PSS were used to correlate with HRV.

Findings

Astonishing findings emerged in this study. Significant positive correlations were found between emotional stress and HRV, and between intention to quit and HRV. In other words, the researchers have to make sense the following surprising findings: the higher the emotional stress an employee faces, the healthier they are. Healthier employees may have higher intentions of quitting their jobs. The surprising results may be attributed to personality, culture, emotional regulation and age among others.

Originality/value

This research fulfills an identified need to validate quantifiable stress measurements especially in a corporate environment. The research also shows promising results, and future studies should continue to tap into HRV as an objective measure of mental health and workplace stress.
FCCSP IMC growth under reliability stress follows automotive criteria
Authors: Liu Wei Wei , Weng Berdy , Chen Scott
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The Kirkendall void had been a well-known issue for long-term reliability of semiconductor interconnects; while even the KVs exist at the interfaces of Cu and Sn, it may still be able to pass the condition of unbias long-term reliability testing, especially for 2,000 cycles of temperature cycling test and 2,000 h of high temperature storage. A large number of KVs were observed after 200 cycles of temperature cycling test at the intermetallic Cu3Sn layer which locate between the intermetallic Cu6Sn5 and Cu layers. These kinds of voids will grow proportional with the aging time at the initial stage. This paper aims to compare various IMC thickness as a function of stress test, the Cu3Sn and Cu6Sn5 do affected seriously by heat, but Ni3Sn4 is not affected by heat or moisture.

Design/methodology/approach

The package is the design in the flip chip-chip scale package with bumping process and assembly. The package was put in reliability stress test that followed AEC-Q100 automotive criteria and recorded the IMC growing morphology.

Findings

The Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound is the most sensitive to continuous heat which grows from 3 to 10 µm at high temperature storage 2,000 h testing, and the second is Cu3Sn IMC. Cu6Sn5 IMC will convert to Cu3Sn IMC at initial stage, and then Kirkendall void will be found at the interface of Cu and Cu3Sn IMC, which has quality concerning issue if the void’s density grows up. The first phase to form and grow into observable thickness for Ni and lead-free interface is Ni3Sn4 IMC, and the thickness has little relationship to the environmental stress, as no IMC thickness variation between TCT, uHAST and HTSL stress test. The more the Sn exists, the thicker Ni3Sn4 IMC will be derived from this experimental finding compare the Cu/Ni/SnAg cell and Ni/SnAg cell.

Research limitations/implications

The research found that FCCSP can pass automotive criteria that follow AEC-Q100, which give the confidence for upgrading the package type with higher efficiency and complexities of the pin design.

Practical implications

This result will impact to the future automotive package, how to choose the best package methodology and what is the way to do the package. The authors can understand the tolerance for the kind of flip chip package, and the bump structure is then applied for high-end technology.

Originality/value

The overall three kinds of bump structures, Cu/Ni/SnAg, Cu/SnAg and Ni/SnAg, were taken into consideration, and the IMC growing morphology had been recorded. Also, the IMC had changed during the environmental stress, and KV formation was reserved.
Identifying high‐cost episodes in lower extremity joint replacement
Authors: Philpot Lindsey M. , Swanson Kristi M. , Inselman Jonathan , Schoellkopf William J. , Naessens James M. , Borah Bijan J. , Peterson Stephanie , Gladders Barbara , Shah Nilay D. , Ebbert Jon O.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the ability of claims‐based risk adjustment and incremental components of clinical data to identify 90‐day episode costs among lower extremity joint replacement (LEJR) patients according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) program provisions.

Data Sources

Medicare fee‐for‐service (FFS) data for qualifying CJR episodes in the United States, and FFS data linked with clinical data from CJR‐qualifying LEJR episodes performed at High Value Healthcare Collaborative (HVHC) and Mayo Clinic in 2013. HVHC and Mayo Clinic populations are subsets of the total FFS population to assess the additive value of additional pieces of clinical data in correctly assigning patients to cost groups.

Study Design

Multivariable logistic models identified high‐cost episodes.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Clinical data from participating health care systems merged with Medicare FFS data.

Principal Findings

Our three populations consisted of 363 621 patients in the CMS population, 4881 in the HVHC population, and 918 in the Mayo population. When modeling per CJR specifications, we observed low to moderate model performance (CMS C‐Stat = 0.714; HVHC C‐Stat = 0.628; Mayo C‐Stat = 0.587). Adding CMS‐HCC categories improved identification of patients in the top 20% of episode costs (CMS C‐Stat = 0.758, HVHC C‐Stat = 0.692, Mayo C‐Stat = 0.677). Clinical variables, particularly functional status in the population for which this was available (Mayo C‐Stat = 0.783), improved ability to identify patients within cost groups.

Conclusions

Policy makers could use these findings to improve payment adjustments for bundled LEJR procedures and in consideration of new data elements for reimbursement.
Medicaid enrollment among previously uninsured Americans and associated outcomes by race/ethnicity—United States, 2008‐2014
Authors: Winkelman Tyler N. A. , Segel Joel E. , Davis Matthew M.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To examine the person‐level impact of Medicaid enrollment on costs, utilization, access, and health across previously uninsured racial/ethnic groups.

Data Source

Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2008‐2014.

Study Design

We pooled multiple 2‐year waves of data to examine the direct impact of Medicaid enrollment among uninsured Americans. We compared changes in outcomes among nonpregnant, uninsured individuals who gained Medicaid (N = 963) to those who remained uninsured (N = 9784) using a difference‐in‐differences analysis.

Principal Findings

Medicaid enrollment was associated with significant increases in total health care costs and total prescription drug costs and a significant decrease in out‐of‐pocket costs. Among those who gained Medicaid, prescription drug use increased significantly relative to those who remained uninsured. Medicaid enrollment was also associated with a significant increase in reporting a usual source of care, a decrease in foregone care, and significant improvements in severe psychological distress. Changes in total prescription drug costs and total prescription drug fills differed significantly across each racial/ethnic group.

Conclusions

Among a national sample of uninsured individuals, Medicaid enrollment was associated with substantial favorable changes in out‐of‐pocket costs, prescription drug use, and access to care. Our findings suggest Medicaid is an important tool to reduce insurance‐related disparities among Americans.
Native title and the politics of rejection: beyond the post‐political binary of consensus and dissensus in urban Aboriginal activism
Authors: Cox Shaphan , Jones Tod
Published: November 2018

This paper uses a settler colonial lens to highlight the limits of the post‐political while interrogating aspects of Indigenous politics and assertions of sovereignty in Perth, Western Australia. One of the ways in which Indigenous rights to urban space are being practiced in cities is through native title claims and negotiated settlements. In the south‐west of Western Australia, including in the capital city of Perth, native title negotiations have been characterised by protracted and acrimonious divisions between the Nyoongar custodians of the area and the State. Among members of the Indigenous population, highly publicised oppositional politics have also been constructed in the mainstream media between the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council and the Nyoongar Tent Embassy. In this paper, we analyse how they have been represented in media discourse and consider how both groups seek to articulate a politics of rejection of the settler colonial logic of elimination. We highlight the dangers that arise if and when researchers are seduced into adjudication on which group is properly political. Our aim is to demonstrate how the current native title regime disavows Indigenous sovereignty, which leads us to advance certain ways in which to understand the spatial effects of this politics of rejection and opposition to assertions of Indigenous sovereignty.
A dietetic clinical educator enhances the experience and assessment of clinical placement
Authors: Weber Katrina , Carter Brie , Jenkins Gemma , Jamieson Janica
Published: November 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a Clinical Educator model on the learning experience and environment for students, preceptors and managers.

Methods

A Clinical Educator position was established for the 10‐week dietetic clinical placement at Edith Cowan University. The Clinical Educator was responsible for overseeing the placement and assisting in the supervision of students. A qualitative descriptive approach using focus groups with purposive sampling explored the research question. Students (n = 10), preceptors (n = 21) and managers (n = 3) participated in separate focus groups. Data were thematically analysed with consideration given to participant and focus group commonalities and differences.

Results

The findings revealed that the Clinical Educator (i) reduced the logistical burden of student placements and improved time efficiency; (ii) facilitated student assessment within a programme of assessment; (iii) was uniquely positioned to provide support and enhance student confidence; and (iv) enhanced capacity to manage underperforming and challenging students.

Conclusions

The Clinical Educator model increased student confidence, facilitated quality assessment and supported the management of underperforming students. This was achieved by reducing the burden of clinical placements, facilitating effective and timely communication between stakeholders and supporting the establishment of meaningful relationships which enriched learning. The results highlight the importance of the people involved in placement to facilitate a positive student learning environment and high quality assessment.
Combined use of the larvo‐pupal parasitoids Diachasmimorpha longicaudata and Aganaspis daci for biological control of the medfly
Authors: de Pedro Luis , Tormos José , Harbi Ahlem , Ferrara Fernando , Sabater‐Muñoz Beatriz , Asís Josep D. , Beitia Francisco
Published: November 2018

In biological control programmes, it is very common to employ multiple species to manage a single insect pest. However, the beneficial effects of natural enemies are not always additive because of several factors, including interspecific competition between these biocontrol agents. For this reason, in the present study we assessed several biological parameters (percentage parasitism, fertility, induced mortality and population reduction) of the parasitoids Diachasmimorpha longicaudata and Aganaspis daci when used together against the medfly Ceratitis capitata under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Our results showed that, under laboratory conditions, fertility and percentage parasitism corresponded to a different functional response for each species (D. longicaudata: type II; A. daci: type III), whilst under greenhouse conditions, and unlike what occurs with single releases, both parasitoids showed a type III functional response; this is the only response which may lead to direct density dependence when host densities are low. Our results also revealed that when both species acted together, they produced a very high total percentage parasitism compared to that reported for single releases under both laboratory (64–76%) and greenhouse (21–51%) conditions. The parasitism was also higher for A. daci except when medfly larvae were provided in an artificial diet. Furthermore, host mortality induced by the two parasitoids acting together was very high, especially at low‐host densities; medfly population was almost completely reduced under greenhouse conditions. In summary, the data reported here supports the combined use of these species in biological control programmes against the medfly and highlights the importance of several factors, such as climatic conditions and host density, when planning their field releases.
Exploring the role of fishers knowledge in assessing marine megafauna bycatch: insights from the Peruvian longline artisanal fishery
Authors: Ayala L. , Ortiz M. , Gelcich S.
Published: November 2018

Novel approaches are required to estimate the bycatch associated with artisanal fisheries. Foremost among these is the use of fisher knowledge (FK). An interview survey was conducted in ports along 2631 km of the Peruvian coast to assess the spatial patterns and bycatch rates of marine megafauna of the artisanal longline fishery and its relation with vessel characteristics and fishing operations. The survey allowed the assessment of 18% of the fleet, while only 1% of the Peruvian longline fleet has been monitored with on board observations in the past. The results indicate that big vessels (higher capacity, longline length and number of hooks) that travel long distances (average distance to coast: 123 nm) mainly catch turtles and show a small amount of seabird bycatches in north‐central Peru. Small vessels especially impact turtles in southern Peru and near the coast (63 nm on average). Contrary to previously published information, which indicates a low level of cetacean bycatch in this fishery, a group of fishers reported more than 1000 cetaceans were incidentally captured in 2009. Using FK allowed to integrate different sources of information and scale the implications of artisanal fisheries in terms of bycatch. FK could further be used to help managers deal with the uncertainties in the dynamics of these generally data‐ poor social‐ecological systems.
Banking in the Shadows: A Comparative Study of China and India
Authors: Arora Rashmi U. , Zhang Quanda
Published: November 2018

In recent years there has been increasing interest in the rise of shadow banking in China and India. In this paper, we aim to get a better understanding of the differences in trends and investigate the factors leading to the increase of shadow banking in these two major emerging economies. We find that financial exclusion is a common factor leading to the growth of shadow banking in both countries. While financial reform has taken place in India, financially repressive policies still prevail in China. Although several regulatory measures have been adopted in India and China, the size of the shadow banking sector in these two countries remains underestimated. Thus, streamlining and enhancing data collection is a key priority for both nations. We argue that regulation in both countries should be more activity focused (specific field in which a shadow bank is focused on) rather than sector or entity based, and it should be at par with banks. The shadow banks provide last mile connectivity to remote, distant, and ignored segments of the population not serviced by the formal financial sector. As this enhances financial inclusion, a balanced approach is required keeping in view both costs and benefits of the shadow banking system.
Evaluation of fetal fibronectin for threatened preterm labour in reducing inappropriate interventions
Authors: Mahomed Kassam , Anwar Sonia , Geer Jessika E. , Ballard Emma , Okano Satomi
Published: November 2018

Background

Preterm birth is associated with significant perinatal morbidity and mortality. The fetal fibronectin test (fFN) is used to manage women presenting with threatened preterm labour (TPTL).

Aim

To evaluate the use of fFN in women presenting with TPTL with regard to hospital admission, tertiary hospital transfer and use of tocolytics and steroids in our hospital, against recommended guidelines. The ability of fFN <10 ng/mL, 10–49 ng/mL, 50–199 ng/mL and >200 ng/mL to predict outcome was also examined.

Material and Methods

This was a single‐centre retrospective study from January 2015 to June 2017. All women who presented to Ipswich hospital, a level two facility for births at >32 weeks of gestation, between 23 and 346 weeks of gestation with TPTL and who had fFN tests were included in the study.

Results

Fetal fibronectin <50 ng/mL had a negative predictive value of 93.5% (95% CI 86.5–97.1). Despite this assurance, one in four presentations resulted in hospital admission and nearly one in ten in steroids and tocolysis administration. Birth <34 weeks was 0% for fFN <10 and 2% for women with fFN levels <200 ng/mL compared to nearly 30% for levels >200 ng/mL.

Conclusion

There is noncompliance with use of fFN to its full potential. This small study also provides support for the use of a 200 ng/mL cut‐off fFN level for birth <34 weeks. This would avoid the need to transfer to a tertiary facility many women who present with TPTL.
Is it Possible to Implant HeartMate 3 Less Invasively? New Pump, New Approach
Authors: Kocabeyoglu Sinan Sabit , Kervan Umit , Sert Dogan Emre , Unal Ertekin Utku , Demirkan Burcu , Guray Yesim , Aygun Emre , Beyazal Osman Fehmi , Karahan Mehmet , Pac Mustafa
Published: November 2018

HeartMate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a compact, intrapericardial, centrifugal flow pump with a fully magnetically levitated rotor and a wide range of operation (2–10 L/min) to accommodate a broad range of clinical needs. We analyzed our experience with Heartware VAD (HVAD) and HM3 implantation through minimally invasive left thoracotomy (MILT) and upper minimal J sternotomy. Between March 2015 and October 2016, 31 patients who underwent LVAD implantation through MILT were included in this study. Twenty‐three patients had HVAD (Group A) implantation, whereas 8 patients had HM3 (Group B). To compare outcomes of these pumps, measures were; mortality, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, duration of mechanical ventilatory support, blood loss and transfusion, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, right ventricular failure (RVF) and requirement of support with temporary devices, stroke, pump thrombosis, gastrointestinal bleeding and driveline infection rates. Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profiles, Pennsylvania and Michigan Risk Scores, right ventricular stroke work index and central venous pressure/pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ratio did not differ between these two groups. There was no difference in the length of ICU stay (P = 0.056), post‐operative blood product administration (P = 0.701), total time on mechanical ventilation (P = 0.386), RVF (P = 1) or duration of CPB (P = 0.836). In‐hospital cerebrovascular event rate was 13% in Group A and 0% in Group B, respectively. The HM3 assist system can be successfully implanted with minimally invasive techniques. This technique has proved to be safe and reproducible, with good clinical outcomes. Further, large collaborative studies are needed to identify the advantages of this approach.
Ethical Decision Making and Psychological Entitlement
Authors: Thomason Stephanie , Brownlee Amy
Published: November 2018

Job candidates who possess characteristics likely to result in organizationally desired outcomes are valuable, yet not always easily identified. Offering validation support for selection tools that organizations can use to identify such candidates is therefore important. The present study examines the construct of psychological entitlement to determine if it can be used to identify individuals who are more likely to make sound ethical judgments in organizations. Specifically, we examine the relationship between psychological entitlement and ethical decision making, positing that individuals with high levels of psychological entitlement are more likely to make less ethical decisions and to use less ethical upward influence tactics than those with opposing characteristics. We administered a survey to 174 participants using the Multidimensional Ethics Scale, the Subordinate Influence Ethics Scale, and the Psychological Entitlement Scale. To test our hypotheses, we used hierarchical multiple regression. Results suggest that individuals with high levels of psychological entitlement are more likely to consider unethical actions as ethical, given several scenarios. In addition, individuals with high levels of psychological entitlement are more likely to consider self‐serving and maliciously‐intended upward influence tactics as acceptable when used to advance in an organization. They are also less likely to consider pro‐organizational upward influence tactics to be acceptable when used to advance in organizations.
Choroidal morphology under pachydrusen
Authors: Baek Jiwon , Lee Jae Hyung , Chung Byung‐Joo , Lee Kook , Lee Won Ki
Published: November 2018

Importance

To reveal choroidal morphological profiles under pachydrusen.

Background

Drusen in pachychoroid disorders show certain differences from conventional drusen and are recently named as “pachydrusen.” This study analysed the specific choroidal morphology under pachydrusen.

Design

This study is a cross‐sectional case series.

Participants

Enrolled were 136 eyes with pachydrusen from 134 patients.

Methods

The presence of pachydrusen in fundus area covered by a 12 × 9 mm2 optical coherence tomography (OCT) image was accessed in eyes with pachychoroid‐related diseases or their fellow eyes using colour fundus photography and swept source OCT. Choroidal morphology under the pachydrusen was analysed using OCT B‐scans and en face images.

Main Outcome Measures

Choroidal thicknesses and topographical correlation between pachydrusen and pachyvessels.

Results

A total of 225 pachydrusen in 136 eyes were analysed. The mean number of pachydrusen was 1.65 ± 1.07 per eye. Most pachydrusen were located para‐ or perifoveally (37 subfoveal, 86 parafoveal and 102 perifoveal). The proportion of Haller's layer to total choroidal thickness was higher at the area of the pachydrusen compared to the subfovea (0.881 ± 0.081 vs 0.765 ± 0.111, P < 0.001). In multimodal image analysis, 90.1% of pachydrusen identified using fundus photography and OCT B‐scan were located at the area of a dilated Haller vessel (pachyvessel) seen on en face images.

Conclusions and Relevance

Choroidal morphology under the pachydrusen showed increased Haller's layer thickness with an attenuated choriocapillaris layer, which is the hallmark of pachychoroid definition. Topographically, their locations correlated with the underlying pachyvessel.
Lesional upregulation of SLURP1 immunostaining parallels disease severity in psoriasis vulgaris patients
Authors: Assaf Magda , Salah Eman
Published: November 2018

Background and objectives

The exact pathogenesis of psoriasis is still unclear. SLURP1 is vital for the normal differentiation of keratinocytes, and could therefore be involved in psoriasis. In this study we investigated the immunohistochemical staining reaction of SLURP1 in psoriasis vulgaris patients and its possible relation to disease pathogenesis.

Patients and Methods

20 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, 20 patients with psoriasiform dermatitis and 20 normal skin samples were studied. Psoriasis severity was measured with a combination of PASI and DLQI scores. Lesional and non‐lesional sites were biopsied for each psoriasis patient. A single biopsy sample was taken for cases with psoriasiform dermatitis and for controls. All sections were immunostained for SLURP1 according to the manufacturer’s protocol.

Results

Significant differences were noted in SLURP1 immunostaining between lesional and non‐lesional biopsies of psoriasis patients and between lesional biopsies of psoriasis patients and lesional sites of psoriasiform dermatitis. However, the differences between non‐lesional biopsies of psoriasis patients and normal controls were not significant. Furthermore, the grading of SLURP1 immunostaining paralleled the degree of psoriasis severity.

Conclusions

SLURP1 immunostaining is significantly increased in lesional skin of psoriasis vulgaris and not in psoriasiform dermatitis, which demonstrates the role of SLURP1 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. SLURP1 could be used as a biological marker for psoriasis severity, and this hypothesis warrants further investigation.
Bullöse Autoimmundermatosen
Authors: Hofmann Silke C. , Juratli Hazem A. , Eming Rüdiger
Published: November 2018

Bullöse Autoimmundermatosen werden pathophysiologisch verursacht durch Autoantikörper gegen Adhäsionsmoleküle oder Strukturproteine der Haut und Schleimhaut, woraus klinisch meist die Entwicklung von Blasen (Bullae) resultiert. Abhängig von den jeweiligen Zielproteinen der Autoimmunreaktion und deren Lokalisation in der Haut werden intraepidermale (Pemphigus‐Gruppe), junktionale (Pemphigoid‐Gruppe) und subepidermale (Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, Dermatitis herpetiformis Duhring) bullöse Autoimmundermatosen unterschieden.

Die häufigste bullöse Autoimmundermatose ist das bullöse Pemphigoid, eine klinisch vielgestaltige, stark juckende Erkrankung des höheren Alters, deren Inzidenz in den letzten Jahren stark zugenommen hat. Während beim bullösen Pemphigoid Schleimhautläsionen in weniger als 30 % der Patienten vorkommen, zeichnet sich die zweithäufigste bullöse Autoimmundermatose, der Pemphigus vulgaris, durch prädominante und meist als erstes Symptom auftretende Erosionen der Mundschleimhaut sowie einen Beginn in der 4.–6. Lebensdekade aus. Eine Vernarbung findet sich häufig bei den subepidermal bullösen Autoimmundermatosen, insbesondere der Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, aber auch beim Schleimhautpemphigoid.

Die Diagnose basiert auf der Zusammenschau von Klinik, Histologie, direkter und indirekter Immunfluoreszenz und serologischem Nachweis der Autoantikörper. Trotz einiger neuerer kontrollierter Studien fußt die Therapie bullöser Autoimmundermatosen überwiegend auf klinischen Erfahrungen. Eingesetzt werden topische und systemische Glukokortikosteroide sowie adjuvante Immunsuppressiva, bei Therapieresistenz auch das Verfahren der Immunadsorption, intravenöse Immunglobuline oder der monoklonale CD20‐Antikörper Rituximab.
Quantitative gait analysis: assessment of interobserver reliability
Authors: Davids Jon
Published: November 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Wang et al. on pages 710–716 of this issue.
Variation in the timing of avian egg‐laying in relation to climate
Authors: Englert Duursma Daisy , Gallagher Rachael V. , Griffith Simon C.
Published: November 2018

A significant proportion of birds around the world exhibit variation in the timing of egg‐laying, taking advantage of intermittent resource pulses to provision their offspring. Quantification of the climatic conditions associated with variation in breeding is essential for understanding reproductive phenology and adaptive responses to a changing climate. We use a novel dataset from Australia to test long‐established ideas about which climatic factors may govern avian breeding patterns. We combine ~146 000 breeding observations (first egg‐laying dates) from 327 species with daily measures of minimum temperature, maximum temperature and precipitation to examine the responsiveness of bird breeding to local climate conditions. Across five biomes we quantify and compare the difference in temperature and precipitation during each breeding event relative to ‘average’ conditions at each location (i.e. conditions during the one‐year period either side of a breeding event). For a smaller subset of species, we examine responses to temperature and precipitation in birds breeding across multiple biomes. These biomes are arrayed along Australia's north to south temperature gradient, and east to west aridity gradient. We found that breeding is non‐random in relation to climate. Within biomes, most species breed when temperature, precipitation, or both were distinctly different than the average conditions. Additionally, there is both intra‐ and inter‐specific variation in the climatic conditions under which species lay eggs across aridity and temperature gradients. Breeding in hot and arid regions is in part driven by the lagged effect of previous rainfall, however, hot temperatures are the primary constraint. These findings imply that opportunistic breeding in response to localised climate, independent of day‐length cues, may be relatively common in Australian birds. We conclude that breeding is likely closely associated with patterns of vegetation productivity and food resources, and limited by physiological stress resulting particularly from extreme temperature.
rWind: download, edit and include wind data in ecological and evolutionary analysis
Authors: Fernández‐López Javier , Schliep Klaus
Published: November 2018

1) Wind connectivity has been identified as a key factor driving many biological processes.

2) Existing software available for managing wind data are often overly complex for studying many ecological processes and cannot be incorporated into a broad framework.

3) Here we present rWind, an R language package to download and manage surface wind data from the Global Forecasting System and to compute wind connectivity between locations.

4) Data obtained with rWind can be used in a general framework for analysis of biological processes to develop hypotheses about the role of wind in driving ecological and evolutionary patterns.
Are island‐like systems biologically similar to islands? A review of the evidence
Authors: Itescu Yuval
Published: November 2018

Islands are geographically defined as land masses completely surrounded by water, and island systems have been used as models for many biogeographic, ecological, and evolutionary theories ever since Darwin's pioneering efforts. However, their biological definition is complex. Over the past few decades these theories have been applied to many study systems that only share some geographic features with island systems. These features include spatial fragmentation, limited area, spatial and temporal isolation from adjacent parts of the system, and low connectivity between different parts within the system, to mention just a few. These systems vary in their form, the matrix that surrounds them, the factors defining their borders, the extent of insularity they impose on the different taxa, and their geological similarity to different types of actual islands. Here, I seek to understand whether such island‐like systems (ILS) function biologically as true islands. In the first part, I describe the wide diversity of ILS suggested in the literature and the variation in the features that define their insularity. In the second part, I review the extent to which the main theories of island biology are applicable to these systems: species–area and species–isolation relationships, community composition, evolutionary radiations, and the extent of endemism and genetic diversity. In the third and final part, I suggest a new conceptual framework within which to classify and study the biology of ILS, as well as practical future research directions. I conclude that the term ‘biological island’ is a multi‐faceted concept, loosely related to its geographical definition. As ILS are often less isolated than true islands, and their biological patterns are only partly similar to those of true islands (and even this is true only for some ILS) the use of the term ‘island’ to describe any isolated habitat is therefore inappropriate.
Opportunistic records reveal Mediterranean reptiles’ scale‐dependent responses to anthropogenic land use
Authors: De Solan Thomas , Renner Ian , Cheylan Marc , Geniez Philippe , Barnagaud Jean‐Yves
Published: November 2018

Although classified among the greatest threats to the world's biodiversity, the effects of land use and their scale dependency are left unexplored in many taxonomic groups. Reptiles are among the most data‐deficient vertebrates in this respect, although their ecological traits make them highly sensitive to habitat modifications. We tested whether land use gradients shape the distributions of Mediterranean reptiles at regional and local scales, and whether species’ ecological traits and phylogeny explain these patterns. Reptiles are generally rare and hard to survey through standardized protocols. We overcame these obstacles by modeling an original data set of 18164 opportunistic occurrence records for 14 reptile species with spatially‐explicit point process models incorporating known sources of sampling heterogeneity and spatially autocorrelated error. At a regional scale, reptiles favored open habitats and tended to avoid urban areas. At a local scale, the persistence of open habitats did better than forest resulting from land abandonment in maintaining reptiles within a heavily anthropogenic matrix. Contrary to our expectations, the absence of any clear trait or phylogenetic signals suggests that these responses are mediated by a complex interplay between species’ ecology and regional biogeographic history. These results demonstrate that reptile responses to land use are scale‐dependent and locally exacerbated when anthropogenic pressure is high. We further show that land abandonment is insufficient to preserve reptiles in the face of anthropogenic pressures unless patches of suitable habitat are effectively maintained. Eventually, our study further illustrates the effectiveness of volunteer‐based opportunistic sampling in testing hypotheses on the determinants of rare species’ distributions.
Behavioural modification of a social spider by a parasitoid wasp
Authors: Fernandez‐Fournier Philippe , Straus Samantha , Sharpe Ruth , Avilés Leticia
Published: November 2018

1. Manipulation of host behaviour by parasitoids has long captured the imagination of ecologists. Parasitoid wasps in the Polysphincta group of genera develop as external parasitoids of spiders.

2. In the present study, the previously undescribed interaction between a Zatypota sp. wasp (Ichneumonidae) and a social spider Anelosimus eximius (Theridiidae) is described. The larva of this Zatypota wasp is found to induce its host to disperse from their communal web and build an entirely enclosed web consisting of densely spun silk.

3. The wasp is observed to target primarily immature A. eximius individuals, with 37.5–44% of nests in a given area being parasitised. Of those nests, approximately 1.3–2.0% of individuals are hosts to the parasitoid larvae. Larger spider colonies had a significantly higher probability of harbouring parasitoids.

4. This interaction results in unusual behaviours for A. eximius induced by the parasitoid: (i) leaving the protection of the social nest and (ii) building a unique, altered web that it would not otherwise build.

It is suggested that the wasp may be tapping into ancestral dispersal behaviours in its host and that a social species provides this wasp an evolutionary advantage by allowing a stable host source.
Foraging traits of native predators determine their vulnerability to a toxic alien prey
Authors: Kazila Evangelia , Kishida Osamu
Published: November 2018

Vulnerability to toxic alien prey varies among native predator species, depending on their toxin resistance. Although foraging traits relating to the intake of prey are also likely to influence predator vulnerability to toxic alien prey, these traits have received little attention. To address this issue, we studied the toxic impacts of an alien prey species (Bufo japonicus formosus toad hatchlings) on a carnivorous and an omnivorous native amphibian species (Hynobius retardatus salamander larvae and Rana pirica frog tadpoles, respectively) that both feed on alien B. japonicus formosus toad hatchlings.

First, we designed a mesocosm and an aquarium experiment to evaluate the impact of B. japonicus formosus on the survival of native amphibians under various alien prey densities and predation regimes. Second, we performed several additional laboratory experiments to clarify specific processes of native amphibian mortality in the presence of the alien B. japonicus formosus toad hatchlings.

We found that both native amphibian species were impacted by the alien B. japonicus formosus toad hatchlings. Interestingly, R. pirica frog tadpoles were more affected than H. retardatus salamander larvae, partly due to their lower toxin resistance and their higher toad consumption rate. Most importantly, omnivorous foraging traits (i.e., food sharing and carcass consumption) demonstrated by R. pirica frog tadpoles, but not by the strictly carnivorous H. retardatus salamander larvae, rendered the former particularly vulnerable to the toxic B. japonicus formosus toad hatchlings.

This is the first study suggesting that species‐specific foraging traits such as food‐sharing and carcass consumption can determine predator vulnerability to toxic alien prey. This study emphasises the importance of investigating a wider array of predator traits as factors that determine their vulnerability to toxic alien prey. By doing so, we can understand what types of native species are strongly impacted by toxic alien prey and predict the ecological consequences of toxic species invasion.
Genetic influences on cortical myelination in the human brain
Authors: Liu Shu , Li Ang , Zhu Meifang , Li Jin , Liu Bing
Published: November 2018

Cortical myelination, which is essential for interneuronal communication and neurodevelopment, has been reported to be under genetic control. However, the degree to which genes contribute to the variability of myelination, the pattern of genetic control, and how genes influence the organization of myelination are largely unknown. To answer these questions, the present study calculated heritability estimates for myelination of the cortical regions using the high quality structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from the Human Connectome Project pedigree cohort (n = 873, 383/490 M/F, 22‐36 years of age). Then, we used transcriptional profiles to evaluate the contribution of myelination‐related genes (data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas) to explain interregional variations in cortical myelination. Our results showed that all the cortical areas were modestly to moderately influenced by genetic factors (h2 = 29%‐66%, all Ps < 0.05 after Bonferroni correction). The genetic control of cortical myelination showed bilateral symmetry and an anterior‐to‐posterior gradation. A bivariate model indicated that the regions are strongly genetically correlated with their homologs in the opposite cerebral hemisphere. A cross‐modal analysis did not find a correlation between cortical myelination and the expression levels of myelination‐related genes. This could have been due to the small number of samples with expression data in each cortical region. Overall, our findings suggest that cortical myelination is shaped by genetic factors and may be useful to bridge the underlying genetic variants and the cognitive functioning and related neuropsychiatric disorders.