bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Study Housework? Cleaning as a Window Into Power in Couples
Authors: Davis Shannon N. , Greenstein Theodore N.
Published: June 2013

Given the volume of research on the division of household labor, this article queries the purpose of continuing to study a phenomenon when the empirical results are remarkably consistent. This introductory article to the special issue asking,“Why study housework?” proffers one possible answer: Studying housework provides insight into the power and equity in intimate relationships. We document how power as a characteristic of social relations, rather than an individual characteristic, has been underexamined in the literature. We argue that by ignoring power, researchers studying housework are missing an opportunity to contribute to broader social scientific conversations on inequality.
The Impact of Social Policy on the Gendered Division of Housework
Authors: Noonan Mary
Published: June 2013

In an effort to better understand how women and men divide paid and unpaid labor in the family, researchers have begun to move beyond individual‐level explanations toward structural‐level explanations. In this article, I review empirical research that conceptualizes social structure as the availability of work‐family policies, at both the national and the employer level. The article has three sections. First, I provide an overview of the ways in which macrolevel, work‐family policies are theorized to shape the gendered division of labor in the home. Next, I review the theory and empirical research associated with each specific work‐family policy. I conclude with suggestions for future research in this area.
Assessment of Driving‐Related Skills Prediction of Unsafe Driving in Older Adults in the Office Setting
Authors: Ott Brian R. , Davis Jennifer D. , Papandonatos George D. , Hewitt Scott , Festa Elena K. , Heindel William C. , Snellgrove Carol A. , Carr David B.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To examine the sensitivity and specificity of the Assessment of Driving‐Related Skills (ADReS), a clinical tool recommended by the American Medical Association for identifying potentially unsafe older drivers that includes tests of vision, motor function, and cognition.

Design

Cross‐sectional observation study.

Setting

Memory assessment outpatient clinic of a university hospital.

Participants

Drivers with normal cognition (n = 47) and cognitive impairment (n = 75).

Measurements

A neurologist completed the ADReS during an office visit. Additional cognitive tests of executive, visuospatial, and visuomotor function were also performed. On a separate day, participants completed a standardized on‐road test, assessed by a professional driving instructor using a global safety rating and a quantitative driving score.

Results

In this sample of currently active older drivers with and without cognitive impairment, measures of cognition—particularly the Trail‐Making Test Part B—were more highly correlated with driving scores than other measures of function. Using recommended scoring procedures, the ADReS had a sensitivity of 0.81 for detecting impaired driving on the road test, with a specificity of 0.32 and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.57. A logistic regression model that incorporated computerized maze task and Mini‐Mental State Examination scores improved overall classification accuracy, yielding a sensitivity of 0.61, a specificity of 0.84, and an AUC of 0.80.

Conclusion

In its present form, the ADReS has limited utility as an office screen for individuals who should undergo formal driving assessment. Improved scoring methods and screening tests with greater diagnostic accuracy than the ADReS are needed for general office practice.
Causes and Prevalence of Unplanned Readmissions After Colorectal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Li Linda T. , Mills Whitney L. , White Donna L. , Li Alexa , Gutierrez Amanda M. , Berger David H. , Naik Aanand D.
Published: June 2013

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the current literature was conducted to compare the overall and cause‐specific readmission rates after colorectal surgery of older adults with those of younger individuals. Potential predictors of unplanned readmission were also identified. Estimated pooled readmission rates were calculated and reported as pooled proportions with associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) in 60,131 total readmissions; 11.0% (95% CI = 10.0–12.0) of all admissions after colorectal surgery resulted in unplanned readmission at 30 days. Older adults had a lower rate of readmission than younger individuals. Bowel obstruction was the most common cause of unplanned readmission, accounting for 33.4% of all unplanned readmissions, followed by surgical site infection (15.7%) and intraabdominal abscess (12.6%). Several age‐related predictors of unplanned readmission were identified, such as poor functional capacity, multiple comorbidities, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and discharge to a nonhome destination. The findings of this review will help guide the development of future interventions to reduce preventable readmissions after colorectal surgery in older adults.
The Consequences of Poor Communication During Transitions from Hospital to Skilled Nursing Facility: A Qualitative Study
Authors: King Barbara J. , Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea L. , Roiland Rachel A. , Polnaszek Brock E. , Bowers Barbara J. , Kind Amy J. H.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To examine how skilled nursing facility (SNF) nurses transition the care of individuals admitted from hospitals, the barriers they experience, and the outcomes associated with variation in the quality of transitions.

Design

Qualitative study using grounded dimensional analysis, focus groups, and in‐depth interviews.

Setting

Five Wisconsin SNFs.

Participants

Twenty‐seven registered nurses.

Measurements

Semistructured questions guided the focus group and individual interviews.

Results

SNF nurses rely heavily on written hospital discharge communication to transition individuals into the SNF effectively. Nurses cited multiple inadequacies of hospital discharge information, including regular problems with medication orders (including the lack of opioid prescriptions for pain), little psychosocial or functional history, and inaccurate information regarding current health status. These communication inadequacies necessitated repeated telephone clarifications, created care delays (including delays in pain control), increased SNF staff stress, frustrated individuals and family members, contributed directly to negative SNF facility image, and increased risk of rehospitalization. SNF nurses identified a specific list of information and components that they need to facilitate a safe, high‐quality transition.

Conclusion

Nurses note multiple deficiencies in hospital‐to‐SNF transitions, with poor quality discharge communication being identified as the major barrier to safe and effective transitions. This information should be used to refine and support the dissemination of evidence‐based interventions that support transitions of care, including the Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers program.
Phase equilibria constraints on melting of stromatic migmatites from Ronda (S. Spain): insights on the formation of peritectic garnet
Authors: Bartoli O. , Tajčmanová L. , Cesare B. , Acosta‐Vigil A.
Published: June 2013

Stromatic metatexites occurring structurally below the contact with the Ronda peridotite (Ojén nappe, Betic Cordillera, S Spain) are characterized by the mineral assemblage Qtz+Pl+Kfs+Bt+Sil+Grt+Ap+Gr+Ilm. Garnet occurs in low modal amount (2–5 vol.%). Very rare muscovite is present as armoured inclusions, indicating prograde exhaustion. Microstructural evidence of melting in the migmatites includes pseudomorphs after melt films and nanogranite and glassy inclusions hosted in garnet cores. The latter microstructure demonstrates that garnet crystallized in the presence of melt. Re‐melted nanogranites and preserved glassy inclusions show leucogranitic compositions. Phase equilibria modelling of the stromatic migmatite in the MnO–Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2–O2–C (MnNCaKFMASHOC) system with graphite‐saturated fluid shows P–T conditions of equilibration of 4.5–5 kbar, 660–700 °C. These results are consistent with the complete experimental re‐melting of nanogranites at 700 °C and indicate that nanogranites represent the anatectic melt generated immediately after entering supersolidus conditions. The P–T estimate for garnet and melt development does not, however, overlap with the low‐temperature tip of the pure melt field in the phase diagram calculated for the composition of preserved glassy inclusions in garnet in the Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O (NCKFMASH) system. A comparison of measured melt compositions formed immediately beyond the solidus with results of phase equilibria modelling points to the systematic underestimation of FeO, MgO and CaO in the calculated melt. These discrepancies are present also when calculated melts are compared with low‐T natural and experimental melts from the literature. Under such conditions, the available melt model does not perform well. Given the presence of melt inclusions in garnet cores and the P–T estimates for their formation, we argue that small amounts (<5 vol.%) of peritectic garnet may grow at low temperatures (≤700 °C), as a result of continuous melting reactions consuming biotite.
Efficacy and safety of adapalene gel 0.1% and 0.3% and tretinoin gel 0.05% for acne vulgaris: results of a single‐center, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial on Mexican patients (skin type III–IV)
Authors: Tirado‐Sánchez Andrés , Espíndola Yareni Salas , Ponce‐Olivera Rosa María , Bonifaz Alexandro
Published: June 2013

Background

The efficacy of topical retinoids is well known according to several clinical studies conducted predominantly among Caucasian patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of adapalene and tretinoin among Mexican patients.

Aims

To compare adapalene 0.1 and 0.3% and tretinoin 0.05% in Mexican subjects with acne vulgaris.

Methods

We enrolled 171 patients in this single‐center, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. The patients applied on the face either adapalene 0.1%, adapalene 0.3%, tretinoin 0.05%, or placebo for 90 days and were evaluated for the reduction in total lesion counts and for the level of irritation.

Results

Tretinoin 0.05% and adapalene 0.3% were more effective than adapalene 0.1% and placebo in the reduction of both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions. Most of adverse events to adapalene and many on tretinoin group were related to skin irritation, dry skin, scaling, pruritus, burning, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion

Adapalene 0.3% and tretinoin 0.05% are comparable in efficacy, and adapalene 0.1% offers a better safety profile in Mexican patients.
Global 3‐dimensional approach to natural rejuvenation: recommendations for perioral, nose, and ear rejuvenation
Authors: Gassia Véronique , Raspaldo Hervé , Niforos François‐Rene , Michaud Thierry
Published: June 2013

Background

There is a move toward a global, 3‐dimensional approach to facial rejuvenation that has been prompted by advances in techniques and available products. However, little published literature exists on the procedures involved in this global approach, and currently, no validated recommendations exist.

Objectives

To provide a detailed, practical guide to rejuvenation of the perioral area, nose, and ears based on expert consensus recommendations.

Methods

The aim of this approach was to take into account both volumetric and dynamic aspects of treatment, as well as the benefits of treatment combinations, for example, combining botulinum toxins with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers and volumizers. Each set of recommendations was documented, comprising a clinical definition of the aging severity scale, together with recommendations of appropriate products, doses, site, depth, and injection techniques, as well as indication‐specific rules to be respected.

Results

HA fillers are ideal for replenishing volume loss in the lips, while rhytides around the lips can be treated with small doses of botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin can also be used to raise the tip of the nose, to reshape nostrils, and to narrow nasal flare, with HA fillers also be used to correct small defects. HA fillers can also be used to rejuvenate sagging, atrophic or irregular ear lobes, repair torn earlobes, or erase vertical rhytides.

Conclusions

By providing practical guidance on rejuvenation of the perioral area, nose, and ears, esthetic facial physicians can achieve optimum patient outcomes.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in Northern Queensland
Authors: Edmonds Liza , Boniface Cherie , Alcock Gary , Stalewski Harry , Shi Edward
Published: June 2013

Aims

To investigate the survival of non‐syndromic live born infants diagnosed in Northern Queensland with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Method

Case note audit was completed of all live born newborns with a diagnosis of CDH admitted between February 1987 and December 2010. Demographic and clinical data were extracted.

Results

Overall survival to time of discharge for all infants was 67.3% (n = 35/52). For infants born before 2003 survival was 59.5% and for those born in 2003 and onwards was 86.7% (P = 0.10, OR 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87–22.55). Infants born prior to 2003, compared to those born from 2003 onwards, were less likely to survive with an isolated defect (P = 0.04, OR 8.0, 95% CI 0.93–68.62). Isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia survival since 2003 was 92.3%. A significant difference was found in the time to surgery with those born in 2003 onwards having surgery significantly later, median 134 h, compared to the earlier cohorts median time to surgery of 83 h (P < 0.005, 95% CI 32.61–167.09). Premature infants had poorer survival (46.7%) compared to term infants (75.7%) (P < 0.0001 OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.99–6.68). Univariate analysis identified low birthweight was associated with poorer survival.

Conclusions

Survival to discharge in our cohort equals other reported rates in Australia and around the world, including centres with tertiary paediatric services. The current management strategies used for these infants have seen a significant improvement in outcomes over time.
Repeated thermo‐sterilisation further affects the reliability of positive end‐expiratory pressure valves
Authors: Hartung Julia Christine , Schmölzer Georg , Schmalisch Gerd , Roehr Charles Christoph
Published: June 2013

Aim

Positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) valves are used together with self‐inflating bags (SIB) to provide a preset PEEP during manual ventilation. It has recently been shown that these valves deliver highly variable levels of PEEP. We hypothesised that material fatigue due to repeated thermo‐sterilisation (TS) may contribute to varying reliability of PEEP valves.

Methods

In a laboratory study 10 new PEEP valves were tested before and after 10, 20 and 30 cycles of routine TS (7 min at 134°C) by using a neonatal lung model (compliance 0.2 mL/kPa). Settings were positive inflation pressure = 20 and 40 cmH2O, PEEP = 5 and 10 cmH2O, respiratory rate = 40 and 60/min, flow = 8l/min. PEEP was recorded using a respiratory function monitor.

Results

Before TS, a mean (standard deviation) PEEP of 4.0 (0.9) and 7.7 (1.0) cmH2O was delivered by the 10 valves when the PEEP was set to 5 and 10 cmH2O, respectively. One new valve only delivered 2.0 (0.0) and 5.0 (0.0) cmH2O when the PEEP was adjusted to 5 and 10 cmH2O, respectively. Four of the 10 investigated valves showed significant variations in PEEP (coefficient of variation >10%) throughout the autoclaving process. One valve completely lost its function after the 20th TS. Common defects were tears in the softer materials or displacement of the rubber seal. Six of the 10 valves continued to provide PEEP in spite of repeated TS.

Conclusion

The reliability of PEEP valves is affected by repeated TS. Multi‐use PEEP valves should be tested for reliable PEEP provision following TS.
Alterations in Root Exudation of Intercropped Tomato Mediated by the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Glomus mosseae and the Soilborne Pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici
Authors: Hage‐Ahmed Karin , Moyses Anna , Voglgruber Andreas , Hadacek Franz , Steinkellner Siegrid
Published: June 2013

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can control soilborne diseases such as Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (Fol). Root exudates play an important role in plant–microbe interactions in the rhizosphere, especially, in the initial phase of these interactions. In this work, we focus on (i) elucidating dynamics in root exudation of Solanum lycopersicum L. in an intercropping system due to AMF and/or Fol; (ii) its effect on Fol development in vitro; and (iii) the testing of the root exudate compounds identified in the chromatographic analyses in terms of effects on fungal growth in in vitro assays. GC‐MS analyses revealed an AMF‐dependent increase in sugars and decrease in organic acids, mainly glucose and malate. In the HPLC analyses, an increase in chlorogenic acid was evident in the combined treatment of AMF and Fol, which is to our knowledge the first report about an increase in chlorogenic acid in root exudates of AM plants challenged with Fol compared with plants inoculated with AMF only, clearly indicating changes in root exudation due to AMF and Fol. Root exudates of AMF tomato plants stimulate the germination rate of Fol, whereas the co‐inoculation of AMF and Fol leads to a reduction in spore germination. In the in vitro assays, citrate and chlorogenic acid could be identified as possible candidates for the reduction in Fol germination rate in the root exudates of the AMF+Fol treatment because they proved inhibition at concentrations naturally occurring in the rhizosphere.
A phylogenetic subclade analysis of range sizes of endemic woody seed plant species of China: Trait conservatism, diversification rates and evolutionary models
Authors: CHEN You‐Hua
Published: June 2013

Adaptive radiation predicted that diversification rate of species and/or the divergence of trait evolution are declined from ancient to contemporary time due to reduced novel niches, namely the “early burst” model. It is still controversial whether the early burst model is ubiquitous over various taxa for species diversification and/or phenotypic evolution. The applicability of the model on plants has little been tested yet in current literature. To address this question, in the present study, a subclade‐level phylogenetic comparative analysis of range size evolution and diversification rates of 6885 endemic woody seed plant species in China (i.e., species only found in China) was performed. My study showed that phylogenetic signals of range sizes depend on the phylogenetic scope and the sampling of subclades. Early burst model was not supported for the range size evolution for endemic woody plants of China, while the simple Brownian motion model of adaptive radiation had the best fit. Diversification of species over the subclades of the phylogeny showed that young clades have higher diversification rates than old clades, being contradictory to the “early burst” prediction of adaptive radiation. However, a whole‐phylogeny diversification analysis suggests that the BOTHVAR model where speciation rate is decreasing while extinction rate is increasing is the best one to describe the time‐dependent trend of diversification of endemic woody plants of China. Moreover, the evolution of range sizes of woody plants is found to be largely independent to diversification rates of species, deprecating the positive range sizes‐diversification hypothesis. At last, a strong positive relationship between phylogenetic mean and variance of range sizes was observed. In conclusion, the “early burst” model predicted by adaptive radiation might be applied to the diversification rates, but not the range size evolution of endemic woody plants of China. Further studies are required by sampling more taxa and building a high‐quality phylogeny to test and verify the patterns found in the present study.
The effects of nucleoside analogue prophylactic treatment on HBV activation in HBcAb+ patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Liu H.‐L. , Zhao Z. , Yang H. , Liu F.‐F. , Liu Q. , Luo Q. , Yuan Q. , Chen L.‐M. , Zeng A.‐Z.
Published: June 2013

We investigated the effects of prophylactic nucleoside analogue treatment on HBV activation in patients with antibodies against core antigen (HBcAb+) patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Patients (113), who were HBcAb+, with various autoimmune diseases, undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, were divided into two groups. The control group, not treated with antivirals, and the prophylactic group, treated with antiviral drugs. The two groups were evaluated for changes in serum biochemical marker (alanine aminotransferase ALT), virological marker (HBV DNA) and for seroconversion. In the control group, the number of patients with an increase in ALT in patients with isolated HBcAb and HBcAb and antibodies against HBsAg (HBsAb +) were five (20.0%) and one (2.8%), respectively (P < 0.05). There were six cases (24.0%) with an increase in HBV DNA in the isolated HBcAb+ subgroup and one case (2.8%) in HBsAb+/HBcAb+ subgroup (P < 0.05). In the HBcAb+ only population, six patients (24.0%) in the control group had an increase in HBV DNA compared with none in the antiviral prophylactic group (P < 0.05). One patient (4.0%) with HBcAb+ in the control group underwent an HBsAg seroconversion when receiving immunosuppressive therapy for 18 months, while none in the antiviral prophylactic group underwent reversion to HBsAg positivity (P = 0.4949). Under immunosuppressive condition, the risk of HBV activation was much higher in patients with HBcAb than in patients with both HBcAb and antibodies to HBsAb group. Antiviral prophylactic therapy could significantly reduce the risk of HBV reactivation.
Left Atrial Ejection Fraction Assessed by Real‐Time 3‐Dimensional Echocardiography in Normal Dogs and Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Tidholm A. , Höglund K. , Häggström J. , Bodegård‐Westling A. , Ljungvall I.
Published: June 2013

Background

Real‐time 3‐dimensional (RT3D) echocardiography provides a novel technique for assessing left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) in dogs.

Hypothesis

Left atrial ejection fraction is associated with severity of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).

Animals

Privately owned dogs; 101 with MMVD and 52 healthy control dogs.

Methods

Prospective observational study using RT3D echocardiographic estimations of LA volumes at atrial end‐diastole and atrial end‐systole to calculate LAEF in comparison with conventional 2‐dimensional echocardiographic variables.

Results

Left atrial ejection fraction decreased with increasing LA to aortic ratio (LA/Ao), percentage increase in left ventricular (LV) internal dimension, corrected for body weight (BW), in diastole (LVIDd inc%) and systole (LVIDs inc%), and age for MMVD dogs, and with BW for control dogs. The final models in the multiple regression analyses included LVIDd inc% and age for MMVD dogs, and BW alone for control dogs. LAEF varied widely in both MMVD dogs and control dogs.

Conclusion and clinical importance

The wide variation of LAEF and the fact that LAEF does not appear to be an independent marker of disease severity suggest that the clinical importance of determining LAEF in dogs with MMVD might be limited.
Left Ventricular Twist and Circumferential Strain in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Zois N.E. , Olsen N.T. , Moesgaard S.G. , Rasmussen C.E. , Falk T. , Häggström J. , Pedersen H.D. , Møller J.E. , Olsen L.H.
Published: June 2013

Background

During the cardiac cycle, the ventricle undergoes a twisting motion because of the oblique orientation of the left ventricular (LV) myofibers. This can be quantified by speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE). In mitral regurgitation (MR) in humans, the short axis deformation has been suggested as being pivotal toLVfunction. Decreased and delayedLVtwist has been described in experimentalMR, but has not been studied in myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).

Hypotheses

(1) Magnitude (CSt) and rate (CSRs) of systolic circumferential deformation decrease before the onset of congestive heart failure (CHF); (2) magnitude and rate ofLVtwist decrease, and onset of untwist is delayed, with increasingMMVDseverity.

Animals

A total of 97 privately owned small‐ to medium‐sized dogs.

Methods

Severity ofMMVDwas assessed by echocardiography and presence of clinical signs ofCHF. Magnitude and rate ofLVtwist and circumferential deformation were evaluated bySTE.

Results

Dogs withCHFreceiving treatment had increasedCSt,CSRs, early diastolic untwisting rate, and delayed onset of untwist compared to dogs with minimalMMVDand increased systolic twist compared to dogs with mildMMVD(allP < .01).CSt and time to onset of untwist increased with echocardiographic variables ofMRseverity (allP < .002).CSRs and severalLVtwist variables decreased with increasing systolicLVinternal diameter (allP < .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

NoSTE‐derived variable was decreased before onset ofCHF. In dogs withCHFreceiving treatment, the delayed onset of relaxation might indicateLVdysfunction and the hyperdynamicCSt andLVtwist reflect compensatory mechanisms.
Linking traits between plants and invertebrate herbivores to track functional effects of land‐use changes
Authors: Moretti Marco , de Bello Francesco , Ibanez Sébastien , Fontana Simone , Pezzatti Gianni B. , Dziock Frank , Rixen Christian , Lavorel Sandra
Published: June 2013

Questions

Ecosystem functions and underlying services are strongly influenced by multitrophic relationships, with functional traits playing a central role in structuring them. Which traits and functional metrics mediate the impact of different types of land use on ecosystem function within and across trophic levels?

Methods

We studied the functional relationships between plants and grasshoppers in sub‐alpine grasslands under different management regimes in the Central French Alps. We applied the theoretical multitrophic response–effect framework described by (Journal of Vegetation Science, 24, this issue) to identify key traits linking plants and grasshoppers to biomass production. The linkages between selected plant and grasshopper traits were analysed using community‐weighted mean traits (CWM) and functional diversity (FD; Rao's quadratic diversity).

Results

Uni‐ and multivariate models provided evidence about the relative importance of trait linkages within and across trophic levels. We showed that management affected both plant and grasshopper traits and that the interaction between them was linked to biomass production. While a number of CWM traits and FD were involved in the interaction, CWM of leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and grasshopper dry body mass (GMass) chiefly mediated the impact of management change on biomass production.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that both trait values of the most abundant species and functional trait variation within and across trophic levels in combination may best explain the impact of land‐use changes on ecosystem function. To improve our mechanistic understanding across trophic levels, a better knowledge of response and effect traits remains a major goal, especially for animal ecologists, while a strong collaboration among disciplines is needed to bridge the existing gaps.
Optimization of the Geometries of Biconical Tapered Fiber Sensors for Monitoring the Early‐Age Curing Temperatures of Concrete Specimens
Authors: Luo Dong , Ibrahim Zainah , Ismail Zubaidah , Xu Bin
Published: June 2013

In this article, a geometrical optimization procedure using biconical tapered fiber sensors is proposed for monitoring the early‐age curing temperatures of concrete specimens. The geometries of the sensors are theoretically optimized by the ray‐tracing theory. The results of the theoretical analysis show that the performance of the sensors is heavily influenced by Evanescent Waves, which are due to the tunneling rays and are fully escaped by tapering the fiber. The effects of the geometrical parameters, including the taper ratios, taper lengths, and ray launch angles, as well as the surrounding temperatures, on the behavior of the sensors are studied numerically. The numerical results demonstrate that higher performance of the proposed optimized sensors can be achieved by a longer taper length and smaller taper ratio combined with an initial ray launching angle of 0.01 rad. An experimental study on early‐age curing temperature monitoring of concrete specimens with the biconical tapered fiber sensors was carried out. The experimental measurements agree well with the theoretical results.
TaEIL1, a wheat homologue of AtEIN3, acts as a negative regulator in the wheat–stripe rust fungus interaction
Authors: Duan Xiaoyuan , Wang Xiaojie , Fu Yanping , Tang Chunlei , Li Xiaorui , Cheng Yulin , Feng Hao , Huang Lili , Kang Zhensheng
Published: June 2013

Transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in the transcriptional regulation of plant development and defence responses. Increasing evidence has implicated ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3) in the plant defence response to pathogen infection and environmental stimuli. However, the role of EIN3 in wheat resistance to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) is not clear. Here, TaEIL1 was isolated by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) based on a sequence fragment from a wheat–Pst interaction cDNA library. The TaEIL1 protein contains a typical EIN3‐binding domain, and transient expression analyses indicated that TaEIL1 is localized in the nucleus. Yeast one‐hybrid assay revealed that TaEIL1 exhibits transcriptional activity, and its C‐terminus is necessary for the activation of transcription. TaEIL1 transcripts were regulated by environmental stress stimuli and were decreased under salicylic acid (SA) treatment. When wheat leaves were challenged with Pst, the transcript level of TaEIL1 in the compatible interaction was approximately three times higher than that in the incompatible interaction. Knocking down TaEIL1 through the Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) system attenuated the growth of Pst, with shortened hyphae and reduced hyphal branches, haustorial mother cells and colony size. Moreover, enhanced necrosis was triggered by the Pst avirulent race CYR23, indicating that the hypersensitive response was strengthened in TaEIL1‐silenced wheat plants. Thus, the up‐regulation of defence‐related genes and increased sucrose abundance might contribute to the enhanced disease resistance of wheat to the virulent race CYR31. Taken together, the results suggested that the suppression of TaEIL1 transcripts could enhance the resistance of wheat to stripe rust fungus.
HvLUX1 is a candidate gene underlying the early maturity 10 locus in barley: phylogeny, diversity, and interactions with the circadian clock and photoperiodic pathways
Authors: Campoli Chiara , Pankin Artem , Drosse Benedikt , Casao Cristina M. , Davis Seth J. , von Korff Maria
Published: June 2013

Photoperiodic flowering is a major factor determining crop performance and is controlled by interactions between environmental signals and the circadian clock. We proposed Hvlux1, an ortholog of the Arabidopsis circadian gene LUX ARRHYTHMO, as a candidate underlying the early maturity 10 (eam10) locus in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

The link between eam10 and Hvlux1 was discovered using high‐throughput sequencing of enriched libraries and segregation analysis. We conducted functional, phylogenetic, and diversity studies of eam10 and HvLUX1 to understand the genetic control of photoperiod response in barley and to characterize the evolution of LUX‐like genes within barley and across monocots and eudicots.

We demonstrate that eam10 causes circadian defects and interacts with the photoperiod response gene Ppd‐H1 to accelerate flowering under long and short days. The results of phylogenetic and diversity analyses indicate that HvLUX1 was under purifying selection, duplicated at the base of the grass clade, and diverged independently of LUX‐like genes in other plant lineages.

Taken together, these findings contribute to improved understanding of the barley circadian clock, its interaction with the photoperiod pathway, and evolution of circadian systems in barley and across monocots and eudicots.
Ploidy‐specific symbiotic interactions: divergence of mycorrhizal fungi between cytotypes of theGymnadenia conopseagroup (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Těšitelová Tamara , Jersáková Jana , Roy Mélanie , Kubátová Barbora , Těšitel Jakub , Urfus Tomáš , Trávníček Pavel , Suda Jan
Published: June 2013

Polyploidy is widely recognized as a major mechanism of sympatric speciation in plants, yet little is known about its effects on interactions with other organisms. Mycorrhizal fungi are among the most common plant symbionts and play an important role in plant nutrient supply. It remains to be understood whether mycorrhizal associations of ploidy‐variable plants can be ploidy‐specific.

We examined mycorrhizal associations in three cytotypes (2x, 3x, 4x) of theGymnadenia conopseagroup (Orchidaceae), involvingG. conopseas.s. andG. densiflora, at different spatial scales and during different ontogenetic stages. We analysed: adults from mixed‐ and single‐ploidy populations at a regional scale; closely spaced adults within a mixed‐ploidy site; and mycorrhizal seedlings.

AllGymnadeniacytotypes associated mainly with saprotrophicTulasnellaceae (Basidiomycota). Nonetheless, both adults and seedlings of diploids and their autotetraploid derivatives significantly differed in the identity of their mycorrhizal symbionts. Interploidy segregation of mycorrhizal symbionts was most pronounced within a site with closely spaced adults.

This study provides the first evidence that polyploidization of a plant species can be associated with a shift in mycorrhizal symbionts. This divergence may contribute to niche partitioning and facilitate establishment and co‐existence of different cytotypes.
The influence of sun exposure in childhood and adolescence on atopic disease at adolescence
Authors: Kemp Andrew Stewart , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , Pezic Angela , Cochrane Jennifer Ann , Dwyer Terence , Jones Graeme
Published: June 2013

Background

It has been postulated that ultraviolet ray exposure in childhood might influence the development of allergic disease. We examined whether reported sun exposure during childhood or in adolescence is related to the occurrence of atopy or allergic disease.

Methods

Population‐based longitudinal cohort study with sixteen‐year follow‐up (N = 415). Subjects were recruited at birth as part of an infant health study. The reported daily duration of sun exposure in the summer months was recorded at 8 and 16 yrs of age. Allergen sensitization and the presence of eczema, asthma, and rye grass positive rhinitis were recorded at age 16.

Results

Reported sun exposures of more than 4 h per day during summer holidays in adolescence were associated with reduced eczema and rhinitis but not inhalant allergen sensitization or asthma risk. Thus, higher sun exposure during summer holidays and summer weekends in adolescence was associated with significantly reduced eczema (test of trend p‐value = 0.001 summer holidays; test of trend p‐value = 0.003 summer weekends) and rye grass positive rhinitis (test of trend p‐value = 0.03 summer holidays; test of trend p‐value = 0.02 summer weekends). Sun exposure at adolescence or age 8 was not related to inhalant allergen sensitization. There was no association between serum 25(OH)D levels at adolescence with either inhalant allergen sensitization or allergic disease and adjustment for serum 25(OH)D levels did not alter these findings.

Conclusions

Increased sun exposure during summer holidays in adolescence was associated with reduced eczema and rhinitis risk, independently of measured vitamin D levels but no difference in inhalant allergen sensitization or asthma. The beneficial effects of sun exposure on allergic disease may operate independently from vitamin D or an effect on allergen sensitization.
Interaction between glutathione S‐transferase variants, maternal smoking and childhood wheezing changes with age
Authors: Wu Jiakai , Hankinson Jenny , Kopec‐Harding Kamilla , Custovic Adnan , Simpson Angela
Published: June 2013

Background

Maternal smoking increases the risk of respiratory symptoms in children. Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) detoxify xenobiotics from tobacco smoke, and functional polymorphism in GST gene(s) could predispose children to the detrimental effects of maternal smoking. Our objective was to investigate interactions between GST variants and maternal smoking in relation to the development of wheezing during childhood and whether any such interaction changes with time.

Methods

In a population‐based birth cohort, we assessed maternal smoking and current wheeze at five time points during the first 11 yr of life. DNA was genotyped for GSTP1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 (n = 807). Longitudinal analyses were performed using generalized estimating equations.

Results

During early childhood, children whose mothers smoked were more likely to wheeze, with the strongest association observed at age 3 yr (p = 0.006). In a longitudinal model, children with GSTP1 AA and AG genotypes had significantly higher risk of wheeze compared with GG homozygotes. We observed a significant interaction between GSTP1 and maternal smoking where the risk of infantile wheezing was significantly increased in AA homozygotes, but only if their mothers smoked (OR 2.59, [1.08–6.21], pint = 0.03). Furthermore, amongst AA carriers, there was a significant interaction between child's age and maternal smoking, with the effect of maternal smoking on the risk of wheeze significantly diminishing with age (pint = 0.05); no such findings were observed for GSTM1 and GSTT1.

Conclusions

Children with AA genotype for GSTP1 are at increased risk of early‐life wheezing if their mothers smoke, but the effect of maternal smoking on wheezing diminishes with time.
Plasticity of melanoma in vivo: murine lesions resulting from Trp53, but not Cdk4 or Arf deregulation, display neural transdifferentiation
Authors: Handoko Herlina Y. , Boyle Glen M. , Ferguson Blake , Muller H. Konrad , Soyer H. Peter , Walker Graeme J.
Published: June 2013

We previously noted that melanomas developing in Cdk4R24C/R24C::Tyr‐NRAS, Arf−/−::Tyr‐NRAS and Trp53F/F::Tyr‐Cre(ER)::Tyr‐NRAS mice exhibited differences in behaviour in vivo. We investigated this phenomenon using global gene expression profiling of lesions from the respective genotypes. While those from the Cdk4‐ and Arf‐mutant mice exhibited similar profiles, the Trp53F/F::Tyr‐Cre(ER)::Tyr‐NRAS melanomas were strikingly different, showing relative down‐regulation of melanocyte‐related genes, and up‐regulation of genes related to neural differentiation. Specifically, they highly expressed genes representative of the myelin‐producing peripheral oligodendrite (Schwann cell) lineage, although histopathologically the lesions did not exhibit the classical features of schwannoma. As Schwann cell precursors can be a cellular origin of melanocytes, it is unsurprising that plasticity with respect to melanocyte‐neural differentiation can occur in melanoma. What is surprising is the genotype proclivity. Comparison of gene expression signatures revealed that melanomas from the Trp53‐mutant mice show significant similarities with a subset of aggressive human melanomas with relatively low levels of MITF.
Antiherpetic Medication Use and the Risk of Gastroschisis: Findings from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2007
Authors: Ahrens Katherine A. , Anderka Marlene T. , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Canfield Mark A. , Mitchell Allen A. , Werler Martha M. ,   National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: June 2013

Background

Previous studies examining the teratogenic effects of antiherpetic medications have found no associations for birth defects overall but have not examined the risk of specific birth defects.

Methods

The National Birth Defects Prevention Study ascertains population‐based cases with birth defects and live‐born controls without birth defects in 10 states across the United States for the purpose of identifying potential teratogenic risk factors. Mothers of cases and controls are interviewed within 2 years of their estimated date of delivery about demographic, medical and behavioural factors before and during pregnancy. This analysis examined the possible association between use of antiherpetic medications (acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir) during early pregnancy and gastroschisis, a birth defect of the abdominal wall.

Results

The mothers of 1.1% (n = 10) of 941 gastroschisis cases and 0.3% (n = 27) of 8339 controls reported antiherpetic medication use during the month before conception through the third month of pregnancy. The adjusted odds ratios for such use in relation to gastroschisis were 4.7 [95% confidence interval 1.7, 13.3] and 4.7 [95% CI 1.2, 19.0] among women with and without self‐reported genital herpes, respectively, when compared with women without antiherpetic use or herpes. Among women reporting no antiherpetic medication use, the odds ratio for self‐reported genital herpes in relation to gastroschisis was 3.0 [95% CI 1.6, 5.7].

Conclusions

Our study raises the possibility of an increased risk of gastroschisis because of either antiherpetic medication use during early pregnancy or the underlying genital herpes infection for which it was indicated.
Cardiovascular mortality in obstructive sleep apnoea treated with continuous positive airway pressure or oral appliance: An observational study
Authors: Anandam Anil , Patil Monali , Akinnusi Morohunfolu , Jaoude Philippe , El‐Solh Ali A.
Published: June 2013

Background and objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long‐term cardiovascular mortality in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) treated with either continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mandibular advancing device (MAD).

Methods

A non‐concurrent cohort study of 570 subjects with severe OSA (apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥ 30/h) and a control group of 269 subjects (AHI < 5/h) were followed up for a median of 79 months (interquartile range 76–88 months). All patients received CPAP initially. MAD was offered for those who were non‐adherent to CPAP. The endpoint was cardiovascular death.

Results

 Two hundred and eight control subjects, 177 patients treated with CPAP, 72 with MAD and 212 who declined treatment were analysed. Forty‐two patients had a fatal cardiovascular event during the course of the study. The non‐apnoeic group had the lowest cardiovascular death rate (0.28 per 100 person‐years (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08–0.71)) followed by the CPAP‐treated (0.56 per 100 person‐years (95% CI: 0.20–1.23)) and the MAD‐treated OSA group (0.61 per 100 person‐years (95% CI: 0.13–1.78)), with the highest cardiovascular mortality rate observed in the untreated OSA group (2.1 per 100 person‐years (95% CI: 1.37–2.92)). Although residual AHI for MAD‐treated patients was significantly higher than CPAP‐treated patients (16.3 ± 5.1/h vs. 4.5 ± 2.3/h; P < 0.001), there was no difference in cardiovascular death rate between the two groups (hazard ratio 1.08 (95% CI: 0.55–1.74); P = 0.71).

Conclusions

Both CPAP and MAD may be equally effective therapy in reducing the risk of fatal cardiovascular events in patients with severe OSA.
Trade‐Induced Unemployment: The Case of Post‐Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Smet Koen
Published: June 2013

This paper analyses the link between changes in trade flows and labour demand in post‐apartheid South Africa (1994–2006). Although this is not the first research with regard to this topic, it is one of the few that uses a consistent trade framework. Based on a three‐dimensional Heckscher–Ohlin trade model, a theoretical framework is constructed to analyse this link. Whereas it is impossible to test the theoretical link directly because of data limitations, an indirect econometric test supports the findings of the model. This implies that the combination of increased trade and labour market rigidities was unfavourable for labour opportunities.
The Impact of Brain Drain on Human Capital in Developing Countries
Authors: Ngoma Abubakar Lawan , Ismail Normaz Wana
Published: June 2013

The debate over the effect of human capital flight on educational attainment in immigrants' source countries has received huge theoretical propositions but a few analytical approaches. This paper examines the short‐run and long‐run impact of skilled migration rates (brain drain) on human capital formation in migrants' source developing countries. Specifically, we revisited some empirical studies that found evidence of beneficial brain drain in migrants' source countries. Our empirical result, using school enrolments does not only disagree with theirs but also presents an insight on how human capital leakages that occur through brain drain can be counterbalanced through remittances received in the immigrants' source countries.
Flexible Copula Density Estimation with Penalized Hierarchical B‐splines
Authors: Kauermann Göran , Schellhase Christian , Ruppert David
Published: June 2013

The paper introduces a new method for flexible spline fitting for copula density estimation. Spline coefficients are penalized to achieve a smooth fit. To weaken the curse of dimensionality, instead of a full tensor spline basis, a reduced tensor product based on so called sparse grids (Notes Numer. Fluid Mech. Multidiscip. Des., 31, 1991, 241‐251) is used. To achieve uniform margins of the copula density, linear constraints are placed on the spline coefficients, and quadratic programming is used to fit the model. Simulations and practical examples accompany the presentation.
Norms and Necessity
Authors: Thomasson Amie L.
Published: June 2013

Modality presents notorious philosophical problems, including the epistemic problem of how we could come to know modal facts and metaphysical problems about how to place modal facts in the natural world. These problems arise from thinking of modal claims as attempts to describe modal features of this world that explain what makes them true. Here I propose a different view of modal discourse in which talk about what is “metaphysically necessary” does not aim to describe modal features of the world, but, rather, provides a particularly useful way of expressing constitutive semantic and conceptual rules in the object language. The result is a “modal normativist” view that enables us to avoid the epistemic problems of modality and mitigate the metaphysical worries, while also leaving open the possibility of a unified account of the function of modal language. Finally, I address a serious challenge: we have the norms we do in order to track the modal facts of the world, so that the order of explanation must go in the opposite direction. I close by showing how the normativist may answer that challenge.
Was Mill a Noncognitivist?
Authors: Macleod Christopher
Published: June 2013

In this paper, I examine the presumption that Mill endorses a form of metaethical noncognitivism. I argue that the evidence traditionally cited for this interpretation is not convincing and suggest that we should instead remain open to a cognitivist reading. I begin by laying out the “received view” of Mill on the status of practical norms, as given by Alan Ryan in the 1970s. I then argue that there is no firm textual evidence for this reading of Mill: his remarks on “art” and “science” do not show the metaethical commitments they have been taken to. Neither is there firm textual evidence for a cognitivist reading. However, a noncognitivist interpretation suffers from the fault of anachronism and is difficult to reconcile with the clear commitment in Utilitarianism to the possibility of evidence being given for the desirability of pleasure. A cognitivist reading would not suffer from these faults, and on that basis, I conclude that we should think further about what a cognitivist reading of Mill might amount to.