bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The core root microbiome of sugarcanes cultivated under varying nitrogen fertilizer application
Authors: Yeoh Yun Kit , Paungfoo‐Lonhienne Chanyarat , Dennis Paul G. , Robinson Nicole , Ragan Mark A. , Schmidt Susanne , Hugenholtz Philip
Published: June 2015

Diazotrophic bacteria potentially supply substantial amounts of biologically fixed nitrogen to crops, but their occurrence may be suppressed by high nitrogen fertilizer application. Here, we explored the impact of high nitrogen fertilizer rates on the presence of diazotrophs in field‐grown sugarcane with industry‐standard or reduced nitrogen fertilizer application. Despite large differences in soil microbial communities between test sites, a core sugarcane root microbiome was identified. The sugarcane root‐enriched core taxa overlap with those of Arabidopsis thaliana raising the possibility that certain bacterial families have had long association with plants. Reduced nitrogen fertilizer application had remarkably little effect on the core root microbiome and did not increase the relative abundance of root‐associated diazotrophs or nif gene counts. Correspondingly, low nitrogen fertilizer crops had lower biomass and nitrogen content, reflecting a lack of major input of biologically fixed nitrogen, indicating that manipulating nitrogen fertilizer rates does not improve sugarcane yields by enriching diazotrophic populations under the test conditions. Standard nitrogen fertilizer crops had improved biomass and nitrogen content, and corresponding soils had higher abundances of nitrification and denitrification genes. These findings highlight that achieving a balance in maximizing crop yields and minimizing nutrient pollution associated with nitrogen fertilizer application requires understanding of how microbial communities respond to fertilizer use.
Variable phosphorus uptake rates and allocation across microbial groups in the oligotrophic Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Popendorf Kimberly J. , Duhamel Solange
Published: June 2015

Microbial uptake of dissolved phosphorus (P) is an important lever in controlling both microbial production and the fate and cycling of marine P. We investigated the relative role of heterotrophic bacteria and phytoplankton in P cycling by measuring the P uptake rates of individual microbial groups (heterotrophic bacteria and the phytoplankton groups Synechococcus, Prochlorococcus and picoeukaryotic phytoplankton) in the P‐depleted Gulf of Mexico. Phosphorus uptake rates were measured using incubations with radiolabelled phosphate and adenosine triphosphate coupled with cell sorting flow cytometry. We found that heterotrophic bacteria were the dominant consumers of P on both a biomass basis and a population basis. Biovolume normalized heterotrophic bacteria P uptake rate per cell (amol P μm−3 h−1) was roughly an order of magnitude greater than phytoplankton uptake rates, and heterotrophic bacteria were responsible for generally greater than 50% of total picoplankton P uptake. We hypothesized that this variation in uptake rates reflects variation in cellular P allocation strategies, and found that, indeed, the fraction of cellular P uptake utilized for phospholipid production was significantly higher in heterotrophic bacteria compared with cyanobacterial phytoplankton. These findings indicate that heterotrophic bacteria have a uniquely P‐oriented physiology and play a dominant role in cycling dissolved P.
Bioreactor microbial ecosystems for thiocyanate and cyanide degradation unravelled with genome‐resolved metagenomics
Authors: Kantor Rose S. , van Zyl A. Wynand , van Hille Robert P. , Thomas Brian C. , Harrison Susan T. L. , Banfield Jillian F.
Published: June 2015

Gold ore processing uses cyanide (CN−), which often results in large volumes of thiocyanate‐ (SCN−) contaminated wastewater requiring treatment. Microbial communities can degrade SCN− and CN−, but little is known about their membership and metabolic potential. Microbial‐based remediation strategies will benefit from an ecological understanding of organisms involved in the breakdown of SCN− and CN− into sulfur, carbon and nitrogen compounds. We performed metagenomic analysis of samples from two laboratory‐scale bioreactors used to study SCN− and CN− degradation. Community analysis revealed the dominance of Thiobacillus spp., whose genomes harbour a previously unreported operon for SCN− degradation. Genome‐based metabolic predictions suggest that a large portion of each bioreactor community is autotrophic, relying not on molasses in reactor feed but using energy gained from oxidation of sulfur compounds produced during SCN− degradation. Heterotrophs, including a bacterium from a previously uncharacterized phylum, compose a smaller portion of the reactor community. Predation by phage and eukaryotes is predicted to affect community dynamics. Genes for ammonium oxidation and denitrification were detected, indicating the potential for nitrogen removal, as required for complete remediation of wastewater. These findings suggest optimization strategies for reactor design, such as improved aerobic/anaerobic partitioning and elimination of organic carbon from reactor feed.
Escherichia coli diversity in the lower intestinal tract of humans
Authors: Gordon David M. , O'Brien Claire L. , Pavli Paul
Published: June 2015

Previous studies examining the clonal diversity of Escherichia coli populations within humans have been based on faecal isolates. In this study E. coli were isolated from biopsies taken from the terminal ileum, ascending, transverse and descending colon, and rectum of 69 individuals. Multiple isolates from each biopsy were characterized using Rep‐PCR. An average of 3.5 genotypes were recovered per host, and in hosts with two or more strains, the phylogroup membership of the second most abundant strain was significantly more likely to be the same as the dominant strain. There was no indication of a non‐random distribution of E. coli phylogroups among the regions of the lower intestine. In hosts with multiple genotypes, as defined by Repetitive extragenic palindromic‐PCR, genotypes were non‐randomly distributed among gut regions in over half the individuals. The phylogroup membership of an individual's numerically dominant strain explained some of the variation in the extent to which strains within an individual were heterogeneously distributed, with most heterogeneity observed when the numerically dominant strain belonged to phylogroups E or F, and the least when the dominant strain belonged to phylogroup B2. The results of this study support previous studies on pigs that demonstrated faecal sampling underestimates the genotype diversity present within a host.
Linking the occurrence of cutaneous opportunistic fungal invaders with elemental concentrations in false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) skin
Authors: Mouton Marnel , Przybylowicz Wojciech , Mesjasz‐Przybylowicz Jolanta , Postma Ferdinand , Thornton Meredith , Archer Edward , Botha Alfred
Published: June 2015

Cetaceans, occupying the top levels in marine food chains, are vulnerable to elevated levels of potentially toxic trace elements, such as aluminium (Al), mercury (Hg) and nickel (Ni). Negative effects associated with these toxic metals include infection by opportunistic microbial invaders. To corroborate the link between the presence of cutaneous fungal invaders and trace element levels, skin samples from 40 stranded false killer whales (FKWs) were analysed using culture techniques and inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectroscopy. Twenty‐two skin samples yielded 18 clinically relevant fungal species. While evidence for bioaccumulation ofHg in the skin of theFKWswas observed, a strong link was found to exist between the occurrence of opportunistic fungal invaders and higherAl : Se andAl : Zn ratios. This study provides indications that elevated levels of some toxic metals, such asAl, contribute to immunotoxicity renderingFKWssusceptible to colonization by cutaneous opportunistic fungal invaders.
Inverse relationship between sleep duration and myopia
Authors: Jee Donghyun , Morgan Ian G. , Kim Eun chul
Published: June 2015

Purposes

To investigate the association between sleep duration and myopia.

Methods

This population‐based, cross‐sectional study using a nationwide, systemic, stratified, multistage, clustered sampling method included a total of 3625 subjects aged 12–19 years who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2012. All participants underwent ophthalmic examination and a standardized interview including average sleep duration (hr/day), education, physical activity and economic status (annual household income). Refractive error was measured by autorefraction without cycloplegia. Myopia and high myopia were defined as ≤−0.50 dioptres (D) and ≤−6.0 D, respectively. Sleep durations were classified into 5 categories: <5, 6, 7, 8 and >9 hr.

Results

The overall prevalence of myopia and high myopia were 77.8% and 9.4%, respectively, and the overall sleep duration was 7.1 hr/day. The refractive error increased by 0.10 D per 1 hr increase in sleep after adjusting for potential confounders including sex, age, height, education level, economic status and physical activity. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for refractive error was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83–0.97) per 1 hr increase in sleep. The adjusted OR for myopia was decreased in those with >9 hr of sleep (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.38–0.93; p for trend = 0.006) than in those with <5 hr of sleep. However, high myopia was not associated with sleep duration.

Conclusions

This study provides the population‐based, epidemiologic evidence for an inverse relationship between sleep duration and myopia in a representative population of Korean adolescents.
Navigating the Life Cycle of Trust in Developing Economies: One‐size Solutions Do Not Fit All
Authors: Hartman Laura Pincus , Gedro Julie , Masterson Courtney
Published: June 2015

Trust is critical to the development and maintenance of collaborative and cohesive relationships in societies, broadly, and in organizations, specifically. At the same time, trust is highly dependent on the social context in which it occurs. Unfortunately, existing research involving trust remains somewhat limited to a particular set of developed economies, providing a window to explore a culture's stage of economic development as a key contextual determinant of trust within organizations. In this article, we review the state of the scholarship on trust and identify those qualities of trust that are common in organizations at similar stages of economic development, referred to as its etic aspects. We then also distinguish those elements of trust that are, to the contrary, culturally specific or emic in nature. We structure our discussion around the “life cycle of trust” (i.e., the creation, maintenance, and postfracture repair of trust) and consider unique factors in its application to developing economies. In doing so, we ground our examination in expository examples through field experience in Haiti. We conclude with the proposal of a framework for future research oriented toward the resolution of remaining theoretical and empirical queries as they relate to trust in developing economies.
Equator Principles: Bridging the Gap between Economics and Ethics?
Authors: Wörsdörfer Manuel
Published: June 2015

The hypothetical conflict between self‐interest, corporate interest, and the common good is one of the hottest debated issues in business ethics. This article focuses on a particular corporate social responsibility approach within the field of sustainable (project) finance, which has the potential—given that certain reform measures are adopted—to overcome the alleged trade‐off between self‐interest and the common good. The approach is labeled as the Equator Principles (EPs) framework, which celebrated its tenth anniversary and the formal launch of the third generation of the EPs (EP III) in 2013. The article shows how companies can theoretically be both profitable and socio‐environmentally responsible by adhering to the EPs. The article proceeds as follows: Before moving on to the EPs, section 2 defines the key terms self‐interest and common good. Section 3 then analyzes the EPs from a business ethics perspective. Section 4 shows how the EPs can help in solving the potential trade‐off between self‐interest and the common good—provided that the EPs are substantially revised. These required reform steps are discussed in section 5. The article ends with a summary of the main findings.
Corporate Social Responsibility through Cross‐sector Partnerships: Implications for Civil Society, the State, and the Corporate Sector in India
Authors: Hede Skagerlind Helena , Westman Moa , Berglund Henrik
Published: June 2015

Corporations are increasingly forced to widen their agendas to include social and environmental concerns, or corporate social responsibility (CSR). This development has been recorded in the current academic debate, and the views regarding its implications for business, the state, and civil society diverge. However, there is agreement within the CSR and corporate governance literatures that there is a lack of thorough empirical studies of these effects. Based on a case study of the multinational wind energy company Suzlon Energy's CSR projects in rural India, this article contends that CSR projects implemented through cross‐sector partnerships can help to build the capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs). Although the risk of corporate steering of the civil society agenda is reduced when CSR prioritizes community needs over business imperatives, CSOs tend to bear the highest costs in partnerships, through credibility losses and insecurity concerning project terms and funding, reinforcing the importance of critical cooperation and complementary core competencies in cross‐sector partnerships. The results have implications for the strategies of corporations, CSOs, and governments as well as for the planning of national and international development aid.
Do Business Leaders Have Role‐Model Obligations to Be Good Political Actors?
Authors: Spurgin Earl
Published: June 2015

This article raises an issue about corporate political activity that is different from those typically addressed by business ethicists. It examines the role‐model status and obligations of the business leaders who direct such activity. This approach has two potential benefits. First, since ethicists often appeal to role‐model obligations and many are concerned about corporate political activity, business ethics literature would benefit from expanding the examination of role‐model status and obligations to encompass the business leaders who direct political activity. Second, it will help ethicists determine what we should demand from business leaders who direct such activity. This is important given the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision in 2010 that guarantees corporations the free‐speech right to make political expenditures in support of political causes. I seek to demonstrate that we should hold business leaders morally accountable for how they direct political activity because of their role‐model status that arises from their greater fame, authority, or power than ordinary persons possess.
Operational Best Practices in Business Ethics: A Practical and Systematic Benchmarking Tool
Authors: Collins Denis
Published: June 2015

This article describes a benchmarking tool managers can use to determine operational policies and processes that could enhance an organization's social and ethical performance. The benchmarking tool consists of a 13‐dimension, 110‐item survey based on an Optimal Ethics Systems Model. These best practices in business ethics are derived from an analysis and assessment of seven institutional infrastructures and accountability standards developed to help managers improve organizational social and ethical performance.
Additive gamma frailty models with applications to competing risks in related individuals
Authors: Eriksson Frank , Scheike Thomas
Published: June 2015

Epidemiological studies of related individuals are often complicated by the fact that follow‐up on the event type of interest is incomplete due to the occurrence of other events. We suggest a class of frailty models with cause‐specific hazards for correlated competing events in related individuals. The frailties are based on sums of gamma distributed variables and offer closed form expressions for the observed intensities. An inference procedure with a recursive baseline estimator is proposed, and its large sample properties are established. The estimator readily handles cluster left‐truncation as occurring in the Nordic twin registers. The performance in finite samples is investigated by simulations and an example on prostate cancer in twins is provided for illustration.
Development of extramedullary myeloma in the era of novel agents: no evidence of increased risk with lenalidomide–bortezomib combinations
Authors: Varga Cindy , Xie Wanling , Laubach Jacob , Ghobrial Irene M. , O'Donnell Elizabeth K. , Weinstock Matthew , Paba‐Prada Claudia , Warren Diane , Maglio Michelle E. , Schlossman Robert , Munshi Nikhil C. , Raje Noopur , Weller Edie , Anderson Kenneth C. , Mitsiades Constantine S. , Richardson Paul G.
Published: June 2015

Proteasome inhibitors (PI) and immunomodulatory agents (IMIDs) have improved the overall survival (OS) of patients with multiple myeloma (MM), but concerns have been raised about increased incidence of extramedullary disease (EMD) after the combined use of PIs and IMIDs for upfront therapy. We evaluated whether the addition of lenalidomide to bortezomib‐based front‐line regimens precipitated earlier development of EMD. We reviewed the charts of 117 MM patients (median follow‐up from diagnosis 6·1 years; range 0·1–10·2 years) enrolled in eight clinical trials of first‐line treatment with bortezomib‐based regimens, with or without lenalidomide. We assessed development of EMD as extraosseous (distant from bone) or osseous (originating from bone) plasmacytomas. The primary endpoint was time from diagnosis until development of EMD, based on imaging, biopsy and/or physical examination. Any form of EMD at progression was observed in 40 (34·2%) patients, including 21 (18%) osseous, 8 (7%) extraosseous and 11 (9%) both osseous and extraosseous. Median OS was 0·9 years (range 0·1–4·8 years) after extraosseous EMD development. Sensitivity analyses with follow‐up times truncated at 5 years detected no statistically significant difference in rates of any EMD form between the two groups (P > 0·2 for each comparison). Therefore, we observed no evidence that bortezomib–lenalidomide‐based front‐line therapy precipitates earlier EMD.
Bioenergetic analysis of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Jones N , Piasecka J , Bryant A H , Jones R H , Skibinski D O F , Francis Nigel J , Thornton C A
Published: June 2015

Leucocytes respond rapidly to pathogenic and other insults, with responses ranging from cytokine production to migration and phagocytosis. These are bioenergetically expensive, and increased glycolytic flux provides adenosine triphosphate (ATP) rapidly to support these essential functions. However, much of this work is from animal studies. To understand more clearly the relative role of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in human leucocytes, especially their utility in a translational research setting, we undertook a study of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) bioenergetics. Glycolysis was essential during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated interleukin (IL)−1β, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α production, as 2-deoxy-D-glucose decreased significantly the output of all three cytokines. After optimizing cell numbers and the concentrations of all activators and inhibitors, oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis profiles of fresh and cryopreserved/resuscitated MNCs were determined to explore the utility of MNCs for determining the bioenergetics health profile in multiple clinical settings. While the LPS-induced cytokine response did not differ significantly between fresh and resuscitated cells from the same donors, cryopreservation/resuscitation significantly affected mainly some measures of oxidative phosphorylation, but also glycolysis. Bioenergetics analysis of human MNCs provides a quick, effective means to measure the bioenergetics health index of many individuals, but cryopreserved cells are not suitable for such an analysis. The translational utility of this approach was tested by comparing MNCs of pregnant and non-pregnant women to reveal increased bioenergetics health index with pregnancy but significantly reduced basal glycolysis and glycolytic capacity. More detailed analysis of discrete leucocyte populations would be required to understand the relative roles of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation during inflammation and other immune responses.
Propagation of Pathology through Brain Networks in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Molecules to Clinical Phenotypes
Authors: Agosta Federica , Weiler Marina , Filippi Massimo
Published: June 2015

The cellular mechanisms underlying the stereotypical progression of pathology in neurodegenerative diseases are incompletely understood, but increasing evidence indicates that misfolded protein aggregates can spread by a self‐perpetuating neuron‐to‐neuron transmission. Novel neuroimaging techniques can help elucidating how these disorders spread across brain networks. Recent knowledge from structural and functional connectivity studies suggests that the relation between neurodegenerative diseases and distinct brain networks is likely to be a strict consequence of diffuse network dynamics. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging also showed that measurement of white matter tract involvement can be a valid surrogate to assess the in vivo spreading of pathological proteins in these conditions. This review will introduce briefly the main molecular and pathological substrates of the most frequent neurodegenerative diseases and provide a comprehensive overview of neuroimaging findings that support the “network‐based neurodegeneration” hypothesis in these disorders. Characterizing network breakdown in neurodegenerative diseases will help anticipate and perhaps prevent the devastating impact of these conditions.
Hypoxemia, Sleep Disturbances, and Depression Correlated with Fatigue in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Pan Jing , Zhao Peng , Cai Hao , Su Lei , Wood Kristofer , Shi Fu‐Dong , Fu Ying
Published: June 2015

Aims

Among patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), fatigue is commonly complained about and is one of the most debilitating symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of fatigue and explore impacting factors attributed to fatigue in NMOSD.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients with NMOSD and twenty matched healthy controls were enrolled. A battery of self‐reported questionnaires was conducted to assess quality of sleep, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, depression, and level of activity of daily life. The structure of sleep was assessed by polysomnography with blood oxygen saturation monitored by noninvasive pulse oximeter. Brain and spinal cord lesions were evaluated by MRIs.

Results

Fatigue was more severe and more prevalent among the patients with NMOSD compared with controls (fatigue score which ranges from 0 to 11 with higher scores indicating more severe fatigue: 6.4 ± 0.6 vs. 3.8 ± 0.4, P = 0.002; incidence, 64% vs. 35%, P = 0.043), and it was negatively associated with daily activity level (r = 0.455, P = 0.008). The patients with fatigue had higher Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, lower blood oxygen state, and higher depression score than patients without fatigue; blood oxygen was especially negatively correlated with fatigue (nadir SpO2, r = −0.558, P = 0.001; mean SpO2, r = −0.457, P = 0.007); depression was also positively correlated with fatigue (r = 0.599, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with NMOSD experienced significant fatigue, which had an obvious impact on their daily activity. Fatigue in these patients was related to hypoxemia, sleep disturbances, and depression.
Psychosocial factors associated with work disability in men and women with diabetes: a pooled analysis of three occupational cohort studies
Authors: Ervasti J. , Kivimäki M. , Dray‐Spira R. , Head J. , Goldberg M. , Pentti J. , Jokela M. , Vahtera J. , Zins M. , Virtanen M.
Published: June 2015

Aims

To examine the extent to which adverse psychosocial factors, such as living alone, psychological distress, job strain and low support from supervisor, increase the risk of work disability (sickness absence and disability pension) among employees with diabetes.

Methods

In this pooled analysis of individual‐participant data from three occupational cohort studies (the Finnish Public Sector Study, the British Whitehall II study, and the French GAZEL study), 1088 women and 949 men with diabetes were followed up to determine the duration (number of days) and frequency (number of spells) of work disability. The mean follow‐up periods were 3.2 years in the GAZEL study, 4.6 years in the Whitehall II study and 4.7 years in the Finnish Public Sector Study. Psychosocial factors and potential confounding factors were assessed at baseline using standard questionnaires. Study‐specific estimates were pooled using fixed‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

In analysis adjusted for sociodemographic factors, health behaviours and comorbidities, participants with psychological distress had longer (rate ratio 1.66; 95% CI 1.31–2.09) and more frequent absences (rate ratio 1.33; 95% CI 1.19–1.49) compared with those with no psychological distress. Job strain was associated with slightly increased absence frequency (rate ratio 1.19 95% CI 1.05–1.35), but not with absence duration. Living alone and low supervisor support were not associated with absence duration or frequency. We observed no sex differences in these associations.

Conclusions

Psychological distress was associated with increased duration and frequency of work disability among employees with diabetes. Job strain was associated with increased absence frequency but not with absence duration.
Use of antidiabetic and antidepressant drugs is associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction: a nationwide register study
Authors: Rådholm K. , Wiréhn A.‐B. , Chalmers J. , Östgren C. J.
Published: June 2015

Aims

To explore the gender‐ and age‐specific risk of developing a first myocardial infarction in people treated with antidiabetic and/or antidepressant drugs compared with people with no pharmaceutical treatment for diabetes or depression.

Methods

A cohort of all Swedish residents aged 45–84 years (n = 4 083 719) was followed for a period of 3 years. Data were derived from three nationwide registers. The prescription and dispensing of antidiabetic and antidepressant drugs were used as markers of disease. All study subjects were reallocated according to treatment and the treatment categories were updated every year. Data were analysed using a Cox regression model with a time‐dependent variable. The outcome of interest was first fatal or non‐fatal myocardial infarction.

Results

During follow‐up, 42 840 people had a first myocardial infarction, 3511 of which were fatal. Women aged 45–64 years, receiving both antidiabetic and antidepressant drugs had a hazard ratio for myocardial infarction of 7.4 (95% CI 6.3–8.6) compared with women receiving neither. The corresponding hazard ratio for men was 3.1 (95% CI 2.8–3.6).

Conclusions

The combined use of antidiabetic and antidepressant drugs was associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction compared with use of either group of drugs alone. The increase in relative risk was greater in middle‐aged women than in middle‐aged men.
Dental treatment need and dental general anesthetics among preschool‐age children with cleft lip and palate in northern Finland
Authors: Lehtonen Ville , Sándor George K. , Ylikontiola Leena P. , Koskinen Sari , Pesonen Paula , Harila Virpi , Anttonen Vuokko
Published: June 2015

Cleft lip and palate incidence is high in northern Finland. This study aimed to investigate the proportion of children in need of restorative dental treatment among cleft lip and palate patients in northern Finland, as well as their need for dental treatment under general anesthesia. The records of 183 cleft lip and palate patients, treated in Oulu University Hospital from 1997 to 2013, were reviewed. Data on dental caries were analyzed in association with cleft type, considering also the presence of syndromes. The frequency of dental general anesthetic (DGA) use, and of treatments, were also analyzed. Dental treatment need was most frequently observed, in this rather limited study population, in patients with the most severe deformities, namely bilateral cleft lip and palate, of whom 60% had caries. Among the study population, 11.5% (n = 21) had a syndrome. Of those, 57.1% had dental caries at the age of 3 or 6 yr, and only four could be treated without a DGA. Dental treatment under general anesthesia was performed in 14.8% of cleft patients without a syndrome, but in 38.1% of those with a syndrome. General anaesthesia is required for the provision of dental care more often in cleft (17.5%) than in non‐cleft (0.2%) patients, and especially for those with a syndrome.
How gender and financial self‐efficacy influence investment risk taking
Authors: Montford William , Goldsmith Ronald E.
Published: June 2015

Evidence shows alarming numbers of US workers nearing retirement insufficiently save for this next life stage. Moreover, many women invest too conservatively. This finding is of particular concern as women typically live longer than men do, and thus, rely on accumulated savings for longer periods of time. This study extends work in the psychology of investing by examining the relationship between gender and investment risk and the role financial self‐efficacy (FSE) plays. Data collected from 182 US student subjects tested the hypotheses that women make less risky investments than men do and that FSE is positively related to the level of risk taken within investment portfolios. The results not only supported the hypotheses but also the analysis shows that FSE might account for the frequently observed gender difference associated with greater financial risk taking.
Atonement, Impassibility and the Communicatio Operationum
Authors: Duby Steven J.
Published: June 2015

The biblical account of sin and the saving power of the cross stipulates that only one who is God himself can atone for the sin of the world. Older Protestant theologians expounded this scriptural teaching by using the christological concept of the communicatio operationum, without foregoing the doctrine of divine impassibility. However, in contemporary discussion of the atonement, the viability of the communicatio operationum and the impassibility of God have both been called into question. This article recognizes the need for God the Son himself to act and suffer directly on the cross but, in doing so, also argues that we can uphold the impassibility of God by recovering the communicatio operationum and setting out how it coheres with God's impassibility. I therefore discuss the exegetical purpose and dogmatic contours of the communicatio operationum and then display its relationship to God's impassibility in a retrieval of several moves in traditional Reformed theology proper and Christology, in particular the distinction between essence and person in God, the meaning of the enhypostasis of Christ's humanity and the meaning of the communicatio idiomatum.
Variable‐Length Computerized Adaptive Testing Using the Higher Order DINA Model
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Ling , Wang Wen‐Chung
Published: June 2015

Cognitive diagnosis models provide profile information about a set of latent binary attributes, whereas item response models yield a summary report on a latent continuous trait. To utilize the advantages of both models, higher order cognitive diagnosis models were developed in which information about both latent binary attributes and latent continuous traits is available. To facilitate the utility of cognitive diagnosis models, corresponding computerized adaptive testing (CAT) algorithms were developed. Most of them adopt the fixed‐length rule to terminate CAT and are limited to ordinary cognitive diagnosis models. In this study, the higher order deterministic‐input, noisy‐and‐gate (DINA) model was used as an example, and three criteria based on the minimum‐precision termination rule were implemented: one for the latent class, one for the latent trait, and the other for both. The simulation results demonstrated that all of the termination criteria were successful when items were selected according to the Kullback‐Leibler information and the posterior‐weighted Kullback‐Leibler information, and the minimum‐precision rule outperformed the fixed‐length rule with a similar test length in recovering the latent attributes and the latent trait.
A Standardized Generalized Dimensionality Discrepancy Measure and a Standardized Model‐Based Covariance for Dimensionality Assessment for Multidimensional Models
Authors: Levy Roy , Xu Yuning , Yel Nedim , Svetina Dubravka
Published: June 2015

The standardized generalized dimensionality discrepancy measure and the standardized model‐based covariance are introduced as tools to critique dimensionality assumptions in multidimensional item response models. These tools are grounded in a covariance theory perspective and associated connections between dimensionality and local independence. Relative to their precursors, they allow for dimensionality assessment in a more readily interpretable metric of correlations. A simulation study demonstrates the utility of the discrepancy measures’ application at multiple levels of dimensionality analysis, and compares them to factor analytic and item response theoretic approaches. An example illustrates their use in practice.
Single‐Father Families: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Coles Roberta L.
Published: June 2015

The number of children residing in single‐father families in the United States quadrupled as a proportion of children's living arrangements during the past few decades of the 20th century. Research on single fathers also increased and changed in nature. This article is a review of the research on single fathers and their families from the 1970s until recently, focusing on modifications in methodology and theoretical underpinnings. In general, research on single‐father families evolved from qualitative studies focused on the well‐being of single fathers to quantitative studies focusing on child outcomes and within‐group variation among single fathers. Research also moved from descriptive studies to those testing gender and microstructural theories. This article also summarizes the main findings on single fathers and concludes with directions for future research.
Commodification and Westernization: Explaining Declining Nutritional Intake in Contemporary Rural China
Authors: Xu Zhun , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2015

Despite China's rapid growth in the past decade, Chinese rural residents suffer from a continuing decline of both calorie and protein intakes. We investigate the dramatic historical changes in nutritional intake in the Chinese countryside. There are two main explanations for the decline: first, the changing demographic and economic structure contributes to a lower demand for energy compared to traditional rural society; and, second, the rising cost of non‐food essential goods could lead to a squeeze in the food budget. Using both national‐level and provincial‐level data, we find evidence for both factors. We further argue that the current abnormally low level of nutritional intake is mainly due to commodification in the context of diet westernization. Rural residents' nutritional intake declines as they divert their consumption from relatively cheap sources of energy (grain and vegetable) to more expensive alternatives (meat and poultry) under a squeezed budget. The shocking failure of sustaining a healthy rural population is a unique manifestation of the contradiction in the Chinese agrarian relations.
Class Differentiation in RuralChina: Dynamics of Accumulation, Commodification and State Intervention
Authors: Zhang Qian Forrest
Published: June 2015

This paper develops a classification of the emerging agrarian class positions inChina today. Using an instrument based on rural households' combination of market positions in four markets – land, labour, means of production and product – I identify five agrarian classes: the capitalist employer class, the petty‐bourgeois class of commercial farmers, two labouring classes of dual‐employment households and wage workers, and subsistence peasants. This classification is then used as a heuristic device to organize the empirical analysis that examines how dynamics of agrarian change drive class differentiation in ruralChina. For the capitalist employer class, the analysis focuses on their diverse paths of accumulation; for the petty‐bourgeois commercial farmers, their contingent resilience and tendencies of differentiation; and for the two classes of labour, the commodification of their subsistence. The state plays important but varying roles in all these processes.
Prosthodontic Rehabilitation with a Telescopic Prosthesis of a Nonsyndromic Oligodontia Patient
Authors: Sethuram Anil Kumar , Arora Vimal , Kumar Pal Arup , Singh Sandhu Harbir , Sahoo Nand Kishore , Guruprasada B.S.
Published: June 2015

Oligodontia is the congenital absence of six or more permanent teeth, excluding the third molars. Oligodontia of permanent dentition is a rare occurrence. Preservation of the remaining deciduous dentition in such situations is important for both functional and esthetic rehabilitation of the patient. This clinical report describes the rehabilitation of a 16‐year‐old male with oligodontia of permanent teeth treated by an interdisciplinary team of prosthodontist, pedodontist, and orthodontist. The remaining deciduous dentition was endodontically treated. Occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) of the deciduous dentition was assessed. A full‐mouth single piece porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal telescopic prosthesis for the maxillary and mandibular arches was planned with a minimal increase in OVD. The telescopic prosthesis provided excellent retention, stability, esthetics, and stress equalization on the remaining deciduous dentition. Maintenance of oral hygiene procedures was simplified for the adolescent with the telescopic prosthesis. Preservation of remaining deciduous dentition and fabrication of a telescopic prosthesis in this patient provided an effective esthetic and functional rehabilitation.
A Technique to Evaluate the Space for Retentive Components under a Removable Prosthesis
Authors: Hsu Yung‐tsung
Published: June 2015

Space analysis for retentive components is a critical part of a treatment plan for an implant‐retained prosthesis. This article describes a technique to evaluate the retentive component space between the mucosa and intaglio surface of a removable prosthesis. This technique uses a silicone mold to represent the relieved space. Two silicone matrices are fabricated over the silicone space replica as a reference for selecting or fabricating retentive components for the implant‐retained removable prosthesis.
Fabricating Complete Dentures with CAD/CAM and RP Technologies
Authors: Bilgin Mehmet Selim , Erdem Ali , Aglarci Osman Sami , Dilber Erhan
Published: June 2015

Two techological approaches for fabricating dentures; computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and rapid prototyping (RP), are combined with the conventional techniques of impression and jaw relation recording to determine their feasibility and applicability. Maxillary and mandibular edentulous jaw models were produced using silicone molds. After obtaining a gypsum working model, acrylic bases were crafted, and occlusal rims for each model were fabricated with previously determined standard vertical and centric relationships. The maxillary and mandibular relationships were recorded with guides. The occlusal rims were then scanned with a digital scanner. The alignment of the maxillary and mandibular teeth was verified. The teeth in each arch were fabricated in one piece, or set, either by CAM or RP. Conventional waxing and flasking was then performed for both methods. These techniques obviate a practitioner's need for technicians during design and provide the patient with an opportunity to participate in esthetic design with the dentist. In addition, CAD/CAM and RP reduce chair time; however, the materials and techniques need further improvements. Both CAD/CAM and RP techniques seem promising for reducing chair time and allowing the patient to participate in esthetics design. Furthermore, the one‐set aligned artificial tooth design may increase the acrylic's durability.
Time Trends in Bullying Behavior in Italy
Authors: Vieno Alessio , Lenzi Michela , Gini Gianluca , Pozzoli Tiziana , Cavallo Franco , Santinello Massimo
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Given the severity of outcomes associated with involvement in bullying and the resources spent in an effort to reduce its prevalence, it is important to investigate trends in the bullying's occurrence. The main aim of this study was to identify trends from 2002 to 2010 in prevalence of bullying and victimization among Italian adolescents.

METHODS

The survey reported here is part of the larger population‐based cross‐sectional (2002, 2006, and 2010) “Health Behaviour in School Aged Children” (HBSC) transnational study. The sample was comprised of 13,174 Italian middle and secondary school students (11‐ to 15‐year‐olds; 50.3% girls). Data were collected through a self‐report questionnaire. Measures included involvement in bullying as either a perpetrator or a victim. Trends were determined using Gamma statistics.

RESULTS

Consistent and robust decreases in the prevalence of bullying between 2002 and 2010 were detected in Italy. During this time frame both frequent and occasional bullying and victimization decreased by half.

CONCLUSIONS

We measured a strong decrease in involvement in bullying behavior in Italy, in particular after 2006, when the Italian government invested more systematically in the prevention effort on bullying. This is encouraging news for policymakers and practitioners working in the field of bullying prevention.
The Role of Community, Family, Peer, and School Factors in Group Bullying: Implications for School‐Based Intervention
Authors: Mann Michael J. , Kristjansson Alfgeir L. , Sigfusdottir Inga Dora , Smith Megan L.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Although an ecological perspective suggests the importance of multiple levels of intervention, most bullying research has emphasized individual‐ and school‐focused strategies. This study investigated community and family factors that influence school efforts to reduce odds of group bullying behavior and victimization.

METHODS

We used multilevel logistic regression to analyze data from the 2009 Youth in Iceland population school survey (N = 7084, response rate: 83.5%, 50.8% girls).

RESULTS

Parental support and time spent with parents were protective against group bullying behavior while worsening relationships with teachers and disliking school increased the likelihood of such behavior. Knowing kids in the area increased the likelihood of group bullying while intergenerational closure was a protective factor. Normlessness was consistently positively related to group bullying. We found no indication of higher‐level relationships across the bullying models. Parental support was protective against victimization. Disliking school, intergenerational closure, and anomie/normlessness were strongly and negatively related to victimization. We found some indication of multilevel relationships for victimization.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings support efforts to increase family and community connection, closure, and support as a part of school‐based intervention. These factors become more important as young people participate in or experience greater odds of group bullying behavior and victimization.
Aggressive and Violent Behaviors in the School Environment Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Adolescent Youth
Authors: Rajan Sonali , Namdar Rachel , Ruggles Kelly V.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of aggressive and violent behaviors in the context of the school environment in a nationally representative sample of adolescent youth and to illustrate these patterns during 2001‐2011.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 84,734 participants via the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Frequencies were visualized using heatmaps. One‐way analyses of variance and corresponding post hoc tests helped to identify if differences in prevalence fluctuated significantly across all years.

RESULTS

Rates of youth feeling unsafe in their school environment, bringing weapons to school, and engaging in physical fighting on school property continue to persist. Findings illustrated that Hispanic youth and youth classified as “other” have emerged as particularly high‐risk demographic subgroups over the past decade. Peer victimization and sexual victimization continue to affect girls disproportionately.

CONCLUSIONS

Though some variation within demographic subgroups exists, rates of aggressive and violent behaviors in the context of the school environment continue to persist. Implications for the coordinated prevention of aggressive and violent behaviors among adolescent youth are discussed and recommendations for school‐based prevention efforts are identified.
Replacing corn with pearl millet (raw and sprouted) with and without enzyme in chickens' diet
Authors: Afsharmanesh M. , Ghorbani N. , Mehdipour Z.
Published: June 2015

An experiment was conducted to compare a commercial corn–soya bean meal diet with a pearl millet (raw and sprouted) diet containing less soya bean meal, alone or in combination with exogenous enzyme, on growth performance and ileal villus development of chicks. Two‐hundred‐and‐forty‐one‐day‐old male broilers (10/pen) were randomly allocated to one of the following dietary treatments: (i) a standard corn–soya bean meal control diet (CTL); (ii) a raw pearl millet‐soya bean meal diet (PM); (iii) a sprouted pearl millet‐soya bean meal diet (SPM); (iv) CTL + exogenous enzymes (CE); (v) PM + exogenous enzymes (PE); and (vi) SPM + exogenous enzymes (SPE) with four replicate pens/treatment. Body weight of birds at day 21 did not differ between those fed the CTL, and SPM and PE diets. In comparison with feeding broilers the CTL diet, feeding the PE and SPM diets caused significant decrease in feed intake, but with equivalent growth and feed efficiency. However, at day 21, feed conversion ratio did not differ between birds fed the CTL diet and those fed the PM, PE and SPM diets. At day 21, broilers fed the PM and PE diets had longer villi (p < 0.05) than those fed the CTL diet. At day 21, villi width was reduced (p < 0.05) by raw pearl millet supplementation than CTL diet. It is concluded that, in comparison with corn, broiler diets formulated with sprouted pearl millet or pearl millet with enzyme require less soya bean meal and can be used to improve growth performance traits and villus development.