bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can policy makers count with positive impact of entrepreneurship on economic development of the Czech regions?
Authors: Dvouletý Ondřej
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to empirically investigate the impact of the newly established entrepreneurial activity on economic development of the Czech NUTS 3 regions during the period of years 2003-2015.

Design/methodology/approach

An econometric approach was used to validate the stated hypotheses assuming a positive relationship between the new entrepreneurial activity and regional economic growth and a negative relationship between the new entrepreneurial activity and unemployment rate. For the methods, regression models with fixed effects were estimated on the panel that included 13 Czech regions, covering the period of years 2003-2015. The new entrepreneurial activity was classified into two forms – rate of newly established self-employed set-ups per capita and rate of newly established business companies and partnership set-ups per capita.

Findings

Different impacts of newly established business companies and the self-employed were found on real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Only the higher rates of newly established business companies and partnership were associated with higher levels of GDP per capita in the Czech regions, and no impact was found for the rate of new self-employed set-ups. Nevertheless, both forms of newly established entrepreneurial activity were associated with lower unemployment rates in the Czech regions; however, the impact of newly established business companies was significantly higher. The obtained results have several policy implications, which are discussed in the present paper.

Practical implications

Support of entrepreneurship in the Czech regions may improve the situation on the local labour markets and may deliver new job opportunities through the newly established enterprises. The Czech entrepreneurship policies focused on the growth of GDP and economic boom should be oriented more on the support of high-growth enterprises (unicorns).

Originality/value

The empirical analysis was conducted on the basis of the research gap in the studies related to the impact of the newly established entrepreneurial activity on the economic development of the Czech regions. Obtained results have several policy implications, which are discussed in the present paper.
Exchange rate undervaluation and sectoral performance of the South African economy
Authors: Njindan Iyke Bernard
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover the channels through which real exchange rate undervaluation influences the performance of the South African economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The author decomposes the South African economy into three sectors: agriculture, industry, and services. Specifying a model for each sector, the author employs the ordinary least squares (with Newey-West and robust standard errors) and generalized method of moments estimation techniques. The annual time series data cover the period 1962-2014.

Findings

The author finds that real exchange rate undervaluation exerted a positive influence on agriculture and industry, and a negative impact on services.

Research limitations/implications

The results have practical policy implications, which are discussed in the paper.

Originality/value

Although the growth effect of real exchange rate undervaluation has been well established in the literature, the channels through which this occurs has received limited attention. Prior to this study, no study has considered the impact of real exchange rate undervaluation on the economy through the various sectors in the South African context.
Substance misuse in personality disorder and schizophrenia: findings and clinical implications from a high secure hospital
Authors: Cappai Alessandra , Wells Jodie , Tapp James , Perkins Derek , Manners Anna , Ferrito Martha , Gupta Nitin , Das Mrigendra
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Substance misuse (SMU) is widely prevalent in mentally disordered offenders and is linked with violence and offending behaviour. There is however, a scarcity of literature dedicated to investigating SMU and its clinical correlates in relation to patients detained within high secure hospital settings. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and severity of SMU and corresponding treatment needs in patients with a primary diagnosis of personality disorder (PD) in comparison with mental illness (MI) in a high secure hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

The responsible clinicians of all patients (n=240) detained in a high secure hospital were asked to record information using a SMU screening questionnaire over a ten-month period. Details requested included substance type, history of past use and assessment and treatment needs. Data were recorded and then analysed: descriptive statistics were conducted to report historical use of substances, cross tabulations and χ2 analysis explored the relationship between SMU and treatment status and diagnosis and offending behaviour and a means comparison analysis was employed to explore length of stay and treatment of SMU.

Findings

A total of 230 questionnaires were returned (95 per cent of the patient population). A history of SMU was reported in 88.6 per cent of the sample, with alcohol and cannabis misuse being the most prevalent. At least one substance had been abused by 74.3 per cent of the sample. In two-thirds of the sample, SMU was linked with the onset of mental health problems and symptom exacerbation, including violence. Interestingly, patients with a diagnosis of MI as compared with PD were more likely to have used substances (93.3 per cent compared to 81.9 per cent) and were more likely to need treatment for SMU (64.3 per cent compared to 36.8 per cent). In those with an MI diagnosis, SMU was more likely to be linked with violence and index offence (74.3 per cent compared to 59.0 per cent).

Practical implications

SMU is significantly prevalent in high risk mentally disordered offenders and linked to onset of mental health problems and offending. Patients with schizophrenia have a higher prevalence of SMU than PD and are likely to be more in need of treatment. Violence and offending are more likely to be related to SMU in schizophrenia than in PD.

Originality/value

This study substantiates existing evidence that SMU contributes to mental health problems and criminogenic behaviour. Furthermore, the study reports new findings that characterize differences of the relationship of SMU to offending in schizophrenia and PD in forensic psychiatric patients presenting to a high secure hospital.
Can internal control activities and managerial conduct influence business sustainability? A South African SMME perspective
Authors: Bruwer Juan-Pierré , Coetzee Philna , Meiring Jacolize
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the empirical relationships that exist between two of the elements of a sound internal control system, namely internal control activities and managerial conduct, and the perceived sustainability of South African small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from management and employees of 100 South African SMMEs operating in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods industry. All participants were interviewed by means of face-to-face structured interviews due to the complexity of the questions posed.

Findings

Only general management competencies have a relationship with the economic sustainability of these business entities. The rejection of three of the four hypotheses supports the current poor sustainability rate with approximately 75 per cent of South African SMMEs having to close their doors after being in operation for only three years.

Originality/value

As this study is the first of its kind for SMMEs, and although limited relationships were identified, it is crucial for management of SMMEs as well as government bodies that have an influence sphere over these entities, to ensure that SMME management incorporate crucial internal control activities and appropriate management conduct in their businesses.
Synthesis of pigments in Fe2O3-Al2O3-CoO by co-precipitation method
Authors: Frolova Liliya , Pivovarov Alexander , Butyrina Tatyana
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to study the patterns of pigment colour formation and to develop metal compositions for obtaining spinels using the precipitation and heat treatment methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Precursor materials were prepared using co-precipitation method. Phase composition of pigments were determined by X-ray diffraction. Colour of pigments was determined spectrophotometry. Modelling of colour formation was performed using simplex method. Planning in the future to carry out full synthesis of pigments of blue, red and yellow colours.

Findings

The paper deals with the results of theoretical and experimental research on the synthesis pigments of blue, red and yellow colours based on Fe-Co-Al-O spinel. The influence of the chromophore cation content and the heat treatment temperature on optical and colour characteristics of pigments were studied.

Originality/value

The resulting composition-property diagrams make it possible to evaluate the effect of chromophore cations and heat treatment on the colour formation for Fe2O3-Al2O3-CoO system. Crystal-phase composition of the pigments is installed and its relationship with the optical colour characteristics. That makes it possible carry out targeted synthesis of pigments blue, red and yellow colours in further. The phase composition of pigments and its relationship with optical and colour properties has been established thus enabling the directed synthesis of blue, red and yellow pigments.
Six Sigma in education
Authors: LeMahieu Paul G. , Nordstrum Lee E. , Cudney Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper is one of seven in this volume that aims to elaborate different approaches to quality improvement in education. It delineates a methodology called Six Sigma.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the origins, theoretical foundations, core principles and a case study demonstrating an application of Six Sigma in a school-community partnership in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Findings

The core principles underlying the approach are decreasing variability or unreliability in organizational work processes, eliminate waste or activity that does not add value to desired outcomes, identify defects and decrease their incidence, reduce the cost of work processes, and improve beneficiary/client satisfaction levels. The steps in this statistics-dependent method are design, measure, analyze, improve and control.

Originality/value

Few theoretical treatments and demonstration cases are currently available on commonly used models of quality improvement that might have potential value in improving education systems internationally. This paper fills this gap by elucidating one promising approach. The paper also derives value as it permits a comparison of the Six Sigma approach with other quality improvement approaches treated in this volume.
Incorporation of Cross‐Disciplinary Teaching and a Wiki Research Project to Engage Undergraduate Students’ to Develop Information Literacy, Critical Thinking, and Communication Skills
Authors: Crist Courtney A. , Duncan Susan E. , Bianchi Laurie M.
Published: July 2017

A Wiki research project was created in the Functional Foods for Health (FST/HNFE 2544) as an instructional tool and assignment for improving undergraduate students’ proficiency in evaluating appropriate information sources for rapidly evolving science and research. The project design targeted improving students’ information literacy skills including how students obtain, discern relevant and reliable scientific information from propaganda, critique information, and communicate scientific language. In addition to the Wiki research project, guest experts in political science, statistics, and human nutrition discussed their expertise as related to functional foods to the class. A reviewer rubric was developed to evaluate and compare Wiki project assignments from the Fall 2013 course (experimental; cross‐disciplinary topics) with the previous course offering (control, Fall 2012; no cross‐disciplinary lectures) to establish a directionality of academic performance change between the 2 course years. Eight rubric criteria were categorized as critical thinking, cross‐discipline, and communication (scoring: 1 [lowest] and 3 [highest]). We observed that the critical thinking criteria (n = 5) had improved scores (P < 0.05) from Fall 2012 to Fall 2013. Cross‐discipline criteria (n = 2) had one categorical improvement (P < 0.05) but one category did not have improved scores (P > 0.05) in the experimental year (Fall 2013) despite the multidiscipline guest lectures. This educational intervention provides value to instructors for incorporating critical thinking, information literacy, and communication assignments that encourage skill development and practice to improve student proficiency. Students felt their skills and knowledge increased based on this project. This manuscript provides assignment guidelines and teaching techniques used to assist in development and improvement of students’ critical thinking skills, communication, and information literacy.
Quantitative 13C‐isotope labelling‐based analysis to elucidate the influence of environmental parameters on the production of fermentative aromas during wine fermentation
Authors: Rollero Stéphanie , Mouret Jean‐Roch , Bloem Audrey , Sanchez Isabelle , Ortiz‐Julien Anne , Sablayrolles Jean‐Marie , Dequin Sylvie , Camarasa Carole
Published: July 2017

Nitrogen and lipids are key nutrients of grape must that influence the production of fermentative aromas by wine yeast, and we have previously shown that a strong interaction exists between these two nutrients. However, more than 90% of the acids and higher alcohols (and their acetate ester derivatives) were derived from intermediates produced by the carbon central metabolism (CCM). The objective of this study was to determine how variations in nitrogen and lipid resources can modulate the contribution of nitrogen and carbon metabolisms for the production of fermentative aromas. A quantitative analysis of metabolism using 13C‐labelled leucine and valine showed that nitrogen availability affected the part of the catabolism of N‐containing compounds, the formation of α‐ketoacids from CCM and the redistribution of fluxes around these precursors, explaining the optimum production of higher alcohols occurring at an intermediate nitrogen content. Moreover, nitrogen content modulated the total production of acids and higher alcohols differently, through variations in the redox state of cells. We also demonstrated that the phytosterol content, modifying the intracellular availability of acetyl‐CoA, can influence the flux distribution, especially the formation of higher alcohols and the conversion of α‐ketoisovalerate to α‐ketoisocaproate.
Unravelling biocomplexity of electroactive biofilms for producing hydrogen from biomass
Authors: Lewis Alex J. , Campa Maria F. , Hazen Terry C. , Borole Abhijeet P.
Published: July 2017

Leveraging nature's biocomplexity for solving human problems requires better understanding of the syntrophic relationships in engineered microbiomes developed in bioreactor systems. Understanding the interactions between microbial players within the community will be key to enhancing conversion and production rates from biomass streams. Here we investigate a bioelectrochemical system employing an enriched microbial consortium for conversion of a switchgrass‐derived bio‐oil aqueous phase (BOAP) into hydrogen via microbial electrolysis (MEC). MECs offer the potential to produce hydrogen in an integrated fashion in biorefinery platforms and as a means of energy storage through decentralized production to supply hydrogen to fuelling stations, as the world strives to move towards cleaner fuels and electricity‐mediated transportation. A unique approach combining differential substrate and redox conditions revealed efficient but rate‐limiting fermentation of the compounds within BOAP by the anode microbial community through a division of labour strategy combined with multiple levels of syntrophy. Despite the fermentation limitation, the adapted abilities of the microbial community resulted in a high hydrogen productivity of 9.35 L per L‐day. Using pure acetic acid as the substrate instead of the biomass‐derived stream resulted in a three‐fold improvement in productivity. This high rate of exoelectrogenesis signifies the potential commercial feasibility of MEC technology for integration in biorefineries.
Sustainable therapies by engineered bacteria
Authors: Álvarez Beatriz , Fernández Luis Ángel
Published: July 2017

The controlled in situ delivery of biologics (e.g. enzymes, cytokines, antibodies) by engineered bacteria of our microbiome will allow the sustainable production of these complex and expensive drugs locally in the human body, overcoming many of the technical and economical barriers currently associated with the global use of these potent medicines. We provide examples showing how engineered bacteria can be effective treatments against multiple pathologies, including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, infectious diseases and cancer, hence contributing to achieve the Global Sustainable Goal 3: ensure healthy lives and promote well‐being for all at all ages.
The role of diffusion‐weighted imaging in prediction liver iron concentration in beta‐thalassaemia patients
Authors: Akpinar Suha , Yilmaz Guliz , Bulakbasi Nail , Kocaoglu Murat
Published: July 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyse the value of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) to determine the liver parenchyma iron concentration in β‐thalassaemia major patients.

Methods

Abdominal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, including gradient echo sequences and DWI sequences, was undertaken of 55 β‐thalassaemia major patients. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of liver parenchyma were measured in seven regions at the level of the portal bifurcation and compared with liver iron concentration (LIC). Patients with normal and mild liver dry weight (LDW) results were classified as group 1, whereas patients with moderate and severe values were classified as group 2.

Results

There was a dramatic decrease in ADC values as the severity of LIC increased. The median ADC values were 1.6–1.9 × 10−3 mm2/sec in group 1 and 0.6–0.9 × 10−3 mm2/sec in group 2. A negative correlation was observed between ADC and the LDW values in both groups. The ADC and LIC correlation in each subgroup was statistically significant with asymptotic 95% confidence intervals of 0.820–0.997.

Conclusion

Diffusion‐weighted imaging is sensitive to tissue changes as a result of iron accumulation and may be used to predict liver iron overload in β‐thalassaemia major patients with a high sensitivity and specificity.
patternize: An R package for quantifying colour pattern variation
Authors: Van Belleghem Steven M. , Papa Riccardo , Ortiz‐Zuazaga Humberto , Hendrickx Frederik , Jiggins Chris D. , Owen McMillan W. , Counterman Brian A.
Published: July 2017

The use of image data to quantify, study and compare variation in the colours and patterns of organisms requires the alignment of images to establish homology, followed by colour‐based segmentation of images. Here, we describe anRpackage for image alignment and segmentation that has applications to quantify colour patterns in a wide range of organisms.

patternizeis anRpackage that quantifies variation in colour patterns obtained from image data.patternizefirst defines homology between pattern positions across specimens either through manually placed homologous landmarks or automated image registration. Pattern identification is performed by categorizing the distribution of colours using an RGB threshold,k‐means clustering or watershed transformation.

We demonstrate thatpatternizecan be used for quantification of the colour patterns in a variety of organisms by analysing image data for butterflies, guppies, spiders and salamanders. Image data can be compared between sets of specimens, visualized as heatmaps and analysed using principal component analysis.

patternizehas potential applications for fine scale quantification of colour pattern phenotypes in population comparisons, genetic association studies and investigating the basis of colour pattern variation across a wide range of organisms.
Preliminary surveys of the endangered Lord Howe Island cockroach Panesthia lata (Blattodea: Blaberidae) on two islands within the Lord Howe Group, Australia
Authors: Carlile Nicholas , Priddel David , O'Dwyer Terence
Published: July 2017

Little is known of the Endangered Lord Howe Island Cockroach Panesthia lata Walker, , other than that it disappeared from Lord Howe Island following the introduction of ship rats Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758) in 1918. With a rodent‐eradication programme being planned for Lord Howe Island, an opportunity exists to reintroduce P. lata once rodents have been removed. Previous brief surveys of other islands within the Lord Howe Group have found that P. lata still occurs on some of these islands. In this study, further surveys were conducted on two of those islands (Blackburn and Roach) to gain a better understanding of the distribution and abundance of P. lata there and to investigate potential survey techniques. Brief observations were also made of the behaviour and ecology of the species. Extrapolation from survey plots showed that although 60% of the estimated population of 10 000 individuals on Blackburn Island were living beneath the sole Banyan Ficus macrophylla Desf. tree, P. lata was widely distributed across the island, utilising both native and exotic vegetation, including the introduced Rhodes Grass Chloris gayana Kunth. On Roach Island, the bulk of the estimated population of 3500 individuals occurred within Leafy Flat Sedge Cyperus lucidus R. Br. habitat. Panesthia lata seemingly spends considerable time sheltering within refuges rather than foraging on the surface; consequently, population estimates based on surface counts are underestimates. Improving either the accuracy or precision of these counts risks damaging individuals and their habitat. Mark‐recapture techniques were not applicable for assessing the abundance of this species, but trials of novel attraction stations indicated that such devices could be useful for monitoring distribution and gross fluctuations in population size. Panesthia lata appears to feed on any dead vegetation, but primarily leaves. Individuals were relatively sedentary overnight, sheltering by day under any object that provided the appropriate microenvironment. Soil characteristics in areas where P. lata sheltered were significantly modified, suggesting that this species may play an important role in soil conditioning and nutrient cycling. Maintaining the rodent‐free status of islands on which P. lata occurs is a high priority for this species.
4 Community Labor and Laboring Communities within the Tiwanaku State (C.E. 500–1100)
Authors: Becker Sara K.
Published: July 2017

Understanding how work was managed and who participated in state‐level societies can help elucidate daily activities as well as community development within an emerging complex society. Tiwanaku, with multiethnic neighborhoods in the Titicaca Basin, Bolivia and colonies near present‐day Moquegua, Peru, provides a comparison of labor between groups. Specific skeletal evidence of activity (i.e., musculoskeletal stress markers and osteoarthritis) was evaluated to infer how habitual activity varied within this state. Labor rates show that laborers did not work at the behest of elites and results suggest instead, that people worked as reciprocal laborers in a guild‐like system.
7 Living Among the Dead: Establishing and Maintaining Community in Northern Albania
Authors: Deskaj Sylvia
Published: July 2017

While bioarchaeology and mortuary analysis are inextricably woven into the study of past populations, modern communities provide valuable insight into the complex relationships between past and present. Population movements, both past and present, affect community dynamics and can be traced through careful, diachronic study of regional mortuary monuments and practices. The northern Albanian province of Shkodër is an ideal testing ground for examining social changes accompanying the regional movement of both people and things. I contend that Bronze Age and modern communities have used mortuary monuments, mounds, and cemeteries, similarly, to encourage and discourage social contextual interaction.
Biodiversity as a solution to mitigate climate change impacts on the functioning of forest ecosystems
Authors: Hisano Masumi , Searle Eric B. , Chen Han Y. H.
Published: July 2017

Forest ecosystems are critical to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration. However, climate change has affected forest ecosystem functioning in both negative and positive ways, and has led to shifts in species/functional diversity and losses in plant species diversity which may impair the positive effects of diversity on ecosystem functioning. Biodiversity may mitigate climate change impacts on (I) biodiversity itself, as more‐diverse systems could be more resilient to climate change impacts, and (II) ecosystem functioning through the positive relationship between diversity and ecosystem functioning. By surveying the literature, we examined how climate change has affected forest ecosystem functioning and plant diversity. Based on the biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning (B→EF), we specifically address the potential for biodiversity to mitigate climate change impacts on forest ecosystem functioning. For this purpose, we formulate a concept whereby biodiversity may reduce the negative impacts or enhance the positive impacts of climate change on ecosystem functioning. Further B→EF studies on climate change in natural forests are encouraged to elucidate how biodiversity might influence ecosystem functioning. This may be achieved through the detailed scrutiny of large spatial/long temporal scale data sets, such as long‐term forest inventories. Forest management strategies based on B→EF have strong potential for augmenting the effectiveness of the roles of forests in the mitigation of climate change impacts on ecosystem functioning.
In vitro activity of the interaction between taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) and pyrimethamine against Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Abugri Daniel A. , Witola William H. , Russell Albert E. , Troy Roberta M.
Published: July 2017

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most neglected zoonotic foodborne parasitic diseases that cause public health and socioeconomic concern worldwide. The current drugs used for the treatment of toxoplasmosis have been identified to have clinical limitations. Hence, new drugs are urgently needed to eradicate T.gondii infections globally. Here, an in vitro anti‐Toxoplasma gondii activity of taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) and dihydrofolate inhibitor (pyrimethamine) alone and in combination with a fixed concentration of pyrimethamine were investigated against the rapidly proliferating T.gondii RH strain at 48 hr using colorimetric assay. Pyrimethamine showed the highest anti‐T. gondii activity with IC50P of 0.84 μg/ml (p > .05), respectively. The combination of pyrimethamine with dihydroquercetin gave a significant inhibitory activity against tachyzoites in in vitro with IC50p of 1.39 μg/ml (p < .05). The IC50p ranges obtained for the individual and the combination of taxifolin with pyrimethamine inhibition of parasite growth were not cytotoxic to the infected HFF and Hek‐293 cell lines used. These compounds combination should be investigated further using in vivo model of toxoplasmosis.
Patient‐reported signs of dampness at home may be a risk factor for chronic rhinosinusitis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ahlroth Pind C. , Gunnbjörnsdottír M. , Bjerg A. , Järvholm B. , Lundbäck B. , Malinovschi A. , Middelveld R. , Sommar J. Nilsson , Norbäck D. , Janson C.
Published: July 2017

Background

An association between dampness at home and respiratory conditions has been convincingly demonstrated in children. Fewer studies have been performed in adults, and data are lacking for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). With a prevalence of 10.9% in Europe, CRS imposes a significant burden on quality of life, as well as economy.

Objective

Our aim was to study CRS and other respiratory conditions in relation to dampness at home in a representative sample of adults.

Methods

The Swedish GA2LEN questionnaire was answered by 26 577 adults (16‐75 years) and included questions on respiratory symptoms, smoking, education and environmental exposure. CRS was defined according to the EP3OS criteria. Dampness was defined as reporting water damage, floor dampness or visible moulds in the home during the last 12 months. The dampness score was ranked from 0 to 3, counting the number of signs of dampness reported.

Results

Dampness at home was reported by 11.3% and was independently related to respiratory conditions after adjustment for demographic and socio‐economic factors and smoking: CRS odds ratio (OR) 1.71; allergic rhinitis OR 1.24; current asthma OR 1.21; wheeze OR 1.37; nocturnal dyspnoea OR 1.80; nocturnal coughing OR 1.34; and chronic bronchitis OR 1.64. The risk of CRS and most of the other respiratory conditions was further elevated in subjects reporting multiple signs of dampness.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This study demonstrated an independent association between dampness at home and CRS in adults. The high burden of this and the other respiratory conditions studied is a strong argument in favour of countering indoor dampness by improving building standards.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and cerebral metabolic abnormalities in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy subtypes: Evidence from proton MR spectroscopy and muscle biopsy
Authors: Niu Feng‐Nan , Meng Hai‐Lan , Chang Lei‐Lei , Wu Hong‐Yan , Li Wei‐Ping , Liu Ren‐Yuan , Wang Hui‐Ting , Zhang Bing , Xu Yun
Published: July 2017

Aims

Accumulated evidence indicates that cerebral metabolic features, evaluated by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS), are sensitive to early mitochondrion dysfunction associated with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy (ME). The metabolite ratios of lactate (lac)/Cr, N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr), total choline (tCho)/Cr, and myoinositol (mI)/Cr are measured in the infarct‐like lesions by 1H‐MRS and may reveal metabolic changes associated with ME. However, the application of this molecular imaging technique in the investigation of the pathology of ME subtypes is unknown.

Methods

In this study, cerebral metabolic features of pathologically diagnosed ME cases, that is, 19 mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS); nine chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO); and 23 healthy controls, were investigated using 1H‐MRS. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic power of the cerebral metabolites. Histochemical evaluation was carried out on muscle tissues derived from biopsy to assess the abnormal mitochondrial proliferation. The association between cerebral metabolic and mitochondrial cytopathy was examined by correlation analysis.

Results

Patients with MELAS or CPEO exhibited a significantly higher Lac/Cr ratio and a lower NAA/Cr ratio compared with controls. The ROC curve of Lac/Cr ratio indicated prominent discrimination between MELAS or CPEO and healthy control subjects, whereas the NAA/Cr ratio may present diagnostic power in the distinction of MELAS from CPEO. Lower NAA/Cr ratio was associated with higher Lac/Cr in MELAS, but not in CPEO. Furthermore, higher ragged‐red fibers (RRFs) percentages were associated with elevated Lac/Cr and reduced NAA/Cr ratios, notably in MELAS. This association was not noted in the case of mI/Cr ratio.

Conclusions

Mitochondrial cytopathy (lactic acidosis and RRFs on muscle biopsy) was associated with neuronal viability but not glial proliferation, notably in MELAS. Mitochondrial neuronopathy and neuronal vulnerability are considered significant causes in the pathogenesis of MELAS, particularly with regard to stroke‐like episodes.
Exploring the evidence base for Tier 3 weight management interventions for adults: a systematic review
Authors: Brown T. J. , O'Malley C. , Blackshaw J. , Coulton V. , Tedstone A. , Summerbell C. , Ells L. J.
Published: July 2017

Specialist weight management services provide a treatment option for severe obesity. The objective of the study is to review the characteristics, impact and practice implications of specialist weight management services for adults in the UK. Systematic review: EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched from January 2005 to March 2016 with supplementary searches. Adults with a body mass index of ≥40 kg m−2, or ≥35 kg m−2 with comorbidity or ≥30 kg m−2 with type 2 diabetes and any study of multicomponent interventions, in any UK or Ireland setting, delivered by a specialist multidisciplinary team are the inclusion criteria. Fourteen studies in a variety of settings were included: 1 randomized controlled trial, 3 controlled and 10 observational studies. Mean baseline body mass index and age ranged from 40 to 54 kg m−2 and from 40 to 58 years. The studies were heterogeneous making comparisons of service characteristics difficult. Multidisciplinary team composition and eligibility criteria varied; dropout rates were high (43–62%). Statistically significant reduction in mean body mass index over time ranged from −1.4 to −3.1 kg m−2 and mean weight changes ranged from −2.2 to −12.4 kg. Completers achieving at least 5% reduction of initial body weight ranged from 32 to 51%. There was evidence for improved outcomes in diabetics. Specialist weight management services can demonstrate clinically significant weight loss and have an important role in supporting adults to manage severe and often complex forms of obesity. This review highlights important variations in provision and strongly indicates the need for further research into effective approaches to support severely obese adults.
Comparison of conventional cytology and SurePath in split thyroid fine needle aspiration materials
Authors: Sahin D. , Yilmazbayhan D. , Firat P. , Hacisalihoglu U. P. , Kirimlioglu S. H. , Celenk E. , Arslan R.
Published: July 2017

Objective

The aim of the present study was to compare the cytomorphological features and cytopathological diagnoses in thyroid aspiration materials prepared by SurePath® (SP) and conventional cytology (CC).

Materials and methods

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) materials from 180 thyroid nodules were divided into two groups to prepare three conventional smears and one SP slide. Twenty‐nine cytomorphological features of thyroid lesions were compared in the CC and SP slides. The Kappa coefficiency was determined for each. The cytopathological diagnosis of CC and SP were compared.

Results

The feature with the lowest Kappa coefficient was the haemorrhagic background, whereas nuclear molding had the highest Kappa coefficient. The rates of the atypical and suspicious cytopathological diagnostic categories were decreased, whereas the rates of benign and malignant categories were increased in SP. When the cytopathological diagnoses of CC and SP were compared with the histopathological diagnoses of the 31 thyroidectomy materials, the results were similar.

Conclusion

The common problems seen in CC, such as an excessive number of slides, a haemorrhagic background and air drying artefact in the SP method were not encountered. Through these advantages, the rate of the indeterminate cytopathological diagnosis was low in SP. In addition to those advantages, the increased rates of non‐diagnostic cases, the difficulty in evaluating the cytomorphologic features owing to tridimensional structures and the smaller size of the cells and the presence of tridimensional structures uninterpreted microscopically were the disadvantages of SP. The present results showed that SP could be used instead of CC in thyroid cytopathology.
The Spillover of Child‐Related Stress into Parents' Relationship Mediated by Couple Communication
Authors: Zemp Martina , Nussbeck Fridtjof W. , Cummings E. Mark , Bodenmann Guy
Published: July 2017

Objective

The present study examines the impact of parents' perceptions of child‐related stress on observed couple communication and their self‐reported relationship satisfaction.

Background

A considerable body of evidence indicates that challenges related to raising children can negatively affect parents' interactions and relationship satisfaction. Although some potentially underlying mechanisms have been explored in previous research, questions about the potential effect of child‐related stress on the interparental relationship remain open.

Method

Parents' perceptions of child‐related stress and relationship satisfaction were assessed in a convenience sample of 118 parental couples living in Switzerland. Additionally, the couples participated in a conflict conversation task to obtain an observational measure of couples' communication quality. Data were analyzed with an actor–partner interdependence mediation model.

Results

Child‐related stress among parents was directly linked to lower relationship satisfaction in both partners and one partner's child‐related stress was associated with the other partner's communication quality. The mediation analysis revealed that high levels of child‐related stress were linked with relationship satisfaction by impairing the other partner's communication quality.

Conclusion

The study suggests that child‐related stress is among the challenges that may impair parents' relationship quality, partially mediated through worsened couple communication.

Implications

The findings support the potential benefits of prevention programs aimed at reducing child‐related stress and enhancing couple coping skills for maintaining parents' relationship satisfaction over time.
[Fe–S] cluster assembly in the apicoplast and its indispensability in mosquito stages of the malaria parasite
Authors: Charan Manish , Choudhary Hadi Hasan , Singh Nidhi , Sadik Mohammad , Siddiqi Mohammad Imran , Mishra Satish , Habib Saman
Published: July 2017

The relict plastid (apicoplast) of the malaria parasite is the site for important biochemical pathways and is essential for parasite survival. The sulfur mobilization (SUF) pathway of iron–sulfur [Fe–S] cluster assembly in the apicoplast of Plasmodium spp. is of interest due to its absence in the human host suggesting the possibility of antimalarial intervention through apicoplast [Fe–S] biogenesis. We report biochemical characterization of components of the Plasmodium falciparum apicoplast SUF pathway after the first step of SUF. In vitro interaction experiments and in vivo cross‐linking showed that apicoplast‐encoded PfSufB and apicoplast‐targeted PfSufC and PfSufD formed a complex. The PfSufB‐C2‐D complex could function as a scaffold to assemble [4Fe–4S] clusters in vitro and activity of the PfSufC ATPase was enhanced by PfSufD. Two carrier proteins, the NifU‐like protein PfNfu and the A‐type carrier PfSufA are homodimers, the former mediating transfer of [4Fe–4S] from the scaffold to a model [4Fe–4S] target protein with higher efficiency. Conditional knockout of SufS, the enzyme catalyzing the first step of SUF, by selective excision in the mosquito stages of Plasmodium berghei severely impaired development of sporozoites in oocysts establishing essentiality of the SUF machinery in the vector. Our results delineate steps of the complete apicoplast SUF pathway and demonstrate its critical role in the parasite life cycle.
Earth science at the UK's deepest laboratory
Authors: De Angelis Sarah Henton
Published: July 2017

Deep below the coast of North Yorkshire, UK, scientists are conducting world‐class research into elusive dark matter and life on other planets, and are using the products of exploding stars to combat climate change and revolutionize how we monitor the storage of CO2 emitted from industry. Boulby Underground Laboratory is hosted within Boulby Mine, the deepest active mine in the UK. Funded by the UK government through the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the laboratory sits within a tunnel hewn from halite at a depth of 1100 m. Originally built for research into particle and astrophysics, recent years have seen a move unprecedented among similar facilities around the world—a significant expansion of research into a wide variety of other scientific fields. Today, Earth science research at Boulby includes Muon tomography for monitoring deep carbon sequestration, ultra‐low‐background gamma spectroscopy, studies of life in extreme environments, and developing Mars rover equipment to analyse Martian geology.
The only show cave known to boast a Palaeozoic reef
Authors: Painter Deborah
Published: July 2017

In south‐central Pennsylvania, USA, is the world's only Upper Silurian/lower Devonian period shallow water marine reef, located deep within a cave and operated for the tourist trade. Other unusual features in the cave include black basaltic rock, the presence of nearly perfect clear calcite crystals and varied cave decorations. The reef is primarily composed of stromatoporoids with brachiopods and crinoids and is part of the Upper Silurian Jersey Shore Member of the Keyser Formation siliciclastics and carbonates. Just outside the cave itself is a transition to the Devonian New Creek and Corriganville formations, also siliciclastics and carbonates. In these formations are the only actual fossil corals in the vicinity of the cave discovered by Boy Scouts in 1928 by climbing through a natural entrance. ‘Wonderland Coral Caverns’ was opened to the public in the 1930s and closed in the 1980s until a safer entrance could be created. The cave is the result of the Alleghanian Orogeny in which Silurian and Devonian sedimentary strata were buried without metamorphism beneath the encroaching northwest African continental mass as the proto‐Atlantic Ocean and the Rheic Ocean closed. The mass eroded completely and the resulting sediments were transported to the west of modern day Pennsylvania, leaving a karst topography and a well preserved fossil reef.
The association between three attitude‐related indexes of oral hygiene and secondary implant failures: A retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Tecco S , Grusovin MG , Sciara S , Bova F , Pantaleo G , Capparé P
Published: July 2017

Objective

This study evaluated the strength of the association between three widely used clinical indexes considered as distal behavioural indicators of attitude‐related oral status (an index of oral hygiene, the plaque index [PI] and two periodontal indexes, that is the presence of bleeding on probing [BOP] and of pockets probing depth [PPD]) and secondary implant failure due to peri‐implantitis in patients rehabilitated with cemented prosthesis.

Materials and Methods

The study included patients who underwent implant‐prosthetic rehabilitation and had joined the programme of maintenance of the same hospital. Implant failures, number of months between implant insertion and implant loading, and patients’ surgical protocol were monitored and recorded. Further, PI, BOP and PPD—all attitude‐related indicators of oral hygiene and periodontal inflammation—were recorded and related, in terms of odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding risk factors, to secondary implant failures.

Results

A total of 1427 patients (2673 implants) were enrolled. The follow‐up ranged from 1.5 to 9 years (mean 5.3 years±1.3). The cumulative survival rate was 98.01%. Thirty‐two patients (36 implants, 1.36% of all implants) had implant failure. A statistically significant association between PI, BOP, PPD and secondary failures due to peri‐implantitis was observed.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, all three attitude‐related behavioural indicators—the plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and abnormal probing pocket depth (PPD)—proved to be significant risk indicators for secondary implant failure due to peri‐implantitis, both from a clinical and from a socio‐psychological attitude‐related perspective.
Not in your usual Top 10: protists that infect plants and algae
Authors: Schwelm Arne , Badstöber Julia , Bulman Simon , Desoignies Nicolas , Etemadi Mohammad , Falloon Richard E. , Gachon Claire M. M. , Legreve Anne , Lukeš Julius , Merz Ueli , Nenarokova Anna , Strittmatter Martina , Sullivan Brooke K. , Neuhauser Sigrid
Published: July 2017

Fungi, nematodes and oomycetes belong to the most prominent eukaryotic plant pathogenic organisms. Unicellular organisms from other eukaryotic lineages, commonly addressed as protists, also infect plants. This review provides an introduction to plant pathogenic protists, including algae infecting oomycetes, and their current state of research.
The influence of habitat accessibility on the dietary and morphological specialisation of an aquatic predator
Authors: Marklund Maria H. K. , Svanbäck Richard , Zha Yinghua , Scharnweber Kristin , Eklöv Peter
Published: July 2017

Individual diet and habitat specialisation are widespread in animal taxa and often related to levels of predation and competition. Mobile consumers such as predatory fish can stabilise lake food webs by ranging over a larger area than their prey, thereby switching between habitats. Although, this switching assumes that the predator has equal preference for the available prey, individual diet specialisation and morphological adaptations to different habitats could potentially prevent individuals from switching between habitats. In this study, we assessed the niche width and individual specialisation in Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis in response to a shift in habitat use by manipulating the ability for this top predator to couple habitats. We ran an eight weeks pond experiment, to test the effect of habitat switching on diet and morphological specialisations. We show that habitat coupling influenced individual diet specialisation and niche use in expected directions where specialisation increased with decreasing habitat switching. In contrast to expectations, the morphological variation decreased with increasing diet specialisation. Our results expand on previous work and suggest that individual specialisation and niche width can impact the ability of mobile predators to couple habitats. Furthermore, it shows the importance of individual specialisations in relation to habitat coupling.
Work–family conflict, psychological availability, and child emotion regulation: Spillover and crossover in dual‐earner families
Authors: MATIAS MARISA , FERREIRA TIAGO , VIEIRA JOANA , CADIMA JOANA , LEAL TERESA , M. MATOS PAULA
Published: July 2017

Work–family balance and child rearing are major social concerns. Few studies, however, have addressed how parents' work–family conflict (WFC) associates with children's emotion regulation. This study proposes the link to occur through parents' psychological availability (PA). In our model we tested both intraindividual and interindividual effects on a sample of 138 dual‐earner couples with preschool‐aged children. Our results showed that WFC related negatively to PA (actor and partner effects); fathers' and mothers' PA associated negatively with child lability and positively with child emotion regulation. Indirect effects were found for fathers' and mothers' WFC and children's emotion regulation and lability through partners' PA, controlling for child gender and temperament. These findings showed a dyadic pattern among couples' work–family balance, parenting, and children's emotion regulation.