bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buyout Transactions in the German‐speaking Region: Determinants of Abnormal Performance and Unlevered Returns
Authors: Söffge Fabian , Braun Reiner
Published: August 2018

This is one of the first comprehensive studies of drivers of private equity performance in the German‐speaking region known as the DACH, made up of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It contributes three things to private equity research: First, it explains how operational value drivers affect operational performance (operational alpha) and unlevered rates of return. Second, it whether the same relationships hold across different kinds of private equity business models (those with either organic or inorganic growth strategies; or whether PE investments are small‐cap or mid‐to‐large‐cap). Third, it distinguished between the periods before and after the global financial crisis of 2008.

The authors found that (1) annualised benchmark‐adjusted EBITDA margin growth (i.e. improvement in EBITDA margin) is the most significant determinant in abnormal operational performance and unlevered returns, regardless of the business model; (2) private equity firms executing a buy‐and‐build strategy generate lower unlevered returns than those executing an organic growth strategy when the benchmark company is clearly outperformed, most likely because of limited PE managerial resources; (3) mid‐to‐large‐cap private equity firms generate higher unlevered returns and operational alphas than small‐cap private equity firms when the benchmark company is clearly outperformed, because, we believe, larger companies have a higher fixed cost leverage than smaller ones; and we have found that (4) buyout transactions exited during or after the financial crisis yield higher operational alphas but lower unlevered returns compared to buyout transactions exited before the crisis, when the portfolio company underperforms its benchmark company.
Valuation of Corporate Innovation and the Pricing of Risk in the Biopharmaceutical Industry: The Case of Gilead
Authors: Ottoo Richard Ebil
Published: August 2018

Much of a firm's market value derives from expected future growth value rather than from the value of current operations or assets in place. Pharmaceutical companies are good examples of firms where much market value comes from expectations about drugs still in the development “pipeline.”

Using a new osteoporosis drug being developed by Gilead Sciences, Inc., the author combines discounted cash flow methods values and real option models to value it. Alone, discounted cash flow (DCF) calculations are vulnerable to the assumptions of growth, cost of capital, and cash flows. But by integrating the real options approach with the DCF technique, one can value a new product in the highly regulated, risky and research‐intensive Biopharmaceutical industry.

This article shows how to value a Biopharmaceutical product, tracked from discovery to market launch in a step‐by‐step manner. Improving over early real option models, this framework explicitly captures competition, speed of innovation, risk, financing need, the size of the market potential in valuing corporate innovation using a firm‐specific measure of risk and the industry‐wide value of growth operating cash flows.

This framework shows how the risk of corporate innovation, which is not fully captured by the standard valuation models, is priced into the value of a firm's growth opportunity. The DCF approach permits top‐down estimation of the size of the industry‐wide growth opportunity that competing firms must race to capture, while the contingency‐claims technique allows bottom‐up incorporation of the firm's successful R&D investment and the timing of introduction of the new product to market. It also specifically prices the risk of innovation by modeling its two components: the consumer validation of technology and the expert validation of technology. Overall, it estimates the value contribution per share of a new product for the firm.
Adapting to Climate Change: What We Owe to Other Animals
Authors: Pepper Angie
Published: August 2018

In this article, I expand the existing discourse on climate justice by drawing out the implications of taking animal rights seriously in the context of human‐induced climate change. More specifically, I argue that nonhuman animals are owed adaptive assistance to help them cope with the ill‐effects of climate change, and I advance and defend four principles of climate justice that derive from a general duty of adaptation. Lastly, I suggest that even if one can successfully argue that the protection of human interests in adaptation ought to be prioritised, nonhuman animal rights will continue to place significant constraints on climate change action.
Physical activity restriction for children and adolescents diagnosed with an inherited arrhythmia or cardiomyopathy and its impact on body mass index
Authors: Christian Susan , Somerville Martin , Giuffre Michael , Atallah Joseph
Published: August 2018

Background

Historically, individuals diagnosed with an inherited arrhythmia or cardiomyopathy have been advised to avoid participating in competitive sports. Consequently, these individuals may be more susceptible to weight gain and obesity.

Methods

A retrospective longitudinal chart review was performed for a population of children with a genetic or clinical diagnosis of the long‐QT syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. We recorded the physical activity recommendation, postdiagnosis sports participation, and body mass index (BMI) over time.

Results

A total of 109 charts were reviewed. Some level of physical activity restriction was documented for the majority of phenotype‐positive children (80%) but was less common for phenotype‐negative children (37%) (P < 0.001). Overall, 38% (
n = 41) of the study population were reportedly participating in a moderate or high dynamic sports following their diagnosis. Nonetheless, the BMI did not differ over time based on physical activity restriction or sports participation, and the proportion of overweight and obese children at follow‐up was consistent with that seen in the Canadian pediatric population.

Conclusion

Physical activity restriction was recommended for the majority of phenotype‐positive children with an inherited arrhythmia or cardiomyopathy. However, many children continue to participate in competitive sports. Children prescribed physical activity restriction appear to face similar concerns relating to obesity as other Canadian children. This study highlights the need to further assess the effectiveness of physical activity recommendations and its impact on the cardiovascular health.
Percutaneous cryoablation for papillary muscle ventricular arrhythmias after failed radiofrequency catheter ablation
Authors: Gordon Jeffrey P. , Liang Jackson J. , Pathak Rajeev K. , Zado Erica S. , Garcia Fermin C. , Hutchinson Mathew D. , Santangeli Pasquale , Schaller Robert D. , Frankel David S. , Marchlinski Francis E. , Supple Gregory E.
Published: August 2018

Background

Catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) from the papillary muscles (PM) is challenging due to limited catheter stability and contact on the PMs with their anatomic complexity and mobility.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cryoablation as an adjunctive therapy for PM VAs when radiofrequency (RF) ablation has failed.

Methods

We evaluated a retrospective series of patients who underwent cryoablation for PM VAs when RF ablation had failed. The decision to switch to cryoablation was at the operator’s discretion when intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) suggested that cryoablation might be more effective in achieving catheter stability and energy delivery.

Results

Sixteen patients underwent cryoablation of PM VAs between 2014 and 2016 after RF ablation was unsuccessful. VAs originated from the anterolateral left ventricle (LV) PM (six patients), posterolateral LV PM (six patients), and right ventricle PM (four patients). VAs were predominantly frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs); however, patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia and PVC‐triggered VF were also represented. Fifteen of the 16 patients were treated with cryoablation; in one patient, a procedural complication with retrograde aortic access precluded treatment. In all patients treated with cryoablation, contact and stability was confirmed with ICE to be superior to the RF catheter, and there was acute and long‐term elimination of VAs.

Conclusion

Cryoablation is a useful adjunctive therapy in ablation of PM VAs, providing excellent procedural outcomes even when RF ablation has failed. Cryoablation catheters are less maneuverable than RF ablation catheters and care is required to avoid complications.
Evaluation of peri‐implant marginal tissues around tissue‐level and bone‐level implants in patients with a history of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Vianna Tiago T. , Taiete Tiago , Casarin Renato C.V. , Giorgi Maria C.C. , Aguiar Flávio Henrique B. , Silvério Karina G. , Nociti Júnior Francisco H. , Sallum Enilson A. , Casati Márcio Z.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To evaluate clinical and radiographic characteristics in peri‐implant marginal tissues in patients with a history of chronic periodontitis, rehabilitated using tissue‐level or bone‐level implants.

Material and Methods

Using a split‐mouth design, 20 patients with a history of chronic periodontitis were selected and received two different implants, tissue‐level group (n = 20) and the bone‐level group (n = 20). Peri‐implant probing depth, relative peri‐implant mucosal margin position, relative peri‐implant clinical attachment level, peri‐implant plaque index and peri‐implant bleeding on probing were evaluated at prosthesis installation, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after implant loading. Radiographic marginal bone level was evaluated at implant insertion, prosthesis installation, 6 and 24 months after implant loading.

Results

The mean difference of peri‐implant marginal bone resorption from implant installation to 24 months in function was 0.75 ± 1.12 mm for the tissue‐level group and 0.70 ± 0.72 mm for the bone‐level group. No statistically significant difference was found between groups at all assessment periods for clinical and radiographic peri‐implant evaluation.

Conclusion

Under a rigid supportive therapy, both approaches performed likewise regarding clinical and radiographic parameters for rehabilitation of patients with a history of chronic periodontitis.
Quantitative host resistance drives the evolution of increased virulence in an emerging pathogen
Authors: Gates Daisy Elizabeth , Valletta John Joseph , Bonneaud Camille , Recker Mario
Published: August 2018

Emergent infectious diseases can have a devastating impact on host populations. The high selective pressures on both the hosts and the pathogens frequently lead to rapid adaptations not only in pathogen virulence but also host resistance following an initial outbreak. However, it is often unclear whether hosts will evolve to avoid infection‐associated fitness costs by preventing the establishment of infection (here referred to as qualitative resistance) or by limiting its deleterious effects through immune functioning (here referred to as quantitative resistance). Equally, the evolutionary repercussions these different resistance mechanisms have for the pathogen are often unknown. Here, we investigate the co‐evolutionary dynamics of pathogen virulence and host resistance following the epizootic outbreak of the highly pathogenic bacterium Mycoplasma gallisepticum in North American house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus). Using an evolutionary modelling approach and with a specific emphasis on the evolved resistance trait, we demonstrate that the rapid increase in the frequency of resistant birds following the outbreak is indicative of strong selection pressure to reduce infection‐associated mortality. This, in turn, created the ecological conditions that selected for increased bacterial virulence. Our results thus suggest that quantitative host resistance was the key factor underlying the evolutionary interactions in this natural host–pathogen system.
Effect of miconazole nitrate on immunological response and its preventive efficacy in Labeo rohita fingerlings against oomycetes Saprolegnia parasitica
Authors: Singh Mukta , Saha Ratan Kumar , Saha Himadri , Parhi Janmejay
Published: August 2018

This study evaluated the effect of sublethal doses of antifungal drug miconazole nitrate (MCZ) on immunological responses and its role as a prophylactic drug against S. parasitica in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Fish were fed with sublethal doses of MCZ, that is, T1—6.30 mgMCZ kgBW−1, T2—12.61 mgMCZ kgBW−1 and T3—25.22 mgMCZ kgBW−1, and sampling was done at different time intervals for 240 hr. Immunological parameters viz. lysozyme activity, oxygen radical production and plasma antiprotease activity showed significant enhancement (p < 0.05) in fish fed with T2 and T3 doses. Expression of immune‐relevant genes such as TLR‐22 and β2‐M showed significantly higher expression at 6 hr and 24 hr of sampling in both liver and head kidney. However, these genes showed a downregulation after 120 hr of sampling in both the tissues. Preventive efficacy study showed that single dose of MCZ provides protection against oomycetes up to the fourth day of infection. Significantly higher mortality was observed in control diet‐fed fish as compared to fish fed with MCZ medicated diet. Thus, it can be concluded that the MCZ can act as a potent antifungal agent for preventing oomycetes infection as well as to enhance the immune response.
Mobile technology use and skills among individuals with fragile X syndrome: implications for healthcare decision making
Authors: Raspa M. , Fitzgerald T. , Furberg R. D. , Wylie A. , Moultrie R. , DeRamus M. , Wheeler A. C. , McCormack L.
Published: August 2018

Background

Little is known about how individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and their families use technology in daily life and what skills individuals with FXS can perform when using mobile technologies.

Methods

Using a mixed‐methods design, including an online survey of parents (n = 198) and a skills assessment of individuals with FXS (n = 6), we examined the experiences and abilities of individuals with FXS for engaging with mobile technology.

Results

Parents reported that individuals with FXS often used technology in their daily lives, with variations based on age of child, sex, autism status, depression, and overall ability. Parents frequently sought and shared FXS‐related information online. Assessment data revealed that individuals with FXS demonstrated proficiency in interacting with technology.

Conclusions

Mobile technology is a tool that can be used in FXS to build skills and increase independence rather than simply for recreational purposes. Implications for using mobile technology to enhance healthcare decision making are discussed.
Comparison of therapeutic effects of conventional and liposomal form of 4% topical hydroquinone in patients with melasma
Authors: Taghavi Faezeh , Banihashemi Mahnaz , Zabolinejad Naghmeh , Salehi Maryam , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza , Marhamati Hoda , Golnouri Faeze , Dorri Mahyar
Published: August 2018

Background

Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentation disorder observed mainly in young women. Hydroquinone is the basic treatment that its effect alone and in combination with other medications has been proven. Liposomes are microscopic vesicles in which water and lipid‐soluble medications can be introduced to enhance their efficacy and specificity. The aim of this study was to compare therapeutic effects of topical liposomal hydroquinone with its conventional form on melasma.

Methods

This double‐blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 20 women. Participants were asked to apply a certain amount of topical liposomal hydroquinone on one side of the face and conventional hydroquinone on the other side for three months.

Skin pigmentation severity was measured using Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) at each visit, separately for each side of the face every month until one month after the last treatment, the data were recorded in a questionnaire and were analyzed by SPSS 16 software, paired sample t test, and repeated measurement ANOVA.

Results

MASI score in both case and control groups significantly reduced (P < 0.001) but no significant difference between the case and control groups was observed at any time interval (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study shows that liposomal hydroquinone has a significant therapeutic effect on melasma, but we did not observe any superiority in comparison with the conventional method. Therefore, it can be considered in the treatment protocol of this disease.
Genetic variation underlying local adaptation of diapause induction along a cline in a butterfly
Authors: Pruisscher Peter , Nylin Sören , Gotthard Karl , Wheat Christopher W.
Published: August 2018

Diapause is a life history strategy allowing individuals to arrest development until favourable conditions return, and it is commonly induced by shortened day length that is latitude specific for local populations. Although understanding the evolutionary dynamics of a threshold trait like diapause induction provides insights into the adaptive process and adaptive potential of populations, the genetic mechanism of variation in photoperiodic induction of diapause is not well understood. Here, we investigate genetic variation underlying latitudinal variation in diapause induction and the selection dynamics acting upon it. Using a genomewide scan for divergent regions between two populations of the butterfly Pararge aegeria that differ strongly in their induction thresholds, we identified and investigated the patterns of variation in those regions. We then tested the association of these regions with diapause induction using between‐population crosses, finding significant SNP associations in four genes present in two chromosomal regions, one with the gene period, and the other with the genes kinesin, carnitine O‐acetyltransferase and timeless. Patterns of allele frequencies in these two regions in population samples along a latitudinal cline suggest strong selection against heterozygotes at two genes within these loci (period, timeless). Evidence for additional loci modifying the diapause decision was found in patterns of allelic change in relation to induction thresholds over the cline, as well as in backcross analyses. Taken together, population‐specific adaptations of diapause induction appear to be due to a combination of alleles of larger and smaller effect size, consistent with an exponential distribution of effect sizes involved in local adaption.
DNA metabarcoding reveals changes in the contents of carnivorous plants along an elevation gradient
Authors: Littlefair Joanne E. , Zander Axel , de Sena Costa Clara , Clare Elizabeth L.
Published: August 2018

Resource variation along abiotic gradients influences subsequent trophic interactions and these effects can be transmitted through entire food webs. Interactions along abiotic gradients can provide clues as to how organisms will face changing environmental conditions, such as future range shifts. However, it is challenging to find replicated systems to study these effects. Phytotelmata, such as those found in carnivorous plants, are isolated aquatic communities and thus form a good model for the study of replicated food webs. Due to the degraded nature of the prey, molecular techniques provide a useful tool to study these communities. We studied the pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea L. in allochthonous populations along an elevational gradient in the Alps and Jura. We predicted that invertebrate richness in the contents of the pitcher plants would decrease with increasing elevation, reflecting harsher environmental conditions. Using metabarcoding of the COI gene, we sequenced the invertebrate contents of these pitcher plants. We assigned Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units at ordinal level as well as recovering species‐level data. We found small but significant changes in community composition with elevation. These recovered sequences could belong to invertebrate prey, rotifer inquilines, pollinators and other animals possibly living inside the pitchers. However, we found no directional trend or site‐based differences in MOTU richness with elevational gradient. Use of molecular techniques for dietary or contents analysis is a powerful way to examine numerous degraded samples, although factors such as DNA persistence and the relationship with species presence still have to be completely determined.
Remembering Jerry Fodor and his work
Authors: Rey Georges
Published: August 2018

This is a reminiscence and short biographical sketch of the late philosopher and cognitive scientist Jerry Fodor. It includes a summary of his main proposals about the mind: his “Language of Thought” hypothesis; his rejection of analyticity and conceptual role semantics; his “mad dog nativism”; his proposal of mental modules and—by contrast—his skepticism about a computational theory of central cognition; his anti‐reductionist, but still physicalist, views about psychology; and, lastly, his attacks on selectionism. I conclude with some discussion of his idiosyncratic style and of his aesthetic and other interests. An appendix provides some memorable quotes.
A novel STRIPAK complex component mediates hyphal fusion and fruiting‐body development in filamentous fungi
Authors: J. Reschka Eva , Nordzieke Steffen , Valerius Oliver , Braus Gerhard H. , Pöggeler Stefanie
Published: August 2018

The STRIPAK complex is involved in growth, cell fusion, development and signaling pathways, and thus malfunctions in the human STRIPAK complex often result in severe neuronal diseases and cancer. Despite the high degree of general conservation throughout the complex, several STRIPAK complex‐associated small coiled‐coil proteins of animals and yeasts are not conserved across species. As there are no data for filamentous ascomycetes, we addressed this through affinity purification with HA‐tagged striatin ortholog PRO11 in Sordaria macrospora. Combining the method with liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, we were able to co‐purify STRIPAK complex interactor 1 (SCI1), the first STRIPAK‐associated small coiled‐coil protein in filamentous ascomycetes. Using yeast two‐hybrid experiments, we identified SCI1 protein regions required for SCI1‐PRO11 interaction, dimerization of SCI1 and interaction with other STRIPAK components. Further, both proteins PRO11 and SCI1 co‐localize with the nuclear basket protein SmPOM152 at the nuclear envelope. Expression of the gene sci1 occurs during early developmental stages of S. macrospora, and the protein SCI1 in combination with PRO11 is required for cell fusion, vegetative growth and sexual development. The results of the present study will help to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of STRIPAK signaling and function in cellular development and diseases in higher eukaryotes.
In vitro detection of Candida and Aspergillus antigen in parenteral nutrition and fixed combinations of piperacillin‐tazobactam
Authors: Walter Wencke , Bornhäuser Martin , Stölzel Friedrich , Zeidler Anne , Knoth Holger
Published: August 2018

Background

Screening for Aspergillus (Asp‐AG) and Candida antigen (Ca‐AG) with immunoassays is established for stem cell recipients at high risk for invasive fungal infections (IFI). While parenteral nutrition (PN) will be applied in case of complications leading to insufficient alimentation, piperacillin‐tazobactam (TZP) is started at the onset of febrile neutropenia.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate drug‐laboratory interactions between PN and TZP and both immunoassays which could affect the specificity of the assays and lead to the false assumption of an IFI.

Methods

Batches of TZP and PN were tested with both assays in vitro. In total, 380 samples of 83 batches were analysed.

Results

None of the examined preparations were tested positive with Asp‐AG assay. Measurable amounts of Ca‐AG were detected in a lipid emulsion, two different trace element supplements, a fat‐soluble vitamin preparation and all tested brands of TZP.

Conclusions

We conclude that false positivity of Asp‐AG assay due to TZP and PN does not occur. Cross reactions with Ca‐AG assay have been detected in some preparations. The in vivo relevance of Ca‐AG positivity has to be reviewed in further studies considering an effect of dilution. Physicians should be aware of a possible cross reaction with Ca‐AG assays which could lead to false‐positive results.
Serum copper and zinc levels and the risk of oral cancer: A new insight based on large‐scale case–control study
Authors: Chen Fa , Wang Jing , Chen Jinfa , Yan Lingjun , Hu Zhijian , Wu Junfeng , Bao Xiaodan , Lin Liangkun , Wang Rui , Cai Lin , Lin Lisong , Qiu Yu , Liu Fengqiong , He Baochang
Published: August 2018

Objective

Limited evidence exists on the roles of serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in oral cancer risk. We aimed to preliminarily explore the association between serum Cu and Zn levels and oral cancer risk with relatively large‐scale samples.

Methods

Serum Cu and Zn levels of 344 oral cancer patients and 1,122 matched healthy controls in this case–control study were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS).

Results

Restricted cubic spline revealed the U‐shaped relationship between serum Cu or Zn levels and the risk of oral cancer. Serum deficient or elevated levels of Cu were significantly associated with the risk of oral cancer: The ORs were 1.38 (95% CI: 1.01–1.89) and 2.82 (95% CI: 1.60–4.98), respectively. The positive association of serum low or high levels of Zn with oral cancer risk was also observed: The ORs were 2.72 (95% CI: 1.60–4.62) and 12.41 (95% CI: 9.09–16.93), respectively. Additionally, there were multiplicative interactions between the aforementioned trace elements and smoking.

Conclusions

This preliminary study suggests that both serum excess and deficient levels of Cu or Zn were significant correlation with oral cancer risk, which may provide a new insight on the roles of serum Cu and Zn in oral cancer.
DELAYED HEADING DATE1 interacts with OsHAP5C/D, delays flowering time and enhances yield in rice
Authors: Zhang Huan , Zhu Shanshan , Liu Tianzhen , Wang Chunming , Cheng Zhijun , Zhang Xin , Chen Liping , Sheng Peike , Cai Maohong , Li Chaonan , Wang Jiachang , Zhang Zhe , Chai Juntao , Zhou Liang , Lei Cailin , Guo Xiuping , Wang Jiulin , Wang Jie , Jiang Ling , Wu Chuanyin , Wan Jianmin
Published: August 2018

Heading date is an important agronomic trait affecting crop yield. The GRAS protein family is a plant‐specific super family extensively involved in plant growth and signal transduction. However, GRAS proteins are rarely reported have a role in regulating rice heading date. Here, we report a GRAS protein DHD1 (Delayed Heading Date1) delays heading and enhances yield in rice. Biochemical assays showed DHD1 physically interacts with OsHAP5C/D both in vitro and in vivo. DHD1 and OsHAP5C/D located in the nucleus and showed that rhythmic expression. Both DHD1 and OsHAP5C/D affect heading date by regulating expression of Ehd1. We propose that DHD1 interacts with OsHAP5C/D to delay heading date by inhibiting expression of Ehd1.
Coordination between leaf, stem, and root hydraulics and gas exchange in three arid‐zone angiosperms during severe drought and recovery
Authors: Creek Danielle , Blackman Chris J. , Brodribb Timothy J. , Choat Brendan , Tissue David T.
Published: August 2018

The ability to resist hydraulic dysfunction in leaves, stems, and roots strongly influences whether plants survive and recover from drought. However, the coordination of hydraulic function among different organs within species and their links to gas exchange during drought and recovery remains understudied. Here, we examine the interaction between gas exchange and hydraulic function in the leaves, stems, and roots of three semiarid evergreen species exposed to a cycle of severe water stress (associated with substantial cavitation) and recovery. In all species, stomatal closure occurred at water potentials well before 50% loss of stem hydraulic conductance, while in two species, leaves and/or roots were more vulnerable than stems. Following soil rewetting, leaf‐level photosynthesis (Anet) returned to prestress levels within 2–4 weeks, whereas stomatal conductance and canopy transpiration were slower to recover. The recovery of Anet was decoupled from the recovery of leaf, stem, and root hydraulics, which remained impaired throughout the recovery period. Our results suggest that in addition to high embolism resistance, early stomatal closure and hydraulic vulnerability segmentation confers drought tolerance in these arid zone species. The lack of substantial embolism refilling within all major organs suggests that vulnerability of the vascular system to drought‐induced dysfunction is a defining trait for predicting postdrought recovery.
Ethylenediurea (EDU) mitigates the negative effects of ozone in rice: Insights into its mode of action
Authors: Ashrafuzzaman Md. , Haque Zahidul , Ali Basharat , Mathew Boby , Yu Peng , Hochholdinger Frank , de Abreu Neto Joao Braga , McGillen Max R. , Ensikat Hans‐Jürgen , Manning William J. , Frei Michael
Published: August 2018

Monitoring of ozone damage to crops plays an increasingly important role for the food security of many developing countries. Ethylenediurea (EDU) could be a tool to assess ozone damage to vegetation on field scale, but its physiological mode of action remains unclear. This study investigated mechanisms underlying the ozone‐protection effect of EDU in controlled chamber experiments. Ozone sensitive and tolerant rice genotypes were exposed to ozone (108 ppb, 7 hr day−1) and control conditions. EDU alleviated ozone effects on plant morphology, foliar symptoms, lipid peroxidation, and photosynthetic parameters in sensitive genotypes. Transcriptome profiling by RNA sequencing revealed that thousands of genes responded to ozone in a sensitive variety, but almost none responded to EDU. Significant interactions between ozone and EDU application occurred mostly in ozone responsive genes, in which up‐regulation was mitigated by EDU application. Further experiments documented ozone degrading properties of EDU, as well as EDU deposits on leaf surfaces possibly related to surface protection. EDU application did not mitigate the reaction of plants to other abiotic stresses, including iron toxicity, zinc deficiency, and salinity. This study provided evidence that EDU is a surface protectant that specifically mitigates ozone stress without interfering directly with the plants' stress response systems.
Impacts of marine and freshwater aquaculture on wildlife: a global meta‐analysis
Authors: Barrett Luke T. , Swearer Stephen E. , Dempster Tim
Published: August 2018

The global expansion of aquaculture has raised concerns about its environmental impacts, including effects on wildlife. Aquaculture farms are thought to repel some species and function as either attractive population sinks (‘ecological traps’) or population sources for others. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of empirical studies documenting interactions between aquaculture operations and vertebrate wildlife. Farms were associated with elevated local abundance and diversity of wildlife, although this overall effect was strongly driven by aggregations of wild fish at sea cages and shellfish farms (abundance: 72×; species richness: 2.0×). Birds were also more diverse at farms (1.1×), but other taxa showed variable and comparatively small effects. Larger effects were reported when researchers selected featureless or unstructured habitats as reference sites. Evidence for aggregation ‘hotspots’ is clear in some systems, but we cannot determine whether farms act as ecological traps for most taxa, as few studies assess either habitat preference or fitness in wildlife. Fish collected near farms were larger and heavier with no change in body condition, but also faced higher risk of disease and parasitism. Birds and mammals were frequently reported preying on stock, but little data exist on the outcomes of such interactions for birds and mammals – farms are likely to function as ecological traps for many species. We recommend researchers measure survival and reproduction in farm‐associated wildlife to make direct, causal links between aquaculture and its effects on wildlife populations.
Artemia feeds: a review of brine shrimp production in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Le Tran Huu , Hoa Nguyen Van , Sorgeloos Patrick , Van Stappen Gilbert
Published: August 2018

Seasonal Artemia pond production has been practiced for several decades by rural salt producing communities in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, with more success than elsewhere in the world. In spite of this success, yields have been stagnating for a long time due to suboptimal feeding conditions. As feeding is one of the most important factors affecting Artemia production, the aim of this article was to review the studies that have been done so far on the development and application of appropriate Artemia feeds and feeding protocols in this area. So far, there are three main approaches. Traditionally, phytoplankton blooming is stimulated by the use of fertilizers in so‐called fertilization ponds. This green water is supplemented by the use of cheap agriculture waste products and chicken manure, directly applied in Artemia ponds. As this technique, however, often results in suboptimal feeding levels and comes with high nutrient charges in pond effluents, recently a formulated feed has been developed specifically for Artemia pond production which allows further increasing production levels. Finally, also the biofloc technology can be applied in Artemia culture by adding tapioca flour or molasses as carbon source to obtain the ratio C/N ≥ 10 in order to stimulate biofloc development as feed for Artemia in ponds. The limitations of the above techniques are discussed. It is envisaged that the future success and further expansion of Artemia pond production, also outside Vietnam, will increasingly be determined by a flexible use of a combination of these techniques.
Proteomics: Clinical and research applications in respiratory diseases
Authors: Norman Katy C. , Moore Bethany B. , Arnold Kelly B. , O'Dwyer David N.
Published: August 2018

The proteome is the study of the protein content of a definable component of an organism in biology. However, the tissue‐specific expression of proteins and the varied post‐translational modifications, splice variants and protein–protein complexes that may form, make the study of protein a challenging yet vital tool in answering many of the unanswered questions in medicine and biology to date. Indeed, the spatial, temporal and functional composition of proteins in the human body has proven difficult to elucidate for many years. Given the effect of microRNA and epigenetic regulation on silencing and enhancing gene transcription, the study of protein arguably provides more accurate information on homeostasis and perturbation in health and disease. There have been significant advances in the field of proteomics in recent years, with new technologies and platforms available to the research community. In this review, we briefly discuss some of these new technologies and developments in the context of respiratory disease. We also discuss the types of data science approaches to analyses and interpretation of the large volumes of data generated in proteomic studies. We discuss the application of these technologies with regard to respiratory disease and highlight the potential for proteomics in generating major advances in the understanding of respiratory pathophysiology into the future.
Ore Genesis and Tectonic Significance of the Xiaojiashan Tungsten Deposit, Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang, China: Evidence from Geology, Fluid Inclusions, and Stable Isotope Geochemistry
Authors: Zhou Yunfei , Xu Jiuhua , Shan Lihua , Cheng Xihui , Deng Yueping , Feng Wenhuan , Qiao Lingxiao
Published: August 2018

The Xiaojiashan tungsten deposit is located about 200 km northwest of Hami City, the Eastern Tianshan orogenic belt, Xinjiang, northwestern China, and is a quartz vein‐type tungsten deposit. Combined fluid inclusion microthermometry, host rock geochemistry, and H–O isotopic compositions are used to constrain the ore genesis and tectonic setting of the Xiaojiashan tungsten deposit. The orebodies occur in granite intrusions adjacent to the metamorphic crystal tuff, which consists of the second lithological section of the first Sub‐Formation of the Dananhu Formation (D2d
12). Biotite granite is the most widely distributed intrusive bodies in the Xiaojiashan tungsten deposit. Altered diorite and metamorphic crystal tuff are the main surrounding rocks. The granite belongs to peraluminous A‐type granite with high potassic calc‐alkaline series, and all rocks show light Rare Earth Element (REE)‐enriched patterns. The trace element characters suggest that crystallization differentiation might even occur in the diagenetic process. The granite belongs to postcollisional extension granite, and the rocks formed in an extensional tectonic environment, which might result from magma activity in such an extensional tectonic environment. Tungsten‐bearing quartz veins are divided into gray quartz vein and white quartz veins. Based on petrography observation, fluid inclusions in both kinds of vein quartz are mainly aqueous inclusions. Microthermometry shows that gray quartz veins have 143–354°C of Th, and white quartz veins have 154–312°C of Th. The laser‐Raman test shows that CO2 is found in fluid inclusions of the tungsten‐bearing quartz veins. Quadrupole mass spectrometry reveals that fluid inclusions contain major vapor‐phase contents of CO2, H2O. Meanwhile, fluid inclusions contain major liquid‐phase contents of Cl−, Na+. It can be speculated that the ore‐forming fluid of the Xiaojiashan tungsten deposit is characterized by an H2O–CO2, low salinity, and H2O–CO2–NaCl system. The range of hydrogen and oxygen isotope compositions indicated that the ore‐forming fluids of the tungsten deposit were mainly magmatic water. The ore‐forming age of the Xiaojiashan deposit should to be ~227 Ma. During the ore‐forming process, the magmatic water had separated from magmatic intrusions, and the ore‐bearing complex was taken to a portion where tungsten‐bearing ores could be mineralized. The magmatic fluid was mixed by meteoric water in the late stage.
On Mitigating the Analytical Limitations of Finely Stratified Experiments
Authors: Fogarty Colin B.
Published: August 2018

Although attractive from a theoretical perspective, finely stratified experiments such as paired designs suffer from certain analytical limitations that are not present in block-randomized experiments with multiple treated and control individuals in each block. In short, when using a weighted difference in means to estimate the sample average treatment effect, the traditional variance estimator in a paired experiment is conservative unless the pairwise average treatment effects are constant across pairs; however, in more coarsely stratified experiments, the corresponding variance estimator is unbiased if treatment effects are constant within blocks, even if they vary across blocks. Using insights from classical least squares theory, we present an improved variance estimator that is appropriate in finely stratified experiments. The variance estimator remains conservative in expectation but is asymptotically no more conservative than the classical estimator and can be considerably less conservative. The magnitude of the improvement depends on the extent to which effect heterogeneity can be explained by observed covariates. Aided by this estimator, a new test for the null hypothesis of a constant treatment effect is proposed. These findings extend to some, but not all, superpopulation models, depending on whether the covariates are viewed as fixed across samples.
Testing the equality of two high‐dimensional spatial sign covariance matrices
Authors: Cheng Guanghui , Liu Baisen , Peng Liuhua , Zhang Baoxue , Zheng Shurong
Published: August 2018

This paper is concerned with testing the equality of two high‐dimensional spatial sign covariance matrices with applications to testing the proportionality of two high‐dimensional covariance matrices. It is interesting that these two testing problems are completely equivalent for the class of elliptically symmetric distributions. This paper develops a new test for testing the equality of two high‐dimensional spatial sign covariance matrices based on the Frobenius norm of the difference between two spatial sign covariance matrices. The asymptotic normality of the proposed testing statistic is derived under the null and alternative hypotheses when the dimension and sample sizes both tend to infinity. Moreover, the asymptotic power function is also presented. Simulation studies show that the proposed test performs very well in a wide range of settings and can be allowed for the case of large dimensions and small sample sizes.
Parents’ and children’s power effectiveness during polyadic family conflict: Process and outcome
Authors: Della Porta Sandra , Howe Nina , Persram Ryan J.
Published: August 2018

Parent–child power effectiveness was investigated during naturally occurring polyadic family conflict with young children involving three or more family members. In 35/39 families, 210 conflict sequences were identified and coded for type of power, power effectiveness, and conflict outcome. Effective use of power overall and by each partner was assessed using two methods: microscopic (target’s response to an actor’s power move during the process of conflict) and macroscopic (power moves related to conflict outcome). Actor findings revealed that parents were more effective using certain types of power microscopically (i.e., simple, legitimate, reward) and macroscopically (i.e., simple, legitimate, questioning), whereas children were more effective using reward power macroscopically. Our findings support the unique qualities of the parent–child relationship and the complex context of polyadic family conflict. The study contributes to the literature on the socialization of young children in the family context.
Late post‐kidney transplant Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome
Authors: Nishio Lucar Angie , Knicely Daphne H. , Sifri Costi D.
Published: August 2018

Disseminated strongyloidiasis is a potentially life‐threatening infection in organ transplant recipients that typically occurs within the first 6 months of transplantation. We discuss a patient from the Appalachia region of Virginia who appeared to acquire Strongyloides stercoralis domestically years after kidney transplantation and then develop disseminated strongyloidiasis.
Disease characteristics and treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus attending government health services in Indonesia, Peru, Romania and South Africa
Authors: Soetedjo Nanny N. M. , McAllister Susan M. , Ugarte‐Gil Cesar , Firanescu Adela G. , Ronacher Katharina , Alisjahbana Bachti , Costache Anca L. , Zubiate Carlos , Malherbe Stephanus T. , Koesoemadinata Raspati C. , Laurence Yoko V. , Pearson Fiona , Kerry‐Barnard Sarah , Ruslami Rovina , Moore David A. J. , Ioana Mihai , Kleynhans Leanie , Permana Hikmat , Hill Philip C. , Mota Maria , Walzl Gerhard , Dockrell Hazel M. , Critchley Julia A. , van Crevel Reinout ,   the TANDEM Consortium
Published: August 2018

Objective

To describe the characteristics and management of Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients from low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC).

Methods

We systematically characterised consecutive DM patients attending public health services in urban settings in Indonesia, Peru, Romania and South Africa, collecting data on DM treatment history, complications, drug treatment, obesity, HbA1c and cardiovascular risk profile; and assessing treatment gaps against relevant national guidelines.

Results

Patients (median 59 years, 62.9% female) mostly had type 2 diabetes (96%), half for >5 years (48.6%). Obesity (45.5%) and central obesity (females 84.8%; males 62.7%) were common. The median HbA1c was 8.7% (72 mmol/mol), ranging from 7.7% (61 mmol/mol; Peru) to 10.4% (90 mmol/mol; South Africa). Antidiabetes treatment included metformin (62.6%), insulin (37.8%), and other oral glucose‐lowering drugs (34.8%). Disease complications included eyesight problems (50.4%), EGFR <60 ml/min (18.9%), heart disease (16.5%) and proteinuria (14.7%). Many had an elevated cardiovascular risk with elevated blood pressure (36%), LDL (71.0%) and smoking (13%), but few were taking antihypertensive drugs (47.1%), statins (28.5%) and aspirin (30.0%) when indicated. Few patients on insulin (8.0%), statins (8.4%) and antihypertensives (39.5%) reached treatment targets according to national guidelines. There were large differences between countries in terms of disease profile and medication use.

Conclusion

DM patients in government clinics in four LMIC with considerable growth of DM have insufficient glycaemic control, frequent macrovascular and other complications, and insufficient preventive measures for cardiovascular disease. These findings underline the need to identify treatment barriers and secure optimal DM care in such settings.
Some properties of the Blumberg's hyper-log-logistic curve
Authors: Anguelov Roumen , Kyurkchiev Nikolay , Markov Svetoslav
Published: August 2018

The paper considers the sigmoid function definedthrough the hyper-log-logistic model introduced by Blumberg. We study the Hausdorff distance of this sigmoid to the Heaviside function, which characterises the shape of switching from 0 to 1. Estimates of the Hausdorff distance in terms of the intrinsic growth rate are derived. We construct a family of recurrence generated sigmoidal functions based on the hyper-log-logistic function. Numerical illustrations are provided.
Working Hand in Claw
Authors: Zeldovich Lina
Published: August 2018

Robots have been helping people for decades by doing tasks that are too hard, too dangerous, or physically impossible for humans to carry out themselves. But so far, the biggest successes for human-robot collaborations—such as those in manufacturing and automotive industries—still require the two to be separated for safety reasons. This article delves into how roboticists are working to upgrade this paradigm and make it possible for humans and robots to work together side by side, each excelling at what they do best and helping the other with their pitfalls.
Pumping Metal
Authors: O’Heir Jeff
Published: August 2018

Almost every form of energy conversion creates heat, making it one of the most prevalent forms of energy. When used for mechanical work, thermal energy is most efficient when it can be moved, stored, and converted at its highest possible temperature. But most of today’s pumps and compressors are made from superalloys and ceramics and can’t handle that extreme heat. A team from Georgia Tech has developed a ceramic pump they and others expect to spur a new generation of highly efficient, low-cost systems for storing, transporting, and converting surplus thermal energy produced by renewables like solar and wind.