bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frozen or malleable? Political ideology in the face of job loss and unemployment
Authors: Wiertz Dingeman , Rodon Toni
Published: April 2019

To what degree do people adjust their political ideology in response to job loss? To answer this question, we draw on Dutch panel data over the period 2007–2016, paying special attention to the potential moderating role of various personal circumstances. We find that, on average, job loss triggers a leftward ideological response. Although small in size, this shock effect persists when people remain unemployed or find new employment, yet in the longer run it wears off. Furthermore, we find that job loss prompts a bigger shift to the left when people are simultaneously confronted with a major drop in household income, when they have fewer financial resources to serve as a buffer, and when they are more pessimistic about the economy. While we also observe many people who revise their ideology to the right during our study window, these rightward shifts do not seem driven by job loss experiences.
Increasing the Public Pension Age: Employers’ Concerns and Policy Preferences
Authors: van Dalen Hendrik P , Henkens Kène , Oude Mulders Jaap
Published: April 2019

Governments increasingly focus on extending working lives by raising public pension ages and in some cases by linking pension ages to changes in the life expectancy. This study offers novel insights into how employers perceive such reforms and their consequences for their organization. A survey among employers (N = 1,208) has been carried out in 2017 to examine their reactions to a recent pension reform in the Netherlands. Statistical analyses are performed to examine employers’ support for the current policy of linking the public pension age to changes in average life expectancy, as well as the support for 2 alternative policies that are often considered in public policy debates: a flexible public pension age; and a lower public pension age for workers in physically demanding jobs. Results show that particularly employers in construction and industry are extremely concerned about the physical capability of employees to keep on working until the public pension age. These concerns are the driving forces behind the lack of support for linking public pension ages to changes in average life expectancy (22% support) and the overwhelming support for a lower public pension age for physically demanding jobs (82%). The introduction of a flexible pension age (78% support) is not firmly related to employers’ concerns about capability or employability of older workers.
Aerial Concentrations of Pathogens Causing Early Blight and Brown Spot Within Susceptible Potato Fields
Authors: Ding Shunping , Rouse Douglas I. , Meinholz Kiana , Gevens Amanda J.
Published: April 2019

Early blight caused by Alternaria solani and brown spot caused by A. alternata are two common foliar diseases of potato, with early blight typically predominating in incidence and severity. Renewed interest in these two diseases has arisen as a result of notable differences in fungicide resistance profiles of the pathogens and inconsistent outcomes of disease management tactics. The pathogens share similar disease cycles, but they differ in the shape and size of their conidia. A. solani has a host range that includes just the Solanaceae, whereas A. alternata has a broad host range spanning numerous plant families. Such differences may result in differences in dispersal of the pathogens and subsequently influence epidemiology and management outcomes. In the commercial potato fields investigated in this study, the aerial conidial concentrations of A. solani and A. alternata differed significantly, with those of A. alternata conidia being higher in number and more variable than those of A. solani. The aerial conidial concentration of A. solani almost always significantly decreased with height (0 to 3 m above the canopy), whereas such a decrease was only observed for 4 of 12 days for A. alternata. The atmospheric concentrations of A. alternata were higher than those of A. solani at both upwind and downwind edges of the field (P < 0.0001), indicating more potential for long-distance dispersal. A higher aerial concentration of conidia at the downwind than the upwind location was observed for A. solani (P < 0.05), whereas overall no such effect was observed for A. alternata. This indicated that the potato fields investigated were likely the source of A. solani conidia, but they may not be the sole source of A. alternata. Results are consistent with inoculum of A. solani coming primarily from within the potato crop, whereas that of A. alternata may be generated from diverse plant sources across the landscape.
PRO-Bookmarking to Estimate Clinical Thresholds for Patient-reported Symptoms and Function
Authors: Cook Karon F. , Cella David , Reeve Bryce B.
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

PRO-Bookmarking is an alternative to traditional methods for deriving cut scores and applying qualitative modifiers to score ranges.

Methods:

In PRO-Bookmarking, a working group of stakeholders identifies ranges of scores they judge to credibly define different levels of a patient-reported outcome (PRO). Subsets of items and responses, called “clinical vignettes,” are woven into a narrative to represent different levels of the PRO. Working individually, stakeholders bookmark thresholds between clinical vignettes, ordered by PRO level, to define thresholds (eg, no problems, mild problems). Discussion of individual bookmark placements is led by a moderator with the goal of consensus with regard to bookmark locations.

Discussion:

The value of PRO measures depends on the extent to which different stakeholders are able to interpret scores. The PRO-Bookmarking method provides credible evidence on the common-language meaning of different ranges of scores. This evidence supplements other interpretative methods such as normative comparisons and comparisons with an external standard. PRO-Bookmarking is particularly valuable when, as is often the case with PRO measures, there is no clear external standard or even a useful external reference with which to compare PRO scores.

Key Points:

The PRO-Bookmarking procedure is a qualitative method that engages key stakeholders in in-depth consideration of the semantic meaning of ranges of PRO scores. Measures based on item banks calibrated using item response theory are ideal for PRO-Bookmarking. Response probabilities conditioned on different levels of the PRO are derived directly from the item response theory model, and item banks contain more items than traditional measures. Having a large number of items provides flexibility in the choice and variety of items that can be used to comprise the clinical vignettes. There is much to learn about Bookmarking in the PRO context and, more generally, about all methods for establishing PRO score thresholds. Issues for further study include the role of context of use for classifications, selection of semantic labels for levels of a PRO, and the extent to which findings generalize to clinical utility.
Who let the cats out? A global meta-analysis on risk of parasitic infection in indoor versus outdoor domestic cats (Felis catus)
Authors: Chalkowski Kayleigh , Wilson Alan E. , Lepczyk Christopher A. , Zohdy Sarah
Published: April 2019

Parasitic infection risks in domestic animals may increase as a result of outdoor activities, often leading to transmission events to and from owners, other domestic animals and wildlife. Furthermore, outdoor access has not been quantified in domestic animals as a risk factor with respect to latitude or parasite transmission pathway. Cats are an ideal model to test parasitic infection risk in outdoor animals because there have been many studies analysing this risk factor in this species; and there is a useful dichotomy in cat ownership between indoor-only cats and those with outdoor access. Thus, we used meta-analysis to determine whether outdoor access is a significant risk factor for parasitic infection in domestic pet cats across 19 different pathogens including many relevant to human, domestic animal and wildlife health, such asToxoplasma gondiiandToxocara cati. Cats with outdoor access were 2.77 times more likely to be infected with parasites than indoor-only cats. Furthermore, absolute latitude trended towards significance such that each degree increase in absolute latitude increased infection likelihood by 4%. Thus, restricting outdoor access can reduce the risk of parasitic infection in cats and reduce the risk of zoonotic parasite transmission, spillover to sympatric wildlife and negative impacts on feline health.
Crystal structure of human RIOK2 bound to a specific inhibitor
Authors: Wang Jing , Varin Thibault , Vieth Michal , Elkins Jonathan M.
Published: April 2019

The RIO kinases (RIOKs) are a universal family of atypical kinases that are essential for assembly of the pre-40S ribosome complex. Here, we present the crystal structure of human RIO kinase 2 (RIOK2) bound to a specific inhibitor. This first crystal structure of an inhibitor-bound RIO kinase reveals the binding mode of the inhibitor and explains the structure–activity relationship of the inhibitor series. The inhibitor binds in the ATP-binding site and forms extensive hydrophobic interactions with residues at the entrance to the ATP-binding site. Analysis of the conservation of active site residues reveals the reasons for the specificity of the inhibitor for RIOK2 over RIOK1 and RIOK3, and it provides a template for inhibitor design against the human RIOK family.
Sexual unfaithfulness can be judged with some accuracy from men's but not women's faces
Authors: Foo Yong Zhi , Loncarevic Antonina , Simmons Leigh W. , Sutherland Clare A. M. , Rhodes Gillian
Published: April 2019

We routinely make judgements of trustworthiness from the faces of others. However, the accuracy of such judgements remains contentious. An important context for trustworthiness judgements is sexual unfaithfulness. Accuracy in sexual unfaithfulness judgements may be adaptive for avoiding reproductive costs associated with having an unfaithful partner. Indeed, emerging studies suggest that women, and to a lesser degree, men, show above-chance accuracy in judging sexual unfaithfulness from opposite-sex faces. In the context of mate guarding, it is important not only to assess the likelihood of a partner defecting, but also to detect same-sex poachers. Therefore, here, we examine whether individuals can also judge sexual unfaithfulness (self-reported cheating and poaching behaviour) from same-sex faces. We found above-chance accuracy in judgements of unfaithfulness from same-sex faces in men but not women. Conversely, we found above-chance accuracy for opposite-sex faces in women but not men. Therefore, both men and women showed above-chance accuracy, but only for men's, and not women's, faces. Raters were making accurate (above-chance) judgements of unfaithfulness from men's faces using facial masculinity, a well-established signal of propensity to adopt short-term mating strategies. In summary, we found above-chance accuracy in impressions of unfaithfulness from men's faces. Although very modest, the level of accuracy could nevertheless have biological significance as an evolved adaptation for identifying potential cheaters/poachers.
Long jumpers with and without a transtibial amputation have different three-dimensional centre of mass and joint take-off step kinematics
Authors: Funken Johannes , Willwacher Steffen , Heinrich Kai , Müller Ralf , Hobara Hiroaki , Grabowski Alena M. , Potthast Wolfgang
Published: April 2019

Long jumpers with below the knee amputation (BKA) have achieved remarkable performances, yet the underlying biomechanics resulting in these jump distances are unknown. We measured three-dimensional motion and used multi-segment modelling to quantify and compare the centre of mass (COM) and joint kinematics of three long jumpers with BKA and seven non-amputee long jumpers during the take-off step of the long jump. Despite having the same jump distances, athletes with BKA, who used their affected leg for the take-off step, had lower sagittal plane hip and knee joint range of motion and positioned their affected leg more laterally relative to the COM compared to non-amputee athletes. Athletes with BKA had a longer compression phase and greater downward movement of their COM, suggesting that their affected leg (lever) was less rigid compared to the biological leg of non-amputees. Thus, athletes with BKA used a different kinematic mechanism to redirect horizontal to vertical velocity compared to non-amputee athletes. The specific movement patterns of athletes with BKA during the take-off step were constrained by the mechanical properties of the prosthesis. These results provide a basis for coaches and athletes to develop training protocols that improve performance and inform the design of future prostheses.
Phylogenomics insights into order and families of Lysobacterales
Authors: Kumar Sanjeet , Bansal Kanika , Patil Prashant P. , Patil Prabhu B.
Published: April 2019

Order

Lysobacterales

(earlier known

Xanthomonadales

) is a taxonomically complex group of a large number of gamma-proteobacteria classified in two different families, namely

Lysobacteraceae

and

Rhodanobacteraceae

. Current taxonomy is largely based on classical approaches and is devoid of whole-genome information-based analysis. In the present study, we have taken all classified and poorly described species belonging to the order

Lysobacterales

to perform a phylogenetic analysis based on the 16 S rRNA sequence. Moreover, to obtain robust phylogeny, we have generated whole-genome sequencing data of six type species namely

Metallibacterium scheffleri
,
Panacagrimonas perspica
,
Thermomonas haemolytica
,
Fulvimonas soli
,
Pseudofulvimonas gallinarii

and

Rhodanobacter lindaniclasticus

of the families

Lysobacteraceae

and

Rhodanobacteraceae

. Interestingly, whole-genome-based phylogenetic analysis revealed unusual positioning of the type species

Pseudofulvimonas

,

Panacagrimonas
,
Metallibacterium

and

Aquimonas

at family level. Whole-genome-based phylogeny involving 92 type strains resolved the taxonomic positioning by reshuffling the genus across families

Lysobacteraceae

and

Rhodanobacteraceae

. The present study reveals the need and scope for genome-based phylogenetic and comparative studies in order to address relationships of genera and species of order

Lysobacterales

.
Casing microbiome dynamics during button mushroom cultivation: implications for dry and wet bubble diseases
Authors: Carrasco Jaime , Tello Maria Luisa , de Toro Maria , Tkacz Andrzej , Poole Philip , Pérez-Clavijo Margarita , Preston Gail
Published: April 2019

The casing material required in mushroom cultivation presents a very rich ecological niche, which is inhabited by a diverse population of bacteria and fungi. In this work three different casing materials, blonde peat, black peat and a 50 : 50 mixture of both, were compared for their capacity to show a natural suppressive response against dry bubble, Lecanicillium fungicola (Preuss) Zare and Gams, and wet bubble, Mycogone perniciosa (Magnus) Delacroix. The highest mushroom production was collected from crops cultivated using the mixed casing and black peat, which were not significantly different in yield. However, artificial infection with mycoparasites resulted in similar yield losses irrespective of the material used, indicating that the casing materials do not confer advantages in disease suppression. The composition of the microbiome of the 50 : 50 casing mixture along the crop cycle and the compost and basidiomes was evaluated through next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the V3–V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and the fungal ITS2 region. Once colonized by Agaricus bisporus, the bacterial diversity of the casing microbiome increased and the fungal diversity drastically decreased. From then on, the composition of the casing microbiome remained relatively stable. Analysis of the composition of the bacterial microbiome in basidiomes indicated that it is highly influenced by the casing microbiota. Notably, L. fungicola was consistently detected in uninoculated control samples of compost and casing using NGS, even in asymptomatic crops. This suggests that the naturally established casing microbiota was able to help to suppress disease development when inoculum levels were low, but was not effective in suppressing high pressure from artificially introduced fungal inoculum. Determination of the composition of the casing microbiome paves the way for the development of synthetic casing communities that can be used to investigate the role of specific components of the casing microbiota in mushroom production and disease control.
Phasevarions of bacterial pathogens – phase-variable epigenetic regulators evolving from restriction–modification systems
Authors: Phillips Zachary N. , Husna Asma-Ul , Jennings Michael P. , Seib Kate L. , Atack John M.
Published: April 2019

Phase-variable DNA methyltransferases control the expression of multiple genes via epigenetic mechanisms in a wide variety of bacterial species. These systems are called phasevarions, for phase-variable regulons. Phasevarions regulate genes involved in pathogenesis, host adaptation and antibiotic resistance. Many human-adapted bacterial pathogens contain phasevarions. These include leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, such as non-typeable

Haemophilus influenzae

,

Streptococcus pneumoniae

and

Neisseria

spp. Phase-variable methyltransferases and phasevarions have also been discovered in environmental organisms and veterinary pathogens. The existence of many different examples suggests that phasevarions have evolved multiple times as a contingency strategy in the bacterial domain, controlling phenotypes that are important in adapting to environmental change. Many of the organisms that contain phasevarions have existing or emerging drug resistance. Vaccines may therefore represent the best and most cost-effective tool to prevent disease caused by these organisms. However, many phasevarions also control the expression of current and putative vaccine candidates; variable expression of antigens could lead to immune evasion, meaning that vaccines designed using these targets become ineffective. It is therefore essential to characterize phasevarions in order to determine an organism’s stably expressed antigenic repertoire, and rationally design broadly effective vaccines.
Association between body mass index (BMI) and hypertension in South Asian population: Evidence from Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Hossain Fariha Binte , Shawon Shajedur Rahman , Adhikary Gourab , Chowdhury Arif
Published: April 2019

Although there has been a well-established association between adiposity and hypertension, whether such associations are heterogeneous for South Asian populations or for different socioeconomic groups is not well-known. We analysed the recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from Bangladesh, India, and Nepal to estimate the age-specific prevalence of hypertension and the association of body mass index (BMI) with hypertension. We used multiple logistic regressions to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of hypertension for overweight and obesity as well as for each 5-unit increase in BMI. The overall prevalence for hypertension among participants aged 35-44 years were 17.4%, 20%, and 22.5% for Bangladesh, India, and Nepal, respectively. For all age groups, men were more likely to be hypertensive than women in India and Nepal, but not in Bangladesh. Overweight and obesity were associated with higher odds of hypertension in all countries. For each 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI, the ORs for hypertension were 1.79 (95% CI: 1.65-1.93), 1.59 (95% CI: 1.58-1.61), and 2.03 (95% CI: 1.90-2.16) in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal, respectively. The associations between BMI and hypertension were consistent across various subgroups defined by sex, age, urbanicity, educational attainment and household’s wealth index. Our study shows that the association of BMI with hypertension is stronger for South Asian populations, and public health measures to reduce population-level reduction in BMI would also help in lowering the burden of hypertension.
The SASE1 X-ray beam transport system
Authors: Sinn H. , Dommach M. , Dickert B. , Di Felice M. , Dong X. , Eidam J. , Finze D. , Freijo-Martin I. , Gerasimova N. , Kohlstrunk N. , La Civita D. , Meyn F. , Music V. , Neumann M. , Petrich M. , Rio B. , Samoylova L. , Schmidtchen S. , Störmer M. , Trapp A. , Vannoni M. , Villanueva R. , Yang F.
Published: April 2019

SASE1 is the first beamline of the European XFEL that became operational in 2017. It consists of the SASE1 undulator system, the beam transport system, and the two scientific experiment stations: Single Particles, Clusters, and Biomolecules and Serial Femtosecond Crystallography (SPB/SFX), and Femtosecond X-ray Experiments (FXE). The beam transport system comprises mirrors to offset and guide the beam to the instruments and a set of X-ray optical components to align, manipulate and diagnose the beam. The SASE1 beam transport system is described here in its initial configuration, and results and experiences from the first year of user operation are reported.
A middle energy-bandwidth X-ray monochromator for high-flux synchrotron diffraction: revisiting asymmetrically cut silicon crystals
Authors: Tajiri Hiroo , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Ohashi Haruhiko , Goto Shunji , Sakata Osami , Ishikawa Tetsuya
Published: April 2019

To supply the growing demand for high photon flux in synchrotron science including surface diffraction, a middle energy-bandwidth monochromator covering the 10−4 to 10−3 range has been adapted by applying an asymmetric diffraction geometry to a cryogenically cooled silicon 111 double-crystal monochromator used as a standard for the undulator source at SPring-8. The asymmetric geometry provides a great advantage with its ability to configure flux gains over a wide energy range by simply changing the asymmetry angle, while the angular divergence of the exit beam remains unchanged. A monolithic design with three faces has been employed, having one symmetrically cut and another two asymmetrically cut surfaces relative to the same atomic plane, maintaining cooling efficiency and the capability of quickly changing the reflection surface. With the asymmetric geometry, an X-ray flux greater than 1014 photons s−1 was available around 12 keV. A maximum gain of 2.5 was obtained relative to the standard symmetric condition.
Cooperative multi-agent search using Bayesian approach with connectivity maintenance
Authors: Xiao Hu , Cui Rongxin , Xu Demin
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a distributed Bayesian approach with connectivity maintenance to manage a multi-agent network search for a target on a two-dimensional plane.

Design/methodology/approach

The Bayesian framework is used to compute the local probability density functions (PDFs) of the target and obtain the global PDF with the consensus algorithm. An inverse power iteration algorithm is introduced to estimate the algebraic connectivity λ2 of the network. Based on the estimated λ2, the authors design a potential field for the connectivity maintenance. Then, based on the detection probability function, the authors design a potential field for the search target. The authors combine the two potential fields and design a distributed gradient-based control for the agents.

Findings

The inverse power iteration algorithm can distributed estimate the algebraic connectivity by the agents. The agents can efficient search the target with connectivity maintenance with the designed distributed gradient-based search algorithm.

Originality/value

Previous study has paid little attention to the multi-agent search problem with connectivity maintenance. Our algorithm guarantees that the strongly connected graph of the multi-agent communication topology is always established while performing the distributed target search problem.
A proposal designed for calibrating the liquidity coverage ratio for Islamic banks
Authors: Dolgun Muhammed Habib , Mirakhor Abbas , Ng Adam
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to critically investigate the liquidity risk management of Islamic banks and develop an alternative regulatory framework appropriate for liquidity management of these banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The specific risk profile of an Islamic bank requires developing a new and more efficient regulatory framework, which relies on risk- sharing and symmetric information among parties. The paper makes a differentiation between small local banks and internationally active Islamic banks and proposes to apply liquidity requirements only for internationally active Islamic banks.

Findings

A new proposal for the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) of Islamic banks is developed in this paper towards mitigating risks and concurrently protecting the interests of investment account holders. Minimum and maximum thresholds are proposed for each liquid asset in this new LCR framework. An alternative liquidity approach is discussed to complement the proposal and several policy options are suggested.

Originality/value

As participation banks are exposed to market liquidity and market risks, more high-quality liquid instruments within a risk-sharing regulatory framework may provide the inner adjustment process through which any mismatch regarding maturity, risk, value or linkage with the real economy is corrected systematically. It offers policy implications for regulators, supervisors and international organizations.
Are provisions and contingent liabilities priced by the market?
Authors: Lopes Ana Isabel , Reis Laura
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine pricing differences regarding contingencies presented in statements of financial position or notes, which are considered an area for creative accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have chosen two countries with different cultural environments to test the exploratory study. The sample includes companies using the International Accounting Standard (IAS) 37, which requires recognition of provisions while contingent liabilities are only disclosed, implying different impacts from underlying judgement related with contingencies. The authors apply a regression model based on the Ohlson equity-valuation framework.

Findings

The most important conclusion is that market participants in both countries follow different patterns when incorporating information about provisions and contingent liabilities. More precisely, the results suggest that provisions are value-relevant, but incrementally less negative in Portugal. Contingent liabilities seem to have no value relevance. However, an exception exists for Portuguese companies having a risk committee board, in which case a significant market valuation of contingent liabilities is found and discounted in share prices. The existence of a risk committee corroborates the value relevance of this board, which is positively valued by market participants in both national cultures.

Practical implications

The findings may make a contribution to the IASB research project on the IAS 37 and possible amendments to it (suspended until the revisions to the conceptual framework are finalized) and to the IASB prioritization of communication effectiveness of financial statements to all users.

Originality/value

Value relevance of contingencies differentiating countries from two different national cultures and firms with a risk committee on the board of directors.
Parametric optimization in modified air abrasive jet machining
Authors: Prasad S. Rajendra , K. Ravindranath K. Ravindranath , M.L.S. Devakumar M.L.S. Devakumar
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The choice of best machining parameters is an extremely basic factor in handling of any machined parts. The purpose of this paper is to exhibit a multi-objective optimization technique; in view of weighted aggregate sum product assessment (WASPAS) technique toward upgrade the machining parameters in modified air abrasive jet machining (MAAJM) process: injecting pressure, stand-off distance (SOD), and abrasive mesh size measure with 100 rpm rotatable worktable on Nickel 233 alloy material. Three conflicting destinations, material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (SR) and taper angles (Ta), respectively, are considered at the same time. The proposed procedure uses WASPAS, which is the examination of parametric optimization of the abrasive jet machining (AJM) process. The results was used any scopes of reactions in MAAJM process is the ideal setting of parameters are resolved through investigations represented. There is wide utilization of Nickel 233 in aviation enterprises; machining information on producing a hole utilizing MAAJM for the first time is given in this work, which will be helpful different industries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper exhibits a multi-objective optimization technique; in view of WASPAS technique toward upgrade the machining parameters in MAAJM process: injecting pressure, SOD, and abrasive mesh size measure with 100 rpm rotatable worktable on Nickel 233 alloy material.

Findings

As an outcome of using the tool in any ranges of responses in the AJM process, the optimal setting of parameters is determined through experiments illustrated. The machining data of generating a hole using AJM are studied for the first time in this work, which will be useful for aerospace industries, where Nickel 233 is used broadly.

Originality/value

A new material in unconventional machining process and also a multi-objective optimization technique are adopted.
PBA-loaded albite-base ceramic foam in application to adsorb harmful ions of Cd, Cs and As(V) in water
Authors: Chen J.H. , Liu P.S. , Cheng W.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an investigation on a new kind of adsorbent materials, namely, the Prussian blue analog (PBA)-loaded albite-base porous ceramic foam, which can effectively adsorb the heavy metal ion in the wastewater.

Design/methodology/approach

The natural zeolite powder has been used as the primary raw material to make a sort of porous ceramic foam by impregnating polymer foam in slurry and then sintering. Adjusting the technological parameters could control the bulk density of the ceramic product, which could float on water with the bulk density less than 1 g/cm3 and also sink in water with the bulk density higher than 1 g/cm3. After desilicating the porous ceramic foam, an Al-Fe type PBA with a strong function of ion exchange was loaded on the ceramic surface by directly yielding.

Findings

The adsorption performance for harmful metal ions was greatly improved by combining together the high adsorption capability of the PB analog and the efficient high specific surface area of the porous ceramic foam.

Originality/value

This work presents a PBA-loaded albite-base porous ceramic foam that can effectively adsorb the harmful substance in water, and the adsorption efficiency for some typical harmful ions, i.e., Cd2+, Cs+ and As(V), was examined under different conditions of the experimental period, the pH value and the ion concentration in the tested solution.
Care quality for rheumatoid arthritis patients in Quebec
Authors: Slim Zeinab , Moura Cristiano S. , Bernatsky Sasha , Rahme Elham
Published: April 2019

Aim

The aims of this study were to: (a) measure the proportion of CARTaGENE rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients fulfilling pre‐specified quality indicators (ie disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug [DMARD] use, regular follow up, use of folate supplementation, use of vitamin D and calcium, exercise and smoking status); and (b) examine variation in DMARD use with respect to patient age, sex, education and income.

Methods

A cohort of RA patients was constructed based on the CARTaGENE survey and health administrative database. CARTaGENE is a large, established, population‐based study which recruited 19 995 participants from four metropolitan regions in Quebec. Six quality indicators (QI) were assessed; four pertained to RA management and treatment received (use of DMARD therapy, annual medical visits, use of folate supplementation with methotrexate therapy, and use of calcium and vitamin D in steroid‐exposed patients) and two pertained to lifestyle factors (physical activity and smoking cessation). QI were reported in terms of proportion of patients fulfilling them. Bayesian logistic regression analyses were preformed to investigate potential variation with DMARD use.

Results

Our cohort included 142 RA patients. The QI that pertain to RA pharmacotherapy and medical management ranged 60‐80%. Regarding the QI focusing on lifestyle factors, 55% of patients reported performing moderate physical activity and only 16.6% reported current smoking. Results from the Bayesian logistic regression showed no definite associations between DMARD use and patient characteristics (age, education, income and sex).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a seemingly modest performance of Quebec's health‐care system for RA patients, with respect to these QI.
Effect of histological subtype and treatment modalities on T1–2 N0–1 small cell lung cancer: A population‐based study
Authors: Moon Seok‐whan , Seo Jong‐hee , Jeon Hyun‐woo , Moon Mi Hyoung
Published: April 2019

Background

Combined small cell lung cancer (C‐SCLC) is rare and its clinical features, appropriate treatment, and prognosis are poorly understood. Reports conflict over the prognosis of C‐SCLCs compared to pure small cell lung cancer.

Methods

The records of patients diagnosed with primary SCLC from 1988 to 2014 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The general features of C‐SCLCs were compared to those of SCLCs. T1–2 N0–1 data was extracted and the effects of the histological subtype, treatment modality, and other prognostic factors on lung cancer‐specific survival (CSS) was analyzed in a 3:1 matched dataset. Analysis was performed using the 8th edition tumor node metastasis staging system and previous staging systems adjunctively.

Results

C‐SCLCs comprised 1.5% of all SCLCs (1486/98 667); 184 cases of C‐SCLCs and 2681 cases of non‐combined SCLCs (NC‐SCLCs) were included in this study. C‐SCLCs were more likely to be of a higher grade and to occur in the upper lobe than NC‐SCLCs. Before matching, C‐SCLCs showed better CSS (hazard ratio 0.69; P < 0.001). However, stratified Cox proportional hazards analysis in the matched dataset revealed that only treatment modality and age at diagnosis were associated with CSS; the histological subtype had no effect on survival. Of all treatment modalities, surgery with chemoradiation showed the best CSS in T1–2 N0–1 SCLC.

Conclusion

In early SCLC, surgery with chemoradiation shows the best CSS. C‐SCLC patients might benefit more from multimodal treatments, including surgery, than SCLC patients.
Civil Monetary Penalties Resulting From Violations of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) Involving Psychiatric Emergencies, 2002 to 2018
Authors: Terp Sophie , Wang Brandon , Burner Elizabeth , Connor Denton , Seabury Seth A. , Menchine Michael
Published: April 2019

Objective

The objective was to describe characteristics of civil monetary penalties levied by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) related to violations of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) involving psychiatric emergencies.

Methods

Descriptions of EMTALA‐related civil monetary penalty settlements from 2002 to 2018 were obtained from the OIG. Cases related to psychiatric emergencies were identified by inclusion of key words in settlement descriptions. Characteristics of settlements involving EMTALA violations related to psychiatric emergencies including date, amount, and nature of the allegation were described and compared with settlements not involving psychiatric emergencies.

Results

Of 230 civil monetary penalty settlements related to EMTALA during the study period, 44 (19%) were related to psychiatric emergencies. The average settlement for psychiatric‐related cases was $85,488, compared with $32,004 for non–psychiatric‐related cases (p < 0.001). Five (83%) of the six largest settlements during the study period were related to cases involving psychiatric emergencies. The most commonly cited deficiencies for settlements involving psychiatric patients were failure to provide appropriate medical screening examination (84%) or stabilizing treatment (68%) or arrange appropriate transfer (30%). Failure to provide stabilizing treatment was more common among cases involving psychiatric emergencies (68% vs. 51%, p = 0.041). Among psychiatric‐related settlements, 18 (41%) occurred in CMS Region IV (Southeast) and nine (20%) in Region VII (Central).

Conclusions

Nearly one in five civil monetary penalty settlements related to EMTALA violations involved psychiatric emergencies. Settlements related to psychiatric emergencies were more costly and more often associated with failure to stabilize than for nonpsychiatric emergencies. Administrators should evaluate and strengthen policies and procedures related to psychiatric screening examinations, stabilizing care of psychiatric patients boarding in EDs, and transfer policies. Recent large, notable settlements related to EMTALA violations suggest that there is considerable room to improve access to and quality of care for patients with psychiatric emergencies.
Classic galactosaemia in the Greek Cypriot population: An epidemiological and molecular study
Authors: Papachristoforou Rena , Petrou Petros P. , Sawyer Hilary , Williams Maggie , Drousiotou Anthi
Published: April 2019

Classic galactosaemia is an inherited metabolic disorder of galactose metabolism caused by deficiency of the enzyme galactose‐1‐phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) resulting from mutations in the GALT gene. The objectives of the present study were the determination of the carrier frequency of classic galactosaemia in the Greek Cypriot population and the molecular characterization of the disease alleles. We performed an epidemiological study involving 528 Greek Cypriots originating from all parts of Cyprus. Carriers were identified by measuring GALT activity in red blood cells and were subsequently subjected to mutation analysis. A total of five mutations were identified in patients and carriers of classic galactosaemia: a large deletion of 8.5 kb previously reported by us (55% of alleles), the known mutations p.Lys285Asn (30%), p.Pro185Ser (5%), and c.820+13A>G (5%), and a novel mutation c.378‐12G>A (5%). Interestingly, the most common mutation in European populations, p.Gln188Arg, was not identified in this Cypriot cohort. The carrier frequency for classic galactosaemia among Greek Cypriots was estimated to be 1:88, predicting a homozygote incidence of 1:31,000 births. The Duarte 1 and Duarte 2 variants were found to be present at a frequency of 5.5% and 2.5%, respectively.
On the Meaning of Survey Reports of Roll‐Call “Votes”
Authors: Hill Seth J. , Huber Gregory A.
Published: April 2019

Contemporary efforts to evaluate representation often compare survey measures of how citizens say they would vote on legislation to what elected officials do in office. These comparisons generally suggest poor representation. We argue here that this common design is unlikely to effectively evaluate representation because responses to survey questions differ in important aspects from voting in legislatures. Measurement error and construct validity undermine the comparison. Three survey experiments show that providing partisan and nonpartisan information readily available to legislators materially changes respondents' expressed preferences on roll‐call votes. With information, expressed policy positions are both less centrist and more closely matched to legislator behavior in their preferred party. Respondents also appear aware of their own lack of knowledge in evaluating roll‐call policy votes. The treatment effect of information decreases in confidence judging policy in that area. We show similar patterns for respondent opinions on Supreme Court decisions.
The effect of myo‐inositol/di‐chiro‐inositol on markers of ovarian reserve in women with PCOS undergoing IVF/ICSI: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bhide Priya , Pundir Jyotsna , Gudi Anil , Shah Amit , Homburg Roy , Acharya Ganesh
Published: April 2019

Introduction

High levels of anti‐Mullerian hormone and a high antral follicle count in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, reflecting increased ovarian antral follicles, predisposes them to have a high number of retrieved oocytes with in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and an increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Inositols, which act as insulin sensitizers, have the potential to alter folliculogenesis and the functional ovarian reserve, with subsequent benefits to reproductive outcomes following IVF/ICSI treatment. Published literature is, however, unable to provide definitive evidence of its efficacy. The objective of our review was to evaluate the effect of inositols on anti‐Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count and reproductive outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF/ICSI.

Material and methods

We performed a literature search using standard methodology recommended by Cochrane. Randomized controlled trials and non‐randomized studies comparing inositols with no treatment, placebo or other treatment were included in the review. Using standard methodology recommended by Cochrane we pooled results using the random effects model; our findings were reported as relative risk or mean differences. PROSPERO registration: CRD42017082275.

Results

We included 18 trials. The primary outcome was a change in anti‐Mullerian hormone and antral follicle count before and after treatment, for which data were unsuitable for meta‐analysis. A narrative review showed no consistent direction or size of effect. A meta‐analysis for the secondary outcomes showed no evidence of a significant difference between inositol and control groups for any outcome: number of oocytes (mean difference −0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.11 to 0.33), number of metaphase II oocytes (mean difference 0.29, 95% CI −0.83 to 1.40), number of top grade embryos (risk ratio [RR] 1.02, 95% CI 0.93‐1.12), clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.87‐1.53), and risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.39‐1.37). The quality of evidence was assessed as very low.

Conclusions

There is insufficient evidence for an effect of inositols on ovarian reserve markers and to support their use as pretreatment before IVF/ICSI in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Enhancing macroeconomic resilience to natural disasters and climate change in the small states of the Pacific
Authors: Cabezon Ezequiel , Hunter Leni , Tumbarello Patrizia , Washimi Kazuaki , Wu Yiqun
Published: April 2019

Natural disasters and climate change are interrelated macro‐critical issues affecting all Pacific small states to varying degrees. In addition to their devastating human costs, these events damage growth prospects and worsen countries’ fiscal positions. This is the first cross‐country International Monetary Fund (IMF) study assessing the impact of natural disasters on growth in the Pacific islands as a group. A panel Vector Autoregressive (VAR) analysis suggests that, for damage and losses equivalent to 1 per cent of GDP, growth drops by 0.7 percentage points in the year of the disaster. The paper also discusses a multi‐pillar framework to enhance resilience to natural disasters at the national, regional, and multilateral levels and the importance of enhancing countries’ risk management capacities. It highlights how this approach can provide a more strategic and less ad hoc framework for strengthening both ex ante and ex post resilience and what role the IMF can play.
A developmental study of the bat/ball problem of CRT: How to override the bias and its relation to executive functioning
Authors: Carriedo Nuria , Corral Antonio , Montoro Pedro R. , Herrero Laura
Published: April 2019

In two experiments, we explored the nature of the bias observed in the bat/ball problem of the cognitive reflection test (Frederick, 2005, J. Econ. Perspect., 19, 25), how to override it, and its relation to executive functioning. Based on the original bat/ball problem, we designed two additional isomorphic items. In Experiment 1, for four age groups, including 7‐, 11‐, and 15‐year‐olds and adults, we determined that the bias is related to the System 1 intervention; the performance in this item was not a matter of mathematical ability and it could be facilitated by changing the order in which the problems were presented. In Experiment 2, we determined that for 15‐year‐olds, good and bad performances in the item were related to executive functioning, particularly response‐distractor inhibition, updating information in working memory, and the regulation of attention; however, subtle differences were identified when the problem was performed in a facilitative context compared with a non‐facilitative context. The results indicated that cognitive abilities are a necessary but non‐sufficient condition to resolve the problem.
The Harmful Effects of Psychotherapy: When the Therapeutic Alliance Fails
Authors: Knox Jean
Published: April 2019

A good therapeutic alliance has been found to be the best predictor of outcome in psychotherapy, but psychotherapists also need to develop an understanding of the mechanisms by which that alliance is created and the factors that may damage that alliance and contribute to harmful effects of psychotherapy. I explore these factors in three contexts: the nature of the therapy itself, the characteristics of the therapist, and the dynamics of the patient–therapist relationship. I discuss the research that suggests that potentially harmful processes can be avoided by a dynamic‐agentive systems model, which views psychotherapy as a conversation, in which turn‐taking, rupture and repair, and perspective‐taking are the intersubjective tools that help to build the therapeutic alliance and that can be the focus for further study into the mechanisms by which psychotherapy is helpful or harmful. The neuroscience research that supports this model is summarized.