bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Region-specific regulation of stem cell-driven regeneration in tapeworms
Authors: Rozario Tania , Quinn Edward B. , Wang Jianbin , Davis Richard E. , Newmark Phillip A.
Published: December 2018

Tapeworms grow at rates rivaling the fastest-growing metazoan tissues. To propagate they shed large parts of their body; to replace these lost tissues they regenerate proglottids (segments) as part of normal homeostasis. Their remarkable growth and regeneration are fueled by adult somatic stem cells that have yet to be characterized molecularly. Using the rat intestinal tapeworm,Hymenolepis diminuta, we find that regenerative potential is regionally limited to the neck, where head-dependent extrinsic signals create a permissive microenvironment for stem cell-driven regeneration. Using transcriptomic analyses and RNA interference, we characterize and functionally validate regulators of tapeworm growth and regeneration. We find no evidence that stem cells are restricted to the regeneration-competent neck. Instead, lethally irradiated tapeworms can be rescued when cells from either regeneration-competent or regeneration-incompetent regions are transplanted into the neck. Together, the head and neck tissues provide extrinsic cues that regulate stem cells, enabling region-specific regeneration in this parasite.
Heptad repeat regions of coiled-coil domains of Mfn1 are crucial for Mfn1 mediated mitochondrial fusion
Authors: Sinha Sansrity , Aradhyam Gopala Krishna
Published: December 2018

Mitofusin mediate fusion of outer mitochondrial membranes (OMM). Recent studies have explained the role of GTPase domain for Mfn1 dimerization and outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) fusion. Coiled-coiled domains [namely, coiled-coil/Middle domains (CC1MD) and coiled-coil-2 GTPase effector domain (CC2/GED)] form helical bundles that mediate open-to-close conformations of Mfn1 upon GTP binding and have been previously reported to be important for OMM tethering and OMM fusion. To further decipher the significance of helical structure of MD, we functionally characterized the heptad repeat regions of MD. Consistent with previous studies, we show that MD consists of two heptad repeats (HR1, namely HR1a and HR1b) and both of these are crucial for Mfn1 mediated OMM fusion.
Effect of soybean molasses-adsorbents on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics, milk production performance in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Chen Liang , Li Bin , Ren Ao , Kong Zhiwei , Zhou Chuanshe , Tan Zhiliang , Tang Shaoxun , Fang Rejun
Published: December 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro fermentation characteristics of corncob powder (CRP), wheat bran (WB), rice husk (RH), defatted bran (DB) and soybean hulls (SH) when mixed with soybean molasses at a ratio of 30:100 (dry matter basis), using a batch culture incubation. During in vitro study, SH showed better fermentation characteristics (including greater maximum gas production, shorter time to achieve half of Vf, greater concentrations of acetate, propionate and total VFA, and less initial fractional rate of degradation) than other four substrates, while WB had the greatest values of DM and NDF disappearance, NH3-N and butyrate concentrations among substrates. A randomized complete block designed in vivo experiment was conducted with 24 Holstein cows (534 ± 58 kg BW, 2.8 ± 0.7 parity, 129 ± 23 d in milk) randomly assigned to three experimental diets: Control, WB (WB adsorbed to soybean molasses replaced 150 g of corn meal per 1000 g of diet dry matter [DM]) or SH (SH adsorbed to soybean molasses replaced 100 g of wheat bran and 50 g corn meal per 1000 g of diet DM). The results indicated that cows received WB diet had greater (P<0.01) milk fat and total milk solid content than cows fed control and SH diets, and cows received WB and SH diets tended to have greater (P<0.01) milk protein content and blood glutamic-pyruvic transaminase concentration than cows fed control diet. Furtherly, cows received WB diet had greater (P<0.01) blood amylase and lactate dehydrogenase concentration than that of cows fed control diet during middle lactation.

In conclusion, dietary supplementation of molasses adsorbed by-products like WB and SH have positive effect on promoting rumen fermentation, milk quality and blood metabolism in early- and middle-lactating dairy cows. The results offered a new products and feeding way in dairy farming
Analysis of a meningococcal meningitis outbreak in Niger – potential effectiveness of reactive prophylaxis
Authors: Hitchings Matt D.T. , Coldiron Matthew E , Grais Rebecca F , Lipsitch Marc
Published: December 2018

Background
Seasonal epidemics of bacterial meningitis in the African Meningitis Belt carry a high burden of disease and mortality. Reactive mass vaccination is used as a control measure during epidemics, but the time taken to gain immunity from the vaccine reduces the flexibility and effectiveness of these campaigns. Highly targeted reactive antibiotic propylaxis could be used to supplement reactive mass vaccination and further reduce the incidence of meningitis, and the potential effectiveness and efficiency of these strategies should be explored.
Methods and Findings
Data from an outbreak of meningococcal meningitis in Niger, caused primarily by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C, is used to estimate clustering of meningitis cases at the household and village level. In addition, reactive antibiotic prophylaxis and reactive vaccination strategies are simulated to estimate their potential effectiveness and efficiency, with a focus on the threshold and spatial unit used to declare an epidemic and initiate the intervention.
There is village-level clustering of meningitis cases after an epidemic has been declared in a health area. Meningitis risk among household contacts of a meningitis case is no higher than among members of the same village. Village-wide antibiotic prophylaxis can target secondary cases in villages: across of range of parameters pertaining to how the intervention is performed, up to 200/ 672 cases during the season are potentially preventable. On the other hand, household prophylaxis targets very few cases. In general, the village-wide strategy is not very sensitive to the method used to declare an epidemic. Finally, village-wide antibiotic prophylaxis is potentially more efficient than mass vaccination of all individuals at the beginning of the season, and than the equivalent reactive vaccination strategy.
Conclusions
Village-wide antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered and tested further as a response against outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis in the Meningitis Belt, as a supplement to reactive mass vaccination.
Customer disloyalty in retail banking services: attitudinal and behavioural dimensions
Authors: Bhatnagar Shakti Bodh , Mishra Jitendra Kumar , Syed Asif Ali
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The literature on customer behaviour has attracted significant attention towards customer loyalty; however, customer disloyalty has not been adequately studied. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors leading to customer disloyalty and develop a comprehensive framework for understanding various dimensions of customer disloyalty in retail banking services.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is descriptive in nature. Variables associated with customer disloyalty were identified from literature and subsequently factor analysis has been applied to derive the significant factors leading to customer disloyalty. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 357 retail banking customers. EFA and CFA have been employed to determine relevant factors.

Findings

This study found that customer disloyalty comprises of, both, attitudinal and behavioural components. Further, the study revealed three factors – unfair practices, unfulfilled services and poor interaction leading to behavioural disloyalty and negative image leading to attitudinal disloyalty. Surprisingly, the study found that pricing and competitor’s attraction do not affect, both, attitudinal disloyalty and behavioural disloyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to customer behaviour literature by understanding customer disloyalty as a distinct concept in comparison to much prevalent customer switching. It addition, this study empirically identified factors leading to behavioural disloyalty and attitudinal disloyalty.

Originality/value

The originality lies in that fact that it is the only empirical study which has studied customer disloyalty through attitudinal disloyalty lenses. Subsequently, it has also attempted to fill the gap in available literature by studying the relationship between attitudinal disloyalty and behavioural disloyalty.
Three-dimensional rotating Darcy–Forchheimer flow with activation energy
Authors: Rashid Sadia , Hayat Tasawar , Qayyum Sumaira , Ayub Muhammad , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to study flow caused by rotating frame. Effects of Darcy–Forchheimer and porous medium are considered to study velocity field. Concentration field is discussed in presence of activation energy. Darcy–Forchheimer in a rotating frame is examined. Flow because of stretched sheet fills the porous space. Binary chemical reaction is entertained. Resulting system is numerically solved. The plots are arranged for rotational parameter, porosity parameter, coefficients of inertia, Prandtl number and Schmidt number. It is revealed that rotation on velocity has opposite effects when compared with temperature and concentration distributions. Skin friction coefficients and local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are numerically discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Darcy–Forchheimer in a rotating frame is examined. Flow because of stretched sheet fills the porous space. Binary chemical reaction is entertained. Resulting system is numerically solved. The plots are arranged for rotational parameter, porosity parameter, coefficients of inertia, Prandtl number and Schmidt number. It is revealed that rotation on velocity has opposite effects when compared with temperature and concentration distributions. Skin friction coefficients and local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are numerically discussed.

Findings

The major findings here are as follows: an addition in porosity λ causes decay in velocity f′(η) while there is opposite behavior for temperature θ(η) and concentration ϕ(η) fields. θ and ϕ via β have similar results qualitatively. There is an opposite behavior of Pr on temperature and concentration. Inverse behavior of λ on ϕ and wall mass flux is noted. Concentration ϕ is decreasing function of reaction rate constant σ. Skin friction coefficient has similar qualitative results for λ and β. Temperature gradient −θ′(0) is decreased by λ and β.

Originality/value

Here, the authors are interested to investigate rotating flow in a porous space. Dissipation and radiation effects are neglected. Effects of activation energy are studied. This work is not done yet in literature.
Exporting and firm performance: evidence from India
Authors: Gupta Apoorva , Patnaik Ila , Shah Ajay
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the direction of causality between firm productivity and export status. The correlation can arise from multiple alternative causal models, and the authors study if more productive firms export, and/or if firms learn to export, and/or if firms learn by exporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigate these relationships, harnessing the natural experiments offered by firms which transitioned into exporting, in a dataset of Indian firms from 1989 to 2015. Each firm which made the transition is matched against a control which did not. The transitions take place across many years, thus permitting a matched event study in firm outcomes.

Findings

The authors find there is self-selection of more productive firms into exporting. Firms that make the transition into exporting become bigger, but there is little evidence of learning by exporting, of improvements in productivity right after exporting commences. However, there is evidence of learning to export, that is there is improvement in productivity of export starters in comparison to their productivity a couple of years before they begin to export.

Originality/value

The strength of the paper lies in an opportunity for sound measurement: we observe firms make a transition from domestic market into exporting. The transitions take place across many years, thus permitting a matched event study in firm outcomes. Using this methodology, the authors find that firms become more productive a few years before they export, that is they learn to export. They contribute to the literature by bringing evidence of “learning to export” from a developing country.
Risk factors for occupational stress among Greek police officers
Authors: Galanis Petros , Fragkou Despoina , Kaitelidou Daphne , Kalokairinou Athena , Katsoulas Theodoros A.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

In view of the absence of police stress research in Greece, the purpose of this paper is to measure occupational stress among police officers and to investigate occupational stress risk factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample was conducted among 336 police officers in Athens, Greece. Data collection was performed during January to March 2018 and the response rate was 77.8 percent. Demographic characteristics, job characteristics, lifestyle factors and coping strategies were considered possible risk factors. The “Operational Police Stress Questionnaire” and the “Organizational Police Stress Questionnaire” were used to measure occupational stress, while the “Brief Cope” questionnaire was used to measure coping strategies.

Findings

Regarding service operation, the most stressor events were personal relationships outside work, tiredness, bureaucracy, injury risk and lack of leisure for family and friends. Regarding service organization, the most stressor events were lack of personnel, inappropriate equipment, lack of meritocracy, lack of sources and inappropriate distribution of responsibilities in work. According to multivariate analysis, increased use of avoidance-focused coping strategy, and decreased sleeping, physical exercise and family/friends support were associated with increased occupational stress. Moreover, police officers who work out of office experienced more occupational stress than police officers who work in office.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in Greece addressing the risk factors for occupational stress among police officers. Modifiable occupational stress risk factors among police officers were found and should be carefully managed to decrease stress and improve mental health.
RanGAP‐mediated nucleocytoplasmic transport of Prospero regulates neural stem cell lifespan in Drosophila larval central brain
Authors: Wu Di , Wu Litao , An Huanping , Bao Hongcun , Guo Pengfei , Zhang Bei , Zheng Huimei , Zhang Fan , Ge Wanzhong , Cai Yu , Xi Yongmei , Yang Xiaohang
Published: December 2018

By the end of neurogenesis in Drosophila pupal brain neuroblasts (NBs), nuclear Prospero (Pros) triggers cell cycle exit and terminates NB lifespan. Here, we reveal that in larval brain NBs, an intrinsic mechanism facilitates import and export of Pros across the nuclear envelope via a Ran‐mediated nucleocytoplasmic transport system. In rangap mutants, the export of Pros from the nucleus to cytoplasm is impaired and the nucleocytoplasmic transport of Pros becomes one‐way traffic, causing an early accumulation of Pros in the nuclei of the larval central brain NBs. This nuclear Pros retention initiates NB cell cycle exit and leads to a premature decrease of total NB numbers. Our data indicate that RanGAP plays a crucial role in this intrinsic mechanism that controls NB lifespan during neurogenesis. Our study may provide insights into understanding the lifespan of neural stem cells during neurogenesis in other organisms.
Knockdown of heterochromatin protein 1 binding protein 3 recapitulates phenotypic, cellular, and molecular features of aging
Authors: Neuner Sarah M. , Ding Shengyuan , Kaczorowski Catherine C.
Published: December 2018

Identifying genetic factors that modify an individual's susceptibility to cognitive decline in aging is critical to understanding biological processes involved and mitigating risk associated with a number of age‐related disorders. Recently, heterochromatin protein 1 binding protein 3 (Hp1bp3) was identified as a mediator of cognitive aging. Here, we provide a mechanistic explanation for these findings and show that targeted knockdown of Hp1bp3 in the hippocampus by 50%–75% is sufficient to induce cognitive deficits and transcriptional changes reminiscent of those observed in aging and Alzheimer's disease brains. Specifically, neuroinflammatory‐related pathways become activated following Hp1bp3 knockdown in combination with a robust decrease in genes involved in synaptic activity and neuronal function. To test the hypothesis that Hp1bp3 mediates susceptibility to cognitive deficits via a role in neuronal excitability, we performed slice electrophysiology demonstrate transcriptional changes after Hp1bp3 knockdown manifest functionally as a reduction in hippocampal neuronal intrinsic excitability and synaptic plasticity. In addition, as Hp1bp3 is a known mediator of miRNA biogenesis, here we profile the miRNA transcriptome and identify mir‐223 as a putative regulator of a portion of observed mRNA changes, particularly those that are inflammatory‐related. In summary, work here identifies Hp1bp3 as a critical mediator of aging‐related changes at the phenotypic, cellular, and molecular level and will help inform the development of therapeutics designed to target either Hp1bp3 or its downstream effectors in order to promote cognitive longevity.
To sit or not to sit? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of seated exercise for older adults
Authors: Sexton Bernadette P , Taylor Nicholas F
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine the effect of seated exercise on impairment, activity and participation levels of older adults living with a health condition or impairment.

Methods

A systematic search of health databases combined concepts of seated exercise and controlled trials. Selected trials were appraised for quality and results synthesised by calculating standardised mean differences (SMD) and conducting meta‐analyses where appropriate.

Results

Fourteen randomised controlled trials met inclusion criteria. Compared to usual care or social activities, seated exercise had a large positive effect on cognition (SMD 1.20, 95% confidence interval 0.25, 2.16) with smaller effects on strength, spinal flexion, activity, depression and quality of life. There was no effect on balance or mobility. There were no positive effects when seated exercise was compared to weight‐bearing and functional exercise.

Conclusion

Seated exercise has a positive effect on cognition and is also of some benefit for older adults who are unable to exercise in upright positions.
TWO DECADES OF DBFO ROADS IN THE UK AND SPAIN: AN EVALUATION OF THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: ACERETE Basilio , GASCA Mar , STAFFORD Anne
Published: December 2018

Road schemes are of major importance in the global PPP market. We focus on Design‐Build‐Finance‐Operate (DBFO) arrangements covered by shadow toll or availability payment mechanisms, where the UK and Spain are key players. Now that a good number of DBFO schemes in the UK and Spain have been operational for well over half the contract period, there is scope for a detailed ex post evaluation of DBFO performance in both countries and an analysis of how the DBFO model has evolved. Preliminary results show that these contracts continue to be very expensive for public administrations, especially in the UK, where the financing costs and fee per kilometre are high. On the other hand, they are an easy source of revenue for the parent companies of the concessionaires, where the increased use of subordinated debt rather than equity seeks to reduce risk. However, despite circumventing the controversial hard‐tolling, some projects in both Spain and the UK present poor outcomes. Several other problems around these projects are identified, including lack of public accountability and transparency or poor governance, raising long‐term questions around affordability and opportunities for further study.
Effects of initial functional‐group composition on assembly trajectory in savanna restoration
Authors: Coutinho André Ganem , Alves Monique , Sampaio Alexandre Bonesso , Schmidt Isabel Belloni , Vieira Daniel Luis Mascia
Published: December 2018

Aims

Indicators that can provide information during the early stages of restoration are very useful for predicting restoration outcomes. We posed the following questions: Can savanna restoration outcomes be affected by the initial functional‐group composition? Are there functional groups that, when established early, can prevent colonization by invasive grasses, trigger a successful restoration trajectory, and be used as early indicators of restoration success?

Location

Brazilian savanna (cerrado) in Central Brazil (14°07′2.54″ S, 47°38′30.36″ W).

Methods

We established 110 plots spanning a naturally occurring range of species composition in savanna areas that had been restored through direct seeding. We looked for different initial compositions of the following functional groups: perennial grasses, annual grasses, short‐lived shrubs, and invasive grasses. We measured vegetation cover over two years and evaluated the effects of the initial functional composition on the successional trajectory of the plots.

Results

The initial dominant functional group determined the assembly trajectory. Short‐lived and fast‐growing species were replaced by perennial species, indicating a fast species turnover. Invasive grass cover remained stable over time, demonstrating that once they establish and dominate an area, an alternative stable state is achieved.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the importance of introducing a mixture of functional groups when restoring savannas in severely disturbed areas. Fast‐growing and short‐lived species are important for quickly covering the ground, creating the conditions for the establishment of perennial grasses that naturally dominate the herbaceous layer of savannas. Trees are also characteristic of the savanna structure and must be introduced. Our results indicate that invasive grasses must be eliminated and/or constantly controlled before native species are introduced.
Kinetics of T‐cell subset reconstitution following treatment with bendamustine and rituximab for low‐grade lymphoproliferative disease: a population‐based analysis
Authors: Martínez‐Calle Nicolás , Hartley Sarah , Ahearne Matthew , Kasenda Benjamin , Beech Amy , Knight Helen , Balotis Constantine , Kennedy Ben , Wagner Simon , Dyer Martin J. S. , Smith Dean , McMillan Andrew K. , Miall Fiona , Bishton Mark , Fox Christopher P.
Published: December 2018

Delayed lymphocyte and T‐cell immune reconstitution following bendamustine‐rituximab (BR) for indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) has been described, but no information is available for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). We present a population‐based retrospective analysis of immune reconstitution and risk of infection following BR. Outcomes included timing/correlates of CD4+ recovery and risk of ≥grade 3 infections. Consecutively treated patients (1 April 2014 to 31 January 2017) were included (n = 295),with a median age of 65 years (range 33–92); 57% were 1st line treatments. Median cumulative bendamustine dose was 1080 mg/m2 (range 140–1440 mg/m2). CD4/CD8/CD19/NK subsets were available for 148 patients. Median follow‐up was 24 months. Median times to lymphocyte count (ALC) recovery (≥1 × 109/l) and CD4+ recovery (≥0·2 × 109/l) were 26 and 24 months, respectively. Bendamustine total dose >1080 mg/m2 (hazard ratio [HR] 0·4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0·2–0·8), end‐of‐treatment ALC ≤0·4 × 109/l (HR 0·53; 95% CI: 0·3–0·9) and CD4+ <0·1 × 109/l 1‐year post‐BR (HR 0·03; 95% CI: 0·008–0·15) were covariables for delayed CD4+ recovery. ALC‐recovery ≥1 × 109/l was an unreliable predictor of CD4+ recovery (negative predictive vale 74%, positive predictive value 86%, likelihood ratio 3·3). CD4+ lymphopenia >3 years was a significant risk factor for ≥grade 3 infections (Odds ratio 3·4; 95% CI: 1·4–6·9). CD4+ recovery after BR is unexpectedly delayed and late recovery is associated with risk of serious infections. Monitoring CD4+ following BR could identify patients at high risk of delayed infections.
The time point of completion thyroidectomy has no prognostic impact in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Lenschow Christina , Mäder Uwe , Germer Christoph‐Thomas , Reiners Christoph , Schlegel Nicolas , Verburg Frederik A.
Published: December 2018

Background

After partial resection of the thyroid gland, a second operation referred to as “completion thyroidectomy” may be required if histopathological analysis indicates the presence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Although there is little evidence, it is assumed that the time point of completion thyroidectomy is not critical for oncological prognosis of patients with DTC. We assessed whether patients with total thyroidectomy (TTx) in a two‐step procedure have an equal long‐term prognosis with regard to disease‐specific survival (DSS) compared to patients immediately undergoing total thyroidectomy in a one‐step procedure.

Methods

A database study using the Würzburg thyroid cancer database with 2258 patients with pT1a‐pT4b tumours DTC who were operated between 1980 and 2016 was carried out.

Results

A total of 277 patients with papillary microcarcinoma pT1aN0M0 were treated by hemithyroidectomy. TTx as one‐step procedure was performed in 1114 patients compared to 867 with TTx as a two‐step procedure. Patients with papillary thyroid cancer more frequently had a TTx as one‐step procedure than follicular thyroid cancer patients (59.4% vs 47%; P < 0.001). Compared to a one‐step thyroidectomy, overall complication rate was not different compared to patients undergoing a single operation. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of distant metastases, T‐stage and age at diagnosis were the only independent determinants for DTC‐specific survival, regardless of a one‐ or two‐time thyroidectomy.

Conclusion

The present study on the largest of such patient collectives provides evidence that a delayed completion operation does not affect DSS in DTC, nor does it lead to a significant increase in complication rates.
The functional loading of implants increases their stability: A retrospective clinical study
Authors: Brizuela‐Velasco Aritza , Chávarri‐Prado David
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To assess the difference in the evolution of implant stability values, determined by resonance frequency analysis (RFA), between two groups of implants subjected to two different loading protocols: immediate and delayed.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective clinical study was conducted, including a total of 93 implants placed in 38 patients. All implants corresponded to one of two models of the Klockner Implant System (Essential Cone and Vega) and were divided into two groups according to the loading protocol adopted: delayed loading in group A (>10 weeks) and immediate loading in group B (<48 hours). Implant stability was measured four times throughout the study period with a Penguin RFA device: implant placement (T0), definitive loading (T1), 6 months after loading (T2), and 12 months after loading (T3).

Results

Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values showed a statistically significant increase in both groups after loading. In group A, the greatest increase in stability occurred between T1 and T2, whereas in group B, the greatest increase occurred between T0 and T1, coinciding in both cases with the period in which the implants were subjected to prosthetic loading.

Conclusions

The functional loading of implants increases their stability, as measured in ISQ values by RFA. Increases in ISQ values are greater during the months immediately following loading, which shows that immediate or early loading protocols are not only possible but can also be beneficial.
The developmental relations between spatial cognition and mathematics in primary school children
Authors: Gilligan Katie A. , Hodgkiss Alex , Thomas Michael S. C. , Farran Emily K.
Published: December 2018

Spatial thinking is an important predictor of mathematics. However, existing data do not determine whether all spatial sub‐domains are equally important for mathematics outcomes nor whether mathematics–spatial associations vary through development. This study addresses these questions by exploring the developmental relations between mathematics and spatial skills in children aged 6–10 years (N = 155). We extend previous findings by assessing and comparing performance across Uttal et al.'s (2013), four spatial sub‐domains. Overall spatial skills explained 5%–14% of the variation across three mathematics performance measures (standardized mathematics skills, approximate number sense and number line estimation skills), beyond other known predictors of mathematics including vocabulary and gender. Spatial scaling (extrinsic‐static sub‐domain) was a significant predictor of all mathematics outcomes, across all ages, highlighting its importance for mathematics in middle childhood. Other spatial sub‐domains were differentially associated with mathematics in a task‐ and age‐dependent manner. Mental rotation (intrinsic‐dynamic skills) was a significant predictor of mathematics at 6 and 7 years only which suggests that at approximately 8 years of age there is a transition period regarding the spatial skills that are important for mathematics. Taken together, the results support the investigation of spatial training, particularly targeting spatial scaling, as a means of improving both spatial and mathematical thinking.
Childhood disintegrative disorder and autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Mehra Chirag , Sil Annesha , Hedderly Tammy , Kyriakopoulos Marinos , Lim Ming , Turnbull Jessica , Happe Francesca , Baird Gillian , Absoud Michael
Published: December 2018

Aim

In an attempt to clarify the debate surrounding the diagnostic validity of childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), we systematically reviewed its characteristics and compared it with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method

Four databases were searched (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science). Included articles had participants with CDD, as defined by symptoms present in the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision and the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. Comparison groups were those with ASD and ASD with regression. Case studies were excluded.

Results

Twenty articles, comprising 96 participants with CDD (80 males, 16 females), were included. Most studies were cross‐sectional. The prevalence of CDD was 1.1 to 9.2 per 100 000, with a mean age at regression of 3 years 2 months (SD 1y 1mo), with a range of 2 years to 7 years. In addition to core CDD symptoms, most had intellectual impairment, anxiety, challenging behaviours, and regressed in toileting skills. Participants with CDD and ASD shared core diagnostic and extra‐diagnostic features. However, participants with CDD seemed to have more severe symptoms and a different symptom profile, including apparently typical development before regression, faster regression, more affective symptoms, and more global developmental deficit. Possible genetic and autoimmune neurobiological mechanisms were identified.

Interpretation

There is limited high‐quality evidence describing the aetiology and outcomes of CDD. However, given the qualitative and prognostic differences between ASD and CDD, we recommend that future diagnostic criteria should distinguish late‐onset regression.
Alternating hemiplegia of childhood: the gap between paroxysmal manifestations and non‐paroxysmal characteristics
Authors: Panagiotakaki Eleni
Published: December 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Jasien et al. on pages 547–554 of this issue.
EARLY EVIDENCE ON RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION AND TRAFFIC FATALITIES
Authors: Hansen Benjamin , Miller Keaton , Weber Caroline
Published: December 2018

Over the last few years, marijuana has become legally available for recreational use to roughly a quarter of Americans. Policy makers have long expressed concerns about the substantial external costs of alcohol, and similar costs could come with the liberalization of marijuana policy. Indeed, the fraction of fatal accidents in which at least one driver tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol has increased nationwide by an average of 10% from 2013 to 2016. For Colorado and Washington, both of which legalized marijuana in 2014, these increases were 92% and 28%, respectively. However, identifying a causal effect is difficult due to the presence of significant confounding factors. We test for a causal effect of marijuana legalization on traffic fatalities in Colorado and Washington with a synthetic control approach using records on fatal traffic accidents from 2000 to 2016. We find the synthetic control groups saw similar changes in marijuana‐related, alcohol‐related, and overall traffic fatality rates despite not legalizing recreational marijuana. (JEL K42, I12, I18)
‘Herbal’ preparations for equine dermal neoplasms contain large amounts of zinc chloride
Authors: Ramey D. W. , Poppenga R.
Published: December 2018

This original study was performed to investigate the levels of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) in ‘herbal black salve’ preparations, purportedly containing an active ingredient of bloodroot, sometimes used to treat equine dermal neoplasms. Three samples of different ‘bloodroot’ preparations were tested. Zinc and other elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES). The chloride in the samples was partitioned into an aqueous solution and measured by ion chromatography (IC). The studied products contained between 11.6% and 25% ZnCl2. Veterinarians should be aware that ‘herbal’ or ‘black salve’ preparations intended for the treatment of equine cutaneous neoplasms may contain significant amounts of zinc chloride (ZnCl2), a caustic, corrosive chemical. Equine practitioners should also be aware that various international government agencies have warned against the use of black salve products in human cancer therapy.
Miscanthus for biogas production: Influence of harvest date and ensiling on digestibility and methane hectare yield
Authors: Mangold Anja , Lewandowski Iris , Hartung Jens , Kiesel Andreas
Published: December 2018

The 8,000 biogas plants currently in operation in Germany are mainly fed with biomass from annual crops. However, feedstock from perennial crops such as miscanthus is expected to be more environmentally benign. If miscanthus is to be used in greater amounts as a substrate for anaerobic digestion, storage will become a relevant topic, as a continuous supply of biomass throughout the year is necessary. The objective of this study was to identify the miscanthus harvest time that best balances the simultaneous achievement of high silage quality, high digestibility and high methane hectare yields. For this purpose, biomass from four miscanthus genotypes with varying senescence characteristics was harvested on three different dates in autumn 2017. Part of the biomass was ensiled, and the methane yield of both ensiled and non‐ensiled biomass was analysed in a biogas batch test to assess the effect of ensiling on the methane hectare yield and digestion velocity. The ensiled biomass was found to have an up to 7% higher substrate‐specific methane yield and also showed a higher digestion velocity than the non‐ensiled biomass. The silage quality was best when miscanthus was harvested in mid‐October, due to highest lactic acid content (average: 3.0% of DM) and lowest pH (average: 4.39) compared to the harvests in mid‐September and beginning of October. Mass losses during ensiling (as high as 7.6% of fresh matter for the M. sinensis genotype Sin55) were compensated for by a higher substrate‐specific methane yield (up to 353 Nml CH4 (g oDM)−1) in ensiled miscanthus. This resulted in non‐significantly different methane hectare yields for non‐ensiled (average: 4.635 Nm3 CH4/ha) and ensiled miscanthus biomass (4.803 Nm3 CH4/ha). A comparison of the four genotypes suggests that Miscanthus x giganteus is the most suitable genotype for ensiling as it had the best silage quality.
Representation beyond people: Lobbying access of umbrella associations to legislatures and the media
Authors: Junk Wiebke Marie
Published: December 2018

Lobbying access to policy discussions determines how political interests are voiced and potentially exert influence. This article addresses whether access to the national legislature and the media favors umbrella organizations, which represent interests of their member groups. It theorizes that the role of umbrellas goes beyond signaling a large individual membership or constituency of people, but that umbrellas are distinct in transmitting interests from other organizations. This function is expected to be valuable in exchanges with legislators who seek efficiency, input legitimacy, and policy implementation, but less valuable in the media arena. Using a new data set on lobbying by 286 groups on 12 issues in the United Kingdom and Germany, the article serves support for this theory: Umbrellas enjoy higher legislative access, but lower media access than groups without member organizations, irrespective of their individual membership or claimed constituency. The findings have implications for how we understand and study political representation.
When do governments trade domestic reforms for external rewards? Explaining policy responses to the Millennium Challenge Corporation's eligibility standards
Authors: Parks Bradley C. , Davis Caroline
Published: December 2018

Journalistic reports and case study evidence suggest that governments have made policy and institutional reforms to achieve or maintain eligibility for assistance from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). However, the empirical scope of the “MCC Effect”—across countries, policy domains, and time—remains a subject of speculation and debate. There is also little rigorous evidence about the conditions under which the MCC eligibility standards have influenced the reform efforts of developing country governments. To address this challenge, we construct an original data set that measures whether, when, and how governments in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries responded to the eligibility requirements for MCC assistance between 2004 and 2010. Our econometric analysis of the data set calls attention to an underappreciated factor that shapes the adoption and implementation of externally influenced reforms: the presence of a technocratic reform team with executive authority to introduce disruptive changes to the status quo.
Craft as work–life unity: The careers of skilled working‐class men and their sons and grandsons after deindustrialization
Authors: Ackers George Karl
Published: December 2018

This article focuses on the enduring significance of craft in the careers of Kent Royal Dockyard craftworkers and their sons and grandsons after deindustrialization. The closure of this naval shipbuilding and repair yard together with the subsequent move to post‐industrial employment did not end men's engagement with their craft practices. Instead, this developed into a ‘craft outlook’ defined by a motivation for performing actualizing labour that interwove paid and non‐paid work. Men's careers did not become individualized projects of self as collaborative intergenerational practices gave a long‐term narrative to their careers and lives. Therefore, three contributions are proposed to the literature on working‐class male careers and craft. First, an analytical framework is advanced that empirically distinguishes a ‘craft outlook’ from traditional manual trade employment. Second, a craft outlook reflected ‘whole life careers’ that were constructed from both paid and non‐paid work. Third, the concept of ‘human imprint’ is developed to recognize the generational affirmation produced by the transmission of craft practices.
We are strong and we are resilient: Career experiences of women engineers
Authors: Khilji Shaista E. , Pumroy Kelly Harper
Published: December 2018

With the purpose of breaking down socially derived, implicit assumptions regarding women and highlighting their resilience and strength within organizations, this study focused upon career experiences of women engineers. Findings indicated women constantly navigated gendered social and organizational norms to develop their careers. We found them to employ three distinct coping strategies,conforming to play by the rules,negotiating to play around the rulesanddefying to establish own rules. The ways in which participants arrived at and enacted on these coping strategies is illustrative of their strength, forethought and self‐directedness. All participants demonstrated high self‐concept and the ability to learn and adapt. The study allowed us to acknowledge prevalence of gendered norms and expectations, while also highlighting women's strength in navigating their careers. We hope that the study is able to illuminate persistence of male perspective in the literature and promote a perspective of women as strong and resilient professionals.
High‐risk behaviours, and their associations with mental health, adherence to antiretroviral therapy and HIV parameters, in HIV‐positive men who have sex with men
Authors: Pool ERM , Winston A , Bagkeris E , Vera JH , Mallon PWG , Sachikonye M , Post FA , Pozniak A , Boffito M , Anderson J , Williams I , Johnson M , Burgess L , Sabin CA ,   the Pharmacokinetic and Clinical Observations in People over Fifty (POPPY) study team
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To investigate the patterns and frequency of multiple risk behaviours (alcohol, drugs, smoking, higher risk sexual activity) among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV.

Methods

Cross sectional study.

Results

147 out of 819 HIV‐positive MSM exhibited a high‐risk phenotype (defined as >3 of smoking, excess alcohol, sexually transmitted infection and recent recreational drug use). This phenotype was associated with younger age, depressive symptoms and <90% adherence in multivariable logistic regression.

Conclusion

In a cohort of MSM, a small, but significant proportion exhibited multiple concurrent risk behaviours.
Life satisfaction in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Looking beyond proxy reports
Authors: Barfield Patricia A.
Published: December 2018

Problem

A common clinical approach to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is to view them through an adult‐proxy report of problems. There is little evidence on how children with ADHD evaluate their life satisfaction, how their evaluations compare with unaffected children, or how their perspectives might inform clinical practice.

Methods

A parallel convergent mixed‐methods design was used to interview 20 children (aged, 7–11 years) with ADHD. This report presents the children's responses to the 40‐item Multidimensional Student Life Satisfaction Scale. Parents/guardians (
N = 20) provided contextual data consisting of demographics, ADHD‐related items, and health literacy.

Findings

Total life satisfaction (M = 3.08, SD = 0.35) fell within the 95% CI [2.91, 3.25] of comparative data. Overall subscale ratings (high to low) included: friends (M = 3.24, SD = 0.60), living environment (M = 3.14, SD = 0.51), family (M = 3.08, SD = 0.51), school (M = 3.0, SD = 0.65), and self (M = 2.93, SD = 0.60). Positive and negative associations are reported.

Conclusions

Including a measure of life satisfaction adds a child‐centered approach to understanding children with ADHD beyond an adult‐proxy report of problems that is contextually and clinically relevant.
Thermodynamic properties of barley hydration process and its thermostability
Authors: Borsato Viviani M. , Jorge Luiz M. M. , Mathias Alvaro L. , Jorge Regina M. M.
Published: December 2018

Barley is a winter cereal grain used mainly in brewing malt production and is ranked among the top five cereal grains produced in the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate isothermal hydration at different temperatures (30, 35, 40 °C) and obtain the thermodynamic properties, as well as characterize the thermostability of the Scarlet cultivar and evaluate the starch gelatinization temperature.The micrography showed that hydration causes gradual peeling and swelling of the starch granules, compatible with a heterogeneous hydration of different anatomical structures. The moisture absorption rate increased with the temperature. The kinetics of the grain hydration was simulated using the models of Peleg and Omoto–Jorge. The Peleg model was more suitable for predicting the kinetics, and the data distribution revealed three distinct phases. Thermal degradation of barley revealed three peaks: loss of moisture, nonoxidative degradation, and oxidative degradation. Starch gelatinization occurred at 62 °C.

Practical applications

The evaluation of hydration kinetics demonstrates that an increase in temperature improves the rate of mass transfer in the grain. This practice can be applied in the industry to optimize the process. The micrograph confirms that changes occur in the barley during hydration. Mathematical models allow for verification of how better to predict the process so that it may be generalized to enable the simulation of industrial conditions. The thermodynamic parameters obtained by process modeling provide information concerning the affinity between water and the grain, the spontaneity of reaction, the degree of disorder, and the energy required for the process; this data is useful for modeling, design, and optimization of the industrial process. The thermostability evaluation provides relevant information for choosing temperatures that may be used in industrial practices, as well as for changes in physical state (i.e., whether or not gelatinization is favorable for the process).
Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids: Updated review
Authors: Kasyanju Carrero Lorna Martin , Ma Wei‐wei , Liu Hou‐fang , Yin Xu‐feng , Zhou Bing‐rong
Published: December 2018

Botulinum Toxin Type A is a potent neurotoxin that is produced by a gram‐positive bacteria clostridium botulinum. Its utilization in the treatment of various medical condition has expanded over the years in both medical and esthetic uses. It is being preferred by most physicians due to its efficacy and lack of side effects. It can be used as monotherapy or combined therapy. The aim of this review study was to show the role and mechanism of action of Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids. The clear mechanisms underlying hypertrophic scars and keloids are still not clearly understood; however, the mechanism of action of Botulinum toxin type A has been shown to include action on wound tension, action on collagen, and action on fibroblasts. Different randomized controlled trials, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled studies have been conducted to investigate its use in treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids, and it still is one of the active areas of research in Dermatology and related fields. Method: In March 2018, we performed a literature search in PubMed for clinical studies, clinical trials, case reports, controlled trials, randomized controlled trials, and systemic reviews. The search terms we used were “BOTULINUM TOXIN” AND “HYPERTROPHIC SCARS” OR “KELOIDS” (from 1980). The search resulted in 1000 articles, out of these 35 articles met our inclusion exclusion criteria. Our inclusion criteria included relevant original articles relevant, critical systemic reviews, and crucial referenced articles, exclusion criteria included duplicates and articles not published in English language. We have reviewed these papers to show the role and mechanism of action of Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids.