bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender time-use gap and task segregation in unpaid work: evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Nollert Michael , Gasser Martin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus first on the development of the segregation of tasks in family and housework in Switzerland and its linkage to the gender time-use gap in unpaid work. In addition, the impact of dual-breadwinner support in policies and culture is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical test refers to a comparison of Swiss cantons, and is based on data from the Swiss Labour Force Survey. The analysis traces both the gender gap and segregation from 2000 to 2013, compares them between 25 Swiss cantons, and links them to political and cultural dual-breadwinner support.

Findings

First, the results suggest that both the gender time-use gap and task segregation in unpaid work decrease in Switzerland. Moreover, the gender gap and segregation do not correlate in the sample of Swiss cantons. Second, both the gender gap and segregation correlate with dual-breadwinner support. However, the political dual-breadwinner support is linked to lower segregation, a smaller gender gap, more male and less female housework, the dual-breadwinner culture promotes female housework and both men’s and women’s family time spent on childcare, without affecting the gender gap and segregation.

Research limitations/implications

The results, on the one hand, suggest that both the gender time-use gap and the segregation are important but analytically different dimensions of gender equity. On the other hand, the cross-cantonal analysis highlights the socio-political structuration of gender inequality.

Originality/value

The paper contains the first comparative analysis of the gender time-use gap and task segregation in Switzerland. The results underline the analytical distinction between the gender time-use gap and the task segregation in family and housework. Moreover, the cross-cantonal analysis suggests that the political dual-breadwinner support is an important determinant of the gender divide in unpaid work.
Customer dependence and customer loyalty in traditional and modern format stores
Authors: Mishra Hari Govind , Sinha Piyush Kumar , Koul Surabhi
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between customer loyalty and customer dependence in the context of modern format and traditional format stores. In the process, the role of switching cost and trust in this relationship has been explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the literature, the authors have postulated a conceptual model and formulated relevant hypotheses. Quantitative methodology is applied with previously established. The data were collected through convenient sampling. Methods like Factor analysis, cross-tab and regression analysis have been used.

Findings

The findings indicate a significant relationship between customer loyalty and customer dependence. Switching cost and trust have been found to have a moderating effect over the relationship in both modern and traditional environments.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is the restriction to the Jammu context. The studies have brought about the difference in attitudinal and behavioural loyalty. Future research can be carried out on the role of dependence in explaining and strengthening this relationship.

Originality/value

The present study provides an insight into for the customer loyalty and customer dependence in the context of modern and traditional retail formats.
The impact of education, diversity, professional development and age on personal business ethics of business students in Russia
Authors: Ermasova Natalia , Wagner Stephen , Nguyen Lam Dang
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how individual differences predict personal business ethics of business students with a particular focus on how these factors moderate the relationship between ethical organizational interventions and personal business ethics perception.

Design/methodology/approach

Totally, 488 participants completed Clark’s Personal Business Ethics Scores (PBES) survey. ANOVA analyses were then performed.

Findings

Significant correlations were observed between personal business ethics and diversity professional development, age, and education. The authors found significant difference on ethical behavior and diversity professional development. Professional development focusing on diversity was positively related to reports of ethical behavior for women but no significant relationship was observed for men. Furthermore, professional development focusing on ethics was positively related to reports of ethical behavior for younger employees but no significant relationship was observed for older employees.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers and scholars in cross-cultural management and business ethics fields can benefit from this study as it provides more empirical results in understanding the impact of demographic, educational, and cultural factors on the ethical maturity of business students in different countries.

Practical implications

Leaders, managers and practitioners, can benefit from this study as it provides managerial implications in managing this workforce in the most effective and efficient manner. The results from this research suggest that ethics education and diversity training play the critical role in creating an ethical climate on workplace.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap within the literature and offers a unique analysis of the personal business ethics of Russian business students. Determining the types of business ethics education and training that are the most effective in Russia would be beneficial to researchers and practitioners.
Transnational education and total quality management: a stakeholder-centred model
Authors: Shams S.M. Riad
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Quality assurance is a key concern in higher education, which is more complex in offshore transnational education (TNE), compared to onshore provision of education service. However, higher education quality assurance is an established research domain; there is very limited work on the efficacy of industry-based total quality management (TQM) considerations to uphold quality in higher education, particularly in TNE. From this context, the purpose of this paper is to develop new insights in this under-researched area.

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive constructivist approach is followed to analyse extant scholarly views in relevant disciplinary areas to develop new insights, in relation to the significance of industry-based TQM in TNEs’ quality assurance.

Findings

Stakeholder orientation is recognised, as a significant consideration to uphold quality in TNE. Different stakeholders are identified, who would have substantial influence on TNEs’ TQM. How these stakeholders could influence the TQM process is clarified. Some empirical insights are also developed, in support of the arguments of the paper.

Practical implications

These insights will be useful for education administrators to better align their stakeholder relationships to underpin TQM. Academics will be able to use these insights as a basis for future research towards the significance of industry-based TQM in higher education.

Originality/value

Based on a stakeholder-focussed TNE TQM model, the findings represent an innovative strategic direction towards a better understanding of the significance of stakeholder relationships, pertaining to TQM in the contemporary higher education system.
Service of followers as a leadership competency: a social exchange perspective
Authors: Pearse Noel James
Published: March 2017

Purpose

It is argued that while service requirements are pervasive in organisational contexts, when leading their followers, service has not typically been expected of leaders. The purpose of this paper is to propose how the service of followers should be constructed as a competency of leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper, which evaluates and builds theory in the form of a framework of service as a leadership competency. This framework is based upon the application of social exchange and leadership-member exchange theories and the use of scholarly sources.

Findings

The paper defines service as a leadership competency and proposes that it has at least five requisite and interconnected attributes, namely, individualised consideration, compassion, a motivation to serve, humility and integrative thinking to resolve competing stakeholder interests for the greater good. It further argues that when leaders exercise this competency and its associated attributes, it creates social relations with followers, rather than economic ones.

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual paper contains no empirical data.

Practical implications

The paper develops service as a leadership competency and proposes that social dyadic relations between leader and follower may be advanced through its development.

Originality/value

The paper proposes five attributes which would differentiate service as a competency from other leader competencies. It also provides an explanation of the process through which competencies can realise relational outcomes.
Political turbulence and business as usual: tourism’s future
Authors: Webster Craig
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the political turbulence of the times and discuss how political movements and political events that appear to be shocking to many are linked with major transformations in the global economy in recent decades. The author shows how the political and economic situation will likely have little impact on tourism inflows in major developed countries in coming years.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores global changes since the end of the Cold War and how this has impacted upon potential tourists in tourist source markets and host destinations. It is a global analysis, exploring changes since the Cold War.

Findings

Western countries will continue to experience all sorts of political and social turbulence for the foreseeable future, as their populations become increasingly bifurcated in terms of their wealth and the fiat currency system and fractional reserve system of banking reaches the limits of what it is capable of. However, this does not necessarily mean that tourists will be deterred from travelling to developed countries, as long as the developed countries shield visitors from social upheaval and politically unpleasant events such as strikes, riots, and demonstrations.

Practical implications

The practical implications are that managers in the tourism industry should become increasingly aware of the widening gap between the rich and poor in developed countries and prepare for the political and social shocks of dealing with this phenomenon. The phenomenon will have political expression in political movements that will pay lip service to populist demands but will also have expression in disappointed populations that will take part in social unrest of all sorts. Managers should prepare for various expressions of unrest in developed countries that had not been so widespread, including strikes, demonstrations, and riots.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the ascendency of Donald Trump to the US Presidency and the increasing visibility of other political nonconformist movements in western countries as a possible threat to tourism in developed countries. It links the changing political and social reality of citizens since the end of the Cold War to the future role that developed countries will play in the tourism industry, largely as hosts to the world’s affluent class created by globalization.
The hero’s learning journey
Authors: Denmeade Natalie Casandra
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how educators can harness the natural momentum of learning to create a dramatic and exciting hero’s learning journey. Given the importance of motivation, educators can borrow ideas from game designers by using gamification – a process to re-frame a real life goal to be more appealing and achievable. A series of learning activities, developed to meet both cognitive and emotional needs, results in an engaging learning journey.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept presented, based on PSI Theory, OCEAN Big Five character traits and player/learner archetypes, is that learners are motivated by three basic needs: affiliation, competence or certainty (assuming other physiological needs are met).

Findings

Armed with insight into types of motivations at different phases, learner experience designers can create different learning journeys and user profiles. Learning activities can be planned for each need and phase based on changing motivations: collaborate and curate (affiliation), choice and ownership (certainty), challenge and accountability (competence).

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed in the area of gamification in education. A qualitative study should be conducted on preferred learning and assessment activities for each player archetype and, importantly, this research should represent broad samples and not be restricted to the online gaming community.

Originality/value

Rather than focussing on an isolated unit of study, and asynchronous eLearning modules, learning designers can use modern technologies to seed and nurture learning communities where each person has an appealing pathway to enable them to move from novice to expert at their own pace in a spiral of satisfying learning.
Low-end haptic devices for knee bone drilling in a serious game
Authors: Nguyen Minh , Melaisi Mohammed , Cowan Brent , Uribe Quevedo Alvaro Joffre , Kapralos Bill
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the application of low-end, low-fidelity (gaming/consumer-level) haptic devices for medical-based, surgical skills development (surgical bone-based drilling in particular) with serious games and virtual simulations as an affordable training solution with the potential of complementing current and traditional training methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present the adaptation of two low-end haptic devices (Novint Falcon and Geomagic 3D Touch) to simulate a surgical drill drilling through bone for a serious game developed for total knee arthroplasty training. The implementation was possible through the analysis of the bone drilling mechanics. The authors provide a quantitative comparison of both haptic devices with respect to forces, movements, and development.

Findings

Although further testing is required, the initial results demonstrate that the low-end, consumer-level haptic devices can be incorporated into virtual environments/serious games to allow for the simulation of surgical drilling. The authors also believe that the results will generalize and allow these devices to be used to simulate a variety of technical-based medical procedures.

Originality/value

In contrast to previous work where the focus is placed on cost-prohibitive haptic devices, this approach considers affordable consumer-level solutions that can be easily incorporated into a variety of serious games and virtual simulations. This holds promise that haptic-based virtual simulation and serious games become more widespread, ultimately ensuring that medical trainees are better prepared before exposure to live patients.
Impact of anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α agents on serum levels of KL‐6 and surfactant protein‐D in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Hayashi Mitsuha , Yanaba Koichi , Umezawa Yoshinori , Asahina Akihiko , Nakagawa Hidemi
Published: March 2017

We longitudinally examined the influence of anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α treatment on serum levels of KL‐6 and surfactant protein‐D (SP‐D). The study group comprised 22 patients with psoriasis treated with infliximab or adalimumab and with no history of interstitial lung disease (ILD). KL‐6 and SP‐D levels were measured in serum samples. Twelve of the 22 patients (55%) showed at least a 20% increase in KL‐6 levels compared with baseline. Of these 12 patients, none exhibited any signs of ILD on chest computed tomography and nine who showed an increase in KL‐6 levels (75%) showed at least a 20% increase in SP‐D levels. Some patients showed simultaneous increases in KL‐6 and SP‐D levels after treatment with anti‐TNF‐α agents. Although these patients may have undetectable or subtle alveolar damage, careful observation is needed.
‘Fundamental causes’ of inequalities in mortality: an empirical test of the theory in 20 European populations
Authors: Mackenbach Johan P. , Looman Caspar W.N. , Artnik Barbara , Bopp Matthias , Deboosere Patrick , Dibben Chris , Kalediene Ramune , Kovács Katalin , Leinsalu Mall , Martikainen Pekka , Regidor Enrique , Rychtaříková Jitka , de Gelder Rianne
Published: March 2017

The ‘fundamental causes’ theory stipulates that when new opportunities for lowering mortality arise, higher socioeconomic groups will benefit more because of their greater material and non‐material resources. We tested this theory using harmonised mortality data by educational level for 22 causes of death and 20 European populations from the period 1980–2010. Across all causes and populations, mortality on average declined by 2.49 per cent (95%CI: 2.04–2.92), 1.83% (1.37–2.30) and 1.34% (0.89–1.78) per annum among the high, mid and low educated, respectively. In 69 per cent of cases of declining mortality, mortality declined faster among the high than among the low educated. However, when mortality increased, less increase among the high educated was found in only 46 per cent of cases. Faster mortality decline among the high educated was more manifest for causes of death amenable to intervention than for non‐amenable causes. The difference in mortality decline between education groups was not larger when income inequalities were greater. While our results provide support for the fundamental causes theory, our results suggest that other mechanisms than the theory implies also play a role.
One new species and one new record species of Cerapteroceroides Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) from China
Authors: Zu Guo‐Hao , Li Cheng‐De
Published: March 2017

Cerapteroceroides acutiscapus sp. nov. is described as new and Cerapteroceroides manaliensis Hayat and Khan, 2015 is first recorded from China.
Phenological growth stages of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) based on the BBCH scale
Authors: Sosa‐Zuniga V. , Brito V. , Fuentes F. , Steinfort U.
Published: March 2017

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a pseudocereal native from the Andean region of South America that has increased in importance worldwide. Quinoa is now considered an alternative to traditional crops in a climate change scenario, considering its ability to adapt to marginal soils, droughts and frosts. Despite the interesting agronomic and nutritional features of this crop, research into quinoa is characterised by individual attempts to define its phenological stages without an international consensus. A unique criterion to quantify the phenology of quinoa could become a useful tool for researchers and plant breeders in future work by standardising this information for international cooperation. In this article, a proposed scale of the phenological growth stages of quinoa based on the BBCH coding system (Biologische Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) was developed. Growth stages were described utilising the decimal code of the BBCH system, and figures were included for the most representative stages.
Effect of radiation on chemical composition and protein quality of cottonseed meal
Authors: Bahraini Zohreh , Salari Somayyeh , Sari Mohsen , Fayazi Jamal , Behgar Mehdi
Published: March 2017

This study was conducted to compare the effects of electron beam (EB) and gamma ray (GR) irradiation treatments at doses of 10, 20 and 30 kGy on chemical composition, protein quality and protein digestibility of cottonseed meal (CSM). GR irradiation in all doses significantly decreased the crude fiber of samples compared to raw CSM. Free and total gossypol content of CSM was decreased significantly by utilizing both types of irradiation in a dose‐dependent manner. Also, EB irradiation caused decrease in free and total gossypol content more than that of GR irradiation. GR irradiation at doses of 20 and 30 kGy, and EB irradiation at doses of 10, 20 and 30 kGy can significantly decrease protein solubility of CSM compared to that of a raw sample. GR irradiation at a dose of 30 kGy significantly increased apparent digestibility of protein compared to raw and EB irradiation of CSM at a dose of 10 kGy in Leghorn cockerels. Maximum increase in protein digestibility of CSM was observed in GR irradiation at a dose of 30 kGy. In conclusion, the present study showed that EB and GR irradiation reduced gossypol and crude fiber and increased protein digestibility of CSM but had no effect on protein quality of CSM.
Simulation-Based Hypothesis Testing of High Dimensional Means under Covariance Heterogeneity
Authors: Chang Jinyuan , Zheng Chao , Zhou Wen-Xin , Zhou Wen
Published: March 2017

In this article, we study the problem of testing the mean vectors of high dimensional data in both one-sample and two-sample cases. The proposed testing procedures employ maximum-type statistics and the parametric bootstrap techniques to compute the critical values. Different from the existing tests that heavily rely on the structural conditions on the unknown covariance matrices, the proposed tests allow general covariance structures of the data and therefore enjoy wide scope of applicability in practice. To enhance powers of the tests against sparse alternatives, we further propose two-step procedures with a preliminary feature screening step. Theoretical properties of the proposed tests are investigated. Through extensive numerical experiments on synthetic data sets and an human acute lymphoblastic leukemia gene expression data set, we illustrate the performance of the new tests and how they may provide assistance on detecting disease-associated gene-sets. The proposed methods have been implemented in an R-package HDtest and are available on CRAN.
Comparison of bleb morphology between trabeculectomy and deep sclerectomy using a clinical grading scale and anterior segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Oh Lawrence J , Wong Eugene , Lam Julie , Clement Colin I
Published: March 2017

Importance

The role of the filtration bleb for IOP management following trabeculectomy (TRAB) and deep sclerectomy (DS) in glaucoma is highlighted in this study.

Background

This study serves to analyse the bleb morphology and IOP using the Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Scale (IBAGS) and the anterior‐segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT) postoperatively and at 3 months.

Design

The retrospective study was performed by a single surgeon.

Participants

Twenty‐eight patients with open‐angle glaucoma were recruited into the study, 14 in each of the TRAB (fornix) and DS groups.

Methods

The surgical intervention was dependent on the irido‐corneal angle configuration on gonioscopy.

Main Outcome Measures

Pre‐operatively, we collected visual acuity, medications and IOP. Three months postoperatively, we used the IBAGS to assess bleb morphology, including bleb height, extent, vascularity and leak. AS‐OCT was also used to assess bleb height, thickness, cyst presence and posterior and intrascleral fluid.

Results

Central corneal thickness and mean IOP at 3 months postoperatively were significantly lower in the TRAB group (7.75 vs. 12.27 mmHg; P = 0.005). Blebs that were significantly higher, broader and less vascular compared with DS were displayed by TRAB eyes. The AS‐OCT measurements confirmed TRAB eyes had significantly higher blebs and increased intrascleral fluid compared with DS eyes.

Conclusions and Relevance

Significant differences in bleb morphology, correlating with improved IOP outcomes in TRAB eyes compared with DS eyes in patients with open‐angle glaucoma, were showed by both the IBAGS and AS‐OCT. Despite the limitations of each classification system, a higher bleb with an increased aqueous reservoir is associated with optimal IOP results.
Evaluation of left ventricular function in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia using various echocardiographic techniques
Authors: Bokiniec Renata , Własienko Paweł , Borszewska‐Kornacka Maria , Szymkiewicz‐Dangel Joanna
Published: March 2017

Aim

Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular function in preterm infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Methods

In 82 preterm infants (32 in no‐bronchopulmonary‐dysplasia group, 35 in mild‐bronchopulmonary‐dysplasia group, and 15 in severe‐bronchopulmonary‐dysplasia group), echocardiography was performed on the first day of life, at 28 days of life, and at 36 weeks postconceptional age.

Results

The mean E/A ratio at 36 PCA was 0.94±0.31 and 0.73±0.12 in the mild‐ and severe‐bronchopulmonary‐dysplasia groups, respectively (P=.037). The mean E′‐wave velocity was 5.62±1.61 cm/s vs 4.32±1.11 cm/s at 1 day of life (P=.006) and 6.40±1.39 cm/s vs 5.34±1.37 cm/s at 28 days of life (P=.030) in the no‐bronchopulmonary‐dysplasia and mild‐bronchopulmonary‐dysplasia groups, respectively. This measure tended to be lower in the severe‐bronchopulmonary‐dysplasia group compared to the no‐bronchopulmonary‐dysplasia group (5.25±1.29 cm/s at 28 days of life; P=.081). The E/E′ ratio differed between the no‐bronchopulmonary‐dysplasia (7.21±1.85) and mild‐bronchopulmonary‐dysplasia groups (9.03±2.56; P=.019) at 1 day of life. The left ventricle myocardial performance index decreased between 1 day of life and 36 postconceptional age in infants without bronchopulmonary dysplasia and those with mild bronchopulmonary dysplasia, but not in those with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Conclusion

E/A and E/E′ ratios are the most sensitive indicators of impaired left ventricle diastolic function in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Antihyperglycemic drugs use and new‐onset atrial fibrillation in elderly patients
Authors: Chen Hung‐Yi , Yang Fu‐Yu , Jong Gwo‐Ping , Liou Yi‐Sheng
Published: March 2017

Background

Antihyperglycemic drugs have been linked to new‐onset atrial fibrillation (NAF). However, the effect of the different classes of antihyperglycemic drugs on the development of NAF in elderly patients has not been well studied. In this study, we investigated the association between different classes of antihyperglycemic drugs and NAF in elderly patients.

Materials and methods

This was a nested case–control study performed using the database of National Health Insurance programme in Taiwan. Each participant aged 65 years and older who were NAF from 2005 to 2012 were assigned to the NAF group, whereas case was sex‐, age‐, diabetes duration‐, index date‐matched, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score‐matched randomly selected participant without NAF were assigned to the non‐NAF group. Multivariable logistic regression model was used for the estimation of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of NAF associated with use of different classes of antihyperglycemic agents. Nonusers served as the reference group.

Results

We identified 1958 cases and 7832 controls. The risk of NAF after adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities and concurrent medication was higher among the users of insulin than among the nonusers (OR, 1·58; 95% CI, 1·37–1·82). Patients who took dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors were at lower risk of developing NAF than the nonusers (OR, 0·65; 95% CI, 0·45–0·93).

Conclusions

In this population, use of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor was associated with a low risk of NAF. Insulin use was associated with a significant increase in the risk of NAF during the long‐term follow‐up.
Challenges in gluten‐free diet in coeliac disease: Prague consensus
Authors: Samasca Gabriel , Lerner Aaron , Girbovan Anamaria , Sur Genel , Lupan Iulia , Makovicky Peter , Matthias Torsten , Freeman Hugh J.
Published: March 2017

Background

New treatments in coeliac disease are being vigorously pursued to either replace or facilitate the difficult‐tofollow gluten‐free diet.

Design

The present review intends to summarise the challenges in gluten‐free diet adherence during the transitional period, as reflected in the last Prague consensus, published in 2016.

Results

The honourable panel members recommended that dietary adherence and the consequences of nonadherence represent key components for discussion in the transitional period setting.

Conclusions

There are numerous difficulties in adhering to gluten withdrawal, but the transition period from adolescence to young adulthood is considered a fragile and high‐risk period for intentional and unintentional gluten intake.
A new Leptographium species from the roots of declining Pinus sylvestris in Switzerland
Authors: Marincowitz S. , Duong T. A. , Heiniger U. , Wingfield B. D. , Wingfield M. J. , de Beer Z. W.
Published: March 2017

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) trees have been declining in the Rhône valley, Switzerland, for almost three decades. In an assessment of the role of fungi in this syndrome, the dominant fungus isolated from stained roots was a Leptographium species, morphologically similar to the asexual state of Grosmannia serpens. We examined isolates of this fungus based on DNA sequences of four protein‐coding genes including actin, β‐tubulin, calmodulin and translation elongation factor‐1 alpha. The results showed that they were of a distinct, undescribed taxon related to species in the Grosmannia serpens and G. wageneri complexes. The fungus, described here as Leptographium rhodanense sp. nov., resembles other species in the two species complexes morphologically, and most probably ecologically, as is suggested by the fact that it was isolated from stained pine roots.
Motor deficits and beta oscillations are dissociable in an alpha‐synuclein model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Brys Ivani , Nunes Jessica , Fuentes Romulo
Published: March 2017

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive motor symptoms resulting from chronic loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway. The over expression of the protein alpha‐synuclein in the substantia nigra has been used to induce progressive dopaminergic neuronal loss and to reproduce key histopathological and temporal features of PD in animal models. However, the neurophysiological aspects of the alpha‐synuclein PD model have been poorly characterised. Hereby, we performed chronic in vivo electrophysiological recordings in the corticostriatal circuit of rats injected with viral vector to over express alpha‐synuclein in the right substantia nigra. Our model, previously shown to exhibit mild motor deficits, presented moderate dopaminergic cell loss but did not present prominent local field potential oscillations in the beta frequency range (11–30 Hz), considered a hallmark of PD, during the 9 weeks after onset of alpha‐synuclein over expression. Spinal cord stimulation, a potential PD symptomatic therapy, was applied regularly from sixth to ninth week after alpha‐synuclein over expression onset and had an inhibitory effect on the firing rate of corticostriatal neurons in both control and alpha‐synuclein hemispheres. Dopamine synthesis inhibition at the end of the experiment resulted in severe parkinsonian symptoms such as akinesia and increased beta and high‐frequency (>90 Hz) oscillations. These results suggest that the alpha‐synuclein PD model with moderate level of dopaminergic depletion does not reproduce the prominent corticostriatal beta oscillatory activity associated to parkinsonian conditions.
When mechanism matters: Bayesian forecasting using models of ecological diffusion
Authors: Hefley Trevor J. , Hooten Mevin B. , Russell Robin E. , Walsh Daniel P. , Powell James A.
Published: March 2017

Ecological diffusion is a theory that can be used to understand and forecast spatio‐temporal processes such as dispersal, invasion, and the spread of disease. Hierarchical Bayesian modelling provides a framework to make statistical inference and probabilistic forecasts, using mechanistic ecological models. To illustrate, we show how hierarchical Bayesian models of ecological diffusion can be implemented for large data sets that are distributed densely across space and time. The hierarchical Bayesian approach is used to understand and forecast the growth and geographic spread in the prevalence of chronic wasting disease in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We compare statistical inference and forecasts from our hierarchical Bayesian model to phenomenological regression‐based methods that are commonly used to analyse spatial occurrence data. The mechanistic statistical model based on ecological diffusion led to important ecological insights, obviated a commonly ignored type of collinearity, and was the most accurate method for forecasting.
A big data approach to the development of mixed‐effects models for seizure count data
Authors: Tharayil Joseph J. , Chiang Sharon , Moss Robert , Stern John M. , Theodore William H. , Goldenholz Daniel M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Our objective was to develop a generalized linear mixed model for predicting seizure count that is useful in the design and analysis of clinical trials. This model also may benefit the design and interpretation of seizure‐recording paradigms. Most existing seizure count models do not include children, and there is currently no consensus regarding the most suitable model that can be applied to children and adults. Therefore, an additional objective was to develop a model that accounts for both adult and pediatric epilepsy.

Methods

Using data from SeizureTracker.com, a patient‐reported seizure diary tool with >1.2 million recorded seizures across 8 years, we evaluated the appropriateness of Poisson, negative binomial, zero‐inflated negative binomial, and modified negative binomial models for seizure count data based on minimization of the Bayesian information criterion. Generalized linear mixed‐effects models were used to account for demographic and etiologic covariates and for autocorrelation structure. Holdout cross‐validation was used to evaluate predictive accuracy in simulating seizure frequencies.

Results

For both adults and children, we found that a negative binomial model with autocorrelation over 1 day was optimal. Using holdout cross‐validation, the proposed model was found to provide accurate simulation of seizure counts for patients with up to four seizures per day.

Significance

The optimal model can be used to generate more realistic simulated patient data with very few input parameters. The availability of a parsimonious, realistic virtual patient model can be of great utility in simulations of phase II/III clinical trials, epilepsy monitoring units, outpatient biosensors, and mobile Health (mHealth) applications.
The impact of transcription factor Fli1 deficiency on the regulation of angiogenesis
Authors: Toyama Tetsuo , Asano Yoshihide , Miyagawa Takuya , Nakamura Kouki , Hirabayashi Megumi , Yamashita Takashi , Saigusa Ryosuke , Miura Shunsuke , Ichimura Yohei , Takahashi Takehiro , Taniguchi Takashi , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Sato Shinichi
Published: March 2017

The insufficiency of Friend leukaemia virus integration 1 (Fli1), a member of the Ets family transcription factors, is implicated in the pathogenesis of vasculopathy associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Fli1 deficiency accelerates early steps of angiogenesis, including detachment of pre‐existing pericytes and extracellular matrix degradation by endothelial proteinases, but the impact of Fli1 deficiency on the other steps of angiogenesis has not been investigated. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of Fli1 deficiency on migration, proliferation, cell survival and tube formation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs). HDMECs transfected with FLI1 siRNA exhibited a greater migratory property in scratch assay and transwell migration assay and a higher proliferation rate in BrdU assay than HDMECs transfected with non‐silencing scrambled RNA. In flow cytometry‐based apoptosis assay, FLI1 siRNA‐transduced HDMECs revealed the decreased number of annexin and propidium iodide‐double‐positive apoptotic cells compared with control cells, reflecting the promotion of cell survival. On the other hand, tubulogenic activity on Matrigel was remarkably suppressed in Fli1‐deficient HDMECs relative to control cells. These results indicate that Fli1 deficiency promotes migration, proliferation and cell survival, while abating tube formation of endothelial cells, suggesting that Fli1 deficiency is potentially attributable to the development of both proliferative obliterative vasculopathy (occlusion of arterioles and small arteries) and destructive vasculopathy (loss of small vessels) characteristic of SSc vasculopathy.
The pathology and causes of tissue eosinophilia in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Conner James R , Kirsch Richard
Published: March 2017

Eosinophilic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract may occur as a primary eosinophilic disorder or as a secondary response with other causes. Primary eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are Th2‐mediated allergic diseases that overlap pathogenetically with atopic conditions involving other organs. The pathological diagnosis of primary EGIDs can be challenging, as the quantity of eosinophils considered to be ‘abnormal’ is difficult to define, and the diagnosis, by definition, requires exclusion of the far more common secondary causes. Our understanding of the basic biology and natural history of eosinophilic oesophagitis has advanced considerably over the last decade, whereas other EGIDs have proven more difficult to characterize; nonetheless, some recent advances have been made. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the clinical presentation, diagnosis, natural history and treatment of EGIDs, including eosinophilic oesophagitis. We also draw attention to the numerous secondary causes of tissue eosinophilia in the gastrointestinal tract, and suggest a practical approach to the histological assessment, diagnosis and reporting of EGIDs.
Novel mutations and expression changes of acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase are associated with spirotetramat resistance in Aphis gossypii Glover
Authors: Pan Y. , Zhu E. , Gao X. , Nauen R. , Xi J. , Peng T. , Wei X. , Zheng C. , Shang Q.
Published: March 2017

Acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) catalyses the carboxylation of acetyl‐coenzyme A (acetyl‐CoA) to produce malonyl‐CoA during the de novo synthesis of fatty acids. Spirotetramat, an inhibitor of ACC, is widely used to control a range of sucking insects, including the Aphis gossypii. In the present study, Reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) results demonstrated that ACC was significantly overexpressed in a laboratory‐selected spirotetramat‐resistant strain compared with the susceptible strain. ACC RNA interference significantly suppressed fecundity and led to cuticle formation deficiencies in resistant adults and nymphs compared with the control. The full‐length ACC gene was sequenced from both resistant and susceptible cotton aphids, and a strong association was found between spirotetramat resistance and 14 amino acid substitutions in the biotin carboxylase domain and carboxyl transferase domain of the ACC gene. Furthermore, ACC activity was higher in resistant aphids than in the susceptible strain, and ACC in the resistant aphids exhibited significant insensitivity to spirotetramat and spirotetramat‐enol. The results indicate that the overexpressed insensitive (mutated) ACC target played an important role in the high levels of spirotetramat resistance observed here. This association of amino acid substitution with resistance is the first report of a potential target site mechanism affecting spirotetramat in the cotton aphid.
From a System of National Accounts to a Process of National Wellbeing Accounting
Authors: Allin Paul , Hand David J.
Published: March 2017

There are repeated calls to go ‘Beyond GDP’, for measures of wellbeing and progress in addition to those that the System of National Accounts (SNA) is designed to provide. We identify key issues that can help build on the rigour of SNA whilst fitting the measurement of economic performance within a broader assessment of national wellbeing and progress. Such drivers are already leading to a proliferation of indicators and accounts, for example in the development of non‐monetary measures of natural resources, but there are significant measurement challenges, not least the question of whether a single, overall measure or index of wellbeing is valid. But the challenge of measurement, per se, is one thing: in our view, a more critical issue is whether the measures will actually be used. We propose a dynamic and multi‐staged approach for developing SNA, embracing the production and use of measures. This would start by identifying user requirements for wider measures, to provide the basis for national and cross‐national developments in well‐being accounting. We envisage greater branding and marketing of national well‐being concepts to promote measures and support their use. We call for outreach by producers, so that there is dialogue about the development and use of measures.
Diagnostic protocols—A consultation tool still to be discovered
Authors: Fink Waltraud , Kamenski Gustav , Konitzer Martin
Published: March 2017

Rationale

Experienced primary care physicians handle most illnesses to everyone's satisfaction despite limited resources of time and means. However, cases can be multifaceted in that harmless‐presenting symptoms may also be warning signals or an indicator of a health disorder that too infrequently presents in family practice to be diagnosed correctly. On the basis of these observations, RN Braun developed 82 diagnostic protocols for a structured recording of various complaints.

Method

All consultations during the years 2001 to 2014, in which 1 author (WF) had used diagnostic protocols in her single‐handed practice, were analyzed retrospectively regarding reasons for encounter, diagnostic classification, and long‐term outcome.

Results

During the period, a diagnostic protocol was used 1686 times. It was applied at a rate of approximately 5% of 2500 new complaints annually, most often (1366 times) for febrile conditions. In 320 consultations for other complaints, 43 different diagnostic protocols were applied. Among them, the “tabula diagnostica” for various undifferentiated symptoms was used most frequently (n = 54), followed by diagnostic protocols for headache (n = 45), dizziness (n = 36), precordial pain (n = 20), nonspecific abdominal pain (n = 15), low back pain (n = 14), hypertension (n = 12), diarrhea > 1 week (n = 12), epigastralgia (n = 11), depression (n = 10), polyarthralgia (n = 8), cough, and lower abdominal pain (each n = 7). A final diagnosis was established in less than 20% of cases.

Conclusions

This observational study from routine practice gives an insight how diagnostic protocols helped to manage complex patient presentations. A broader use of diagnostic protocols could investigate the potential of this consultation tool to handle the complexity of primary health care. The use of a standardized diagnostic approach could stimulate research, in particular on managing common complaints/undifferentiated illness and their inherent diagnostic uncertainty.
The regulation and role of carbohydrate response element‐binding protein in metabolic homeostasis and disease
Authors: Jois T. , Sleeman M. W.
Published: March 2017

The transcription factor carbohydrate response element‐binding protein (ChREBP) is a member of the basic helix‐loop‐helix leucine zipper transcription factor family. Under high‐glucose conditions, it has a role in regulating the expression of key genes involved in various pathways, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis. It does this by forming a tetrameric complex made up of two ChREBP/Mlx heterodimers, which enables it to bind to the carbohydrate response element (ChoRE) in the promoter region of its target genes to regulate transcription. Because ChREBP plays a key role in glucose signalling and metabolism, and aberrations in glucose homeostasis are often present in metabolic diseases, this transcription factor presents itself as an enticing target with respect to further understanding metabolic disease mechanisms and potentially uncovering new therapeutic targets.
The political economy of rentier capitalism and the limits to agrarian transformation in Venezuela
Authors: Purcell Thomas F.
Published: March 2017

This paper explores the contradictions and limits to agrarian transformation under 21st‐century socialism in Venezuela. Given the historical destruction wrought by the oil‐based accumulation process upon Venezuela's agricultural sector, the symbolic and social importance of an “agrarian revolution” could be seen as a yardstick with which to measure the progress of the Bolivarian Revolution in “sowing the oil”. Eschewing a policy focus on the role of “food sovereignty” and “food security”, the paper analyses how the dynamics of rentier‐capital accumulation have played out in the agricultural sector. The paper argues that the macroeconomic framework of the Bolivarian Revolution has diminished the possibility of expanded domestic food production and instead reduced agrarian transformation to contradictory processes of ground rent appropriation.
Evo Morales, transformismo, and the consolidation of agrarian capitalism in Bolivia
Authors: Webber Jeffery R.
Published: March 2017

This paper argues that, despite claims to the contrary, there has not been extensive, egalitarian reform in Bolivia since Evo Morales assumed the presidency in 2006. In order to explain agrarian processes in the country during the decade under Morales thus far (2006–2016), it examines the changing balance of agrarian class forces in Bolivian society and associated changes in the class composition of the ruling bloc between 2006 and 2010. It divides contestation over agrarian reform processes during this decade into two periods—one of insurgent contestation (2006–2009), and one of agro‐capital–state alliance (2010–2016). The transformations in class alliances over these periods can be understood theoretically through Gramsci's concept of transformismo (transformism). In particular, this concept captures both the way in which leading layers of indigenous–peasant movements have been absorbed into the apparatuses of the state and thus decapitated, and the dialectic of transformation/restoration that characterizes Bolivia's ongoing “process of change”.
Agribusiness, peasants, left‐wing governments, and the state in Latin America: An overview and theoretical reflections
Authors: Vergara‐Camus Leandro , Kay Cristóbal
Published: March 2017

This paper provides an introduction to this special issue by presenting a general picture of the economic and political situation of the Latin American countryside at the dawn of this millennium, when a wave of left‐wing parties and leaders assumed power in several countries of the region. We argue that after more than a decade in power, few of the promises to reform the agrarian sector in favour of peasant and family producers were fulfilled. This situation constitutes a paradox, because these governments came to power partly on the back of a wave of social mobilization in which peasant and indigenous movements had been key actors. However, rural social movements were incapable of pressuring the state to change this situation. At the heart of this paradox lies a contradiction, which is that in their political proposals rural social movements called for an interventionist state, but they did not have the ability to control it through their alliance with political parties and politicians. This introduction offers a theoretical framework to better comprehend the struggles of the peasantry and the rentier nature of the state in Latin America, in order to contribute to the discussion on agrarian class reconfiguration under neoliberalism.