bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intragroup and intragenomic conflict over chemical defense against predators
Authors: Best Rebekah , Ruxton Graeme D. , Gardner Andy
Published: February 2018

Insects are often chemically defended against predators. There is considerable evidence for a group‐beneficial element to their defenses, and an associated potential for individuals to curtail their own investment in costly defense while benefitting from the investments of others, termed “automimicry.” Although females in chemically defended taxa often lay their eggs in clusters, leading to siblings living in close proximity, current models of automimicry have neglected kin‐selection effects, which may be expected to curb the evolution of such selfishness. Here, we develop a general theory of automimicry that explicitly incorporates kin selection. We investigate how female promiscuity modulates intragroup and intragenomic conflicts overinvestment into chemical defense, finding that individuals are favored to invest less than is optimal for their group, and that maternal‐origin genes favor greater investment than do paternal‐origin genes. We translate these conflicts into readily testable predictions concerning gene expression patterns and the phenotypic consequences of genomic perturbations, and discuss how our results may inform gene discovery in relation to economically important agricultural products.
Use of field‐portable ultrasonography reveals differences in developmental phenology and maternal egg provisioning in two sympatric viviparous snakes
Authors: Sparkman Amanda M. , Chism Kenneth R. , Bronikowski Anne M. , Brummett Lilly J. , Combrink Lucia L. , Davis Courtney L. , Holden Kaitlyn G. , Kabey Nicole M. , Miller David A. W.
Published: February 2018

A thorough understanding of the life cycles underlying the demography of wild species is limited by the difficulty of observing hidden life‐history traits, such as embryonic development. Major aspects of embryonic development, such as the rate and timing of development, and maternal–fetal interactions can be critical features of early‐life fitness and may impact population trends via effects on individual survival. While information on development in wild snakes and lizards is particularly limited, the repeated evolution of viviparity and diversity of reproductive mode in this clade make it a valuable subject of study. We used field‐portable ultrasonography to investigate embryonic development in two sympatric garter snake species, Thamnophis sirtalis and Thamnophis elegans in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. This approach allowed us to examine previously hidden reproductive traits including the timing and annual variation in development and differences in parental investment in young. Both species are viviparous, occupy similar ecological niches, and experience the same annual environmental conditions. We found that T. sirtalis embryos were more developmentally advanced than T. elegans embryos during June of three consecutive years. We also found that eggs increased in volume more substantially across developmental stages in T. elegans than in T. sirtalis, indicating differences in maternal provisioning of embryos via placental transfer of water. These findings shed light on interspecific differences in parental investment and timing of development within the same environmental context and demonstrate the value of field ultrasonography for pursuing questions relating to the evolution of reproductive modes, and the ecology of development.
Techniques for preparing essential oils and aromatic extracts
Authors: Bicchi Carlo , Joulain Daniel
Published: February 2018

This series of technical editorials aims to provide the authors intending to submit an article to Flavour and Fragrance Journal with updated information assuring the scientific congruity with the definitions, technologies, procedures and analytical approaches necessary to report correct and reliable results.
Polymorphisms of CYP27B1 are associated with IFN efficacy in HBeAg‐positive patients
Authors: Wu Yingying , Zeng Yongbin , Wu Wennan , Lin Jinpiao , Ou Qishui
Published: February 2018

Background

Host single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with antiviral therapy in CHB patients. The CYP27B1 gene, encoding 25(OH)D3‐1α hydroxylase, might activate 25(OH)D3 to 1,25(OH)2D3 in kidney resulted in influencing the efficacy of interferon (IFN). The aim of the study was to investigate the association between CYP27B1 polymorphisms and the response to IFN in HBeAg‐positive patients.

Methods

Eighty‐seven HBeAg‐positive CHB patients infected with HBV genotype B or C were included in the study. All patients were treated with IFN at least 1 year. According to the response to PEG‐IFN therapy, they were divided into three groups: 16 complete responses (CR), 42 partial responses (PR), and 29 nonresponses (NR). Sanger‐sequencing was utilized to genotype the CYP27B1 SNPs(rs4646536 and rs10877012).

Results

In logistic regression analysis, the frequency of rs4646536 CC genotype was observed to be higher in the NR group. Besides, the GG genotype of rs10877012 differed significantly among the three groups. The GG genotype was prevalent in patients with CR, and patients with TT genotype result in NR at the end of IFN treatment. The most common haplotype TG was independently associated with CR, after adjustment, and haplotype CT appeared to be associated with NR and PR, rather than CR. The data also showed that patients with baseline 1,25(OH)2D3 > 39.39 pg/mL had higher CR rates at the end of IFN therapy.

Conclusion

These results suggested CYP28B1 gene polymorphisms may be independently associated with the efficacy of IFN in HBeAg‐positive patients.
On homeomorphically irreducible spanning trees in cubic graphs
Authors: Hoffmann‐Ostenhof Arthur , Noguchi Kenta , Ozeki Kenta
Published: February 2018

A spanning tree without a vertex of degree two is called a HIST, which is an abbreviation for homeomorphically irreducible spanning tree. We provide a necessary condition for the existence of a HIST in a cubic graph. As one consequence, we answer affirmatively an open question on HISTs by Albertson, Berman, Hutchinson, and Thomassen. We also show several results on the existence of HISTs in plane and toroidal cubic graphs.
Zero TE‐based pseudo‐CT image conversion in the head and its application in PET/MR attenuation correction and MR‐guided radiation therapy planning
Authors: Wiesinger Florian , Bylund Mikael , Yang Jaewon , Kaushik Sandeep , Shanbhag Dattesh , Ahn Sangtae , Jonsson Joakim H. , Lundman Josef A. , Hope Thomas , Nyholm Tufve , Larson Peder , Cozzini Cristina
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To describe a method for converting Zero TE (ZTE) MR images into X‐ray attenuation information in the form of pseudo‐CT images and demonstrate its performance for (1) attenuation correction (AC) in PET/MR and (2) dose planning in MR‐guided radiation therapy planning (RTP).

Methods

Proton density‐weighted ZTE images were acquired as input for MR‐based pseudo‐CT conversion, providing (1) efficient capture of short‐lived bone signals, (2) flat soft‐tissue contrast, and (3) fast and robust 3D MR imaging. After bias correction and normalization, the images were segmented into bone, soft‐tissue, and air by means of thresholding and morphological refinements. Fixed Hounsfield replacement values were assigned for air (‐1000 HU) and soft‐tissue (+42 HU), whereas continuous linear mapping was used for bone.

Results

The obtained ZTE‐derived pseudo‐CT images accurately resembled the true CT images (i.e., Dice coefficient for bone overlap of 0.73 ± 0.08 and mean absolute error of 123 ± 25 HU evaluated over the whole head, including errors from residual registration mismatches in the neck and mouth regions). The linear bone mapping accounted for bone density variations. Averaged across five patients, ZTE‐based AC demonstrated a PET error of ‐0.04 ± 1.68% relative to CT‐based AC. Similarly, for RTP assessed in eight patients, the absolute dose difference over the target volume was found to be 0.23 ± 0.42%.

Conclusion

The described method enables MR to pseudo‐CT image conversion for the head in an accurate, robust, and fast manner without relying on anatomical prior knowledge. Potential applications include PET/MR‐AC, and MR‐guided RTP.
Staying in a state of flux: A life course perspective on the diverse staying processes of rural young adults
Authors: Stockdale Aileen , Theunissen Nicky , Haartsen Tialda
Published: February 2018

Few studies examine immobility or staying as a demographic process worthy of investigation. This paper seeks to address this gap in the literature. It uses a life course approach to analyse interviews with young adults who continue to reside in their rural home areas of Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. Our analysis relates to stayers' biographies and linked lives, staying as a state of flux, and staying as an attachment to (rural) place. Staying is found to be the outcome of a complex interplay between competing personal considerations, which are closely associated with the stayer's past, present, and anticipated future biography. It is a relational process linked to the lives of others (parents, partners, and children) through either choice or senses of obligation. Far from being a passive process, stayers exert considerable agency. They elect to belong to the familial, physical, and social elements of rural place, informed by senses of nostalgia and dwelling. The decision to stay is renegotiated with the onset of new life stages. The process of staying is, therefore, dynamic, multifaceted, and nuanced. Staying is in a state of flux.
Off‐center Gaussian functions: Applications toward larger basis sets, post‐second‐order correlation treatment, and truncated virtual orbital space in investigations of noncovalent interactions
Authors: Melicherčík Miroslav , Suchá Denisa , Neogrády Pavel , Pitoňák Michal
Published: February 2018

This work is a continuation of our pilot study on the use of off‐center s‐type Gaussian functions in noncovalent interaction calculations. A grid of s‐type Gaussians surrounding the molecule is intended to substitute for the presence of diffuse basis functions, which are important for accurate description of noncovalent interactions. The advantage over the use of diffuse functions is reduction or elimination of linear dependency issues in the atomic orbital basis set, which often causes convergence problems. Placement of a grid of s‐functions on the surface of the molecule allows more favorable scaling of the total number of basis functions with the molecular size to be achieved. In this article, we present several innovations on the concept, namely the parametrization and assessment of grids with triple‐ζ quality basis set; use in post‐second‐order correlation treatment (methods such as Møller–Plesset third‐order or coupled‐cluster); and combination with modified virtual orbital approaches, namely the frozen natural orbitals and optimized virtual orbital space methods.
A model of atoms in molecules based on potential acting on one electron in a molecule: I. Partition and atomic charges obtained from ab initio calculations
Authors: Zhao Dong‐Xia , Zhao Jian , Zhu Zun‐Wei , Zhang Chao , Yang Zhong‐Zhi
Published: February 2018

Chemists have long searched for descriptions of atoms in molecules. A new model of atoms in molecules (AIM) is advanced, which shows that the atomic realm in a molecule is a subspace governed by its nucleus as a 3D attractor of the electron force lines defined by the negative gradient of the potential acting on one electron in molecule (PAEM), which is represented and calculated via ab initio methods. In this article, we demonstrate how the molecular space is partitioned into atomic realms and how the atomic charges in this PAEMAIM method are worked out. Atomic charges for more than 210 molecules and clusters were determined by integrating the electron density over individual atomic realms with our program. Notably, such atomic charges are nearly independent of the basis set used. The atomic charges obtained by PAEMAIM have good correlations with the Allen and Pauling electronegativity differences. Furthermore, charge transfer in prototype hydrogen bonding clusters, (H2O)2, H2O‐HF, and (HF)2, was investigated with this method. In brief, the atomic charges calculated by PAEMAIM are reasonable and significant for further exploration and practical applications.
Delivery of Allogeneic Adipose Stem Cells in Polyethylene Glycol-Fibrin Hydrogels as an Adjunct to Meshed Autografts After Sharp Debridement of Deep Partial Thickness Burns
Authors: Burmeister David M. , Stone Randolph , Wrice Nicole , Laborde Alfred , Becerra Sandra C. , Natesan Shanmugasundaram , Christy Robert J.
Published: February 2018

Harvesting of autografts results in donor site morbidities and is limited in scenarios such as large total body surface area burns. In these instances, coverage is increased by meshing grafts at the expense of delayed biologic closure. Moreover, graft meshing increases the likelihood of contraction and hypertrophic scarring, limits range of motion, and worsens cosmesis. Many tissue engineering technologies have touted the promise of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) for burn wounds. The primary objective of the current study was to determine feasibility and efficacy of in situ ASC delivery via PEGylated fibrin (FPEG) hydrogels as adjuncts to meshed split thickness skin grafts in a porcine model. Deep partial thickness burns were created on the dorsum of anesthetized Yorkshire pigs, and subsequently debrided on post-burn day 4. After debridement, wounds were treated with: split thickness skin grafts (STSG); meshed STSG (mSTSG); and mSTSG + FPEG with increasing doses of ASCs. We show that FPEG hydrogels can be delivered in situ to prevent the contraction seen after meshing of STSG. Moreover, ASCs delivered in FPEG dose-dependently increase blood vessel size which significantly correlates with CD31 protein levels. The current study reports a dual-action adjunct therapy to autografting administered in situ, wherein FPEG acts as both scaffolding to prevent contraction, and as a delivery vehicle for ASCs to accelerate angiogenesis. This strategy may be used to incorporate other biologics for generating tissue engineered products aimed at improving wound healing and minimizing donor sites or scarring.
Analytical displacement solutions for statically determinate beams based on a trilinear moment–curvature model
Authors: Yao Yiming , Aswani Karan , Wang Xinmeng , Mobasher Barzin
Published: February 2018

A standard approach is presented to obtain analytical solutions for deflection field of determinate beams subjected to conventional loading patterns. The solutions are based on a trilinear moment–curvature response using a deflection hardening behavior characterized by flexural crack initiation, inelastic response due to crack extension, and full plastic hinge formation. Methodology for full span deflection and rotation distributions are presented for multiple cases that include three‐ and four‐point bending, uniform load, concentrated moment, and cantilever beams. The proposed approach provides analytical expressions for the curvature, rotation, and deflection at any point along the beam, and correlated to stress or strain distribution. The procedure can therefore be integrated into a serviceability‐based design approach. A parametric study of the effects of model parameters on the stages of the response is addressed. Several case studies involving steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC), textile reinforced concrete (TRC) and ultra‐high performance concrete (UHPC) are conducted and the simulated load‐deflection responses are verified against the experimental data from several published experiments. Size effect on the serviceability limits of beams with spans ranging from 0.22 to 8.6 m is studied by tracking the full‐range moment–curvature and load‐deflection responses.
Next generation crosscutting themes: Factors that contribute to students' understandings of size and scale
Authors: Chesnutt Katherine , Jones Melissa Gail , Hite Rebecca , Cayton Emily , Ennes Megan , Corin Elysa N. , Childers Gina
Published: February 2018

This study examined the degree to which individual differences in students' (N = 232) concepts of size and scale are explained by factors such as students' innate sense of number, out‐of‐school science experiences, exposure to size and scale instruction, gender identities, and racial/ethnic identities. There is increasing emphasis being placed on the use of crosscutting concepts to promote deep learning in science. A multiple linear regression indicated students' racial/ethnic identities, experiences with scale outside of school, and exposure to size and scale instruction significantly added to the prediction model. Results from this study can both inform the movement toward incorporating crosscutting concepts into pedagogy as well as inform educators, administrators, and other stakeholders of the factors that may shape students' understanding of the cross‐cutting concept of scale, proportion, and quantity.
Hochwasserschutzverbände als Instrument der interkommunalen Kooperation im Hochwasserrisikomanagement
Authors: Nordbeck Ralf , Löschner Lukas , Scherhaufer Patrick , Hogl Karl , Seher Walter
Published: February 2018

Die regionale Dimension von Hochwasserereignissen erfordert einzugsgebietsbezogene Ansätze im Hochwasserrisikomanagement. Diese lassen sich vor dem Hintergrund der eingeschränkten Möglichkeiten verpflichtender regionalplanerischer Steuerung in Österreich vorrangig über die freiwillige Kooperation von Gemeinden realisieren. Im Bereich der Schutzwasserwirtschaft sind Hochwasserschutzverbände ein etabliertes Instrument der interkommunalen Kooperation. Sie ermöglichen einerseits die Vertretung der gemeinsamen Interessen der Mitglieder nach außen, andererseits die gemeindeübergreifende Realisierung, Finanzierung und Erhaltung von Schutzmaßnahmen. Ungeachtet ihres historischen wie aktuellen Stellenwerts für den österreichischen Hochwasserschutz erfolgte die wissenschaftliche Auseinandersetzung mit Hochwasserschutzverbänden bisher überwiegend anhand von Fallstudien. Dieser Beitrag bietet erstmals einen breiteren Überblick zu Hochwasserschutzverbänden in Österreich. Basierend auf einer landesweiten Onlineumfrage unter den Obleuten von Hochwasserschutzverbänden werden strukturelle Merkmale der Kooperationen erfasst (Lage, Größe, Mitglieder, beteiligte Akteure, Entstehung) und entlang unterschiedlicher Beobachtungsdimensionen (Aufgabenbereiche, Aktivitätsstadien, Kostenaufteilung, Erfolgsfaktoren und Hemmnisse) charakterisiert. Die Onlineumfrage bestätigt den besonderen Stellenwert von Hochwasserschutzverbänden als Teil des integralen Hochwassermanagements in Österreich. Eine gelebte Vielfalt der Verbände zeigt sich in der erheblichen Bandbreite bei den strukturellen Merkmalen der Verbände wie auch bei der Höhe der Investitionen und der Ausgestaltung des Beitragsschlüssels für die Mitglieder. Als förderliche Faktoren für Hochwasserschutzverbände wurden besonders häufig Leadership, regionale Einbettung, das Nutzen von Synergieeffekten und wirtschaftliche Vorteile genannt, während interne Konflikte und ungelöste Kompensationsfragen als hemmende Faktoren besonders hervortraten.
Outcome of adult patients with X‐linked hypophosphatemia caused by PHEX gene mutations
Authors: Chesher Douglas , Oddy Michael , Darbar Ulpee , Sayal Parag , Casey Adrian , Ryan Aidan , Sechi Annalisa , Simister Charlotte , Waters Aoife , Wedatilake Yehani , Lachmann Robin H. , Murphy Elaine
Published: February 2018

X‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common monogenic disorder causing hypophosphatemia. This case‐note review documents the clinical features and the complications of treatment in 59 adults (19 male, 40 female) with XLH. XLH is associated with a large number of private mutations; 37 different mutations in the PHEX gene were identified in this cohort, 14 of which have not been previously reported. Orthopaedic involvement requiring surgical intervention (osteotomy) was frequent. Joint replacement and decompressive laminectomy were observed in those older than 40 years. Dental disease (63%), nephrocalcinosis (42%), and hearing impairment (14%) were also common. The rarity of the disease and the large number of variants make it difficult to discern specific genotype‐phenotype relationships. A new treatment, an anti‐FGF23 antibody, that may affect the natural history of the disease is currently being investigated in clinical trials.
Geochemistry of the Samarka terrane cherts (Sikhote-Alin) and the size of the accreted paleo-oceanic plate
Authors: Kemkin I.V. , Khanchuk A.I. , Kemkina R.A.
Published: February 2018

We have studied the geochemistry of Late Triassic cherts from tectonic sedimentary complexes of different structural levels of the Samarka terrane. The results show that the contents and distribution patterns of major rock-forming oxides, trace elements, and REE in the cherts of the upper and lower structural levels are somewhat different, which is due to different facies environments of chert accumulation. In particular, the contents of Al2O3, TiO2, and K2O gradually decrease and the contents of Fe2O3 and MnO increase downsection. The contents of Zr, Rb, Hf, Th, and Cr, which were supplied into the bottom sediments with a terrigenous suspension of heavy-mineral fragments, are twice to ten-fold lower than their average contents in the upper crust. In contrast, the contents of Pb, Cu, and Ni, which got into the sediments mostly with metalliferous hydrothermal solutions, are rather high and even exceed their average contents in the middle and upper crust. That is, the contents of the first-group trace elements gradually decrease and the contents of the second-group trace elements increase from upper to lower structural level. The calculated negative Ce anomaly gradually decreases from lower (0.75) to upper (0.88) structural level. The geochemical parameters altogether indicate that the cherts accumulated in the same pelagic depositional environment but in its different parts. The Katen complex composing the lower structural level is the most remote from the continental margin, and the Amba–Matay complex forming the upper structural level is the most proximal. Based on the geochemical and biostratigraphic data and on the time of accretion of paleo-oceanic fragments, we have established the location of each complex within the not yet subducted oceanic plate and estimated the extensionof this plate. Throughout the Jurassic, about 6000 km of the oceanic lithosphere was subducted beneath the eastern margin of the Paleo-Asian continent and partly accreted to it.
Neocomian paleogeography, gas hydrate cementation of sediments, and abnormal sequences of the Bazhenov Formation (West Siberia)
Authors: Grishkevich V.F.
Published: February 2018

Abnormal zones of the Bazhenov Formation originated in the Neocomian as a result of protobazhenite reworking by submarine slide and slump waste wedgings, which eroded and deformed slope toe protobazhenite. But gas hydrate (GH) cementation might restrict the rock ability for plastic deformation. The conditions for GH thermodynamic stability in protobazhenites are inferred from reconstructions of paleogeographic and paleo-oceanic evironments. Joint analysis of Neocomian marine paleodepths and deep water paleotemperatures provides an explanation of the Bazhenov abnormal-zone extension.
Tommotian (Lower Cambrian) stratigraphy and fossil fauna communities in the Kiya River section (Kuznetsk Alatau)
Authors: Korovnikov I.V. , Tokarev D.A. , Novozhilova N.V. , Terleev A.A.
Published: February 2018

The lower Ust’-Kundat Formation has been studied in detail in a section along the Kiya River (Kuznetsk Alatau, Altai–Sayan folded area). The section was deposited during the Tommotian stage and is a stratotype for the Lower Cambrian Ust’-Kundat sequence comprising several members of the Ust’-Kundat Formation. Member 2 contains newly discovered and previously known species of archaeocyathids near its top found stratigraphically lower than the oldest known archaeocyathan assemblage of the Nochoroicyathus mariinskii biozone. The found archaeocyaths cannot be dated precisely and may have either Tommotian or Atdabanian ages. Small shelly fossils from the same section cover a large stratigraphic range as well. The findings call for updating the age of the upper Ust’-Kundat sequence and the Tommotian upper boundary in the regional stratigraphy of the Altai–Sayan folded area.
Editorial
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve
Published: February 2018

It's hard to imagine anyone involved in IT who hasn't heard of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and who doesn't know that they need to be compliant by May of this year.
Designing flexible sandboxing solutions to adapt to new malware trends
Authors: Cafasso Matteo , Tarral Mathieu
Published: February 2018

Every day, security organisations analyse thousands of new files and URLs, identifying the harmful ones to constantly improve their knowledge of computer threats. It is hard to guess whether a file or URL could be harmful or not without executing it, and executing unknown malicious software is dangerous.

Every day, security organisations analyse thousands of new files and URLs, identifying the harmful ones to constantly improve their knowledge of threats.

Matteo Cafasso and Mathieu Tarral of F-Secure explore design patterns and technologies for this kind of analysis, and look at an architectural design aiming to produce a flexible and maintainable sandboxing platform. They also discuss the introduction of a software development kit (SDK).
The malware arms race
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve
Published: February 2018

It seems that the battle with malware never ends. While our technologies and processes evolve rapidly to deal with it, so too do those of the attackers. Our defences are never perfectly implemented and human behaviour will always remain a weak spot. But as Brian Hussey, VP of cyber threat detection and response at Trustwave SpiderLabs, points out in this interview, the situation is being made more difficult through cyber-criminals adopting ever more cunning methods of sliding by anti-malware protections.
Strategies for International Travel with “High-Tech” Archaeological Field Equipment–CORRIGENDUM
Authors: Limp William F. , Williamson Malcolm D.
Published: February 2018

In the original publication of this article, the middle initial of the second author was incorrect. The authors apologize for this error. The original article has since been corrected.
Secret Treaties in International Law and the Faith of States in Decentralized Enforcement
Authors: Azaria Danae
Published: February 2018

The modern law of treaties applies regardless of whether a treaty is publicized. The secrecy of an international agreement does not affect its legal force, nonpublicized agreements may be used in interpreting a publicized treaty, and mere failure to comply with domestic requirements concerning publicity does not invalidate the treaty or a state's consent to be bound by it. Under the UN Charter, UN members may not invoke an unregistered treaty or international agreement before a UN organ, but the rules on state responsibility are not concerned with the secrecy or publicity of primary obligations. Injured states may resort to countermeasures for breaches of secret treaty obligations and can suspend compliance with secret treaty obligations as a countermeasure against the responsible state. States may also seek to enforce obligations in secret treaties by bringing claims in international courts and tribunals outside the UN system—and these courts and tribunals have proliferated.
ON INTEGRATED CHANCE CONSTRAINTS IN ALM FOR PENSION FUNDS
Authors: Toukourou Youssouf A. F. , Dufresne François
Published: February 2018

We discuss the role ofintegrated chance constraints(ICC) as quantitative risk constraints in asset and liability management (ALM) for pension funds. We define two types of ICC: theone periodintegrated chance constraint (OICC) and themultiperiodintegrated chance constraint (MICC). As their names suggest, the OICC covers only one period, whereas several periods are taken into account with the MICC. A multistage stochastic linear programming model is therefore developed for this purpose and a special mention is paid to the modeling of the MICC. Based on a numerical example, we first analyze the effects of the OICC and the MICC on the optimal decisions (asset allocation and contribution rate) of a pension fund. By definition, the MICC is more restrictive and safer compared to the OICC. Second, we quantify this MICC safety increase. The results show that although the optimal decisions from the OICC and the MICC differ, the total costs are very close, showing that the MICC is definitely a better approach since it is more prudent.
Fiduciary Duty, Risk, and Shareholder Desert
Authors: Sollars Gordon G. , Tuluca Sorin A.
Published: February 2018

A common moral argument is that shareholders have a special status because of risk when considering the duties of corporate management. The privileges of this status usually include the idea that management should adopt the goal of maximizing shareholder wealth. We argue that modern financial theory demonstrates that this argument should be modified by the recognition of a principle of desert, the shareholder desert principle (SDP). Financial theory can usefully circumscribe the duty owed to shareholders and the extent to which risk bearing justifies a claim on corporate value. When combined with the SDP, the result provides management with a guideline for what is owed to shareholders before other stakeholder non-contractual claims may be satisfied. As such, our approach provides management with some guidance through the thicket of competing stakeholder claims.
Evaluation of an Ophthalmoscopy Simulator to Teach Funduscopy Skills to Pediatric Residents
Authors: Kouzmitcheva Elizabeth , Grover Stephanie A. , Berenbaum Tara , Ali Asim , Atkinson Adelle , Yeh E. Ann
Published: February 2018

Background: Medical school and residency training in ophthalmoscopic evaluation is limited, reducing diagnostic accuracy. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of self-study using an ophthalmoscopy simulator to improve the technical motor skills involved in direct funduscopy in postgraduate pediatric residents. Methods: In this randomized-controlled study, 17 pediatric residents (postgraduate years 1-3) were randomized to control (n=8) or intervention (n=9) groups. Participants were asked to correctly identify the funduscopic findings presented to them on an ophthalmoscopy simulator after being trained on its use. Each participant was asked to review 20 images of the fundus, and then record their multiple-choice response on a scantron sheet listing all possible funduscopic pathologies. Pre- and post-intervention testing was performed. Survey data assessing exposure to funduscopy skills during undergraduate and postgraduate training and overall experience with the simulator were collected. Results: Most (65% [11/17]) participants reported minimal or no formal teaching in ophthalmology during their undergraduate medical studies. Average pre-intervention score (of 20) was 10.24±1.75 (51%) for the entire group, with no statistically significant difference between average pre-score in the control (10.63±1.77) versus intervention (9.89±1.76, p=0.405) groups. Intervention subjects experienced a statistically significant improvement in scores (9.89±1.76 vs. 12.78±2.05, p=0.006 [95% confidence interval 4.80-0.98]), but control subjects did not. Conclusions: A single session with an ophthalmoscopy simulator can improve diagnostic accuracy in postgraduate pediatric trainees. Use of ophthalmoscopy simulation represents a novel addition to traditional learning methods for postgraduate pediatric residents that can help trainees to improve their confidence and accuracy in performing this challenging examination.
Environmental Crime and Victimization: A Green Criminological Analysis of the Endosulfan Disaster, Kasargod, Kerala
Authors: Melangadi Faisal
Published: February 2018

Pesticides are chemicals used to kill pests and other “rival” organisms which may cause damage to crops in agriculture. In some instances the vast usage of pesticides may create negative effects on the environment and its units like living and non-living organisms. Green criminology counts such harmful activities upon the environment as crimes or harms though such activities can be legal or illegal in nature. The case of the endosulfan disaster that occurred in Kasargod, Kerala can be accounted to environmental harms which detrimentally affected the environment and its units, especially humans. The pesticide endosulfan was sprayed aerially for around 25 years in cashew plantations situated in Kasargod and caused severe diseases and extensive malformations among people living in the region. In this paper the endosulfan disaster of Kasargod is approached through the green criminological perspective of environmental harms.
Mental health interventions in Myanmar: a review of the academic and gray literature
Authors: Nguyen A. J. , Lee C. , Schojan M. , Bolton P.
Published: February 2018

Background.

Recent political changes in Myanmar provide opportunities to expand mental health (MH) services. Given Myanmar's unique situation, we felt a need to assemble and interpret available local information on MH in Myanmar to inform service design, rather than simply drawing lessons from other countries. We reviewed academic and gray literature on the experience of MH problems in Myanmar and the suitability, availability, and effectiveness of MH and psychosocial programming.

Methods.

We searched: (1) Google Scholar; (2) PubMed; (3) PsychInfo; (4) English-language Myanmar journals and databases; (5) the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Network resources website; (6) websites and (7) local contacts of organizations identified during 2010 and 2013 mapping exercise of MHPSS providers; (8) the Myanmar Information Management Unit (MIMU) website; (9) University libraries in Yangon and Mandalay; and (10) identified local MH professionals.

Results.

Qualitative data suggest that MH conditions resulting from stress are similar to those experienced elsewhere. Fourteen intervention evaluations were identified: three on community-level interventions, three on adult religion-based practice (meditation), four adult psychotherapeutic interventions, and four child-focused interventions. Support for the acceptability and effectiveness of interventions is mostly anecdotal. With the exception of two rigorous, randomized control trials, most evaluations had serious methodologic limitations.

Conclusions.

Few evaluations of psychotherapeutic or psychosocial programs for people from Myanmar have been published in the black or gray literature. Incorporating rigorous evaluations into existing and future programs is imperative for expanding the evidence base for psychotherapeutic and psychosocial programs in this context.
Immunological Stability ofClostridium difficileToxins in Clinical Specimens
Authors: Schora Donna M. , Peterson Lance R. , Usacheva Elena A.
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE

The impact of storage on stability and detection ofClostridium difficiletoxins in feces is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the immunological stability ofC. difficiletoxins in clinical stool specimens under different storage conditions by evaluating this stability using toxin detection by enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

METHODS

Stool specimens positive forC. difficileinfection (CDI) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used for EIA testing with theC. difficileTox A/B II kit. The EIA-positive specimens were stored aerobically under refrigerated (4–10°C) and frozen (−30°C and −80°C) conditions. Measurement of toxin quantity was conducting using optical density (OD) on days 0, 14, 30, 60, 90, and 120 of storage.

RESULTS

Clostridium difficiletoxins demonstrated good detection in undiluted stool specimens by EIA up to 120 days of storage. Good detection of the toxins was observed in diluted samples at refrigerated and −80°C temperatures. Dilution detrimentally affected toxin detection at −30°C.

CONCLUSION

Storage of undiluted clinical stool specimens at refrigerated, −30°C, and −80°C temperatures for up to 120 days has no discernible effect on the immunological stability ofC. difficilecytotoxins. However, storage at −30°C has a detrimental effect onC. difficiletoxin stability in diluted specimens.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2018;39:434–438
On the origin of spanwise vortex deformations in laminar separation bubbles
Authors: Michelis Theodoros , Yarusevych Serhiy , Kotsonis Marios
Published: February 2018

This work investigates the three-dimensional, spatio-temporal flow development in the aft portion of a laminar separation bubble. The bubble is forming on a flat plate geometry, subjected to an adverse pressure gradient, featuring maximum reverse flow of approximately 2 % of the local free-stream velocity. Time-resolved velocity measurements are performed by means of planar and tomographic particle image velocimetry, in the vicinity of the reattachment region. The measurements are complemented with a numerical solution of the boundary layer equations in the upstream field. The combined numerical and measured boundary layer is used as a baseline flow for linear stability theory analysis. The results provide insight into the dynamics of dominant coherent structures that form in the separated shear layer and deform along the span. Stability analysis shows that the flow becomes unstable upstream of separation, where both normal and oblique modes undergo amplification. While the shear layer roll up is linked to the amplification of the fundamental normal mode, the oblique modes at angles lower than approximately$30^{\circ }$are also amplified substantially at the fundamental frequency. A model based on the stability analysis and experimental measurements is employed to demonstrate that the spanwise deformations of rollers are produced due to a superposition of normal and oblique instability modes initiating upstream of separation. The degree of the initial spanwise deformations is shown to depend on the relative amplitude of the dominant normal and oblique waves. This is confirmed by forcing the normal mode through a controlled impulsive perturbation introduced by a spanwise invariant dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuator, resulting in the formation of spanwise coherent vortices. The findings elucidate the link between important features in the bubble shedding dynamics and stability characteristics and provide further clarification on the differences in the development of coherent structures seen in recent experiments. Moreover, the results present a handle on the development of effective control strategies that can be used to either promote or suppress shedding in separation bubbles, which is of interest for system performance improvement and control of aeroacoustic emissions in relevant applications.
V2492 Cygni: Optical BVRI Variability During the Period 2010–2017
Authors: Ibryamov Sunay I. , Semkov Evgeni H. , Peneva Stoyanka P.
Published: February 2018

Results from BVRI photometric observations of the young stellar object V2492 Cyg collected during the period from August 2010 to December 2017 are presented. The star is located in the field of the Pelican Nebula and it was discovered in 2010 due to its remarkable increase in the brightness by more than 5 mag in R-band. According to the first hypothesis of the variability, V2492 Cyg is an FUor candidate. During subsequent observations, it was reported that the star shows the characteristics inherent to EXor- and UXor-type variables. The optical data show that during the whole time of observations the star exhibits multiple large amplitude increases and drops in the brightness. In the beginning of 2017, we registered a significant increase in the optical brightness of V2492 Cyg, which seriously exceeds the maximal magnitudes registered after 2010.
Taking Advice for Vocational Decisions: Regulatory Fit Effects
Authors: Tinghu Kang , Li Wang , Peiling Xi , Qian Pang
Published: February 2018

This study examined whether taking advice is influenced by regulatory fit and whether this effect is reduced or disappears within certain attribution conditions during vocational decision making. Experiment 1 created a vocational decision setting to compare differences in decision makers’ weight of advice (WOA) between ‘eager strategy’ and ‘vigilant strategy’ advice conditions. Results showed no significant main effect of regulatory orientation or advice strategy, but there was a significant interaction. The WOA value, with fit between regulatory focus and advice strategy, was higher than with a fit violation. Experiment 2 examined whether the regulatory fit effect is reduced or disappears within attribution conditions during vocational decision making. Results showed job seekers more easily take others’ advice under the fit condition, and a significant interaction existed between regulatory fit and attribution. Thus, attribution could reduce the influence of the regulatory fit effect. Implications for vocational consultants, job seekers, and advisors are also discussed.
Social Mobility Attributions in East Asian and Pacific Cultures: Power Distance and Individualism as Moderators of Self-Attribution Bias
Authors: Reyes Melissa Lopez
Published: February 2018

Self-attribution bias operates in social mobility attributions, with positive circumstances triggering individualist attributions (attributed to one's merits) and negative circumstances triggering structural attributions (attributed to one's race, religion, sex, social connections). Analyses of East Asian and Pacific data of the International Social Survey Programme's Social Inequality Module show that perceived social inequality (PSI) leads to structural attributions, while high subjective social position (SSP) leads to individualist attributions. Cultural contexts, however, support or temper self-attribution bias, thus modifying the effects of PSI and SSP. Cross-level interactions show that the effect of PSI on structural attributions is larger in small power-distance countries, while the effect of SSP on individualist attributions is larger in countries with small power distance, high individualism, and low country average for SSP. That a small power distance strengthens the effects of PSI on structural attributions and of SSP on individualist attributions suggests contrasting scenarios, where disadvantaged groups devalue their competencies for mobility, while privileged groups believe themselves deserving of better outcomes. The context-dependency of the SSP effect suggests the modifiability of individualist attributions. These results help explain why mobility attribution profiles of Australia and New Zealand differ from those of China, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Taiwan.
An Interdependence Approach to Empathic Concern for Disability and Accessibility: Effects of Gender, Culture, and Priming Self-Construal in Japan and New Zealand
Authors: Miyahara Motohide , Sawae Yukinori , Wilson Rebekah , Briggs Hahna , Ishida Jiro , Doihata Koichiro , Sugiyama Ayano
Published: February 2018

An interdependence approach to empathic concern could transform the current societal environment for people with disability into a more accessible and equitable one. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate two possible factors influencing empathic concern, gender and ethnic culture, in specific helping scenarios. We first examined whether the female gender and collectivist culture of Japan were associated with higher levels of interdependence and empathic concern for disability than were the male gender and individualist culture of New Zealand. Empathic concern for people with impairment was assessed in accessible and inaccessible environments. Neither gender nor culture significantly influenced the level of interdependence, whereas gender and culture differentially moderated empathic concern. We also explored the possibility of altering self-construal and thus promoting prosocial behaviour by examining the correlation between self-construal and prosocial intention, and the effect of cultural priming on self-construal. The correlation was significant under inaccessible conditions in the Japanese sample, and the effect of interdependent priming was not significant on interdependent self-construal in both countries. Discussion centres on theoretical implications of the observed conditional support for the female-gender and collectivist-culture hypotheses, and on ways to promote prosocial behaviour, taking into account gender and cultural differences.
The Development of a Community-Based Drug Intervention for Filipino Drug Users
Authors: Hechanova Ma. Regina M. , Alianan Arsenio S. , Calleja Mendiola T. , Melgar Isabel E. , Acosta Avegale , Villasanta Angelique , Bunagan Kay , Yusay Camille , Ang Angelica , Flores Jane , Canoy Nico , Espina Ervina , Gomez Gayle A. , Hinckley Elena Samonte , Tuliao Antover P. , Cue Miriam P.
Published: February 2018

This article documents the development of a community-based drug intervention for low- to mild-risk drug users who surrendered as part of the Philippine government's anti-drug campaign. It highlights the importance of developing evidence-informed drug recovery interventions that are appropriate to the Asian culture and to developing economies. Interviews and consultations with users and community stakeholders reveal the need for an intervention that would improve the drug recovery skills and life skills of users. Evidence-based interventions were adapted using McKleroy and colleagues’ (2006) Map of Adaptation Process (MAP) framework. The resulting intervention reflected the country's collectivist culture, relational values, propensity for indirect and non-verbal communication, and interdependent self-construal. The use of small groups, interactive and creative methodologies, and the incorporation of music and prayer also recognised the importance of these in the Philippine culture.
The Process and Characteristics of Psychological Kidnapping: An Indigenous Model of Corruption in China
Authors: Xu Yan , Jiao Liying , Xu Ruijie , Feng Qiudi , Wang Fang , Jiang Jiang , Chen Changsheng
Published: February 2018

In this study, we investigated a psychological mechanism underlying the corruption of government officials, based on cultural factors in China. The proposed psychological kidnapping model describes how some bribers set up relations ( guanxi, 关系) with bribees to conceal the intention of bribery and gradually lead them into corruption. Through text analysis, classification, and encoding of corruption cases, we defined the term psychological kidnapping, as well as its fundamental characteristics and the corresponding interaction process model (study 1). Using qualitative analysis, we confirmed the three stages of the process of corruption (attraction and acceptance, trust and integration, and collusion or fracture). In a further step, we unveiled three characteristics of psychological kidnapping, known as concealed resource delivery, imbalanced perceptions of corruption risk and cost for government officials, and soft menace from bribers. Then we explored the essential role of renqing (人情) in study 2 as a key enabler of psychological kidnapping. We hope that this work can provide a theoretical base for the prevention of corruption in the public service sector in China.