bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting soils and environmental impacts associated with switchgrass for bioenergy production: a DAYCENT modeling approach
Authors: Lai Liming , Kumar Sandeep , Folle Solomon M. , Owens Vance N.
Published: November 2017

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) production has the potential to improve soils and the environment. However, little is known about the long‐term future assessment of soil and environmental impacts associated with switchgrass production. In this study, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil nitrate (), water‐filled pore space (WFPS), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes, and biomass yield from switchgrass field were predicted using DAYCENT models for 2016 through 2050. Measured data for model calibration and validation at this study site managed with nitrogen fertilization rates (N rates) (low, 0 kg N ha−1; medium, 56 kg N ha−1; and high, 112 kg N ha−1) and landscape positions (shoulder and footslope) for switchgrass production were collected from the previously published studies. Modeling results showed that the N fertilization can enhance SOC and soil NO3−, but increase soil N2O and CO2 fluxes. In this study, medium N fertilization was the optimum rate for enhancing switchgrass yield and reducing negative impact on the environment. Footslope position can be beneficial for improving SOC, , and yield, but contribute higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to those of the shoulder. An increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation (climate scenarios) may reduce soil , WFPS, and N2O flux. Switchgrass production can improve and maintain SOC and , and reduce N2O and CO2 fluxes over the predicted years. These findings indicate that switchgrass could be a sustainable bioenergy crop on marginally yielding lands for improving soils without significant negative impacts on the environment in the long run.
An oral hygiene protocol improves oral health for patients in inpatient stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Murray Joanne , Scholten Ingrid
Published: November 2017

The objective

To determine whether a simple oral hygiene protocol improves the oral health of inpatients in stroke rehabilitation.

The background data discussing the present status of the field

Poor oral health can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia. The comorbidities associated with stroke, such as dysphagia, hemiparesis and cognitive impairment, can further impede independent oral care. International stroke guidelines recommend routine oral care but stop short of detailing specific regimes.

Materials and methods

The oral health assessment tool (OHAT) was conducted by speech‐language pathologists with 100 patients with and without dysphagia in three metropolitan inpatient stroke rehabilitation facilities. A simple nurse‐led oral hygiene regime was then implemented with all participants, which included twice daily tooth brushing and mouth rinsing after lunch, and oral health was measured again one week later.

Results

Initially, dysphagia was negatively associated with OHAT scores, and independence for oral hygiene was positively associated with oral health. After one week of a simple oral hygiene regime, the OHAT scores available for 89 participants indicated an improvement on average for all participants. In particular, 59% of participants with dysphagia had an improvement of 1 or more points. None of the participants developed pneumonia.

Conclusion

A simple, inexpensive oral hygiene regime resulted in positive outcomes for patients with and without dysphagia in inpatient stroke rehabilitation settings. Oral health assessments and oral hygiene regimes that are simple to implement by the interdisciplinary team can be incorporated into standard stroke care with positive effect.
Characteristics of lactic acid bacteria isolated from different sources and their effects on the silage quality of oat (Avena sativa L.) straw on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Siran , Yuan Xianjun , Dong Zhihao , Li Junfeng , Shao Tao
Published: November 2017

Eight lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from five naturally‐fermented silages of different ensilage materials on the Tibetan Plateau were characterized and their effects on the silage quality of oat (Avena sativa L.) straw were studied. These LAB isolates were evaluated using morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. All eight strains (M1, LM8, LO7, LOG9, LCG3, LTG7, I5 and LI3) could grow at 5–20°C, pH 3.5–7.0 and NaCl (3.0, 6.5%) and they were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, L. coryniformis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, P. acidilactici, L. plantarum, P. acidilactici, L. paraplantarum and L. casei by sequencing 16S rDNA, respectively. The eight isolated strains and one commercial inoculant (L. plantarum MTD‐1) were subsequently added to oat straw for ensiling 35 days. All the LAB strains improved the silage quality of oat straw, evidenced by significantly (P < 0.05) higher lactic acid (LA) and residual water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents and ratios of LA to acetic acid (LA/AA), and significantly (P < 0.05) lower pH and ammonia nitrogen contents. ‘LOG9’ performed best among all LAB strains, evidenced by the highest (P < 0.05) LA (94.19 g kg−1 dry matter [DM]) and residual WSC contents (44.53 g kg−1 DM) and ratio of LA/AA (18.18) and LAB count (8.86 lg cfu g−1 fresh weight), and the lowest (P < 0.05) pH (3.87), this might be related to its host specificity. Strain LOG9 is recommended as starter culture for oat straw silage.
Categorization of writing tasks in Iranian senior high school English textbooks
Authors: Aliakbari Mohammad , Tarlani‐Aliabadi Hassan
Published: November 2017

Using Littlejohn's (2011) task analysis sheet, this study examined writing tasks in Iranian ELT textbooks developed by Iran's Ministry of Education since 1979 to see whether their underlying aspects reflected universal SLA principles. Almost all of the writing tasks were found to be writing‐as‐a‐means type engaging the students with aspects of language other than the writing itself. Also, the textbooks relied heavily on mechanical writing drills to practice certain structures thereby lagging behind SLA research and practice. Moreover, interviews with one key official and one ELT material developer attested to the lack of any ELT‐specific documents for material development. It is recommended that L2 writing pedagogy in Iran and similar contexts needs to be reevaluated in the light of more recent breakthroughs in writing scholarship.
The impact of emotional intelligence on auditor judgment
Authors: Yang Ling , Brink Alisa G. , Wier Benson
Published: November 2017

This study seeks to identify emotional intelligence (EI) as a key factor in dealing with emotions and pressures in an audit context. In this paper, we focus on how EI may influence the relation between job pressures (i.e., time budget pressure and client pressure) and auditors' judgment. Specifically, we investigate the moderating effect of EI on auditors' third‐person assessments of an auditor's actions when subject to internal and external pressures. The results suggest that the moderating influence of EI can effectively reduce auditors' tendency to engage in dysfunctional behavior and improve audit quality. Further, moderation analysis suggests that EI is a significant mechanism that moderates the effects of different types of pressure on auditors' judgments.
Human papillomavirus‐associated cutaneous disease burden in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients: the role of human papillomavirus vaccination and a review of the literature
Authors: Bacik Lindsay C. , Chung Catherine
Published: November 2017

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is related to the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, oropharyngeal carcinoma, and anogenital malignancies. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have impaired cell‐mediated immunity, placing them at risk for more prolonged infection with a greater likelihood of disease expression. This presents important implications for screening and treatment of HPV in the HIV patient population. The use of prophylactic vaccines directed against HPV has been a promising clinical development, though the immunogenicity of these vaccines in the immunocompromised host and in patients with previously established HPV infections has not been well established. In this review, we describe the pathogenesis and epidemiology of HPV‐related cutaneous malignancies in patients with HIV. We outline the current guidelines and recent advances in the field of HPV vaccination. It is our hope that increasing awareness of the HPV‐related HIV comorbidities will lead to developments in preventative medicine capable of reducing the burden of these diseases. We recognize the importance of prevention as a primary defense against disease and hope that this article organizes and disseminates recent findings in the field of HPV‐associated comorbidities in the HIV population.
The genetic basis of seborrhoeic dermatitis: a review
Authors: Karakadze M.A. , Hirt P.A. , Wikramanayake T.C.
Published: November 2017

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis (SD) is a common inflammatory skin disease that presents as itchy, flaking skin in the seborrhoeic areas. Various environmental and intrinsic factors have been identified as predisposing factors for SD, but its aetiology remains poorly understood. Although it was recognized that genetic factors play a role in SD aetiology, there have not been studies that systematically review the literature specifically for causal mutations or protein deficiencies in SD. In this review, we searched various databases for gene mutations and protein deficiencies that cause SD or SD‐like phenotype in humans and experimental animals, and summarize 11 gene mutations or protein deficiencies that were described in the literature. Most of the encoded proteins play a role either in the immune response (ACT1, C5, IKBKG/NEMO, STK4, 2C TCR) or epidermal differentiation (ZNF750, MPZL3). Understanding the genetic basis of SD can impart knowledge of the pathobiology of the disease and help identify novel therapeutic targets.
Low thermal inactivation ofEscherichia coliATCC 25922 in pineapple, orange and watermelon juices: Effect of a prior acid‐adaptation and of carvacrol supplementation
Authors: Tchuenchieu Alex , Sylvain Sado Kamdem , Pop Carmen , Jean‐Justin Essia Ngang , Mudura Elena , Etoa François‐Xavier , Rotar Ancuta
Published: November 2017

Past research on the association of natural antimicrobials and low temperatures for fruit juices pasteurization has not targeted acid‐adapted strains which are yet the most relevant strains in these products. We found that previously acid‐adaptedEscherichia coliATCC 25922 cells exhibited an increase of their resistance to thermal inactivation at 55 °C for 5 min both in the presence and absence of carvacrol (30 µL/L). The inactivation ofE. coliwas more intense in pineapple (pH 3.25) and orange (pH 3.61) juice, than in watermelon juice (pH 5.4). Supplementation of juices with carvacrol decreased the survival of both acid‐adapted and non‐adapted bacterial cells. Our results suggest that the supplementation of fruit juices with natural antimicrobials, such as carvacrol, may contribute to counteract the mild thermal tolerance developed by acid‐adapted bacteria. Given the different properties of fruit juices, such combined treatments need to be developed specifically for each fruit product.

Practical applications

Supplementation of fruit juices with natural antimicrobials has been described to increase the efficiency of microbial mild thermal inactivation treatments. However, its effect on the thermal resistance of acid‐adapted cells has not previously been addressed. We observed that acid adaptation enhances mild thermal tolerance. Our results suggest that natural antimicrobials can effectively counteract the mild thermal tolerance of acid‐adapted cells. The combination of mild temperature treatments and natural antimicrobials is a firm alternative to conventional pasteurization to ensure the safety of fruit juices without affecting their nutritional properties. Moreover, this combined strategy does not require expensive novel technologies or high energy consumption.
Mint and pomegranate extracts/oils as antibacterial agents against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes on shredded carrots
Authors: Xylia Panayiota , Chrysargyris Antonios , Botsaris George , Tzortzakis Nikos
Published: November 2017

Among minimally processed vegetables, shredded carrots are particularly popular. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different washing treatments with aqueous solutions of mint essential oil (EO) (1:1000), mint hydrosol (1:10), and pomegranate juice (1:10) against two major foodborne pathogens on shredded carrots as well as their effect on carrot's quality. The results of this study indicate that the tested washing treatments resulted in a small but significant decrease of the microbial load of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes on the sixth day of storage. Pomegranate juice and mint hydrosol were more effective against L. monocytogenes, whereas mint EO was more effective against E.  coli. Furthermore, an increase in carrot's total phenolics and antioxidants was observed with the application of mint hydrosol and pomegranate juice, whereas mint EO resulted in a decrease on the sixth day of storage. Additionally, a decreased chroma of the shredded carrots were observed during the application of mint hydrosol on the sixth day. Total carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total soluble solids, and tritratable acidity were not differing after six days of storage of shredded carrots. These washing products can be used for the partial disinfection of shredded carrots.

Practical applications

Pomegranate and mint natural products solution can be used for the partial disinfection of minimally processed fresh produce as an alternative to chlorine, and these products can be a part of the sanitation process.
Reply To: Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio As a Risk Stratification Tool for Older Adults with Pneumonia
Authors: Cataudella Emanuela , Giraffa Chiara M. , Di Marca Salvatore , Pulvirenti Alfredo , Stancanelli Benedetta , Malatino Lorenzo
Published: November 2017

This letter comments on the letter by Karakonstantis et al.
Individualizing Prevention for Older Adults
Authors: Lee Sei J. , Kim Christine M.
Published: November 2017

Prevention can help older adults avoid illness by identifying and addressing conditions before they cause symptoms, but prevention can also harm older adults if conditions that are unlikely to cause symptoms in the individual's lifetime are identified and treated. To identify older adults who preventive interventions are most likely to benefit (and most likely to harm), we propose a framework that compares an individual's life expectancy (LE) with the time to benefit (TTB) for an intervention. If LE is less than the TTB, the individual is unlikely to benefit but is exposed to the risks of the intervention, and the intervention should generally NOT be recommended. If LE is longer than the TTB, the individual could benefit, and the intervention should generally be recommended. If LE is similar to the TTB, the individual's values and preferences should be the major determinant of the decision. To facilitate the use of this framework in routine clinical care, we explored ways to estimate LE, identified the TTB for common preventive interventions, and developed strategies for communicating with individuals. We have synthesized these strategies and demonstrate how they can be used to individualize prevention for a hypothetical beneficiary in the setting of a Medicare annual wellness visit. Finally, we place prevention in the context of curative and symptom‐oriented care and outline how prevention should be focused on healthier older adults, whereas symptom‐oriented care should predominate in sicker older adults.
Exploring factors that impact activity participation of children and adolescents with severe developmental disabilities
Authors: Taheri A. , Perry A. , Minnes P.
Published: November 2017

Background

Despite the benefits of social participation, children and adolescents with developmental disabilities (DD) are often excluded from taking part in social activities. There is a gap in the literature about the factors that contribute to adequate participation of children with severe DD in particular and the barriers to their participation. Taking an ecological perspective, the purpose of this study was to examine child, family and community variables that may impact the activity participation of children and adolescents with severe DD.

Methods

A total of 197 parents of children with severe DD (4–19 years) completed a survey, addressing a wide range of child, family and community related variables, as well as a measure of activity participation.

Results

Overall, the final model significantly accounted for 30% of the variance in activity participation. Higher adaptive behaviour, greater parental socialisation and placement in an integrated school programme were significant predictors of greater activity participation.

Conclusion

Child, family and community factors were all important in understanding the activity participation of children with severe DD, thus supporting the value of an ecological approach. Suggestions for future research and clinical implications are discussed.
Development of the Self‐Regulated Learning Scale in Clinical Nursing Practice for nursing students: Consideration of its reliability and validity
Authors: Iyama Satoko , Maeda Hitomi
Published: November 2017

Aim

This study aimed to develop the Self‐Regulated Learning Scale in Clinical Nursing Practice (SRLS‐CNP) for the assessment of nursing students and to validate it.

Methods

Questionnaires, including the SRLS‐CNP item pool, were sent to 766 students in the second‐to‐fourth grades of nursing universities in Japan. The analysis involved an exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach's α, confirmatory factor analysis, and calculation of the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. In order to confirm stability, 198 students underwent test–retest reliability.

Results

Responses were received from 437 students (return rate: 57.0%); the data of 376 students (valid response rate: 86.0%) were analyzed. Following the factor analysis, the SRLS‐CNP was divided into the motivation subscale (two factors, seven items) and learning strategies subscale (three factors, nine items). The motivation subscale items were termed “intrinsic motivation” and “achievement motivation.” The learning strategies subscale items were termed “synthesized knowledge and nursing skills,” “multidimensional thinking,” and “effort control.” The Cronbach's α for the SRLS‐CNP was 0.853. The verification model in the confirmatory factor analysis showed good conformance; a strong positive correlation was evident between the motivation subscale and the learning strategy subscale. The correlation coefficient for test–retest reliability was 0.77.

Conclusion

As shown by its Cronbach's α coefficient, test–retest reliability results, and content, criterion‐related, and construct validity, the SRLS‐CNP was found to have good reliability and validity.
Effectiveness of the teach‐back method for improving the health literacy of senior citizens in nursing homes
Authors: Liu Yong‐Bing , Li Yan‐Fei , Liu Liu , Chen Yan‐Li
Published: November 2017

Aim

To explore the effectiveness of the teach‐back method for improving the health literacy of older adults in nursing homes in Ürümqi, the capital of Xinjiang, China.

Methods

Among the 27 registered nursing homes, 10 were selected randomly by size and divided into the intervention and control groups. A total of 127 older adults in the intervention group and 136 in the control group met the inclusion criteria. The intervention and control groups were educated by using the teach‐back and traditional methods, respectively, in this 6 month study. The Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire was used to evaluate the effects of the interventions.

Results

Pre‐intervention, the health literacy level of the cohorts was relatively low. Postintervention, the total health literacy score of the intervention group increased, while the total health literacy score of the control group had increased to a lesser extent. The total and four‐dimension scores of the two groups were statistically significant. The intergroup difference in the two groups, and the intervention group's total health literacy score and each dimension score were higher than in the control group; these differences were statistically significant .

Conclusions

The teach‐back method can improve the health literacy level of older adults through short‐term educational intervention. The teach‐back method should be adopted by more healthcare providers and applied to improve the health literacy education of older adults.
IS RELATIONSHIP LENDING STILL A MIXED BLESSING? A REVIEW OF ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES FOR LENDERS AND BORROWERS
Authors: Duqi Andi , Tomaselli Angelo , Torluccio Giuseppe
Published: November 2017

Relationship lending is a common lending technology that is assumed to bring several benefits to small‐medium enterprises (SMEs) and to financial institutions that adopt it. Notably, it could reduce information asymmetries, permitting banks to offer better credit terms to the borrower. However, it also entails some costs for both sides. The empirical evidence so far has not been conclusive in determining under what conditions relationship lending can be beneficial or harmful. Most of the studies suggest that SMEs that engage in relationship lending benefit from more credit availability (especially during a financial crisis), and lower interest rates. This occurs when they are served by small banks, are geographically close to the lender, when the bank is adequately decentralized and when it is the dominant creditor of the firm. However, under certain circumstances, banks can extract rents from the borrower or be captured by him. In addition, the consequences and the future of relationship lending will be remarkably affected by the level of competition among banks, their ownership structure, the regulatory framework and the business model that banks will have to adopt accordingly.
Unionization in the American Newsroom, 1930 to 1960
Authors: Mari Will
Published: November 2017

This study of the material benefits brought to American news workers from the 1930s through the 1960s builds on previous work by media labor‐studies scholars such as Bonnie Brennen, Daniel Leab, Phillip Glende and Sam Kuczun, among others, who have examined the history of the American Newspaper Guild (ANG) in great detail. Their work has focused on legal and policy developments under the Roosevelt administration and in U.S. labor law. My study, as part of a larger project, looks at some of the ground‐level impacts of unionization. It does so examiningEditor & Publisher,The QuillandThe Guild Reporter, among other publications, and references to the material benefits in pay, time off, work‐life balance, health insurance, job security and other, practical and positive ancillary effects brought by the uneven unionization of the newsroom. The arrival of white‐collar unions for new workers was not a panacea to their problems. But it did help them in their collective quest in the United States during the interwar and then post‐World War Two‐eras for better working conditions and a firmer sense of their professionalized identity.
Positive Peer Association Among Black American Youth and the Roles of Ethnic Identity and Gender
Authors: Quimby Dakari , Richards Maryse , Santiago Catherine DeCarlo , Scott Darrick , Puvar Dhara
Published: November 2017

The study examined whether peer association, a subtype of peer influence that involves the indirect modeling of behaviors, can promote positive development among Black American adolescents living in high‐risk neighborhoods. Data were collected during a three‐year longitudinal study from a sample of 316 Black American adolescents (M = 11.65 years). As positive peer association increased over time, youth experienced an increase in self‐esteem, school connectedness, paternal and maternal closeness, and a decrease in supportive beliefs about aggression. Additionally, lower ethnic identity appeared to account for why some youth experienced a sharper increase in maternal and paternal closeness as positive peer association increased. Future interventions should consider harnessing the ability of prosocial peers to foster healthy development.
A Latent Class Analysis of Online Sexual Experiences and Offline Sexual Behaviors Among Female Adolescents
Authors: Maas Megan K. , Bray Bethany C. , Noll Jennie G.
Published: November 2017

This study used latent class analysis to identify patterns (i.e., classes) across a broad range of online sexual experiences among female adolescents (n = 312) and to explore offline sexual behavior and substance use correlates of as well as maltreatment differences in class membership. The following four classes were identified: Online Abstinent, Online Inclusive, Attractors, and Seekers. Maltreated female adolescents were more likely to be members of the Online Inclusive class and less likely to be members of the Online Abstinent class than nonmaltreated female adolescents. Offline sexual behaviors and substance use differentially predicted class membership. These results suggest online sexual experiences vary greatly and should not be aggregated together as a global risk factor for all female adolescents.
Oral nutritional supplementation in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: a randomised, crossover pilot study
Authors: Salamon Karen M. , Lambert Kelly
Published: November 2017

Background

Malnutrition is a significant problem in those undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Factors such as gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the need for a fluid reduced diet can limit tolerance and thereby the efficacy of oral nutritional supplements to treat malnutrition.

Objectives

To evaluate the acceptability and impact of two different forms of oral nutrition supplementation for 16 weeks on nutritional markers and quality of life of malnourished patients undergoing PD.

Design

A randomised, within‐subject cross‐over study. Patients assessed as malnourished or with serum albumin <35 g/l were recruited. Participants were randomised to receive either 200 ml of a 1.25 kcal/ml nutrition supplement or a high protein nutrition supplement bar, for eight weeks. Each group then crossed over to receive the alternative supplement for eight weeks. Total intervention time was 16 weeks. Serum albumin, serum transthyretin and food intake were evaluated at baseline, at 8 and 16 weeks. Subjective Global Assessment, the presence of GI symptoms and quality of life were evaluated at baseline and 16 weeks.

Results

Sixteen weeks of nutritional support was associated with statistically significant improvements in weight and a reduction in the proportion of patients who were malnourished. There was no difference in the impact of bars compared with liquid oral nutrition supplementation. Patients preferred the fluid supplement to the bars.

Conclusion

Sixteen weeks of nutritional support improved nutritional status in malnourished patients on PD.
Dietary Photoprotective Compounds Ameliorate UV Tolerance in Shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) through Induction of Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Marcoval Maria A. , Pan Jerónimo , Díaz Ana C. , Espino Laura , Arzoz Natalia S. , Fenucci Jorge L.
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on bioaccumulation of UV‐absorbing compounds acquired through the diet, in larvae and postlarvae of Pleoticus muelleri, and to assess tissue antioxidant activity, survival, and development. Mysis stage I were exposed to two artificial radiation treatments: M‐PAR (photosynthetically active radiation, range = 400–700 nm) and M‐PAR + UVR (280–700 nm). The experimental larvae received a mixed dietary treatment of Artemia persimilis and the microalga Pavlova lutheri, reared under two radiation regimes: PAR (D‐PAR) and PAR + UVR (D‐PAR + UVR). Shrimp from all treatments reached 8 d postlarval stage (PL8), except those under M‐PAR + UVR treatment fed the D‐PAR‐cultured algae, which had 0% survival. Larvae in M‐PAR + UVR and M‐PAR treatments fed with D‐PAR + UVR diet presented the highest survival rates (70 and 75%, respectively), with 37 and 41% increase in PL size. UV‐absorbing compounds were detected in microalgae and PL subject to PAR + UVR treatments. Antioxidant activity, quantified by measuring the free‐radical 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl in homogenates of PL8, decayed drastically under radiation treatment M‐PAR + UVR fed with algae of the D‐PAR + UVR treatment. It is concluded that the bioaccumulation of UV‐absorbing compounds and the highest antioxidant activity in PL could improve the biochemical and photophysiological responses of shrimp under UVR stress.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress‐induced cell death in podocytes
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Chi , Chen Chien‐An , Chen Hung‐Chun
Published: November 2017

Summary at a Glance

The authors explore how ER stress may induce cell death in podocytes, and how autophagy mediates to salvage the injuries caused by ER stress in the short term.
Insulin resistance in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Xu Hong , Carrero Juan J.
Published: November 2017

Summary at a Glance

This review discusses the problem of insulin resistance in chronic kidney disease, including its assessment, causes, consequences and possible therapeutic management.
Relatives in silent kidney disease screening (RISKS) study: A Chinese cohort study
Authors: Li Philip Kam‐Tao , Ng Jack Kit‐Chung , Cheng Yuk Lun , Kwan Tze Hoi , Leung Chi Bon , Lau Miu Fong , Choi Koon Shing , Fung Samuel Ka‐Shun , Ho Yiu Wing , Mak Siu Ka , Tang Sydney Chi‐Wai , Wong Kin Shing , Yong David , Lui Sing Leung ,   For the Hong Kong Society of Nephrology
Published: November 2017

Summary at a Glance

The authors studied 844 asymptomatic first‐degree relatives of patients in different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). They concluded that relatives in all stages of CKD were at risk of CKD and identified risk factors which predicted kidney damage.
Chinese medicine for diabetic kidney disease in China
Authors: Wen Yumin , Yan Meihua , Zhang Bingxuan , Li Ping
Published: November 2017

Summary at a Glance

This review summarizes the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) based on literature reports during the last 10 years. Commonly used CHMs and their underlying mechanisms are discussed.
Urinary mRNA and lupus disease flare
Authors: Szeto Cheuk‐Chun
Published: November 2017

Summary at a Glance

We review the published evidence for the use of urinary mRNA level for risk stratification and prediction of disease flare in patients with lupus nephritis.
Safety of folic acid
Authors: Field Martha S. , Stover Patrick J.
Published: November 2017

There is a large body of literature demonstrating the efficacy of maternal folic acid intake in preventing birth defects, as well as investigations into potential adverse consequences of consuming folic acid above the upper intake level (UL). Recently, two authoritative bodies convened expert panels to assess risks from high intakes of folic acid: the U.S. National Toxicology Program and the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. Overall, the totality of the evidence examined by these panels, as well as studies published since the release of their reports, have not established risks for adverse consequences resulting from existing mandatory folic acid fortification programs that have been implemented in many countries. Current folic acid fortification programs have been shown to support public health in populations, and the exposure levels are informed by and adherent to the precautionary principle. Additional research is needed to assess the health effects of folic acid supplement use when the current upper limit for folic acid is exceeded.
Demographic variability and heterogeneity among individuals within and among clonal bacteria strains
Authors: Jouvet Lionel , Rodríguez-Rojas Alexandro , Steiner Ulrich K.
Published: November 2017

Identifying what drives individual heterogeneity has been of long interest to ecologists, evolutionary biologists and biodemographers, because only such identification provides deeper understanding of ecological and evolutionary population dynamics. In natural populations one is challenged to accurately decompose the drivers of heterogeneity among individuals as genetically fixed or selectively neutral. Rather than working on wild populations we present here data from a simple bacterial system in the lab, Escherichia coli. Our system, based on cutting‐edge microfluidic techniques, provides high control over the genotype and the environment. It therefore allows to unambiguously decompose and quantify fixed genetic variability and dynamic stochastic variability among individuals. We show that within clonal individual variability (dynamic heterogeneity) in lifespan and lifetime reproduction is dominating at about 90–92%, over the 8–10% genetically (adaptive fixed) driven differences. The genetic differences among the clonal strains still lead to substantial variability in population growth rates (fitness), but, as well understood based on foundational work in population genetics, the within strain neutral variability slows adaptive change, by enhancing genetic drift, and lowering overall population growth. We also revealed a surprising diversity in senescence patterns among the clonal strains, which indicates diverse underlying cell‐intrinsic processes that shape these demographic patterns. Such diversity is surprising since all cells belong to the same bacteria species, E. coli, and still exhibit patterns such as classical senescence, non‐senescence, or negative senescence. We end by discussing whether similar levels of non‐genetic variability might be detected in other systems and close by stating the open questions how such heterogeneity is maintained, how it has evolved, and whether it is adaptive.
Transmission of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ by naturally infected Cacopsylla pyri to peach, an approach to the epidemiology of peach yellow leaf roll (PYLR) in Spain
Authors: Sabaté J. , Rodon J. , Artigues M. , Laviña A. , Batlle A.
Published: November 2017

Peach orchards in the northeast of Spain were severely affected in 2012 by a previously unreported disease in this area. The symptoms included early reddening, leaf curling, decline, abnormal fruits, and in some cases death of the peach trees. All the infected peach samples were positive for ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’, but none were infected by the ‘Ca. Phytoplasma prunorum’. In this work, potential vectors able to transmit ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pyri’ from pear to peach and between peach trees were studied and their infective potential was analysed at different times of the year. Transmission trials of the phytoplasma with potential vectors to an artificial feeding medium for insects and to healthy peach trees were conducted. Additionally, isolated phytoplasmas were genetically characterized to determine which isolates were able to infect peach trees. Results showed that the only insect species captured inside peach plots that was a carrier of the ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pyri’ phytoplasma was Cacopsylla pyri. Other insect species captured and known to be phytoplasma transmitters were present in very low numbers, and were not infected with ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pyri’ phytoplasma. A total of 1928 individuals of C. pyri were captured in the peach orchards, of which around 49% were phytoplasma carriers. All the peach trees exposed to C. pyri in 2014, and 65% in 2015, were infected by ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pyri’ 1 year after exposure, showing that this species is able to transmit the phytoplasma to peach. Molecular characterization showed that some genotypes are preferentially determined in peach.
Adaptation of the New Zealand Psa risk model for forecasting kiwifruit bacterial canker in Korea
Authors: Kim K.‐H. , Son K. I. , Koh Y. J.
Published: November 2017

Bacterial canker of kiwifruit, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), is a severe threat to kiwifruit production in Korea. An existing infection risk model from New Zealand was adopted to respond to this epidemic. Disease incidence (proportion of diseased leaves on each vine) and weather (hourly temperature, rainfall and relative humidity) data required to develop the model were collected and analysed in the study. Disease incidence data were used to modify and validate the existing model. Because the Psa risk model was originally developed in a region where the characteristic climatic conditions are completely different from those in Korea, the temperature and rainfall functions of the existing model were modified. Analyses using statistical correlation and prediction–realization tables revealed that the modified model is valid with high agreement (a correlation coefficient of 0.85 and an accuracy of 85.7%, respectively) between the observed disease incidence and simulated disease risk from the model. The model was also found to be more highly sensitive to the presence or absence of rainfall than any other weather variable inputs. Uncertainty in simulated disease risk was measured based on the level of uncertainty in temperature input from weather forecasts. Overall, these results indicate that the modified Psa risk model can be used to provide practical and applicable information for timely disease control to the kiwifruit growers in Korea.
Globalization and inter‐industry wage differentials in China
Authors: Wang Feicheng , Milner Chris , Scheffel Juliane
Published: November 2017

This paper explores the relationship between globalization and inter‐industry wage differentials in China by using a two‐stage estimation approach. Taking advantage of a rich household survey dataset, this paper estimates the wage premium for each industry in the first stage conditional on individual worker and firm characteristics. Alternative measures of globalization are considered in the second stage: trade openness and capital openness. A disaggregation of trade into trade in final and intermediate goods shows that increases in import (export) shares of final goods reduce (increase) the wage premia significantly, whereas imports or exports of intermediate goods do not explain differences in industry wage premia. This finding is supported by stronger effects for final goods trade in coastal than noncoastal regions. Our results also show a positive relationship between capital openness and industrial wage premia, though this finding is less robust when potential endogeneity issues are allowed for.
What the (Ideational) Study of Populism Can Teach Us, and What It Can't
Authors: Hawkins Kirk A. , Rovira Kaltwasser Cristóbal
Published: November 2017

In their hasty response to the recent wave of populist victories, many analysts have ignored previous scholarship on populism. In contrast, contributors to this special issue draw from well‐tested approaches to populism that allow them to build on previous work, especially work based on an ideational approach. In doing so, they highlight at least three things that a more scientific approach to populism can teach us. First, populism is not a new phenomenon, nor is the current wave necessarily stronger than previous ones; second, populist ideas exist at the level of individual voters and matter for political behavior; and third, populism has both positive and negative consequences for democracy. At the same time, contributions to this special issue allow us to highlight at least three limitations of the current ideational approach: it fails to comprehend other political ideas clearly and how they interact with populism; it lacks a theory about different modes of political organization pursued by populist forces; and it inadequately theorizes about the impact of populist forces on party systems.
Detection of a novel HLA‐DRB1*12 variant, HLA‐DRB1*12:68, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang E. K. L. , Lin L. Y. , Lin P. Y.
Published: November 2017

One nucleotide substitution at residue 628 of HLA‐DRB1*12:01:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DRB1*12:68.
Spatial Exclusion and Boundary‐Making in Different Roma Neighbourhoods in Hungarian Rural Small Towns
Authors: Virág Tünde , Váradi Monika Mária
Published: November 2017

Based on our empirical evidence, this paper aims to provide a better understanding and analysis of the complexity and diversity of segregated Roma neighbourhoods in the context of Hungarian small towns. The paper explores the differences between the ‘ghetto’ and ‘ethnic neighbourhood’ as typical forms of spatial and social segregation of Roma in Hungary. It also discusses the mutual interplay of spatial and social segregation and social and symbolic boundary‐making within segregated neighbourhoods as well as between culturally and socially diverse Roma groups and non‐Roma living in the given settlements. Special attention is paid to the various social ties between Roma and non‐Roma in these communities. These ties are one of the key elements used to create and maintain ethnic and social hierarchy, further stratifying the unequal access to resources as well as exacerbating exclusion and boundary‐making mechanisms.
Creating Time: Social Collaboration in Music Improvisation
Authors: Walton Ashley E. , Washburn Auriel , Langland‐Hassan Peter , Chemero Anthony , Kloos Heidi , Richardson Michael J.
Published: November 2017

Musical collaboration emerges from the complex interaction of environmental and informational constraints, including those of the instruments and the performance context. Music improvisation in particular is more like everyday interaction in that dynamics emerge spontaneously without a rehearsed score or script. We examined how the structure of the musical context affords and shapes interactions between improvising musicians. Six pairs of professional piano players improvised with two different backing tracks while we recorded both the music produced and the movements of their heads, left arms, and right arms. The backing tracks varied in rhythmic and harmonic information, from a chord progression to a continuous drone. Differences in movement coordination and playing behavior were evaluated using the mathematical tools of complex dynamical systems, with the aim of uncovering the multiscale dynamics that characterize musical collaboration. Collectively, the findings indicated that each backing track afforded the emergence of different patterns of coordination with respect to how the musicians played together, how they moved together, as well as their experience collaborating with each other. Additionally, listeners’ experiences of the music when rating audio recordings of the improvised performances were related to the way the musicians coordinated both their playing behavior and their bodily movements. Accordingly, the study revealed how complex dynamical systems methods (namely recurrence analysis) can capture the turn‐taking dynamics that characterized both the social exchange of the music improvisation and the sounds of collaboration more generally. The study also demonstrated how musical improvisation provides a way of understanding how social interaction emerges from the structure of the behavioral task context.
Preemption in Singular Causation Judgments: A Computational Model
Authors: Stephan Simon , Waldmann Michael R.
Published: November 2017

Causal queries about singular cases are ubiquitous, yet the question of how we assess whether a particular outcome was actually caused by a specific potential cause turns out to be difficult to answer. Relying on the causal power framework (Cheng, ), Cheng and Novick () proposed a model of causal attribution intended to help answer this question. We challenge this model, both conceptually and empirically. We argue that the central problem of this model is that it treats causal powers that are probabilistically sufficient to generate the effect on a particular occasion as actual causes of the effect, and thus neglects that sufficient causal powers can be preempted in their efficacy. Also, the model does not take into account that reasoners incorporate uncertainty about the underlying general causal structure and strength of causes when making causal inferences. We propose a new measure of causal attribution and embed it into the structure induction model of singular causation (SISC; Stephan & Waldmann, ). Two experiments support the model.
The use of English in the professional world in China
Authors: HE DEYUAN
Published: November 2017

The status and use of English in mainland China are topics of intense interest for researchers, although most previous research has been conducted within the field of education, with few data from the professional world. The current study attempts to focus on the professionals in China and their use of English. The study has drawn data with a questionnaire from 2,247 participants in workplaces across China and 44 of them have been interviewed. The participants are from three types of organization: government, public service unit, and company. Although overall the use of English is not frequent in China's professional world, the results indicate that English plays an important role in about a quarter of the participants’ working lives and that the majority of the participants recognize the high importance of English.
Use of Scaled Sensitivity Coefficient Relations for Intrinsic Verification of Numerical Codes and Parameter Estimation for Heat Conduction
Authors: Mishra Dharmendra K. , Dolan Kirk D. , Beck James V. , Ozadali Ferhan
Published: November 2017

Numerical codes are important in providing solutions to partial differential equations in many areas, such as the heat transfer problem. However, verification of these codes is critical. A methodology is presented in this work as an intrinsic verification method (IVM) to the solution to the partial differential equation. Derivation of the dimensionless form of scaled sensitivity coefficients is presented, and the sum of scaled sensitivity coefficients is used in the dimensionless form to provide a method for verification. Intrinsic verification methodology is demonstrated using examples of heat transfer problems in Cartesian and cylindrical coordinate. The IVM presented here is applicable to analytical as well as numerical solutions to partial differential equations.
A Solution of Rigid Perfectly Plastic Cylindrical Indentation in Plane Strain and Comparison to Elastic-Plastic Finite Element Predictions With Hardening
Authors: Jackson Robert L.
Published: November 2017

The indentation of flat surfaces deforming in the plastic regime by various geometries has been well studied. However, there is relatively little work investigating cylinders indenting plastically deforming surfaces. This work presents a simple solution to a cylindrical rigid frictionless punch indenting a half-space considering only perfectly plastic deformation. This is achieved using an adjusted slip line theory. In addition, volume conservation, pileup and sink-in are neglected, but the model can be corrected to account for it. The results agree very well with elastic-plastic finite element predictions for an example using typical steel properties. The agreement does diminish for very large deformations but is still within 5% at a contact radius to cylinder radius ratio of 0.78. A method to account for strain hardening is also proposed by using an effective yield strength.