bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the dispersal distances of an aphid-borne virus in a patchy landscape
Authors: Pleydell David , Soubeyrand Samuel , Dallot Sylvie , Labonne Gérard , Chadœuf Joël , Jacquot Emmanuel , Thébaud Gaël
Published: February 2017

Characterising the spatio-temporal dynamics of pathogensin naturais key to ensuring their efficient prevention and control. However, it is notoriously difficult to estimate dispersal parameters at scales that are relevant to real epidemics. Epidemiological surveys can provide informative data, but parameter estimation can be hampered when the timing of the epidemiological events is uncertain, and in the presence of interactions between disease spread, surveillance, and control. Further complications arise from imperfect detection of disease, and from the computationally intractable number of data on individual hosts arising from landscape-level surveys. Here, we present a Bayesian framework that overcomes these barriers by integrating over associated uncertainties in a model explicitly combining the processes of disease dispersal, surveillance and control. Using a novel computationally efficient approach to account for patch geometry, we demonstrate that disease dispersal distances can be estimated accurately in a fragmented landscape when disease control is ongoing. Applying this model to data for an aphid-borne virus (Plum pox virus) surveyed for 15 years over 600 orchards, we obtain the first estimate of the distribution of the flight distances of infectious aphids at the landscape scale. Most infectious aphids leaving a tree land beyond the bounds of a 1-ha orchard (50% of flights terminate within about 90 m). Moreover, long-distance flights are not rare (10% of flights exceed 1 km). By their impact on our quantitative understanding of winged aphids dispersal, these results can inform the design of management strategies for plant viruses, which are mainly aphid-borne.

Author Summary

In spatial epidemiology, dispersal kernels quantify how the probability of pathogen dissemination varies with distance. Spatial models of pathogen spread are sensitive to kernel parameters; yet these parameters have rarely been estimated using field data gathered at relevant scales. Robust estimation is rendered difficult by practical constraints limiting the number of surveyed individuals, and uncertainties concerning their disease status. Here, we present a framework that overcomes these barriers and permits inference for a between-patch transmission model. Extensive simulations show that dispersal kernels can be estimated from epidemiological surveillance data. When applied to such data collected from more than 600 orchards during 15 years of a plant virus epidemic our approach enables the estimation of the dispersal kernel of infectious winged aphids. This kernel is long-tailed, as 50% of the infectious aphids leaving a tree terminate their infectious flight within 90 m and 10% beyond 1 km. This first estimate of flight distances at the landscape scale for aphids–a group of vectors transmitting numerous viruses–is crucial for the science-based design of control strategies targeting plant virus epidemics.
CRISPRAnalyzeR: Interactive analysis, annotation and documentation of pooled CRISPR screens
Authors: Winter Jan , Schwering Marc , Pelz Oliver , Rauscher Benedikt , Zhan Tianzuo , Heigwer Florian , Boutros Michael
Published: February 2017

Pooled CRISPR/Cas9 screens are a powerful and versatile tool for the systematic investigation of cellular processes in a variety of organisms. Such screens generate large amounts of data that present a new challenge to analyze and interpret. Here, we developed a web application to analyze, document and explore pooled CRISR/Cas9 screens using a unified single workflow. The end-to-end analysis pipeline features eight different hit calling strategies based on state-of-the-art methods, including DESeq2, MAGeCK, edgeR, sgRSEA, Z-Ratio, Mann-Whitney test, ScreenBEAM and BAGEL. Results can be compared with interactive visualizations and data tables. CRISPRAnalyzeR integrates meta-information from 26 external data resources, providing a wide array of options for the annotation and documentation of screens. The application was developed with user experience in mind, requiring no previous knowledge in bioinformatics. All modern operating systems are supported.

Availability and online documentation:The source code, a pre-configured docker application, sample data and a documentation can be found on our GitHub page (http://www.github.com/boutroslab/CRISPRAnalyzeR). A tutorial video can be found athttp://www.crispr-analyzer.org.
FUMA: Functional mapping and annotation of genetic associations
Authors: Watanabe Kyoko , Taskesen Erdogan , Arjen van Bochoven , Arjen van Bochoven , Posthuma Danielle
Published: February 2017

A main challenge in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is to prioritize genetic variants and identify potential causal mechanisms of human diseases. Although multiple bioinformatics resources are available for functional annotation and prioritization, a standard, integrative approach is lacking. We developed FUMA: a web-based platform to facilitate functional annotation of GWAS results, prioritization of genes and interactive visualization of annotated results by incorporating information from multiple state-of-the-art biological databases.
An analysis of barriers for plastic recycling in the Indian plastic industry
Authors: Satapathy Suchismita
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new model in which the interrelationship between the barriers can be determined that hinder the implementation of effective recycling processes in the plastic sectors of India.

Design/methodology/approach

Today manufacturers do not want their input to be deemed waste and subsequently be discarded, so their efforts and resources have been channeled into the development of efficient recycling methods. However, there are several barriers hindering the implementation of effective and efficient recycling. In this paper several of the most influential barriers are taken into consideration and implemented in the interpretive structural modeling.

Findings

The results divided the barriers into four clusters and identified the weak and strong barriers and implemented relationships between them.

Research limitations/implications

Globally plastic waste has been steadily increasing. Recycling plastic has received much attention because many companies are using it as a strategic tool to serve their customers and to generate good revenue, but there is a lack of effective recycling units in India. The work of this paper and its results will be helpful in the implementation of an effective and efficient recycling unit for the plastic sector.

Practical implications

The recycling process can be improved by avoiding barriers of PLASTIC recycling.

Originality/value

In this paper, the plastic industries of India are studied and analyzed, and the barriers are found.
Motivation and training initiation: evidence from Poland
Authors: Mielniczuk Emilia , Laguna Mariola
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Based on the self-determination theory and the model of action phases, the present study aims to provide insight into motivational factors that are important for training initiation. It investigates the relations between three types of motivation (intrinsic, extrinsic and amotivation) and training initiation: intention to initiate new training and plan formulation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 155 employees using the Motivation for Training Initiation Scale and the Training Intention and Training Planning Scales.

Findings

The results of hierarchical regression analyses show that intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are positively, while amotivation is negatively, related to intention to start new training. Intrinsic motivation is a significant predictor of training plan formulation. The stronger is the intention, the more precise are plans to undertake training.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional study design limits causal conclusions concerning actual training action. This, therefore, encourages the validation of study hypotheses in a longitudinal manner.

Practical implications

The results offer suggestions on how to foster training initiation taking into account types of motivation.

Originality/value

The study for the first time combines the model of action phases with the self-determination theory.
Delivering a shared library management system for Wales
Authors: Owen Gareth Wyn
Published: February 2017

Purpose

A case study of the Wales Higher Education Libraries Forum (WHELF) project to procure and implement a shared library management system (LMS) for all universities in Wales, together with the National Health Service Libraries in Wales and the National Library of Wales. In particular, the purpose of this paper is to explore the drivers to this collaboration, outline the benefits achieved and the framework to realise further benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study review of the process, together with a review of literature on consortia and LMSs.

Findings

WHELF has developed into a more mature consortium through procuring and implementing a shared LMS. The process has delivered tangible benefits and is driving more work to realise further benefits.

Research limitations/implications

As the WHELF Shared LMS project is only nearing the end of the implementation phase, many of the anticipated operational benefits cannot be reported.

Practical implications

Useful case study for other consortia or potential consortia.

Originality/value

WHELF is in vanguard of consortia developments in the UK, and this is the first case study of the project.
The future of workplace wellness programs
Authors: Ho Sam
Published: February 2017

Purpose

A comprehensive look at how technology, health plan design and employee communication can improve workplace wellness programs.

Design/methodology/approach

There are numerous ways for employers to enhance their workplace wellness programs, helping to improve employee health and more effectively manage health-care costs.

Findings

There are numerous ways for employers to enhance their workplace wellness programs, helping to improve employee health and more effectively manage health-care costs.

Originality/value

The paper is original to Strategic HR Review.
Reduced inflammatory responses of follicular helper T cell promote the development of regulatory B cells after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass
Authors: Zhan Junfang , Huang Liyu , Ma Haiyong , Chen Huan , Yang Yuan , Tan Sheng , Song Wendy , Zhao Weiguo , Dai Xiaojiang
Published: February 2017

Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective strategy in treating severe obesity and its comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the mechanism through which bariatric surgery mediates its benefits is not completely understood. Since obesity and T2D represent yet another inflammatory disease, and follicular helper T (Tfh) cells play important roles in inflammatory disorders, we investigated whether the Tfh activity was altered after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB), one of the most common bariatric surgery procedures. We found that the Tfh cells after RYGB were not significantly changed in number, but presented altered cytokine secretion profile, including lower interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐17 secretion. Tfh cells after RYGB also downregulated inducible co‐stimulator and programmed death‐1. Interestingly, after Tfh cell‐naive B cell coculture, Tfh cells after RYGB secreted more IL‐10 than autologous Tfh cells before RYGB. The frequencies of IL‐10‐expressing and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β‐expressing regulatory B cells after Tfh cell‐naive B cell coculture were directly correlated with the frequency of IL‐10‐expressing Tfh cells. Depletion of IL‐10 in the coculture, however, resulted in fewer regulatory B cells. Finally, patients with greater increase in IL‐10‐expressing Tfh cells presented further reductions in body mass index, glycaemia, and body fat percentage. Together, these data demonstrated that the Tfh cells after RYGB presented lower inflammatory status and secreted higher IL‐10, through which these Tfh cells promoted the development of regulatory B cells. Higher IL‐10‐expressing Tfh cell level also predicted better patient response to RYGB.
Metabolite labelling as a tool to define hierarchies in Clostridium acetobutylicum sugar usage and its relevance for biofuel production
Authors: Hidalgo María , Puerta‐Fernández Elena
Published: February 2017

This is a highlight on article ‘Metabolite labelling reveals hierarchies in Clostridium acetobutylicum that selectively channel carbons from sugar mixtures towards biofuel precursors’ by Ludmilla Aristilde.
Low‐dose rituximab and concurrent adjuvant therapy for pemphigus: Protocol and single‐centre long‐term review of nine patients
Authors: Robinson Aaron J , Vu Mi , Unglik Gary A , Varigos George A , Scardamaglia Laura
Published: February 2017

Pemphigus is an autoimmune B‐cell mediated blistering disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Rituximab has proven effective for the treatment of steroid‐refractory pemphigus, although there is controversy over the optimum dosing protocol. Additionally, effective disease control often requires long‐term immunosuppression, even in disease‐free periods. We present a case series of a single‐centre long‐term follow up of nine patients with pemphigus, treated with two 500‐mg doses of rituximab separated by 14 days along with concurrent adjuvant therapy. In all these patients, low‐dose rituximab resulted in B‐cell depletion, along with a reduction in blistering disease. Three of these patients required repeat dosing cycles due to either relapsed disease or incomplete disease control following the first dosing cycle, and have remained disease free up to 154 weeks thus far. Six patients developed minor infections during the course of their treatment, but no major complications were observed.
Variable Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy in a family harbouring variants in both FZD4 and TSPAN12
Authors: Schatz Patrik , Khan Arif O.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To report a family affected by familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) in which more severe disease phenotypes segregated with digenic rather than monogenic variants in FEVR‐related genes.

Methods

Phenotype was documented with high‐resolution imaging of retinal structure and wide‐field fundus photography. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of known genes involved in FEVR was performed.

Results

Three affected individuals within a family with FEVR presented with variable disease severity. All three affected family members harboured mutation c.349T>C (p.Cys117Arg) in FZD4. In addition, the youngest family member, a 9‐year‐old boy, who presented with bilateral tractional retinal detachment, and his mother, who presented with retinal pigmentary alterations and bilateral dragging of the macula and atrophy, both harboured the variant c.565T>C (p.Cys189Arg) in TSPAN12. Both suffered from bilateral severe visual loss. On the other hand, the older sister who presented with mild visual loss, temporal avascularity in the right eye and dragging of the blood vessels over the disc and macula in the left eye did not harbour the variant p.Cys189Arg in TSPAN12.

Conclusion

These data suggest variants in more than one FEVR‐related gene can underlie variable expressivity for FEVR phenotypes in a single family. Further studies of phenotype–genotype correlation, including next‐generation sequencing, in larger cohorts of patients with FEVR are needed to investigate whether changes in more than one gene coding for proteins in the Norrin–β‐catenin pathway are a recurrent cause for variable expressivity in the disease.
Glomerular hyperfiltration is strongly correlated with age in Congolese children with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Aloni Michel Ntetani , Ngiyulu René Makuala , Ekulu Pépé Mfutu , Mbutiwi Fiston IkwaNdol , Makulo Jean Robert , Gini‐Ehungu Jean Lambert , Nseka Nazaire Mangani , Lepira François Bompeka
Published: February 2017

Aim

Glomerular hyperfiltration is an early marker of sickle cell nephropathy and can lead to microalbuminuria and renal failure. Our aim was to identify the associated risk factors, as these could be of preventative importance.

Methods

We recruited 150 children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), aged two to 18 years and living in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hyperfiltration and microalbuminuria were defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 140 mL/min/1.73 m² and an albumin creatinine ratio of between 30 and 299 mg/g, respectively. Independent determinants of hyperfiltration were assessed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Glomerular hyperfiltration was observed in 60 (40%) children, who were significantly older (10.2 ± 4.1 versus 7.9 ± 4.3 years, p = 0.001) and had a lower body mass index level (14.7 ± 2.3 versus 15.0 ± 2.3 kg/m2) than the 60% without. A higher proportion had microalbuminuria (25.0 versus 13.3%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Increased age and decreased body mass index were the main independent factors associated with glomerular hyperfiltration in the multivariate analysis. A quarter (25%) of the 60 children with SCA with glomerular hyperfiltration had microalbuminuria.

Conclusion

Glomerular hyperfiltration was a common finding in this study and was significantly associated with age.
Letter: refractory coeliac disease and coeliac‐specific serology status
Authors: Matuchansky C.
Published: February 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Eigner and Bashir et al and Volgesang papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13867 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13966.
Letter: small bowel recurrence and fate of the rectum after total colectomy and ileostomy for Crohn's colitis
Authors: Yamamoto T. , Shimoyama T.
Published: February 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Fumery and Dulai et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13886.
Real exchange rate fluctuations, wage stickiness and tradability
Authors: Naknoi Kanda
Published: February 2017

When we classify factors of production by their tradability, the relative wage of nontraded labour influences the real exchange rate through the relative cost of distribution services. We confirm this prediction using monthly data on the sector‐level US–Canada real exchange rate and the relative wage of service‐producing labour. The relative wage accounts for 40% of the variability of the real exchange rate at a one‐month horizon. Furthermore, when we use the effective nontraded labour content to classify goods into nontraded and traded ones, the variability of the price of the nontraded‐goods basket accounts for more than half of the variability of the real exchange rate.
New vehicle feebates
Authors: Rivers Nicholas , Schaufele Brandon
Published: February 2017

New vehicle feebate programs encourage improved fleet‐wide vehicle fuel efficiency; yet analyses of these policies have been limited to ad hoc proposals. In this paper, we exploit an extensive, multi‐year dataset which includes more than 16 million observations to evaluate the welfare implications of a long‐standing vehicle feebate program in the Canadian province of Ontario. We: (1) show that second‐best optimal feebates can be written as a function of new vehicle Pigouvian taxes; (2) find that Ontario's feebate program was welfare‐enhancing relative to a no feebate scenario but that a second‐best optimal benchmark would have yielded additional welfare while reducing fleet‐wide emissions; and (3) find that Ontarian consumers responded asymmetrically to fees versus rebates.
Does caregiver participation in decision making within child welfare agencies influence children's primary and mental health care service use?
Authors: Jolles M. P. , Wells R.
Published: February 2017

Background

Many children in contact with child welfare agencies do not receive needed health services. These agencies have used participatory decision making (PDM) practices as a way to increase families' use of recommended services. However, we lack evidence of whether caregiver participation in PDM increases children's use of health services. This study uses a national sample of children involved with child welfare to compare their health service use between those children serve through a PDM practice and those who did not experience it.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analyses using the 2009–2010 National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well‐Being. Propensity score analysis accounted for observed selection bias. PDM practice was measured as whether the caregiver was included in decision‐making during service planning meetings. Health service use was measured as child's receipt of any primary or mental health care services in the past year. Primary health care need was measured using standardized measures and caseworker report. The sample was comprised of children ages 2–17 with primary or mental health needs in contact with a child welfare agency.

Results

In the unmatched sample of 1,358 children, 14% were served through a PDM service practice, and 12% had a primary health care and 37% a mental health need. Families served through PDM were also reported by caseworkers as more cooperative during the child welfare investigation, and with fewer reports of domestic violence and agency re‐referrals (P < 0.05). Analyses using matched samples showed that for primary health care, 59% of PDM children received services compared with 40% for non‐PDM children (P = 0.004). Group differences were not significant for mental health services.

Conclusions

Lower‐risk families were more likely to be served through PDM which was positively associated with child use of primary health services. Inclusion of caregivers in decision making may not be sufficient to overcome barriers to children's mental health service use.
The Development of Implicit Memory From Infancy to Childhood: On Average Performance Levels and Interindividual Differences
Authors: Vöhringer Isabel A. , Kolling Thorsten , Graf Frauke , Poloczek Sonja , Fassbender Ina , Freitag Claudia , Lamm Bettina , Suhrke Janina , Teiser Johanna , Teubert Manuel , Keller Heidi , Lohaus Arnold , Schwarzer Gudrun , Knopf Monika
Published: February 2017

The present multimethod longitudinal study aimed at investigating development and stability of implicit memory during infancy and early childhood. A total of 134 children were followed longitudinally from 3 months to 3 years of life assessing different age‐appropriate measures of implicit memory. Results from structural equation modeling give further evidence that implicit memory is stable from 9 months of life on, with earlier performance predicting later performance. Second, it was found that implicit memory is present from early on, and no age‐related improvements are found from 3 months on. Results are discussed with respect to the basic brain structures implicit memory builds on, as well as methodological issues.
Civil society, social accountability and service delivery in Zimbabwe
Authors: Muchadenyika Davison
Published: February 2017

Post‐2000, the deterioration of Zimbabwe's socioeconomic and political conditions is widely acknowledged as phenomenal and unprecedented. Consequently, government and local authorities are struggling to provide basic services. At the same time, civil society initiatives are promoting transparency and accountability in service delivery. The article explains how civil society coalitions and citizens are promoting and demanding accountability in the delivery of public services by local authorities. In particular, it focuses on four critical issues; namely local authority–citizen engagement, social accountability focus areas, social accountability tools and emerging social accountability issues. The article concludes that civil society‐led social accountability initiatives are effective under conditions of civil society capacity, institutionalization of social accountability by local authorities, and negotiating local political dynamics.
LABOR MARKET DYNAMICS WITH SEARCH FRICTIONS AND FAIR WAGE CONSIDERATIONS
Authors: Kuang Pei , Wang Tong
Published: February 2017

Fairness considerations in wage setting can improve the ability of the Diamond‐Mortensen‐Pissarides search and matching model to account for U.S. labor market dynamics. Firms' production is influenced by workers' effort input, which depends on whether workers consider the employment relation as fair. A typical worker's effort is determined in a comparison of individual current wage with wage norms, including the outside option, the individual past wage, and the wage level in the steady state. The fairness considerations in the search framework give rise to endogenous real wage rigidity, and realistic volatilities of unemployment, vacancies, and labor market tightness. (JEL E24, E32, J64)
High‐temperature LCF life estimation based on stress gradient effect of notched GH4169 alloy specimens
Authors: Wang J. L. , Wei D. S. , Wang Y. R. , Zhong B.
Published: February 2017

Based on the Neuber's rule and Walker equation, a new measurement method considering the influence of mean stress and stress gradient is proposed. A stress gradient factor is defined to correct the traditional Walker equation; thus, it is easy to estimate the life of the structural components only based on the purely elastic finite element analysis. The low‐cycle fatigue experiment was carried out by using the direct aging GH4169 notched specimen with different stress concentration factors under evaluated temperature. The fracture morphology of specimens was analyzed to determine the crack initiation position and the damage mechanism. The data points of the experiment life and the estimation life are correlated well within a three times scatter band. It indicates that the Walker equation corrected by introducing a new kind of measurement of stress gradient is reliable to estimate the notched specimen fatigue life.
The effectiveness of intravenous vitamin K in correcting cirrhosis-associated coagulopathy
Authors: Rivosecchi Ryan M , Kane-Gill Sandra L , Garavaglia Jeffrey , MacLasco Adam , Johnson Heather
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous (IV) vitamin K in cirrhosis.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of cirrhotic patients, not on anticoagulation, with administration of IV vitamin K and a baseline INR > 1.5. The primary outcome was the effectiveness of therapy defined by a 30% decrease in INR or a reduction in INR to an absolute value of ≤1.5.

Key Findings

A total of 96 patients were included in the cohort. There was an average decrease in INR of 0.31; however, 60 patients (62.3%) failed to achieve at least a 10% decrease. Sixteen patients (16.7%) met the primary effectiveness endpoint.

Conclusions

The use of IV vitamin K to correct coagulopathy of cirrhosis may not be beneficial.
A novel strategy to achieve NaGdF4:Eu3+ nanofibers with color‐tailorable luminescence and paramagnetic performance
Authors: Li Dan , Ma Qianli , Song Yan , Xi Xue , Dong Xiangting , Yu Wensheng , Wang Jinxian , Liu Guixia
Published: February 2017

Luminescent‐magnetic bifunctional NaGdF4:Eu3+ nanofibers were fabricated through the bond of electrospinning followed by calcination with fluorination technology for the first time. The structure, morphologies, luminescence, and magnetism of nanofibers have been characterized using various techniques. X‐ray diffraction measurement indicates that NaGdF4:Eu3+ nanofibers are hexagonal phase. Scanning electron microscope measurement shows that the mean diameters of electrospinning‐made polyvinyl pyrrolidone/[NaNO3+Gd(NO3)3+Eu(NO3)3] composite nanofibers and NaGdF4:Eu3+ nanofibers are, respectively, 428±4 and 231±4 nm under the confidence level of 95%. Under 274‐nm ultraviolet light excitation, NaGdF4:Eu3+ nanofibers exhibit characteristic 5D3,2,1,0→7FJ emissions of Eu3+ and the tendency of color tones of samples varies from blue, cold white, warm white to red via varying Eu3+ content. In addition, samples exhibit paramagnetic features and the magnetic properties of NaGdF4:Eu3+ nanofibers are tailorable by modulating the doping concentration of Eu3+. More importantly, the color‐tailorable luminescence and paramagnetic properties are simultaneously realized in single‐phase NaGdF4:Eu3+ nanofibers, which ideally suit to apply in many fields such as lighting and color displays, bioimaging, and magnetic resonance imaging. This design conception and construction strategy may provide some new guidance for synthesizing other rare‐earth fluorides nanomaterials of multifarious morphologies.
Experimental synthesis and density functional theory investigation of radiation tolerance of Zr3(Al1‐xSix)C2MAX phases
Authors: Zapata‐Solvas Eugenio , Christopoulos Stavros‐Richard G. , Ni Na , Parfitt David C. , Horlait Denis , Fitzpatrick Michael E. , Chroneos Alexander , Lee William E.
Published: February 2017

Synthesis, characterization and density functional theory calculations have been combined to examine the formation of the Zr3(Al1–xSix)C2 quaternary MAX phases and the intrinsic defect processes in Zr3AlC2 and Zr3SiC2. The MAX phase family is extended by demonstrating that Zr3(Al1–xSix)C2, and particularly compositions with x≈0.1, can be formed leading here to a yield of 59 wt%. It has been found that Zr3AlC2 ‐ and by extension Zr3(Al1–xSix)C2 ‐ formation rates benefit from the presence of traces of Si in the reactant mix, presumably through the in situ formation of ZrySiz phase(s) acting as a nucleation substrate for the MAX phase. To investigate the radiation tolerance of Zr3(Al1–xSix)C2, we have also considered the intrinsic defect properties of the end‐members. A‐element Frenkel reaction for both Zr3AlC2 (1.71 eV) and Zr3SiC2 (1.41 eV) phases are the lowest energy defect reactions. For comparison we consider the defect processes in Ti3AlC2 and Ti3SiC2 phases. It is concluded that Zr3AlC2 and Ti3AlC2 MAX phases are more radiation tolerant than Zr3SiC2 and Ti3SiC2, respectively. Their applicability as cladding materials for nuclear fuel is discussed.
Low dose‐eplerenone treatment decreases aortic stiffness in patients with resistant hypertension
Authors: Kalizki Tatjana , Schmidt Bernhard M.W. , Raff Ulrike , Reinold Annemarie , Schwarz Thomas K. , Schneider Markus P. , Schmieder Roland E. , Schneider Andreas
Published: February 2017

Vascular damage is aggravated in animal models of hypertension with mineralocorticoid (MR) excess and in hypertensive patients with primary hyperaldosteronism. MR antagonism has shown to provide effective blood pressure (BP)‐control in patients with treatment resistant hypertension (TRH), but the concurrent effects on the vasculature have not been examined. In a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled parallel‐group study, 51 patients with TRH received either eplerenone 50 mg or placebo for 6 months together with additional antihypertensives titrated to achieve a BP target of <140/90 mm Hg. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), augmentation pressure (AP), AP normalized to a heart rate of 75/min (AP@HR75), renal resistive index (RRI), intima‐media thickness (IMT) and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) were assessed before and after treatment. PWV was reduced only with eplerenone (from 11.3±3.6 to 9.8±2.6 m/s, P˂.001), but not with placebo (10.3±2.0 to 10.1±1.8 m/s, P=.60), despite similar reductions in BP (−35±20/−15±11 mm Hg vs −30±19/−13±7 mm Hg, n.s.). Further, reductions in AP and AP@HR75 were greater with eplerenone, while changes in AIx, RRI, IMT and UAER were similar. Our data show that eplerenone beneficially affects markers of arterial stiffness and wave reflection in patients with TRH, independently of BP lowering. These data add to the evidence that MR antagonism should be the preferred treatment option in TRH.
Associations between children's diet quality and watching television during meal or snack consumption: A systematic review
Authors: Avery Amanda , Anderson Catherine , McCullough Fiona
Published: February 2017

Studies have identified an association between watching television (TV) and childhood obesity. This review adds context to existing research by examining the associations between TV viewing, whilst eating, and children's diet quality. Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched from January 2000 to June 2014. Cross‐sectional trials of case control or cohort studies, which included baseline data, measuring the associations between eating whilst watching TV and children's food and drink intake. Quality of selected papers was assessed. Thirteen studies, representing 61,674 children aged 1–18 yrs, met inclusion criteria. Of six studies reporting overall food habits, all found a positive association between TV viewing and consumption of pizza, fried foods, sweets, and snacks. Of eight studies looking at fruit and vegetable consumption, seven identified a negative association with eating whilst watching TV (p < .0001). Four out of five studies identified a positive association between watching TV whilst eating and servings of sugar‐sweetened beverages (p < .0001). Four studies identified an association between low socioeconomic status and increased likelihood of eating whilst watching TV (p ≤ .01). Family meals did not overcome the adverse impact on diet quality of having the TV on at mealtimes. Eating whilst watching television is associated with poorer diet quality among children, including more frequent consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages and high‐fat, high‐sugar foods and fewer fruits and vegetables. Although these differences in consumption are small, the cumulative effect may contribute to the positive association between eating whilst watching TV and childhood obesity.
Demographic stochasticity and temporal autocorrelation in the dynamics of structured populations
Authors: Vindenes Yngvild , Engen Steinar
Published: February 2017

Populations can show temporal autocorrelation in the dynamics arising from different mechanisms, including fluctuations in the demographic structure. This autocorrelation is often treated as a complicating factor in the analyses of stochastic population growth and extinction risk. However, it also reflects important information about the demographic structure. Here, we consider how temporal autocorrelation is related to demographic stochasticity in structured populations. Demographic stochasticity arises from inherent randomness in the demographic processes of individuals, like survival and reproduction, and the resulting impact on population growth is measured by the demographic variance. Earlier studies have shown that population structure have positive or negative effects on the demographic variance compared to a model where the structure is ignored. Here, we derive a new expression for the demographic variance of a structured population, using the temporal autocorrelation function of the population growth rate. We show that the relative difference in demographic variance when the structure is included or ignored (the effect of structure on demographic variance) is approximately twice the sum of the autocorrelations. We demonstrate the result for a simple hypothetical example, as well as a set of empirical examples using age‐structured models of 24 mammals from the demographic database COMADRE. In the empirical examples, the sum of the autocorrelation function was negative in all cases, indicating that age structure generally has a negative effect on the demographic variance (i.e. the demographic variance is lower compared to that of a model where the structure is ignored). Other kinds of structure, such as spatial heterogeneity affecting fecundity, can have positive effects on the demographic variance, and the sum of the autocorrelations will then be positive. These results yield new insights into the complex interplay between population structure, demographic variance, and temporal autocorrelation, that shapes the population dynamics and extinction risk of populations.
A comparison of the self‐reported dry eye practices of New Zealand optometrists and ophthalmologists
Authors: Xue Ally L. , Downie Laura E. , Ormonde Susan E. , Craig Jennifer P.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The aim of this cross‐sectional survey was to evaluate the self‐reported clinical practices of New Zealand optometrists and ophthalmologists with respect to the diagnosis and management of dry eye disease. It also sought to compare these behaviours with the current research evidence base.

Methods

An anonymous survey was distributed electronically to New Zealand eye care clinicians (optometrists n = 614, ophthalmologists n = 113) to determine practitioner interest in dry eye disease, practice experience, practice modality, preferred diagnostic and management strategies, and information used to guide patient care.

Results

Respondents from both professions (response rates, optometrists: 26%, ophthalmologists: 26%) demonstrated similarly strong knowledge of tear film assessment. Ninety percent of respondents ranked patient symptoms and meibomian gland evaluation as the most valuable and common diagnostic approaches. Conversely, standardised grading scales and validated dry eye questionnaires were infrequently adopted. Both professions tailored dry eye management according to severity, indicating eyelid hygiene and non‐preserved lubricants as mainstay therapies. Ophthalmologists prescribed systemic tetracyclines significantly more often than optometrists for moderate (48% vs 11%) and severe (72% vs 32%) dry eye (p < 0.05). Continuing education conferences were acknowledged as the primary information source used to guide dry eye management practices by both professions.

Conclusions

Consistent with evidence‐based guidelines, New Zealand eye care professionals combine subjective and objective techniques to diagnose and stratify dry eye management according to disease severity. There is potential to improve dissemination of research evidence into clinical practice, with continuing education via professional conferences the favoured mode of delivery.
Choice and competition in education: Do they advance performance, voice and equality?
Authors: Mascini Peter , Braster Sjaak
Published: February 2017

Based on a multilevel analysis of the OECD PISA 2012 data on school test results for 60 countries, we have established that three presuppositions underlying the policy recommendation to introduce more choice and competition in education are untenable. First, rather than choice and competition, we find that parental voice and targets and performance measurement incentivize schools to improve students’ test results. Second, we do not find that choice and competition increase parental voice's impact on students’ test results. Third, we do not find that choice and competition have more equal outcomes in terms of students’ test results than has parental voice. Students from high‐SES families not only benefit most from parental voice, but they also benefit most from choice and competition. Overall, we do not find support for the policy recommendation to shift the balance in education in the direction of the choice‐and‐competition model.
Subjective Rightness and Minimizing Expected Objective Wrongness
Authors: Olsen Kristian
Published: February 2017

It has become increasingly common for philosophers to distinguish between objective and subjective rightness, and there has been much discussion recently about what an adequate theory of subjective rightness looks like. In this article, I propose a new theory of subjective rightness. According to it, an action is subjectively right if and only if it minimizes expected objective wrongness. I explain this theory in detail and argue that it avoids many of the problems that other theories of subjective rightness face. I end by responding to some objections.
Obesity and melanoma: could fat be fueling malignancy?
Authors: Clement Emily , Lazar Ikrame , Muller Catherine , Nieto Laurence
Published: February 2017

Over the last decade, it has become increasingly clear that adipose tissue, and particularly adipocytes, contributes to tumor progression. Obesity, an ever‐increasing worldwide phenomenon, exacerbates this effect. The influence of obesity on melanoma remains poorly studied, although recent data do underline an association between the two diseases in both humans and murine models. Herein, we review the impact of obesity on melanoma incidence and progression and discuss the underlying mechanisms known to be involved. Adipose tissue favors the proliferation and aggressiveness of melanoma cells through a direct dialog, mediated by soluble factors and by exosomes, and through remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. This knowledge could, in the future, help to design new personalized therapeutic options for obese melanoma patients.
Alteration of photosynthetic performance and source–sink relationships in wheat plants infected by Pyricularia oryzae
Authors: Rios J. A. , Rios V. S. , Aucique‐Pérez C. E. , Cruz M. F. A. , Morais L. E. , DaMatta F. M. , Rodrigues F. A.
Published: February 2017

Two experiments were carried out to assess the changes associated with photoassimilate production and partitioning in the source–sink relationship of flag leaves and spikes of wheat plants infected with Pyricularia oryzae, the causal agent of blast. Flag leaves and spikes were inoculated at 10 and 20 days after anthesis (daa) with a conidial suspension of P. oryzae. Analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence using maximal photosystem II quantum efficiency (Fv⁄Fm), fraction of energy absorbed that is used in photochemistry (YII), quantum yield of non‐regulated energy dissipation (Y(NO)) and quantum yield of regulated energy dissipation (Y(NPQ)), showed an impairment of the photosynthetic performance in both infected flag leaves and spikes, coupled with reduced concentrations of chlorophyll a  + b and carotenoids. Compared to non‐inoculated controls, there was lower capacity for CO2 fixation by RuBisCO in the infected flag leaves. Similarly, in the infected flag leaves and grains (obtained from infected spikes), there were lower concentrations of soluble sugars, while the hexoses‐to‐sucrose ratio increased in infected flag leaves. Compared to non‐inoculated controls, infected flag leaves showed lower sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity and lower expression of the sucrose synthesis (SuSy) gene, while higher expression and activity of acid invertases also occurred. At the advanced stages of fungal infection, the concentration of starch in grains decreased but remained high for the infected flag leaves. There were reductions in ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase activity and the expression of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase genes and a down‐regulation of β‐ and α‐amylase expression at the advanced stages of fungal infection on flag leaves and spikes. In conclusion, the effect of blast on both grain quality and yield can be associated with alterations in both production and partitioning of carbohydrates during the grain filling process.
Accounting for Cross‐Country Differences in Wealth Inequality
Authors: Cowell Frank , Karagiannaki Eleni , Mcknight Abigail
Published: February 2017

There is considerable cross‐country variation in levels of household wealth and in wealth inequality. This paper assesses the extent to which these differences can be accounted for by differences in the distributions of households' demographic and economic characteristics. A counterfactual decomposition analysis of micro data from five countries (Italy, U.K., U.S., Sweden and Finland) is used to identify the effects of characteristics on component wealth holdings, their value and their distribution. The findings of the paper suggest that the biggest share of cross‐country differences is not attributable to the distribution of household demographic and economic characteristics but rather reflect strong unexplained country effects.
The Association Between Gender, Ethnicity, and Suicidality Among Vocational Students in Israel
Authors: Benatov Joy , Nakash Ora , Chen‐Gal Shai , Brunstein Klomek Anat
Published: February 2017

Gender and ethnicity are significant factors when evaluating suicidal risk, especially among ethnically diverse populations. In the current study we explored the association between gender, ethnicity, and suicide ideation and attempts among Arab and Jewish vocational education and training high school students in Israel. Students (N = 3,554) completed a self‐report survey evaluating suicide ideation and attempts, depression, anxiety, somatization, and sense of belonging. Hierarchical generalized linear modeling indicated that female Arab adolescents had elevated levels of suicide ideation, higher rates of suicide attempts, and greater psychological distress than Arab males and Jewish students. Furthermore, female Arab adolescents were found to be more susceptible to suicide ideation when depression levels were high. These results are discussed in the context of the double‐jeopardy Arab young women face, as members of a minority ethnic group in Israel and their status as women within the patriarchal Arab culture.
Full‐length sequences of HLA‐B*39:05:01 and B*39:38Q, confirmed by cloning and sequencing
Authors: Li Z. , Zou H.‐Y.
Published: February 2017

Full‐length sequences of
HLA‐B*39:05:01 and B*39:38Q
, confirmed by cloning and sequencing in Chinese donors.
Bisexual Safe Space(s) on the Internet: Analysis of an Online Forum for Bisexuals
Authors: Maliepaard Emiel
Published: February 2017

Discussions on bisexual safe space(s) and online bisexual spaces are limited. This paper explores the potential of an online forum for bisexuals, their partners, and people who are interested in bisexuality to function as an online safe space. To understand whether the analysed forum is successful as a bisexual safe space, as conceptualised by Jo Eadie, I focus on the practices, as manifold of doings and sayings, that create the forum as well as on the embodied experiences of the participants. I conclude that oppressive regimes that are rooted in offline practices, that is, mononormative ideals, value, and orthodoxies, are repeatedly introduced by participants in their stories, questions, and replies. At the same time, sharing experiences and empowerment are core practices and have an impact beyond the forum itself. Finally, by focusing on emotions, moods, and ends we can understand why people take part in the practices that constitute the forum.
Prevalence of AmpC‐ and Extended‐Spectrum β‐Lactamase‐Harbouring Enterobacteriaceae in Faecal Flora of a Healthy Domestic Canine Population
Authors: Mathys D. A. , Mollenkopf D. F. , Bremer C. A. , Daniels J. B. , Wittum T. E.
Published: February 2017

In order to estimate the prevalence of AmpC‐ and ESBL β‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae in the faecal flora of a healthy domestic canine population, faecal samples were obtained from healthy dogs receiving routine parasitology screening at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, between January 2013 and April 2013. Samples were screened for the presence of AmpC and ESBL β‐lactamase phenotypes, and the clinically important genotypes, blaCMY and blaCTX‐M, were confirmed via conventional PCR. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined for isolates and plasmids were characterized. Two hundred and twelve canine faecal samples were screened, of which 30 harboured isolates carrying the AmpC blaCMY, representing 14.2% of the population (95% CI: 9.4–18.9%). Nine samples harboured isolates that carried the ESBL blaCTX‐M, representing 4.2% of the population (95% CI: 1.5–7.0%). Isolates containing blaCMY harboured multiple plasmid replicon types, while isolates containing blaCTX‐M harboured few plasmid replicon types. Our results suggest that domestic dogs may serve as a reservoir for extended‐spectrum cephalosporin resistance genes for other domestic animal populations as well as for their human companions. This represents a potential veterinary and public health risk that warrants further investigation and continued surveillance to ascertain the nature and extent of the risk. The high level of diversity of plasmid content among isolates harbouring blaCMY suggests broader dissemination relative to blaCTX‐M isolates.