bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersion in Analysts’ Earnings Forecasts and Market Efficiency
Authors: Kim Tong Suk , Kim Ki‐Deok , Min Byoung‐Kyu
Published: June 2018

Recent studies show that firms with higher analysts’ earnings forecasts dispersion subsequently have lower returns than firms with lower forecasts dispersion. This paper evaluates alternative explanations for the dispersion–return relation using a stochastic dominance approach. We aim to discriminate between the hypothesis that some asset pricing models can explain the puzzling negative relation between dispersion and stock returns, and the alternative hypothesis that the dispersion effect is mainly driven by investor irrationality and thus is an evidence of a failure of efficient markets. We find that low dispersion stocks dominate high dispersion stocks by second‐ and third‐order stochastic dominance over the period from 1976 to 2012. Our results imply that any investor who is risk‐averse and prefers positive skewness would unambiguously prefer low dispersion stocks to high dispersion stocks. We conclude that the dispersion effect is more likely evidence of market inefficiency, rather than a result of omitted risk factors.
Perceived burden among spouse, adult child, and parent caregivers
Authors: Juntunen Kristiina , Salminen Anna‐Liisa , Törmäkangas Timo , Tillman Päivi , Leinonen Kirsi , Nikander Riku
Published: June 2018

Aims

To identify what factors are associated with the caregiver burden of spouse caregivers, adult child caregivers, and parent caregivers.

Background

Caregivers often feel stressed and perceive caregiving as a burden. The caregiver burden has been little studied from the perspective of the personal relationship between caregiver and care recipient.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A random sample of 4,000 caregivers in Finland was drawn in 2014 and those who remained either spouse, adult child, or parent caregivers at data collection were included in the analysis (N = 1,062). Data collection included recipients’ characteristics. Caregivers’ perceived burden was measured using the Caregivers of Older People in Europe index. General linear models were used to explain perceived caregiver burden.

Results

Care recipients’ low level of cognitive function was associated with greater perceived burden. Higher quality of support was associated with lower perceived burden among female and male spouse caregivers, daughter caregivers, and mother caregivers. Low cognitive function explained 3–6% and high quality of support 2–5% of the total variation in the burden explained by the models, which ranged between 45–55%.

Conclusion

Because cognitive challenges of care recipient are associated with greater perceived burden and high quality of support with lower burden among most of the caregiver groups, high‐quality tailored nursing interventions will be needed especially for the caregivers of the most frail care recipients.
Towards a measure of accountability in nursing: A three‐stage validation study
Authors: Drach‐Zahavy Anat , Leonenko Marina , Srulovici Einav
Published: June 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate a three‐dimensional questionnaire suitable for evaluating personal and organizational accountability in nurses.

Background

Accountability is defined as a three‐dimensional value, directing professionals to take responsibility for their decisions and actions, to be willing to explain them (transparency), and to be judged according to society's accepted values (answerability). Despite the relatively clear definition, measurement of accountability lags well behind. Existing self‐report questionnaires do not fully capture the complexity of the concept nor do they capture the different sources of accountability (e.g., personal accountability, organizational accountability).

Design

A three‐stage measure development.

Methods

Data were collected during 2015–2016. In Phase 1, an initial database of items (N = 74) was developed, based on literature review and qualitative study, establishing face and content validity. In Phase 2, the face, content, construct, and criterion‐related validity of the initial questionnaires (19 items for personal and organizational accountability questionnaire) were established with a sample of 229 nurses. In Phase 3, the final questionnaires (19 items each) were validated with a new sample of 329 nurses and established construct validity.

Results

The final version of the instruments comprised 19 items, suitable for assessing personal and organizational accountability. The questionnaire referred to the dimensions of responsibility, transparency, and answerability. The findings established the instrument's content, construct, and criterion‐related validity as well as good internal reliability.

Conclusion

The questionnaire portrays accountability in nursing, by capturing nurses’ subjective perceptions of accountability dimensions (responsibility, transparency, answerability), as demonstrated by personal and organizational values.
Diversification with gene flow and niche divergence in a lizard species along the South American “diagonal of open formations”
Authors: Fonseca Emanuel M. , Gehara Marcelo , Werneck Fernanda P. , Lanna Flávia M. , Colli Guarino R. , Sites Jack W. , Rodrigues Miguel T. , Garda Adrian A.
Published: June 2018

Aim

To assess the effects of historical events on the tempo and mode of diversification of the lizardPolychrus acutirostrisalong the South American diagonal of open formations (DOF).

Location

Caatinga and Cerrado biomes in Brazil.

Methods

We sequenced fragments of one mtDNAand three nuDNAgenes of 68 individuals from 33 localities. We used population assignment methods to access genetic structure and estimate lineage boundaries. Next, we estimated lineage relationships, intraspecific diversity, environmental niche similarity and demographic history. Finally, we tested 12 diversification scenarios using an approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) approach.

Results

We recovered three non‐overlapping, geographically structured lineages corresponding to Caatinga, north‐east Cerrado and south‐west Cerrado, with the major divergence event dating to the Late Neogene. We also recovered a complex scenario of divergence associated with gene flow and niche divergence.

Main conclusions

We show a complex history of diversification along the South AmericanDOF. Our findings support the role of environmental features as the likely drivers ofP. acutirostrisintraspecific diversification during the Late Neogene.
Prurigo nodularis: a physician survey to evaluate current perceptions of its classification, clinical experience and unmet need
Authors: Pereira M.P. , Basta S. , Moore J. , Ständer S.
Published: June 2018

Background

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic skin condition characterized by intensely pruritic, hyperkeratotic papulonodular lesions that dramatically impairs patients’ quality of life. Management of the condition is challenging, and there is no approved therapy in the United States or in Europe.

Objective

The key aim of this survey was to examine current perceptions of PN diagnosis and management among members of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV).

Methods

The survey comprised 29 questions, including multiple choice and open responses, and was sent to clinicians via e‐mail during December 2016. The survey results were collected and analysed.

Results

Responses were received from 30 participants from 14 countries, of whom 22 (73.3%) were members of the EADV Task Force Pruritus. The majority (73.3%) considered PN to be a distinct condition, and the preferred description to explain the most common pathogenesis was ‘chronic pruritus leading to chronic scratching’ (80.0%). Pruritic nodules (n= 23/30, 76.7%) and scratching (n= 12/30, 40.0%) were the most common descriptors used to characterize PN. Most respondents (60.0%) reported seeing ≤5 unique PN patients per month, the majority of whom (68.8%) visited a physician ~2–4 times per year. PN patients reported to the respondents that they experienced persistent, severe pruritus, with a mean ± SD numeric rating scale score of 7.8 ± 1.2, lasting for >6 months in 82.3% of patients and >2 years in 51.0%. The most frequently prescribed therapies by survey respondents for PN symptoms were antihistamines (90.0%), antidepressants (90.0%), gabapentinoids (86.7%) and immunosuppressants (86.7%). Respondents agreed upon the need for new PN therapies (56.7%), revised PN classification and terminology (23.3%) and better understanding of PN pathophysiology (20.0%).

Conclusion

EADV Task Force Pruritus notes several challenges that must be met to improve symptoms and quality of life for patients with PN.
Short incubation fractional CO2 laser‐assisted photodynamic therapy vs. conventional photodynamic therapy in field‐cancerized skin: 12‐month follow‐up results of a randomized intraindividual comparison study
Authors: Vrani F. , Sotiriou E. , Lazaridou E. , Vakirlis E. , Sideris N. , Kirmanidou E. , Apalla Z. , Lallas A. , Ioannides D.
Published: June 2018

Background

Topical methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL‐PDT) with 3 h incubation is recommended as a field directed treatment. Skin pretreatment with ablative CO2 fractional laser (AFXL) prior to MAL‐PDT enhances drug penetration and could minimize incubation time.

Objectives

To evaluate and compare the safety and the preventive effect in the development of new non‐melanocytic skin cancers (NMSCs) of AFXL‐assisted MAL‐PDT with 1‐h incubation with that of conventional MAL‐PDT in patients with clinical and histological signs of field cancerization.

Methods

Forty‐two patients with two mirror cancerized areas of face or scalp were randomized to field treatment with 1‐h incubation AFXL‐assisted PDT or conventional PDT (CPDT). All patients underwent two treatment sessions 1 week apart. Irradiation was performed using a red light‐emitting diode lamp at 37 J/cm2. Patients were followed up at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months for the evaluation of development of new NMSCs lesions.

Results

All patients completed the study. There was no statistically significant difference with respect to the total number of new actinic keratoses at any point of follow‐up as well as to the mean time of occurrence of new lesions between treatment fields. Both treatment regimens were safe and well tolerated.

Conclusion

Ablative CO2 fractional laser pretreatment may be considered as an option for reducing photosensitizer occlusion time while providing the same preventative efficacy as CPDT in patients with field‐cancerized skin.
Role of mucoprotective agents in endoscopic submucosal dissection‐derived ulcers: A systematic review
Authors: Pittayanon Rapat , Martel Myriam , Barkun Alan
Published: June 2018

Background

Currently, it is still unclear whether adding a mucoprotective agent to a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) results in better outcomes compared with using a PPI alone in patients with post‐gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) ulcers. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of PPI alone versus combination treatment in healing of post‐gastric ESD ulcers, as well as on delayed bleeding and amount of blood transfused.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ISI Web of knowledge databases, up until May 2017, for randomized trials comparing PPI alone versus PPI plus a mucoprotective drug in achieving ulcer healing in patients undergoing gastric ESD was performed. The primary outcome is scarring stage on endoscopic assessment at 4 or 8 weeks after gastric ESD.

Results

From an initial 3071 citations, eight articles (n = 953 lesions from 934 patients) were analyzed. Patients receiving combination treatment achieved a scarring stage significantly more often than those on a PPIs alone at 4 or 8 weeks after ESD, (risk ratio = 1.36, 95% CI; 1.06–1.75). No study reported amount of blood transfused. There were no significant between treatment‐group differences in terms of delayed bleeding (risk ratio = 0.58, 95% CI; 0.17–1.99). Neither location of ulcer nor Helicobacter pylori infection was related to ulcer scarring stage.

Conclusion

The limited evidences suggested combination treatment may be more effective in accelerating the process of ulcer healing in patients undergoing gastric ESD than the use of PPI alone, but does not appear to alter delayed bleeding risk.
Credit Default Swaps in General Equilibrium: Endogenous Default and Credit‐Spread Spillovers
Authors: DARST R. MATTHEW , REFAYET EHRAZ
Published: June 2018

This paper shows that credit default swaps (CDS) can affect the type of debt firms issue. Firms face a trade‐off between investment scale and the cost of capital measured by the credit spread. Small‐scale investment is safe, fully collateralized, but earns modest profits in all states. Large‐scale investment is risky, requires a positive credit spread, but yields high profits only in good states and default in bad states. CDS only affect risky credit spreads, which in turn affects the opportunity cost of issuing collateralized, safe debt. Covered (Naked) CDS lower (raise) credit spreads and raise (lower) the likelihood of issuing risky debt. Finally, we show that CDS generate credit spread and investment spillovers for non‐CDS‐referenced firms.
The State‐Level Impact of Uncertainty Shocks
Authors: MUMTAZ HAROON , SUNDER‐PLASSMANN LAURA , THEOPHILOPOULOU ANGELIKI
Published: June 2018

This paper estimates the impact of uncertainty shocks on real income growth in U.S. states. Our results suggest that the effect is heterogeneous. The magnitude of the decline in income is largest in states with a large share of manufacturing and construction industries, a larger share of small firms, a high fiscal deficit, a less rigid labor market, and a more volatile housing market. In contrast, a higher share of mining industries and larger intergovernmental fiscal transfers ameliorate the impact of uncertainty.
The effects of types of guidewires and pressure applied during stent implantation in the main vessel on the incidence of damage to coronary guidewires during angioplasty of coronary bifurcation lesions—Wide Beast study
Authors: Kwiatkowski Piotr S. , Malachowski Jerzy , Jakubas‐Kwiatkowska Wioletta , Gołebiewski Sławomir , Gil Robert J. , Kwasiborski Przemysław , Kałuza Bernadetta , Sutkowska Edyta
Published: June 2018

Objectives

We evaluated the impact of stent inflation pressure and type of guidewire on “jailed” coronary guidewire damage occurring during bifurcation angioplasty.

Background

Despite new techniques and treatment options during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) we still observe peri‐ and postoperative complications for to various known and unknown reasons.

Methods

Patients undergoing PCI within the coronary bifurcation were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Pilot 50 or BMW guidewire and pressure ≤12 or >12 atm. After PCI each “jailed” guidewire was evaluated under an optical microscope. The Wide Beast Scale (WBS) was developed for the internal purposes of the study and was used for qualitative assessment. Also, the inflation pressure, the patients’ characteristics and the technical parameters of the procedure were recorded.

Results

The clinical characteristics were similar in all the groups. There was no statistical significance of the degree of damage, rated on the WBS, for either guidewire group with respect to inflation pressure (P = 0.49). The prevalence of guidewire damage was higher in the BMW versus the Pilot 50 group (98.4% vs 67.4% respectively, P = 0.00001) as was the severity of the damage (grades 3 and 4) in BMW versus Pilot 50 (55.6% vs 13.0% respectively, P = 0.00001).

Conclusions

The inflation pressure during stent implantation had no impact on “jailed” guidewire damage. The difference in the prevalence of serious damage and total damage number was statistically significant for the BMW guidewire compared to the Pilot50. The BMW guidewire was an independent predictor of the degree of damage to the guidewire.
Unusual cutaneous lesions, two different presentations
Authors: Cascais Mafalda MP , Kieselova Katarina , Santiago Felicidade , Guiote Victoria , Henrique Martinha
Published: June 2018

See Answer
Vocal fold granulomas in six brachycephalic dogs: clinical, macroscopical and histological features
Authors: Sarran D. , Caron A. , Billet J. P.
Published: June 2018

Vocal cord granulomas are rarely observed in brachycephalic breeds but often reported in humans as contact granulomas. Six French bulldogs were included in this retrospective descriptive study. Endoscopic laryngeal examinations were performed on all dogs under general anaesthesia. Vocal cord lesions were exclusively unilateral, exophytic, approximately 3‐mm wide ulcerated mucosal nodules, arising from the vocal cord. Histopathological examination mainly revealed chronic inflammatory changes on the laryngeal epithelium which were consistent with laryngeal granulomas described in humans, except for the location: vocal cord in dogs versus vocal process in humans. In humans, granulomas result from chronic physical or chemical insult to laryngeal mucosa (chronic cough or throat clearing, vocal abuse, gastro‐esophageal reflux). In brachycephalic breeds, chronic inspiratory efforts and air turbulences and gastro‐esophageal reflux are suspected to result in chronic laryngeal inflammation.
Deciphering source and sink responses of potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) to elevated temperatures
Authors: Hastilestari Bernadetta Rina , Lorenz Julia , Reid Stephen , Hofmann Jörg , Pscheidt David , Sonnewald Uwe , Sonnewald Sophia
Published: June 2018

Potato is an important staple food with increasing popularity worldwide. Elevated temperatures significantly impair tuber yield and quality. Breeding heat‐tolerant cultivars is therefore an urgent need to ensure sustainable potato production in the future. An integrated approach combining physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology was undertaken to contribute to a better understanding of heat effects on source‐ (leaves) and sink‐organs (tubers) in a heat‐susceptible cultivar. An experimental set‐up was designed allowing tissue‐specific heat application. Elevated day and night (29°C/27°C) temperatures impaired photosynthesis and assimilate production. Biomass allocation shifted away from tubers towards leaves indicating reduced sink strength of developing tubers. Reduced sink strength of tubers was paralleled by decreased sucrose synthase activity and expression under elevated temperatures. Heat‐mediated inhibition of tuber growth coincided with a decreased expression of the phloem‐mobile tuberization signal SP6A in leaves. SP6A expression and photosynthesis were also affected, when only the belowground space was heated, and leaves were kept under control conditions. By contrast, the negative effects on tuber metabolism were attenuated, when only the shoot was subjected to elevated temperatures. This, together with transcriptional changes discussed, indicated a bidirectional communication between leaves and tubers to adjust the source capacity and/or sink strength to environmental conditions.
Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy as a Reliable Means of Comparing Ultraviolet Radiation‐induced Erythema in Extreme Skin Colors
Authors: Fajuyigbe Damilola , Coleman Andrew , Sarkany Robert P. E. , Young Antony R. , Schmalwieser Alois W.
Published: June 2018

Erythema is widely considered an indicator of skin cancer susceptibility, but assessments are challenging in black skin because melanin can mask erythema under traditional visual and advanced objective Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* assessments. Using spectral measurements (400–700 nm) from a spectrophotometer, an algorithm was developed to measure erythema in white Caucasians (n = 9) and black West Africans (n = 11) 19–24 h postsolar simulated radiation (SSR) exposures to the volar forearm. The derived spectrum achieved showed a strong maximum peak for hemoglobin at 580 nm and a linear slope between 650 and 700 nm for melanin absorption, as reported by other authors. Absorption by hemoglobin at 580 nm was used as a proxy for erythema, and melanin was quantified between 650 and 700 nm. Our algorithm corrected the erythema measurements for stray specular (mirror‐like) reflection and the melanin‐masking effect. A linear relationship between SSR exposure and erythema was evident (p < 0.0001 for white and black skin), and white skin is 8.4 times more responsive to SSR compared to black skin. The prediction of ultraviolet radiation sensitivity is vital in both clinical and investigative dermatology especially in the determination of starting phototherapy doses. Our methodology allows for the accurate assessment of erythema independent of constitutive pigmentation.
Workers’ remittances and government size
Authors: Williams Kevin
Published: June 2018

In this paper I use a panel of 133 developing countries for the period 1972 to 2012 to estimate the effect of workers’ remittances on the size of government. Controlling for country and period fixed effects that jointly affect workers’ remittances and government size, the paper finds that workers’ remittances are associated with larger government. The paper further examines whether democratic institutions mediate the relationship between workers’ remittances and government size. Democratic institutions do not significantly mediate the effect that workers’ remittances have on the size of government.
The ambiguity of social return policies in the Netherlands
Authors: Yerkes Mara A. , van den Braken Leydi Johana
Published: June 2018

Social procurement policies, which aim to create employment opportunities for vulnerable groups, such as the long‐term unemployed and the disabled, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Despite their growing popularity, empirical research on this topic is limited. Combining insights from the social policy and public administration literatures, we explore the development and implementation of “social return” policies by the Dutch government. These policies are a form of social procurement that require private employers to spend a percentage of public tenders to hire individuals far removed from the labor market. Social procurement appears, by definition, to be a form of social investment. However, our analysis of the ideas underlying its use in the Netherlands suggests that significant contradictions exist, with evidence of neoliberal New Public Management tendencies, social investment, and the more recent form of public administration, New Public Service. Using extensive document analysis of parliamentary documents, discussions and evaluative reports from 2008 to 2014, we reveal the tensions inherent in the Dutch approach and discuss possible implications for our understanding of social policy and administration as well as social protection.
Social assistance trajectories among young adults in Finland: What are the determinants of welfare dependency?
Authors: Ilmakunnas Ilari , Moisio Pasi
Published: June 2018

Social assistance receipt is typical among young adults, but the long‐term trajectories of social assistance receipt have been less studied. We use Finnish population register data to study the kinds of social assistance trajectories found among young adults. We also analyze how individual and family characteristics are associated with the likelihood of following different social assistance trajectories. Individuals are followed from the age of 19 to 25. According to the results, social assistance receipt is relatively common among young adults but spell duration is usually short. Around 35% receive social assistance at least once between the ages of 19 and 25, and 2.5% receive social assistance each year. Using latent class growth analysis, we estimated six trajectories based on the annual number of social assistance months: (1) no receipt; (2) transitory; (3) slow exit; (4) occasional; (5) increase; and (6) dependency. Almost 4% of young adults follow the “dependency” trajectory. The results from multinomial logistic regression indicate that having only a short education is a particularly strong predictor of social assistance dependency. Parental social assistance receipt and moving out of the parental home at a young age are also significant predictors of social assistance receipt.
Recovery of soil macronutrients following shifting cultivation and ethnopedology of the Adi community in the Eastern Himalaya
Authors: Teegalapalli K. , Mailappa A. S. , Lyngdoh N. , Lawrence D.
Published: June 2018

Shifting cultivation involves a cycle of forest clearing, cultivation and a fallow phase. As the practice involves clearing forest, it is considered unsustainable and leads to soil fertility loss and erosion. While several variations of the practice exist, traditional communities undertake the practice systematically with relatively long fallow periods and are often knowledgeable about their landscape in terms of soil and its management. To better understand one such system, we quantified soil recovery following cultivation in terms of macronutrients and documented the traditional knowledge of the Adi community in a remote site in the Eastern Himalaya. We collected soil samples from three replicates, each from currently cultivated sites, uncut forest sites and successional sites 3, 12 and 25 yr following cultivation. Available nitrogen and phosphorus significantly increased, and there was an increasing trend in soil organic matter following cultivation. The Adi differentiated nine types of soil and preferred specific soil types for shifting and settled cultivation. We documented soil management and methods of soil fertility retention practised by the Adi. Their location of different crops in the field was based on the effect of the crop on soil fertility. Our research indicated that soil nutrient recovery was considerable following cultivation and that traditional shifting cultivators in the landscape were knowledgeable about their landscape in terms of soil diversity, undertaking practices to manage soil erosion and fertility. Future policies that will affect shifting cultivation in the region should acknowledge such systematic use of a landscape by traditional farming communities.
Recurrent diversification patterns and taxonomic complexity in morphologically conservative ancient lineages of Pimelia (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: MAS‐PEINADO PALOMA , BUCKLEY DAVID , RUIZ JOSÉ LUIS , GARCÍA‐PARÍS MARIO
Published: June 2018

The genus Pimelia Fabricius is the most speciose in the tribe Pimeliini (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). It consists of approximately 320 species distributed mainly in xeric environments in the western Palaearctic region and northern deserts in the Afrotropical region. Pimelia is a very heterogenous group despite its conserved morphology. Based on two mitochondrial (cox1 and 16S) and five nuclear markers (ITS1, ITS2, 18S, Wg and H3), we carried out a phylogenetic and biogeographic study to: (i) provide a comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationships within Pimelia; (ii) re‐evaluate the taxonomic status and organization of clades (subgenera) within the genus; and (iii) establish a temporal framework and historical scenario for the evolution and diversification of Pimelia in the western Mediterranean Region. Pimelia presents a high degree of morphological conservatism and possibly stasis, often resulting in complexes of cryptic species. Repetitive patterns of variation are found recurrently between and within groups, which resulted in a conundrum of nonmonophyletic taxonomic assemblages based on morphological homoplastic characters. Based on our results, we propose a new taxonomic arrangement for Pimelia with 14 clades, treated as subgenera, with the description of six new subgenera: Iberomelia subgen.n., Italomelia subgen.n., Magrebmelia subgen.n., Hispanomelia subgen.n., Massadraamelia subgen.n. and Amblypteraca subgen.n. Our results also indicate an Oligocene (Rupelian) origin for Pimelia, and North Africa as the most likely area of origin. The complex geological and climatic history in the western Mediterranean region has shaped the distribution and diversity of species in the area. The current faunal assemblages observed in Pimelia are the result of complex patterns of recurrent processes of dispersal and vicariance, including in situ diversification through time in different areas of the Mediterranean basin. Pimelia is a fascinating yet very challenging group, and the phylogenetic and systematic framework developed here will pave the way for further ecological, taxonomic, and evolutionary studies at local and regional scales.

This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:DCA003F7‐85F4‐4803‐A859‐5738C6473151.
Moving out: End‐of‐life decisions at a geriatric affordable housing facility in Brooklyn, NY
Authors: O'Hare Brian J.
Published: June 2018

This article will focus on perceptions about the health of tenants at an independent‐living residence for indigent elderly and disabled people. At this site tenants often resisted aid provided, which was a marked contrast to their caregiver's moral and legal imperative to help. This “caregiver's dilemma” will be explored within the shifting perspectives of older adults with low social and economic positions. In this diverse setting social workers engaged in caregiving practices to address social and economic inequalities. Ultimately, regulations designed to alleviate inequality created a framework to judge tenants on multiple fronts to foster and maintain their wellbeing. Under these conditions, interpretations of tenants’ behaviours toward care practices created boundaries with tensions embroiled in larger issues surrounding ethnic, linguistic, and social difference. By exploring these boundaries this research aims to address the growing complexity of affordable housing in the United States as the population‐at‐large continues to diversify.
Using stable isotope tracers to study bone metabolism in children
Authors: O'Brien Kimberly O. , Abrams Steven A.
Published: June 2018

Skeletal mineralization is initiated in utero and continues throughout childhood and adolescence. During these key periods of the life cycle, calcium retention must increase significantly to provide sufficient mineral for bone deposition and skeletal growth. Stable calcium isotopes have served as a fundamental tool to non‐invasively characterize the dynamic changes in calcium physiology that occur from infancy through adolescence. These approaches have helped define the dynamics of calcium absorption and utilization in healthy children and in children with chronic diseases. As data in this area have accumulated, new areas of emphasis are beginning to characterize the determinants of variability in mineral retention, the genetic determinants of bone turnover and calcium flux and the impact of the gut microbiome on whole body and niche specific calcium dynamics. Advances in these areas will help define calcium utilization in paediatric populations and provide information that may be useful in maximizing bone acquisition across this critical phase of the life cycle.

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Using residential proximity to wind turbines as an alternative exposure measure to investigate the association between wind turbines and human health
Authors: Barry Rebecca , Sulsky Sandra I. , Kreiger Nancy
Published: June 2018

This analysis uses data from the Community Noise and Health Study developed by Statistics Canada to investigate the association between residential proximity to wind turbines and health-related outcomes in a dataset that also provides objective measures of wind turbine noise. The findings indicate that residential proximity to wind turbines is correlated with annoyance and health-related quality of life measures. These associations differ in some respects from associations with noise measurements. Results can be used to support discussions between communities and wind-turbine developers regarding potential health effects of wind turbines.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A. , Rice Lloyd
Published: June 2018

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Printed copies of United States Patents may be ordered at $3.00 each from the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Washington, DC 20231. Patents are available via the Internet at http://www.uspto.gov.
Highlight: Distinct functions of the ion channel–kinase TRPM7
Authors: Williams Erin
Published: June 2018

Two studies in this week’s issue of
Science Signaling
identify distinct activities of the ion channel–kinase TRPM7 that control discrete functions in B cells.
Evaluation of the Bactericidal Activity of Plazomicin and Comparators against Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Thwaites M. , Hall D. , Shinabarger D. , Serio A. W. , Krause K. M. , Marra A. , Pillar C.
Published: June 2018

The next-generation aminoglycoside plazomicin, in development for infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Enterobacteriaceae
, was evaluated alongside comparators for bactericidal activity in minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and time-kill (TK) assays against MDR
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates with characterized aminoglycoside and β-lactam resistance mechanisms. Overall, plazomicin and colistin were the most potent, with plazomicin demonstrating an MBC
50/90
of 0.5/4 μg/ml and sustained 3-log
10
kill against MDR
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and
Enterobacter
spp.
Photo-Induced Electron Transfer Real-Time PCR for Detection of Plasmodium falciparum plasmepsin 2 Gene Copy Number
Authors: Souza Samaly Santos , L'Episcopia Mariangela , Severini Carlo , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Lucchi Naomi W.
Published: June 2018

Piperaquine is an important partner drug used in artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). An increase in the
plasmepsin 2
and
3
gene copy numbers has been associated with decreased susceptibility of
Plasmodium falciparum
to piperaquine in Cambodia.
Efficacy of Meglumine Antimoniate in a Low Polymerization State Orally Administered in a Murine Model of Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Kato Kelly C. , de Morais-Teixeira Eliane , Islam Arshad , Leite M. Fatima , Demicheli Cynthia , de Castro Whocely V. , Corrêa-Junior José D. , Rabello Ana , Frézard Frédéric
Published: June 2018

Progress toward the improvement of meglumine antimoniate (MA), commercially known as Glucantime, a highly effective but also toxic antileishmanial drug, has been hindered by the lack of knowledge and control of its chemical composition. Here, MA was manipulated chemically with the aim of achieving an orally effective drug.
Nucleotide Prodrug Containing a Nonproteinogenic Amino Acid To Improve Oral Delivery of a Hepatitis C Virus Treatment
Authors: Feng Joy Y. , Wang Ting , Park Yeojin , Babusis Darius , Birkus Gabriel , Xu Yili , Voitenleitner Christian , Fenaux Martijn , Yang Huiling , Eng Stacey , Tirunagari Neeraj , Kirschberg Thorsten , Cho Aesop , Ray Adrian S.
Published: June 2018

Delivery of pharmacologically active nucleoside triphosphate analogs to sites of viral infection is challenging. In prior work we identified a 2′-
C
-methyl-1′-cyano-7-deaza-adenosine
C
-nucleotide analog with desirable selectivity and potency for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Effect of Linezolid plus Bedaquiline against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Log Phase, Acid Phase, and Nonreplicating-Persister Phase in an
In Vitro
Assay
Authors: de Miranda Silva Carolina , Hajihosseini Amirhossein , Myrick Jenny , Nole Jocelyn , Louie Arnold , Schmidt Stephan , Drusano George L.
Published: June 2018

Tuberculosis is the ninth-leading cause of death worldwide. Treatment success is approximately 80% for susceptible strains and decreases to 30% for extensively resistant strains.
Candida albicans Cannot Acquire Sufficient Ethanolamine from the Host To Support Virulence in the Absence of
De Novo
Phosphatidylethanolamine Synthesis
Authors: Davis Sarah E. , Tams Robert N. , Solis Norma V. , Wagner Andrew S. , Chen Tian , Jackson Joseph W. , Hasim Sahar , Montedonico Anthony E. , Dinsmore Justin , Sparer Timothy E. , Filler Scott G. , Reynolds Todd B.
Published: June 2018

Candida albicans
mutants for phosphatidylserine (PS) synthase (
cho1
ΔΔ) and PS decarboxylase (
psd1
ΔΔ
psd2
ΔΔ) are compromised for virulence in mouse models of systemic infection and oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). Both of these enzymes are necessary to synthesize phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) by the
de novo
pathway, but these mutants are still capable of growth in culture media, as they can import ethanolamine from media to synthesize PE through the Kennedy pathway.
Characterization of a Glycyl-Specific TET Aminopeptidase Complex from Pyrococcus horikoshii
Authors: Basbous Hind , Appolaire Alexandre , Girard Eric , Franzetti Bruno
Published: June 2018

We describe here the first known peptidase displaying exclusive activity toward N-terminal glycine residues. This work indicates a specific role for intracellular glycyl peptidases in deep sea hyperthermophilic archaeal metabolism. These observations also provide critical evidence for the use of these archaeal extremozymes for biotechnological applications.
Quantitative PCR (qPCR) Detection of Mucorales DNA in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid To Diagnose Pulmonary Mucormycosis
Authors: Scherer Emeline , Iriart Xavier , Bellanger Anne Pauline , Dupont Damien , Guitard Juliette , Gabriel Frederic , Cassaing Sophie , Charpentier Eléna , Guenounou Sarah , Cornet Murielle , Botterel Françoise , Rocchi Steffi , Berceanu Ana , Millon Laurence
Published: June 2018

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improving the outcome of mucormycosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the contribution of quantitative PCR detection of Mucorales DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids for early diagnosis of pulmonary mucormycosis.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF68 Is a DNA Binding Protein Required for Viral Genome Cleavage and Packaging
Authors: Gardner Matthew R. , Glaunsinger Britt A.
Published: June 2018

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma and several B-cell cancers, causing significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. A critical step in the production of infectious viral progeny is the packaging of the newly replicated viral DNA genome into the capsid, which involves coordination between at least seven herpesviral proteins. While the majority of these packaging factors have been well studied in related herpesviruses, the role of the KSHV ORF68 protein and its homologs remains unresolved. Here, using a KSHV mutant lacking ORF68, we confirm its requirement for viral DNA processing and packaging in infected cells. Furthermore, we show that the purified ORF68 protein directly binds DNA and is associated with a metal-dependent cleavage activity on double-stranded DNA
in vitro
. These activities suggest a novel role for ORF68 in herpesviral genome processing and encapsidation.
Biomechanical assessment of healthy and keratoconic corneas (with/without crosslinking) using dynamic ultrahigh-speed Scheimpflug technology and the relevance of the parameter (A1L−A2L)
Authors: Fuchsluger Thomas A , Brettl Susanne , Geerling Gerd , Kaisers Wolfgang , Franko Zeitz Philipp
Published: June 2018

Aims

To examine corneal biomechanics in healthy and keratoconic eyes, with or without crosslinking obtained by ultrahigh-speed Scheimpflug measurements (Corvis ST).

Methods

One hundred and seventeen eyes were studied in three groups: group 1 (n=39) contained keratoconic eyes without crosslinking. Group 2 (CXL; n=28) comprised keratoconic eyes after crosslinking. These were compared with a control group (n=50 matched healthy eyes). In addition, 10 keratoconus patients, before and after CXL treatment, respectively, were examined.

Results

The novel parameter A1L–A2L demonstrated highly significant differences between crosslinked corneas and untreated keratoconic or healthy corneas. Velocity during second applanation (A2V) and deformation amplitude (DA) were significantly increased in crosslinked keratoconic eyes both compared with untreated keratoconic eyes and with healthy controls. Radius at highest curvature also was significant among all groups. Inward applanation length (A1L) was significantly increased in controls, whereas outward applanation length (A2L) was significantly reduced in crosslinked keratoconic eyes compared with both other groups. The follow-up analysis revealed statistically significant changes in pachymetry and intraocular pressure and showed tendencies towards significance in applanation times 1 and 2 and in DA.

Conclusions

Both A2V and A2L are viable parameters to discriminate healthy from keratoconic but also crosslinked from non-crosslinked keratoconic corneas. The difference of A1L−A2L could reliably discriminate crosslinked from non-crosslinked and healthy corneas. Follow-up examination in a small cohort allows distinction between crosslinked and untreated keratoconus in follow-up examinations. The difference of A1L-A2L could reliably discriminate crosslinked from non-crosslinked and healthy corneas. Measurements of corneal deformation using dynamic ultrahigh-speed Scheimpflug technology are reproducible and provide useful information about keratoconus assessment and biomechanics. Therefore, the Corvis ST seems to provide useful technology to monitor therapeutic success of crosslinking treatment.
Comparison of short-wavelength blue-light autofluorescence and conventional blue-light autofluorescence in geographic atrophy
Authors: Borrelli Enrico , Nittala Muneeswar Gupta , Abdelfattah Nizar Saleh , Lei Jianqin , Hariri Amir H , Shi Yue , Fan Wenying , Cozzi Mariano , Sarao Valentina , Lanzetta Paolo , Staurenghi Giovanni , Sadda SriniVas R
Published: June 2018

Background/aims

To systematically compare the intermodality and inter-reader agreement for two blue-light confocal fundus autofluorescence (FAF) systems.

Methods

Thirty eyes (21 patients) with a diagnosis of geographic atrophy (GA) were enrolled. Eyes were imaged using two confocal blue-light FAF devices: (1) Spectralis device with a 488 nm excitation wavelength (488-FAF); (2) EIDON device with 450 nm excitation wavelength and the capability for ‘colour’ FAF imaging including both the individual red and green components of the emission spectrum. Furthermore, a third imaging modality (450-RF image) isolating and highlighting the red emission fluorescence component (REFC) was obtained and graded. Each image was graded by two readers to assess inter-reader variability and a single image for each modality was used to assess the intermodality variability.

Results

The 95% coefficient of repeatability (1.35 mm2 for the 488-FAF-based grading, 8.13 mm2 for the 450-FAF-based grading and 1.08 mm2 for the 450-RF-based grading), the coefficient of variation (1.11 for 488-FAF, 2.05 for 450-FAF, 0.92 for 450-RF) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (0.994 for 488-FAF, 0.711 for 450-FAF, 0.997 for 450-RF) indicated that 450-FAF-based and 450-RF-based grading have the lowest and highest inter-reader agreements, respectively. The GA area was larger for 488-FAF images (median (IQR) 2.1 mm2 (0.8–6.4 mm2)) than for 450-FAF images (median (IQR) 1.0 mm2 (0.3–4.3 mm2); p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in lesion area measurement between 488-FAF-based and 450-RF-based grading (median (IQR) 2.6 mm2 (0.8–6.8 mm2); p=1.0).

Conclusion

The isolation of the REFC from the 450-FAF images allowed for a reproducible quantification of GA. This assessment had good comparability with that obtained with 488-FAF images.
Stand-off deep-UV Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Arnold Bradley R. , Cooper Christopher E. , Matrona Michael R. , Emge Darren K. , Oleske Jeffrey B.
Published: June 2018

UV Raman spectra were measured using a novel experimental configuration. This configuration allows many of the difficulties associated with UV excitation and high-power pulsed laser sources to be mitigated. Large sample areas are imaged into the detection system allowing high power excitation sources to be used while simultaneously avoiding sample degradation and multi-photon absorption effects. Such large detection areas allow large numbers of molecular scatters to be probed even with minimal penetration depth. Alignment issues between sample and collection optics are also simplified. Several common solvents were studied using 213 nm light and their spectra reported.
A Colletotrichum gloeosporioides cerato-platanin protein, CgCP1, contributes to conidiation and plays roles in the interaction with rubber tree
Authors: Wang Wenfeng , An Bang , Feng Liping , He Chaozu , Luo Hongli
Published: June 2018

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is the causal agent of rubber tree anthracnose and leads to serious losses of natural rubber production. The pathogenesis of C. gloeosporioides on rubber tree remains unknown. Cerato-platanin proteins are small, secreted cysteine-rich proteins that contribute to virulence and function in plant–fungal interactions. A gene encoding cerato-platanin protein, CgCP1, was identified in C. gloeosporioides. In silico analysis indicated that CgCP1 belongs to a new branch of the cerato-platanin protein family. The CgCP1 knockout mutants (ΔCgCP1) and complementary strain (Res-ΔCgCP1) were generated to investigate its biological function. The results showed that the speed of growth of aerial hyphae was not significantly different among the wild-type (WT), ΔCgCP1, and Res-ΔCgCP1 strains, but conidiation of ΔCgCP1 significantly decreased in comparison with the WT. The pathogenicity test proved that the severity of symptoms caused by ΔCgCP1 was reduced significantly compared with those caused by the Res-ΔCgCP1 and WT strains. Additionally, CgCP1 induced necrosis-like cell death on tobacco leaf and accumulation of reactive oxygen species in rubber tree mesophyll protoplasts. Altogether, these data indicate the involvement of C. gloeosporioides CgCP1 in conidiation and the interaction with rubber tree.
K-Theory and the Jones Polynomial
Authors: Atiyah Michael F. , Zapata-Carratala Carlos
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we present a new approach to the definition of the Jones polynomial using equivariant K-theory.

Dedicated to Ludwig Faddeev
Orthogonal Polynomials in Mathematical Physics
Authors: Chan Chuan-Tsung , Mironov A. , Morozov A. , Sleptsov A.
Published: June 2018

This is a review of ([Formula: see text]-)hypergeometric orthogonal polynomials and their relation to representation theory of quantum groups, to matrix models, to integrable theory, and to knot theory. We discuss both continuous and discrete orthogonal polynomials, and consider their various generalizations. The review also includes the orthogonal polynomials into a generic framework of ([Formula: see text]-)hypergeometric functions and their integral representations. In particular, this gives rise to relations with conformal blocks of the Virasoro algebra.

To the memory of Ludwig Dmitrievich Faddeev