bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonicotinoids, bees and opportunity costs for conservation
Authors: Walters Keith F. A.
Published: June 2016

Restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid insecticides in the European Union are widely debated in relation to bee decline, but their potential consequences at the interface between sustainable crop production and conservation are less frequently discussed.

This paper raises issues to be considered if we are to achieve a balanced consensus in this contentious area.

The common legal framework governing testing and environmental impact for all chemical crop protection products is highlighted, leading to concerns that the current focus on impact of neonicotinoids is diverting attention from other drivers of bee decline to the detriment of a balanced conservation strategy.

The evidence for the causal relationship between neonicotinoid use and bee decline is considered and information gaps requiring further work identified.

How research into the parallel use of pesticides and beneficial invertebrates in integrated pest management (IPM) can inform the pollinator debate is highlighted. The importance of the neonicotinoids in major IPM systems is illustrated, leading to discussion of potential consequences for conservation of biodiversity and sustainable crop protection if they were lost and we revert to reliance on other pest management options.

Increasing agricultural production and conservation are sometimes viewed as being contradictory and the paper concludes by calling for a broadening of the discussion to consider the complimentary objectives of bee conservation and sustainable crop production, so that advances in both fields can hasten consensus on the way forward, rather than perpetuating the current rather polarised debate.
Investigation of high‐level waste glass melting using X‐ray computed tomography
Authors: Choi Alexander S. , Miller Donald H. , Immel David M. , Smith Frank G.
Published: June 2016

A method has been developed to quantitatively assess the melting behavior of simulated nuclear waste glasses in a 5‐cm‐diameter stainless steel beaker heated from the bottom. The method applies X‐ray scanning and computed tomography to build three‐dimensional volumetric data of a heat‐treated sample and performs an adaptive segmentation analysis of the volumetric data to identify morphologically distinct regions in the sample matrix and quantify the amount of material in each region based on computed tomography density. The method was applied to two different series of simulated high‐level waste glass melter feeds, and the results showed that it provides detailed images of samples at various stages of melting, including distribution of gas bubbles of varying sizes within the sample matrix, as well as a quantitative measure of how fast various waste/frit feeds melted relative to each other. The results show that the melting rate is influenced by the rate of calcine gas evolution, melt viscosity, and the presence of modifier ions in the feed.
Association between body mass index and outcomes in Japanese living kidney transplant recipients: The role of sex differences
Authors: Okumi Masayoshi , Unagami Kohei , Tachibana Hidekazu , Hirai Toshihito , Ishida Hideki , Tanabe Kazunari ,   the Japan Academic Consortium of Kidney Transplantation
Published: June 2016

Objective

To evaluate the impact of pretransplant body mass index on graft failure and mortality in Japanese patients undergoing living kidney transplant.

Methods

A cohort of 888 living kidney transplant recipients who received standard immunosuppressive therapy between 2000 and 2013 were identified from the Japan Academic Consortium of Kidney Transplantation database. Pretransplant body mass index was divided into three categories according to the following tertiles: <19.4, 19.5–22.2 and ≥22.3 kg/m2. A multivariable time‐to‐event analysis was carried out.

Results

Estimated hazard ratios of the body mass index effects regarding graft failure were 1.62 (95% confidence interval 0.83–3.18) for the first tertile and 2.20 (95% confidence interval 1.24–3.90) for the third tertile. Patient mortality was 1.21 (95% confidence interval 0.32–4.54) for the first tertile and 1.52 (95% confidence interval 0.56–4.13) for the third tertile. In a subgroup analysis, the effects of body mass index according to sex were substantially heterogeneous (P = 0.029 for interaction). Pretransplant body mass index had a non‐linear J‐shaped association with graft failure that resulted from qualitative interaction between body mass index and the recipient's sex.

Conclusions

Sex differences and interaction effects must be considered when evaluating the effects of pretransplant body mass index on post‐transplant outcomes in Japanese patients undergoing living kidney transplant.
Myeloid cell leukaemia 1 has a vital role in retinoic acid‐mediated protection of Toll‐like receptor 9‐stimulated B cells from spontaneous and DNA damage‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Holm Kristine L. , Indrevær Randi L. , Myklebust June Helen , Kolstad Arne , Moskaug Jan Øivind , Naderi Elin H. , Blomhoff Heidi K.
Published: June 2016

Vitamin A is an essential anti‐infective agent with pleiotropic effects on cells of the immune system. The goal of the present study was to unravel the impact of the vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA) on B‐cell survival related both to normal B‐cell homeostasis and to the detrimental effects imposed by DNA‐damaging agents. By combining RA with Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) ligands, we show that RA prevents spontaneous, irradiation‐ and doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis of human B cells in an RA receptor‐dependent manner. RA‐mediated survival involved up‐regulation of the anti‐apoptotic protein myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) at the transcriptional level, and knock down of MCL1 by small interfering RNA partially reversed the effects of RA. To ensure that the combination of TLR9‐ligands and RA would not promote the survival of malignant B cells, the combined effects of stimulation with RA and TLR9 ligands was assessed on cells from patients with B‐cell malignancies. In contrast to the effects on normal B cells, the combination of TLR9 stimulation and RA neither enhanced the MCL1 levels nor inhibited the death of malignant B cells challenged by DNA‐damaging agents. Taken together, the present results reveal a vital role of MCL1 in RA‐mediated survival of normal B cells. Moreover, the findings suggest that RA in combination with TLR9 ligands might be useful adjuvants in the treatment of B‐cell malignancies by selectively protecting normal and not malignant B cells from DNA‐damage‐induced cell death.
A Combination Rule for Portfolio Selection with Transaction Costs
Authors: Suh Sangwon
Published: June 2016

We propose a new portfolio rule for portfolio selection problems in the presence of transaction costs. The new portfolio rule is formed by combining an extant portfolio rule with the no‐rebalancing portfolio rule, which specifies the current portfolio weights before rebalancing as the desired portfolio weights. The new portfolio rule can be applied into most extant portfolio rules. Simulation and out‐of‐sample evidence show that the new portfolio rule can greatly improve portfolio performance, in comparison with the extant portfolio rules to be combined.
Spectral and Laser Properties of Yb:LuAG Transparent Ceramics Fabricated by Tape Casting Method
Authors: Ma Chaoyang , Tang Fei , Zhu Jiangfeng , Du Miaomiao , Yuan Xuanyi , Yu Yang , Wang Ke , Wen Zicheng , Zhang Jiantao , Long Jiaqi , Guo Wang , Cao Yongge
Published: June 2016

Yb3+‐doped LuAG laser ceramics with different Yb3+‐doping concentrations were successfully fabricated by nonaqueous tape casting method and vacuum sintering technology. XRD patterns and SEM morphologies of the ceramics were presented. The optical in‐line transmittance of the Yb‐doped LuAG ceramics was about 83% at 1030 nm. The fluorescence lifetime of annealed and unannealed ceramic samples was compared. From the spectroscopic properties, it can be seen that the ceramics had a large emission cross section of 2.9 × 10−20 cm2 with a FWHM of about 7.2 nm at 1030 nm. Under 100% population inversion, the maximum gain coefficient was estimated to be 12.4 cm−1 at 1030 nm. With a fiber‐coupled diode laser as pump source, CW laser at 1030 nm was demonstrated and the maximum output power of 338.9 mW was achieved with a slop efficiency of 19%. A tuning range from 1028 to 1036 nm was obtained.
Intensive Interaction Training for Paid Carers: ‘Looking, Looking and Find Out When They Want to Relate to You’
Authors: Nagra Maninder K. , White Rose , Appiah Afua , Rayner Kelly
Published: June 2016

Background

Intensive interaction (II) is a communication approach useful for working with people with severe intellectual disabilities. Health and social care providers offer II training courses to paid carers working in local services with the goal of improving social communication for their clients.

Materials and methods

Eight paid carers who had been trained in II were interviewed 2–3 years after training, to explore how their practice had changed, and whether any changes were sustainable. Interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Analysis revealed a master theme of emotional and practical endurance, with empowerment, better understanding and perceived barriers to implementation comprising subthemes.

Conclusions

Despite actual and perceived barriers to the enduring use of II, all participants spoke positively of the approach and were continuing to use II in practice.
Evaluating the Performance Improvement Preferences of Disability Service Managers: An Exploratory Study Using Gilbert's Behavior Engineering Model
Authors: Wooderson John R. , Cuskelly Monica , Meyer Kim A.
Published: June 2016

Background

Front‐line managers play an important role in managing the performance of staff working in services for people with intellectual disability, but little is known about the practices they prefer to use to improve staff performance and whether these align with what research has shown to be effective.

Method

This study comprised two phases. First, the present authors tested the validity and reliability of a short questionnaire designed to evaluate managers’ preferences for performance improvement practices. Then, the present authors collected and analysed responses from 175 managers working in disability services in Queensland, Australia.

Results

The questionnaire demonstrated good content validity, concurrent validity and test–retest reliability. The participants believed strategies related to changing employee individual characteristics to be more effective than strategies aimed at improving environmental factors.

Conclusions

This study provides important considerations regarding the professional development needs of front‐line managers working in organizations that provide services to people with intellectual disability.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives towards the Use of the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Manitoba
Authors: Shooshtari Shahin , Temple Beverley , Waldman Celeste , Abraham Sneha , Ouellette‐Kuntz Héléne , Lennox Nicholas
Published: June 2016

Background

No standardized tool is used in Canada for comprehensive health assessments of adults with intellectual disabilities. This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of implementing the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) in Manitoba, Canada.

Method

This was a qualitative study using a purposive sample of physicians, nurse practitioners, support workers and families. Data were collected through individual interviews and focus groups and were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Use of the CHAP was perceived as beneficial for persons with intellectual disabilities. Improved continuity of care was of the reported benefits. Six barriers for the future implementation of the CHAP were identified including the time required to complete the CHAP, and the perceived lack of physicians’ willingness to do comprehensive assessments.

Conclusion

The future implementation of the CHAP was strongly supported. For its successful implementation, training of healthcare professionals and support staff and change in regulations and policies were recommended.
Psychophysiological Manifestations Associated With Stress in Students of a Public University in Mexico
Authors: Pozos‐Radillo Elizabeth , Preciado‐Serrano Lourdes , Plascencia‐Campos Ana , Valdez‐López Rosa , Morales‐Fernández Armando
Published: June 2016

PROBLEM

Academic stress is defined as a physiological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral activation reaction to stimuli. This stress can impact students’ ability to cope with the school environment.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the psychophysiological manifestations associated with high‐level academic stress in public university students in Mexico.

METHODS

A representative random sampling of 527 students was evaluated during 2012. The Academic Stress Symptom Inventory and the Rossi classification were used; data were analyzed with a binary logistic regression analysis to estimate association between psychophysiological manifestations and the high level of academic stress in public university students.

FINDINGS

Results indicated a meaningful association between high levels of academic stress situations and psychophysiological manifestations such as concentration and memory problems, mental blocks and chronic fatigue, drowsiness, and despair.

CONCLUSION

Identifying academic stress situations and students’ maladaptive responses may help promote timely attention to psychophysiological manifestations before they exacerbate and become harmful to college students’ health.
Thirty‐year stability after regeneration of a deep intrabony defect: a case report
Authors: Pini Prato Giovanpaolo , Cortellini Pierpaolo
Published: June 2016

Aims

Report clinical improvements and 30‐year stability of clinical outcomes of an intrabony defect treated with non‐resorbable barriers and mucogingival surgery.

Methods

A 18‐year‐old male presenting with a very severe intrabony defect at the upper right central incisor was treated with periodontal regeneration with non‐resorbable barriers and a fibrin‐fibronectin glue. The barriers were removed after 3 months. At 6 months, a free gingival graft (FGG) was positioned to improve mucogingival conditions. The patient was enrolled into a 6‐month supportive periodontal care programme (SPC) for 30 years.

Results

Clinical attachment level (CAL) of 16 mm was associated with a 12 mm osseous defect and a pocket (PD) 14 mm deep. At 1 year, a CAL of 5 mm was associated with a PD of 2 mm. The 5 mm gingival recession measured at 6 months and treated with FGG was reduced to 3 mm. Measurements taken at 10, 20 and 30 years showed a consistent creeping of the gingival margin. At 30‐year examination, CAL gain was 12 mm associated with a 2 mm PD and a minimal gingival recession.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates that it is possible to treat a very severe infrabony pocket applying regeneration and mucogingival surgery and to maintain the clinical outcomes for 30 years.
Aspects of fish conservation in the upper Patos Lagoon basin
Authors: Fontoura N. F. , Vieira J. P. , Becker F. G. , Rodrigues L. R. , Malabarba L. R. , Schulz U. H. , Möller O. O. , Garcia A. M. , Vilella F. S.
Published: June 2016

The Patos Lagoon basin is a large (201 626 km2) and complex drainage system in southern Brazil. The lagoon is 250 km long and 60 km wide, covering an area of 10 360 km2. The exchange of water with the Atlantic Ocean occurs through a 0·8 km wide and 15 m deep inlet, fixed by 4 km long jetties, at the southernmost part of the Patos Lagoon. The estuarine area is restricted to its southern portion (10%), although the upper limit of saline waters migrates seasonally and year to year, influenced by the wind regime and river discharge. The known number of recorded limnetic fish species is 200, but this number is expected to increase. A higher endemism is observed in fish species occurring in upper tributaries. The basin suffers from the direct impact of almost 7 million inhabitants, concentrated in small to large cities, most with untreated domestic effluents. There are at least 16 non‐native species recorded in natural habitats of the Patos Lagoon basin, about half of these being from other South American river basins. Concerning the fishery, although sport and commercial fisheries are widespread throughout the Patos Lagoon basin, the lagoon itself and the estuarine area are the main fishing areas. Landing statistics are not available on a regular basis or for the whole basin. The fishery in the northern Patos Lagoon captures 31 different species, nine of which are responsible for most of the commercial catches, but only three species are actually sustaining the artisanal fishery: the viola Loricariichthys anus: 455 kg per 10 000 m2 gillnet per day, the mullet Mugil liza: 123 kg per 10 000 m2 gillnet per day and the marine catfish Genidens barbus: 50 kg per 10 000 m2 gillnet per day. A decline of the fish stocks can be attributed to inadequate fishery surveillance, which leads to overfishing and mortality of juveniles, or to decreasing water quality because of urban and industrial activities and power production. Global climatic changes also represent a major threat to the Patos system by changing the frequency of El Niño‐La Niña‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
Estuarization increases functional diversity of demersal fish assemblages in tropical coastal ecosystems
Authors: Passos C. V. B. , Fabré N. N. , Malhado A. C. M. , Batista V. S. , Ladle R. J.
Published: June 2016

This study assessed the influence of the seasonal fluctuation of abiotic conditions (wet v. dry season) on the functional diversity (FD) of tropical coastal fish assemblages. Sampling was carried out in three regions of north‐east Brazil with contrasting coastlines (influenced by reef, lagoon and estuary). In each region, fishes were sampled from three depth strata (10, 20 and 30 m) and FD was estimated using an index based on key phenotypic and behavioural characteristics. All three regions had higher FD in the wet season at shallower depths, indicating the coexistence of species with low functional redundancy in sites subject to seasonal flushing of fresh water. Deeper sites had lower FD than shallower sites, although this difference was less pronounced for region 3, which is strongly affected by its proximity to the São Francisco estuary. The results broadly support the hypothesis that alterations in abiotic conditions in the wet season allow estuarine‐adapted fishes with a different suite of functional traits to invade shallow coastal regions.
Primary health care for people with an intellectual disability: an exploration of demographic characteristics and reasons for encounters from the BEACH programme
Authors: Weise J. , Pollack A. , Britt H. , Trollor J. N.
Published: June 2016

Background

People with an intellectual disability (ID) have complex and different patterns of healthcare needs. Poor participation in primary health care contributes to the high levels of undetected and unmanaged health issues and premature deaths of people with an ID. Limited research is available on the characteristics of people with an ID, their reasons for consulting general practitioners (GPs), and if these differ to people without an ID. Gaining such insights may provide an avenue to better understand patterns of primary care use and potential gaps in usage by people with an ID given their complex health profile compared with people without an ID.

Method

A secondary analysis of data collected January 2003 to December 2012 from The Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health programme was used. Participant characteristics and their reasons for encounter, pre‐ and post‐age‐sex standardisation, at all GP encounters with people identified in the encounter record as having an ID (‘ID’ encounters, n = 690) were compared with those at ‘non‐ID’ encounters (n = 970 641). Statistical significance was tested with chi‐squared statistics or 95% confidence intervals as appropriate.

Results

This study identified significant differences in participant characteristics and their reasons for consulting GPs at ID encounters compared with non‐ID encounters. Participants at ID encounters had a skewed demography, an over‐representation of presentations for psychological, social and ‘general and unspecified’ reasons, and an under‐representation of presentations for core physical health and preventive health measures. Administrative rather than medically related reasons dominated presentations to general practice at ID encounters.

Conclusion

There are significant differences in the characteristics of participants and their reasons for presentation to general practice in Australia for participants at ID encounters compared with non‐ID encounters. This work suggests that there is a difference in service use patterns between these two groups. These findings may suggest that people with an ID experience barriers to participating in essential primary healthcare services.
A novel DNMT1 mutation associated with early onset hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, cataplexy, cerebellar atrophy, scleroderma, endocrinopathy, and common variable immune deficiency
Authors: Fox Robin , Ealing John , Murphy Helen , Gow David P. , Gosal David
Published: June 2016

DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is an enzyme which has a role in methylation of DNA, gene regulation, and chromatin stability. Missense mutations in the DNMT1 gene have been previously associated with two neurological syndromes: hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1 with dementia and deafness (HSAN1E) and autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia, deafness, and narcolepsy (ADCA‐DN). We report a case showing overlap of both of these syndromes plus associated clinical features of common variable immune deficiency, scleroderma, and endocrinopathy that could also be mutation associated. Our patient was found to be heterozygous for a previously unreported frameshift mutation, c.1635_1637delCAA p.(Asn545del) in the DNMT1 gene exon 20. This case displays both the first frameshift mutation described in the literature which is associated with a phenotype with a high degree of overlap between HSAN1E and ADCA‐DN and early age of onset (c. 8 years). Our case is also of interest as the patient displays a number of new non‐neurological features, which could also be DNMT1 mutation related.
Developmental origin of the clavicle, and its implications for the evolution of the neck and the paired appendages in vertebrates
Authors: Nagashima Hiroshi , Sugahara Fumiaki , Watanabe Keisuke , Shibata Masahiro , Chiba Akina , Sato Noboru
Published: June 2016

In fish, the pectoral appendage is adjacent to the head, but during vertebrate evolution a long neck region emerged via caudal relocation of the pectoral appendage. The pectoral appendage is comprised of endochondral portions, such as the humerus and the scapula, and a dermal portion, such as the clavicle, that contributes to the shoulder girdle. In the search for clues to the mechanism of the caudal relocation of the pectoral appendage, the cell lineage of the rostral lateral plate mesoderm was analyzed in chickens. It was found that, despite the long neck region in chickens, the origin of the clavicle attached to the head mesoderm ranged between 1 and 14 somite levels. Because the pectoral limb bud and the endochondral pectoral appendage developed on 15–20 and 15–24 somite levels, respectively, the clavicle‐forming region corresponds to the embryonic neck, which suggests that the relocation would have been executed by the expansion of the source of the clavicle. The rostral portion of the clavicle‐forming region overlaps the source of the cucullaris muscle, embraces the pharyngeal arches caudally, and can be experimentally replaced with the head mesoderm to form the cucullaris muscle, which implies that the mesodermal portion could have been the head mesoderm and that the clavicle would have developed at the head/trunk boundary. The link between the head mesoderm and the presumptive clavicle appears to have been the developmental constraint needed to create the evolutionarily conserved musculoskeletal connectivities characterizing the gnathostome neck. In this sense, the dermal girdle of the ganathostomes would represent the wall of the branchial chamber into which the endochondral pectoral appendage appears to have attached since its appearance in evolution.
3D‐Microarchitectural patterns of Hyperostosis frontalis interna: a micro‐computed tomography study in aged women
Authors: Bracanovic Djurdja , Djonic Danijela , Nikolic Slobodan , Milovanovic Petar , Rakocevic Zoran , Zivkovic Vladimir , Djuric Marija
Published: June 2016

Although seen frequently during dissections and autopsies, Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) – a morphological pattern of the frontal bone thickening – is often ignored and its nature and development are not yet understood sufficiently. Current macroscopic classification defines four grades/stages of HFI based on the morphological appearance and size of the affected area; however, it is unclear if these stages also depict the successive phases in the HFI development. Here we assessed 3D‐microarchitecture of the frontal bone in women with various degrees of HFI expression and in an age‐ and sex‐matched control group, hypothesizing that the bone microarchitecture bears imprints of the pathogenesis of HFI and may clarify the phases of its development. Frontal bone samples were collected during routine autopsies from 20 women with HFI (age: 69.9 ± 11.1 years) and 14 women without HFI (age: 74.1 ± 9.7 years). We classified the HFI samples into four groups, each group demonstrating different macroscopic type or stage of HFI. All samples were scanned by micro‐computed tomography to evaluate 3D bone microarchitecture in the following regions of interest: total sample, outer table, diploe and inner table. Our results revealed that, compared to the control group, the women with HFI showed a significantly increased bone volume fraction in the region of diploe, along with significantly thicker and more plate‐like shaped trabeculae and reduced trabecular separation and connectivity density. Moreover, the inner table of the frontal bone in women with HFI displayed significantly increased total porosity and mean pore diameter compared to controls. Microstructural reorganization of the frontal bone in women with HFI was also reflected in significantly higher porosity and lower bone volume fraction in the inner vs. outer table due to an increased number of pores larger than 100 μm. The individual comparisons between the control group and different macroscopic stages of HFI revealed significant differences only between the control group and the morphologically most pronounced type of HFI. Our microarchitectural findings demonstrated clear differences between the HFI and the control group in the region of diploe and the inner table. Macroscopic grades of HFI could not be distinguished at the level of bone microarchitecture and their consecutive nature cannot be supported. Rather, our study suggests that only two different types of HFI (moderate and severe HFI) have microstructural justification and should be considered further. It is essential to record HFI systematically in human postmortem subjects to provide more data on the mechanisms of its development.
Psychosocial interventions for infertile couples: a critical review
Authors: Chow Ka‐Ming , Cheung Mei‐Chun , Cheung Irene KM
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

This critical review aims to identify, summarize and critically appraise the current literature evaluating the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions to improve infertile couples’ well‐being. It also aims to identify the design implications of effective psychosocial interventions for the management of psychosocial distress in infertile couples, especially culturally specific interventions for Chinese infertile couples. Directions for future research are discussed.

Background

Infertility is a life crisis affecting 15% of couples in most countries. The affected couples experience considerable psychological distress and impaired interpersonal relationships. Assisted reproductive technologies offer couples hope for pregnancy, but pose an unbearable psychological burden. Psychosocial interventions have been developed to offer support; however, their effectiveness has been inconsistent.

Design

A thorough analysis of the literatures on the topic of psychosocial interventions for infertile couples.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, British Nursing Index and GoogleScholar from 2003–2015 was conducted to identify English language articles with the keywords ‘psychosocial intervention’ and ‘infertility’. Two authors assessed all of the identified articles independently for inclusion in the review.

Results

Twelve studies were included in the review: seven were interventional studies and five were review studies. The findings indicated that the psychosocial interventions in general improved psychological outcomes, marital relationships and pregnancy rates among infertile couples.

Conclusions

Psychosocial interventions should be incorporated into routine practice for infertile couples to provide timely support and counselling.

Relevance to clinical practice

The implications of the review findings for the effective design of psychosocial interventions, including the content, format, duration and intervener for clinical practice are discussed. In confirming the efficacy of such intervention design, randomized controlled trials are needed to compare the interventions and usual care at clinical setting. Longitudinal design is also needed to examine the long‐term effects of psychosocial interventions in infertile couples’ well‐being.
EFFECTS OF LABOR REALLOCATION ON PRODUCTIVITY AND INEQUALITY—INSIGHTS FROM STUDIES ON TRANSITION
Authors: Tyrowicz Joanna , van der Velde Lucas , Svejnar Jan
Published: June 2016

From a theoretical perspective, the link between the speed and scope of rapid labor reallocation and productivity growth or income inequality is ambiguous. Do reallocations with more flows tend to produce higher productivity growth? Does such a link appear at the expense of higher income inequality? We explore the rich evidence from earlier studies on worker flows in the period of massive and rapid labor reallocation, that is, the economic transition from a centrally planned to a market‐oriented economy in CEE. We have collected over 450 estimates of job flows from the literature and used these inputs to estimate the short‐run and long‐run relationship between labor market flows, labor productivity, and income inequality. We apply the tools typical for a meta‐analysis to verify the empirical regularities between labor flows and productivity growth as well as income inequality. Our findings suggest only weak and short‐term links with productivity, driven predominantly by business cycles. However, data reveal a strong pattern for income inequality in the short run—more churning during reallocation is associated with a level effect toward increased Gini indices.
Serum markers of pre‐eclampsia identified on proteomics
Authors: Lu Qi , Liu Chongdong , Liu Ye , Zhang Nawei , Deng Haiteng , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: June 2016

Aim

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is a disorder of pregnancy associated with maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. The aim of the present study was to use proteomics to identify biomarkers of, and elucidate the pathogenesis of, PE.

Methods

Serum samples were analyzed using peptide ligand library beads (PLLB) on liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) was used as the target protein for further validation on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Transwell invasion assay was used to evaluate whether RBP4 affects the invasive ability of trophoblast tumor cells.

Results

Twenty upregulated and 17 downregulated proteins were differentially expressed between severe PE patients and healthy pregnant women. Those proteins were further classified according to molecular function and biological process according to the gene ontology terms. RBP4 concentration was significantly lower in women with severe PE than in those with healthy pregnancy.

Conclusions

RBP4 is able to function as biomarker to distinguish severe PE from normal pregnancy. More importantly, these results may shed light on the role of RPB4 in the pathogenesis in PE. Further studies are required to validate these results, and determine the precise role of RBP4 in the pathogenesis of PE.
Analysis of antenatal‐onset cerebral palsy secondary to transient ischemia in utero using a national database in Japan
Authors: Fukushima Kotaro , Morokuma Seiichi , Kitadai Yuzo , Tazaki Yukiko , Sumie Masahiro , Nakanami Naoyuki , Ushiro Shin , Matsuda Yoshio , Tsukimori Kiyomi
Published: June 2016

Aim

We conducted a retrospective analysis of summary medical reports of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) to identify clinical features of antenatal onset of CP secondary to transient ischemia in utero.

Methods

The 658 brief summary reports available in the Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy were screened, and we identified cases of singleton pregnancy, delivered at gestational age ≥ 33 weeks and those with cord blood gas pH ≥ 7.20. Of the 137 cases identified, 84 were excluded for the following reasons: no evidence of ischemic brain lesion, clear post‐natal causative factor of CP, presence of a congenital condition, and sentinel hypoxic event, such as uterine rupture. The demographic profiles of the 53 cases included in our analysis were compared to identify those with and without an abnormal variability in fetal heart rate.

Results

Between‐group comparison identified an association between abnormal heart rate variability and a lower Apgar score at 1 min (2 vs 6; P < 0.001) and 5 min (5.5 vs 8; P = 0.002), and more frequent episodes of fetal movement loss (41% vs 10%; P = 0.027). An hypoxic event ≤ 1 week before delivery was more likely to be associated with abnormal heart rate variability (89%) and low Apgar score (82%), while events at > 1 week were associated with development of polyhydramnios (44%).

Conclusion

In utero transient ischemic events can contribute to term or near‐term CP. Careful follow‐up is recommended for fetuses with a history of fetal movement loss, abnormal variability in heart rate, and polyhydramnios of unknown causes.
Dynamic Longevity Hedging in the Presence of Population Basis Risk: A Feasibility Analysis From Technical and Economic Perspectives
Authors: Zhou Kenneth Q. , Li Johnny Siu‐Hang
Published: June 2016

In this article, we study the feasibility of dynamic longevity hedging with standardized securities that are linked to broad‐based mortality indexes. On the technical front, we generalize the dynamic “delta” hedging strategy developed by Cairns (2011) to incorporate the situation when population basis risk exists. On the economic front, we discuss the potential financial benefits of an index‐based hedge over a bespoke risk transfer. By considering data from a large group of national populations, we find evidence supporting the diversifiability of population basis risk. We further propose a customized surplus swap—executed between a hedger and reinsurer—to utilize the diversifiability. As standardized instruments demand less illiquidity premium, a combination of a dynamic index‐based hedge and the proposed customized surplus swap may possibly be a more economical (and equally effective) alternative to a bespoke risk transfer.
Effects of different forage sources as a free‐choice provision on the performance, nutrient digestibility, selected blood metabolites and structural growth of Holstein dairy calves
Authors: Movahedi B. , Foroozandeh A. D. , Shakeri P.
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different forage sources on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood metabolites of dairy calves. Individually housed calves (n = 40; body weight = 41.2 ± 3.5 kg) were randomly allocated (n = 10 calves per treatment: five males and five females) to one of the following four treatments: (i) starter without forage provision (CON), (ii) starter plus chopped alfalfa hay (AH), (iii) starter plus chopped wheat straw (WS) and 4) starter plus dried sugar beet pulp (BP) flakes. Calves fed AH diets had lowest (p < 0.05) starter intake than those fed other diets, and WS promoted a significant increase (p < 0.01) in starter intake during 43–80 days. Forage intake was greatest (p < 0.01) for calves fed AH than those fed WS and BP. Calves in the AH treatment consumed less (p < 0.01) total dry matter intake than those offered other forage treatments. Final body weight was greatest (p < 0.05), and age of weaning was lowest for calves fed BP than other treatments. Calves in the BP treatment had greater (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) than CON and WS treatments, but similar to AH calves. Digestibility of NDF and ADF was greater (p < 0.05) in BP treatment than other treatments. Calves fed BP had greater (p < 0.05) digestibility of DM and OM than those fed CON diets and similar to those fed AH and WS diets. Calves in the AH treatment had greater (p < 0.05) CP digestibility than CON, but similar to WS and BP calves. Blood beta‐hydroxybutyrate concentration was lower in forage‐offered calves than CON one. Body measurements (with the exception of body barrel) did not differ across treatments. It was concluded that BP improves final body weight, ADG and nutrient digestibility of calves than starter without forage provision during weaning transition.
Epidemiology of hyperadrenocorticism among 210,824 dogs attending primary‐care veterinary practices in the UK from 2009 to 2014
Authors: O'Neill D. G. , Scudder C. , Faire J. M. , Church D. B. , McGreevy P. D. , Thomson P. C. , Brodbelt D. C.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVES

To estimate prevalence and risk factors for diagnosis with hyperadrenocorticism in dogs attending primary‐care veterinary practices in the UK from 2009 to 2014.

METHODS

Cases were identified by searching the de‐identified electronic patient records from UK primary‐care veterinary practices participating in the VetCompass Programme.

RESULTS

The estimated prevalence for hyperadrenocorticism diagnosis in dogs was 0·28% (95% confidence interval: 0·25 to 0·31). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed four associated risk factors: breed, breed‐relative bodyweight, age and insurance status. The bichon frise had 6·5 times the odds (95% CI: 3·5 to 12·1, P<0·001) of hyperadrenocorticism compared with crossbreds. Dogs weighing more than or equal to their breed mean had 1·7 times the odds (95% CI: 1·3 to 2·3, P<0·001) of hyperadrenocorticism compared with dogs weighing less than the breed mean. Dogs aged 12·0 years and above showed 5·7 times the odds (95% CI: 3·7 to 8·7, P<0·001) of hyperadrenocorticism compared with dogs aged 6·0 to 8·9 years. Insured dogs had 4·0 times the odds (95% CI: 2·8 to 5·6, P<0·001) of hyperadrenocorticism compared with non‐insured dogs.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first epidemiological report of a non‐referral hospital population of dogs diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism in the UK and describes important breed, age and bodyweight associations with this disorder which may improve diagnosis and enhance understanding of the underlying pathophysiology.
Residual Empirical Processes and Weighted Sums for Time‐Varying Processes with Applications to Testing for Homoscedasticity
Authors: Chandler Gabe , Polonik Wolfgang
Published: June 2016

In the context of heteroscedastic time‐varying autoregressive (AR)‐process we study the estimation of the error/innovation distributions. Our study reveals that the non‐parametric estimation of the AR parameter functions has a negligible asymptotic effect on the estimation of the empirical distribution of the residuals even though the AR parameter functions are estimated non‐parametrically. The derivation of these results involves the study of both function‐indexed sequential residual empirical processes and weighted sum processes. Exponential inequalities and weak convergence results are derived.

As an application of our results we discuss testing for the constancy of the variance function, which in special cases corresponds to testing for stationarity.
Association between Body Condition Score and Cancer Prognosis in Dogs with Lymphoma and Osteosarcoma
Authors: Romano F.R. , Heinze C.R. , Barber L.G. , Mason J.B. , Freeman L.M.
Published: June 2016

Background

In humans and rodents obesity appears to promote some cancers by increasing incidence, tumor aggressiveness, recurrence, and fatality. However, the relationship between obesity and cancer in dogs has not been thoroughly evaluated.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Whether body condition score (BCS) at the time of lymphoma (LSA) or osteosarcoma (OSA) diagnosis in dogs is predictive of survival time (ST) or progression‐free interval (PFI). We hypothesized that an overweight body state at the time of cancer diagnosis would be associated with negative outcomes.

Animals

Dogs with LSA (n = 270) and OSA (n = 54) diagnosed and treated between 2000 and 2010.

Methods

Retrospective case review. Signalment, body weight, BCS, cancer diagnosis and treatment, relevant clinicopathologic values, and survival data were collected. Dogs were grouped by BCS (underweight, ideal, and overweight) and ST and PFI were compared.

Results

Overall, 5.5% of dogs were underweight, 54.0% were ideal weight, and 40.4% were overweight at diagnosis. Underweight dogs with LSA had shorter ST (P = .017) than ideal or overweight dogs. BCS was not associated with ST for OSA (P = .474). Progression‐free interval did not differ among BCS categories for either cancer.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Obesity was not associated with adverse outcomes among dogs with LSA or OSA in this retrospective study; however, being underweight at the time of diagnosis of LSA was associated with shorter survival. More research is needed to elucidate the relationship between excessive body weight and cancer development and progression in dogs.
Treatment of MRI‐Diagnosed Trigeminal Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors by Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Dogs
Authors: Hansen K.S. , Zwingenberger A.L. , Théon A.P. , Pfeiffer I. , Kent M.S.
Published: June 2016

Background

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is an emerging technique for treating tumors in animals.

Objectives

To assess the outcome of dogs with suspected intracranial trigeminal nerve peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST) treated with SRT.

Animals

Eight dogs with presumptive PNST.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of dogs identified by searching UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital medical records for dogs treated with SRT for a presumed PNST. Presumptive diagnosis was based on magnetic resonance imaging. SRT was delivered in 3 dose fractions of 8 Gray (Gy) on consecutive days or every other day to a total dose of 24 Gy.

Results

Median disease‐specific survival was 745 days (range: 99–1375 days, n = 6). No signs of acute adverse effects of radiation treatment were recorded. Late radiation effects versus tumor progression could not be confirmed histopathologically because of few animals undergoing necropsy.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study provides preliminary evidence that dogs with PNST benefit from SRT in terms of long‐term survival. The treatment appears to be well tolerated and requires fewer anesthetic events for animals compared to full‐course radiation.
Thermal constraints and the influence of reproduction on thermoregulation in a high‐altitude gecko (Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharus)
Authors: Bouazza A. , Slimani T. , El Mouden H. , Blouin‐Demers G. , Lourdais O.
Published: June 2016

Temperature plays a crucial role for ectotherm performance and thus for fitness. Terrestrial ectotherms, including reptiles, regulate their body temperature mainly by behavioural means. At high altitude, however, thermal constraints make precise thermoregulation costly. The cost–benefit model of lizard thermoregulation predicts that thermally challenging environments should favour the evolution of thermoconformity. Yet, several species maintain high and stable body temperatures even in cool environments. We studied the Atlas Day Gecko, Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharus, a cold‐adapted lizard endemic to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. We quantified thermoregulation in gravid females, non‐gravid adult females, and adult males during the active season. Geckos thermoregulated during their active season, and thermoregulated with more effectiveness early in the season than late in the season. In the laboratory, the preferred body temperature ranges of gravid females, non‐gravid females, and males were not significantly different. In the field, however, gravid females had smaller deviations from the preferred body temperature and maintained higher body temperatures than males and non‐gravid females. Our study suggests that cold‐adapted reptiles adjust their thermoregulatory behaviour in response to thermal constraints and reproductive status.
Symbiodinium (internal transcribed spacer 2) diversity in the coral host Agaricia lamarcki (Cnidaria: Scleractinia) between shallow and mesophotic reefs in the Northern Caribbean (20–70 m)
Authors: Lucas Matthew Q. , Stat Michael , Smith Matthew C. , Weil Ernesto , Schizas Nikolaos V.
Published: June 2016

This study investigated differences in Symbiodinium diversity in the scleractinian coral species Agaricia lamarcki between shallow (20–25 m) and mesophotic (50–70 m) depths in the Northern Caribbean. Corals were sampled in each of four shallow sites (20–25 m; n = 18) and three mesophotic sites (50–70 m; n = 18) from Mona Island (Puerto Rico) and the US Virgin Islands during a mesophotic exploratory cruise and from the La Parguera shelf edge, off Southwestern Puerto Rico. Symbiodinium diversity was assessed using internal transcribed spacer 2 sequences clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Clustering resulted in eight clade C OTUs and one clade D OTU. Of these, there were three common Symbiodinium OTUs consisting of C3 and D1a.N14 in shallow reefs and C11.N4 in mesophotic reefs. Statistical tests (permutational multivariate analysis of variance and analysis of similarity) showed significant differences between clade C Symbiodinium OTUs in A. lamarcki colonies located at shallow and mesophotic depths, indicating symbiont zonation. Symbiodinium diversity in A. lamarcki from the Northern Caribbean is comparable to previous reports in the Southern Caribbean for this species. This is the first report of the thermal tolerant species Symbiodinium trenchii (D1a) in A. lamarcki.