bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the economic impact of mental illness
Authors: Doran Christopher M. , Kinchin Irina
Published: November 2017

Objective
To examine the impact and cost associated with mental illness.

Methods
A rapid review of the literature from Australia, New Zealand, UK and Canada was undertaken. The review included literature pertaining to the cost-of-illness and impact of mental illness as well as any modelling studies. Included studies were categorised according to impact on education, labour force engagement, earlier retirement or welfare dependency. The well-accepted Drummond 10-point economic appraisal checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies.

Results
A total of 45 methodologically diverse studies were included. The studies highlight the significant burden mental illness places on all facets of society, including individuals, families, workplaces and the wider economy. Mental illness results in a greater chance of leaving school early, a lower probability of gaining full-time employment and a reduced quality of life. Research from Canada suggests that the total economic costs associated with mental illness will increase six-fold over the next 30 years with costs likely to exceed A$2.8 trillion (based on 2015 Australian dollars).

Conclusions
Mental illness is associated with a high economic burden. Further research is required to develop a better understanding of the trajectory and burden of mental illness so that resources can be directed towards cost-effective interventions.

What is known about the topic?
Although mental illness continues to be one of the leading contributors to the burden of disease, there is limited information on the economic impact that mental illness imposes on individuals, families, workplaces and the wider economy.

What does this paper add?
This review provides a summary of the economic impact and cost of mental illness. The included literature highlights the significant burden mental illness places on individuals, families, workplaces, society and the economy in general. The review identified several areas for improvement. For example, only limited information is available on the impact of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, cognitive function, conduct disorder, eating disorder and psychological distress. There was also a dearth of evidence on the intangible elements of pain and suffering of people and their families with depressive disorders. More research is required to better understand the full extent of the impact of mental illness and strategies that may be implemented to minimise this harm.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Knowing the current and future impact of mental illness highlights the imperative to develop an effective policy response.
Quantifying the interactions between defoliation interval, defoliation intensity and nitrogen fertiliser application on the nutritive value of rainfed and irrigated perennial ryegrass
Authors: Pembleton K. G. , Rawnsley R. P. , Turner L. R. , Corkrey R. , Donaghy D. J.
Published: November 2017

A key goal of temperate pasture management is to optimise nutritive value and production. The influence of individual components such as irrigation, nitrogen (N) fertiliser, and grazing interval and intensity has been well researched, yet conjecture remains regarding practices that optimise pasture nutritive value, largely because interactions between inputs and grazing management have not been quantified. A 2-year, split-split-plot experiment was undertaken to investigate these interactions in a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) dominant pasture at Elliott, Tasmania. Irrigation treatments (rainfed or irrigated) were main plots and defoliation intervals (leaf regrowth stage: 1-, 2- or 3-leaf) were subplots. Defoliation intensity (defoliation height: 30, 55 or 80 mm) and N fertiliser (0, 1.5 or 3.0 kg N/ha.day) were crossed within sub-subplots. Herbage samples were collected from each plot four times during the experiment and analysed for concentrations (% dry matter, DM) of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and crude protein (CP). Metabolisable energy (ME) concentration (MJ/kg DM) was estimated from these values. ME concentration decreased as defoliation height and interval increased for all time points except during winter. Crude protein concentration increased with increasing N fertiliser applications in the plots defoliated at the 1-leaf stage, but only as N applications increased from 1.5 to 3.0 kg N/ha.day for the plots defoliated at the 2- and 3-leaf stages. As N application rates increased from 0 to 1.5 kg N/ha.day, plots defoliated at the 3-leaf stage had greater increases in NDF concentration than plots defoliated at the 1-leaf stage, except during spring. As defoliation height and interval increased, ADF concentration increased in both spring and summer. Although defoliating at frequent intervals (1-leaf stage) and lower heights (30 mm) produced pasture of marginally higher nutritional value, these benefits are mitigated by the previously established, negative consequences of lower pasture yield and poor pasture persistence. Consequently, grazing management that maximises pasture productivity and persistence (i.e. defoliation between the 2- and 3-leaf regrowth stages to a height of 55 mm) should be applied to perennial ryegrass pastures irrespective of input management.
Analysis of high-resolution 3D intrachromosomal interactions aided by Bayesian network modeling
Authors: Zhang Xizhe , Branciamore Sergio , Gogoshin Grigoriy , Rodin Andrei S. , Riggs Arthur D.
Published: November 2017

Significance

We report here that a recently developed Bayesian network (BN) methodology and software platform yield useful information when applied to the analysis of intrachromosomal interaction datasets combined with Encyclopedia of DNA Elements publicly available datasets for the B-lymphocyte cell line GM12878. Of 106 variables analyzed, interaction strength between DNA segments was found to be directly dependent on only four types of variables: distance, Rad21 or SMC3 (cohesin components), transcription at transcription start sites, and the number of CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF)–cohesin complexes between interacting DNA segments. The importance of directionally oriented ctcf motifs was confirmed not only for loops but also for enhancer–promoter interactions. Purely data-driven BN analyses also identified known critical, lineage-determining transcription factors (TFs) as well as some potentially new dependencies between TFs.
Multiple
Legionella pneumophila
effector virulence phenotypes revealed through high-throughput analysis of targeted mutant libraries
Authors: Shames Stephanie R. , Liu Luying , Havey James C. , Schofield Whitman B. , Goodman Andrew L. , Roy Craig R.
Published: November 2017

Significance

The contribution of individual effectors to
Legionella pneumophila
virulence has not been systematically examined. This study employed a parallel high-throughput transposon insertion sequencing technique called INSeq to probe the
L. pneumophila
effector repertoire and identified multiple effectors that contribute to virulence in several host organisms, including an animal model of Legionnaires’ disease. Importantly, this study demonstrates that effector proteins contribute to host virulence both positively and negatively by controlling intracellular replication and influencing host immune responses, which demonstrates that the subtle alterations in the effector repertoire of a single
L. pneumophila
strain can greatly impact host pathogenicity.
Cell-autonomous adiposity through increased cell surface GLUT4 due to ankyrin-B deficiency
Authors: Lorenzo Damaris N. , Bennett Vann
Published: November 2017

Significance

Calorie intake exceeding energy requirements is the chief culprit in the obesity epidemic affecting the United States and other countries. However, genetic factors may also contribute to the etiology of obesity. This study demonstrates that ankyrin-B (AnkB) deficiency in adipose tissue (AT) causes cell-autonomous adiposity, rendering mice more susceptible to becoming obese with age or when fed a high-fat diet and causing other metabolic complications. Loss of AnkB in AT increases glucose uptake and lipogenesis as a result of deficient clathrin-mediated GLUT4 endocytosis. We also show that AnkB mutations present in millions of Americans cause similar cellular metabolic impairments.
Proteome-wide modulation of degradation dynamics in response to growth arrest
Authors: Zhang Tian , Wolfe Clara , Pierle Andrew , Welle Kevin A. , Hryhorenko Jennifer R. , Ghaemmaghami Sina
Published: November 2017

Significance

In dividing cells, long-lived proteins are continuously diluted by being partitioned into newly formed daughter cells. Conversely, short-lived proteins are cleared from a cell primarily by proteolysis rather than cell division. Thus, when a cell stops dividing, there is a natural tendency for long-lived proteins to accumulate relative to short-lived proteins. This effect is disruptive to cells and leads to the accumulation of aged and damaged proteins over time. Here, we analyzed the degradation of thousands of proteins in dividing and nondividing (quiescent) skin cells. Our results demonstrate that quiescent cells avoid the accumulation of long-lived proteins by enhancing their degradation through pathways involving the lysosome. This mechanism may be important for promotion of protein homeostasis in aged organisms.
Sequential induction of Fur-regulated genes in response to iron limitation in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Pi Hualiang , Helmann John D.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Fur is a key regulator of bacterial iron homeostasis and regulates the derepression of iron acquisition systems when iron is limited. However, it is unclear whether Fur-regulated genes are derepressed coordinately or in a sequential manner. Here, we describe a graded response for the
Bacillus subtilis
Fur regulon as the intracellular iron pool is gradually depleted. Three distinct sets of genes are sequentially expressed, and the induction order can be explained, at least in part, by differences in Fur affinity to its target operator sites. These results provide insights into the distinct roles of Fur target genes and contribute to our understanding of bacterial metalloregulatory systems.
Early Neolithic wine of Georgia in the South Caucasus
Authors: McGovern Patrick , Jalabadze Mindia , Batiuk Stephen , Callahan Michael P. , Smith Karen E. , Hall Gretchen R. , Kvavadze Eliso , Maghradze David , Rusishvili Nana , Bouby Laurent , Failla Osvaldo , Cola Gabriele , Mariani Luigi , Boaretto Elisabetta , Bacilieri Roberto , This Patrice , Wales Nathan , Lordkipanidze David
Published: November 2017

Significance

The earliest biomolecular archaeological and archaeobotanical evidence for grape wine and viniculture from the Near East, ca. 6,000–5,800 BC during the early Neolithic Period, was obtained by applying state-of-the-art archaeological, archaeobotanical, climatic, and chemical methods to newly excavated materials from two sites in Georgia in the South Caucasus. Wine is central to civilization as we know it in the West. As a medicine, social lubricant, mind-altering substance, and highly valued commodity, wine became the focus of religious cults, pharmacopoeias, cuisines, economies, and society in the ancient Near East. This wine culture subsequently spread around the globe. Viniculture illustrates human ingenuity in developing horticultural and winemaking techniques, such as domestication, propagation, selection of desirable traits, wine presses, suitable containers and closures, and so on.
Free Indirect Style in Modernism
Authors: Rundquist Eric
Published: November 2017

Free Indirect Style (FIS) is a linguistic technique that defies the logic of human subjectivity by enabling readers to directly observe the subjective experiences of third-person characters. This book consolidates the existing literary-linguistic scholarship on FIS into a theory that is based around one of its most important effects: consciousness representation. Modernist narratives exhibit intensified formal experimentation and a heightened concern with characters’ conscious experience, and this provides an ideal context for exploring FIS and its implications for character consciousness. This book focuses on three novels that are central to the Modernist canon: Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse, D.H. Lawrence’s The Rainbow and James Joyce’s Ulysses. It applies the revised theory of FIS in close semantic analyses of the language in these narratives and combines stylistics with literary criticism, linking interpretations with linguistic features in distinct manifestations of the style.
Initiative in work teams: adaptation and validation of the Personal Initiative at Group Level Scale / Iniciativa en los equipos de trabajo: adaptación y validación de la Escala de Iniciativa Personal a nivel Grupal
Authors: Las-Hayas Abel , Lisbona Ana , Palací Francisco J.
Published: November 2017

In this study, we conceptualize personal initiative as a collective construct and adapt and validate a scale to evaluate it with a sample of 308 Spanish participants belonging to 91 work teams. Personal initiative at group level is a behavioural syndrome in which the team shows an approach to work that is self-initiated, proactive, persistent, capable of modifying the atmosphere and pro organization. As a predictive variable, we analysed the climate for initiative as well as personal initiative at group level. The resulting variables that were analysed referred to organization and team performance, with the team productivity and innovation as the criteria, analysing radical innovation. The scale has suitable psychometric properties. The results show that there is a relationship between the two predictive variables. Furthermore, personal initiative at group level is related to team productivity, while the climate for initiative is related to innovation.
Experiments on transient melting of tungsten by ELMs in ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Krieger K. , Balden M. , Coenen J.W. , Laggner F. , Matthews G.F. , Nille D. , Rohde V. , Sieglin B. , Giannone L. , Göths B. , Herrmann A. , de Marne P. , Pitts R.A. , Potzel S. , Vondracek P. ,   ASDEX-Upgrade Team,   EUROfusion MST1 Team
Published: November 2017

Repetitive melting of tungsten by power transients originating from edge localized modes (ELMs) has been studied in ASDEX Upgrade. Tungsten samples were exposed to H-mode discharges at the outer divertor target plate using the divertor manipulator II (DIM-II) system (Herrmann et al 2015 Fusion Eng. Des. 98–9 1496–9). Designed as near replicas of the geometries used also in separate experiments on the JET tokamak (Coenen et al 2015 J. Nucl. Mater. 463 78–84; Coenen et al 2015 Nucl. Fusion
55 023010; Matthews et al 2016 Phys. Scr. T167 7), the samples featured a misaligned leading edge and a sloped ridge respectively. Both structures protrude above the default target plate surface thus receiving an increased fraction of the parallel power flux. Transient melting by ELMs was induced by moving the outer strike point to the sample location. The temporal evolution of the measured current flow from the samples to vessel potential confirmed transient melting. Current magnitude and dependency from surface temperature provided strong evidence for thermionic electron emission as main origin of the replacement current driving the melt motion. The different melt patterns observed after exposures at the two sample geometries support the thermionic electron emission model used in the MEMOS melt motion code, which assumes a strong decrease of the thermionic net current at shallow magnetic field to surface angles (Pitts et al 2017 Nucl. Mater. Energy
12 60–74). Post exposure ex situ analysis of the retrieved samples show recrystallization of tungsten at the exposed surface areas to a depth of up to several mm. The melt layer transport to less exposed surface areas leads to ratcheting pile up of re-solidified debris with zonal growth extending from the already enlarged grains at the surface.
A new wave of marine evidence-based management: emerging challenges and solutions to transform monitoring, evaluating, and reporting
Authors: Addison P F E , Collins D J , Trebilco R , Howe S , Bax N , Hedge P , Jones G , Miloslavich P , Roelfsema C , Sams M , Stuart-Smith R D , Scanes P , von Baumgarten P , McQuatters-Gollop A
Published: November 2017

Sustainable management and conservation of the world’s oceans requires effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting (MER). Despite the growing political and social imperative for these activities, there are some persistent and emerging challenges that marine practitioners face in undertaking these activities. In 2015, a diverse group of marine practitioners came together to discuss the emerging challenges associated with marine MER, and potential solutions to address these challenges. Three emerging challenges were identified: (i) the need to incorporate environmental, social and economic dimensions in evaluation and reporting; (ii) the implications of big data, creating challenges in data management and interpretation; and (iii) dealing with uncertainty throughout MER activities. We point to key solutions to address these challenges across MER activities: (i) integrating models into marine management systems to help understand, interpret, and manage the environmental and socio-economic dimensions of uncertain and complex marine systems; (ii) utilizing big data sources and new technologies to collect, process, store, and analyze data; and (iii) applying approaches to evaluate, account for, and report on the multiple sources and types of uncertainty. These solutions point towards a potential for a new wave of evidence-based marine management, through more innovative monitoring, rigorous evaluation and transparent reporting. Effective collaboration and institutional support across the science–management–policy interface will be crucial to deal with emerging challenges, and implement the tools and approaches embedded within these solutions.
Effective Faithful Tropicalizations Associated to Adjoint Linear Systems
Authors: Kawaguchi Shu , Yamaki Kazuhiko
Published: November 2017

Let R be a complete discrete valuation ring of equi-characteristic zero with fraction field K. Let X be a connected smooth projective variety of dimension d over K, and let L be an ample line bundle over X. We assume that there exist a regular strictly semistable model ${\mathscr {X}}$ of X over R and a relatively ample line bundle ${\mathscr {L}}$ over ${\mathscr {X}}$ with $\left .{{\mathscr {L}}}\right \vert_{{X}} \cong L$. Let $S({\mathscr {X}})$ be the skeleton associated to ${\mathscr {X}}$ in the Berkovich analytification Xan of X. In this article, we study when $S({\mathscr {X}})$ is faithfully tropicalized into tropical projective space by the adjoint linear system |L⊗m ⊗ ωX|. Roughly speaking, our results show that if m is an integer such that the adjoint bundle is basepoint free, then the adjoint linear system admits a faithful tropicalization of $S({\mathscr {X}})$.
Microbiota and HDL metabolism
Authors: Nakaya Kazuhiro , Ikewaki Katsunori
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

Accumulating evidence has provided new insights regarding potentially effective therapeutic options targeting modulation of HDL metabolism, resulting in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The gut microbiota has now been convincingly linked to host health, but its impact on host lipid metabolism, especially HDL metabolism, remains poorly understood. This review focuses on the recent progress in establishing associations between gut microbiota and host HDL metabolism. It also discusses causality and mechanisms, and how to translate the findings into clinical use.

Recent findings

Recent human and animal studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiota composition can explain a substantial proportion of the individual variation in host blood lipid profiles. In addition, signaling molecules produced by gut microbiota have been shown to have potent effects on reverse cholesterol transport, a crucial atheroprotective function of HDL, which could subsequently influence the development of atherosclerosis. Ultimately, selective manipulation of gut microbiota may serve as an ideal therapeutic approach for improving HDL function and cardiovascular risk, although further studies are needed for a better understanding of which specific bacteria, or alternatively, which bacterial metabolites, are appropriate targets.

We are just beginning to understand how the gut microbiota, a newly recognized endocrine organ system, influences HDL metabolism and atherosclerotic diseases. From recent experimental and clinical perspectives, it can be targeted for therapeutic benefit with respect to HDL function and cardiovascular diseases.
Pediatric and adolescent anterior shoulder instability: clinical management of first-time dislocators
Authors: Lin Kenneth M. , James Evan W. , Spitzer Elad , Fabricant Peter D.
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to discuss the epidemiology, pathoanatomy, diagnosis, and clinical management of pediatric and adolescent patients following a first-time shoulder dislocation.

Recent findings

Shoulder instability is becoming increasingly common as pediatric and adolescent patients engage in earlier organized sports competition. Recommended treatment following a first-time glenohumeral dislocation event in adolescents depends on several factors, but surgical stabilization is becoming more frequently performed. Surgical indications include bony Bankart lesion, ALPSA lesion, bipolar injury (e.g. Hill–Sachs humeral head depression fracture) or off-season injury in an overhead or throwing athlete. Complications following surgical treatment are rare but most commonly are associated with recurrent instability. Young children (eg. open proximal humerus growth plate), individuals averse to surgery, or in-season athletes who accept the risk of redislocation may complete an accelerated rehabilitation program for expedited return to play in the absence of the structural abnormalities listed above.

Following a first-time dislocation event in pediatric and adolescent patients, a detailed discussion of the risks and benefits of nonoperative versus operative management is critical to match the recommended treatment with the patient's injury pattern, risk factors, and activity goals.
Management of hypertonia in cerebral palsy
Authors: Nahm Nickolas J. , Graham H. Kerr , Gormley Mark E. , Georgiadis Andrew G.
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

The review provides an update on the treatment of hypertonia in cerebral palsy, including physical management, pharmacotherapy, neurosurgical, and orthopedic procedures.

Recent findings

Serial casting potentiates the effect of Botulinum neurotoxin A injections for spasticity. Deep brain stimulation, intraventricular baclofen, and ventral and dorsal rhizotomy are emerging tools for the treatment of dystonia and/or mixed tone. The long-term results of selective dorsal rhizotomy and the timing of orthopedic surgery represent recent advances in the surgical management of hypertonia.

Management of hypertonia in cerebral palsy targets the functional goals of the patient and caregiver. Treatment options are conceptualized as surgical or nonsurgical, focal or generalized, and reversible or irreversible. The role of pharmacologic therapies is to improve function and mitigate adverse effects. Further investigation, including clinical trials, is required to determine the role of deep brain stimulation, intraventricular baclofen, orthopedic procedures for dystonia, and rhizotomy.
Polymorphs of the antiviral drug ganciclovir
Authors: Roque-Flores Roxana L. , Guzei Ilia A. , Matos Jivaldo do Rosario , Yu Lian
Published: November 2017

Ganciclovir (GCV; systematic name: 2-amino-9-{[(1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yl)oxy]methyl}-6,9-dihydro-1H-purin-6-one), C9H13N5O4, an antiviral drug for treating cytomegalovirus infections, has two known polymorphs (Forms I and II), but only the structure of the metastable Form II has been reported [Kawamura & Hirayama (2009). X-ray Struct. Anal. Online, 25, 51–52]. We describe a successful preparation of GCV Form I and its crystal structure. GCV is an achiral molecule in the sense that its individual conformers, which are generally chiral objects, undergo fast interconversion in the liquid state and cannot be isolated. In the crystalline state, GCV exists as two inversion-related conformers in Form I and as a single chiral conformer in Form II. This situation is similar to that observed for glycine, also an achiral molecule, whose α-polymorph contains two inversion-related conformers, while the γ-polymorph contains a single conformer that is chiral. The hydrogen bonds are exclusively intermolecular in Form I, but both inter- and intramolecular in Form II, which accounts for the different molecular conformations in the two polymorphs.
All dispersal functions are wrong, but many are useful: A response to Cousens et al.
Authors: Bullock James M. , Hooftman Danny A. P. , Tamme Riin , Götzenberger Lars , Pärtel Meelis , Mallada González Laura , White Steven M.
Published: November 2017

To address the lack of information about the shape and extent of real dispersal kernels, Bullock et al. (Journal of Ecology 105:6‐19, 2017) synthesised empirical information on seed dispersal distances. Testing the fit of a variety of probability density functions, they found no function was the best‐fitting for all datasets but some outperformed others. Cousens et al. (Journal of Ecology, 2017) focus on the specific finding of the generally poor fit of the WALD function to wind dispersal data and use this to argue that mechanistically derived functions would not be expected to fit data particularly well.

We agree in part with this argument and discuss the issues that may lead to poor fit, including the simplifying assumptions of the WALD and the complexity of the dispersal process. We explain the fundamental linkage between the mechanistic form of the WALD and the derived function used for fitting to data.

We demonstrate, however, that the logic that a mechanistically based function could fit to data is valid, under the hypothesis that it encompasses the key processes determining the dispersal kernel. This argument is supported by the facts that: (1) our analyses and others have shown the WALD performs well in a number of cases; and (2) the WALD is the best‐fitting function for an example in which we simulate dispersal data using a realistic representation of variability in the wind dispersal process.

Synthesis. While there are reasons that mechanistically derived functions may not fit well to empirical data, they do in some empirical and simulated cases and this suggests they can capture the dispersal behaviour of real systems. Mechanistic functions should be explored along with other more general functions when describing empirical data to investigate their simplifying assumptions and to add to our arsenal of functions for analysing dispersal data. Analyses using these functions are critical if we are to move from simply describing the system in which the data were gathered to gaining more general insights into dispersal and predicting its consequences.
The Economics of Public Health: Missing Pieces to the Puzzle of Health System Reform
Authors: Mays Glen P. , Atherly Adam J. , Zaslavsky Alan M.
Published: November 2017

The United States continues to experiment with health care delivery and financing innovations, but relatively little attention is given to the public health system and its capacity for improving health status in the U.S. population at large. The public health system operates as a multisector enterprise in which government agencies work in conjunction with private and voluntary organizations to identify health risks in the population and to mobilize community‐wide actions that prevent and contain these risks. The Affordable Care Act and related health reform initiatives are generating new interest in the question of how best to expand and integrate public health approaches into the larger U.S. health system. The research articles featured in this issue of Health Services Research cluster around two broad topics: how public health agencies can deliver services efficiently and how public health agencies can interact productively with other elements of the health system. The results suggest promising avenues for aligning medical care and public health practices.
Characterization of Volatile Sulfur Compounds in Moutai Liquors by Headspace Solid‐Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography‐Pulsed Flame Photometric Detection and Odor Activity Value
Authors: Chen Shuang , Sha Sha , Qian Michael , Xu Yan
Published: November 2017

This study investigated the aroma contribution of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in Moutai liquors. The VSCs were analyzed using headspace solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography‐pulsed flame photometric detection (HS‐SPME‐GC‐PFPD). The influences of SPME fibers, ethanol content in the sample, pre‐incubation time, and extraction temperature and time on the extraction of VSCs were optimized. The VSCs were optimally extracted using a divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fiber, by incubating 10 mL diluted Chinese liquor (5% vol.) with 3 g NaCl at 30 °C for 15 min, followed by a subsequent extraction for 40 min at 30 °C. The optimized method was further validated. A total of 13 VSCs were identified and quantified in Moutai liquors. The aroma contribution of these VSCs were evaluated by their odor activity values (OAVs), with the result that 7 of 13 VSCs had OAVs > 1. In particular, 2‐furfurylthiol, methanethiol, dimethyl trisulfide, ethanethiol, and methional had relatively high OAVs and could be the key aroma contributors to Moutai liquors.

Practical Application

In this study, a method for analyzing volatile sulfur compounds in Chinese liquors has been developed. This method will allow an in‐depth study the aroma contribution of volatile sulfur compounds in Chinese liquors. Seven volatile sulfur compounds were identified as potential key aroma contributors for Moutai liquors, which can help to the quality control of Moutai liquors.
Competitive foreclosure
Authors: Burguet Roberto , Sákovics József
Published: November 2017

We model oligopolistic firms, producing substitutes, who compete for inputs from capacity constrained suppliers in a decentralized market. Compared to a price‐taking input market, the incentive to foreclose downstream competitors leads to higher input prices and to a higher aggregate amount of input acquired. This novel feature mitigates the output reducing effect of downstream market power and may even restore efficiency in the unique (input) market clearing equilibrium. Other equilibria, where firms coordinate on which suppliers to target, result in excess supply (involuntary unemployment, if input is labor) and even higher input prices. Our insights generalize to alternative vertical structures.
Association between plasma fibrinogen and survival in patients with small‐cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Fan Shanshan , Guan Yin , Zhao Guanfei , An Guangyu
Published: November 2017

Background

Elevated plasma fibrinogen (Fbg) levels contribute to tumor progression and metastasis; however, limited research on Fbg in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been conducted. This study evaluated the prognostic value of Fbg levels in patients with SCLC.

Methods

Data on plasma Fbg level, clinical features, and overall survival were retrospectively collected. Kaplan–Meier estimates and log‐rank tests were used to analyze the relationship between Fbg level and survival. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine independent prognostic factors. Subgroup analyses were performed based on extensive/limited disease and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status.

Results

A total of 120 patients with SCLC were included. The one, three, and five‐year survival rates for the entire cohort were 48.3%, 9.2%, and 1.7%, respectively. Univariate analyses revealed that age, alcohol use, clinical stage, pleural effusion, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group grade, and Fbg and lactate dehydrogenase levels were associated with survival (P < 0.05). The median survival time for patients with high Fbg levels (> 400 mg/dL) was shorter than for those with low Fbg levels (8 vs. 14 months; P = 0.013). Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that Fbg was negatively and independently associated with SCLC prognosis (hazard ratio 1.505, 95% confidence interval 1.018–2.226; P = 0.041). Higher Fbg levels were associated with shorter survival in the extensive disease subgroup (7 vs. 12 months; P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Elevated plasma Fbg was an independent factor associated with poor outcomes in SCLC patients and could serve as a prognostic biomarker.
Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma with few PD‐1‐positive immune cells and regulatory T cells that showed a complete response to nivolumab
Authors: Okamura Kazuaki , Fukuda Yuichi , Soda Hiroshi , Ogawara Daiki , Iwasaki Keisuke , Fuchi Shinichiro , Suyama Takayuki , Yoshida Masataka , Harada Tatsuhiko , Fukuda Minoru , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: November 2017

Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma has been shown to respond remarkably to PD‐1 inhibitors; however, the biomarkers for this therapy have not been fully proven. We report a case of pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma with overexpressed PD‐L1, in which a complete response to nivolumab was sustained for >14 months. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed few PD‐1+ immune cells and regulatory T cells in the tumor, in addition to predominant infiltration of CD8+ cells and macrophages. Our findings suggest that the presence of a small number of PD‐1+ immune cells and regulatory T cells should be investigated as candidate therapeutic biomarkers.
Multiresponse algorithms for community‐level modelling: Review of theory, applications, and comparison to species distribution models
Authors: Nieto‐Lugilde Diego , Maguire Kaitlin C. , Blois Jessica L. , Williams John W. , Fitzpatrick Matthew C.
Published: November 2017

Community‐level models (CLMs) consider multiple, co‐occurring species in model fitting and are lesser known alternatives to species distribution models (SDMs) for analysing and predicting biodiversity patterns. Community‐level models simultaneously model multiple species, including rare species, while reducing overfitting and implicitly considering drivers of co‐occurrence. Many CLMs are direct extensions of well‐known SDMs and therefore should be familiar to ecologists. However, CLMs remain underutilized, and there have been few tests of their potential benefits and no systematic reviews of their assumptions and implementations. Here, we review this emerging field and provide examples in r to fit common CLMs. Our goal is to introduce CLMs to a broader audience, and discuss their attributes, benefits and limitations relative to SDMs.

We review (1) statistical implementations and applications of CLMs, (2) their advantages and limitations, and (3) comparative analyses of CLMs and SDMs. We also suggest directions for future research.

We identify seven CLM algorithms with similar data structures and predictive outputs as SDMs that should be most accessible to ecologists familiar with species‐level modelling, including five methods that predict assemblage composition and individual species distributions and two methods that model compositional turnover along environmental gradients. Community‐level models have been applied to numerous taxa, regions, and spatial scales, and a variety of topics (e.g. studying drivers of community structure or assessing relationships between community composition and functional traits). Studies suggest that the relative benefits of CLMs and SDMs may be case specific, especially in terms of predicting species distributions and community composition. However, CLMs may offer advantages in terms of computational efficiency, modelling rare species, and projecting to no‐analog climates. A major shortcoming of CLMs is their reliance on presence–absence community composition data.

Studies are needed to assess the relative merits of SDMs and CLMs, and different CLM algorithms, with a focus on three key areas: (1) under which circumstances CLMs improve predictions for rare species, (2) how CLMs perform under different community compositions (e.g. relative abundance of rare vs. common species), including the extent to which co‐occurrence patterns are structured by biotic interactions, and (3) ability to project across time/space.
A simple centrifugation protocol for metagenomic studies increases mitochondrial DNA yield by two orders of magnitude
Authors: Macher Jan‐Niklas , Zizka Vera Marie Alida , Weigand Alexander Martin , Leese Florian
Published: November 2017

DNA (meta)barcoding is applied to study biodiversity and is available for standardized biodiversity assessments. However, it suffers from PCR bias, which can lead to the loss of specific taxa. PCR‐free techniques such as shotgun metagenomics are therefore thought to be more suited for biodiversity assessments, but are currently limited by incomplete reference libraries.

The technique of “mitogenome‐skimming” or “mitogenomics,” in which complete mitochondrial genomes are sequenced, is ideal to bridge the techniques of (meta)barcoding and metagenomics. However, without the enrichment of mitochondria, roughly 99% of all sequencing reads are of non‐mitochondrial origin and mostly useless for common applications, e.g. species identification.

Here, we present a simple centrifugation protocol that leads to an average 140‐fold enrichment of mitochondrial DNA. By sequencing six ‘mock’‐communities—comprising the freshwater taxa Corbicula fluminea, Gammarus roeselii and Hydropsyche exocellata each—we recovered whole mitochondrial genomes of these species and the acanthocephalan endoparasite Pomphorhynchus laevis.

The enrichment protocol will speed up building reference libraries for whole mitochondrial genomes, as dozens of species can be sequenced on a single MiSeq run. Subsequently, it will also allow biodiversity assessments, using mitogenomics at greatly reduced costs in comparison to mitogenomic approaches without prior enrichment for mitochondria.
Spatial characteristics of species distributions as drivers in conservation prioritization
Authors: Kujala Heini , Moilanen Atte , Gordon Ascelin
Published: November 2017

Spatial prioritization, based on the biogeographical identification of priority areas for conservation actions, is an important aspect of conservation planning. Although the influence of factors such as costs, threats or use of surrogates on the resulting priorities has been studied extensively, relatively little is known about how the spatial characteristics of species distributions drive the spatial pattern of priorities in multi‐species conservation plans.

Using datasets from Australia and Finland, we explore how excluding or including a given species changes spatial priorities in a multi‐species prioritization. We develop three metrics to quantify changes in priorities, and explore how these changes depend on the total number of species used in the prioritization, the spatial characteristics of the given species distribution, and how species share their space with other species used in the prioritization. We randomly selected 12 set of 10 species from each dataset, and explore the influence of each of these species in prioritizations done for a total of 10, 20, 50 or 100 species.

We show that spatial priorities become increasingly stable as the number of species is increased, and that the stability of highest and lowest priority areas behave differently. When less than 50 species were used in a prioritization, intermediately rare species that occupy mostly species‐poor habitats tend to have the greatest influence on priorities, whereas very rare and common species that co‐occur with many other species tend to have a small influence.

Our results present a systematic method to explore the stability of spatial priorities to changes in the species pool used for a conservation plan. Although the analysed two datasets differed in data type, location, scale and species composition, they both showed how using a small number of species leads to unstable spatial solutions, where the choice to include or exclude an individual species can strongly influence the conservation outcome. Our results also show that conservation planners should carefully assess the use of spatial prioritizations for identifying least important areas (e.g. for development) as these can be particularly unstable when the prioritization is based on a small number of species.
Poverty analysis using small area estimation: an application to conservation agriculture in Uganda
Authors: Farris Jarrad , Larochelle Catherine , Alwang Jeffrey , Norton George W. , King Caleb
Published: November 2017

This article demonstrates the utility of small area estimation of poverty (SAEp) methods for researchers wishing to conduct a detailed welfare analysis as part of a larger survey of a small geographic area. This study applies SAEp methods as part of an impact assessment of a conservation agriculture production system in Eastern Uganda. Using SAEp, we estimate Foster–Greer–Thorbecke rural poverty indices, estimate the effects of per‐acre farm profit increases to poor households on the indices, and compare the findings to estimates of net returns from a field‐level evaluation of conservation agriculture for maize farmers. Results suggest that increasing the farm profits of the bottom 30% of households by $1.60 per‐acre per‐season would reduce rural poverty incidence by 1 percentage point. Available data on the net returns to conservation agriculture indicate that even these modest increases are achievable for few adopting households.
Genetic and epigenetic regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I gene expression in bovine trophoblast cells
Authors: Shi Bi , Thomas Aaron J. , Benninghoff Abby D. , Sessions Benjamin R. , Meng Qinggang , Parasar Parveen , Rutigliano Heloisa M. , White Kenneth L. , Davies Christopher J.
Published: November 2017

Problem

The regulatory mechanisms governing differential expression of classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC‐Ia) and non‐classical MHC class I (MHC‐Ib) genes are poorly understood.

Method of study

Quantitative reverse transcription‐ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to compare the abundance of MHC‐I transcripts and related transcription factors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and placental trophoblast cells (PTC). Methylation of MHC‐I CpG islands was detected by bisulfite treatment and next‐generation sequencing. Demethylation of PBMC and PTC with 5′‐aza‐deoxycytidine was used to assess the role of methylation in gene regulation.

Results

MHC‐I expression was higher in PBMC than PTC and was correlated with expression of IRF1, class II MHC transactivator (CIITA), and STAT1. The MHC‐Ia genes and BoLA‐NC1 were devoid of CpG methylation in PBMC and PTC. In contrast, CpG sites in the gene body of BoLA‐NC2, ‐NC3, and ‐NC4 were highly methylated in PBMC but largely unmethylated in normal PTC and moderately methylated in somatic cell nuclear transfer PTC. In PBMC, demethylation resulted in upregulation of MHC‐Ib by 2.8‐ to 6‐fold, whereas MHC‐Ia transcripts were elevated less than 2‐fold.

Conclusion

DNA methylation regulates bovine MHC‐Ib expression and is likely responsible for the different relative levels of MHC‐Ib to MHC‐Ia transcripts in PBMC and PTC.
Do programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people leaving prison meet their health and social support needs?
Authors: Abbott Penelope , Lloyd Jane E. , Joshi Chandni , Malera‐Bandjalan Kathy , Baldry Eileen , McEntyre Elizabeth , Sherwood Juanita , Reath Jennifer , Indig Devon , Harris Mark F.
Published: November 2017

The objective of this review was to synthesise evidence on the health and social support needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people leaving prison and on programs which aid successful community re‐entry. A systematic literature review was undertaken of peer‐reviewed and grey literature published between 2001 and 2013, focusing on the post‐release needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and pre‐ and post‐release programs. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have high health and social support needs on leaving prison. There is little literature evidence that re‐entry programs commonly consider health needs, support linkages with primary care or Aboriginal Medical Services, or are designed in consideration of the particular needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In the absence of evaluative evidence on re‐entry programs in this group, we have synthesised the best practice recommendations. Re‐entry programs must be culturally competent in design and delivery, holistic, take a long‐term view, involve families and communities, demonstrate interagency coordination and promote linkages between prison and community‐based services. There is an urgent need for accessible pre‐ and post‐release programs which meet the particular needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including their health needs. Programs must be flexible, comprehensive and accessible to those on remand or with short sentences. Stronger linkage with primary care and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health organisations is recommended.
Food provision among food relief agencies in rural Australia, and perceived barriers and enablers to provide healthy food
Authors: Bortolin Natalia , Priestly Jaqueline , Sangster Janice
Published: November 2017

Objective

Food insecurity affects 4–14% of Australians, and up to 82% of vulnerable groups. Food relief agencies commonly provide food parcels or food vouchers. Little research has been undertaken on food relief agencies within rural Australia. This study determined the type of food assistance provided by rural food relief agencies, and barriers and enablers to provide healthy food.

Design

Cross‐sectional study, using telephone questionnaires with qualitative and quantitative aspects. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Setting

Rural New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

Representatives of 10 food relief agencies.

Main outcome measure(s)

Types of food assistance and food provided, and the barriers and enablers to provide healthy food to clients.

Result

Most agencies provided food hampers and perishable and non‐perishable food. Rural food relief agencies had a greater capacity to provide non‐perishable compared to perishable food. Grains, breads and cereals, and canned fruit and vegetables were most popular. Nine key themes emerged including ‘Ability to purchase and provide healthy food’, ‘Ability to regulate food purchased or chosen by clients’, ‘Financial constraints of the agency’ and ‘Lack of storage’.

Conclusion

There are many variables to consider in order to understand the capacity of rural food relief agencies to provide healthy food. There are also opportunities for food relief agencies to appraise current practices and make changes. Initiatives to improve storage facilities and food availability are key and include networking with local businesses, community organisations and government. Rural food relief agency clients could benefit from accessing food literacy and health programs like FoodREDi, OzHarvest NEST and SecondBite Fresh NED.