bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Animal‐mediated organic matter transformation: Aquatic insects as a source of microbially bioavailable organic nutrients and energy
Authors: Parr Thomas B. , Capps Krista A. , Inamdar Shreeram P. , Metcalf Kari A.
Published: November 2018

Animal communities are essential drivers of energy and elemental flow in ecosystems. However, few studies have investigated the functional role of animals as sources of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the subsequent utilization of that DOM by the microbial community.

In a small forested headwater stream, we tested the effects of taxonomy, feeding traits, and body size on the quality and quantity of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) excreted by aquatic insects. In addition, we conducted steady‐state solute additions to estimate instream demand for labile C and compared it to the C excreted by invertebrates.

Individual excretion rates and excretion composition varied with body size, taxonomy and feeding guild. The estimated average community excretion rate was 1.31 μg DOC· per mg insect dry weight (DW)−1 hr−1 and 0.33 μg DON·mg DW−1 hr‐1, and individuals excreted DON at nearly twice the rate of

This DOM was 2–5 times more bioavailable to microbial heterotrophs than ambient stream water DOM.

We estimated that the insect community, conservatively, excreted 1.62 mg of bioavailable DOC·m−2 hr−1 and through steady‐state additions measured an ambient labile C demand as 3.97 ± 0.67 mg C m−2 hr−1. This suggests that insect‐mediated transformation and excretion of labile DOC could satisfy a significant fraction (40 ± 7%) of labile C demand in this small stream.

Collectively, our results suggest that animal excretion plays an essential functional role in transforming organic matter into microbially bioavailable forms and may satisfy a variable but significant portion of microbial demand for labile C and N.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Taylor's power law captures the effects of environmental variability on community structure: An example from fishes in the North Sea
Authors: Cobain Matthew R. D. , Brede Markus , Trueman Clive N.
Published: November 2018

Taylor's power law (TPL) describes the relationship between the mean and variance in abundance of populations, with the power law exponent considered a measure of aggregation. However, the usefulness of TPL exponents as an ecological metric has been questioned, largely due to its apparent ubiquity in various complex systems.

The aim of this study was to test whether TPL exponents vary systematically with potential drivers of animal aggregation in time and space and therefore capture useful ecological information of the system of interest.

We derived community TPL exponents from a long‐term, standardised and spatially dense data series of abundance and body size data for a strongly size‐structured fish community in the North Sea. We then compared TPL exponents between regions of contrasting environmental characteristics.

We find that, in general, TPL exponents vary more than expected under random conditions in the North Sea for size‐based populations compared to communities considered by species. Further, size‐based temporal TPL exponents are systematically higher (implying more temporally aggregated distributions) along hydrographic boundaries. Time series of size‐based spatial TPL exponents also differ between hydrographically distinct basins.

These findings support the notion that TPL exponents contain ecological information, capturing community spatio‐temporal dynamics as influenced by external drivers.
Effectiveness of vole control by owls in apple orchards
Authors: Murano Chie , Kasahara Satoe , Kudo Seiya , Inada Aya , Sato Sho , Watanabe Kana , Azuma Nobuyuki
Published: November 2018

Biological pest control is gaining greater acceptance as an important part of integrated pest management for sustainable agriculture. However, knowledge regarding biological control of rodent pests is limited, and its effectiveness in temperate areas has not been quantified. In traditional Japanese apple orchards, the Ural owl Strix uralensis breeds in tree hollows and preys on the Japanese field vole Microtus montebelli, a native pest species that can harm fruit production. In this study, we hypothesised that the Ural owl, a generalist predator, can act as a biological control agent by reducing vole densities in temperate orchards.

To quantify the pest control effects of breeding Ural owls, we first analysed the diet of individual owls nesting in apple tree hollows. Second, we installed nest boxes in orchards to attract breeding owl pairs and collected data on vole population changes around owl nests to compare with control areas. The population changes were analysed using a generalised linear mixed model to assess the effect of breeding owls within their breeding territory. The model considered seasonal fluctuations in vole population size as well as surrounding land‐use. We also examined vole populations around the owl nests in April, and the distance between nests and forested areas, to determine if these variables influenced nest site selection.

Voles were the primary prey of Ural owls breeding in orchards and the owls reduced vole populations within their estimated breeding territories by 63% (±SE: 53%–70%) compared with the predicted density without owls. Owls preferred to nest in orchards with higher vole population densities in April. Our findings also indicate that higher occupancy rates are possible by distributing nest boxes based on Ural owl breeding territory size (306 m radius circle in our study).

Synthesis and applications. As breeding Ural owls provide significant pest control effects within their breeding territories, the reintroduction of breeding Ural owl pairs within orchards would contribute to rodent pest control. Promoting the reproduction of native raptors in agricultural areas can be an option for developing integrated pest management while simultaneously maintaining regional biodiversity.
Sexual selection sustains biodiversity via producing negative density‐dependent population growth
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuya
Published: November 2018

Mechanisms for maintaining biodiversity are still unclear despite considerable research. The classic theory predicts that stable co‐occurrence of competitive species requires niche differentiation. In fact, the co‐occurring species are often differentiated from each other. However, the neutral theory assuming equivalence of the reproductive rate of all individuals regardless of the species in a biological community has successfully recreated the observed patterns of species abundance distribution. This success is based on the unrealistic assumption suggesting that some mechanisms eliminate interspecific differences in the reproductive rates.

Here, I present sexual selection as a candidate of the mechanisms by constructing analytical and simulation models. Sexual selection affects the traits that increase mating success even at the expense of fecundity when the species is abundant. By contrast, when the species is at a relatively low density, this negative effect on fecundity is mitigated because less competition for mating occurs in the rare species.

The analytical model of this effect on fecundity predicted that sexual organisms stop population growth before exhausting resources due to the effect. This prediction was confirmed by simulation models. The simulations also showed that hundreds of competitive species with interspecific differences in reproductive potential can coexist over 10,000 generations. Moreover, species abundance distributions obtained from the simulations were similar to the patterns observed in field data. Given the generality of sexual reproduction in nature, sexual selection is likely to play a significant role in sustaining biodiversity over a broad range of environments.

Synthesis. Evolution does not always maximize population growth rate. This study shows that evolution of sexual selection controls the population growth rate according to density and stabilizes the population size. This stabilizing effect has a potential to rescue endangered species from extinction, prevent overgrowth of common species, promote coexistence of competitive species, and successfully recreate the observed patterns of species abundance distribution.
Neighborhood diversity simultaneously increased and decreased susceptibility to contrasting herbivores in an early stage forest diversity experiment
Authors: Grossman Jake J. , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Reich Peter B. , Montgomery Rebecca A. , Hobbie Sarah E.
Published: November 2018

Forest structure and diversity can regulate tree vulnerability to damage by insects and pathogens. Past work suggests that trees with diverse neighbours should experience less leaf herbivory and less damage from specialist herbivores and diseases, and that the effect of neighbourhood diversity should be strongest at small spatial scales.

In an early stage temperate tree diversity experiment, we monitored damage from leaf removing herbivores, specialist (gallers and leaf miners) herbivores, and two specialist fungal diseases (maple leaf anthracnose and cedar apple gall rust) over 3 years. The experimental design included treatments that varied independently in phylogenetic and functional diversity and we made our analyses across four spatial scales (1–16 m2).

Neighborhood diversity simultaneously increased leaf removal for some species, decreased it for others, and had no effect on yet others. Height apparency—the difference between a focal plant’s height and its neighbours’—was the best single predictor of leaf removal across species and spatial scales, but the strength and direction of its effect were also species‐specific.

Specialist pathogens and fungal foliar diseases showed signs of associational resistance and susceptibility. Oaks (Quercus spp.) were more resistant to leaf miners and maples were more resistant to anthracnose when surrounded by diverse neighbours (associational resistance). In contrast, birches (Betula papyrifera) were more susceptible to leaf miners and eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) were more susceptible to cedar apple gall rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi‐virginianae) infection in diverse environments (associational susceptibility).

Herbivore and pathogen damage was better predicted by community structure and diversity at small spatial scales (1 and 4 m2) than large scales (9 and 16 m2), suggesting a characteristic spatial scale for these biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning effects.

Synthesis. Humans control forest diversity through selective harvesting and planting in natural stands and plantations. Our experimental demonstration of the role of local community structure and diversity in suppressing some forms of pest and pathogen damage to trees suggests that forest management can be most effective when diversity is considered at small spatial scales and the underlying biology of particular pests, pathogens, and hosts is taken into account. Pictured here: the “galls” formed by cedar apple gall rust (Gymnosporangium juniperae‐virginiae) on eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) in early spring release wind‐dispersed teleospores. Junipers showed associational susceptibility: greater susceptibility to gall rust with more diverse neighbours.
Engaging Professionals in Sustainable Workplace Innovation: Medical Doctors and Institutional Work
Authors: Bartram Timothy , Stanton Pauline , Bamber Greg J. , Leggat Sandra G. , Ballardie Ruth , Gough Richard
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates the role of medical professionals in the success and longevity of the implementation of workplace innovation and organizational change in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments of two large public hospitals, in Australia and Canada, during the introduction of process improvement using Lean Management (LM) methodologies. We ask why and how doctors resist, influence or enable LM initiatives in healthcare. Using a qualitative methodology, we contribute to institutional work theory by unpacking the complex forms of boundary and practice work undertaken by key actors who effectively use their professional status and power to enable practice changes to be embedded. Our findings lend support to the importance of the involvement and ownership of senior doctors in the design, introduction and implementation of successful workplace innovation and organizational change. Senior doctors use their professional expertise, positional and political power at the industry, organization and workplace levels to influence strategically the use of resources designated for workplace innovation to improve efficiencies, quality of patient care and maintain their dominance. The significant organizational change achieved reflected the ownership and leadership of the workplace innovation by senior doctors in ‘hybrid roles’ who captured the rhetoric and minimized adversarialism among key stakeholders.
Effect of saffron addition on the microbiological, physicochemical, antioxidant and sensory characteristics of yoghurt
Authors: Gaglio Raimondo , Gentile Carla , Bonanno Adriana , Vintaloro Lucia , Perrone Anna , Mazza Francesca , Barbaccia Pietro , Settanni Luca , Di Grigoli Antonino
Published: November 2018

The impact of added saffron on the characteristics of yoghurt was evaluated during storage. The fat content was lower in the saffron yoghurt. All colour variables were significantly affected by saffron and storage. From the 15th day of storage, bacterial numbers in the saffron yoghurt were higher than those of the control yoghurt. Sensory analysis data suggested that colour, odour and texture impacted consistently on the overall acceptability of the saffron yoghurt. Saffron addition significantly increased polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, providing evidence that the enrichment of natural yoghurt with saffron yields an innovative fermented product useful for supplementing antioxidant dietary intake.
Consent and consequences in obstetrics and gynaecology
Authors: Marsh Michael
Published: November 2018

Interim Editor‐in‐Chief, Dr Michael Marsh, discusses his top articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at: http:soundcloud.com/bjog/december-editors-choice-2018
Service providers' and health professionals' views and suggestions for the Australian National Meal Guidelines for the Commonwealth Home Support Program
Authors: Clancy Annabel , Walton Karen , Charlton Karen , Mcmahon Anne‐Therese , Ringland Emma , Williams Peter , Tapsell Linda
Published: November 2018

Aim

To summarise the views and suggestions of service providers and health professionals on issues related to the development of National Meal Guidelines.

Methods

A national online survey of meal service providers and health professionals in Australia was conducted. Potential participants were identified from previously conducted workshop consultations. Snowball sampling was used whereby participants were encouraged to share the survey link with relevant colleagues. De‐identified data were collated and closed responses calculated based on the proportion of participants answering each question. Open‐ended responses were systematically examined to identify common themes within the data.

Results

The 289 participants were mostly female (83%) and service providers (47%). Most participants described their services to be home‐delivery (57%), sourcing meals from external providers (47%), were providing menu choice (59%), and were able to cater for special diets (95%). Participants felt that National Meal Guidelines would be beneficial in improving meal service provision and promoting consistency between organisations but were concerned that they may be impractical and costly. They also identified priority areas for inclusion in the guidelines including nutrition recommendations for customers, dietary modifications for special needs, menu variety/structure and considerations about meal types. Nourishing mid‐meal snacks, food fortification and screening and monitoring of malnutrition are future considerations for service activities.

Conclusions

Future research should examine the uptake and satisfaction of service providers and health professionals with the National Meal Guidelines.
Nutritional quality and reformulation of a selection of children's packaged foods available in Australian supermarkets: Has the Health Star Rating had an impact?
Authors: Morrison Holly , Meloncelli Nina , Pelly Fiona E.
Published: November 2018

Aim

To examine whether the nutritional quality of children's packaged food products available in Australian supermarkets improved between 2013 and 2016, and whether any change could be detected in product reformulation since the introduction of the Health Star Rating (HSR) labelling scheme.

Methods

Packaged food products marketed towards children were purchased from three Australian supermarkets in July 2013 (for a previous study) and July 2016. Nutritional quality was assessed using the Food Standards Australian New Zealand Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion. Comparisons were made between the nutrient composition and formulation of products (a) available in 2013 and 2016; and (b) with and without HSR graphics.

Results

Of the 252 children's packaged products analysed, 53.6% were classified as ‘less healthy’. HSR‐labelled products had a significantly higher proportion classified as ‘healthy’ than those without the HSR (χ2 = 26.5; P < 0.0001; 73.8% and 59.0%, respectively). Overall, 28.5% displayed the HSR; the majority (81.5%) having a rating of ≥3.0 stars. Cereal‐based products had the greatest uptake of the scheme, with HSR‐labelled products having significantly lower mean energy and saturated fat content (P < 0.01) and higher mean protein and fibre content (P < 0.001) than non‐HSR products. Reformulation of products that were available in 2013 had occurred in 100% of HSR‐labelled products in comparison to 61.3% of non‐HSR labelled products.

Conclusions

Despite the introduction of the HSR, more than half of children's packaged foods sampled are ‘less healthy’. However, early indications suggest that the HSR may stimulate healthier product reformulation.
Alcohol Consumption in Combination with an Atherogenic Diet Increased Indices of Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E/Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor Double‐Knockout Mice
Authors: Furuta Yuzo , Liu Jinyao , Himemiya‐Hakucho Ayako , Yoshimura Koichi , Fujimiya Tatsuya
Published: November 2018

Background

Alcohol abuse and adherence to atherogenic diet (AD; a low‐carbohydrate–high‐protein diet) have been positively associated with cardiovascular disease. In addition, it has been demonstrated clinically that dietary intake is increased on days when alcohol is consumed. Here, the additive effects of ethanol (EtOH) and AD on atherosclerosis, a major underlying cause of cardiovascular disease, were investigated in apolipoprotein E/low‐density lipoprotein receptor double‐knockout (KO) mice. The mechanisms, especially aortic oxidative stress damage, were highlighted.

Methods

Twelve‐week‐old male KO mice on AD with or without EtOH treatment were bred for 4 months. Age‐matched male C57BL/6J mice on a standard chow diet without EtOH treatment served as controls. Analyses were conducted using ultrasound biomicroscopy, histopathological and fluorescence immunohistochemical examinations, Western blots, and polymerase chain reaction.

Results

KO mice on AD with EtOH treatment showed increases in aortic maximum intima media thickness, hypoechoic plaque formation, and mean Oil‐Red‐O content. These results were associated with enhanced ratio of aortic 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG)‐immunopositive area to the metallothionein (MT) immunopositive area and suppression of AD‐induced up‐regulated aortic Mt1, Mt2, and upstream stimulatory factor 1 mRNA expressions. Moreover, 8‐OHdG was expressed in the nuclei of CD31‐ and alpha smooth muscle actin‐immunopositive cells, and the up‐regulated mRNA expressions of aortic nitric oxide synthase 3 and platelet‐derived growth factors were only observed in the KO mice on AD with EtOH treatment.

Conclusions

Alcohol abuse and adherence to AD may promote the shift of aortic oxidative stress and antioxidative stress balance toward oxidative stress predominance and reduced antioxidative stress, which may be partly due to the decrease in MT at the cell biological level and down‐regulation of Mt at the gene level, which in turn could play a role in the up‐regulation of endothelial dysfunction‐related and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation‐related gene expression and the progression of atherosclerosis in mice with hyperlipidemia.
Challenges in Accurately Assessing Prenatal Alcohol Exposure in a Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a Youth Detention Center
Authors: Freeman Jacinta , Condon Carmen , Hamilton Sharynne , Mutch Raewyn C. , Bower Carol , Watkins Rochelle E.
Published: November 2018

Background

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can result in permanent disability, including physical, neurodevelopmental, and cognitive impairments, known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Individuals with FASD are more likely to engage with the law, including being placed in detention, than individuals without FASD. Young people who were sentenced to detention participated in a FASD prevalence study in Western Australia. The diagnosis of FASD requires a multidisciplinary assessment and confirmation of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Obtaining accurate assessment of PAE for young people participating in the study was challenging.

Methods

An interview with the birth mother or other responsible adult for young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia was conducted as part of the FASD assessment. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test consumption subset (AUDIT‐C), other relevant questions, and documentary evidence were used to assess PAE. PAE was categorized according to the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD: no PAE reported, confirmed or confirmed high‐risk, or unknown.

Results

Among the 101 participants, information on PAE was unable to be obtained for 13 (13%) young people. Of the remaining 88 participants with information of PAE, 41 reported no PAE and 47 had confirmed PAE.

Conclusions

Accurately assessing prenatal alcohol consumption is challenging in any setting, but it is exceptionally challenging when assessed 13 to 17 years retrospectively as part of a FASD assessment for a young person sentenced to detention. Recording and recoding detailed qualitative responses was required to provide an accurate assessment of PAE using the AUDIT‐C. Standardized recording of PAE in antenatal and birth records would facilitate later assessments for FASD and provide opportunities for advice and support for women who continue to drink during pregnancy.
India's Economic Reforms: Achievements and Next Steps
Authors: Ahluwalia Montek S.
Published: November 2018

This paper reviews the impact of India's reforms since 1991 on the performance of the Indian economy. It shows that the reforms definitely achieved a significant acceleration in growth and they also succeeded in reducing poverty. However, they have been less successful in generating good quality jobs. There was progress in providing better access to education, health services ,and clean drinking water and sanitation, but less than was hoped. The area where performance has been most disappointing is environmental sustainability. The paper concludes by identifying some of the critical policy challenges in the years ahead.
Mast cell chymase impairs bronchial epithelium integrity by degrading cell junction molecules of epithelial cells
Authors: Zhou Xiaoying , Wei Tao , Cox Christopher W. , Jiang Yuan , Roche William R. , Walls Andrew F.
Published: November 2018

Background

An increased degree of mast cell (MC) degranulation and damage to the epithelial lining are prominent features of bronchial asthma. In asthmatic airways, it seems likely that epithelial cells will be exposed to increased concentrations of proteases from MC, though their actions on the epithelium are still not very clear.

Methods

Bronchial rings from human lung tissue or 16HBE cell monolayer were incubated with MC chymase in different doses or various inhibitors. The sections of paraffin‐embedded tissue were haematoxylin‐eosin stained and computerized by image analysis for epithelial damage‐scale‐evaluation; the cell viability, proliferation, adhesion and lactate dehydrogenase activity release were assayed; the expressions of gelatinases, cell junction molecules and structure proteins of 16HBE were examined.

Results

Mast cell chymase was found to provoke profound changes in the morphology of bronchi epithelial layer. Following incubation with chymase, there was 40% reduction in the length of epithelium that was intact, with detachment of columnar epithelial cells and basal cells. Chymase reduced epithelial cell proliferation and induced cell detachment, which were associated with the changes in secretion and activation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2/9. In intact epithelial cell layers, immunocytochemistry study revealed that chymase reduced the expressions of occludin, claudin‐4, ZO‐1, E‐cadherin, focal adhesion kinase and cytokeratin. Overall data of this study indicated that MC chymase can influence tissue remodelling, disrupt epithelial cell junctions, inhibit wound healing and impair the barrier function of epithelium, resulting in dysfunction of airway wall and ECM remodelling in pathogenesis of asthma.

Conclusion

Mast cell chymase plays a key role in inducing the damage to bronchial epithelium in asthma.
“The long‐time requirements of the nation”: The US Cooperative Soil Survey and the Political Ecologies of Improvement
Authors: Van Sant Levi
Published: November 2018

Soil surveys are one of the most powerful tools of modern statecraft, yet they have received little critical scrutiny. This article examines the early history of the US cooperative soil survey, from its founding in 1899 through the New Deal, and argues that it functioned not only as a tool of agricultural modernisation but also as a technology for the development of white nationalist state power. The founding of the soil survey, for instance, was successful based on its claims to resolve post‐frontier racial anxieties about national vigour. Over the next several decades soil surveying grew increasingly central to the execution of state power and arguably formed the basemap for New Deal conservation and planning efforts in the 1930s. The New Deal's decentralised and democratising projects promoted a more inclusive liberal nationalism, yet still supported the reproduction of white supremacy. This analysis shows how taking racial politics more seriously adds depth to studies of environmental governance, and suggests a model for doing so that highlights the articulation of race, nature, and nation through logics of improvement. Soil surveys remain an important political‐ecological technology today and deserve more critical scrutiny. Political ecologists might also work with land reform and reparations movements to determine if and how soil surveys could be useful for liberatory projects.
The gut microbiota of hand, foot and mouth disease patients demonstrates down‐regulated butyrate‐producing bacteria and up‐regulated inflammation‐inducing bacteria
Authors: Li Weiran , Zhu Yu , Li Yiyuan , Shu Min , Wen Yang , Gao Xiaolin , Wan Chaomin
Published: November 2018

Aim

This study explored the gut microbiota of children with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

Methods

We enrolled 15 cases with HFMD admitted to the West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, China, from July to September 2016 at a median age of three years. The controls were 15 healthy children of a similar age who underwent routine health examinations at the hospital during the same period. Gut microbiota was analysed using high throughput 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing.

Results

The gut microbiota in the HFMD patients was distinct from the controls. Compared with the controls, the composition of gut microbiota in the HFMD cases represented a reduction of two butyrate‐producing bacteria, Ruminococcus (0.73 ± 1.28 versus 7.78 ± 20.01, p = 0.026) and Roseburia (0.67 ± 1.69 versus 1.61 ± 3.27, p = 0.024) and an up‐regulation of Escherichia (5.26 ± 10.50 versus 1.59 ± 5.90,p < 0.01) and Enterococcus (4.12 ± 12.49 versus 0.12 ± 0.41, p = 0.015).

Conclusion

The dysbiosis of gut microbiota of the HFMD cases included a reduction of butyrate‐producing bacteria and an up‐regulation of inflammation‐inducing bacteria. These may have impaired the intestinal biological mucosal barrier and host immune functions, promoting the invasion of the enterovirus.
Hepatitis E virus infection after haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: incidence and clinical course
Authors: Tang Fei‐Fei , Mo Xiao‐Dong , Wang Yu , Yan Chen‐Hua , Chen Yu‐Hong , Chen Huan , Han Wei , Chang Ying‐Jun , Zhang Hai‐Ying , Xie Yan‐Di , Ma Hui , Wei Lai , Xu Lan‐Ping , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Zhang Xiao‐Hui
Published: November 2018

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is increasingly found to cause hepatitis in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients. However, little is known about HEV infection in patients receiving haploidentical HSCT (haplo‐HSCT). Here, we retrospectively evaluate the incidence and clinical course of HEV infection in haplo‐HSCT patients. From January 2014 to July 2017, 177 patients with unexplained elevated transaminases after receiving haplo‐HSCT at Peking University Institute of Haematology were screened for HEV using HEV serology. HEV RNA was assessed in blood samples when HEV‐IgG and/or IgM antibodies were positive. Acute HEV infection was identified in 7 patients (3·9%), 1 of whom had developed a chronic HEV infection. The median time from haplo‐HSCT to HEV infection was 17·5 (range, 6–55) months. HEV infection was confirmed by the presentation of anti‐HEV IgM + anti‐HEV IgG (rising) (n = 5) or HEV‐RNA + anti‐HEV IgM + anti‐HEV IgG (n = 2). None of the patients died of HEV infection directly: 2 patients with HEV infection died showing signs of ongoing hepatitis, and 5 patients cleared HEV with a median duration of HEV infection of 1·5 (range, 1·0–5·7) months. In conclusion, HEV infection is a rare but serious complication after haplo‐HSCT. We recommend screening of HEV in haplo‐HSCT.
Ice‐rafting patterns on the western Svalbard slope 74–0 ka: interplay between ice‐sheet activity, climate and ocean circulation
Authors: Jessen Simon P. , Rasmussen Tine L.
Published: November 2018

The distribution of ice‐rafted detritus (IRD) is studied in three cores from the western Svalbard slope (1130–1880 m water depth, 76–78°N) covering the period 74–0 ka. The aim was to provide new insight into the dynamics of the Svalbard–Barents Sea Ice Sheet during Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 4–1 to get a better understanding of ice‐sheet interactions with changes in ocean circulation and climate on orbital and millennial (Dansgaard–Oeschger events of stadial–interstadial) time scales. The results show that concentration, flux, composition and grain‐size of IRD vary with climate and ocean temperature on both orbital and millennial time scales. The IRD consists mainly of fragments of siltstones and mono‐crystalline transparent quartz (referred to as ‘quartz’). IRD dominated by siltstones has a local Svalbard–Barents Sea source, while IRD dominated by quartz is from distant sources. Local siltstone‐rich IRD predominates in warmer climatic phases (interstadials), while the proportion of allochthonous quartz‐rich IRD increases in cold phases (glacials and stadials/Heinrich events). During the Last Glacial Maximum and early deglaciation at 24–16.1 ka, the quartz content reached up to >90%. In warm climate, local iceberg calving apparently increased and the warmer ocean surface caused faster melting. During the glacial maxima (MIS 4 and MIS 2) and during cold stadials and Heinrich events, the local ice‐sheets must have been relatively stable with low ablation. During ice retreat phases of the MIS 4/3 and MIS 2/1 transitions, maxima in IRD deposition were dominated by local coarse‐grained IRD. These maxima correlate with episodes of climate warming, indicating a rapid, stepwise retreat of the Svalbard–Barents Sea Ice Sheet in phase with millennial‐scale climate oscillations.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine analogues or derivatives as anti‐helmintic drug
Authors: Zhou Shiyang , Chen Guangying , Huang Gangliang
Published: November 2018

The Albendazole was used as the lead compound, which was modified by structural transformation and with alkyl groups. A total of 18 compounds (4a–4r) were designed and synthesized. The in vitro experiment results showed that compounds4e,4f,4k,4l,4qand4rhad good inhibitory effect on egg and imago of roundworm. IC50of compound4lto anti‐egg of roundworm was 0.65 ± 0.01 μmol/L and to anti‐imago of roundworm was 1.04 ± 0.01 μmol/L. At the same time, it showed that compound4lhad the best effect in vivo, and the rate of anti‐helmintic could reach more than 99%. The results of acute toxicity tests indicated that these compounds were with LD50> 2100 mg/kg by oral administration, so they were low toxicity compounds. In a word, compound4lwas most likely to be a new anti‐helmintic drug through screening in vitro and in vivo.
Dual experiences of teenage parenting and homelessness among Native Hawaiian youth: A critical interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Aparicio Elizabeth M. , Birmingham Andrea , Rodrigues Eri N. , Houser Carla
Published: November 2018

Teenage parenting is a challenging venture—particularly when parenting while homeless. The present study explores in‐depth through case‐based analysis the lived experiences of three young homeless and parenting teens (one mother and two fathers). It is the first known study of teenage parenting and homelessness among Native Hawaiian youth, a key affected population. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of participants' individual interviews revealed three themes that characterize the experience of parenting as a teen while homeless: (a) They never raised me up (childhood experiences); (b) becoming mommy and daddy (early experiences of teen pregnancy and parenting while homeless); and (c) finding our place (current experiences of teen parenting and perspectives on teen pregnancy and homelessness). Implications for direct practice, social policy, and future research are discussed in the context of this complex reality.
Front Cover
Authors: Kvarnung Malin , Taylan Fulya , Nilsson Daniel , Anderlid Britt‐Marie , Malmgren Helena , Lagerstedt‐Robinson Kristina , Holmberg Eva , Burstedt Magnus , Nordenskjöld Magnus , Nordgren Ann , Lundberg Elisabeth S.
Published: November 2018

The cover image is based on the Original Article Genomic screening in rare disorders: New mutations and phenotypes, highlighting ALG14 as a novel cause of severe intellectual disability, by Malin Kvarnung et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cge.13448.

image
Consumer purchase intentions for pork with enhanced carnosine–A functional food
Authors: Arenna  , Goddard Ellen , Muringai Violet
Published: November 2018

In this study, Canadian consumers’ preferences for enhanced carnosine (a naturally occurring dipeptide that exhibits antiaging properties) in pork are examined. Carnosine is a relatively unknown nutrient to the public such that we are interested in understanding the relative merits of informing consumers of enhanced carnosine levels through a possible health claim, a nutrient content claim or including it in the nutrition facts table (NFT). As a basis of comparison, we include two other possible labels, a protein nutrient content claim, and a Verified Canadian Pork label (created by industry identifying food safety, animal care, traceability, and farm to table quality assurance attributes of the production system). Data were collected through an online survey that included a choice experiment and were analyzed using conditional logit and random parameters logit models. Compared to carnosine (as a functional attribute), consumers prefer the identification of protein content. In terms of labeling carnosine, consumers have higher willingness to pay for carnosine content included in a NFT than for nutrient or health claims. Higher levels of nutrition knowledge are associated with higher willingness to pay for the different pork attributes.
Does proximity to corporate headquarters enhance directors' monitoring effectiveness? A look at financial reporting quality
Authors: Firoozi Maryam , Magnan Michel , Fortin Steve
Published: November 2018

Research question/issue

In this study, using a unique Canadian setting that relies on a principle‐based corporate oversight environment and that has access to a large pool of U.S. directors, we investigate how directors' proximity to a firm's headquarters influences its financial reporting quality.

Research findings/insights

Our results show that financial reporting quality is higher for firms whose boards (audit committees) consist of a greater proportion of independent directors who reside close to a firm's headquarters than for firms whose boards consist of directors who are more geographically dispersed. However, among nonlocal directors, the effect of nonlocal domestic directors on financial reporting quality is similar to the effect of local directors. In contrast, compared with local directors, the presence of U.S. directors has a negative impact on financial reporting quality.

Theoretical/academic implications

Our results suggest that directors' proximity to corporate headquarters extends beyond geographical proximity and also reflects directors' familiarity with a firm's institutional environment. Institutional familiarity helps domestic nonlocal directors reduce information costs associated with low geographical proximity, thus providing them with access to a wider range of information sources and enhancing their monitoring ability, at least for financial reporting. In contrast, foreign directors face information costs arising from both low geographical proximity and less familiarity with the institutional environment.

Practitioner/policy implications

Firms should take into consideration the consequences of nominating nonlocal directors on the monitoring of financial reporting quality. In addition, regulators should take a more comprehensive approach if they impose regulations such as board diversity initiatives, as regulatory pressures often imply appointing directors farther away from headquarters.
Determinants of Intangible Investment and Its Impacts on Firms' Productivity: Evidence from Chinese Private Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Yang Shenglang , Zhou Yixiao , Song Ligang
Published: November 2018

Using data from the 2012 China Enterprise Survey conducted by the World Bank, this study examines the determinants of intangible investment by private manufacturing firms and its impacts on firms' productivity in China, thus shedding light on the recent development of intangibles in one of the largest emerging economies in the world. Higher human capital, larger firm size and better institutional quality are found to increase the propensity and the amount of intangible investment, yet fiercer market competition generally decreases both the propensity and the amount invested in intangibles. We provide evidence that the disaggregated components of intangibles are positively correlated with firm productivity and there is complementarity between software and organization investment. Implications for policies to enhance investment in intangibles are identified from the empirical results.
Balance through Agglomeration: A Race between Geography and Policy in China's Regional Development
Authors: Liu Yali , Lu Ming , Xiang Kuanhu
Published: November 2018

Changes in regional income gaps in China reflect the role of both the market and the government in the Chinese economy. Since 2003, government policies have aimed to distribute more resources to less developed areas. Although this process is accompanied by a narrowing interregional income gap, it does not represent real “convergence” between regions. From the perspective of spatial–political economics, the free movement of people is helpful to realize regional economic balance through agglomeration, while investment policies that deviate from the comparative advantage of less developed regions may lead to spatial misallocation of resources and unsustainable economic growth. In order to achieve further integration and development in the Chinese economy in the future, restrictions to the flow of production factors must be alleviated so that the market can truly become a decisive force for the allocation of resources.
Use of a lithotripter to salvage a bile duct stone and kinking retrieval basket in the distal common bile duct
Authors: Lee Yunhyeong , Park Seon Mee , Han Joung‐Ho
Published: November 2018

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High long‐term mortality after incident status epilepticus in adults: Results from a population‐based study
Authors: Rodin Emmely , Krogstad Martin H. , Aukland Preben , Lando Martin , Møller Harald S. , Gesche Joanna , Krøigård Thomas , Beier Christoph P.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To determine annual incidence, etiology, severity, and short‐ and long‐term mortality of first‐time, nonanoxic status epilepticus (SE) in adults in a population‐based retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We systematically identified all episodes of SE in the year 2014 on the island of Funen. Patients with SE due to anoxia, patients with recurrent SE, and patients <18 years old were excluded. Nonconvulsive SE in coma was diagnosed according to the Salzburg criteria. Etiology, semiology, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge, survival, and the Status Epilepticus Severity Score were retrospectively determined from patients’ records. Patients with first‐time nonanoxic SE diagnosed during 2008‐2013 from our database (n = 88) were used to confirm the results.

Results

The incidence of first‐time, nonanoxic SE in 2014 was 10.7/100 000 persons at risk (n = 41). Median Status Epilepticus Severity Score was 3; in‐hospital mortality was 24.4%. After median follow‐up of 39.2 months, 53.7% of the patients had died (age‐ and gender‐adjusted mortality rate of 5.2/100 000). Mortality stabilized 2 years after diagnosis. Analysis of the cohort from 2008‐2013 confirmed stabilization of survival after 2‐3 years and the high mortality 2 years after discharge. When correcting for acute symptomatic causes, the in‐hospital mortality was 16.7% and 46.7% at follow‐up (crude mortality rate of nonhypoxic and nonacute symptomatic SE = 3.5/100 000). An exploratory multivariate analysis of pooled patients with SE from 2008 to 2014 revealed mRS ≥ 2 at discharge as a prognostic factor for long‐term mortality.

Significance

In this cohort, the overall mortality of first‐time nonhypoxic SE was >50%. Mortality of SE after discharge was substantially higher than in‐house mortality and stabilized after 2 years. The degree of disability as indicated by mRS at discharge was associated with long‐term mortality after discharge.
The repertoire of seizure onset patterns in human focal epilepsies: Determinants and prognostic values
Authors: Lagarde Stanislas , Buzori Sinziana , Trebuchon Agnès , Carron Romain , Scavarda Didier , Milh Mathieu , McGonigal Aileen , Bartolomei Fabrice
Published: November 2018

Objective

In this study, we seek to analyze the determinants of the intracranial electroencephalography seizure onset pattern (SOP) and the impact of the SOP in predicting postsurgical seizure outcome.

Methods

To this end, we analyzed 820 seizures from 252 consecutive patients explored by stereo‐electroencephalography (total of 2148 electrodes), including various forms of focal refractory epilepsies. We used a reproducible method combining visual and time‐frequency analyses.

Results

We described eight SOPs: low‐voltage fast activity (LVFA), preictal spiking followed by LVFA, burst of polyspikes followed by LVFA, slow wave/DC shift followed by LVFA, sharp theta/alpha waves, beta sharp waves, rhythmic spikes/spike‐waves, and delta‐brush. LVFA occurred in 79% of patients. The seizure onset pattern was significantly associated with (1) underlying etiology (burst of polyspikes followed by LVFA with the presence of a focal cortical dysplasia, LVFA with malformation of cortical development, postvascular and undetermined epilepsies), (2) spatial organization of the epileptogenic zone (EZ; burst of polyspikes followed by LVFA with focal organization, slow wave/DC shift followed by LVFA with network organization), and (3) postsurgical seizure outcome (better outcome when LVFA present).

Significance

This study demonstrates that the main determinants of the SOP are the underlying etiology and the spatial organization of the EZ. Concerning the postsurgical seizure outcome, the main determinant factor is the spatial organization of the EZ, but the SOP plays also a role, conferring better prognosis when LVFA is present.
New insights into host adaptation to swine respiratory disease revealed by genetic differentiation and RNA sequencing analyses
Authors: Zhang Mingpeng , Huang Tao , Huang Xiaochang , Tong Xinkai , Chen Jiaqi , Yang Bin , Xiao Shijun , Guo Yuanmei , Ai Huashui , Huang Lusheng
Published: November 2018

Swine respiratory disease (SRD) causes massive economic losses in the swine industry and is difficult to control and eradicate on pig farms. Here, we employed population genetics and transcriptomics approaches to decipher the molecular mechanism of host adaptation to swine respiratory disease. We recorded two SRD‐related traits, the enzootic pneumonia‐like (EPL) score and lung lesion (LL) levels, and performed four body weight measurements, at ages of 150, 180, 240, and 300 days, in a Chinese Bamaxiang pig herd (n = 314) raised under consistent indoor rearing conditions. We divided these animals into disease‐resistant and disease‐susceptible groups based on the most likely effects of both SRD‐related traits on their weight gain, and performed genetic differentiation analyses in these two groups. Significant loci showing the top 1% of genetic differentiation values, exceeding the threshold of p = 0.005 set based on 1,000‐times permutation tests, were defined as candidate regions related to host resistance or susceptibility to SRD. We identified 107 candidate genes within these regions, which are mainly involved in the biological processes of immune response, fatty acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and growth factor signaling pathways. Among these candidate genes, TRAF6, CD44, CD22, TGFB1, CYP2B6, and SNRPA were highlighted due to their central regulatory roles in host immune response or fat metabolism and their differential expression between healthy lung tissues and lung lesions. These findings advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of host resistance or susceptibility to respiratory disease in pigs and are of significance for the breeding pigs resistant to respiratory disease in the swine industry.