bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expectations and achievements in new firms
Authors: Kolvereid Lars , Isaksen Espen John
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the antecedents of business growth expectations and subsequent accumulated sales revenues and employment costs. Hypotheses are derived guided by the theory of planned behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors followed a sample of 207 incorporated businesses started in May/June 2002 over a ten-year period. The hypotheses are tested using hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The results suggest that the entrepreneurs’ need for social cohesion, subjective norm with regard to business growth and perceived self-efficacy with regard to opportunity recognition are positively and significantly associated with business growth expectations. These expectations, reported at the time of business registration, accurately predict subsequent short-term as well as long-term accumulated sales revenues and labour costs, but this is not the case for entrepreneurs with novel business ideas.

Practical implications

Since entrepreneurs’ attitude, subjective norm and self-efficacy are possible to change, the findings should interest policy makers and educators. Measures aimed at enhancing the antecedents of entrepreneurs’ growth expectations should be considered. The findings that growth expectations have a long-lasting effect on sales and employment stress the importance of entrepreneurs’ subjective expectations for outcomes in new businesses.

Originality/value

There is a lack of studies using a longitudinal design when investigating the link between initial business growth expectations and subsequent firm outcomes. This study contributes to the entrepreneurship literature in this regard by using high-quality secondary data to examine firm achievements.
Does dynamic trade-off theory explain Portuguese SME capital structure decisions?
Authors: Sardo Filipe , Serrasqueiro Zelia
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse if capital structure decisions of small- and medium-sized Portuguese firms are in accordance with the predictions of dynamic trade-off theory, more precisely, the speed of adjustment of short-term debt (STD) and long-term debt (LTD) towards the respective target debt ratios.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on two samples of Portuguese firms, 1,377 small-sized firms and 811 medium-sized firms, dynamic estimators were used for the treatment of data obtained from the Amadeus database for the period 2007-2011.

Findings

The results indicate that small- and medium-sized firms adjust their STD and LTD ratios towards the respective target ratios. Small- and medium-sized firms present a high-speed adjustment towards the target STD ratio, suggesting that both types of firm face costs of deviating from the target capital structure, which are, probably, greater than the costs of adjustment associated with STD. However, considering the distance from the target ratio as a determinant of the adjustment speed, the results show the predominance of the negative effect of the costs of adjustment on capital structure adjustment speeds.

Originality/value

The results obtained for the speed of adjustment of STD and LTD, in a recession context, show that for small firms and medium-sized firms, mainly for the former, the costs of external market transactions are prohibitively high, slowing the speed of adjustment towards the target capital structure.
Long non‐coding RNAs in aging organs and tissues
Authors: Xing Wenmin , Gao Wenyan , Mao Genxiang , Zhang Jing , Lv Xiaoling , Wang Guofu , Yan Jing
Published: June 2017

The aging process directly impacts bodily functions on multiple levels, including a reduced ability to resist stress, damage and disease. Besides changes in metabolic control, the aging process coincides with the altered long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression, which are ≥200nt long class of non‐protein coding RNAs. The majority of non‐coding transcripts of mammalian organs and tissues are expressed in developmentally regulated and cell‐type specific manners. Specific altered lncRNA level has been involved in induction and maintenance of the whole human body aging with highly specific spatial andtemporal expression patterns. Furthermore, many lncRNAs are transcribed in sense, antisense and bidirectional manners in the mammalian genome. They play a vital role in regulating organ or tissue differentiation during aging by binding with miRNA or proteins to act as a decoy. Recently, the correlation between lncRNAs and aging has been studied intensely. Here, we have summarized some examples of known and novel lncRNAs that have been implicated in the aging process in the whole mammalian body and we discuss these patterns, conservation and characters during aging. This may further promote the development of research on lncRNAs and the aging process.
Audit and feedback using the Robson classification to reduce caesarean section rates: a systematic review
Authors: Boatin AA , Cullinane F , Torloni MR , Betrán AP
Published: June 2017

Background

In most regions worldwide, caesarean section (CS) rates are increasing. In these settings, new strategies are needed to reduce CS rates.

Objectives

To identify, critically appraise and synthesise studies using the Robson classification as a system to categorise and analyse data in clinical audit cycles to reduce CS rates.

Search strategy

Medline, Embase, CINAHL and LILACS were searched from 2001 to 2016.

Selection criteria

Studies reporting use of the Robson classification to categorise and analyse data in clinical audit cycles to reduce CS rates.

Data collection

Data on study design, interventions used, CS rates, and perinatal outcomes were extracted.

Results

Of 385 citations, 30 were assessed for full text review and six studies, conducted in Brazil, Chile, Italy and Sweden, were included. All studies measured initial CS rates, provided feedback and monitored performance using the Robson classification. In two studies, the audit cycle consisted exclusively of feedback using the Robson classification; the other four used audit and feedback as part of a multifaceted intervention. Baseline CS rates ranged from 20 to 36.8%; after the intervention, CS rates ranged from 3.1 to 21.2%. No studies were randomised or controlled and all had a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

We identified six studies using the Robson classification within clinical audit cycles to reduce CS rates. All six report reductions in CS rates; however, results should be interpreted with caution because of limited methodological quality. Future trials are needed to evaluate the role of the Robson classification within audit cycles aimed at reducing CS rates.

Tweetable abstract

Use of the Robson classification in clinical audit cycles to reduce caesarean rates.
When do predatory mites (Phytoseiidae) attack? Understanding their diel and seasonal predation patterns
Authors: Pérez‐Sayas Consuelo , Aguilar‐Fenollosa Ernestina , Hurtado Mónica A. , Jaques Josep A. , Pina Tatiana
Published: June 2017

Predatory mites of the Phytoseiidae family are considered one of the most important groups of natural enemies used in biological control. The behavioral patterns of arthropods can differ greatly daily and seasonally; however, there is a lack of literature related to Phytoseiidae diel and seasonal predation patterns. The predatory activity of three phytoseiid species (two Tetranychidae‐specialists, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus, and one omnivore, Euseius stipulatus) that occur naturally in Spanish citrus orchards was observed under laboratory conditions in winter and summer. The temperature and photoperiod of the climatic chamber where the mites were reared did not change during the experiment. Our study demonstrates that phytoseiids can exhibit diel and seasonal predatory patterns when feeding on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). Neoseiulus californicus was revealed to be a nocturnal predator in summer but diurnal in winter. In contrast, P. persimilis activity was maximal during the daytime, and E. stipulatus showed no clear daily predation patterns. The predatory patterns described in this study should be taken into account when designing laboratory studies and also in field samplings, especially when applying molecular techniques to unveil trophic relationships.
The impact of drugs on male fertility: a review
Authors: Semet M. , Paci M. , Saïas‐Magnan J. , Metzler‐Guillemain C. , Boissier R. , Lejeune H. , Perrin J.
Published: June 2017

Beside cytotoxic drugs, other drugs can impact men's fertility through various mechanisms. Via the modification of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis hormones or by non‐hormonal mechanisms, drugs may directly and indirectly induce sexual dysfunction and spermatogenesis impairment and alteration of epididymal maturation. This systematic literature review summarizes existing data about the negative impact and associations of pharmacological treatments on male fertility (excluding cytotoxic drugs), with a view to making these data more readily available for medical staff. In most cases, these effects on spermatogenesis/sperm maturation/sexual function are reversible after the discontinuation of the drug. When a reprotoxic treatment cannot be stopped and/or when the impact on semen parameters/sperm DNA is potentially irreversible (Sulfasalazine Azathioprine, Mycophenolate mofetil and Methotrexate), the cryopreservation of spermatozoa before treatment must be proposed. Deleterious impacts on fertility of drugs with very good or good level of evidence (Testosterone, Sulfasalazine, Anabolic steroids, Cyproterone acetate, Opioids, Tramadol, GhRH analogues and Sartan) are developed.
The dynamic interaction between pain and opioid misuse
Authors: Wilson‐Poe Adrianne R , Morón Jose A
Published: June 2017

In 2014, drug overdose surpassed automobile accidents as the number one cause of accidental death for the first time in the history of the United States. The overdose epidemic is largely driven by opioids, and genuine prescription opioid analgesics play the biggest role in this phenomenon. Despite advancements in abuse deterrent formulations, prescription drug monitoring programmes and clinical assessments for the detection of abuse potential, drug overdoses continue to escalate. The Center for Disease Control has recently issued new guidelines for opioid prescription, yet even these recommendations have their shortcomings. Furthermore, undertreated pain in patients with comorbid substance use disorder poses a major clinical challenge, particularly for patients on opioid replacement therapy. Despite the seemingly obvious interaction between the presence of pain and the abuse of pain‐relieving opioids, there is surprisingly little mechanistic data to further our understanding of this vitally important topic. The need for novel pain interventions that minimize abuse liability is critical. Without a fundamental characterization of pain neurobiology and the interaction between chronic pain and the brain's reward system, we are unlikely to make progress in the alleviation of the opioid epidemic.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Emerging Areas of Opioid Pharmacology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.14/issuetoc
The validity of nasal endoscopy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis—An inter‐rater agreement study
Authors: Larsen K.L. , Lange B. , Darling P. , Jørgensen G. , Kjeldsen A.D.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Nasal endoscopy is a cornerstone in diagnosing sinonasal disease, but different raters might generate different results using the technique. Our study aims to evaluate the agreement between multiple raters to assess the validity of nasal endoscopy.

Design/Participants

Three independent and blinded raters evaluated 28 patients (56 nasal cavities) diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis according to the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps. The ratings were compared using unweighted Fleiss’ kappa coefficients (Kf) for each objective parameter.

Setting

The department of Otorhinolaryngology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.

Main outcome measures

The ratings were quantified in a modified Lund‐Kennedy endoscopy score and focused on the objective parameters specified in the diagnostic criteria: polyps, oedema and discharge.

Results

The raters agreed on the findings concerning polyps and discharge but not regarding oedema with the inter‐rater agreement for the different parameters being: polyps Kf=.66 (SE .07, P<.001), oedema Kf=.05 (SE .07, P=.21), discharge Kf=.35 (SE .08, P<.001), oedema exclusively in middle meatus Kf=−.07 (SE .04, P=.8) and discharge exclusively in middle meatus Kf=.16 (SE .07, P=.01).

Conclusion

Using nasal endoscopy, the evaluation of polyps by multiple raters showed sufficient reliability indicating an acceptable objective evaluation. The evaluation of discharge achieved a fair level of agreement while the assessment of oedema could not achieve a sufficient reliability questioning the inclusion of oedema in the criteria for diagnosing sinonasal disease.
Rising House Prices and Ultra‐low Interest Rates: A Recipe for a New Banking Crisis?
Authors: Dombret Andreas R. , Goldbach Roman
Published: June 2017

Are overheating housing markets and rising interest rate risks becoming a breeding ground for yet another banking crisis? We assess these risks for the German case. We find that they are indeed building up and may very well form the basis for a new banking crisis – unless prevented through responsible banking decisions, supervisory guidance, and policy adjustments.
Severe root resorption of the upper central incisors as a consequence of playing the flute
Authors: Seres Laszlo , Vetro Eva , Perenyi Janos , Kocsis Andras
Published: June 2017

This study presents a case of severe root resorption of the maxillary central incisors in an 18‐year‐old woman who was referred for orthodontic treatment of irregular dental arches. A detailed history revealed that she used to play the block flute on an everyday basis during childhood. Against all warnings, she continued to firmly press her teeth into the mouthpiece of the instrument. Impressions of the upper central incisors were clearly visible on the instrument. Although it is well known that excessive occlusal forces can result in root resorption, to the authors’ knowledge, this case involves one of the first reported occurrences of extensive root resorption that was most likely caused by playing a wind instrument during childhood.
Phytophthora pseudosyringae associated with the mortality of Nothofagus obliqua in a pure stand in central‐southern Chile
Authors: Fajardo S. N. , Valenzuela S. , Dos Santos A. F. , González M. P. , Sanfuentes E. A.
Published: June 2017

Mortality of Nothofagus trees in the southern‐central Chile region has been observed for over 30 years. A field survey conducted in 2013 detected partial defoliation and bleeding cankers on Nothofagus obliqua in a pure stand in the Nahuelbuta coastal ranges of the Biobío region. A Phytophthora sp. was isolated from stem cankers and soil samples around symptomatic N. obliqua trees: All isolates were identified as Phytophthora pseudosyringae. These isolates were pathogenic on 1‐year‐old N. obliqua and Nothofagus alpina, and on detached twigs of adult N. obliqua and Nothofagus dombeyi trees. This paper is the first to report association and pathogenicity of P. pseudosyringae with N. obliqua, N. alpina and N. dombeyi native to the Biobío region of Chile. The potential of P. pseudosyringae to cause damage in natural Nothofagus stands in Chile must be determined.
First record of tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Esenali Uulu T. , Ulusoy M. R. , Çalışkan A. F.
Published: June 2017

This short note reports the first record of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Kyrgyzstan. This pest was found in February 2017 in greenhouses producing tomatoes, located 15 km from Bishkek. Identification of the pest was carried out in the Plant Protection Department, Çukurova University, Turkey based on the morphology of adults and larvae and the male genitalia. According to initial surveys this pest could be a major threat to tomato production in Kyrgyzstan.
Income uncertainty and the decision to invest in bulk shipping
Authors: Kyriakou Ioannis , Pouliasis Panos K. , Papapostolou Nikos C. , Nomikos Nikos K.
Published: June 2017

We develop a coherent framework for the valuation of real assets and determination of the optimal time to invest. To this end, we model the stochastic nature of income and develop methodologies for valuing traded derivatives to facilitate model calibration. A valuation paradigm for freight‐linked assets is then presented and, using a real option approach, we demonstrate its usefulness in investment appraisal and optimal timing of entry in the shipping industry. We find that long‐run freight rate and volatility have an impact on the decision timing and value of the investment that diminishes with increasing vessel age. As time to build declines, the value of the option to wait increases implying a high opportunity cost embedded in the investment decision due to construction lags.
Electrical conductivity of silicon carbonitride‐reduced graphene oxide composites
Authors: Yu Yuxi , Xia Fansen , Huang Qifan , Fang Jiyu , An Linan
Published: June 2017

Silicon carbonitride ceramics–reduced graphene oxide (SiCN–rGO) composites are synthesized using polyvinylsilazne (PVSZ) and GO as precursors and N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solvent. We find that the electrical conductivity of SiCN–rGO composites exhibits nonmonotonic changes as a function of GO concentrations, in which the conductivity increases by six orders of magnitude from 7.41E‐09 (Ω/cm)−1 to 4.35E‐03 (Ω/cm)−1 after the integration of 0.2 wt% GO, followed by three orders of magnitude drop to 3.34E‐06 (Ω/cm)−1 when 0.3 wt% GO is integrated. Based on the energy‐dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy analysis, we conclude that the conductive behavior of SiCN–rGO composites is controlled by both the concentration and the distribution of “free‐carbon” in the composites.
Secukinumab demonstrates greater sustained improvements in daily activities and personal relationships than ustekinumab in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: 52‐week results from the CLEAR study
Authors: Blauvelt A. , Reich K. , Mehlis S. , Vanaclocha F. , Sofen H. , Abramovits W. , Zhao Y. , Gilloteau I. , Davenport E. , Williams N. , Guana A. , Tyring S.
Published: June 2017

Background

Psoriasis can greatly impact patients’ lives by influencing clothing worn as well as by impairing sexual functioning. Secukinumab, a human monoclonal antibody selectively neutralizing interleukin‐17A, has demonstrated good efficacy and safety in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with a rapid onset of action and sustained response.

Objective

This analysis using the CLEAR study, a phase 3b double‐blind study comparing the efficacy and safety of secukinumab vs. ustekinumab in adults with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, evaluated the treatment effects on patient's daily activities and personal relationships.

Methods

Impact on daily activities (interference with home/shopping/garden, and influence on clothes worn) and impact on personal relationships (problems with partner/others, and sexual difficulties) as well as their corresponding subscales were selected from the Dermatology Life Quality Index scale and evaluated for patients treated with secukinumab vs. ustekinumab from the CLEAR study. Treatment differences in mean scores and proportions of responders (score = 0, indicating no impact) were evaluated through 52 weeks. Time to response was evaluated through Week 16.

Results

Significant differences between secukinumab and ustekinumab were observed for daily activities and personal relationships at Week 16 and sustained through Week 52 (Week 52 response rates for daily activities: 82.9% vs. 73.5%, including interference with home/shopping/garden: 88.5% vs. 78.2%, and influence on clothes worn: 85.6% vs. 74.4%; personal relationships: 86.1% vs. 73.7%, including problems with partner/others: 86.6% vs. 74.8%, and sexual difficulties: 88.5% vs. 74.3%; all P < 0.01). The median time to response was 4 weeks for secukinumab vs. 8 weeks for ustekinumab for daily activities and personal relationships (both P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Secukinumab treatment helps patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis have a more normal life faster when compared to ustekinumab, by providing greater and sustained improvement in clothing choice and sexual functioning.
Automatic system for grading banana using GLCM texture feature extraction and neural network arbitrations
Authors: Olaniyi Ebenezer O. , Adekunle Adefemi A. , Odekuoye Temitope , Khashman Adnan
Published: June 2017

Nowadays, an identification system is needed in the food processing industries to boost the efficiency of production so as to meet up with demand in the society. Manual approach is often used in product grading and quality control, and this unfortunately could lead to uneven products, higher time expense, and fatigue by the human operators. Therefore, we propose in this article, an automatic system for classification of banana whether it is healthy for production or not. Such a system is faster, accurate and also relieves the stress that an operator may have. Our system uses GLCM texture feature analysis to extract the features required for training and testing three classification models; namely, radial basis function (RBF), support vector machine (SVM), and backpropagation neural network (ANN). A classification performance comparison is drawn between the different classification models, and the obtained experimental results indicate that such intelligent grading systems may be efficiently used in real life applications for similar tasks in food processing industries.

Practical applications

The Automatic system is highly needed in food processing industries to meet up with the production of food products required in the societies. Healthy food products are needed in the society and this can be achieved by implementing a system that will enhance in the sorting or grading of the raw materials (such as banana) used in food processing industries. This system is accurate, economical, and faster in achieving the best product. Such a system will make the product be readily available in the market i.e. meeting the need of the people.
India's E‐Waste Rules and Their Impact on E‐Waste Management Practices: A Case Study
Authors: Bhaskar Kalyan , Turaga Rama Mohana Rao
Published: June 2017

India, like many other developed and developing countries, has adopted an extended producer responsibility (EPR) approach for electronic waste (e‐waste) management under its E‐waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011. Under these rules, producers have been made responsible for setting up collection centers of e‐waste and financing and organizing a system for environmentally sound management of e‐waste. In this article, we use the implementation of these rules in Ahmedabad in western India as a case study to conduct a critical analysis of the implementation of India's Rules. Interviews of main stakeholder groups, including a sample of regulated commercial establishments, regulatory agencies enforcing the Rules, informal actors involved in waste collection and handling, as well as publicly available information on the implementation constitute data for our case study. Our results indicate that while there has been an increase in the formal waste processing capacity after the implementation of the Rules, only 5% to 15% of the total waste generated is likely channeled through formal processing facilities. While the EPR regulation forced the producers to take action on a few relatively inexpensive aspects of the Rules, the collection and recycling system has not been made convenient for the consumers to deposit e‐waste in formal collection and recycling centers. Based on our findings, we argue that Indian EPR regulation should go beyond simple take‐back mandates and consider implementing other policy instruments such as a deposit‐refund system. An important implication for developing countries is the need for careful attention to instrument choice and design within EPR regulations.
Breakfast meals and emotions: Implicit and explicit assessment of the visual experience
Authors: Walsh Alexandra M. , Duncan Susan E. , Bell Martha Ann , O'Keefe Sean F. , Gallagher Daniel L.
Published: June 2017

Understanding implicit (unconscious) emotions and motivational behavior tendencies may provide further information for better understanding consumer response to food. Videos (n = 8) of breakfast meals were presented to participants (n = 40) with concurrent measurement of motor expression (automated facial expression analysis; AFEA), neurologic activity (electroencephalography; EEG), and physiologic activity (electrocardiography; ECG) as indicators of implicit responses. Explicit responses (overall acceptability, check‐all‐that‐apply emotion term list) were assessed following each video presentation. The withdrawal emotion, disgust, was significantly chosen more for videos less liked, while approach emotions, good and happy were significantly chosen for videos liked more (p < .05). Acceptability was significantly different (p < .05) across meal types. Differences were observed in AFEA between a control (calming, positive beach scene video) and the breakfast meal videos. ECG and EEG supported explicit responses. Using only visual stimuli, implicit and explicit responses differed in response to breakfast meals, enhancing understanding of emotional and behavior tendencies to foods. Challenges with assessing implicit emotional responses necessitates further research in defining appropriate controls, standard methodologies and data interpretation procedures.

Practical applications

In this study, we illustrated that the visual sense alone is sufficient to influence differences among acceptable food products and influence motivational behavior tendencies. Interpretation of “liked” foods using facial expression, as an indication of emotion, brain (frontal lobe) activity, as an indication of motivational behavioral tendencies, and heart rate, as an indication of arousal, is advanced through this study. This information can be applied in recognizing the input of visual information in creating an approach or withdrawal connection to a food, meal or non‐food consumable product. Appearance, such as influenced by packaging and lighting in retail supermarkets and presentation of meals in foodservice operations, may influence underlying emotions that ultimately influence product success. This research is of value to food product developers, sensory scientists, marketing professionals, food retailers, and foodservice operations. This information also may be applied to non‐food consumer products.
Evaluation ofMollicutesMicroorganisms in Respiratory Disease of Cattle and Their Relationship to Clinical Signs
Authors: Tortorelli G. , Carrillo Gaeta N. , Mendonça Ribeiro B.L. , Miranda Marques L. , Timenetsky J. , Gregory L.
Published: June 2017

Background

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is an important problem in cattle production that is responsible for economic losses in dairy herds.Mycoplasmaspp. are described as an important etiological agent ofBRD.

Hypothesis

To evaluate the occurrence of the most important mycoplasmas in the lower respiratory tract of healthy andBRDcattle in relationship to clinical signs ofBRD.

Animals

Sixty young dairy cattle were classified as healthy (n = 32) or cattle showing clinical signs ofBRD(n = 28).

Methods

Tracheal lavage samples were collected and added to tubes containing Hayflick media.Mycoplasmaspp. were identified by the presence of “fried egg” like colonies, biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Occurrence ofMollicutes, M. bovis, M. mycoidessubsp.mycoidesSCandM. disparwas evaluated. The association between clinical signs ofBRDand the presence ofMycoplasmaspp. also was evaluated.

Results

Colonies were obtained from a 1‐year‐oldBRDcalf only. However, species identification was not possible.Mollicutes(P= .035) andM. dispar(P= .036) were more common inBRDcattle. The relationship betweenMollicutesand crackle (P= .057) was not significant.M. disparwas associated to tachypnea (P= .045) and mixed dyspnea (P= .003). Relationships to heart rate (P= .062) and crackle (P= .062) were not significant.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The results confirmed the importance of mycoplasma as an etiologic agent ofBRDand suggestedM. disparas part of the respiratory microbiota and its possible role in the development ofBRD.
The Effect of Temporary Agency Workers on Wage of Permanent Employees: Evidence From Linked Employer‐Employee Data
Authors: Ordine Patrizia , Rose Giuseppe , Vella Gessica
Published: June 2017

The effect of flexibility at‐the‐margin on wage of permanent employees is evaluated using Italian Linked Employer‐Employee Data for the period 1991–2004. Temporary Agency Workers (TAW) introduced in Italy in 1997 in some specific industries represents a form of flexible job providing a quasi‐experimental setup that can be used to obtain identification by applying difference‐in‐differences. Concerns related to confounding trends are addressed through several robustness and falsification tests. Norms introducing TAW in all sectors in 2000 are also exploited. Results show an increase in permanent employees’ wage in industries involved in the reform. This evidence is consistent with insider‐outsider theories wherein — in a dual labor market — a rise in the share of unprotected employees may spill over upon insiders’ wage.
Large oesophageal varice screening by a sequential algorithm using a cirrhosis blood test and optionally capsule endoscopy
Authors: Calès Paul , Sacher‐Huvelin Sylvie , Valla Dominique , Bureau Christophe , Olivier Anne , Oberti Frédéric , Boursier Jérôme , Galmiche Jean Paul ,   multicenter group VO‐VCO
Published: June 2017

Background & Aims

Large oesophageal varice (LEV) screening is recommended in cirrhosis. We performed a prospective study to improve non‐invasive LEV screening.

Design

287 patients with cirrhosis had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (LEV reference), oesophageal capsule endoscopy (ECE), liver elastography and blood marker analyses. CirrhoMeter (cirrhosis blood test), the most accurate non‐invasive LEV test, was segmented for cirrhosis (reference comparator) or LEV. VariScreen, a sequential and partially minimally invasive diagnostic algorithm, was developed by multivariate analysis. It uses CirrhoMeter first, then ECE if CirrhoMeter cannot rule LEV out or in, and finally endoscopy if CirrhoMeter+ECE combination remains uninformative.

Results

Diagnostic effectiveness rates for LEV were: cirrhosis‐segmented CirrhoMeter: 14.6%, LEV‐segmented CirrhoMeter: 34.6%, ECE: 60.6% and VariScreen: 66.4% (P ≤ .001 for overall or pair comparison). The respective missed LEV rates were: 2.8%, 5.6%, 8.3% and 5.6% (P = .789). Spared endoscopy rates were, respectively: 15.6%, 36.0%, 70.6% and 69%, (P < .001 for overall or paired comparison except ECE vs VariScreen: P = .743). VariScreen spared 38% of ECE and reduced missed LEV by 87% compared to classical ECE performed in all patients. Excepting cirrhosis‐segmented CirrhoMeter, these spared endoscopy rates were significantly higher than that of the Baveno VI recommendation (using platelets and Fibroscan): 18.4% (P < .001). Ascites and Child‐Pugh class independently predicted endoscopy sparing by VariScreen: from 86.0% in compensated Child Pugh class A to 24.1% in Child‐Pugh class C with ascites.

Conclusion

VariScreen algorithm significantly reduced the missed LEV rate with ECE by 87%, ECE use by 38% and endoscopy requirement by 69%, and even 86% in compensated cirrhosis.
Functional characterization of two half‐size ABC transporter genes in aluminium‐accumulating buckwheat
Authors: Lei Gui Jie , Yokosho Kengo , Yamaji Naoki , Fujii‐Kashino Miho , Ma Jian Feng
Published: June 2017

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is able to detoxify high aluminium (Al) internally by sequestering it to the vacuoles in the leaves; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this sequestration are unknown.

We performed proteomic analysis with the leaf tonoplast‐rich fraction and identified two half‐size ABC transporters; FeASL1.1 and FeALS1.2. We investigated the gene expression patterns and subcellular localization. To demonstrate their physiological role, we expressed FeALS1.1 or FeALS1.2 in the Arabidopsis atals1 mutant under the control of AtALS1 promoter.

FeALS1.1 expression was upregulated by Al in both the leaves and the roots, and its expression level in the roots was six times higher than its homologous gene (AtALS1) of Arabidopsis. FeALS1.2 expression, however, was not affected by Al but showed a 39 times higher expression level than AtALS1 in the leaves. When FeALS1.1 or FeALS1.2 was expressed in atals1, both of them recovered their Al tolerance through altering the subcellular localization of Al in root cells.

Taken together, our results indicate that FeALS1.1 and FeALS1.2 are involved in the internal detoxification of Al in the roots and leaves, respectively, by sequestering Al into the vacuoles. Their high expression is probably required for high Al tolerance in buckwheat.
Legacy effects of drought on plant–soil feedbacks and plant–plant interactions
Authors: Kaisermann Aurore , de Vries Franciska T. , Griffiths Robert I. , Bardgett Richard D.
Published: June 2017

Interactions between aboveground and belowground biota have the potential to modify ecosystem responses to climate change, yet little is known about how drought influences plant–soil feedbacks with respect to microbial mediation of plant community dynamics.

We tested the hypothesis that drought modifies plant–soil feedback with consequences for plant competition. We measured net pairwise plant–soil feedbacks for two grassland plant species grown in monoculture and competition in soils that had or had not been subjected to a previous drought; these were then exposed to a subsequent drought. To investigate the mechanisms involved, we assessed treatment responses of soil microbial communities and nutrient availability.

We found that previous drought had a legacy effect on bacterial and fungal community composition that decreased plant growth in conspecific soils and had knock‐on effects for plant competitive interactions. Moreover, plant and microbial responses to subsequent drought were dependent on a legacy effect of the previous drought on plant–soil interactions.

We show that drought has lasting effects on belowground communities with consequences for plant–soil feedbacks and plant–plant interactions. This suggests that drought, which is predicted to increase in frequency with climate change, may change soil functioning and plant community composition via the modification of plant–soil feedbacks.
A method to assess the protective efficacy of sunscreens against visible light‐induced pigmentation
Authors: Duteil Luc , Esdaile Jane , Maubert Yves , Cathelineau Anne‐Claire , Bouloc Anne , Queille‐Roussel Catherine , Passeron Thierry
Published: June 2017

Background

Until now, photoprotection of human skin has involved the development of sunscreens effective in the ultraviolet (UV) domain. During the last ten years, several studies have shown that besides the well‐known damaging effects of UV, visible (400‐700 nm) and even infrared light (> 700 nm) can induce damage which contributes to photoaging. Furthermore, many photodermatoses are also known to be triggered by visible light (VL).

Objective/Method

An in vivo method is proposed to assess the protective efficacy of sunscreens in the VL domain. This method is based on the intensity of pigmentation induced by four repeated daily doses of VL, each equivalent to about one hour of midday sun. Exposures are performed using a solar simulator (xenon lamp) equipped with appropriate filters, and pigmentation is measured both clinically and by chromametry. Three commercially available sunscreens designed to protect in the visible range were evaluated.

Results

The results indicate that the VL‐induced pigmentation was already significantly detectable visually and by chromametry 24 hours after the first exposure on the unprotected zone. Two products with moderate protective activity could be differentiated from the untreated zone from Day 3 to Day 5 and were also significantly less effective than a third tested product within the same study period.

Conclusion

The method is simple, based on a clinical end point of VL‐induced skin pigmentation, and can be performed within a 5‐day period. It allows discrimination between products of different protective capacities. VL protection factor is also discussed.
Swiss Politicians' Ties: A Comprehensive Dataset
Authors: Péclat Martin , Puddu Stefano
Published: June 2017

Focusing on the of 49th Swiss legislature, we build a dataset about the politicians' links with lobbying groups. We approximate political ties considering three dimensions: (1) politicians' mandates in legal entities; (2) their professions, and (3) the enterprises, associations and other organizations related to the recipients of access rights provided by politicians. This research note proposes an objective and integrated way to classify the links coming from different sources by using codes of the General Classification of Economic Activities (NOGA2008). We find that the three dimensions used to approximate politicians' links are complementary, each of them containing additional information. Our results also show that politicians' interests distribution across economic categories depends on political group, gender and geographical origin.
WIDE AND THICK GRAIN 1, which encodes an otubain‐like protease with deubiquitination activity, influences grain size and shape in rice
Authors: Huang Ke , Wang Dekai , Duan Penggen , Zhang Baolan , Xu Ran , Li Na , Li Yunhai
Published: June 2017

Grain size and shape are two crucial traits that influence grain yield and grain appearance in rice. Although several factors that affect grain size have been described in rice, the molecular mechanisms underlying the determination of grain size and shape are still elusive. In this study we report that WIDE AND THICK GRAIN 1 (WTG1) functions as an important factor determining grain size and shape in rice. The wtg1‐1 mutant exhibits wide, thick, short and heavy grains and also shows an increased number of grains per panicle. WTG1 determines grain size and shape mainly by influencing cell expansion. WTG1 encodes an otubain‐like protease, which shares similarity with human OTUB1. Biochemical analyses indicate that WTG1 is a functional deubiquitinating enzyme, and the mutant protein (wtg1‐1) loses this deubiquitinating activity. WTG1 is expressed in developing grains and panicles, and the GFP–WTG1 fusion protein is present in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Overexpression of WTG1 results in narrow, thin, long grains due to narrow and long cells, further supporting the role of WTG1 in determining grain size and shape. Thus, our findings identify the otubain‐like protease WTG1 to be an important factor that determines grain size and shape, suggesting that WTG1 has the potential to improve grain size and shape in rice.
The estimation of bioavailable phosphorus in particulate forms by ultrasonic treatment
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Minh , Yokota Kuriko , James Mbabazi , Inoue Takanobu
Published: June 2017

The concentration of bioavailable phosphorus (BAP), which is readily available to algae, has been reported to be important to the severity of eutrophication. Because time‐consuming conventional methods have constrained sample processing, a rapid method of estimating BAP is required. We investigated an extraction method using 0.1 M NaOH in combination with ultrasonic treatment to estimate BAP in agricultural soils and suspended sediments. The extraction process was less time‐consuming than conventional methods. The relevance of the extraction methodology to the growth of P‐starved Microcystis aeruginosa was confirmed by observing the growth of this alga in cultures amended with extracted samples of soil or sediment as the sole P source. Cell growth in media containing samples extracted with ultrasonic treatment was similar to growth in media containing samples extracted with conventional methods. The results suggest that ultrasonic extraction is a promising method for rapidly obtaining BAP from agricultural soils and suspended sediments.
EEA1 restores homeostatic synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons from Rett syndrome mice
Authors: Xu Xin , Pozzo‐Miller Lucas
Published: June 2017

Key points

Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in MECP2, the gene encoding the transcriptional regulator methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Mecp2 deletion in mice results in an imbalance of excitation and inhibition in hippocampal neurons, which affects ‘Hebbian’ synaptic plasticity.

We show that Mecp2‐deficient neurons also lack homeostatic synaptic plasticity, likely due to reduced levels of EEA1, a protein involved in AMPA receptor endocytosis.

Expression of EEA1 restored homeostatic synaptic plasticity in Mecp2‐deficient neurons, providing novel targets of intervention in Rett syndrome.

Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in MECP2, the gene encoding the transcriptional regulator methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Deletion of Mecp2 in mice results in an imbalance of synaptic excitation and inhibition in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, which affects ‘Hebbian’ long‐term synaptic plasticity. Since the excitatory–inhibitory balance is maintained by homeostatic mechanisms, we examined the role of MeCP2 in homeostatic synaptic plasticity (HSP) at excitatory synapses. Negative feedback HSP, also known as synaptic scaling, maintains the global synaptic strength of individual neurons in response to sustained alterations in neuronal activity. Hippocampal neurons from Mecp2 knockout (KO) mice do not show the characteristic homeostatic scaling up of the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) and of synaptic levels of the GluA1 subunit of AMPA‐type glutamate receptors after 48 h silencing with the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin. This deficit in HSP is bidirectional because Mecp2 KO neurons also failed to scale down mEPSC amplitudes and GluA1 synaptic levels after 48 h blockade of type A GABA receptor (GABAAR)‐mediated inhibition with bicuculline. Consistent with the role of synaptic trafficking of AMPA‐type of glutamate receptors in HSP, Mecp2 KO neurons have lower levels of early endosome antigen 1 (EEA1), a protein involved in AMPA‐type glutamate receptor endocytosis. In addition, expression of EEA1 in Mecp2 KO neurons reduced mEPSC amplitudes to wild‐type levels, and restored synaptic scaling down of mEPSC amplitudes after 48 h blockade of GABAAR‐mediated inhibition with bicuculline. The identification of a molecular deficit in HSP in Mecp2 KO neurons provides potentially novel targets of intervention for improving hippocampal function in Rett syndrome individuals.
Acoustic characteristics of Punjabi retroflex and dental stops
Authors: Hussain Qandeel , Proctor Michael , Harvey Mark , Demuth Katherine
Published: June 2017

The phonological category “retroflex” is found in many Indo-Aryan languages; however, it has not been clearly established which acoustic characteristics reliably differentiate retroflexes from other coronals. This study investigates the acoustic phonetic properties of Punjabi retroflex /ʈ/ and dental /ʈ̪/ in word-medial and word-initial contexts across /i e a o u/, and in word-final context across /i a u/. Formant transitions, closure and release durations, and spectral moments of release bursts are compared in 2280 stop tokens produced by 30 speakers. Although burst spectral measures and formant transitions do not consistently differentiate retroflexes from dentals in some vowel contexts, stop release duration, and total stop duration reliably differentiate Punjabi retroflex and dental stops across all word contexts and vocalic environments. These results suggest that Punjabi coronal place contrasts are signaled by the complex interaction of temporal and spectral cues.
Multipole expansion of acoustical Bessel beams with arbitrary order and location
Authors: Gong Zhixiong , Marston Philip L. , Li Wei , Chai Yingbin
Published: June 2017

An exact solution of expansion coefficients for a T-matrix method interacting with acoustic scattering of arbitrary order Bessel beams from an obstacle of arbitrary location is derived analytically. Because of the failure of the addition theorem for spherical harmonics for expansion coefficients of helicoidal Bessel beams, an addition theorem for cylindrical Bessel functions is introduced. Meanwhile, an analytical expression for the integral of products including Bessel and associated Legendre functions is applied to eliminate the integration over the polar angle. Note that this multipole expansion may also benefit other scattering methods and expansions of incident waves, for instance, partial-wave series solutions.
Whole-Genome Sequence of High Salt and Heavy Metal-Tolerant Bacillus stratosphericus Strain 5Co, Isolated from Lichen
Usnea florida
in Central Florida, United States
Authors: Lata Pushpa , Govindarajan Subramaniam S. , Qi Feng , Li Jian-Liang , Maurya Santosh K. , Sahoo Malaya K.
Published: June 2017

Bacillus stratosphericus
strain 5Co was isolated from lichen
Usnea florida
in central Florida, United States. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of this strain, which consists of 159 contigs spanning 3,628,496 bp, with a G+C content of 41.3% and comprises 3,729 predicted coding sequences.
Genome Sequence of Leuconostoc citreum DmW_111, Isolated from Wild
Drosophila
Authors: Wright Sage M. , Carroll Courtney , Walters Amber , Newell Peter D. , Chaston John M.
Published: June 2017

Isolates of the lactic acid bacterium
Leuconostoc citreum
are a major part of fermentation processes, especially in Korean kimchi. Here, we present the genome of
L. citreum
DmW_111, isolated from wild
Drosophila melanogaster
; analysis of this genome will expand the diversity of genome sequences for non-
Lactobacillus
spp. isolated from
D. melanogaster
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Geobacter pelophilus Strain Dfr2, a Ferric Iron–Reducing Bacterium
Authors: Aoyagi Tomo , Koike Hideaki , Morita Tomotake , Sato Yuya , Habe Hiroshi , Hori Tomoyuki
Published: June 2017

Here, we report a draft genome sequence of
Geobacter pelophilus
strain Dfr2, a ferric iron–reducing bacterium. This genome information will further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying electron transfer from microorganisms to ferric iron oxides.
Full-Genome Sequence of Listeria monocytogenes Strain H34, Isolated from a Newborn with Sepsis in Uruguay
Authors: Muchaamba Francis , Guldimann Claudia , Tasara Taurai , Mota María Inés , Braga Valeria , Varela Gustavo , Algorta Gabriela , Klumpp Jochen , Jermini Marco , Stephan Roger
Published: June 2017

The foodborne pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
causes severe disease mainly in the vulnerable populations of the young, old, pregnant, and immunocompromised. Here, we present the genome sequence of
L. monocytogenes
H34, a serotype 1/2b, lineage I, sequence type 489 (ST489) strain, isolated from a neonatal sepsis case in Uruguay.