bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory syncytial virus infection influences tight junction integrity
Authors: Kast J I , McFarlane A J , Głobińska A , Sokolowska M , Wawrzyniak P , Sanak M , Schwarze J , Akdis C A , Wanke K
Published: August 2017

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important risk factor of asthma development and is responsible for severe respiratory tract infections. However, the influence of RSV infection on barrier function of bronchial epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo is still unclear. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of RSV in tight junction (TJ) regulation and to compare epithelial integrity between asthmatic and healthy individuals upon RSV infection. Healthy and asthmatic human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) were differentiated at air–liquid interface (ALI) and infected with RSV and ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated RSV. TJ expression and their integrity were analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), transepithelial resistance (TER) and paracellular flux. To determine the effect in vivo, BALB/c mice were infected intranasally with RSV or UV-irradiated RSV A2. Bronchoalveolar lavage and TJ integrity were analysed on days 1, 2, 4 and 6 post-infection by qPCR, bioplex and confocal microscopy. RSV increased barrier integrity in ALI cultures of HBEC from healthy subjects, but no effect was found in HBECs from asthmatics. This was not associated with an increase in TJ mRNA expression. In vivo, RSV induced lung inflammation in mice and down-regulated claudin-1 and occludin mRNA expression in whole lungs. Surprisingly, RSV infection was not observed in bronchial epithelial cells, but was found in the lung parenchyma. Decreased expression of occludin upon RSV infection was visible in mouse bronchial epithelial cells in confocal microscopy. However, there was no regulation of claudin-1 and claudin-7 at protein level.
Canadian Business Risk Management: Private Firms, Crown Corporations, and Public Institutions
Authors: Ker Alan P. , Barnett Barry , Jacques David , Tolhurst Tor
Published: August 2017

This paper considers the current and possible institutions (programs, policies, participants, etc.) that govern public Business Risk Management (BRM) in Canada. This is an important policy topic for two reasons: BRM spending accounts for the vast majority of public monies funneled to Canadian agricultural producers and the upcoming Canadian Agricultural Partnership includes a mandated BRM review and thus presents an opportunity to change these institutions in meaningful ways. We pay particular attention to the rhetoric surrounding greater involvement of private insurance, the lack of rhetoric regarding the use of crown corporations, and issues of subsidization. We conclude with policy recommendations favoring commodity‐specific revenue versus whole‐farm net margin insurance, a possible reduction in subsidy levels, and a call to reconsider the role of crown corporations. We also make programming recommendations regarding the discontinued use of private reinsurance, a reduction in the level of program reserves, and greater transparency.

Ce document examine les institutions actuelles et potentielles (programmes, politiques, participants, etc.) qui gouvernent la gestion des risques d'entreprises (GRE) au Canada. Deux raisons rendent important ce sujet politique : les dépenses liées á la GRE totalisent la grande majorité des fonds publics accordés aux producteurs agricoles, et le futur cadre politique agricole offre l'occasion de modifier ces institutions de manière significative. Nous portons une attention particulière á la rhétorique entourant l'implication plus soutenue des assurances privées, á l'absence de rhétorique au sujet de l'utilisation de sociétés d'État, et aux enjeux de subvention. Nous concluons avec des recommandations politiques favorisant les assurances de revenus provenant spécifiquement de produits agricoles versus celles de la marge nette de l'exploitation globale, une potentielle réduction des niveaux de subvention, et un appel á tenir compte du rôle des sociétés d'État. Nous proposons aussi des recommandations de programmation concernant l'arrêt de l'utilisation des réassurances privées, une réduction du niveau des programmes de réserve, et une transparence accrue.
Estimated peak functional capacity: an accurate method for assessing change in peak oxygen consumption after cardiac rehabilitation?
Authors: Nichols S. , Gleadall‐Siddall D. O. , Antony R. , Clark A. L. , Cleland J. G. F. , Carroll S. , Ingle L.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the ‘gold standard’ method of determining VO2peak. When CPET is unavailable, VO2peak may be estimated from treadmill or cycle ergometer workloads and expressed as estimated metabolic equivalents (METs). Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programmes use estimated VO2peak (METs) to report changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). However, the accuracy of determining changes in VO2peak based on estimated functional capacity is not known.

Methods

A total of 27 patients with coronary heart disease (88·9% male; age 59·5 ± 10·0 years, body mass index 29·6 ± 3·8 kg m−2) performed maximal CPET before and after an exercise‐based CR intervention. VO2peak was directly determined using ventilatory gas exchange data and was also estimated using the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) leg cycling equation. Agreement between changes in directly determined VO2peak and estimated VO2peak was evaluated using Bland–Altman limits of agreement (LoA) and intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results

Directly determined VO2peak did not increase following CR (0·5 ml kg−1 min−1 (2·7%); P = 0·332). Estimated VO2peak increased significantly (0·4 METs; 1·4 ml kg−1 min−1; 6·7%; P = 0·006). The mean bias for estimated VO2peak versus directly determined VO2peak was 0·7 ml kg−1 min−1 (LoA −4·7 to 5·9 ml kg−1 min−1). Aerobic efficiency (ΔVO2/ΔWR slope) was significantly associated with estimated VO2peak measurement error.

Conclusion

Change in estimated VO2peak derived from the ACSM leg cycling equation is not an accurate surrogate for directly determined changes in VO2peak. Our findings show poor agreement between estimates of VO2peak and directly determined VO2peak. Applying estimates of VO2peak to determine CRF change may over‐estimate the efficacy of CR and lead to a different interpretation of study findings.
Predictive model and risk factors associated with a revised definition of early allograft dysfunction in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Nicolau‐Raducu Ramona , Cohen Ari J. , Bokhari Amjad , Bohorquez Humberto , Bruce David , Carmody Ian , Bugeaud Emily , Seal John , Sonnier Dennis , Nossaman Bobby , Loss George
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) is a well‐defined clinical syndrome that reflects overall graft function within the first week after transplant. The aim of this study was to further refine the definition for EAD.

Method

In this study, 1124 patients were included for analysis. Logistic regression was performed to identify markers of liver injury associated with 6‐month patient and graft failure.

Results

Recursive partitioning identified cut‐points for ALT/AST > 3000/6000 IU/dL observed within first week, with bilirubin ≥ 10 mg/dL and INR ≥ 1.6 on postoperative day 7 for the revised EAD model. The incidence of updated EAD was 15% (164/1124). Multivariable analysis identified eight risk factors associated with EAD: % macrosteatosis, donor location, donor weight, nonheart beating donors, type of organ transplanted, recipient‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma, severity of postreperfusion syndrome, and the amount of transfused fresh frozen plasma. In the presence of EAD, the incidence of post‐transplant renal replacement therapy and dialysis dependence increases. There was a significant association of the presence of EAD with 6‐month mortality (12% vs 3%) and 6‐month graft failure (8% vs 1%).

Conclusion

Higher AST/ALT level needed as cutoff in comparison with the old EAD definition.
Selective social learning in infancy: looking for mechanisms
Authors: Crivello Cristina , Phillips Sara , Poulin‐Dubois Diane
Published: August 2017

Although there is mounting evidence that selective social learning begins in infancy, the psychological mechanisms underlying this ability are currently a controversial issue. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether theory of mind abilities and statistical learning skills are related to infants’ selective social learning. Seventy‐seven 18‐month‐olds were first exposed to a reliable or an unreliable speaker and then completed a word learning task, two theory of mind tasks, and a statistical learning task. If domain‐general abilities are linked to selective social learning, then infants who demonstrate superior performance on the statistical learning task should perform better on the selective learning task, that is, should be less likely to learn words from an unreliable speaker. Alternatively, if domain‐specific abilities are involved, then superior performance on theory of mind tasks should be related to selective learning performance. Findings revealed that, as expected, infants were more likely to learn a novel word from a reliable speaker. Importantly, infants who passed a theory of mind task assessing knowledge attribution were significantly less likely to learn a novel word from an unreliable speaker compared to infants who failed this task. No such effect was observed for the other tasks. These results suggest that infants who possess superior social‐cognitive abilities are more apt to reject an unreliable speaker as informant. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/zuuCniHYzqo
Participatory shaping of community futures in e‐waste processing hubs: Complexity, conflict and stewarded convergence in a Palestinian context
Authors: Davis John‐Michael , Garb Yaakov
Published: August 2017

This article describes an unconventional participatory development approach carried out in an informal e‐waste hub in South‐West Hebron, an area that has collected and processed the bulk of Israeli e‐waste for over a decade. Our approach contributes to the critique and recovery of community representation in participatory development and the search for ways to facilitate representative community engagement. Specifically, we describe our use of a novel Delphi‐like method that allowed us to facilitate a broadly endorsed development trajectory within a heterogeneous and conflicted community. We show how the results yielded by this approach diverged from those that were likely to emerge from more facile forms of participation in ways that are important for other similar e‐waste hubs internationally, which face a destructive status quo on the one hand, or the economically ruinous international policies that ban e‐waste trade from “developed” to “developing” countries on the other. Despite real tensions and cleavages within the affected communities, the process described facilitated a shift from deadlocked environmental versus livelihood positions towards building capacity and regulating existing informal e‐waste trades to preserve livelihoods dependent on these.
The Competitive Effects of Credit Constraints in the Global Economy
Authors: Egger Peter , Kunert Sebastian , Seidel Tobias
Published: August 2017

As credit constraints exclude some firms from external finance and thus from market entry, they affect prices and markups by altering the degree of competition. Lower credit constraints allow less productive firms to enter with the following consequences. On the one hand, more competition tends to reduce average prices, but on the other hand, less productive firms charge above‐average prices. The overall effect is thus ambiguous. We therefore formulate and structurally estimate a quantitative multi‐country version of the model to gauge the direction and magnitude of the effects of credit constraints in a model with variable firm‐specific markups over marginal costs. In a sample of 11 European countries’ manufacturing sectors between 2000 and 2005, we find that an abolishment of credit constraints reduces markups by about 6.1% on average, while average prices are predicted to increase by 1.6%. The latter indicates that the effect of credit constraints on productivity dominates the one on competition.
The Doppler paradox
Authors: Ntalas Ioannis , Karády Júlia , Kapetanakis Stam , Rajani Ronak
Published: August 2017

Obstructive prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) is a rare but severe complication that usually occurs in the presence of suboptimal anticoagulation. Although fluoroscopy is commonly used to detect abnormal leaflet motion as a surrogate marker for PVT, its inability to directly visualize adjacent tissue and valve physiology leaves it susceptible to miss clinically important PVT. In this manuscript, we report the case of a 54‐year‐old woman with a mechanical mitral valve who was admitted to our institute with exertional dyspnea. Although valve fluoroscopy was normal, subsequent 3D echocardiography and ECG‐gated multiphase computed tomography confirmed the presence of PVT that was subsequently treated successfully with surgical replacement. Our case demonstrates the utility of multimodality imaging in establishing PVT in patients with abnormal prosthetic valve physiology and progressive symptoms.
Molecular ecology of insect pests of agricultural importance: the case of aphids
Authors: MORALES‐HOJAS RAMIRO
Published: August 2017

1. Ongoing environmental change is predicted to have a strong impact on biodiversity. Studies have already noted a range shift in many species as they track their favoured environments. A key challenge entomologists are facing is to understand how insect pest species are responding to this rapid environmental change, and molecular ecology has a central role to play in this task. In the present paper, I argue that molecular ecology has much relevance in relation to the monitoring of insect pests of agricultural importance, with a focus on aphids.

2. First, I examine how the combination of phylogeography and species distribution modelling can be a powerful approach to understanding species responses to climate change and to forecasting future distributions. Despite such a joint approach being increasingly used to understand these questions (e.g. in conservation biology), there are still very few studies that concern pest species of agricultural importance.

3. I then discuss how the use of samples from natural history collections represent an opportunity to directly observe the evolution of species, enhancing our knowledge of the evolutionary processes occurring at ecological time scales. I introduce the Rothamsted Insect Survey (RIS) sample archive and the central role it plays in the studies of pest species of agricultural importance.

4. Lastly, I assess how the advances in DNA sequencing technologies have allowed us to investigate genetic variation at the genome‐wide level. Thus, they provide us with the opportunity of studying a variety of questions about the dynamics of pest insects that were previously impossible as well as unmanageable.
Social network confidants, duration of untreated psychosis and cannabis use in people with first episode psychosis: An exploratory study
Authors: Carrà Giuseppe , Battaglia Claudia , Hinton Mark , Sheridan Rains Luke , Crocamo Cristina , Johnson Sonia
Published: August 2017

Aim

Reduced social network (SN) might be associated with a longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in people with first episode psychosis (FEP). We aimed at exploring the specific role of SN confidants on DUP, taking into account cannabis misuse, which is known to influence DUP and might be associated with social functioning.

Methods

People with FEP recently referred to an inner London Early Intervention Service were assessed with standardized instruments exploring SN characteristics, DUP and cannabis misuse.

Results

Taking into account cannabis misuse, we found an association between confidants and DUP (P = 0.020), with the higher the number of confidants, the shorter the DUP.

Conclusions

Confidants may provide access to, and perceptions of, social support and this may increase early engagement for people with FEP, reducing DUP and possibly improving outcomes. Future research should identify correlates of small networks of confidants, which could inform early detection community initiatives.
Gender equality in academic research on epilepsy—a study on scientific authorships
Authors: Bendels Michael H. K. , Wanke Eileen , Schöffel Norman , Bauer Jan , Quarcoo David , Groneberg David A.
Published: August 2017

Objective

The study aims to elucidate the state of gender equality in epilepsy research, analyzing the representation of female authorships from 2008 to 2016.

Methods

Gendermetrics aided in analyzing 106,282 authorships from 22,180 epilepsy‐related original research articles. The key methodology was the combined analysis of the relative frequency and the odds ratio of female authorships. The Prestige Index measures the distribution of prestigious authorships between the two genders.

Results

The following were held by women: 39.6% of all authorships and 44.1% of the first, 41.0% of the co‐, and 29.0% of the last authorships. Female authors have an odds ratio of 1.25 (95% CI 1.21–1.29) for first, 1.17 (CI 1.14–1.20) for co‐, and 0.57 (CI 0.55–0.59) for last authorships. The female authorship ratios showed substantial growth in recent years, with an annual growth rate of 1.7% overall, with 2.4% for first, 1.4% for co‐, and 1.9% for last authorships. Women publish fewer articles compared to men (43.8% female authors hold 39.6% of the authorships). Women are also less likely to secure prestigious authorships in articles with many authors that attract the highest citation rates. Multi‐author articles with male key authors are cited slightly more frequently than articles with female key authors. Distinct differences at the country level were revealed. The prognosis for the next decade forecasts significantly increasing female odds for first authorships and only slightly higher female odds for last authorships. A female authorship ratio of 49.2% is predicted for the year 2026.

Significance

The integration of women in the scientific field of epilepsy is advanced. However, a dichotomy is present: Although the current system promotes early career steps, there is an apparent lack of female research leaders. This structural imbalance is expected to grow in the next decade due to the consistently high increase of female early career researchers.
Persistent histone modifications at the BDNF and Cdk‐5 promoters following extinction of nicotine‐seeking in rats
Authors: Castino M. R. , Baker‐Andresen D. , Ratnu V. S. , Shevchenko G. , Morris K. V. , Bredy T. W. , Youngson N. A. , Clemens K. J.
Published: August 2017

Drugs of addiction lead to a wide range of epigenetic changes at the promoter regions of genes directly implicated in learning and memory processes. We have previously shown that the histone deactylase inhibitor, sodium butyrate (NaB), accelerates the extinction of nicotine‐seeking and provides resistance to relapse. Here, we explore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying this effect. Rats received intravenous nicotine or saline self‐administration, followed by 6 days of extinction training, with each extinction session followed immediately by treatment with NaB or vehicle. On the last day of extinction, rats were killed and the medial ventral prefrontal cortex retained for chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A history of nicotine exposure significantly decreased H3K14 acetylation at the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exon IV promoter, and this effect was abolished with NaB treatment. In contrast, nicotine self‐administration alone, resulted in a significant decrease in histone methylation at the H3K27me3 and H3K9me2 marks in the promoter regions of BDNF exon IV and cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk‐5). Quantitative PCR‐identified changes in several genes associated with NaB treatment that were independent of nicotine exposure; however, an interaction of nicotine history and NaB treatment was detected only in the expression of BDNF IV and BDNF IX. Together these results suggest that nicotine self‐administration leads to a number of epigenetic changes at both the BDNF and Cdk‐5 promoters, and that these changes may contribute to the enhanced extinction of nicotine‐seeking by NaB.
Dopaminergic and behavioural changes in a loss‐of‐imprinting model of Cdkn1c
Authors: McNamara G. I. , Davis B. A. , Browne M. , Humby T. , Dalley J. W. , Xia J. , John R. M. , Isles A. R.
Published: August 2017

The imprinted gene Cdkn1c is expressed exclusively from the maternally inherited allele as a consequences of epigenetic regulation. Cdkn1c exemplifies many of the functional characteristics of imprinted genes, playing a role in foetal growth and placental development. However, Cdkn1c also plays an important role in the brain, being key to the appropriate proliferation and differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Using a transgenic model (Cdkn1cBACx1) with a twofold elevation in Cdkn1c expression that mimics loss‐of‐imprinting, we show that increased expression of Cdkn1c in the brain gives rise to neurobiological and behavioural changes indicative of a functionally altered dopaminergic system. Cdkn1cBACX1 mice displayed altered expression of dopamine system‐related genes, increased tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) staining and increased tissue content of dopamine in the striatum. In addition, Cdkn1cBACx1 animals were hypersensitive to amphetamine as showed by c‐fos expression in the nucleus accumbens. Cdkn1cBACX1 mice had significant changes in behaviours that are dependent on the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Specifically, increased motivation for palatable food stuffs, as indexed on a progressive ratio task. In addition, Cdkn1cBACX1 mice displayed enhanced social dominance. These data show, for the first time, the consequence of elevated Cdkn1c expression on dopamine‐related behaviours highlighting the importance of correct dosage of this imprinted gene in the brain. This work has significant relevance for deepening our understanding of the epigenetic factors that can shape neurobiology and behaviour.
Environmental niches and metabolic diversity in Neoarchean lakes
Authors: Stüeken E. E. , Buick R. , Anderson R. E. , Baross J. A. , Planavsky N. J. , Lyons T. W.
Published: August 2017

The diversification of macro‐organisms over the last 500 million years often coincided with the development of new environmental niches. Microbial diversification over the last 4 billion years likely followed similar patterns. However, linkages between environmental settings and microbial ecology have so far not been described from the ancient rock record. In this study, we investigated carbon, nitrogen, and molybdenum isotopes, and iron speciation in five non‐marine stratigraphic units of the Neoarchean Fortescue Group, Western Australia, that are similar in age (2.78–2.72 Ga) but differ in their hydro‐geologic setting. Our data suggest that the felsic‐dominated and hydrologically open lakes of the Bellary and Hardey formations were probably dominated by methanogenesis (δ13Corg = −38.7 ± 4.2‰) and biologic N2 fixation (δ15Nbulk =−0.6 ± 1.0‰), whereas the Mt. Roe, Tumbiana and Kylena Formations, with more mafic siliciclastic sediments, preserve evidence of methanotrophy (δ13Corg as low as −57.4‰, δ13Ccarb as low as −9.2‰) and NH3 loss under alkaline conditions. Evidence of oxygenic photosynthesis is recorded only in the closed evaporitic Tumbiana lakes marked by abundant stromatolites, limited evidence of Fe and S cycling, fractionated Mo isotopes (δ98/95Mo = +0.4 ± 0.4‰), and the widest range in δ13Corg (−57‰ to −15‰), suggesting oxidative processes and multiple carbon fixation pathways. Methanotrophy in the three mafic settings was probably coupled to a combination of oxidants, including O2 and SO42‐. Overall, our results may indicate that early microbial evolution on the Precambrian Earth was in part influenced by geological parameters. We speculate that expanding habitats, such as those linked to continental growth, may have been an important factor in the evolution of life.
Repopulating and revitalising rural Sweden? Re‐examining immigration as a solution to rural decline
Authors: Hedlund Martin , Carson Doris A , Eimermann Marco , Lundmark Linda
Published: August 2017

Increasing international immigration is often portrayed as a potential solution to persistent economic and population decline in rural areas. Based on longitudinal register data, this study examines the extent to which international migration has contributed to demographic and labour market changes in rural Sweden between 1990 and 2010. Results show that the urbanisation rate of international migrants is very high while their employment rate in rural areas remains comparatively low. Small positive changes are noticeable in the rate of higher education, self‐employment and employment in new service‐related industries among particular groups of immigrants. Immigrants to rural areas are a highly heterogeneous group in terms of their demographic and labour market characteristics, which should be considered when estimating the contributions of immigration to socio‐economic development in rural areas. This study shows that, while international migration may dampen population decline in rural areas to some extent, particularly in the working‐age groups, its potential to stimulate socio‐economic revitalisation in rural areas needs to be questioned and examined from a more nuanced and longitudinal perspective.
Predictive factors of rehospitalization for worsening heart failure and cardiac death within 1 year in octogenarians hospitalized for heart failure
Authors: Hamada Tomoyuki , Kubo Toru , Yamasaki Naohito , Kitaoka Hiroaki
Published: August 2017

Aim

To investigate the predictive factors of cardiac events including rehospitalization for worsening heart failure (HF) and cardiac death within 1 year after hospital discharge in octogenarians hospitalized for HF.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed in detail clinical data for patients aged >80 years who were admitted to Kochi University, Kochi, Japan, for acute decompensated HF in order to identify predictive factors for cardiac events within 1 year.

Results

A total of 67 patients (mean age of 85 ± 4 years, 39 men) were included, and 28 patients (41.8%) had cardiac events. The patients with cardiac events were significantly older, had a lower prescription rate of beta‐blockers at discharge and had a lower rate of arrhythmia as an exacerbating factor of HF than patients without cardiac events. When nutritional status was assessed by the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, patients in the cardiac events group had significant malnutrition (CONUT ≥5). In addition, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with CONUT ≥5 had a higher incidence of cardiac events than did those with a CONUT <5 (log–rank, P < 0.038). In logistic analysis, the independent determinants of the cardiac events within 1 year were malnutrition at moderate or severe levels by the CONUT score and no beta‐blocker medication.

Conclusions

In very elderly patients hospitalized for HF, malnutrition and no beta‐blocker medication were predictors of rehospitalization for worsening HF or cardiac death within 1 year. These factors could be meaningful targets for improving the management of octogenarians with HF. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 101–107.
Invisible Bodies and Disembodied Voices? Identity Work, the Body and Embodiment in Transnational Service Work
Authors: Rajan‐Rankin Sweta
Published: August 2017

This article explores the linkages between identity work, the body and embodiment in transnational call centres. Identity work, defined as the masking of national identity to imply proximity to the western client, provides an opportunity for the analyst to examine workplace embodiment in a global context. Qualitative data from an ethnographic study of two global outsourcing firms in India (2010–2012) explicated these processes. Narrative accounts suggest that call centre workers are routinely made aware of the body as a target of discipline, for instance in training; by working on their own bodies (including posture, dress, voice modulation and other forms of body regulation); by working on the bodies of others (through voice‐based interactions) and by using embodied images of Americans to contextualize the service provided. In this way, the western client is visualized by the Indian call worker through corporeal imaginaries that concomitantly construct, subvert and resist the West‐Rest dichotomy in service relations. Far from being disembodied, this study demonstrates that the body is central to global service work.
Dental hygiene education in Germany: Between economics and emotions
Authors: Offermanns B , Petersilka GJ
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To date, there is still no IFDH approved dental hygienist (DH) education model in Germany. Nevertheless, opportunities to complete vocational DH education courses have substantially increased within the last two decades. However, the content and quality of these courses vary greatly and are difficult to survey. The purpose of this article therefore was to present an overview of the education programmes offered in Germany as of March 2017.

Methods

A formal request was sent to all education establishments for details of such courses, and a systematic internet search was performed covering the DH education topic in Germany.

Results

Ten vocational education programmes were found, most of them organized by local dental chambers. One private provider offers a Bachelor Degree in Dental Hygiene on completion of a course which runs over 2 or 3 ys. Details of contents, objectives and concise ratings or comparisons of the various courses are scarce, although in principle all should meet the same quality standards.

Conclusion

For dental hygiene students, patients and dentists, it is hard and unsatisfactory to get a clear overview of the types and the quality of DH education which can be achieved in Germany. A solution for this dilemma would appear to be essential. However, due to the peculiarities of German legislation as well as the complex sphere of vested interests, it is impossible to predict if or when the situation will change for the better.
AN ANATOMY OF U.S. PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY UNDER CHAPTER 13
Authors: Eraslan Hülya , Koşar Gizem , Li Wenli , Sarte Pierre‐Daniel
Published: August 2017

We build a structural model that captures salient features of personal bankruptcy under Chapter 13. We estimate our model using a novel data set that we construct from bankruptcies filed in Delaware between 2001 and 2002. Our estimation results highlight the importance of a debtor's choice of repayment plan length on other Chapter 13 outcomes. We use the estimated model to conduct policy experiments to evaluate the impact of more stringent laws that impose restrictions on the length of repayment plans. We find that these provisions would not materially affect creditor recovery rates and would not necessarily make discharge more likely.
NEW EXPORTER DYNAMICS
Authors: Ruhl Kim J. , Willis Jonathan L.
Published: August 2017

We document that new exporters initially export small amounts, grow gradually, and are most likely to exit the export market in their first few years. We find that the standard sunk‐cost model cannot replicate these new exporter dynamics: New exporters grow too large too quickly and live too long. In a modified sunk‐cost model that can account for these facts, the entry costs needed to match the data are three times smaller than in the sunk‐cost model. Dynamic models with richer plant‐level heterogeneity are needed.
DYNAMIC MECHANISM DESIGN FOR A GLOBAL COMMONS
Authors: Harrison Rodrigo , Lagunoff Roger
Published: August 2017

We model dynamic mechanisms for a global commons. Countries value both consumption and conservation of an open access resource. A country's relative value of consumption to conservation is privately observed and evolves stochastically. An optimal quota maximizes world welfare subject to being implementable by Perfect Bayesian equilibria. With complete information, the optimal quota is first best; it allocates more of the resource each period to countries with high consumption value. Under incomplete information, the optimal quota is fully compressed: Identical countries receive the same quota even as environmental costs and resource needs differ. This is true even when private information is negligible.
STRATEGIC ADVERTISING AND DIRECTED SEARCH
Authors: Gomis‐Porqueras Pedro , Julien Benoit , Wang Chengsi
Published: August 2017

Imperfect observability and costly informative advertising are introduced into a standard directed search framework. Capacity‐constrained sellers send costly advertisements to direct buyers' uncoordinated search by specifying their location and terms of trade. We show that the equilibrium advertising intensity is nonmonotonic in the buyer–seller ratio. In addition, we also find that price posting dominates auctions since both mechanisms yield the same expected revenue, but the latter results in higher advertising expense. Finally, we find a positive comovement between market transparency and price for low market tightness when the measure of informed buyers is endogenous.
BAYESIAN PERSUASION WITH PRIVATE EXPERIMENTATION
Authors: Felgenhauer Mike , Loerke Petra
Published: August 2017

This article studies a situation in which a sender tries to persuade a receiver by providing hard evidence that is generated by sequential private experimentation where the sender can design the properties of each experiment contingent on the experimentation history. The sender can selectively reveal as many outcomes as desired. We determine the set of equilibria that are not Pareto‐dominated. In each of these equilibria under private experimentation, the persuasion probability is lower and the receiver obtains access to higher quality information than under public experimentation. The decision quality improves in the sender's stakes.
Neutron diffraction study of antibacterial bioactive calcium silicate sol‐gel glasses containing silver
Authors: Carta Daniela , Jones Julian R. , Lin Sen , Poologasundarampillai Gowsihan , Newport Robert J. , Pickup David M.
Published: August 2017

Bioactive sol‐gel calcia‐silica glasses can regenerate damaged or diseased bones due to their ability to stimulate bone growth. This capability is related to the formation of a hydroxyapatite layer on the glass surface, which bonds with bone, and the release of soluble silica and calcium ions in the body fluid which accelerates bone growth. The addition of silver ions imbues the glass with antibacterial properties due to the release of antibacterial Ag+ ion. The antibacterial activity is therefore closely dependent on the dissolution properties of the glasses which in turn are related to their atomic‐level structure. Structural characterization of the glasses at the atomic level is therefore essential in order to investigate and control the antibacterial properties of the glass. We have used neutron diffraction to investigate the structure of silver‐containing calcia‐silica sol‐gel bioactive glasses with different Ag2O loading (0, 2, 4, 6 mol%). The presence of the silver had little effect on the host glass structure, although some silver metal nanoparticles were present. Results agreed with previous computer simulations.
IDIOPATHIC HÆMOCHROMATOSIS—A FAMILY STUDY
Authors: MORGAN E. H.
Published: August 2017

The plasma iron concentration and plasma total iron‐binding capacity were determined and a series of liver function tests performed on the plasma from the immediate relatives of 23 patients with idiopathic hæmochromatosis. Abnormal iron transport values were found in 27% of the 70 relatives, but only two relatives gave abnormal results to the liver function tests. The results were considered to be compatible with a mode of inheritance of hæmochromatosis previously suggested by other authors—by a non‐sex‐linked dominant gene. It was suggested that relatives of patients who are found to have abnormally high plasma iron levels should be treated by venesection, whether or not they show other evidence of hæmochromatosis.
BaO−B2O3 system and its mysterious member Ba3B2O6
Authors: Bekker Tatyana B. , Rashchenko Sergey V. , Seryotkin Yurii V. , Kokh Alexander E. , Davydov Aleksey V. , Fedorov Pavel P.
Published: August 2017

The first systematic study of the BaO–B2O3 system and barium orthoborate Ba3B2O6 (3BaO·B2O3) was reported in 1949. Thereafter, the system was repeatedly refined but the structure of Ba3B2O6 compound has not been adequately studied yet. In our study we have, for the first time, obtained the crystalline samples of Ba3B2O6. The solved structure (Pbam, a = 13.5923(4) Å, b = 13.6702(4) Å, c = 14.8894(3) Å) belongs to the class of ‘anti‐zeolite’ borates with a pseudotetragonal [Ba12(BO3)6]6+ cation pattern which contains channels along the c axis filled with anionic clusters. The Ba3B2O6 compound may be regarded as a fluorine‐free end‐member of the Ba3(BO3)2–xF3x solid solution. The BaO–B2O3 phase diagram presented in our study is based on our research and literature data.
Basic science and treatment innovation
Authors: Green Jonathan
Published: August 2017

The idea of trans‐diagnostic and modular treatments highlighted in this Editorial points the way beyond self‐contained ‘branded’ therapies to a more flexible intervention science responsive to advances in basic science and relevant also to personalisation of therapies. For such approaches to be rigorous, there need to be empirically identified trans‐diagnostic target mechanisms. The Editorial reviews two studies of potential mechanisms of this kind in the developmental neurobiology of stress response in children at risk from prenatal maternal stress and post natal neglect and maltreatment. A number of treatment trials are also reviewed illustrating the common method of digitally‐aided therapy; a common theme is the difficult in sustaining adherence to such treatment delivery methods. Finally it reviews a useful independent investigation of a commonly used autism screening instrument, suggesting improvements for greater specificity.
European academy of dermatology and venereology European prurigo project: expert consensus on the definition, classification and terminology of chronic prurigo
Authors: Pereira M.P. , Steinke S. , Zeidler C. , Forner C. , Riepe C. , Augustin M. , Bobko S. , Dalgard F. , Elberling J. , Garcovich S. , Gieler U. , Gonçalo M. , Halvorsen J. A. , Leslie T.A. , Metz M. , Reich A. , Şavk E. , Schneider G. , Serra‐Baldrich E. , Ständer H.F. , Streit M. , Wallengren J. , Weller K. , Wollenberg A. , Bruland P. , Soto‐Rey I. , Storck M. , Dugas M. , Weisshaar E. , Szepietowski J.C. , Legat F.J. , Ständer S. ,   EADV Task Force Pruritus group members
Published: August 2017

Background

The term prurigo has been used for many decades in dermatology without clear definition, and currently used terminology of prurigo is inconsistent and confusing. Especially, itch‐related prurigo remains unexplored regarding the epidemiology, clinical profile, natural course, underlying causes, available treatments and economic burden, although burdensome and difficult to treat.

Objective

To address these issues, the multicentre European Prurigo Project (EPP) was designed to increase knowledge on chronic prurigo (CPG). In the first step, European experts of the EADV Task Force Pruritus (TFP) aimed to achieve a consensus on the definition, classification and terminology of CPG. Additionally, procedures of the cross‐sectional EPP were discussed and agreed upon.

Methods

Discussions and surveys between members of the TFP served as basis for a consensus conference. Using the Delphi method, consensus was defined as an agreement ≥75% among the present members.

Results

Twenty‐four members of the TFP participated in the consensus conference. Experts consented that CPG should be used as an umbrella term for the range of clinical manifestations (e.g. papular, nodular, plaque or umbilicated types). CPG is considered a distinct disease defined by the presence of chronic pruritus for ≥6 weeks, history and/or signs of repeated scratching and multiple localized/generalized pruriginous skin lesions (whitish or pink papules, nodules and/or plaques). CPG occurs due to a neuronal sensitization to itch and the development of an itch‐scratch cycle.

Conclusion

This new definition and terminology of CPG should be implemented in dermatology to harmonize communication in the clinical routine, clinical trials and scientific literature. Acute/subacute forms of prurigo are separated entities, which need to be differentiated from CPG and will be discussed in a next step. In the near future, the cross‐sectional EPP will provide relevant clinical data on various aspects of CPG leading to new directions in the scientific investigation of CGP.
Are patent fees effective at weeding out low‐quality patents?
Authors: de Rassenfosse Gaétan , Jaffe Adam B.
Published: August 2017

The paper investigates whether patent fees are an effective mechanism to deter the filing of low‐quality patent applications. The study analyzes the effect on patent quality of the Patent Law Amendment Act of 1982, which resulted in a substantial increase in patenting fees at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Results from a series of difference‐in‐differences regressions suggest that the increase in fees led to a weeding out of low‐quality patents. About 10% of patents in the lowest quality decile were filtered out, with the effect concentrated in the patents of firms whose overall patent portfolio was medium to large (more than 20 patents). The study has strong policy implications in the current context of concerns about declines in patent quality.
Changes of tooth color in middle and old age: A longitudinal study over a decade
Authors: Hassel Alexander J. , Johanning Marvin , Grill Sabine , Schröder Johannes , Wahl Hans‐Werner , Corcodel Nicoleta , Klotz Anna‐Luisa , Rammelsberg Peter , Zenthöfer Andreas
Published: August 2017

Objective

To evaluate changes in tooth color for 2 age cohorts (younger cohort, YC: 1950‐1952; older cohort, OC: 1930‐1932) over a mean observation period of 8 years.

Material and Methods

Sixty‐one participants with 106 upper central incisors were subjected to baseline and follow‐up examinations (YC: n = 46/OC: n = 15). International Commission on Illumination color coordinates of 1 or 2 unrestored test teeth for each participant were recorded by use of a spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade 1) during both measurement times. Changes of color coordinates during the study period were evaluated by use of generalized linear mixed models with the variable “participant” as random effect. ΔEab and E2000 color differences were calculated between baseline and follow‐up.

Results

Significant changes in color coordinates were observed, with the exception of lightness in OC. The direction of the changes depended on the cohort. A decrease of lightness (value) was observed in YC (ΔL = 4.0; P < .001) whereas in OC chroma increased (ΔC = −3.3; P < .001). For both groups, a significant shift to more reddish tooth colors was observed. In almost all cases, color differences between baseline and follow‐up exceeded the 50:50 acceptability thresholds for color differences (ΔE = 2.7) in both YC (≈90%) and OC (≈80%).

Conclusions

For both quinquagenarians and septuagenarians, clinically relevant changes in tooth color were observed after a decade; these could affect the long‐term success of prosthetic restorations in terms of a satisfactory color match between natural teeth and dental prostheses. In contrast with the findings of cross‐sectional studies, the changes were partially age‐group‐specific.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Tooth color can change over a decade. When fixed dental prostheses are planned, one should consider that changes of tooth color could lead to mismatch between a restoration and adjacent teeth during the period in clinical service.
Effect of access design on intracoronal bleaching of endodontically treated teeth: An ex vivo study
Authors: Marchesan Melissa Andreia , James Christopher Michael , Lloyd Adam , Morrow Brian Ray , García‐Godoy Franklin
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To determine the effect of access design on intracoronal bleaching with 35% carbamide peroxide on discolored teeth.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐two intact maxillary central incisors were selected, sectioned and artificially stained using whole blood. Color measurements were performed with a spectrophotometer: before staining (T1), after staining (T2), at 7 (T3), and 14 (T4) days postbleaching. After T1, specimens were stratified and divided randomly into two groups according to access design (N = 20): G1: contracted endodontic cavity (CEC) access performed with a #848‐010M bur and G2: traditional endodontic cavity (TEC) access done with a #1157 bur. Canals were obturated, a cervical barrier was placed and 35% carbamide peroxide was sealed in the chamber for 7 days and replaced at 7 days for an additional 7 days. Data were collected based on CIELAB‐CIE1976 (L*a*b*) system. Repeated measures SNK anova was used to evaluate the effects of access design and time on color change (ΔE*) and luminosity (L*) (α < 0.05).

Results

For CEC, L* was significantly different at all times points (P < .05). For TEC, L* values were significantly different at all time points (P < .05) except for T0 and T4, which were similar (P > .05). There was no statistical difference for ΔE* between CEC and TEC designs at any time point (P > .05).

Conclusions

In general, teeth accessed with CEC or TEC designs showed statistically similar bleaching when using 35% carbamide peroxide. However, lightness values were only reestablished with bleaching through a TEC access design.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Despite the current trend to conserve tooth structure when performing endodontic access cavities, the use of conservative access designs for bleaching discolored maxillary central incisors affected the acceptability threshold when compared with a traditional access design. These smaller accesses might not be an alternative treatment option when internal bleaching in the esthetic zone is anticipated.
Bioactive components content, antimicrobial activity, and foodborne pathogen control in minced pork by cranberry pomace extracts
Authors: Gniewosz Małgorzata , Stobnicka Agata
Published: August 2017

Three extracts from American cranberry pomace (Vaccinium macrocarpon) were prepared: water (w‐PACE), ethanol, and a water/ethanol. Extracts were examined in terms of bioactive components content and antimicrobial activity in relation to 18 strains of bacteria, and 3 strains of fungi. Extracts contained organic acids, flavonols, terpenes (ursolic acid), and stilbenes (resveratrol). Water and water/ethanol extracts demonstrated a broader spectrum of antibacterial activity on selected strains compared to ethanol extract. The inhibition of pathogens growth (Escherichia coli, Salmonella ser. Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus) was determined in minced pork containing 2.5% w‐PACE. The number of pathogens in samples stored at 4 °C for 6 days was examined. The results show a significant (p < .05) growth inhibition for all pathogens in the minced pork meat with cranberry extract, compared to the control sample. Our results suggest the possibility of the application of the water extract of cranberry pomace as natural preservatives.

Practical applications

American cranberry pomace can be used to receive extracts of antibacterial activity. The low cost of water extract production from cranberry pomace contributes to its attractiveness as the natural preservative to protect minced pork against foodborne pathogens.