bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Impact of Stream Discharge Events on Riparian Solute Dynamics
Authors: Mahmood Muhammad Nasir , Schmidt Christian , Fleckenstein Jan H. , Trauth Nico 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe biogeochemical composition of stream water and the surrounding riparian water is mainly defined by the exchange of water and solutes between the stream and the riparian zone. Short‐term fluctuations in near stream hydraulic head gradients (e.g., during stream flow events) can significantly influence the extent and rate of exchange processes. In this study, we simulate exchanges between streams and their riparian zone driven by stream stage fluctuations during single stream discharge events of varying peak height and duration. Simulated results show that strong stream flow events can trigger solute mobilization in riparian soils and subsequent export to the stream. The timing and amount of solute export is linked to the shape of the discharge event. Higher peaks and increased durations significantly enhance solute export, however, peak height is found to be the dominant control for overall mass export. Mobilized solutes are transported to the stream in two stages (1) by return flow of stream water that was stored in the riparian zone during the event and (2) by vertical movement to the groundwater under gravity drainage from the unsaturated parts of the riparian zone, which lasts for significantly longer time (> 400 days) resulting in long tailing of bank outflows and solute mass outfluxes. We conclude that strong stream discharge events can mobilize and transport solutes from near stream riparian soils into the stream. The impact of short‐term stream discharge variations on solute exchange may last for long times after the flow event.
Minimum wage violation in central and eastern Europe
Authors: GORAUS‐TAŃSKA Karolina , LEWANDOWSKI Piotr 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis article analyses minimum wage violations over the period 2003–12 in ten central and eastern European countries which all have national statutory minimum wages. Using European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU‐SILC) data and the methodology proposed by Bhorat, Kanbur and Mayet (2013), the authors measure the incidence and depth of violation. In addition, they conduct regression analyses on individual, workplace and macro‐level determinants of non‐compliance. While the incidence of violation remains relatively low, the workers that minimum wage policies seek to protect appear to be the most likely to be affected by non‐compliance. Over time, higher minimum to average wage ratios are related to a higher incidence of violation.
Maternal obesity alters uterine NK activity through a functional KIR2DL1/S1 imbalance
Authors: Castellana Barbara , Perdu Sofie , Kim Yoona , Chan Kathy , Atif Jawairia , Marziali Megan , Beristain Alexander G 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn pregnancy, uterine natural killer cells (uNK) play essential roles in coordinating uterine angiogenesis, blood vessel remodeling and promoting maternal tolerance to fetal tissue. Deviances from a normal uterine microenvironment are thought to modify uNK function(s) by limiting their ability to establish a healthy pregnancy. While maternal obesity has become a major health concern due to associations with adverse effects on fetal and maternal health, our understanding into how obesity contributes to poor pregnancy disorders is unknown. Given the importance of uNK in pregnancy, this study examines the impact of obesity on uNK function in women in early pregnancy. We identify that uNK from obese women show a greater propensity for cellular activation, but this difference does not translate into increased effector killing potential. Instead, uNK from obese women express an altered repertoire of natural killer receptors, including an imbalance in inhibitory KIR2DL1 and activating KIR2DS1 receptors that favors HLA‐C2‐directed uNK activation. Notably, we show that obesity‐related KIR2DS1 skewing potentiates TNFα production upon receptor crosslinking. Together, these findings suggest that maternal obesity modifies uNK activity by altering the response toward HLA‐C2 antigen and KIR2DL1/2DS1‐controlled TNFα release. Furthermore, this work identifies alterations in uNK function resulting from maternal obesity that may impact early developmental processes important in pregnancy health.
Immune regulation by microbiome metabolites
Authors: Kim Chang H. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryCommensal microbes and the host immune system have been co‐evolved for mutual regulation. Microbes regulate the host immune system, in part, by producing metabolites. A mounting body of evidence indicates that diverse microbial metabolites profoundly regulate the immune system via host receptors and other target molecules. Immune cells express metabolite‐specific receptors such as P2X7, GPR41, GPR43, GPR109A, aryl hydrocarbon receptor precursor (AhR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), TGR5 and other molecular targets. Microbial metabolites and their receptors form an extensive array of signals to respond to changes in nutrition, health and immunological status. As a consequence, microbial metabolite signals contribute to nutrient harvest from diet, and regulate host metabolism and the immune system. Importantly, microbial metabolites bidirectionally function to promote both tolerance and immunity to effectively fight infection without developing inflammatory diseases. In pathogenic conditions, adverse effects of microbial metabolites have been observed as well. Key immune‐regulatory functions of the metabolites, generated from carbohydrates, proteins and bile acids, are reviewed in this article.
Approximation algorithms and heuristics for task scheduling in data‐intensive distributed systems
Authors: Póvoa Marcelo G. , Xavier Eduardo C. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this work, we are interested in the problem of task scheduling on large‐scale data‐intensive computing systems. In order to achieve good performance, one must construct not only good task schedules but also good data allocation across nodes on the system, since before a task can be executed, it must have access to data distributed on the system. In this article, we present a general formulation of a static problem that combines both scheduling and replication problems in data‐intensive distributed systems. We show that this problem does not admit an approximation algorithm. However, considering a restricted version of the problem that considers some practical constraints, an approximation algorithm can be designed. From a practical perspective, we introduce a novel heuristic for the problem that is based on nodes clustering. We compare the heuristic with two adapted approaches from other works in the literature by computational simulations using an extensive set of instances based on real computer grids. We show that our heuristic often obtains the best solutions and also runs faster than other approaches.
Sex‐ and age‐adjusted prevalence estimates of five chronic inflammatory skin diseases in France: results of the « OBJECTIFS PEAU » study
Authors: Richard M.‐A. , Corgibet F. , Beylot‐Barry M. , Barbaud A. , Bodemer C. , Chaussade V. , D'Incan M. , Joly P. , Leccia M.T. , Meurant J.M. , Petit A. , Geffroy B. Roy , Sei J.F. , Taieb C. , Misery L. , Ezzedine K. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere are few population‐based studies assessing the prevalence of skin diseases.ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of five chronic skin inflammatory diseases, i.e. atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, alopecia areata (AA), vitiligo and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in France, using validated self‐diagnostic questionnaires.MethodsPopulation‐based study using a representative sample of the French general population aged more than 15 years and sampling with replacement design. All participants were asked (ii) to fill in a specific questionnaire including socio‐demographic characteristics, (ii) to declare if they have been diagnosed with one or more skin problem or skin diseases during their life, and (iii) to fill in five validated self‐reported questionnaires for AD, psoriasis, AA, vitiligo and HS.ResultsA total of 20.012 adult participants responded to the questionnaire of whom 9760 were men (48.8%) and 10.252 (51.2%) were women. We identified a prevalence of 4.65% for AD (931 individuals), 4.42% for psoriasis (885 individuals), 1.04% for AA (210 individuals), 0.46% for vitiligo (93 individuals) and 0.15% for HS (29 individuals), respectively.LimitationsQuestionnaire‐based study and possible disease misclassifications.ConclusionThis is the largest population‐based study aiming to estimate the prevalence of five chronic skin inflammatory diseases.
Intra‐ and interobserver variability of image‐based PASI assessments in 120 patients suffering from plaque‐type psoriasis
Authors: Fink C. , Alt C. , Uhlmann L. , Klose C. , Enk A. , Haenssle H.A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) is the standard for psoriasis severity assessment. However, PASI measurement is complex and subjective, frequently leading to a high intra‐ and interobserver variability. To date, the precise extent of variability in PASI measurements and its underlying causes remain unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the inter‐ and intrarater variability of image‐based PASI measurements by calculating Intra‐Class‐Correlation‐Coefficients (ICCs) and to investigate the impact of the different PASI components and specific anatomic regions on the extent of variability.MethodsFirst, the methodology of ‘image‐based’ vs. commonly used ‘live’ PASI measurements was validated in a pilot study. Next, in an observational cohort study, PASI scores of 120 patients affected by plaque psoriasis were prospectively evaluated by three formally trained physicians by means of total body images (TBI). Each observer independently performed two rounds of image‐based PASI calculations in all patients at two different time points.ResultsOverall, 720 image‐based PASI scores were calculated with a mean PASI of 8.8 (range 0.7–34.8). An interrater variability with an ICC of 0.895 and mean absolute difference (MAD) of 3.3 PASI points were observed. Intrarater variability showed a mean ICC of 0.877 and a MAD of 2.2 points. When considering specific PASI components, the highest agreement was found for the assessment of the involved body surface area (BSA), while the lowest ICCs were calculated for severity scoring of ‘scaling’ and ‘induration’. As BSA scores serve as a multiplier in the calculation of PASI, minor inaccuracies were capable of inducing a large share of variability.ConclusionThe overall inter‐ and intrarater reliability of image‐based PASI measurements in this study was good. However, physicians were formally trained and experienced, which frequently is not the case in a real‐life clinical setting. Therefore, new strategies for higher standardization and objectivity of PASI calculations are needed.
Patterns of reproductive isolation in a haplodiploid – strong post‐mating, prezygotic barriers among three forms of a social spider mite
Authors: Sato Yukie , Sakamoto Hironori , Gotoh Tetsuo , Saito Yutaka , Chao Jung‐Tai , Egas Martijn , Mochizuki Atsushi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn speciation research, much attention is paid to the evolution of reproductive barriers, preventing diverging groups from hybridizing back into one gene pool. The prevalent view is that reproductive barriers evolve gradually as a by‐product of genetic changes accumulated by natural selection and genetic drift in groups that are segregated spatially and/or temporally. Reproductive barriers, however, can also be reinforced by natural selection against maladaptive hybridization. These mutually compatible theories are both empirically supported by studies, analysing relationships between intensity of reproductive isolation and genetic distance in sympatric taxa and allopatric taxa. Here, we present the – to our knowledge – first comparative study in a haplodiploid organism, the social spider mite Stigmaeopsis miscanthi, by measuring premating and post‐mating, pre‐ and post‐zygotic components of reproductive isolation, using three recently diverged forms of the mite that partly overlap in home range. We carried out cross‐experiments and measured genetic distances (mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA) among parapatric and allopatric populations of the three forms. Our results show that the three forms are reproductively isolated, despite the absence of premating barriers, and that the post‐mating, prezygotic component contributes most to reproductive isolation. As expected, the strength of post‐mating reproductive barriers positively correlated with genetic distance. We did not find a clear pattern of prezygotic barriers evolving faster in parapatry than in allopatry, although one form did show a trend in line with the ecological and behavioural relationships between the forms. Our study advocates the versatility of haplodiploid animals for investigating the evolution of reproductive barriers.
A Meta‐Synthesis of the Birth Experiences of African Immigrant Women Affected by Female Genital Cutting
Authors: Hamid Asma , Grace Karen Trister , Warren Nicole 
Published: March 2018

IntroductionThe purpose of this qualitative meta‐synthesis was to understand the labor and birth experiences of immigrant women in countries of resettlement who have a history of female genital cutting (FGC), also known as female genital mutilation or female circumcision.MethodsWe used a meta‐ethnography approach to synthesize the literature on this topic. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts databases from inception to May 2016 using the search terms female genital cutting, female circumcision, clitorectomy, clitoridectomy, pharaonic circumcision, genital circumcision, female genital mutilation, infibulation, and deinfibulation. Our inclusion criteria were 1) peer‐reviewed, original qualitative research; 2) focused on populations affected by FGC or their health care providers; 3) conducted in a country where FGC is not documented as an indigenous practice; 4) English language; and 5) included a description of postmigratory labor and birth experiences of women affected by FGC. Fourteen articles were included.ResultsTwo new syntheses emerged from our sample of studies including African immigrant women primarily resettled in Europe and the United States. First, birth after FGC in the context of resettlement included pain and anxiety, and has the potential to retraumatize. Second, while women experienced nostalgia for familiar traditions and perceived disrespect in their new setting, they questioned traditions, including the role of FGC, in their and their daughters’ lives.DiscussionThe negative birth experiences of women affected by FGC highlight the need to improve care for this population. Health care professionals can serve as a source of support for women affected by FGC by acknowledging and addressing FGC in their care and actively listening to their perspectives and concerns.
Effects of ischemic post‐conditioning on neuronal VEGF regulation and microglial polarization in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Esposito Elga , Hayakawa Kazuhide , Ahn Bum Ju , Chan Su Jing , Xing Changhong , Liang Anna C. , Kim Kyu‐Won , Arai Ken , Lo Eng H. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIschemic postconditioning is increasingly being investigated as a therapeutic approach for cerebral ischemia. However, the majority of studies are focused on the acute protection of neurons per se. Whether and how postconditioning affects multiple cells in the recovering neurovascular unit remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we asked whether postconditioning may modulate help‐me signaling between injured neurons and reactive microglia. Rats were subjected to 100 min of focal cerebral ischemia, then randomized into a control versus postconditioning group. After 3 days of reperfusion, infarct volumes were significantly reduced in animals treated with postconditioning, along with better neurologic outcomes. Immunostaining revealed that ischemic postconditioning increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in neurons within peri‐infarct regions. Correspondingly, we confirmed that VEGFR2 was expressed on Iba1‐positive microglia/macrophages, and confocal microscopy showed that in postconditioned rats, these cells were polarized to a ramified morphology with higher expression of M2‐like markers. Treating rats with a VEGF receptor 2 kinase inhibitor negated these effects of postconditioning on microglia/macrophage polarization. In vitro, postconditoning after oxygen‐glucose deprivation up‐regulated VEGF release in primary neuron cultures, and adding VEGF to microglial cultures partly shifted their M2‐like markers. Altogether, our findings support the idea that after postconditioning, injured neurons may release VEGF as a ‘help‐me’ signal that promotes microglia/macrophage polarization into potentially beneficial phenotypes.
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An exploration of predictors of children's nurses’ attitudes, knowledge, confidence and clinical behavioural intentions towards children and young people who self‐harm
Authors: Carter Tim , Latif Asam , Callaghan Patrick , Manning Joseph C. 
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectivesTo explore the potential predictors of children's nurses’ attitudes, knowledge and confidence towards caring for children and young people admitted to hospital with self‐harm.BackgroundAdmissions to paediatric inpatient settings for individuals who have self‐harmed are growing. Limited previous research suggests that nurses have mixed attitudes towards people who have self‐harmed and potentially lack the confidence to provide effective care. There is a specific paucity of research in this area for children's nurses.DesignA cross‐sectional descriptive survey was used to gather data for exploration of variables associated with attitudes, confidence, knowledge and clinical behavioural intentions of 98 registered children's nurses in a single tertiary children's hospital, colocated in a large acute NHS Trust in the UK.MethodsData were collected over a 4 weeks in 2015, using an online survey tool. The predictive effect of several demographic variables was tested on the outcomes of attitudes, knowledge, confidence and behavioural intentions, which were collected using relevant, previously used outcome measures.ResultsIncreased experience was found to be associated with improved attitudes relating to negativity. Previous training in caring for children who had self‐harmed was found to be associated with improved attitudes around perceived effectiveness of their care. Higher academic qualifications and having undertaken previous training on self‐harm were each found to be associated with increased knowledge of self‐harm, and increased age was associated with reduced knowledge of self‐harm.ConclusionsThis study provides an initial exploration of variables associated with attitudes, knowledge, confidence and behaviour intentions of registered children's nurses in relation to caring for CYP who have self‐harmed.Relevance to clinical practiceTargeted training on caring for CYP who have self‐harmed should be considered as a component of continuing education for registered children's nurses in the UK to improve the experience and outcomes for this patient group.
Effect of prolonged hospitalization for threatened preterm labor on maternal and fetal vitamin D levels
Authors: Yonetani Naoto , Kaji Takashi , Hichijo Atsuko , Nakayama Soichiro , Maeda Kazuhisa , Irahara Minoru 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimWe aimed to evaluate the effect of prolonged hospitalization for threatened preterm labor (TPL) on maternal and fetal vitamin D status.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study, spanning 4 years, including 18 women with TPL and 36 women with normal pregnancy who received prenatal care for a singleton pregnancy at our center. TPL cases were women who were admitted to our hospital after the second trimester test for at least 28 days, during which time the third trimester test was also performed. Controls were randomly sampled from women matched for age as well as the season during which the third trimester test was performed. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration in maternal blood was compared between the two groups at second trimester, third trimester and in the umbilical cord blood at delivery.ResultsThe mean ± SD of maternal serum 25(OH)D concentration in the TPL group (14.0 ± 3.0 ng/mL) was significantly lower than that in the control group (17.8 ± 5.9 ng/mL) (P < 0.01) in the third trimester, although there was no significant difference in the second trimester (P = 0.30). There was a significant reduction (P < 0.01) in the maternal serum 25(OH)D from the second to third trimester in the TPL group, compared to the control group (P = 0.60). There was no significant difference between the two groups in umbilical cord blood 25(OH)D concentrations at delivery (P = 0.41).ConclusionProlonged hospitalization for TPL reduced the maternal vitamin D status but did not influence the neonatal status at delivery.
Threats and Supports to Female Students’ Math Beliefs and Achievement
Authors: McKellar Sarah E. , Marchand Aixa D. , Diemer Matthew A. , Malanchuk Oksana , Eccles Jacquelynne S. 
Published: March 2018

This study examines how student perceptions of teacher practices contribute to female high school students’ math beliefs and achievement. Guided by the expectancy–value framework, we hypothesized that students’ motivation beliefs and achievement outcomes in mathematics are fostered by teachers’ emphasis on the relevance of mathematics and constrained by gender‐based differential treatment. To examine these questions, structural equation modeling was applied to a longitudinal panel of 518 female students from the Maryland Adolescent Development in Context Study. While controlling for prior achievement and race, gendered differential treatment was negatively associated with math beliefs and achievement, whereas relevant math instruction was positively associated with these outcomes. These findings suggest inroads that may foster positive math motivational beliefs and achievement among young women.
Comprehension and Processing of Paired Sentences in Second Language Reading: A Comparison of Causal and Semantic Relatedness
Authors: NAHATAME SHINGO 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to examine how second language (L2) readers process and comprehend paired sentences based on the causal and semantic relatedness of the sentences. Causal relatedness refers to the cause‐and‐effect relations between the events described, whereas semantic relatedness refers to the similarity of meaning conveyed by the sentences. In a pair of experiments, Japanese learners of English read 2‐sentence stories with varying causal and semantic relatedness, after which they were asked to recall the second sentence of each story using the first sentence as a cue. Mixed‐effects models with crossed random effects for participants and items revealed that the second sentence was read faster and recalled better when it was more causally related to the first sentence. Semantic relatedness also facilitated the processing times and recall of the second sentence, although the effect was limited by the effects of causal relatedness or participants’ reading skills. Theoretical and educational implications of these findings for L2 text comprehension and processing are discussed.