bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment of a selection marker recycling system for sequential transformation of the plant‐pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum orbiculare
Authors: Kumakura Naoyoshi , Ueno Akiko , Shirasu Ken 
Published: November 2018

SummaryGenome sequencing of pathogenic fungi has revealed the presence of various effectors that aid pathogen invasion by the manipulation of plant immunity. Effectors are often individually dispensable because of duplication and functional redundancy as a result of the arms race between host plants and pathogens. To study effectors that have functional redundancy, multiple gene disruption is often required. However, the number of selection markers that can be used for gene targeting is limited. Here, we established a marker recycling system that allows the use of the same selection marker in successive transformations in the model fungal pathogen Colletotrichum orbiculare, a causal agent of anthracnose disease in plants belonging to the Cucurbitaceae. We identified two C. orbiculare homologues of yeast URA3/pyrG, designated as URA3A and URA3B, which can be used as selection markers on medium with no uridine. The gene can then be removed from the genome via homologous recombination when the fungus is grown in the presence of 5‐fluoroorotic acid (5‐FOA), a chemical that is converted into a toxin by URA3 activity. The ura3a/b double mutants showed auxotrophy for uridine and insensitivity to 5‐FOA. Using the ura3a/b mutants, transformation with the URA3B marker and its removal were successfully applied to disrupt the virulence‐related gene, PKS1. The pks1 mutants showed a reduction in virulence, demonstrating that the method can be used to study virulence‐related genes in C. orbiculare. The establishment of a URA3‐based marker recycling system in plant‐pathogenic fungi enables the genetic analysis of multiple genes that have redundant functions, including effector genes.
An Omnibus Non-Parametric Test of Equality in Distribution for Unknown Functions
Authors: Luedtke Alex , Carone Marco , van der Laan Mark J. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryWe present a novel family of non-parametric omnibus tests of the hypothesis that two unknown but estimable functions are equal in distribution when applied to the observed data structure. We developed these tests, which represent a generalization of the maximum mean discrepancy tests described by Gretton and colleagues, using recent developments from the higher order pathwise differentiability literature. Despite their complex derivation, the associated test statistics can be expressed quite simply as U-statistics. We study the asymptotic behaviour of the proposed tests under the null hypothesis and under both fixed and local alternatives. We provide examples to which our tests can be applied and show that they perform well in a simulation study. As an important special case, our proposed tests can be used to determine whether an unknown function, such as the conditional average treatment effect, is equal to zero almost surely.
Careful Prior Specification Avoids Incautious Inference for Log-Gaussian Cox Point Processes
Authors: S⊘rbye Sigrunn H. , Illian Janine B. , Simpson Daniel P. , Burslem David , Rue Håvard 
Published: November 2018

SummaryHyperprior specifications for random fields in spatial point process modelling can have a major influence on the results. In fitting log-Gaussian Cox processes to rainforest tree species, we consider a reparameterized model combining a spatially structured and an unstructured random field into a single component. This component has one hyperparameter accounting for marginal variance, whereas an additional hyperparameter governs the fraction of the variance that is explained by the spatially structured effect. This facilitates interpretation of the hyperparameters, and significance of covariates is studied for a range of hyperprior specifications. Appropriate scaling makes the analysis invariant to grid resolution.
Exploring Patterns of Demand in Bike Sharing Systems Via Replicated Point Process Models
Authors: Gervini Daniel , Khanal Manoj 
Published: November 2018

SummaryUnderstanding patterns of demand is fundamental for fleet management of bike sharing systems. We analyse data from the Divvy system of the city of Chicago. We show that the demand for bicycles can be modelled as a multivariate temporal point process, with each dimension corresponding to a bike station in the network. The availability of daily replications of the process enables non-parametric estimation of the intensity functions, even for stations with low daily counts, and straightforward estimation of pairwise correlations between stations. These correlations are then used for clustering, revealing different patterns of bike usage.
The Effects of Macroeconomic Policy with a Disparity in Price Elasticity Between Private‐ and Public‐ Sector Demands
Authors: Ishiguro Yasuko 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe introduce a disparity in price elasticity between government demand and consumption demand into a simple money‐in‐the‐utility‐function model. This extension demonstrates that the effect of fiscal policies on production may be positive, negative, or neutral depending on the disparity in price elasticity between sectors. Because the effect of an increase in nominal money supply with constant nominal government expenditure is the opposite to that of a fiscal policy, a fiscal policy financed by seigniorage can have positive, negative, or no effects depending on parameter values. Moreover, the effect of simultaneous implementation of expansionary–contractionary policies depends on how they are combined.
The role of foreign affiliate productivity in the integration strategies of multinational firms
Authors: Han Jae‐Joon , Lee Hongshik , Lee Joonhyung 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe study the role of foreign affiliate productivity in the operations of multinational firms. We use the panel data of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) headquartered in South Korea during 2006–2013 and exploit the significant variation in affiliate productivity and its operation. With other variables held constant, including the parent firm or affiliate fixed effects, we find that a more (less) productive affiliate exports less (more) to the parent and sells more (less) to other unaffiliated entities. We then provide a possible theoretical scenario that is based on the MNC's optimal integration strategy literature. By allowing foreign affiliates to have varying productivity levels, the model bears predictions consistent with the empirical findings.
Bayesian inference of a dynamical model evaluating Deltamethrin effect on Daphnia survival
Authors: Diouf Abdoulaye , Camara Baba Issa , Ngom Diene , Toumi Hela , Felten Vincent , Masfaraud Jean-François , Ferard Jean-François 
Published: November 2018

The estimation of toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic (TK-TD) models parameters is a real problem in research. These models highlight a dynamics of internalisation of a toxic compound and a dynamics of the damage that this contaminant will cause on an organism and of possible repairs on the latter. This coupling TK-TD makes it possible to connect these measurements at different times with the same set of parameters sometimes very important in number. In this paper, the focus is on assessing the long-term impact of deltamethrin effects on a sample of daphnia magna survival. For this purpose we fit our TK-TD model of deltamethrin bio-accumuluation and daphnia survival to our experimental data by using bayesian inference algorithm developed in the package deBinfer of R. This bayesian inference method allows estimate simultaneously all the parameters of deltamethrin bio-accumuluation and daphnia survival dynamical system. For the estimation of the environmental risks, our results show that whatever the concentration or duration of exposure, the concentration of bioaccumulated deltamerin should not exceed on average 6.188 ng/L, at the risk of observing the deadly effects
Perioperative application of dexmedetomidine for postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy lithotripsy: results of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Deng Yingqing , Tan Fang , Gan Xiaoliang , Li Xiaoyun , Ge Mian , Gong Chulian , Hei Ziqing , Zhu Qianqian , Zhou Shaoli 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveOur previous retrospective study demonstrated that perioperative dexmedetomidine (Dex) administration was associated with low systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) incidence. The present study was designed to investigate whether perioperative administration of Dex decreases the incidence of postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy lithotripsy (PCNL) SIRS in patients who undergo PCNL.DesignA randomised controlled trial was designed.ParticipantsA total of 190 patients were randomly assigned to receive Dex (DEX group, n=95) or saline control (CON group, n=95) and completed the study. In the DEX group, Dex was loaded (1 µg/kg) before anaesthesia induction and was infused (0.5 µg/kg/h) during surgery.OutcomesThe incidences of postoperative SIRS were recorded. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α(TNF-α) were measured.ResultsThe incidence rates of SIRS were significantly lower in the DEX group than in the CON group (35.8% vs 50.5%, p=0.04). No patients developed sepsis in either group. These results might be attributed to inhibition of inflammatory responses and the resulting lower serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, caused by Dex administration. However, compared with the CON group, the lower incidence rate of SIRS in the DEX group did not result in better outcomes, such as shorter postoperative hospitalisation stays and lower costs.ConclusionThe present study showed that Dex administration during PCNL might be beneficial for decreasing the incidence of SIRS through inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators, but not clinical consequences such as postoperative hospitalisation duration and costs. Further effects of Dex administration on SIRS in patients who are scheduled for PCNL should be explored in future studies.Trial registration numberChiCTR-ICR-15006167.
Developing a dynamic model of anomalous experiences and function in young people with or without psychosis: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study protocol
Authors: Wright Abigail C , Fowler David , Greenwood Kathryn E 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionAnomalous experiences are common within the general population, but the frequency and intensity is increased in young people with psychosis. Studies have demonstrated that perceptual biases towards noticing these phenomena plays a role, but the way one thinks about one’s experience (metacognition) may also be relevant. While poor metacognitive function has been theoretically associated with anomalous experiences, this relationship is currently unclear. However, metacognition may work along a continuum with various metacognitive levels, many of which have been demonstrated as impaired in psychosis. These metacognitive components may interact via processes that maintain poor metacognition across levels, and that potentially impact both what people do in their everyday lives (functional outcome) and how people feel about their everyday lives (subjective recovery outcome) in young people with psychosis compared with healthy control participants.Methods and analysisThis study will investigate the association and contribution of metacognition to anomalous experiences and outcome measures cross-sectionally and longitudinally in a 36-month follow-up. First, young people with psychosis will be compared with healthy control participants on selected measures of anomalous experience, metacognition, and function, using analysis of covariance to identify group differences. Next, the relationship between metacognitive components and processes will be explored, including processes connecting the different components, using regression analyses. Finally, mediation analyses will be used to assess the predictive value of metacognitive measures on outcome measures, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally at 36 months, while controlling for symptoms and cognition.Ethics and disseminationEthical and Health Research Authority approval has been obtained through Camberwell St. Giles Research Ethics Committee (reference number: 17/LO/0055). This research project will be reported within a PhD thesis and submitted for journal publication. Once key predictive components of poor outcome in psychosis are identified, this study will develop a series of dynamic models to understand influences on outcome for young people with psychosis.
Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of continuous infusions of vancomycin to improve the attainment of target vancomycin levels in young infants: The VANC trial
Authors: Gwee Amanda , Cranswick Noel , Donath Susan M , Hunt Rodney , Curtis Nigel 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionVancomycin is frequently used in the treatment of late-onset sepsis in young infants and is routinely administered as intermittent infusions (IIV); however, existing IIV dosing guidelines achieve target vancomycin levels in less than half of infants. Continuous infusions of vancomycin (CIV) are an attractive alternative as adult studies report a higher attainment of target vancomycin levels, simpler drug monitoring and fewer drug side effects.MethodsThis is a multicentre, randomised controlled trial in which 200 young infants (aged 0–90 days) requiring vancomycin will be randomised to CIV or IIV for a duration determined by the treating clinician. Vancomycin levels will be measured immediately after the first dose in both arms. Trough and peak levels will be determined in the IIV arm and steady-state levels 18–30 hours after commencement of infusion will be measured in the CIV arm. Full blood count, urea and electrolytes, and C reactive protein level will be monitored throughout treatment. For all Gram-positive bacteria isolated from blood culture, a vancomycin Etest will be done to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of the bacterium.AnalysisPrimary outcome: the proportion of infants with levels within target range at their first steady-state concentration. Secondary outcomes: (1) the proportion of drug-related adverse effects; (2) the time to achieve target levels in the blood; (3) the pharmacodynamics of vancomycin (using non-linear mixed effect modelling).Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) (No. 34030) and the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District HREC (SSA 16/G/335). Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberNCT02210169.
Team talk and team decision processes: a qualitative discourse analytical approach to 10 real-life medical emergency team encounters
Authors: Gundrosen Stine , Thomassen Gøril , Wisborg Torben , Aadahl Petter 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesExplore the function of three specific modes of talk (discourse types) in decision-making processes.DesignTen real-life admissions of patients with critical illness were audio/video recorded and transcribed. Activity-type analysis (a qualitative discourse analytical method) was applied.SettingInterdisciplinary emergency teams admitting patients with critical illness in a Norwegian university hospital emergency department (ED).ParticipantsAll emergency teams consisted of at least two internal medicine physicians, two ED nurses, one anaesthetist and one nurse anaesthetist. The number of healthcare professionals involved in each emergency team varied between 11 and 20, and some individuals were involved with more than one team.ResultsThe three discourse types played significant roles in team decision-making processes when negotiating meaning. Online commentaries (ONC) and metacommentaries (MC) created progression while offline commentaries (OFC) temporarily placed decisions on hold. Both ONC and MC triggered action and distributed tasks, resources and responsibility in the team. OFC sought mutual understanding and created a broader base for decisions.ConclusionA discourse analytical perspective on team talk in medical emergencies illuminates both the dynamics and complexity of teamwork. Here, we draw attention to the way specific modes of talk function in negotiating mutual understanding and distributing tasks and responsibilities in non-algorithm-driven activities. The analysis uncovers a need for an enhanced focus on how language can trigger safe team practice and integrate this knowledge in teamwork training to improve communication skills in ad hoc emergency teams.
Haematological profile of chronic kidney disease in a mixed-ancestry South African population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: George Cindy , Matsha Tandi E , Erasmus Rajiv T , Kengne Andre P 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesThe objectives were to characterise the haematological profile of screen-detected chronic kidney disease (CKD) participants and to correlate the complete blood count measures with the commonly advocated kidney function estimators.MethodsThe current cross-sectional study used data, collected between February 2015 and November 2016, of 1564 adults of mixed-ancestry, who participated in the Cape Town Vascular and Metabolic Health study. Kidney function was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and anaemia as haemoglobin level <13.5 g/dL (men) and <12 g/dL (women).ResultsBased on the MDRD and CKD-EPI equations, the crude prevalence of CKD was 6% and 3%. Irrespective of the equation used, median red blood cell (RBC) indices were consistently lower in those with CKD compared with those without CKD (all p<0.0001). Despite not showing any significant difference in total white blood cell (WBC) count between the two groups, the number of lymphocytes were lower (p=0.0001 and p<0.0001 for MDRD and CKD-EPI, respectively) and neutrophil count (both p<0.0297) and the ratio of lymphocytes to neutrophil (both p<0.0001) higher in the CKD group compared with those without CKD; with the remaining WBC indices similar in the two groups. The platelet count was similar in both groups. Of the screen-detected CKD participants, 45.5% (MDRD) and 57.8% (CKD-EPI) were anaemic, with the prevalence increasing with increasing severity of CKD, from 37.2% (stage 3) to 82.4% (stages 4–5). Furthermore, CKD-EPI-estimated kidney function, but not MDRD, was positively associated with RBC indices.ConclusionThough it remains unclear whether common kidney function estimators provide accurate estimates of CKD in Africans, the correlation of their estimates with deteriorating RBC profile, suggests that advocated estimators, to some extent approximate kidney function in African populations.
Protocol for a feasibility study of an Indigenous Medication Review Service (IMeRSe) in Australia
Authors: Wheeler Amanda J , Spinks Jean , Kelly Fiona , Ware Robert S , Vowles Erica , Stephens Mike , Scuffham Paul A , Miller Adrian 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionThe age-adjusted rate of potentially preventable hospitalisations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is almost five times the rate of other Australians. Quality use of medicines has an important role in alleviating these differences. This requires strengthening existing medication reviewing services through collaboration between community pharmacists and health workers, and ensuring services are culturally appropriate. This Indigenous Medication Review Service (IMeRSe) study aims to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a culturally appropriate medication management service delivered by community pharmacists in collaboration with Aboriginal health workers.Methods and analysisThis study will be conducted in nine Aboriginal health services (AHSs) and their associated community pharmacies in three Australian states over 12 months. Community pharmacists will be trained to improve their awareness and understanding of Indigenous health and cultural issues, to communicate the quality use of medicines effectively, and to strengthen interprofessional relationships with AHSs and their staff. Sixty consumers (with a chronic condition/pregnant/within 2 years post partum and at risk of medication-related problems (MRPs) per site will be recruited, with data collection at baseline and 6 months. The primary outcome is the difference in cumulative incidence of serious MRPs in the 6 months after IMeRSe introduction compared with the 6 months prior. Secondary outcomes include potentially preventable medication-related hospitalisations, medication adherence, total MRPs, psychological and social empowerment, beliefs about medication, treatment satisfaction and health expenditure.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol received approval from Griffith University (HREC/2018/251), Queensland Health Metro South (HREC/18/QPAH/109), Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of New South Wales (1381/18), Far North Queensland (HREC/18/QCH/86-1256) and the Central Australian HREC (CA-18-3090). Dissemination to Indigenous people and communities will be a priority. Results will be available on the Australian Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement website and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberACTRN12618000188235; Pre-results.
Light-by-light scattering in a photon–photon collider
Authors: Takahashi T. , An G. , Chen Y. , Chou W. , Huang Y. , Liu W. , Lu W. , Lv J. , Pei G. , Pei S. , Shen C. P. , Sun B. , Zhang C. , Zhang C. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe studied the feasibility of observing light-by-light scattering in a photon–photon collider based on an existing accelerator complex and a commercially available laser system. We investigated the statistical significance of the signal over the QED backgrounds through a Monte Carlo simulation with a detector model. The study showed that light-by-light scattering can be observed with a statistical significance of eight to ten sigma in a year of operation, depending on the operating conditions.
People and Machines: A Look at the Evolving Relationship between Capital and Skill in Manufacturing, 1860–1930, Using Immigration Shocks
Authors: Lafortune Jeanne , Lewis Ethan , Tessada José 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
This paper estimates the elasticity of substitution between capital and skill in manufacturing using immigration-induced variation in skill mix across U.S. counties between 1860 and 1930. We find that capital initially complemented both high- and low-skill labor (determined by literacy) and, unlike today, was more complementary with low-skill labor. Around 1890, capital increased its relative complementarity with high-skill labor. Simulations calibrated to our estimates imply the level of capital-skill complementarity after 1890 allowed the manufacturing sector to absorb the large wave of Eastern and Southern European immigrants with only a modest decline in less-skilled relative wages. This would not have been possible under the older production technology.
Family Types and Intimate Partner Violence: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Tur-Prats Ana 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
This paper examines the long-term determinants of intimate partner violence (IPV) by analyzing its relationship with traditional family structures: stem families in which one child stays in the parental household and nuclear families in which all children leave the household upon marriage. My hypothesis is that coresidence with a mother-in-law increases a wife's contribution to nondomestic work, which may decrease the level of violence. I find that areas where stem families were socially predominant in the past currently have a lower IPV rate, and use differences in inheritance laws in medieval times as an instrument for the different family types.