bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balanced‐budget rules: Local indeterminacy and bifurcations
Authors: Stockman David R.
Published: February 2020

Schmitt‐Grohé and Uribe (1997) illustrate that a balanced‐budget rule can lead to local indeterminacy and sunspot equilibria. I extend their local analysis by using local bifurcation techniques to investigate the possibility of cyclic and sunspot equilibria under a balanced‐budget rule in a neighborhood of a locally determinate steady state. For a class of models, I show the generic existence of two bifurcation steady‐state tax rates: flip and fold. The flip bifurcation implies the existence of 2‐cycles. Furthermore, I show analytically for a large region of the parameter space that this flip bifurcation is supercritical so the 2‐cycles are stable. This finding establishes the existence multiple equilibria and sunspot equilibria in a neighborhood of a locally determinate steady state. I also find there are model parameterizations where the fold bifurcation tax rate is lower than the flip bifurcation tax rate. In these instances, the steady state is a source for tax rates between these bifurcation tax rates. This indicates a qualitatively different type of aggregate instability due to a balanced‐budget rule.
Association of sensory sensitivities and toothbrushing cooperation in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Khrautieo Tippawan , Srimaneekarn Natchalee , Rirattanapong Praphasri , Smutkeeree Apiwan
Published: February 2020

Background

Sensory over‐responsivity (SOR) is common in autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and it leads to a more intense response to sensory stimuli.

Aim

To compare toothbrushing cooperation at home and in a dental office between SOR and sensory not over‐responsivity (SNOR) children with ASD.

Design

This cross‐sectional observational study was conducted with 51 children with ASD aged 4‐17 years. Caregivers assessed each subject's sensory response by completing a back‐translation questionnaire listing eight sensitivities. Subjects who had three or more of the sensitivities were considered SOR subjects. Toothbrushing cooperation in the dental office was recorded on videos. Statistical analysis used the Spearman correlation coefficient, chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann‐Whitney U test.

Results

SNOR subjects (n = 10) had significantly higher scores in toothbrushing cooperation at home and in the dental office than did SOR subjects (n = 41) (P < .05). Oral sensitivity was significantly associated with toothbrushing cooperation at home, whereas oral, light, sound, and touch (face) sensitivities were significantly correlated with toothbrushing cooperation in the dental office (P < .05).

Conclusions

SOR subjects showed less toothbrushing cooperation than SNOR subjects both at home and in the dental office.
Associations of occupational stress, workplace violence, and organizational support on chronic fatigue syndrome among nurses
Authors: Li Mengyao , Shu Qianyi , Huang Hao , Bo Wen , Wang Lulu , Wu Hui
Published: February 2020

Aims

Chronic fatigue syndrome is an agnogenic disease worldwide. Nurses are at a high risk of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, no research has been done to examine the associations of workplace violence, organizational support, and occupational stress with chronic fatigue syndrome among Chinese nurses. This study aimed to examine effects of these factors on chronic fatigue syndrome in this occupational group.

Design

Cross‐sectional. All participants voluntarily completed a questionnaire survey.

Methods

The study was conducted in Liaoning province from December 2017–January 2018. Self‐administered questionnaires were distributed to 1,200 nurses, including Effort‐Reward‐Imbalance, Workplace Violence Scale, Survey of Perceived Organizational Support, together with age, gender, marital status, education levels, physical activities, job rank, monthly income, and weekly working hours. Complete responses were obtained from 1,080 (90%) participants. Chronic fatigue syndrome was diagnosed by doctors according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine these independent risk factors.

Results

The prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome was 6.76%. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that nurses who experienced serious higher levels of overcommitment, workplace violence and less organizational support were more likely to be classified as chronic fatigue syndrome.

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome. Lower workplace violence, more organizational support and lower overcommitment could be effective resources for reducing chronic fatigue syndrome.

Impact

Workplace violence, organizational support, and occupational stress were related to chronic fatigue syndrome, which helped to explain why Chinese nurses suffered higher prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome. Overcommitment explained chronic fatigue syndrome better than Effort/Reward Ratio, so intrinsic stress played a more critical role than extrinsic stress in chronic fatigue syndrome. Chinese nurses suffered serious sleep disorders and impairment of concentration and memory. These symptoms might also attribute to serious occupational stress, unsafe and unsupportive working environment. Creating a safe and supportive working environment, relieving intrinsic occupational stress should be considered as an institutional strategy to early prevent chronic fatigue syndrome.
Have pregnancy outcomes improved with the introduction of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria in Japan?
Authors: Nakanishi Sayuri , Aoki Shigeru , Kasai Junko , Shindo Ryosuke , Saigusa Yusuke , Miyagi Etsuko
Published: February 2020

Aims/Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the introduction of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on maternal and neonatal outcomes in Japan.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective study carried out at a tertiary center in Japan. Previously in Japan, GDM was diagnosed if two or more of the following Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) criteria were met: fasting plasma glucose ≥100 mg/dL, 1‐h value ≥180 mg/dL or 2‐h value ≥150 mg/dL on the 75‐g oral glucose tolerance. Since 2010, GDM has been diagnosed if one or more of the following IADPSG criteria are met: fasting plasma glucose ≥92 mg/dL, 1‐h value ≥180 mg/dL or 2‐h value ≥153 mg/dL on the 75‐g oral glucose tolerance. We compared the pregnancy outcomes of all pregnant women with singleton pregnancies after 22 weeks’ gestation at our hospital before (JSOG period) and after (IADPSG period) the IADPSG criteria were adopted.

Results

There were 3,912 women in the JSOG period and 4,772 in the IADPSG period. GDM prevalence increased from 2.9% in the JSOG period to 13% in the IADPSG period (P < 0.001). No significant differences between the groups were found in rates of macrosomia, or large for gestational age, and no significant differences were found in birthweight. The neonatal hypoglycemia rate and neonatal intensive care unit admission rate were significantly lower in the IADPSG period (adjusted odds ratio 0.51 and 0.78, respectively).

Conclusions

Introduction of the IADPSG criteria for diagnosing GDM increased GDM diagnosis frequency fourfold, but reduced neonatal intensive care unit admission and neonatal hypoglycemia rates significantly.
Clinical Predictors of Intracranial Bleeding in Older Adults Who Have Fallen: A Cohort Study
Authors: de Wit Kerstin , Parpia Sameer , Varner Catherine , Worster Andrew , McLeod Shelley , Clayton Natasha , Kearon Clive , Mercuri Mathew
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVES

Emergency department (ED) visits among older adults are frequently instigated by a fall at home. Some of these patients develop intracranial bleeding. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of intracranial bleeding and the associated clinical features in older adults who present to the ED after falling.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Three Canadian EDs.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2 176 patients age 65 years or older who presented to the ED with a fall were assessed, and 1753 were included. Inclusion criteria were a fall on level ground, off a bed, chair, or toilet, or from one or two steps within 48 hours.

MEASUREMENTS

Emergency physicians recorded predefined clinical findings on initial assessment. The primary outcome was intracranial bleeding, diagnosed either by computed tomography at the index visit or within 42 days. Associations between baseline clinical findings and the presence of intracranial bleeding were assessed with multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1753 patients (median age = 82 y) were enrolled, of whom 39% were male, 35% were on antiplatelet therapy, and 25% were on an anticoagulant. The incidence of intracranial bleeding was 5.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.1‐6.1). Overall, 76 patients were diagnosed at the index ED visit, and 12 were diagnosed during follow‐up. Multivariable regression identified four clinical variables that were independently associated with intracranial bleeding: new abnormalities on neurologic examination (odds ratio [OR] = 4.4; 95% CI = 2.4‐8.1), bruise or laceration on the head (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 2.7‐7.0), chronic kidney disease (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.3‐4.6), and reduced Glasgow Coma Scale from normal (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.0‐3.4).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of intracranial bleeding in our study was 5.0%. We found significant associations between intracranial bleeding and four simple clinical variables. We did not find significant associations between intracranial bleeding and antiplatelet or anticoagulant use. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:970–976, 2020
Brassinosteroids regulate outer ovule integument growth in part via the control of INNER NO OUTER by BRASSINOZOLE‐RESISTANT family transcription factors
Authors: Jia Dandan , Chen Lian‐Ge , Yin Guimin , Yang Xiaorui , Gao Zhihua , Guo Yi , Sun Yu , Tang Wenqiang
Published: February 2020

Brassinosteroids (BRs) play important roles in regulating plant reproductive processes. BR signaling or BR biosynthesis null mutants do not produce seeds under natural conditions, but the molecular mechanism underlying this infertility is poorly understood. In this study, we report that outer integument growth and embryo sac development were impaired in the ovules of the Arabidopsis thaliana BR receptor null mutant bri1‐116. Gene expression and RNA‐seq analyses showed that the expression of INNER NO OUTER (INO), an essential regulator of outer integument growth, was significantly reduced in the bri1‐116 mutant. Increased INO expression due to overexpression or increased transcriptional activity of BRASSINAZOLE‐RESISTANT 1 (BZR1) in the mutant alleviated the outer integument growth defect in bri1‐116 ovules, suggesting that BRs regulate outer integument growth partially via BZR1‐mediated transcriptional regulation of INO. Meanwhile, INO expression in bzr‐h, a null mutant for all BZR1 family genes, was barely detectable; and the outer integument of bzr‐h ovules had much more severe growth defects than those of the bri1‐116 mutant. Together, our findings establish a new role for BRs in regulating ovule development and suggest that BZR1 family transcription factors might regulate outer integument growth through both BRI1‐dependent and BRI1‐independent pathways.
A randomized double‐blind trial evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of topical body treatment with TriHex Technology® combined with abdomen cryolipolysis or radiofrequency procedures
Authors: Moradi Amir , Poehler Jeanette , Bell Michaela
Published: February 2020

Background

Nonsurgical fat reduction procedures using cryolipolysis and radiofrequency are among the most popular noninvasive aesthetic procedures. In a previous study, TransFORM Body Treatment (TFB) with TriHex Technology® (ALASTIN® Skincare) improved the contour and reduced skin laxity following cryolipolysis of the arms. This product is formulated using a combination of peptides and other active ingredients designed to stimulate the autophagic breakdown of lipid droplets and expedite the apoptotic process after fat reduction procedures.

Aims

To assess the changes in abdominal volume after application of TFB for 12 weeks following cryolipolysis and radiofrequency procedures.

Methods

Following abdominal cryolipolysis or radiofrequency therapy, the subjects (N = 15) received TFB product and placebo and were randomly assigned to apply to the right or left sides of the abdomen for 12 weeks. Using 3‐dimensional digital imaging analysis, subjects were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks posttreatment.

Results

Topical TFB resulted in increased volume loss, which was greater than that for placebo at weeks 4 (P = .0511), 8 (P = .0238), and 12 (P = .0078), respectively, and statistically significant at weeks 8 and 12. There were no reported adverse events.

Conclusion

In this study, Topical application of TFB significantly increased adipose volume loss and improved clinical outcomes of nonsurgical fat reduction procedures.
CLARIFYING THE NATURE OF THE HECKMAN CURVE
Authors: Rea David , Burton Tony
Published: February 2020

In response to our paper, we understand that James Heckman communicated to the journal Editors states that the Heckman Curve does not describe how the average return on investment of programs differs by the age of recipients. This clarification is useful as many people in the policy community have understood the Heckman Curve in this manner.
Shaping the mitochondrial inner membrane in health and disease
Authors: Colina‐Tenorio L. , Horten P. , Pfanner N. , Rampelt H.
Published: February 2020

Mitochondria play central roles in cellular energetics, metabolism and signalling. Efficient respiration, mitochondrial quality control, apoptosis and inheritance of mitochondrial DNA depend on the proper architecture of the mitochondrial membranes and a dynamic remodelling of inner membrane cristae. Defects in mitochondrial architecture can result in severe human diseases affecting predominantly the nervous system and the heart. Inner membrane morphology is generated and maintained in particular by the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS), the F1Fo‐ATP synthase, the fusion protein OPA1/Mgm1 and the nonbilayer‐forming phospholipids cardiolipin and phosphatidylethanolamine. These protein complexes and phospholipids are embedded in a network of functional interactions. They communicate with each other and additional factors, enabling them to balance different aspects of cristae biogenesis and to dynamically remodel the inner mitochondrial membrane. Genetic alterations disturbing these membrane‐shaping factors can lead to human pathologies including fatal encephalopathy, dominant optic atrophy, Leigh syndrome, Parkinson's disease and Barth syndrome.
Rallying the Troops and Defending against Sanctions: A Government Body Breaking Decision‐Making Rules to Fund Entrepreneurial Ventures
Authors: Shepherd Dean A. , Johansson Jeaneth , Malmström Malin , Wincent Joakim
Published: February 2020

Critical to top management’s organizing efforts are the formal rules for how organizational members are to make decisions. However, employees can break top management’s decision‐making rules. Although scholars have investigated rule breaking at the individual and group levels of analysis, research is needed into how members come together as a group to break an organization’s decision‐making rules, and how groups’ rule breaking persists. To address this important research gap, we draw from a real‐time qualitative investigation of both the breaking and following of decision‐making rules to develop a group model that: (1) explains how an individual can trigger his or her group to break decision‐making rules to generate perceived benefits for the group and/or others external to the organization, (2) provides insights into the mechanisms by which rule breaking persists, and (3) highlights the norms of developing and perpetuating groups’ breaking decision‐making rules.
Effect of brain training through visual mirror feedback, action observation and motor imagery on orofacial sensorimotor variables: A single‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: La Touche Roy , Herranz‐Gómez Aida , Destenay Laura , Gey‐Seedorf Ingrid , Cuenca‐Martínez Ferran , Paris‐Alemany Alba , Suso‐Martí Luis
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The main objective was to evaluate the effects of action observation (AO), visual mirror feedback (VMF) and motor imagery (MI), combined with an oro‐facial exercise programme, on sensorimotor variables in asymptomatic participants.

Methods

We designed a randomised, single‐blind, controlled trial that included 52 asymptomatic participants who were randomly assigned to 4 groups, 13 to each of the VMF, MI and AO groups and 13 to the control group (CG), which only performed the exercise programme. The primary outcomes were pain pressure sensitivity and tongue muscle strength. The secondary outcomes were maximum mouth opening, tongue length and the ability to generate mental motor images. Each group underwent a 3‐session intervention using their respective exercise. Measurements were performed before starting the intervention and after each of the 3 sessions (pre, mid1, mid2 and post).

Results

ANOVA revealed significant changes in PPTs in the masseter muscle region in the MI and AO groups in the pre‐post and mid1‐post changes. ANOVA revealed significant differences in tongue muscle strength in the anterior direction only in the AO group in the pre‐mid2 and pre‐post changes.

Conclusions

AO and MI, in conjunction with exercise, could induce changes in PPTs for the masseter muscle. In addition, only AO produced changes in tongue muscle strength. More research is needed to determine the role of brain representation techniques in the oro‐facial region and transferring this exercise to the rehabilitation setting.
Effect of air temperature on growth performance, apparent digestibilities, rumen fermentation and serum metabolites in Altay and Hu lambs
Authors: Zhou Jianwei , Ji Kaixi , Liu Hu , Zhang Yunsheng , Degen Abraham Allan , Jiao Dan , Wang Wenqiang , Xie Zhongkui , Wang Xinhua , Zhou Ping , Yang Guo
Published: February 2020

Fat‐tailed Altay sheep are indigenous to the Altay prefecture and well adapted to severe cold and sparse pasture of poor quality. Hu sheep were introduced to this region in the 1970s and are raised mainly in feedlots. We hypothesized that the dietary energy utilization would differ between breeds and predicted that Altay sheep would be more efficient than Hu sheep, in particular at a low air temperature. To test this prediction, we examined growth performance, apparent digestibilities, rumen fermentation and serum metabolites in Altay (32 ± 2.6 kg) and Hu sheep (31 ± 2.7 kg) at air temperatures of −5 and 20°C. Average daily gain (ADG), feed and metabolizable energy intakes were greater in Altay than in Hu sheep (p < .01), and all were greater at −5°C than 20°C (p < .01). Body mass gain‐to‐feed intake ratio was higher in Altay than in Hu sheep (p < .001), but was not affected by air temperature (p > .10). Rumen total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration was greater in Hu than in Altay sheep (p < .05) and was greater at 20°C than at −5°C (p < .05), while rumen microbial protein concentration was greater in Altay than in Hu sheep (p < .05). Rectal temperature was higher at −5°C than 20°C (p < .05) and was similar between breeds (p > .05). Serum glucose, non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and urea‐N concentrations were higher in Hu than in Altay sheep (p < .05). It was concluded that Altay sheep are better able to cope with poor quality diets as they had higher digestibility of nutrients, ADG and body mass gain‐to‐feed intake ratio than Hu sheep.
How light and biomass density influence the reproduction of delayed Saccharina latissima gametophytes (Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Ebbing Alexander , Pierik Ronald , Bouma Tjeerd , Kromkamp Jacco C. , Timmermans Klaas
Published: February 2020

Kelp life‐cycle transitions are complex and susceptible to various (a)biotic controls. Understanding the microscopic part of the kelp's lifecycle is of key importance, as gametophytes form a critical phase influencing, among others, the distributional limits of the species. Many environmental controls have been identified that affect kelp gametogenesis, whose interactive effects can be subtle and counterintuitive. Here we performed a fully factorial experiment on the (interactive) influences of light intensity, light quality, and the Initial Gametophyte Density (IGD) on Saccharina latissima reproduction and vegetative growth of delayed gametophytes. A total of 144 cultures were followed over a period of 21 d. The IGD was a key determinant for reproductive success, with increased IGDs (≥0.04 mg DW · mL−1) practically halting reproduction. Interestingly, the effects of IGDs were not affected by nutrient availability, suggesting a resource‐independent effect of density on reproduction. The Photosynthetically Usable Radiation (PUR), overarching the quantitative contribution of both light intensity and light quality, correlated with both reproduction and vegetative growth. The PUR furthermore specifies that the contribution of light quality, as a lifecycle control, is a matter of absorbed photon flux instead of color signaling. We hypothesize that (i) the number of photons absorbed, independent of their specific wavelength, and (ii) IGD interactions, independent of nutrient availability, are major determinants of reproduction in S. latissima gametophytes. These insights help understand kelp gametophyte development and dispersal under natural conditions, while also aiding the control of in vitro gametophyte cultures.
Managing data locally to answer questions globally: The role of collaborative science in ecology
Authors: Aubin Isabelle , Cardou Françoise , Boisvert‐Marsh Laura , Garnier Eric , Strukelj Manuella , Munson Alison D.
Published: February 2020

Ecologists are increasingly asking large‐scale and/or broad‐scope questions that require vast datasets. In response, various top‐down efforts and incentives have been implemented to encourage data sharing and integration. However, despite general consensus on the critical need for more open ecological data, several roadblocks still discourage compliance and participation in these projects; as a result, ecological data remain largely unavailable. Grassroots initiatives (i.e. efforts initiated and led by cohesive groups of scientists focused on specific goals) have thus far been overlooked as a powerful means to meet these challenges. These bottom‐up collaborative data integration projects can play a crucial role in making high quality datasets available because they tackle the heterogeneity of ecological data at a scale where it is still manageable, all the while offering the support and structure to do so. These initiatives foster best practices in data management and provide tangible rewards to researchers who choose to invest time in sound data stewardship. By maintaining proximity between data generators and data users, grassroots initiatives improve data interpretation and ensure high‐quality data integration while providing fair acknowledgement to data generators. We encourage researchers to formalize existing collaborations and to engage in local activities that improve the availability and distribution of ecological data. By fostering communication and interaction among scientists, we are convinced that grassroots initiatives can significantly support the development of global‐scale data repositories. In doing so, these projects help address important ecological questions and support policy decisions.
The relative role of climate and herbivory in driving treeline dynamics along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Mienna Ida Marielle , Speed James David Mervyn , Klanderud Kari , Austrheim Gunnar , Næsset Erik , Bollandsås Ole Martin
Published: February 2020

Aim

The treeline is an obvious ecotone between forest and tundra ecosystems. Climatic warming is expected to lead to the treeline advancing, although in many cases this has not been observed. This is most likely because other factors can also influence treeline dynamics, notably land use and herbivory in European treelines. In this study, the roles of climate and herbivory as determinants for change in stem number, growth and mortality responses of treeline ecotone trees were investigated.

Location

Thirty‐six sites along a 1,000 km latitudinal gradient in the Scandes Mountains in Norway (60–69° N).

Methods

We recorded changes in stem numbers and height, and mortality between 2008 and 2012. A partial least‐squares regression analysis (PLS) was carried out to find the relative importance of groups of variables representing climate, herbivory, site and tree properties for explaining the variation in these three response variables. We also fitted general additive models for each response with selected variables from the PLS analysis.

Results

We found an increase in number of stems and tree height for short and medium tall trees. The climatic variables explained the greatest proportion of the variation of the change in stem numbers, while tree height growth and mortality were best predicted by the growth stage of the tree and climate.

Conclusions

Our study shows that climate explains more of the variance in treeline performance than herbivory, tree properties or latitude. Relatively weak explanatory power of all variables suggests high context dependency of treeline dynamics between sites. It seems that at large scales, variables known to be important in regulating treeline dynamics within sites are poor predictors of treeline change in the short term.
Temporal dynamics of migration‐linked genetic variation are driven by streamflows and riverscape permeability
Authors: Kelson Suzanne J. , Miller Michael R. , Thompson Tasha Q. , O’Rourke Sean M. , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: February 2020

Landscape permeability is often explored spatially, but may also vary temporally. Landscape permeability, including partial barriers, influences migratory animals that move across the landscape. Partial barriers are common in rivers where barrier passage varies with streamflow. We explore the influence of partial barriers on the spatial and temporal distribution of migration‐linked genotypes ofOncorhynchus mykiss, a salmonid fish with co‐occurring resident and migratory forms, in tributaries to the South Fork Eel River, California, USA, Elder and Fox Creeks. We genotyped >4,000 individuals using RAD‐capture and classified individuals as resident, heterozygous or migratory genotypes using life history‐associated loci. Across four years of study (2014–2017), the permeability of partial barriers varied across dry and wet years. In Elder Creek, the largest waterfall was passable for adults migrating up‐river 4–39 days each year. In this stream, the overall spatial pattern, with fewer migratory genotypes above the waterfall, remained true across dry and wet years (67%–76% of migratory alleles were downstream of the waterfall). We also observed a strong relationship between distance upstream and proportion of migratory alleles. In Fox Creek, the primary barrier is at the mouth, and we found that the migratory allele frequency varied with the annual timing of high flow events. In years when rain events occurred during the peak breeding season, migratory allele frequency was high (60%–68%), but otherwise it was low (30% in two years). We highlight that partial barriers and landscape permeability can be temporally dynamic, and this effect can be observed through changing genotype frequencies in migratory animals.
Naming God: Or Why Names are not Attributes
Authors: Soskice Janet
Published: February 2020

The article argues that philosophers of religion and theologians should pay less attention to the so-called ‘classical attributes’ of God and more attention to the neglected, but venerable, tradition of the divine names. Grounded in Scripture, these reflections are predicated on the doctrine of Creation, and what it is for human beings as creatures to speak of their Creator. The article demonstrates that, even the so-called ‘classical attributes’, when placed in the divine names tradition, are far from being mere ‘natural theology’ but Christological to the core and lead us, through intellect, into the mysteries of awe and prayer.
“Words Enfleshing the Word”: Joseph Ratzinger on the Prophetic Interpretation of Revelation in the Church
Authors: McCaughey Mary
Published: February 2020

This paper begins by exploring how Joseph Ratzinger's post-doctoral work on the Theology of History in St Bonaventure is shaped by his interest in how theology can be grounded in salvation history. Through this lens, he examines Bonaventure's multi-form theories of scripture and the place of St Francis in salvation history to show how prophetic interpretations of scripture are consistent with Christ as the apex of history. The paper goes on to demonstrate that these insights also influence Ratzinger's later work, particularly his reading of Dei Verbum, his recognition of the Mariological dimensions of hermeneutics, as well as his consideration of various prophetical manifestations of the life of the Church such as the monastic movement and the new ecclesial movements.
Human Speech and God's Word: On a Latent Divine Attribute
Authors: Tóth Beáta
Published: February 2020

The idea that God speaks to humans and responds to their call is often taken for granted in the Judeo-Christian tradition. This paper reflects on the significance of the fact that God is Deus loquens: one who speaks in revelation and who is also inner Trinitarian eternal utterance. To outline an anthropology and a theology of speech, two Hungarian interlocutors are summoned: twentieth century poet János Pilinszky (1921-1981) and exegete and literary critic István Jelenits (b. 1932), whose accounts are instructive concerning the nature of human and divine communication. As a next step, the post-synodal apostolic exhortation Verbum Domini (2010) by Pope Benedict XVI is examined, which can be seen as providing the outlines of a systematic “theology of the word.” Such theology is aware that the word of God is an analogical concept rooted in the Trinitarian reality of divine communication.
From political correctness to reflexivity: A norm‐critical perspective on nursing education
Authors: Tengelin Ellinor , Dahlborg Elisabeth , Berndtsson Ina , Bülow Pia H.
Published: February 2020

Education is important in shaping professional identity, including how one approaches norms and normalisation. In the analysis presented in this study, nursing students' own constructions of norms and normality from the outlook of their education are highlighted and problematised. To deepen the understanding of these matters, the aim of this study was to explore constructions of norms and normality among students in nursing education. Students studying in a nursing department at a Swedish university college were approached and asked to consider open survey questions targeting their views on norms and normality; 154 of them replied. After a discourse analytic approach to the data, we could see how the students constructed norms and normality as (a) instrumental instructions, consisting of easy‐to‐digest statements grounded in the profession's obvious moral and ethical values, (b) limiting and frustrating obstacles for personal freedom that were important to challenge, (c) rules to be obeyed for the stability of society and (d) a matter of reflection, with each individual being responsible for understanding differences in norms, perspectives and opinions. We conclude that nursing education would benefit from norm‐critical perspectives, problematising students' own positions to norms, power and privilege.
Prevalence of oral human papillomavirus infections by race in the United States: An association with sexual behavior
Authors: Choi Janet S. , Tang Liyang , Yu Alison J. , Swanson Mark S. , Chambers Tamara N. , Kokot Niels C. , Sinha Uttam K.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To investigate the differences in oral HPV infection and sexual behaviors by race in the US.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed data from the 2011–2014 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during which participants aged 18–69 years completed oral rinse exam for HPV detection (n = 8,229). Logistic regression was used to examine the associations of race with various types of oral HPV infection and sexual behaviors.

Results

The prevalence of overall oral HPV infection and HPV type16 infection was 7.5% [95% CI: 6.6–8.4] and 1.1% [95% CI: 0.7–1.3], respectively. Blacks were more likely to have any oral HPV infection [OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01–1.47] and Asian Americans were less likely to have any oral HPV infection [OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.24–0.49] than Whites. In a multivariate model, Whites were less likely to have any oral HPV infections than Blacks while having higher order of impact by the number of lifetime sex partners. Overall, Asian Americans were less likely to have type16 infection [OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06–0.67] than Whites; however, that difference disappears when adjusting for sexual behaviors.

Conclusions

In this nationally representative sample of US adults, the prevalence of overall oral HPV infections was higher among Blacks and lower among Asians in comparison to Whites. Further analysis with sexual behavior data suggested that the racial differences in prevalence are likely due to different sexual behaviors.
The ecology of fear and inverted biomass pyramids
Authors: Malone Margaret A. , Halloway Abdel H. , Brown Joel S.
Published: February 2020

In inverted biomass pyramids (IBPs) prey are outnumbered by their predators when measured by biomass. We investigate how prey should behave in the face of danger from higher predator biomass, and how anti‐predator behavior (in the form of vigilance) can, in turn, affect the predator–prey system. In this study, we incorporate anti‐predator behaviors into a Lotka–Volterra predator–prey model in the form of fixed and facultative vigilance. Facultative vigilance models behavior as a dynamic foraging game, allowing us to assess optimal behavioral responses in the context of IBPs using a dynamical fitness optimization approach. We model vigilance as a tradeoff between safety and either the prey's maximum growth rate or its carrying capacity. We assess the population dynamics of predators and prey with fear responses, and investigate the role fear plays on trophic structure. We found that the ecology of fear plays an important role in predator–prey systems, impacting trophic structure and the occurrence of IBPs. Fixed vigilance works against IBP structure by always reducing the predator–prey biomass ratio at equilibrium with increasing levels of vigilance. Facultative vigilance can actually promote IBPs, as prey can now adjust their vigilance levels to cope with increased predation and the costs associated with vigilance. This is especially true when the effectiveness of vigilance is low and predators are very lethal. In general, these trends are true whether the costs of vigilance are felt on the prey's maximum growth rate or its carrying capacity. Just as the ecology of fear, when first introduced, was used to explain why top carnivores are rare in terrestrial systems, it can also be used to understand how big fierce predators can be common in IBPs.
Studies of NH4+ and NO3− uptake ability of subalpine plants and resource‐use strategy identified by their functional traits
Authors: Legay Nicolas , Grassein Fabrice , Arnoldi Cindy , Segura Raphael , Laîné Philippe , Lavorel Sandra , Clément Jean‐Christophe
Published: February 2020

The leaf economics spectrum (LES) is based on a suite of leaf traits related to plant functioning and ranges from resource‐conservative to resource‐acquisitive strategies. However, the relationships with root traits, and the associated belowground plant functioning such as N uptake, including nitrate (NO3−) and ammonium (NH4+), is still poorly known. Additionally, environmental variations occurring both in time and in space could uncouple LES from root traits. We explored, in subalpine grasslands, the relationships between leaf and root morphological traits for three dominant perennial grass species, and to what extent they contribute to the whole‐plant economics spectrum. We also investigated the link between this spectrum and NO3− and NH4+ uptake rates, as well as the variations of uptake across four grasslands differing by the land‐use history at peak biomass and in autumn. Although poorly correlated with leaf traits, root traits contributed to an economic spectrum at the whole plant level. Higher NH4+ and NO3− uptake abilities were associated with the resource‐acquisitive strategy. Nonetheless, NH4+ and NO3−‐uptake within species varied between land‐uses and with sampling time, suggesting that LES and plant traits are good, but still incomplete, descriptors of plant functioning. Although the NH4+:NO3− uptake ratio was different between plant species in our study, they all showed a preference for NH4+, and particularly the most conservative species. Soil environmental variations between grasslands and sampling times may also drive to some extent the NH4+ and NO3− uptake ability of species. Our results support the current efforts to build a more general framework including above‐ and below‐ground processes when studying plant community functioning.
A disease and production index (DPI) for selection of cacao (Theobroma cacao) clones highly productive and tolerant to pod rot diseases
Authors: Jaimez Ramón E. , Vera Danilo I. , Mora Argenis , Loor Rey G. , Bailey Bryan A.
Published: February 2020

Frosty pod rot (FPR) (Moniliophthora roreri), along with black pod rot (Phytophthora species) and witches’ broom disease (Moniliophthora perniciosa) constitute the main phytosanitary problems limiting cacao (Theobroma cacao) production causing severe yield losses. One of the main sought after methods of pod rot management is the selection of tolerant cacao genotypes. Typically, the selection is carried out through the quantification of the percentage of diseased pods (PDP). However, PDP does not consider the relative productivity, or production potential (PT) of the genotype. Production potential can vary among cacao genotypes. Consequently, genotypes with similar PT can have similar or vastly different disease tolerance levels as measured by PDP. The disease and production index (DPI) was developed to integrate a genotype's tolerance to M. roreri and other diseases as measured by PDP, with its PT. Here, we evaluated the number of healthy pods, number of diseased pods, and weight of fresh seed for 29 clones grown in replicated five‐tree plots over 4 years. The data obtained was used to calculate PDP and DPI for each clone for three different disease combinations: frosty pod rot alone, pod rots other than frosty pod rot, and the combination of all pod rots. Multivariate analysis verified that DPI discriminated between clones based on productivity and disease tolerance. Surprisingly, there was a close ranking of clones between resistance to FPR and resistance to all other pod rots. The DPI can be used in breeding programmes focused on the selection of high yielding disease‐tolerant cacao genotypes.
Hospital admissions for lower respiratory tract infections after early‐, late‐, and post‐term birth
Authors: Haataja Paula , Korhonen Päivi , Ojala Riitta , Hirvonen Mikko , Korppi Matti , Gissler Mika , Luukkaala Tiina , Tammela Outi
Published: February 2020

Background

Recent data suggest that early‐term births are associated with later respiratory morbidity (LRTI), and post‐term births may decrease this risk.

Objectives

The objective was to determine the impact of early‐term, late‐term, and post‐term birth on hospital admission for LRTI up to the age of seven years. Additionally, we explored maternal and perinatal factors associated with the risk of admission for LRTIs.

Methods

The association of early‐term (37+0‐38+6 weeks), late‐term (41+0‐41+6 weeks), and post‐term (≥42 weeks) birth with hospital admissions for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in comparison with infants born full‐term (39+0‐40+6 weeks) was assessed and early predictors of LRTI were established. The register study included 948 695 infants born in Finland in 1991‐2008. Data were analysed in four‐term subgroups. Hospital admissions for bronchiolitis/bronchitis and pneumonia were collected up to 7 years of age. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess risk factors of LRTI admissions.

Results

The rates of hospital admission in the early‐, full‐, late‐, and post‐term groups were 6.7%, 5.5%, 5.1%, and 4.8% for bronchiolitis/bronchitis, and 2.8%, 2.4%, 2.3%, and 2.3% for pneumonia. Early‐term birth was associated with an increased risk of admission for bronchiolitis/bronchitis (hazard ratio HR 1.21, 95% confidence interval CI 1.18, 1.23) and pneumonia (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.12, 1.20), while late‐term (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91, 0.95) and post‐term births (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85, 0.93) were associated with a decreased risk of bronchiolitis/bronchitis admission compared with the full‐term group. Maternal age ≤ 20 years, smoking during pregnancy, male sex, caesarean delivery, small for gestational age, 1‐minute Apgar score < 4, ventilator support, and neonatal antibiotic therapy were associated with an increased risk of LRTI admission, while being firstborn, born in a level‐II hospital and in the Northern region was associated with decreased risk.

Conclusion

Early‐term birth was associated with a higher risk of all LRTI admissions while late‐term and post‐term births were associated with lower risk of bronchiolitis/bronchitis admission. Modifiable risk factors of LRTIs were smoking during pregnancy, birth by elective caesarean delivery, neonatal ventilator support, and antibiotic therapy.
Potential of restored gravel pits to provide suitable habitats for Eurasian otters in anthropogenic landscapes
Authors: Martin‐Collado Daniel , Jiménez María D. , Rouco Carlos , Ciuffoli Lucia , de Torre Rocío
Published: February 2020

In anthropogenic landscapes, which are usually characterized by the existence of highly heterogeneous patchworks of habitats with different conservation status, restored gravel pits have the potential to play a conservation role for semiaquatic species such as Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra). Here, we report an otter habitat suitability analysis on a complex fluvial system in an anthropogenic landscape to understand the role of different artificial water bodies (i.e. irrigation channels and ditches) and natural water bodies (i.e. rivers) related to a restored gravel pit lagoon system as providers of suitable habitats for otters. We implemented seven sampling campaigns during 2016 and 2017 consisting of 19 transects across all existing types of water bodies. We integrated 34 environmental variables with otter habitat use, measured by three spraint marking intensity indicators. We found that otter use of water bodies was not related to the natural or artificial origin of the water. Three key factors influenced habitat suitability: riparian vegetation tree cover, forestland use (either natural or planted) within 100 m from the banks, and the level of human disturbance. Our results suggest that otters' tolerance of human activities might be lower in key areas of their territory compared to areas they pass through or explore. We argue that restored gravel pit lagoon systems can potentially play a role in providing suitable habitats for otters in anthropogenic landscapes.
Political values in independent agencies
Authors: Eriksen Andreas
Published: February 2020

Despite that independent agencies are typically justified in terms of technical efficiency, they inevitably have to make political judgments. How can political reasoning be legitimate in such institutions? This paper starts by investigating the merits of two prominent models. The “avoidance model” asks agency reasoning to stick to empirical facts and as far as possible stay clear of political values. By contrast, the “specification model” recognizes the need for constructive normative work, but confines it to the refinement of given statutes. This paper challenges both models and defends a third alternative. The “public reason model” requires agencies to ground their value judgments in a publicly accessible framework of reasoning, which is here interpreted as their overarching mandate. The paper argues that agency mandates should be conceived as distinct domains of reasoning, and it delineates three institutional virtues that enable agencies to track this domain.
Discovering Causal Structures in Bayesian Gaussian Directed Acyclic Graph Models
Authors: Castelletti Federico , Consonni Guido
Published: February 2020

Causal directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) are naturally tailored to represent biological signalling pathways. However, a causal DAG is only identifiable up to Markov equivalence if only observational data are available. Interventional data, based on exogenous perturbations of the system, can greatly improve identifiability. Since the gain of an intervention crucially depends on the intervened variables, a natural issue is devising efficient strategies for optimal causal discovery. We present a Bayesian active learning procedure for Gaussian DAGs which requires no subjective specification on the side of the user, explicitly takes into account the uncertainty on the space of equivalence classes (through the posterior distribution) and sequentially proposes the choice of the optimal intervention variable. In simulation experiments our method, besides surpassing designs based on a random choice of intervention nodes, shows decisive improvements over currently available algorithms and is competitive with the best alternative benchmarks. An important reason behind this strong performance is that, unlike non-Bayesian algorithms, our utility function naturally incorporates graph estimation uncertainty through the posterior edge inclusion probability. We also reanalyse the Sachs data on protein signalling pathways from an active learning perspective and show that DAG identification can be achieved by using only a subset of the available intervention samples.