bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Chord‐Normalized Expected Species Shared (CNESS)‐distance represents a superior measure of species turnover patterns
Authors: Zou Yi , Axmacher Jan Christoph
Published: November 2019

Measures of β‐diversity characterizing the difference in species composition between samples are commonly used in ecological studies. Nonetheless, commonly used dissimilarity measures require high sample completeness, or at least similar sample sizes between samples. In contrast, the Chord‐Normalized Expected Species Shared (CNESS) dissimilarity measure calculates the probability of collecting the same set of species in random samples of a standardized size, and hence is not sensitive to completeness or size of compared samples. To date, this index has enjoyed limited use due to difficulties in its calculation and scarcity of studies systematically comparing it with other measures.

Here, we developed a novel R function that enables users to calculate ESS (Expected Species Shared)‐associated measures. We evaluated the performance of the CNESS index based on simulated datasets of known species distribution structure, and compared CNESS with more widespread dissimilarity measures (Bray–Curtis index, Chao–Sørensen index, and proportionality‐based Euclidean distances) for varying sample completeness and sample sizes.

Simulation results indicated that for small sample size (m) values, CNESS chiefly reflects similarities in dominant species, while selecting large m values emphasizes differences in the overall species assemblages. Permutation tests revealed that CNESS has a consistently low CV (coefficient of variation) even where sample completeness varies, while the Chao–Sørensen index has a high CV particularly for low sampling completeness. CNESS distances are also more robust than other indices with regards to undersampling, particularly when chiefly rare species are shared between two assemblages.

Our results emphasize the superiority of CNESS for comparisons of samples diverging in sample completeness and size, which is particularly important in studies of highly mobile and species‐rich taxa where sample completeness is often low. Via changes in the sample size parameter m, CNESS furthermore cannot only provide insights into the similarity of the overall distribution structure of shared species, but also into the differences in dominant and rare species, hence allowing additional, valuable insights beyond the capability of more widespread measures.
The implications for conservation of a major taxonomic revision of the world’s birds
Authors: Simkins A. T. , Buchanan G. M. , Davies R. G. , Donald P. F.
Published: November 2019

A recent comprehensive revision of the taxonomy that underpins the global IUCN Red List for birds led to an increase of 10.7% (over 1000 species) in the number of recognized bird species. We assessed the implications for conservation of this revision by (1) comparing extinction risk between newly recognized and unrevised species, (2) calculating the extent to which newly recognized species’ ranges are covered by Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and protected areas, and (3) identifying new hotspots of extinction risk, where high numbers of newly recognized threatened species intersect areas of low protected area coverage. Unexpectedly, newly recognized species derived from taxonomic division (splitting) were on average significantly less threatened in terms of their IUCN global threat categories than species whose taxonomic status remained unchanged, despite their significantly smaller mean range size. Newly recognized species listed as globally threatened had higher average coverage of their ranges by IBAs and protected areas than their pre‐revision ‘parents’, although 25 and 21 species had no coverage by IBAs or protected areas respectively. The absolute number of globally threatened species increased slightly overall, particularly in Java and the Philippines, already recognized as hotspots of extinction risk, and in eastern Amazonia, which emerged as a new hotspot of extinction risk. All three regions have low levels of protection and should be prioritized for expansion of the protected area network. Our results suggest that while major taxonomic revisions may lead to an increase in the absolute number of species requiring conservation attention, they do not necessarily lead to a rise in average extinction risk, a decrease in the coverage of species’ ranges by site‐level conservation designations or a significant increase in the number of priority areas for conservation investment.
Differential levels of surfactant protein A, surfactant protein D, and progesterone to estradiol ratio in maternal serum before and after the onset of severe early‐onset preeclampsia
Authors: Kale Kavita , Vishwekar Pallavi , Balsarkar Geetha , Jassawalla Mehernosh Jamshed , Sawant Ganpat , Madan Taruna
Published: November 2019

Problem

Preeclampsia (PE), a multifactorial disorder characterized by impaired placental development, elevated inflammatory response and dysregulated placental steroidogenesis. PE may be preventable if predicted early on.

Method of study

The study evaluated the potential of immunomodulatory collectins, surfactant protein A (SP‐A), surfactant protein D (SP‐D), and mannose binding lectin (MBL), to predict PE before the disease onset, in a prospective study cohort of healthy pregnant women (n = 922). In addition, a cross‐sectional study was conducted to determine the serum and placental profile of collectins in PE women after the disease onset (early‐onset PE [EOPE], n = 33; late‐onset PE [LOPE], n = 24); and controls [n = 75]. The serum profiles of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were evaluated to determine their correlation with collectins.

Results

In the prospective cohort, significantly decreased serum levels of SP‐A, SP‐D, P4/E2 ratio were observed in women who subsequently developed severe EOPE. Interestingly, after the disease onset, there was a significant increase in serum and placental levels of collectins in women with severe EOPE, whereas women with LOPE had significantly decreased levels of collectins. Serum P4/E2 ratio was significantly altered in severe EOPE and positively correlated with serum levels of SP‐A and SP‐D.

Conclusion

Collectins are differentially expressed in the serum during progression of PE. Decreased serum levels of SP‐A, SP‐D, P4/E2 ratio and increased E2 during 10‐20 weeks of gestation are novel plausible risk factors for early prediction of EOPE in Indian women.
Evidence on the Hierarchical, Multidimensional Nature of Behavioural Job Crafting
Authors: Costantini Arianna , Demerouti Evangelia , Ceschi Andrea , Sartori Riccardo
Published: November 2019

While to date job crafting has been conceptualised as consisting of behaviours aiming at seeking more resources, decreasing hindering demands, and seeking more challenges, recent research suggests that individuals may restore the fit between their demands and preferences also by optimising their demands. Accordingly, optimising demands has been introduced in the resource‐based perspective to job crafting as an additional strategy that aims at making the work processes more efficient, simplifying procedures and eliminating obstacles. In this paper, we explore and provide evidence for the validity of a four‐factor, hierarchical structure of behavioural job crafting constituted by increasing resources, seeking challenges, decreasing demands, and optimising demands. Moreover, our results provide initial evidence suggesting that overall job crafting may be more strongly characterised by effortful actions to expand the work characteristics rather than to reduce them.
Genetic parameters for total lactation yields of milk, fat, protein, and somatic cell score in New Zealand dairy goats
Authors: Scholtens Megan R. , Lopez‐Villalobos Nicolas , Garrick Dorian , Blair Hugh , Lehnert Klaus , Snell Russell
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for lactation yields of milk (MY), fat (FY), protein (PY), and somatic cell score (SCS) of New Zealand dairy goats. The analysis used 64,604 lactation records from 23,583 does, kidding between 2004 and 2017, distributed in 21 flocks and representing 915 bucks. Estimates of genetic and residual (co) variances, heritabilities, and repeatabilities were obtained using a multiple‐trait repeatability animal model. The model included the fixed effects of contemporary group (does kidding in the same flock and year), age of the doe (in years), and as covariates, kidding day, proportion of Alpine, Nubian, Toggenburg, and “unknown” breeds (Saanen was used as the base breed), and heterosis. Random effects included additive animal genetic and doe permanent environmental effects. Estimates of heritabilities were 0.25 for MY, 0.24 for FY, 0.24 for PY, and 0.21 for SCS. The phenotypic correlations between MY, FY, and PY ranged from 0.90 to 0.96, and the genetic correlations ranged from 0.81 to 0.93. These results indicate lactation yield traits exhibit useful heritable variation and that multiple trait selection for these traits could improve milk revenue produced from successive generations of New Zealand dairy goats.
FACTOR INCOME DISTRIBUTION AND ENDOGENOUS ECONOMIC GROWTH: PIKETTY MEETS ROMER
Authors: Irmen Andreas , Tabakovic Amer
Published: November 2019

What is the relationship between the economy's long‐run growth rate, its capital‐income ratio, and its factor income distribution? A satisfactory answer requires an endogenous growth and savings rate. We scrutinize Piketty's (2014) theory in a richly parameterized variant of Romer's (1990) seminal model with and without population growth. The economy's growth and savings rate are exogenous in Piketty's theory and endogenous in Romer's. In contrast to Piketty's Second Fundamental Law of Capitalism a smaller growth rate may be associated with a smaller capital‐income ratio. Moreover, it may go together with a greater or a smaller capital share. (JEL E10,E21,E25,O33,O41)
CITATIONS AND INCENTIVES IN ACADEMIC CONTESTS
Authors: Amegashie J. Atsu
Published: November 2019

I consider a contest between scholars on the basis of three popular indices of citation. There exist equilibria in which there are more and better‐quality papers in the total citations contest than in the h‐index contest. In some cases, the total citations contest yields the same quality of papers but more papers than the Euclidean contest. As the cost of writing a paper increases,the h‐index is inferior to the total citations index in both the quality and quantity of papers. This result is partly driven by how the number of papers constrains how the h‐index counts citations. (JEL D72)
2DSM vs FFDM: A computeraided diagnosis based comparative study for the early detection of breast cancer
Authors: Raghavendra U. , Gudigar Anjan , Ciaccio Edward J. , Ng Kwan Hoong , Chan Wai Yee , Rahmat Kartini , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Accurate and early detection of breast cancer using effective imaging modalities is an active area of research in medical image analysis. Computeraided diagnosis (CAD) of breast cancer using digital mammograms may help in early diagnosis and can assist in maintaining patient health. The breast imaging reporting and data system (BIRADS) is widely used for risk assessment and classification grading in breast cancer screening. It contains seven different grading systems for breast cancer risk assessment. These range from grade 0 (incomplete) to grade 6 (proven malignancy). All other intermediate stages state the progression of risk.

Methods

The current research results have shown that two‐dimensional synthesized mammogram (2DSM) imaging and conventional full‐field digital mammography (FFDM) are two important imaging modalities which can be used for screening breast cancer. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study which has yet compared the BIRADS discrimination power of 2DSM and FFDM imaging modalities. In this paper we present a novel CAD‐based comparative study, using texton and gist for the characterization of breast cancer with 2DSM and FFDM imagery.

Results

The developed method achieved an average performance of 92.9% accuracy using a probabilistic neural network classifier for FFDM images with tenfold crossvalidation. Hence, our proposed model showed that FFDM images are more effective than the 2DSM imaging modality in discriminating BIRADS grades.

Conclusion

The obtained results confirmed that our method performed well in the early detection of breast cancer. Consequently, it can be used as a distinct system in rural hospitals.
Spatial synchrony in the response of a long range migratory species (Salmo salar) to climate change in the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Olmos Maxime , Payne Mark R. , Nevoux Marie , Prévost Etienne , Chaput Gérald , Du Pontavice Hubert , Guitton Jérôme , Sheehan Timothy , Mills Katherine , Rivot Etienne
Published: November 2019

A major challenge in understanding the response of populations to climate change is to separate the effects of local drivers acting independently on specific populations, from the effects of global drivers that impact multiple populations simultaneously and thereby synchronize their dynamics. We investigated the environmental drivers and the demographic mechanisms of the widespread decline in marine survival rates of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) over the last four decades. We developed a hierarchical Bayesian life cycle model to quantify the spatial synchrony in the marine survival of 13 large groups of populations (called stock units, SU) from two continental stock groups (CSG) in North America (NA) and Southern Europe (SE) over the period 1971–2014. We found strong coherence in the temporal variation in postsmolt marine survival among the 13 SU of NA and SE. A common North Atlantic trend explains 37% of the temporal variability of the survivals for the 13 SU and declines by a factor of 1.8 over the 1971–2014 time series. Synchrony in survival trends is stronger between SU within each CSG. The common trends at the scale of NA and SE capture 60% and 42% of the total variance of temporal variations, respectively. Temporal variations of the postsmolt survival are best explained by the temporal variations of sea surface temperature (SST, negative correlation) and net primary production indices (PP, positive correlation) encountered by salmon in common domains during their marine migration. Specifically, in the Labrador Sea/Grand Banks for populations from NA, 26% and 24% of variance is captured by SST and PP, respectively and in the Norwegian Sea for populations from SE, 21% and 12% of variance is captured by SST and PP, respectively. The findings support the hypothesis of a response of salmon populations to large climate‐induced changes in the North Atlantic simultaneously impacting populations from distant continental habitats.
Simulated climate change decreases nutrient resorption from senescing leaves
Authors: Prieto Iván , Querejeta José I.
Published: November 2019

Nutrient resorption is the process whereby plants recover nutrients from senescing leaves and reallocate them to storage structures or newer tissues. Elemental resorption of foliar N and P has been shown to respond to temperature and precipitation, but we know remarkably little about the influence of warming and drought on the resorption of these and other essential plant macro‐ and micronutrients, which could alter the ability of species to recycle their nutrients. We conducted a 5 year manipulative field study to simulate predicted climate change conditions and studied the effects of warming (W), rainfall reduction (RR), and their combination (W+RR) on nutrient resorption efficiency in five coexisting shrub species in a semiarid shrubland. Both mature and senesced leaves showed significant reductions in their nutrient contents and an altered stoichiometry in response to climate change conditions. Warming (W, W+RR) reduced mature leaf N, K, Ca, S, Fe, and Zn and senesced leaf N, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, and Zn contents relative to ambient temperature conditions. Warming increased mature leaf C/N ratios and decreased N/P and C/P ratios and increased senesced leaf C/N and C/P ratios. Furthermore, W and W+RR reduced nutrient resorption efficiencies for N (6.3%), K (19.8%), S (70.9%) and increased Ca and Fe accumulation in senesced leaves (440% and 35.7%, respectively) relative to the control treatment. Rainfall reduction decreased the resorption efficiencies of N (6.7%), S (51%), and Zn (46%). Reductions in nutrient resorption efficiencies with warming and/or rainfall reduction were rather uniform and consistent across species. The negative impacts of warming and rainfall reduction on foliar nutrient resorption efficiency will likely cause an impairment of plant nutrient budgets and fitness across coexisting native shrubs in this nutrient‐poor habitat, with probable implications for key ecosystem functions such as reductions in nutrient retention in vegetation, litter decomposition, and nutrient cycling rates.
Mechanisms underlying limited soil carbon gains in perennial and cover‐cropped bioenergy systems revealed by stable isotopes
Authors: Ye Chenglong , Hall Steven J.
Published: November 2019

Removal of biomass for bioenergy production may decrease soil organic carbon. While perennials or cover‐cropped grains often have greater root production than annual grain crops, they variably impact soil carbon and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We used high‐frequency measurements of soil respiration and natural abundance carbon stable isotopes to differentiate respiration sources, pool sizes, and decomposition rate constants during a 10 month incubation of soils collected to 1 m depth from a 10 year old field experiment in Iowa, United States. Conversion of corn–soybean rotations to reconstructed prairies or addition of a rye cover crop to continuous corn significantly altered respiration sources and dynamics of fast‐ and slow‐cycling carbon (turnover times of weeks to months–years, respectively), but had little effect on bulk soil carbon and several extractable pools (except in fertilized prairie). Both unfertilized and fertilized prairies increased slow‐cycling carbon pools relative to annual crops, but only in 0–25 cm soil. Compared with fertilized prairie, the unfertilized prairie significantly increased decomposition rates of fast‐ and slow‐cycling carbon pools in 0–25 cm soil, likely explaining the lack of significant bulk soil carbon accrual despite twofold greater root production. Carbon derived from C4 plants decomposed faster than C3‐derived carbon across all depths and cropping systems and contributions of C3‐carbon to respiration increased with depth. Respiration of cover crop‐derived carbon was greatest in 0–25 cm soil but comprised >25% of respiration below 25 cm, implying a disproportionate impact of the cover crop on deep soil metabolism. However, the cover crop also increased the decomposition rates of fast‐ and slow‐cycling carbon pools and decreased their pool sizes across all depths relative to corn without a cover crop. Despite their notable environmental benefits, neither unfertilized perennials nor cover crops necessarily promote rapid soil carbon sequestration relative to conventional annual bioenergy systems because of concomitant increases in decomposition.
Interleukin‐27 is abrogated in gastric cancer, but highly expressed in other Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastroduodenal diseases
Authors: Rocha Gifone A. , de Melo Fabrício F. , Cabral Mônica M. D. A. , de Brito Breno B. , da Silva Filipe A. F. , Queiroz Dulciene M. M.
Published: November 2019

Background

IL‐27 has dual roles in the immune response either stimulating Th1 or inhibiting Th17 cells. Because there is a particular link of IL‐23/Th17 axis in the development of cancer and IL‐27 has been considered a potential treatment for cancer, we evaluated the gastric and serum concentrations of IL‐27 in two mutually exclusive Helicobacter pylori‐associated diseases, gastric cancer (GC) and duodenal ulcer (DU).

Material and Methods

We prospectively studied 110 H pylori‐positive patients and 40 healthy blood donors. Serum and gastric concentrations of IL‐27 and cytokines of the Th1/Th17 cells were assessed by ELISA.

Results

IL‐27 was not detected in GC patients, but the cytokine concentration was very high in the patients with DU. IL‐27 was also detected in the gastritis patients and in the H pylori‐positive blood donors. IL27RA mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, evaluated by rt‐PCR, was stimulated by H pylori strains. The cytokine concentration positively correlated with the Th1 and negatively with Th17 cell representative cytokine levels. Gastric IL‐27 concentrations were positively correlated with increased degree of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells on the antral gastric mucosa of DU patients in consonance with the DU gastritis pattern. IL‐12p70 and IFN‐γ gastric concentrations were significantly higher in DU than in GC. Conversely, gastric concentrations of Th17 cell‐associated cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17A, IL‐23, and TGF‐β) were significantly higher in GC than in DU patients.

Conclusion

Although H pylori infection is able to elicit IL‐27 and IL‐27Rα secretion, DU and GC have diametrically opposed cytokine patterns.
Unbinding Lazarus
Authors: Heath Elaine A.
Published: November 2019

This article proposes a Wesleyan theological rationale and practical recommendations for revitalized theological education, particularly in university‐based schools of theology. The approach integrates a rigorous life‐long learning system that includes curricular and co‐curricular programmes and contextual learning, with a strong foundation in missional ecclesiology and contemplative, kenotic spirituality. It takes seriously the formational needs of practitioners of emergence Christianity such as the new monasticism, missional communities, and the like, so as to reflect upon best practices of theological education to resource leaders of the inherited church while offering recommendations for empowering leaders of ancient/future expressions of church.
The “Emerging Church” Conversation
Authors: Todjeras Patrick
Published: November 2019

As the contemporary discussion on the “Emerging Church” (ECC) conversation shows, there is a shift in the understanding of Christian religion. (In its historical context, this is strongly related to Evangelism.) On closer examination, the ECC actually boils down to a transformation of Christian religion – a version of an experienced‐based, postmodern religiosity. The engine of this transformation is the clarification of the religious identity. The ECC can be described as a movement that serves as a transition for the protagonists in order to shape their individual processes of resistance as well as the processes of disentanglement in regards to their own religious orientation. Therefore, the discussion represents an “alternative space,” which is best seen in five motifs: the change of religious alignment; the significance of community; specific theological themes and strategies; dealing with different “contexts” in the conversation; and the emphasis of values, attitudes, and practices. On the one hand, the conversation can be described as a “biotope of innovation.” On the other hand, protagonists handle intellectual doubt, their lack of religious experience, the lack of moral authority of their previous religious community, and theological uncertainties with courage and a certain nonchalance, which must be addressed critically.
The Impact of the Emerging Church on the Protestant Church in the Netherlands
Authors: van der Meulen Marten , Vellekoop Martijn
Published: November 2019

The emerging church movement never really developed into a big movement in the Netherlands. However, several ideas of the emerging church movement did influence the Protestant Church in the Netherlands quite heavily. The Protestant Church, a mainline denomination, made a missional turn from 2004 and onwards. One of the interesting aspects of this turn is that issues raised by the emerging church movement are now being embedded in an institutional organization seeking to develop a mixed economy of church, which is called “a mosaic of churches.”

A big part of that missional turn is the room and support for classical church planting and the start of new contextual Christian communities in incarnational ways. This new movement of 100‐plus pioneer churches is focused more on flexibility, networking, and relationships than on upholding church order prescriptions. In practice, all kinds of tensions have risen around membership, the offices, the sacraments, and much more. The informal, relational understanding of involvement in pioneer churches with regard to membership, sacraments, and the offices sits uneasily with the formal, procedural approach of the larger body of the Protestant Church. The practice of pioneer churches challenges the Protestant Church to rethink its theology and the application of that theology.

Many elements of the emerging church conversation (such as church as a movement, being church in an incarnational way, and a rethinking of theology) have been incorporated within the Protestant Church. The current situation is that the Protestant Church has a large programme for contextual church planting and other experimental ways of being church. Fostering this mosaic of churches within an existing synodal‐Presbyterian system is challenging and requires a broader understanding of the body of Christ as a Church with a capital C, which includes incarnational churches that look totally different from regular churches.
Scriptural Reasoning as a Method of Interreligious Dialogue in China
Authors: Huawei Li , Ruokanen Miikka , Ford David
Published: November 2019

In the past two decades, scriptural reasoning (SR) has gained wide acceptance as a promising new method of interreligious dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims and is rapidly gaining attention all over the world. SR as interfaith dialogue between the Abrahamic religions emerged in an Anglo‐American context in the early 1990s. The first long‐term experiment of SR in China was carried out in Beijing from December 2014 to September 2015 as a cooperative project between the Minzu University of China and the University of Helsinki. This SR included the sacred texts of the Chinese traditions of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism alongside the canonical texts of Christianity (both Catholic and Protestant) and Islam. All the scriptural faith traditions of China were represented in this dialogue. The process of SR was carefully researched by Dr Li Huawei; the results show that it is justified to say that SR seems well‐suited as a method of interfaith dialogue between the main faith traditions of China. We may assume that SR in China will have far‐reaching influence in the future.
Activated clotting time on the day of atrial fibrillation ablation for minimally interrupted and uninterrupted direct oral anticoagulation therapy: Sequential changes, differences among direct oral anticoagulants, and ablation safety outcomes
Authors: Yamaji Hirosuke , Murakami Takashi , Hina Kazuyoshi , Higashiya Shunich , Kawamura Hiroshi , Murakami Masaaki , Kamikawa Shigeshi , Hirohata Satoshi , Kusachi Shozo
Published: November 2019

Background

Activated clotting time (ACT)–guided heparinization is used during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Differences in sensitivity to ACT assays have been identified among different direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Objective

We aimed to examine ACT just before ablation (pre‐ACT) for different ablation start times (9:00, 11:00, 13:00, or 15:00) and ablation safety outcomes in minimally interrupted (min‐Int) and uninterrupted (Unint) DOAC regimens and examine differences in pre‐ACT values among four DOACs.

Methods

Consecutive patients were randomized into the min‐Int (n = 307) or Unint (n = 277) groups. DOACs examined were apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban.

Results

No sequential changes in pre‐ACT values were observed for each DOAC used and for all four DOACs combined in the min‐Int and Unint groups. There was no meaningful difference in pre‐ACT at each ablation start time between the groups. Clinically significant differences in overall pre‐ACT were not obtained between the groups (138 ± 24 vs 142 ± 23 seconds). The pre‐ACT (baseline) value for dabigatran was on average 29 seconds higher than that for the other three DOACs. The min‐Int and Unint groups showed similar thromboembolic (0% vs 0%) and bleeding event rates (major, 1% vs 0%; all, 3.5% vs 2.5%).

Conclusion

The pre‐ACT did not show a sequential change in the min‐Int and Unint groups. No notable differences in the time‐dependent change in pre‐ACT between the groups were observed. Variations in baseline ACT suggest the need for moderate adjustment of ACT for adequate modification of heparin dose for the other three DOACs. Both regimens provided similar acceptable AF ablation safety outcomes.
Left atrial voltage mapping with a direction‐independent grid catheter: Comparison with a conventional circular mapping catheter
Authors: Masuda Masaharu , Asai Mitsutoshi , Iida Osamu , Okamoto Shin , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Kanda Takashi , Tsujimura Takuya , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Okuno Shota , Hata Yosuke , Mano Toshiaki
Published: November 2019

Introduction

A recently introduced grid mapping catheter (GMC) is designed for better electrode‐tissue contact and can collect bipolar signals both along and across the splines, which may allow more efficient voltage map generation independent of propagation direction. We compared the GMC with a conventional circular mapping catheter (CMC) for left atrial (LA) voltage mapping.

Methods

This study included 20 consecutive patients undergoing repeat ablation for recurrent atrial fibrillation who had demonstrated LA low‐voltage areas (LVAs, <0.10 mV). Following pulmonary vein isolation, LA voltage mapping was performed twice, once using the GMC and once using the CMC.

Results

Voltage mapping was more efficient using the GMC than the CMC in terms of mapping time (459 [404, 543] vs 602 [496, 814] seconds; P = .014) and the number of mapping points (2446 [2099, 3104] vs 1841 [1494, 2314]; P = .002). The incidence of catheter‐induced ectopies was lower (44 [28, 62] vs 114 [74, 188]; P < .0001) using the GMC. The GMC utilizing all bipoles detected LVAs in 85% of patients with LVAs detected by CMC. LVA measurements were significantly smaller on maps generated by the GMC using bipoles along or across the splines than those measured with the CMC (11.1 [4.6, 17.2] or 9.7 [2.5, 16.0] vs 16.4 [6.8, 26.8] cm2; P = .008 and P = .001, respectively), and were even smaller when using all bipoles (7.9 [1.1, 13.5] cm2, P = .0001).

Conclusion

The GMC allowed a more efficient mapping procedure and enabled more selective identification of LVAs with smaller LVA size.
Electrogram dispersion–guided driver ablation adjunctive to high‐quality pulmonary vein isolation in atrial fibrillation of varying durations
Authors: Qin Mu , Jiang Wei‐Feng , Wu Shao‐Hui , Xu Kai , Liu Xu
Published: November 2019

Objective

To investigate the role of driver mechanism and the effect of electrogram dispersion–guided driver mapping and ablation in atrial fibrillation (AF) at different stages of progression.

Methods

A total of 256 consecutive patients with AF who had undergone pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) plus driver ablation or conventional ablation were divided into three groups: paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF; group A, n = 51); persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF; group B, n = 38); and long standing–persistent atrial fibrillation (LS‐PsAF; group C, n = 39). PVI was performed with the guidance of the ablation index. The electrogram dispersion was analyzed for driver mapping.

Results

The most prominent driver regions were at roof (28.0%), posterior wall (17.6%), and bottom (21.3%). From patients with PAF to those with PsAF and LS‐PsAF: the complexity of extra‐pulmonary vein (PV) drivers including distribution, mean number, and area of dispersion region increased (P < .001). Patients who underwent driver ablation vs conventional ablation had higher procedural AF termination rate (76.6% vs 28.1%; P < .001). With AF progression, the termination rate gradually decreased from group A to group C, and the role of PVI in AF termination was also gradually weakened from group A to group C (39.6%, 7.4%, and 4.3%; P < .001) in patients with driver ablation. At the end of the follow‐up, the rate of sinus rhythm maintenance was higher in patients with driver ablation than those with conventional ablation (89.1% vs 70.3%; P < .001).

Conclusion

The formation of extra‐PV drivers provides an important mechanism for AF maintenance with their complexity increasing with AF progression. Electrogram dispersion–guided driver ablation appears to be an efficient adjunctive approach to PVI for AF treatment.
A comparison of acute procedural outcomes within four generations of cryoballoon catheters utilized in the real‐world multicenter experience of 1STOP
Authors: Iacopino Saverio , Pieragnoli Paolo , Arena Giuseppe , Sciarra Luigi , Landolina Maurizio , Manfrin Massimiliano , Verlato Roberto , Solimene Francesco , Sacchi Riccardo , Rebellato Luca , Rovaris Giovanni , Molon Giulio , Infusino Tommaso , Tondo Claudio
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Four generations of the cryoballoon (CB) catheter were retrospectively evaluated in a real‐world examination of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and Results

Four hundred eighty patients (27% female and 60 ± 10 years) suffering from AF, underwent pulmonary vein (PV) ablation with one‐of‐four generations of the CB catheter. The total cohort was divided into four groups of patients: 120 with first‐generation (CB‐1); 120 with second‐generation (CB‐2); 120 with third‐generation (CB‐3); and 120 with fourth‐generation (CB‐4). Equal group sizes were achieved by examining the last 120 patients treated in each cohort, attempting to minimize the effect of a learning curve between the generations of CB catheter. Baseline clinical and patient characteristics were similar between the four cohorts, excepting age and the number of tested antiarrhythmic drugs. Procedure, fluoroscopy, and left atrial dwell times were significantly lower in the CB‐4 cohort compared to previous generations of the CB catheters, while the acute procedural success rate was comparable across all catheter groups (>99%). Total acute procedural complications were low (2.5%), and acute complications were comparable within the CB‐2, CB‐3, and CB‐4 groups (0.8% reported in each cohort). The rate of time‐to‐isolation (TTI) visualization increased with later generations of the CB catheters.

Conclusions

The novel CB‐4 achieved significantly faster procedural ablation times in comparison to the previous generations, while still maintaining a low rate of acute complications. Also, the rate of TTI visualization was observed to be higher with the CB‐4 catheter. Further long‐term evaluation is necessary, including an assessment of AF recurrence and PV reconnection(s).
Intraspecific mating system evolution and its effect on complex male secondary sexual traits: Does male–male competition increase selection on size or shape?
Authors: Baur Julian , Roy Jeannine , Schäfer Martin A. , Puniamoorthy Nalini , Blanckenhorn Wolf U. , Rohner Patrick T.
Published: November 2019

Sexual selection is generally held responsible for the exceptional diversity in secondary sexual traits in animals. Mating system evolution is therefore expected to profoundly affect the covariation between secondary sexual traits and mating success. Whereas there is such evidence at the interspecific level, data within species remain scarce. We here investigate sexual selection acting on the exaggerated male fore femur and the male wing in the common and widespread dung flies Sepsis punctum and S. neocynipsea (Diptera: Sepsidae). Both species exhibit intraspecific differences in mating systems and variation in sexual size dimorphism (SSD) across continents that correlates with the extent of male–male competition. We predicted that populations subject to increased male–male competition will experience stronger directional selection on the sexually dimorphic male foreleg. Our results suggest that fore femur size, width and shape were indeed positively associated with mating success in populations with male‐biased SSD in both species, which was not evident in conspecific populations with female‐biased SSD. However, this was also the case for wing size and shape, a trait often assumed to be primarily under natural selection. After correcting for selection on overall body size by accounting for allometric scaling, we found little evidence for independent selection on any of these size or shape traits in legs or wings, irrespective of the mating system. Sexual dimorphism and (foreleg) trait exaggeration is therefore unlikely to be driven by direct precopulatory sexual selection, but more so by selection on overall size or possibly selection on allometric scaling.
Expanding the scope of CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing in plants using an xCas9 and Cas9‐NG hybrid
Authors: Niu Qingfeng , Wu Siqun , Li Yansha , Yang Xiaoxuan , Liu Ping , Xu Yaping , Lang Zhaobo
Published: November 2019

The widely used Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) requires NGG as a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) for genome editing. Although SpCas9 is a powerful genome‐editing tool, its use has been limited on the targetable genomic locus lacking NGG PAM. The SpCas9 variants xCas9 and Cas9‐NG have been developed to recognize NG, GAA, and GAT PAMs in human cells. Here, we show that xCas9 cannot recognize NG PAMs in tomato, and Cas9‐NG can recognize some of our tested NG PAMs in the tomato and Arabidopsis genomes. In addition, we engineered SpCas9 (XNG‐Cas9) based on mutations from both xCas9 and Cas9‐NG, and found that XNG‐Cas9 can efficiently mutagenize endogenous target sites with NG, GAG, GAA, and GAT PAMs in the tomato or Arabidopsis genomes. The PAM compatibility of XNG‐Cas9 is the broadest reported to date among Cas9s (SpCas9 and Cas9‐NG) active in plant.
Hepatitis C virus testing, liver disease assessment and treatment uptake among people who inject drugs pre‐ and post‐universal access to direct‐acting antiviral treatment in Australia: The LiveRLife study
Authors: Bajis Sahar , Grebely Jason , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Applegate Tanya , Marshall Alison D. , Ellen Harrod Mary , Byrne Jude , Bath Nicky , Read Phillip , Edwards Michael , Gorton Carla , Hayllar Jeremy , Cock Victoria , Peterson Steven , Thomson Claire , Weltman Martin , Jefferies Meryem , Wood William , Haber Paul , Ezard Nadine , Martinello Marianne , Maher Lisa , Dore Gregory J. ,   the LiveRLife Study Group
Published: November 2019

Gaps in hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing, diagnosis, liver disease assessment and treatment uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID) persist. We aimed to describe the cascade of HCV care among PWID in Australia, prior to and following unrestricted access to direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. Participants enrolled in an observational cohort study between 2014 and 2018 provided fingerstick whole‐blood samples for dried blood spot, Xpert HCV Viral Load and venepuncture samples. Participants underwent transient elastography and clinical assessment by a nurse or general practitioner. Among 839 participants (mean age 43 years), 66% were male (n = 550), 64% (n = 537) injected drugs in the previous month, and 67% (n = 560) reported currently receiving opioid substitution therapy. Overall, 45% (n = 380) had detectable HCV RNA, of whom 23% (n = 86) received HCV treatment within 12 months of enrolment. HCV treatment uptake increased from 2% in the pre‐DAA era to 38% in the DAA era. Significant liver fibrosis (F2‐F4) was more common in participants with HCV infection (38%) than those without (19%). Age 50 years or older (aOR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.18‐7.04) and attending a clinical follow‐up with nurse (aOR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.61‐6.32) or physician (aOR, 11.83; 95% CI, 4.89‐28.59) were associated with HCV treatment uptake. Recent injection drug use and unstable housing were not associated with HCV treatment uptake. HCV treatment uptake among PWID has increased markedly in the DAA era. Evaluation of innovative and simplified models of care is required to further enhance treatment uptake.
A Comparison of Advanced Heritage Language Learners’ Peer Interaction Across Modes and Pair Types
Authors: TORRES JULIO , CUNG BIANCA
Published: November 2019

A strand of task‐based interaction research has emerged to better understand the effects of heritage language (HL) and second language (L2) learners’ peer collaboration on interactional moves (e.g., language‐related episodes [LREs], self‐repairs) and linguistic focus. To extend this line of research, this study compared 14 HL–L2 and 16 HL–HL advanced learners’ peer interactions across face‐to‐face (FTF) and written synchronous computer‐mediated communication (SCMC) modes. Each dyad completed 2 decision‐making/collaborative writing tasks in Spanish across both interaction modes. Results revealed that interaction mode had a large effect on the extent to which HL–L2 and HL–HL pairs produced self‐repairs and initiated LREs. That is, both pair types initiated more LREs in FTF mode, and self‐repaired non‐target‐like utterances more extensively in SCMC mode. As for pair types, HL–L2 pairs significantly resolved more lexis‐focused episodes in FTF mode, and HL–HL pairs only produced self‐repair episodes in SCMC mode. HL–L2 and HL–HL dyads addressed linguistic items (e.g., morphosyntax) rather equally across interaction modes. Our findings are discussed in light of the differences in prior language‐learning experiences of HL and L2 learners.
Revealing regional regeneration projects in three small towns in Aotearoa—New Zealand
Authors: Perkins Harvey C. , Mackay Michael , Levy Deborah , Campbell Malcolm , Taylor Nick , Hills Raewyn , Johnston Karen
Published: November 2019

We discuss case studies of three South Island small towns: Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru and their wider local authority jurisdictions, focusing on how local stakeholders are defining the issues facing these places and identifying, prioritising and investing in regeneration initiatives, sometimes with the support of central government and other external agencies. Our key finding is that small‐town regeneration is complex, demands a long‐term local collaborative approach, and significant investment in skills, information sharing and programme development, some of which needs to be provided by external, central government, agencies.
Inhibition of DNA demethylation enhances plant tolerance to cadmium toxicity by improving iron nutrition
Authors: Fan Shi Kai , Ye Jia Yuan , Zhang Lin Lin , Chen Hong Shan , Zhang Hai Hua , Zhu Ya Xin , Liu Xing Xing , Jin Chong Wei
Published: November 2019

Although the alteration of DNA methylation due to abiotic stresses, such as exposure to the toxic metal cadmium (Cd), has been often observed in plants, little is known about whether such epigenetic changes are linked to the ability of plants to adapt to stress. Herein, we report a close linkage between DNA methylation and the adaptational responses in Arabidopsis plants under Cd stress. Exposure to Cd significantly inhibited the expression of three DNA demethylase genes ROS1/DML2/DML3 (RDD) and elevated DNA methylation at the genome‐wide level in Col‐0 roots. Furthermore, the profile of DNA methylation in Cd‐exposed Col‐0 roots was similar to that in the roots of rdd triple mutants, which lack RDD, indicating that Cd‐induced DNA methylation is associated with the inhibition of RDD. Interestingly, the elevation in DNA methylation in rdd conferred a higher tolerance against Cd stress and improved cellular Fe nutrition in the root tissues. In addition, lowering the Fe supply abolished improved Cd tolerance due to the lack of RDD in rdd. Together, these data suggest that the inhibition of RDD‐mediated DNA demethylation in the roots by Cd would in turn enhance plant tolerance to Cd stress by improving Fe nutrition through a feedback mechanism.
Attractiveness as a motive for tanning: Results of representative nationwide survey in Germany
Authors: Görig Tatiana , Schneider Sven , Schilling Laura , Diehl Katharina
Published: November 2019

Background

In previous research, enhancing attractiveness is reported to be an important aspect of tanning motivation. Our aim was to analyze attractiveness as a reason for tanning in a large representative sample in relation to sociodemographic characteristics, perceived risks of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and exposure to natural and artificial UVR.

Methods

We analyzed data from 3000 participants (14‐45 years) in the German representative National Cancer Aid Monitoring (wave 3). Attractiveness was measured using the General Attractiveness Subscale of the Physical Appearance Reasons for Tanning Scale. Associations were analyzed using chi‐square tests and logistic regression analyses.

Results

Attractiveness played a larger role for participants aged 18‐35, those with an immigrant background, medium educational level, and not in a relationship. Significant associations were also identified with a low risk perception of UVR. For sunbathing, the highest OR (9.96, P < .001) was found for high scores on General Attractiveness Subscale, whereas risk perception of UVR was not related to sunbathing in multivariate analyses. For sunbed use, risk perception also only played a minor role as a preventing factor, while higher associations could be identified for age (OR18‐25 years = 8.21, P < .001) and attractiveness (OR = 3.55, P < .001).

Conclusion

Our study showed that people who tan to enhance their attractiveness are more likely to perceive fewer risks of UVR and to show higher UVR exposure behavior and are therefore at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Measures for prevention of UVR‐related skin damage should therefore focus more on reducing the positive perception of a tanned appearance instead of only emphasizing the risks of UVR.
Hard and Blind: On Wittgenstein’s Genealogical View of Logical Necessity
Authors: Bangu Sorin
Published: November 2019

My main aim is to sketch a certain reading (‘genealogical’) of later Wittgenstein’s views on logical necessity. Along the way, I engage with the inferentialism currently debated in the literature on the epistemology of deductive logic.
Antagonistic activity against rice blast disease and elicitation of host‐defence response capability of an endophytic Streptomyces albidoflavus OsiLf‐2
Authors: Gao Y. , Zeng X. D. , Ren B. , Zeng J. R. , Xu T. , Yang Y. Z. , Hu X. C. , Zhu Z. Y. , Shi L. M. , Zhou G. Y. , Zhou Q. , Liu X. M. , Zhu Y. H.
Published: November 2019

Rice blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, can result in notable yield losses in rice production. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of a rice endophytic isolate, Streptomyces albidoflavus OsiLf‐2, on the control of rice blast and the possible mechanisms involved. In vitro assays displayed a variety of antagonistic effects of OsiLf‐2 against different physiological races of M. oryzae, with peak mycelial growth inhibition ranging from 74.1% to 83.0%. In vivo tests of OsiLf‐2 showed 18.0% and 19.6% reduction in disease index in greenhouse and field conditions, respectively. The stable active metabolites in its cell‐free culture filtrate inhibited the mycelial growth, spore germination and appressorial formation of M. oryzae in a dose‐dependent manner. They also possessed strong antifungal capacities toward various phytopathogens in vitro. OsiLf‐2 secreted multiple antimicrobial compounds, cell wall degradation enzymes, siderophore, plant hormones, and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate deaminase, which might function in direct or indirect resistance to M. oryzae. In addition, a variety of defence responses were induced in OsiLf‐2‐treated rice, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation, callose deposition, defence‐related enzymes activation, and elevated expression of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) pathways genes, which might contribute in resisting pathogen attack. The significant biological control activity and host defence‐stimulation ability of OsiLf‐2 suggest that this endophytic actinobacterial strain could be a promising candidate in the management of rice blast disease.