bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioavailability Assessment of Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, and Zinc from Selenium‐Enriched Lettuce
Authors: do Nascimento da Silva Emanueli , Cadore Solange
Published: September 2019

Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Selenium (Se), and Zn bioavailability from selenate‐ and selenite‐enriched lettuce plants was studied by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion followed by an assay with Caco‐2 cells. The plants were cultivated in the absence and presence of two concentrations (25 and 40 µmol/L of Se). After 28 days of cultivation, the plants were harvested, dried, and evaluated regarding the total concentration, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of the analytes. The results showed that biofortification with selenate leads to higher Se absorption by the plant than biofortification with selenite. For the other nutrients, Mo showed high accumulation in the plants of selenate assays, and the presence of any Se species led to a reduction of the plant uptake of Cu and Fe. The accumulation of Zn and Mn was not strongly influenced by the presence of any Se species. The bioaccessibility values were approximately 71%, 10%, 52%, 84%, 71%, and 86% for Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn, respectively, and the contribution of the biofortified lettuce to the ingestion of these minerals is very small (except for Se and Mo). Due to the low concentrations of elements from digested plants, it was not possible to estimate the bioavailability for some elements, and for Mo and Zn, the values are below 6.9% and 3.4% of the total concentration, respectively. For Se, the bioavailability was greater for selenite‐enriched than selenate‐enriched plants (22% and 6.0%, respectively), because selenite is biotransformed by the plant to organic forms that are better assimilated by the cells.
Latin America and the AIIB: Interests and Viewpoints
Authors: Mendez Alvaro
Published: September 2019

This essay gives insight into the interaction of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The AIIB has expressed a clear interest in LAC, accepting eight countries as ‘prospective’ members pending paying‐in their capital, but LAC shows almost no stamina. It is the world's only region lacking even one paid‐in member. So long as Beijing backs the request, prospective membership only requires writing a few letters. But LAC's inertia in officially joining, by passing legislation and making their capital contribution, is puzzling, given the benefits that lie untapped. The likeliest cause is their own culture of sheer negligent short‐sightedness (‘let's do it mañana’). This tendency to adjourn the acid test of action could be mitigated if countries in the region adopt long‐term non‐partisan National Development Plans to strengthen their institutional policy‐making capacity. For their part, the AIIB's Governors and Beijing, despite their initial keen interest in LAC, have had to give up nudging and adapt themselves to the Latin Americans’ labile perception of time in order to conserve their public image. They must remind LAC that only paid‐in members receive financial benefits.
Old Wine in New Bottles – How Protectionism Takes Hold of Digital Trade
Authors: van der Marel Erik
Published: September 2019

This commentary argues that digital restrictions are spreading across many parts of the world, holding back prospective productivity gains from trade. Barriers to digital trade have the same effect as standard barriers to trade in goods – they protect incumbent firms at the expense of consumers. Just like tariffs on cars or semi‐conductors slowed down the diffusion of new technologies in previous spurts of innovation, digital protectionism will cripple countries in our current wave of Industrialization.
Ultra‐widefield fundus photography for radiation therapy planning of ocular tumours
Authors: Mathis Thibaud , Espensen Charlotte A. , Caujolle Jean‐Pierre , Herault Joel , Fog Lotte S. , Maschi Celia , Kodjikian Laurent , Baillif Stephanie , Kiilgaard Jens F. , Thariat Juliette
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The use of planar ultra‐widefield fundus photography (UWF) may result in distortions and inaccurate measurement. The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of UWF instead of the standard narrow field (SF) for the treatment planning phase of ocular tumours.

Methods

Distortions between conformal SF and UWF were assessed in 43 patients with choroidal melanoma treated with either proton therapy or brachytherapy. imagej software was used to measure distortion.

Results

The median interquartile range ([IQR]) distortion for all cases was 3.7% [1.7–10.8]. For cases with tumours within 6 mm of the optic disc, distortions appeared clinically nonsignificant. For peripheral and/or large tumours, significantly larger distortions were observed on UWF (median 4.4% [2.7–22.6] for tumours ≥6 mm from the optic disc versus 3.3% [1.6–9.9] for those <6 mm, p = 0.04). Images can be subdivided into three groups: minimal distortion (79.1% of eyes), similar level of major distortion for both measured distances (11.6%) and distortion with unequal level of distortion between the measured distances (9.3%).

Conclusion

Distortions with UWF appeared minimal in posterior regions of the fundus and increased with the distance from the posterior pole. UWF could therefore be used for treatment planning of ocular tumours as the planned radiation dose to the macula and optic disc are not impacted.
Review article: the genetics of the human leucocyte antigen region in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Ashton James J. , Latham Katy , Beattie Robert Mark , Ennis Sarah
Published: September 2019

Background

The human leucocyte antigen (HLA) complex, located at chromosome 6p21.3 is a highly polymorphic region containing the classical class I and II HLA genes. The region is highly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), largely through genome‐wide association studies (GWAS).

Aims

To review the role of HLA in immune function, summarise data on risk/protective HLA genotypes for IBD, discuss the role of HLA in IBD pathogenesis, treatment and examine limitations that might be addressed by future research.

Methods

An organised search strategy was used to collate articles describing HLA genes in IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Results

All classical HLA genes with variation (including HLA‐A, B, C, DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1 and DPB1) harbour IBD‐associated genotypes. The most implicated gene is HLA‐DRB1, with HLA‐DRB1*03:01 the most associated risk allele in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Elucidating precise disease associations is challenging due to high linkage disequilibrium between HLA genotypes. The mechanisms by which risk alleles cause disease are multifactorial, with the best evidence indicating structural and electrostatic alteration impacting antigen binding and downstream signalling. Adverse medication events have been associated with HLA genotypes including with thiopurines (pancreatitis) and anti‐TNF agents (antibody formation).

Conclusions

The HLA complex is associated with multiple risk/protective alleles for IBD. Future research utilising long‐read technology, ascertainment of zygosity and integration in disease modelling will improve the functional understanding and clinical translation of genetic findings.
Slaughterline records of various postmortem pathological lesions and their influence on carcass and meat quality in slaughtered pigs
Authors: Čobanović Nikola , Janković Ljiljana , Vasilev Dragan , Dimitrijević Mirjana , Teodorović Vlado , Kureljušić Branislav , Karabasil Nedjeljko
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of pathological lesions in pigs from small‐scale farms and to determine associations between pathological lesions and hematological parameters, and carcass and meat quality in slaughtered pigs. The study was conducted on 625 pigs (~115 kg) originating from 20 small‐scale farms. Any signs of pneumonia, pleurisy, pericarditis, and liver milk spots were recorded as present or absent. Complete blood count was investigated. The following carcass quality parameters were measured: live, hot and cold carcass weights, cooling loss, dressing percentage, backfat thickness, and meatiness. Meat pH and temperature were measured 45 min postmortem. Of the 625 examined pigs, 41.8% had pneumonia, 23.5% pleurisy, 2.7% pericarditis, and 29.9% liver milk spots. The presence of pathological lesions in slaughtered pigs adversely affected hematological parameters, reduced live, hot and cold carcass weights, and meatiness and had deleterious effects on meat quality (higher pH45min and higher prevalence of dark, firm and dry meat). In conclusion, this study showed a high prevalence of pathological lesions in slaughtered pigs, indicating serious health problems in smallholder pig production systems. The presence of single and, especially, multiple pathological lesions in slaughtered pigs negatively affected hematological parameters, and carcass and meat quality.
Equivalence of regression curves sharing common parameters
Authors: Möllenhoff Kathrin , Bretz Frank , Dette Holger
Published: September 2019

In clinical trials, the comparison of two different populations is a common problem. Nonlinear (parametric) regression models are commonly used to describe the relationship between covariates, such as concentration or dose, and a response variable in the two groups. In some situations, it is reasonable to assume some model parameters to be the same, for instance, the placebo effect or the maximum treatment effect. In this paper, we develop a (parametric) bootstrap test to establish the similarity of two regression curves sharing some common parameters. We show by theoretical arguments and by means of a simulation study that the new test controls its significance level and achieves a reasonable power. Moreover, it is demonstrated that under the assumption of common parameters, a considerably more powerful test can be constructed compared with the test that does not use this assumption. Finally, we illustrate the potential applications of the new methodology by a clinical trial example.
A spatial open‐population capture‐recapture model
Authors: Efford Murray G. , Schofield Matthew R.
Published: September 2019

A spatial open‐population capture‐recapture model is described that extends both the non‐spatial open‐population model of Schwarz and Arnason and the spatially explicit closed‐population model of Borchers and Efford. The superpopulation of animals available for detection at some time during a study is conceived as a two‐dimensional Poisson point process. Individual probabilities of birth and death follow the conventional open‐population model. Movement between sampling times may be modeled with a dispersal kernel using a recursive Markovian algorithm. Observations arise from distance‐dependent sampling at an array of detectors. As in the closed‐population spatial model, the observed data likelihood relies on integration over the unknown animal locations; maximization of this likelihood yields estimates of the birth, death, movement, and detection parameters. The models were fitted to data from a live‐trapping study of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand. Simulations confirmed that spatial modeling can greatly reduce the bias of capture‐recapture survival estimates and that there is a degree of robustness to misspecification of the dispersal kernel. An R package is available that includes various extensions.
Establishment of brain natriuretic peptide ‐ based criteria for evaluating cardiac response to treatment in light chain (AL) amyloidosis
Authors: Lilleness Brian , Doros Gheorghe , Ruberg Frederick L. , Sanchorawala Vaishali
Published: September 2019

Severity of cardiac involvement remains the leading determinant of survival in light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Until recently, cardiac response after treatment relied on reduction of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP). In this study, 94 patients with AL amyloidosis (baseline BNP ≥150 pg/ml) had BNP measured at 6 months following treatment. Median overall survival was not reached for cardiac response (≥50 pg/ml and ≥ 30% decrease in BNP), 9·2 years for cardiac stability (<50 pg/ml and <30% change in BNP) and 2·8 years for cardiac progression (≥50 pg/ml or ≥30% increase in BNP) (log‐rank P < 0·001). Cardiac response and progression, as measured by BNP values, are significantly associated with survival in AL amyloidosis.
Assessing the function of geophagy in a Malagasy rain forest lemur
Authors: Semel Brandon Pierce , Baden Andrea Lee , Salisbury Rachael Lee , McGee Elizabeth M. , Wright Patricia Chapple , Arrigo‐Nelson Summer Joyce
Published: September 2019

Geophagy has been observed in nearly every long‐term study of folivorous primates. Yet despite frequent observations of this behavior, conclusive explanations for soil consumption remain ambiguous. This study tests the most frequently proposed hypotheses for geophagy using data collected on the geophagic behavior of the Milne‐Edwards’ sifaka (Propithecus edwardsi) living in two forests with varying levels of disturbance within Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. Field data were collected from December 2002 to November 2003, during which time soil samples were collected for mineral analyses from 102 sites selected for geophagy and 42 control sites at which no geophagy was recorded. Results indicate that control soils differ significantly between the two study sites and that this difference is primarily attributable to varying levels of habitat disturbance. The frequency of soil consumption also does not vary significantly by sex or between logged and unlogged habitats. Soil consumption significantly correlated with fruit/seed consumption overall, but to a lesser degree in logged compared with unlogged sites. Clay minerals found in soils likely prevent absorption of dietary toxins in the gut and/or may mediate gut pH. This provides strong evidence for the protection hypothesis for geophagy, which may be especially important in areas where logging, or other forms of habitat disturbance, has been experienced.

Abstract in French is available with online material.
Movement ecology of Afrotropical birds: Functional traits provide complementary insights to species identity
Authors: Habel Jan Christian , Tobias Joseph A. , Fischer Christina
Published: September 2019

Effects of anthropogenic activities on habitats and species communities and populations are complex and vary across species depending on their ecological traits. Movement ecology may provide important insights into species’ responses to habitat structures and quality. We investigated how movement behavior across a human‐modified landscape depends on species identity and species traits, with particular focus on habitat specialization, feeding guilds, and dispersal behavior. We tracked 34 individuals of nine Afrotropical bird species during three years in an anthropogenic riparian landscape of East Africa. We investigated whether species’ functional traits predicted their habitat use and movement behavior better than species’ identities. Our results indicate that habitat specialists mainly occur in dense riparian thickets, while habitat generalists do occur in agricultural land. Home‐ranges of omnivorous habitat generalists are larger than of frugivorous and insectivorous generalists and omnivorous and insectivorous specialists. Movement speed was highest in settlement areas for all species, with activity peaks during morning and afternoon for habitat specialists. Our results reveal that functional traits and species identity provide complementary insights into responses of organisms to habitat structures and habitat quality.
Cardiac safety of second‐generation H1‐antihistamines when updosed in chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Cataldi Mauro , Maurer Marcus , Taglialatela Maurizio , Church Martin K.
Published: September 2019

The symptoms of chronic urticaria, be it chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) or chronic inducible urticaria (CindU), are mediated primarily by the actions of histamine on H1 receptors located on endothelial cells (the weal) and on sensory nerves (neurogenic flare and pruritus). Thus, second‐generation H1 antihistamines (sgAHs) are the primary treatment of these conditions. However, many patients are poorly responsive to licensed doses of antihistamines. In these patients, the current EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO guideline for urticaria suggests updosing of sgAHs up to fourfold. However, such updosing is off‐label and the responsibility resides with the prescribing physician. Therefore, the safety of the drug when used above its licensed dose is of paramount importance. An important aspect of safety is potential cardiotoxicity. This problem was initially identified some 20 years ago with cardiotoxic deaths occurring with astemizole and terfenadine, two early sgAHs. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and assessments of potential cardiotoxicity of H1 antihistamines when updosed to four times their licensed dose. In particular, we have focused on the potential of H1 antihistamines to block hERG (human Ether‐a‐go‐go‐Related Gene) voltage‐gated K+ channels, also known as Kv11.1 channels according to the IUPHAR classification. Blockade of these channels causes QT prolongation leading to torsade de pointes that may possibly degenerate into ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. We considered in detail bilastine, cetirizine, levocetirizine, ebastine, fexofenadine, loratadine, desloratadine, mizolastine and rupatadine and concluded that all these drugs have an excellent safety profile with no evidence of cardiotoxicity even when updosed up to four times their standard licensed dose, provided that the prescribers carefully consider and rule out potential risk factors for cardiotoxicity, such as the presence of inherited long QT syndrome, older age, cardiovascular disorders, hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, or the use of drugs that either have direct QT prolonging effects or inhibit sgAH metabolism.
Online psychoeducation with parent management training: Examining the contribution of peer support
Authors: Wilkerson David A. , Gregory Virgil L. , Kim Hea‐Won
Published: September 2019

Psychoeducation is an empirically based intervention that is increasingly delivered online to individuals and groups. Low participation has been a problem for online designs that include peer support. New technology designs have been called for, and in response, we developed a model that synchronized the delivery of individual and group‐based psychoeducational activities for parent management training. We used a problem‐based learning strategy delivered to caregivers of youth demonstrating oppositional behaviours to encourage the development of helping processes and peer support. This mixed methods intervention study had high rates of participant retention and positive measurable changes for two of its three psychoeducational outcome measures. When we merged the study data, we observed that mutual aid—a frequently sought goal of group‐based interventions—contributed to participant outcomes.
Isolation of senescent cells by iodixanol (OptiPrep) density gradient‐based separation
Authors: Kovacovicova Kristina , Vinciguerra Manlio
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Chemotherapeutic drugs induce senescence in cancer cells but, unlike replicative senescence or oncogene‐induced senescence, do so rather inefficiently and depending on DNA damage. A thorough understanding of the biology of chemotherapy‐induced senescent cells requires their isolation from a mixed population of adjacent senescent and non‐senescent cancer cells.

Materials and methods

We have developed and optimized a rapid iodixanol (OptiPrep)‐based gradient centrifugation system to identify, isolate and characterize doxorubicin (DXR)‐induced senescent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells (HepG2 and Huh‐7) in vitro.

Results

After cellular exposure to DXR, we used iodixanol gradient‐based centrifugation to isolate and re‐plate cells on collagen‐coated flasks, despite their low or null proliferative capacity. The isolated cell populations were enriched for DXR‐induced senescent HCC cells, as confirmed by proliferation arrest assay, and β‐galactosidase and DNA damage‐dependent γH2A.X staining.

Conclusions

Analysing pure cultures of chemotherapy‐induced senescent versus non‐responsive cancer cells will increase our knowledge on chemotherapeutic mechanisms of action, and help refine current therapeutic strategies.
Teaching orthodontic emergencies using the “flipped classroom” method of teaching—A mixed methods RCT
Authors: Isherwood Grant , Taylor Kathryn , Burnside Girvan , Fitzgerald Rhian , Flannigan Norah
Published: September 2019

Introduction

In the United Kingdom, the General Dental Council requires newly graduated dentists to be competent in managing orthodontic emergencies. Undergraduate students typically receive limited exposure to orthodontics, with teaching primarily delivered via conventional lectures. Flipped teaching involves knowledge being acquired in students’ own time, with class time focussing on construction of meaning.

Methods

A total of 61 undergraduate dental students were randomised into either a flipped or a conventional group. The conventional group (n = 30) attended a lecture describing the management of six common emergencies. The flipped group (n = 31) were given access to six videos via a virtual learning environment and later completed practical tasks related to the material. Both groups completed a single best answer assessment. Perceptions of flipped classroom teaching were explored via focus groups.

Results

For questions on orthodontic emergencies, the conventional group had a mean examination result of 70.5% (SD 8.0%) compared with the flipped group of 72.8% (SD 12.9%). There was no significant difference between the groups (P = .532). For regular orthodontic questions, the conventional group had a mean examination result of 64.8% (SD: 19.9%) compared with 78.3% (SD: 21.7%). There was no significant difference between the groups (P = .083). Thematic analysis identified the following themes: ways in which videos encourages more effective learning, improved engagement, awareness of learning needs and proposed teaching/curriculum changes. The overarching theoretical perspective was facilitating an experiential learning cycle using flipped classroom teaching.

Conclusions

In the context of this investigation, the flipped classroom method of teaching resulted in comparable examination performance and improved levels of satisfaction.
WHO surgical safety checklist training: An alternative approach to training in local safety standards for invasive procedures
Authors: Wali Rana , Halai Tina , Koshal Sonita
Published: September 2019

Background

Despite efforts to promote the effective use of the WHO surgical safety checklist, wrong tooth extractions have continued to occur within dentistry.

Method

A training initiative combined methods of teaching comprising of a presentation, video and simulation to deliver LocSSIP training at an Oral Surgery Department of a UK dental hospital. Participant feedback was analysed to determine their perception of using combined methods to deliver the training.

Result

Overall feedback was very positive with regard to relevance of the training, and its ability to meet the learning needs of all participants. Participants advocated that there should be regular re‐training and incorporation of this training into the local induction programme. Almost About 94% of staff members Strongly Agreed or Agreed that they would recommend this format of training to other departments.

Conclusion

Effective training is essential to maintain safe clinical practice within health care, and training methods that are inclusive of various learning styles are well received.
Nonsurgical and surgical management of metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal chip fracture in the Thoroughbred racehorse
Authors: Ramzan P. H. L. , Wylie C. E.
Published: September 2019

Background

Arthroscopy is considered the treatment of choice for dorsal osteochondral chip fractures of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joints in the racehorse; however, there is no published research on non‐surgical management of this injury.

Objectives

To compare clinical features, intra‐articular medication use and return to racing in Thoroughbred racehorses with non‐surgically (non‐SX) or surgically (SX) managed MCP/MTP dorsal chip fracture.

Study design

Retrospective observational study conducted between 2006 and 2014.

Methods

Radiographs of Thoroughbred racehorses were reviewed to identify MCP/MTP dorsal osteochondral chip fractures. Clinical and intra‐articular medication data were obtained from veterinary records, and return to racing data from a public online resource.

Results

A total of 98 MCP/MTP horses with dorsal chip fractures were identified (70 non‐SX, 28 SX). Median age was 2 years (range 2–7 years). Osteochondral chip fractures predominantly involved the forelimbs (n = 92, 93.9%) and the majority were considered by the treating clinician to be clinically active (n = 85, 86.7%). Significantly more SX horses had a reported ongoing problem associated with the affected joint than non‐SX horses (P = 0.002), however there was no significant difference between non‐SX and SX horses in the number of intra‐articular medications of affected joint per month of follow‐up (P = 0.22). The proportion of horses racing post‐diagnosis was not significantly different between non‐SX (55/70; 78.6%, 95% CI 69.0, 88.2%) and SX horses (24/28; 85.7%, 95% CI 72.8, 98.73%) (P = 0.57). Median time to first start following diagnosis for non‐SX (106 days, range 1–326) was significantly shorter than for SX horses (203 days, range 9–559) (P = 0.002).

Main limitations

Management technique was not randomised or blinded, with few surgically managed horses.

Conclusions

The results contribute to the current evidence base used to guide management of osteochondral chip fractures of the MCP/MTP joints in the racehorse, and indicate that non‐surgical management may be a valid treatment option for some injuries.
Clinical, microbiological, immunological and imaging characteristics of tunnels and fistulas in hidradenitis suppurativa and Crohn’s disease
Authors: Jørgensen Astrid‐Helene Ravn , Thomsen Simon Francis , Karmisholt Katrine Elisabeth , Ring Hans Christian
Published: September 2019

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) tunnels and Crohn's disease (CD) fistulas are a challenge to treat. Although pathogenic similarities have been described between HS and CD, recent studies indicate that clinical, microbiological, immunological and imaging characteristics differ between these diseases. This review highlights the differences between HS tunnels and CD fistulas. Next‐generation sequencing studies demonstrate a microbiome in HS tunnels dominated by Porphyromonas spp., Prevotella spp. whereas no specific bacteria have been associated with cutaneous CD. Immunologically, TNF has been found upregulated in HS tunnels along with various interleukins (IL‐8, IL‐16, IL‐1α and IL‐1β). In CD fistulas, Th1, Th17, IL‐17, IFN‐ɤ, TNF and IL‐23 are increased. US imaging is an important tool in HS. US of HS tunnels depict hypoechoic band‐like structure across skin layers in the dermis and/or hypodermis connected to the base of a widened hair follicle. In CD, MR imaging of simple perianal fistulas illustrates a linear, non‐branching inflammatory tract relating to an internal opening in the anus or low rectum and an external opening to the skin surface. An increased awareness of the immediate potential differences between HS tunnels and CD fistulas may optimize treatment regimens of these intractable skin manifestations.
Compensatory growth offsets poor condition in native trout populations
Authors: Al‐Chokhachy Robert , Kovach Ryan P. , Sepulveda Adam , Strait Jeffrey , Shepard Bradley B. , Muhlfeld Clint C.
Published: September 2019

Compensatory growth—when individuals in poor condition grow rapidly to catch up to conspecifics—may be a mechanism that allows individuals to tolerate stressful environmental conditions, both abiotic and biotic. This phenomenon has been documented fairly widely in laboratory and field experiments, but evidence for compensatory growth in the wild is scarce.

Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii subsp.) are cold‐water specialists that inhabit montane streams in western North America where seasonal conditions can be harsh and growth rates vary greatly among seasons. Understanding if individuals compensate for periods of reduced growth and body condition will improve understanding of the requirements of fish throughout their life‐cycle and across freshwater habitats.

We quantified compensatory growth of juvenile cutthroat trout using extensive mark–recapture data from 11 stream populations (1,125 individuals) and two subspecies inhabiting a wide range of ecological settings in the northern Rocky Mountains, U.S.A. Our objectives were to determine how growth was linked across seasons and whether individuals behaviourally compensated for depressed body condition via emigration.

Fish in relatively poor condition consistently demonstrated compensatory growth in mass during subsequent seasons. In contrast, fish in relatively better condition responded with positive growth in length during the summer signalling these fish may be better suited to headwater environments; no compensatory growth in length was found during the winter. Furthermore, there was no evidence that individual condition mediated migration tendencies of fish to seek more favourable habitat.

Across a wide range of environmental conditions, we found consistent empirical support for compensatory growth in mass in the wild. A critical next step is to quantify how changing abiotic and biotic conditions influence the ability of stream fishes to compensate for locally or seasonally challenging conditions, thereby affecting long‐term resiliency, viability, and adaptation in the face of changing environmental conditions.
On the mismatch in the strength of competition among fossil and modern species of planktonic Foraminifera
Authors: Rillo Marina C. , Sugawara Mauro T. C. , Cabella Brenno , Jonkers Lukas , Baranowski Ulrike K. , Kučera Michal , Ezard Thomas H. G.
Published: September 2019

Aim

Many clades display the macroevolutionary pattern of a negative relationship between standing diversity and diversification rates. Competition among species has been proposed as the main mechanism that explains this pattern. However, we currently lack empirical insight into how the effects of individual‐level ecological interactions scale up to affect species diversification. Here, we investigate a clade that shows evidence for negative diversity‐dependent diversification in the fossil record and test whether the clade's modern communities show a corresponding signal of interspecific competition.

Location

World's oceans.

Time period

Holocene.

Major taxa studied

Planktonic Foraminifera (Rhizaria).

Methods

We explore spatial and temporal ecological patterns expected under interspecific competition. Firstly, we use a community phylogenetics approach to test for signs of local competitive exclusion among ecologically similar species (defined as closely related or of similar shell sizes) by combining species relative abundances in seafloor sediments. Secondly, we analyse whether population abundances of co‐occurring species covary negatively through time using sediment trap time‐series spanning 1–12 years.

Results

The great majority of the assemblages are indistinguishable from randomly assembled communities, showing no significant spatial co‐occurrence patterns regarding phylogeny or size similarity. Through time, most species pairs correlated positively, indicating synchronous rather than compensatory population dynamics.

Main conclusions

We found no detectable evidence for interspecific competition structuring extant planktonic Foraminifera communities. Species co‐occurrences and population dynamics are likely regulated by the abiotic environment and/or distantly related species, rather than intra‐clade density‐dependent processes. This interpretation contradicts the idea that competition drives the clade's macroevolutionary dynamics. One way to better integrate community ecology and macroevolution is to consider that diversification dynamics are influenced by groups that interact ecologically even when distantly related.
Moving in and out of vulnerability: Interrogating migration as an adaptation strategy along a rural–urban continuum in India
Authors: Singh Chandni , Basu Ritwika
Published: September 2019

Migration is a key livelihood strategy to diversify incomes, reduce risks associated with rainfed agriculture and the effects of climate change, and meet personal aspirations. Drawing on life history interviews with migrant and non‐migrant families, we explore the role of migration and commuting in addressing livelihood vulnerability along a rural–urban continuum in Karnataka, India. We find that labelling migration as an adaptation strategy or not does not necessarily capture the breadth of experiences and implications for livelihoods that migrants and their families face. At an intra‐household level, migration and commuting can alleviate vulnerability for some family members while exacerbating vulnerability of others. At a larger scale, migration that is adaptive at a household scale can be maladaptive at a system scale, where cities are unable to provide for or absorb migrants who often live in highly vulnerable conditions. Finally, on a temporal scale, migration and commuting affect livelihood trajectories and choices beyond the migrants alone, and understanding how these strategies affect household vulnerability over time is crucial for adaptation research. We also highlight the use of life histories as a methodological tool that complements current econometric approaches exploring migration and allows for in‐depth and temporally sensitive inquiry into the drivers and consequences of migration.
KINDERTRANSPORT MEMOIRS: BETWEEN FORMULATING KNOWLEDGE OF A PAINFUL PAST AND CONTAINING TRAUMATIC IMPACT
Authors: Homer Stephanie
Published: September 2019

Kindertransport memoirs are an invaluable resource providing an insight into the world of child refugees who faced upheaval when separated from their family and friends in 1938/9. This article examines the representation of trauma in memoirs by Vera Gissing (1988), Martha Blend (1995), Edith Milton (2005), and Marion Charles (2013). Investigating the limits of language and the constraints that traumatic memory places upon representation, this article addresses the question of how a traumatic event, which seems to exceed the limits of understanding and even of language, can be represented by the author. An examination of these memoirs reveals how children of the Kindertransport attempt to formulate knowledge and a narrative of their past – a requirement of the literary memoir genre – yet are simultaneously challenged by the unrepresentable nature of traumatic experience. This article illuminates how memoirists attempt to convey their upsetting childhood and construct a personal narrative of trauma by containing traumatic impact.
BEYOND UNSPEAKABILITY: CONFIGURATIONS OF ‘TRAVELLING TRAUMA’ IN CONTEMPORARY GERMAN‐LANGUAGE LITERATURE ABOUT THE HOLOCAUST
Authors: Roca Lizarazu Maria
Published: September 2019

This article examines two novels by seminal German‐language Jewish authors, Benjamin Stein's Die Leinwand (2010) and Eva Menasse's Quasikristalle (2013), to shed light on major shifts in Holocaust memory since the turn of the millennium. I argue that developments such as the disappearance of the eyewitness generation, coupled with the increasing hypermediation and globalisation of Holocaust memories, force us to reconsider certain conceptions of trauma which for a long time have dominated engagements with the Holocaust and its representation. Instead of approaching Holocaust trauma as unspeakable and inherently inaccessible, I propose to read the novels’ engagements with the Holocaust through the lens of Terri Tomsky's concept of ‘travelling trauma’, which allows us to conceive of the Holocaust as a culturally mediated signifier that moves transgenerationally, transmedially, and transnationally through various discursive networks. The novels by Stein and Menasse furthermore enable us to examine critically certain manifestations of ‘travelling trauma’ and the current state of Holocaust representation in a way that Tomsky's more descriptive approach does not.
‘I BELIEVE THAT MY EXPERIENCE BEGAN IN THE WOMB AND WAS LATER ABSORBED THROUGH MY MOTHER'S MILK’: SECOND GENERATION TRAUMA NARRATIVES
Authors: Hammel Andrea
Published: September 2019

This contribution analyses texts written by the descendants of Holocaust survivors and former refugees who have contributed to the newsletter of the Second Generation Network based in Britain. Examination of this material demonstrates how these postmemory trauma narratives add to our understanding of Holocaust and Refugee Studies. The ongoing impact of the Holocaust on subsequent generations descended from survivors and refugees suggests that it should be considered an integral part of British history that continues to reverberate in twenty‐first century society in the UK.
Local turns: Queer histories and Brighton's queer communities
Authors: Cook Matt
Published: September 2019

This piece presents one strand of new research from “Queer Beyond London” (QBL), a UK Arts and Humanities Research Council funded project which ran from 2016 to 2018 and sought out the significance of locality to queer identities and communities in the period 1965–2015 via case studies of Brighton, Leeds, Manchester, and Plymouth. The project is part of a (re)turn to the local in queer historical work, and here I review that shift before exemplifying how a focus on specific local contexts in Brighton since the 1980s enriches our understanding of the ways in which queer life was modulated by geographical position, local economy, demographics, local government and policing, and subcultural and cultural reputation. I show especially how the horrific dimensions of the AIDS crisis and the particular shock of Section 28 of the Local Government Act (1988) in this town of historic queer ease reshaped visions and experiences of community there.
Does ultraconservative access affect the efficacy of root canal treatment and the fracture resistance of two‐rooted maxillary premolars?
Authors: Silva A. A. , Belladonna F. G. , Rover G. , Lopes R. T. , Moreira E. J. L. , De‐Deus G. , Silva E. J. N. L.
Published: September 2019

Aim

To evaluate the influence of ultraconservative endodontic cavities (UEC) on canal shaping and filling ability, cleaning of the pulp chamber, time required to perform root canal treatment and fracture resistance of 2‐rooted maxillary premolars in comparison with traditional endodontic access cavities (TEC) in extracted teeth placed in a phantom head to simulate clinical conditions.

Methodology

Twenty extracted intact 2‐rooted maxillary premolars were scanned in a micro‐computed tomographic device, matched based on similar anatomical features of the canals and assigned to UEC or TEC groups (n = 10). Then, teeth were mounted on a mannequin head and their pulp chamber accessed. After canal preparation, filling and cavity restoration, the time required to perform root canal treatment was recorded and the specimens were loaded to fracture in a universal testing machine. The maximum load at fracture was recorded. The sample was scanned after root canal instrumentation, filling and restoration procedures. Untouched canal areas, accumulation of hard‐tissue debris (AHTD), voids in root fillings and cleaning of the pulp chamber were analysed. Data were analysed statistically using Shapiro–Wilk and Student's t‐tests with a significance level of 5%.

Results

The percentage of untouched canal area did not differ significantly between UEC and TEC groups (P > 0.05). However, UECs were associated with a greater percentage of AHTD after canal preparation (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in terms of voids in root fillings between the groups (P > 0.05). Nonetheless, UEC had a greater percentage of root filling remnants in the pulp chamber after cleaning procedures (P < 0.05). The time required to perform root canal treatment was significantly longer in the UEC group (P < 0.05). There was no difference regarding the mean load at fracture between the groups (P > 0.05). Unrestorable fractures were observed in all specimens of both groups.

Conclusions

There was no true benefit associated with ultraconservative endodontic cavities. UEC resulted in more AHTD remaining inside the root canals. UEC did not influence the quality of root fillings; however, UEC made the cleaning procedure of the pulp chamber more difficult, thus increasing the total time required to perform root canal treatment. Moreover, UEC were not associated with an increase in fracture resistance of root filled 2‐rooted maxillary premolars.
Environment‐oriented low‐cost Al2O3 ceramics with hierarchical pore structure fabricated from SiC solid waste
Authors: Chen Ruoyu , Hei Daqian , Li Shujing , Jia Wenbao
Published: September 2019

Environment‐oriented low‐cost Al2O3 reticulated porous ceramics with hierarchical pore structure were fabricated by the polymer sponge replica method combined with vacuum infiltration methods, using Al2O3 powders and SiC solid waste (SCSW) as raw material and a pore‐forming agent. The effects of SCSW addition amount on mechanical properties, microstructure and pore size of Ceramics were investigated. The results showed that the thermal shock resistance of specimens increased gradually with addition of SCSW, however, the median pore diameter increased firstly and then decreased, due to the generation of mullite and liquid phase. After calcination, the residual stress was generated within the coating layer because of the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients of ceramic matrix and coating layer, which could improve the properties of Ceramics by deflecting and bifurcating crack growth path. The results showed that the best dosage of SCSW was 30 wt%.
Restoring Hope for Syrian Refugees: Social Support Students Need to Excel at School
Authors: Karkouti Ibrahim M. , Wolsey Thomas DeVere , Toprak Mustafa
Published: September 2019

This qualitative, phenomenological case study was designed to elicit Syrian refugee students’ perceptions regarding the individuals who provide them with the social support needed for academic success. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 10 male Syrian eighth graders at a public middle school in Lebanon. House's social support framework guided this study and served as the theoretical lens through which data were collected and analysed. Findings from this study revealed teachers, supervisors, and administrators as expected major providers of the social supports that Syrian refugee students need to excel in their studies. However, when students do not find support where they might expect it to be, they adopt coping strategies such as independence, perseverance, self‐efficacy, and peer‐teaching. These findings are of primary importance to school administrators, humanitarian aid agencies, and policymakers. The article concludes with recommendations for practice and future research.
Helios: still behind the clouds
Authors: Thornton Angela M. , Shevach Ethan M.
Published: September 2019

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are a subset of CD4+ T cells that are critical for the maintenance of self‐tolerance. The forkhead box transcription factor Foxp3 is a master regulator for the Treg phenotype and function and its expression is essential in Treg cells, as the loss of Foxp3 results in lethal autoimmunity. Two major subsets of Treg cells have been described in vivo; thymus‐derived Treg (tTreg) cells that develop in the thymus and peripherally induced Treg (pTreg) cells that are derived from conventional CD4+ Foxp3− T cells and are converted in peripheral tissues to cells that express Foxp3 and acquire suppressive ability. The transcription factor Helios, a member of the Ikaros transcription factor family, is expressed in 60–70% of Treg cells in both mouse and man, and is believed to be a marker of tTreg cells. In this review, we discuss the role and function of Helios in Treg cells, the controversy surrounding the use of Helios as a marker of tTreg cells, and how Helios controls specific aspects of the Treg cell program.
Synthesis and photocatalytic H2‐production activity of plasma‐treated Ti3C2Tx MXene modified graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Xu Fang , Zhang Dainan , Liao Yulong , Wang Gang , Shi Xiaolei , Zhang Huaiwu , Xiang Quanjun
Published: September 2019

Plasma processing technology, as a promising method to enhance photocatalytic activity of catalyst, is gradually attracting extensive interest from researchers. However, the main mechanism of plasma‐treated photocatalyst on hydrogen production is not clear. In this work, 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene is selected as a co‐catalyst of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), which carries out a plasma treatment (500°C) under N2/H2 atmosphere. Due to plasma treatment, there is a higher proportion Ti–O functional groups on surface of layered Ti3C2Tx MXene, especially for Ti4+. The obtained g‐C3N4/p‐Ti3C2Tx photocatalyst with sandwich‐like structure shows an enhanced photocatalytic activity. The rate of hydrogen generation of CN/pTC3.0 sample without Pt co‐catalyst is 25.4 and 2.4 times that of pure g‐C3N4 and CN/TC3.0 samples, respectively. The improved photocatalytic activity is attributed to presence of Ti4+ due to plasma treatment, which can capture photo‐induced electron from g‐C3N4 and improve the separation of electrons and holes after visible light irradiation. The cyclic hydrogen production of the photocatalyst demonstrates good photocatalytic stability. In addition, this method of plasma treatment under N2/H2 atmosphere is feasible to develop a high‐performance co‐catalyst, which can be extended to other photocatalysts with two‐dimensional structure for photocatalytic water‐splitting applications.
Estimation of economic weights for number of teats and sperm quality traits in pigs
Authors: Krupa Emil , Wolfová Marie , Krupová Zuzana , Žáková Eliška
Published: September 2019

Accurate predictive modelling facilitates efficient and effective trait selection in animal breeding and can decrease costs while maximizing profits when raising economically important animals. The objective of this study was to extend a previously developed bioeconomic model and computer program to calculate the marginal economic values (MEVs) and economic weights (EWs) for direct and maternal pig traits affected by new reproductive traits, namely the number of sow functional teats (NFTs) and boar sperm quality traits (SQTs) that included sperm volume, sperm concentration, motility percentage and percentage of abnormal spermatozoa. The MEV of NFTs represented the cost differences between naturally and artificially reared piglets until weaning and the cost differences between naturally and artificially reared finished animals. The MEVs of SQTs expressed the saved costs for artificial insemination, assuming a decreased price per insemination dose when improving the SQTs. The absolute and relative EWs for the newly defined complex of traits in the breeding objectives for pig breeds involved in the Czech national three‐way crossing system (Czech Large White [CLW], Czech Landrace [CL] and Pietrain [PN]) were calculated using gene flow methods. The NFT trait was included only for dam breeds, and the relative EW averaged 3.6% of the total economic importance based on the genetic standard deviations of all 19 simultaneously evaluated traits in CLW and CL breeds. The relative EWs of the four SQTs comprised 2.0% of the total economic importance of the 19 traits in the CLW and CL dam breeds and 8% of the total economic importance of the 18 traits in the PN sire breed. Therefore, inclusion of the NFTs for dam breeds and SQTs for sire breeds in the breeding goal is recommended to aid in obtaining ideal outcomes with optimal economic values.