bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State and civil society in Egypt: 2011-2015
Authors: Sayed Asmaa Mostafa
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the nature of the relationship between the state and civil society after the 2011 uprising.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted Mygdal’s approach to analyze the relationship between the state and civil society and identify their ability to control the rules of the political game. The study also draws on the theoretical framework of the hypotheses introduced by a number of scholars on the forms of potential relations between the state and civil society, and the impact of these forms on advancing the process of democratization.

Findings

This study argues that despite some important changes in favor of civil societyvis-à-visthe state, it is too early to conclude that a dramatic change has occurred in this relationship, due to a discernable unbalanced power in favor of the state. The state revealed after 2011 that these organizations acted against the state’s stability and against its fundamentals.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this research is the first to study the relationship between the state and the civil society in Egypt after 2011 events.
Perceptions of a heritage site and animosity: the case of the West Bank
Authors: Abraham Villy , Poria Yaniv
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Drawing on the theories of social identity and realistic conflict theory, the purpose of this study is to enrich the literature by proposing and testing a model conceptualizing the relationships between animosity, an antecedent (tourists’ perception of a heritage site) and demand variables (e.g. length of stay).

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected for the study is based on a combination of qualitative (20 interviews) and quantitative research (n = 330) methods.

Findings

The study demonstrates that animosity should be integrated into tourism research. The study provides relevant insights indicating that animosity harbored toward locals is crucial to the understanding of tourists’ behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides relevant insights indicating that animosity harbored toward locals is crucial to the understanding of tourists’ behavior.

Practical implications

Managerial implications for those entrusted with the promotion of tourism and site management are suggested in areas at the heart of a conflict.

Originality/value

The study of animosity challenges the common view in heritage tourism which focus on positive emotions harbored by tourists. In the present study, the authors focus on the consequences of negative emotions.
Trade‐off between vegetation type, soil erosion control and surface water in global semi‐arid regions: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Gao‐Lin , Liu Yi‐Fan , Cui Zeng , Liu Yu , Shi Zhi‐Hua , Yin Rui , Kardol Paul
Published: February 2020

Soil erosion control and water resource protection can closely interact during restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. In semi‐arid ecosystems, an urgent issue is how vegetation restoration can achieve the goal of soil erosion mitigation and water conservation, which in turn, feeds back to ecosystem functioning.

We reviewed 78 articles from 22 countries in semi‐arid areas to evaluate the effects of vegetation type (i.e. forest, grassland and scrubland) on runoff and sediment yields across different environmental conditions (i.e. vegetation coverage, rainfall intensity, slope gradient and soil texture).

Our meta‐analysis shows that runoff and sediment reduction both increased as the vegetation coverage increased, and tended to be stable when vegetation coverage exceeded 60%. Vegetation provided a greater benefit for sediment reduction than for runoff control under intense rainfall. Grasslands were generally more effective in reducing sediment than other vegetation types. Forests, grasslands and scrublands were most efficient in soil erosion control on 20°–30°, 0°–25° and 10°–25° slopes respectively. Grasslands and scrublands generally performed better with respect to soil erosion control on moderately coarse soils, whereas forests were most effective on medium‐textured and moderately fine soils.

Synthesis and applications. Effective restoration and soil erosion control in semi‐arid ecosystems strongly depends on the selection of vegetation type. Our study further indicates that, for land managers, it is critical to consider local slope, and soil texture, and maintain appropriate vegetation coverage to achieve ecosystem sustainability. Grasslands might be particularly suitable to optimize the trade‐off between soil erosion control and surface water resource in semi‐arid regions.
The therapeutic effect of B‐type natriuretic peptides in acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Caprnda Martin , Zulli Anthony , Shiwani Haaris A. , Kubatka Peter , Filipova Slavomira , Valentova Vanda , Gazdikova Katarina , Mozos Ioana , Berukstis Andrius , Laucevicius Aleksandras , Rihacek Ivan , Dragasek Jozef , Prosecky Robert , Egom Emmanuel E. , Staffa Robert , Kruzliak Peter , Krasnik Vladimir
Published: February 2020

B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) exhibits roles in natriuresis and diuresis, making it an ideal drug that may aid in diuresing a fluid‐overloaded patient with poor or worsening renal function. Several randomized clinical trials have tested the hypothesis that infusions of pharmacological doses of BNP to acute heart failure (HF) patients may enhance decongestion and preserve renal function in this clinical setting. Unfortunately, none of these have demonstrated beneficial outcomes. The current challenge for BNP research in acute HF lies in addressing a failure of concept and a reluctance to abandon an ineffective research model. Future success will necessitate a detailed understanding of the mechanism of action of BNP, as well as better integration of basic and clinical science.
Beyond oil degradation: enzymatic potential of Alcanivorax to degrade natural and synthetic polyesters
Authors: Zadjelovic Vinko , Chhun Audam , Quareshy Mussa , Silvano Eleonora , Hernandez‐Fernaud Juan R. , Aguilo‐Ferretjans María M. , Bosch Rafael , Dorador Cristina , Gibson Matthew I. , Christie‐Oleza Joseph A.
Published: February 2020

Pristine marine environments are highly oligotrophic ecosystems populated by well‐established specialized microbial communities. Nevertheless, during oil spills, low‐abundant hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria bloom and rapidly prevail over the marine microbiota. The genus Alcanivorax is one of the most abundant and well‐studied organisms for oil degradation. While highly successful under polluted conditions due to its specialized oil‐degrading metabolism, it is unknown how they persist in these environments during pristine conditions. Here, we show that part of the Alcanivorax genus, as well as oils, has an enormous potential for biodegrading aliphatic polyesters thanks to a unique and abundantly secreted alpha/beta hydrolase. The heterologous overexpression of this esterase proved a remarkable ability to hydrolyse both natural and synthetic polyesters. Our findings contribute to (i) better understand the ecology of Alcanivorax in its natural environment, where natural polyesters such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are produced by a large fraction of the community and, hence, an accessible source of carbon and energy used by the organism in order to persist, (ii) highlight the potential of Alcanivorax to clear marine environments from polyester materials of anthropogenic origin as well as oils, and (iii) the discovery of a new versatile esterase with a high biotechnological potential.
Single‐step transfer of biosynthetic operons endows a non‐magnetotactic Magnetospirillum strain from wetland with magnetosome biosynthesis
Authors: Dziuba Marina V. , Zwiener Theresa , Uebe Rene , Schüler Dirk
Published: February 2020

The magnetotactic lifestyle represents one of the most complex traits found in many bacteria from aquatic environments and depends on magnetic organelles, the magnetosomes. Genetic transfer of magnetosome biosynthesis operons to a non‐magnetotactic bacterium has only been reported once so far, but it is unclear whether this may also occur in other recipients. Besides magnetotactic species from freshwater, the genus Magnetospirillum of the Alphaproteobacteria also comprises a number of strains lacking magnetosomes, which are abundant in diverse microbial communities. Their close phylogenetic interrelationships raise the question whether the non‐magnetotactic magnetospirilla may have the potential to (re)gain a magnetotactic lifestyle upon acquisition of magnetosome gene clusters. Here, we studied the transfer of magnetosome gene operons into several non‐magnetotactic environmental magnetospirilla. Single‐step transfer of a compact vector harbouring >30 major magnetosome genes from M. gryphiswaldense induced magnetosome biosynthesis in a Magnetospirillum strain from a constructed wetland. However, the resulting magnetic cellular alignment was insufficient for efficient magnetotaxis under conditions mimicking the weak geomagnetic field. Our work provides insights into possible evolutionary scenarios and potential limitations for the dissemination of magnetotaxis by horizontal gene transfer and expands the range of foreign recipients that can be genetically magnetized.
Unionized employees’ influence on executive compensation: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Park Min
Published: February 2020

This article explores the relationship between executive compensation and employee voice using a panel dataset from Korean firms. It was found that the existence and rate of labour unionization are both negatively associated with executive compensation payment, and that the negative association is progressively stronger for upper percentile executive pay. Labour union existence also has a strong negative correlation with stock option use in executive compensation packages, but unionization rate does not, implying that union existence is more critical in shaping executive compensation structures than the strength of the union. Membership of large family‐owned business conglomerates (chaebol), high financial risk and high employee wages are identified as channels that reinforce the negative influence of labour unions on executive compensation.
A novel improved symbiotic organisms search algorithm
Authors: Nama Sukanta , Saha Apu Kumar , Sharma Sushmita
Published: February 2020

For last two decades, nature‐inspired metaheuristic algorithms together with their modified, improved, and hybrid versions have been gaining huge popularity in the field of optimization in solving continuous and complex real‐life optimization problems. In this work, a novel improved symbiosis organism search (SOS) algorithm, called self‐adaptive beneficial factor‐based improved SOS (SaISOS, in short) is suggested. The self‐adaptive benefit factors and a modified mutualism phase (called “Three‐way mutualism phase”) have been introduced here to upgrade the performance of SOS algorithm. A random weighted reflection coefficient and a new control operator have also been introduced. To validate the proposed algorithm and to compare its performance with other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, 15 IEEE‐CEC 2015 functions have been employed and the experimental results confirm that SaISOS provides competitive results on most occasions. Also, the proposed algorithm is used to solve five real‐world optimization problems. Considering the average output, it is observed that the proposed method performs significantly better in solving the real‐world problems compared to the alternative state‐of‐the art techniques considered in this
work.
Substance use treatment clinician attitudes to care for chronic disease health risk behaviours and associations of attitudes with care provision
Authors: Tremain Danika , Freund Megan , Bowman Jenny , Wolfenden Luke , Wye Paula , Dunlop Adrian , Bartlem Kate , McElwaine Kathleen , Gillham Karen , Wiggers John
Published: February 2020

Introduction and Aims

People who use substances have a high prevalence of modifiable chronic disease health risk behaviours. Preventive care to address such risks has not traditionally been provided during substance use treatment. This study aimed to assess clinicians' attitudes towards preventive care and their association with care provision.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional study utilising computer‐assisted telephone interviews was undertaken with clinicians (n = 54) of community‐based substance use treatment services in one health district, Australia. Clinicians indicated their agreement with 10 attitudinal statements regarding their perceived role and self‐efficacy in providing preventive care and perceptions of client interest in modifying behaviours. Logistic regression analyses examined the association between clinician attitudinal items and self‐reported care provision.

Results

Fifty‐four clinicians (74%) agreed to participate. The most positive attitudes were preventive care being part of their role (100%), and they have the knowledge and skills to provide preventive care (100%). The least favourable attitude was clients were interested in changing their health risk behaviours (60%). Clinicians who reported that preventive care left little time to undertake acute care were more likely to assess for smoking (OR 8.06 [95% CI 1.31, 49.46]) and less likely to provide brief advice for all risks combined (OR 0.11 [95% CI 0.02, 0.63]).

Discussion and Conclusions

Overall, clinicians reported positive attitudes regarding the preventive care provision for modifiable health risk behaviours in substance use treatment settings. Further research is required to investigate why, despite such positive attitudes, clinicians in substance use treatment settings do not routinely provide preventive care.
Traffic noise and responses to a simulated approaching avian predator in mixed‐species flocks of chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches
Authors: Jung Hwayoung , Sherrod Atira , LeBreux Steven , Price Joshua M. , Freeberg Todd M.
Published: February 2020

Traffic noise likely reaches a wide range of species and populations throughout the world, but we still know relatively little about how it affects anti‐predator behavior of populations. We tested for possible effects of traffic noise on responses to predator acoustic cues in Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis), tufted titmice (Baeolophus bicolor), and white‐breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) near 14 independent feeding stations in eastern Tennessee. We compared anti‐predator calling and seed‐taking behavior in response to playbacks of predator stimuli (screech owl calls) at sites naturally exposed to traffic noise and at sites that faced relatively little traffic noise. The screech owl call playback was designed to simulate the approach of this dangerous predator to a feeder being used by these small songbirds. We found that chickadees responded consistently to the owl stimuli across different levels of traffic noise. However, titmice, and nuthatches exhibited different behavioral responses to the predator stimulus, suggesting that traffic noise masked these low‐frequency predator calls. Overall, chickadees and nuthatches showed the broadest anti‐predator behavioral responses in comparison to titmice, corroborating earlier published work with an Indiana population. Finally, populations exposed to traffic noise overall seemed less able to detect predator cues potentially masked by that noise, and future work will need to assess likely seasonal variation in these responses as well as species‐level variation in anti‐predator responses in mixed‐species groups.
Cell‐cycle dependence of transcriptome gene modules: comparison of regression lines
Authors: Vinogradov Alexander E. , Anatskaya Olga V.
Published: February 2020

The transcriptome consists of various gene modules that can be mutually dependent, and ignoring these dependencies may lead to misinterpretation. The most important problem is module dependence on cell‐cycle activity. Using meta‐analysis of over 30 000 single‐cell transcriptomes, we show gene module dependencies on cell‐cycle signature, which can be consistently observed in various normal and cancer cells. Transcript levels of receptors, plasma membrane, and differentiation‐related genes are negatively regressed on cell‐cycle signature. Pluripotency, stress response, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, proteasomal protein degradation, protein network connectivity, and unicellular evolutionary origin are regressed positively. These effects cannot be explained by partial overlap of corresponding gene sets because they remain if the overlapped genes were removed. We propose a visual analysis of gene module‐specific regression lines as complement to an uncurated enrichment analysis. The different lines for a same gene module indicate different cell conditions. The approach is tested on several problems (polyploidy, pluripotency, cancer, phylostratigraphy). Intriguingly, we found variation in cell‐cycle activity, which is independent of cell progression through the cycle. The upregulation of G2/M checkpoint genes with downregulation of G2/M transition and cytokinesis is revealed in polyploid cells. A temporal increase in cell‐cycle activity at transition from pluripotent to more differentiated state is found in human embryonic stem cells. The upregulation of unicellular interactome cluster in human cancers is shown in single cells with control for cell‐cycle activity. The greater scatter around regression line in cancer cells suggests greater heterogeneity caused by deviation from a line of normal cells.
Staging transformative learning across collegiate language curricula: Student perceptions of structured reflection for language learning
Authors: Crane Cori , Sosulski Michael J.
Published: February 2020

Building on recent efforts to bridge transformative learning and world language education (Clifford & Reisinger, 2019; Johnson, 2015; Randolph & Johnson, 2017), this article explores how perspective‐shifting can be fostered among L2 learners through critical reflection tasks staged across collegiate language curricula. A range of reflection tasks designed to decenter the self from existing assumptions, beliefs, and values as learners try on and respond to cultural perspectives different from their own is presented, focusing on the developmental needs of learners at different instructional levels. The study investigates how beginning to advanced collegiate L2 learners perceive working with structured reflection (SR) tasks across two German programs in the United States (an R1 state university and a private liberal arts college). Analysis of student surveys (n = 237) shows that L2 learners largely valued doing reflective work and that some learners found SR helped them to think about and evaluate their learning and facilitate perspective‐shifting.
Systematic use of fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation and clinicopathological features in the screening of PDGFRB rearrangements of patients with myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms
Authors: Fang Hong , Tang Guilin , Loghavi Sanam , Greipp Patricia , Wang Wei , Verstovsek Srdan , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Reichard Kaaren K. , Miranda Roberto N , Wang Sa A
Published: February 2020

Aims

Rearrangement of the platelet‐derived growth factor receptor B (PDGFRB) gene defines a unique group of myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with frequent eosinophilia and high sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This genetic abnormality is also rarely reported in Philadelphia‐like B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma (B‐ALL). PDGFRB rearrangement was initially thought to only occur in cases with 5q31–33 rearrangement as determined with conventional cytogenetics; however, there are reported cases with cryptic rearrangements. We aim to develop a broader strategy for screening of PDGFRB rearrangements of patients with myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms.

Methods and results

We performed fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH) for PDGFRB rearrangement in 197 patients, including 70 with B‐ALL, 10 with myeloid neoplasms with 5q31–33 rearrangements, and 117 with eosinophilia (≥0.5 × 109/l in peripheral blood or ≥5% in bone marrow), and identified PDGFRB rearrangement in four of 197 (2.0%) cases. In an attempt to identify clinicopathological and genetic features that may have a stronger association with PDGFRB rearrangement, we analysed 13 patients with confirmed PDGFRB rearrangements, including 10 with myeloid neoplasms and three with B‐ALL. Among the 10 patients with myeloid neoplasms, eosinophilia was present in eight, monocytosis in two, 5q31–33 rearrangement in seven, and abnormal bone marrow morphology in all. All patients with myeloid neoplasms showed an excellent response to imatinib, including a patient in blast crisis. The three B‐ALL patients presented de novo, showed no eosinophilia, had a complex karyotype including 5q31–33 rearrangement, and had clinically aggressive courses with ultimate patient demise.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that a higher yield for the identification of PDGFRB rearrangement may result from an index of suspicion in patients with eosinophilia, monocytosis, bone marrow features of a myeloid neoplasm, and 5q31–33 rearrangement, and patients with Philadelphia‐like B‐ALL.
Effect of maternal HIV infection, BMI and NOx air pollution exposure on birth outcomes in South African pregnant women genotyped for the p53 Pro72Arg (rs1042522)
Authors: Naidoo Pragalathan , Naidoo Rajen N. , Ramkaran Prithiksha , Chuturgoon Anil A.
Published: February 2020

Tumour suppressor protein, p53, plays a role in modulating innate immune responses, DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, senescence and apoptosis. Maternal nitrogen oxide (NOx) air pollution exposure, body mass index (BMI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and p53 Pro72Arg (rs1042522) affect foetal growth. We investigated whether the aforementioned factors influence birth outcomes in a South African population. Pregnant women (n = 300; HIV −ve = 194 and HIV +ve = 106) were genotyped for the p53 rs1042522 using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP), and further stratified based on HIV status, infants' birthweight (BW; NBW: normal BW [>2,500 g] and LBW: low BW [<2,500 g]) and gestational age (GA; NGA: normal GA [>37 weeks] and PTB: preterm birth [≤37 weeks]). A land use regression model was developed to characterize maternal NOx exposure. Pearson's correlation and multivariate regression analysis statistical tests were used to determine the effect of rs1042522 genotyped pregnant women's BMI and NOx exposure on maternal blood pressure and haemoglobin and iron levels, and infants' anthropometric measurements and Appearance Pulse Grimace Activity and Respiration (APGAR) scores. The prevalence of LBW and PTB was 14.7% and 18.7%, respectively. The LBW group had a higher frequency of the variant Arg‐allele versus NBW group (47.7% vs. 31.4%, p = .0046, OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.26–3.17). No association was observed between NGA and PTB groups. A significant association between BMI and systolic blood pressure (r = .50, p = .00; B = 0.76, p = .002) and birth length (r = −.28, p = .01; B = −0.107, p = .011), and NOx and birth length (r = −.26, p = .08; B = −0.191, p = .046) and birthweight (B = −8.87, p = .048) was observed in HIV‐infected mothers with the variant Pro/Arg + Arg/Arg genotypes. Mothers from the LBW group with the variant genotypes displayed an association between NOx and diastolic blood pressure (r = .58, p = .04), blood iron levels (r = −.60, p = .04; B = −0.204, p = .004), APGAR scores at 1 min (r = −.86, p = .00; B = −0.101, p = .003) and 5 min (r = −.75, p = .01) and birth length (r = −.61, p = .04), and BMI and diastolic blood pressure (r = .72, p = .01). In the PTB group, maternal variant genotypes and NOx were associated with blood haemoglobin levels (B = −0.132, p = .045) and APGAR scores at 1 min (B = −0.161, p = .045) and 5 min (B = −0.147, p = .043). Maternal rs1042522 Arg‐allele, HIV infection, BMI and NOx exposure collectively play a role in lowering blood iron levels, gestational hypertension and LBW outcomes.
Personal solar ultraviolet radiation dosimetry in an occupational setting across Europe
Authors: Wittlich M. , John S.M. , Tiplica G.S. , Sălăvăstru C.M. , Butacu A.I. , Modenese A. , Paolucci V. , D'Hauw G. , Gobba F. , Sartorelli P. , Macan J. , Kovačić J. , Grandahl K. , Moldovan H.
Published: February 2020

Background

Work‐related solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The World Health Organization, through the International Agency for Research on Cancer, has classified solar UVR as a group 1 carcinogen since 2012. The main problems encountered so far in the study of occupationally induced skin cancer include the lack of accurate occupational UVR dosimetry as well as insufficient distinction between occupational and leisure UVR exposure and underreporting of NMSC.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to collect long‐term individual UVR measurements in outdoor workers across European countries.

Methods

A prospective study was initiated through the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Healthy Skin@Work Campaign, measuring UVR exposure doses at occupational settings of masons from five European countries. Measurements were performed for several consecutive months using the GENESIS‐UV measurement system.

Results

The results identified alarming UVR exposure data. Average daily UVR doses ranged 148.40–680.48 J/m2 in Romania, 342.4–640.8 J/m2 in Italy, 165.5–466.2 J/m2 in Croatia, 41.8–473.8 J/m2 in Denmark and 88.15–400.22 J/m2 in Germany. Results showed an expected latitude dependence with increasing UVR yearly dosage from the north to the south of Europe.

Conclusions

This study shows that outdoor workers from EU countries included in this study are exposed to high levels of occupational solar UVR, vastly exceeding the occupational exposure limits for solar UVR exposure, considered to be 1–1.33 SED/day in the period from May to September. This finding may serve as an evidence‐based recommendation to authorities on implementing occupational skin cancer prevention strategies.
Reelin signaling modulates GABAB receptor function in the neocortex
Authors: Hamad Mohammad I. K. , Jbara Abdalrahim , Rabaya Obada , Petrova Petya , Daoud Solieman , Melliti Nesrine , Meseke Maurice , Lutz David , Petrasch‐Parwez Elisabeth , Schwitalla Jan Claudius , Mark Melanie D. , Herlitze Stefan , Reiss Gebhard , Herz Joachim , Förster Eckart
Published: February 2020

Reelin is a protein that is best known for its role in controlling neuronal layer formation in the developing cortex. Here, we studied its role for post‐natal cortical network function, which is poorly explored. To preclude early cortical migration defects caused by Reelin deficiency, we used a conditional Reelin knock‐out (RelncKO) mouse, and induced Reelin deficiency post‐natally. Induced Reelin deficiency caused hyperexcitability of the neocortical network in vitro and ex vivo. Blocking Reelin binding to its receptors ApoER2 and VLDLR resulted in a similar effect. Hyperexcitability in RelncKO organotypic slice cultures could be rescued by co‐culture with wild‐type organotypic slice cultures. Moreover, the GABAB receptor (GABABR) agonist baclofen failed to activate and the antagonist CGP35348 failed to block GABABRs in RelncKO mice. Immunolabeling of RelncKO cortical slices revealed a reduction in GABABR1 and GABABR2 surface expression at the plasma membrane and western blot of RelncKO cortical tissue revealed decreased phosphorylation of the GABABR2 subunit at serine 892 and increased phosphorylation at serine 783, reflecting receptor deactivation and proteolysis. These data show a role of Reelin in controlling early network activity, by modulating GABABR function.

image

Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15054.
Class, State, and Revolution in the History of American Capitalism
Authors: Cutterham Tom
Published: February 2020

The significance of the American Revolution has generally been downplayed in accounts of the rise of capitalism in the United States, especially those undertaken from a critical perspective. New approaches to the history of capitalism, however, have emphasised the centrality of the state. This article argues that re‐centring the state's role in the history of capitalism should return attention to the significant restructuring of the American state that occurred during and as a result of the revolution. At the same time, it argues that this restructuring cannot be understood historically outside the context of class‐formation of which it was a part. Revolution reshaped the new nation's capitalist class, in the near term, much more than it did the labouring classes. This reconfiguration encompassed and went beyond the innovation of new political institutions. In the long‐run it helped to underpin the particular development of capitalism in the United States.
Regenerative potential of cultured gingival fibroblasts in treatment of periodontal intrabony defects (randomized clinical and biochemical trial)
Authors: Abdal‐Wahab Mahetab , Abdel Ghaffar Khaled A. , Ezzatt Ola M. , Hassan Ahmed Abdel Aziz , El Ansary Mervat Mohamed S. , Gamal Ahmed Y.
Published: February 2020

Background

Defective cellular elements constitute an important challenge to achieve predictable periodontal regeneration. In an attempt to improve the cellularity of periodontal defects, gingival fibroblasts were implanted without their associated extracellular elements in periodontal defects to expose them to periodontal tissue mediators. In order to investigate the regenerative potential of gingival fibroblasts translocated into periodontal defects, the present study was designed to clinically and biochemically investigate the use of gingival fibroblasts (GF) and their associated mesenchymal stem cells (GMSC) in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects.

Methods

A total of 20 subjects were randomly divided into two groups (n = 20). Group I: ten patients were included with ten intrabony periodontal defects that received β‐calcium triphosphate (β‐TCP) followed by collagen membrane defect coverage, while group II: (10 patients) ten periodontal defects received cultured gingival fibroblasts (GF) on the β‐TCP scaffold and covered by a collagen membrane. The clinical evaluation was carried out at the beginning and at 6 months. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected directly from the test sites for the quantitative measurement of PDGF‐BB and BMP‐2 using the ELISA kit at 1, 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery.

Results

Group II reported a significantly greater reduction in vertical pocket depth (VPD) and CAL gain compared with group I after 6 months. Radiographic bone gain was statistically higher in group II compared with group I. A significantly higher concentration of PDGF‐BB was observed in group II on days 1, 3, and 7 compared with group I.

Conclusions

Translocation of gingival fibroblasts from gingival tissue to periodontal defects could be a promising option that increases cellular elements with regeneration potential. The concept of total isolation of gingival fibroblasts using occlusive membranes must be re‐evaluated.
Phosphorus facilitation and covariation of root traits in steppe species
Authors: Yu Rui‐Peng , Li Xiao‐Xi , Xiao Zhi‐Hua , Lambers Hans , Li Long
Published: February 2020

Different phosphorus (P)‐acquisition strategies may be relevant for species coexistence and plant performance in terrestrial communities on P‐deficient soils. However, how interspecific P facilitation functions in natural systems is largely unknown.

We investigated the root physiological activities for P mobilization across 19 coexisting plant species in steppe vegetation, and then grew plants with various abilities to mobilize sorbed P in a microcosm in a glasshouse.

We show that P facilitation mediated by rhizosphere processes of P‐mobilizing species promoted growth and increased P content of neighbors in a species‐specific manner. When roots interacted with a facilitating neighbor, Cleistogenes squarrosa and Bromus inermis tended to show greater plasticity of root proliferation or rhizosheath acid phosphatase activity compared with other non‐P‐mobilizing species. Greater variation in these root traits was strongly correlated with increased performance in the presence of a facilitator. The results also show, for the first time, that P facilitation was an important mechanism underlying a positive complementarity effect.

Our study highlights that interspecific P‐acquisition facilitation requires that facilitated neighbors exhibit a better match of root traits with a facilitating species. It provides a better understanding of species coexistence in P‐limited communities.
Natural mentoring relationships among survivors of caregiver childhood abuse: findings from the Add Health Study
Authors: Weber Ku Elyssa B. , Hagler Matthew A. , Parnes McKenna F. , Schwartz Sarah E.O. , Rhodes Jean E. , Erickson Lance D.
Published: February 2020

Social support promotes resilience to adverse childhood events, but little is known about the role of natural mentors—caring, nonparental adults—in the lives of childhood abuse survivors. The current study draws from a large, longitudinal, nationally representative sample (Add Health) to examine the prevalence and characteristics of natural mentoring relationships for adolescents with a history of caregiver childhood abuse, and the extent to which these relationships are associated with psychological and health outcomes in adulthood. Among the sample (n = 12,270), 28.82% and 4.86% reported caregiver childhood physical and sexual abuse, respectively. Youth who reported caregiver childhood physical abuse were more likely than those who did not endorse abuse to report having a natural mentor, but their mentoring relationships were characterized by lower interpersonal closeness, shorter duration, and less frequent contact. Exposure to caregiver childhood abuse was associated with adverse outcomes during adulthood, including antisocial behavior, physical health limitations, and suicidality; the presence of a natural mentor did not buffer the negative impact of trauma on adult outcomes. However, longer mentoring relationships during adolescence buffered the strength of the association between both caregiver physical and sexual abuse during childhood and suicidality during early adulthood.
The Rise of Citizen Groups within the Administration and Parliament in Switzerland
Authors: Eichenberger Steven
Published: February 2020

This research note presents three newly interconnected and expanded datasets on interest groups’ (IGs) access to the Swiss political decision‐making process: (1) extra‐parliamentary committee seats occupied by IGs (1980, 2000, 2010), (2) parliamentary (committee) seats occupied by IG representatives (1992‐2015), and (3) consultation replies submitted by IGs (2008‐11). We show that the Swiss system of interest intermediation adapted to the multiplication and organizational consolidation of citizen groups, which defend non‐producer interests and do not provide selective benefits to their members (e.g. environmental groups). The share of access granted to citizen groups has increased in both the administration and parliament, across all federal departments and most legislative committees. Moreover, citizen groups benefit from a larger share of access in the recently revitalized parliament, compared to the administration. This suggests that economic groups’ decline in power is also related to the rise of citizen groups.
Peer teacher training (PTT) in action
Authors: Karia Chiraag , Anderson Elizabeth , Hughes Andrew , West Judith , Lakhani Dilesh , Kirtley Joanne , Burgess Annette , Carr Sue
Published: February 2020

Background

The benefits of peer teaching for tutors, students and institutions are well documented. Skills in peer teaching, assessment and feedback are cited as important graduate attributes by international medical councils; however, the literature on preparation for this role, specifically peer teacher training (PTT), is sparse. This study evaluated the implementation of a PTT programme adopted from the Medical School at the University of Sydney in 2016. The programme was adopted to support the development of skills in UK medical undergraduates. The training was accessed by students studying at the University of Leicester in 2017 and 2018.

Methods

The course was evaluated using mixed methods. Students completed pre‐ and post‐course self‐rated questionnaires. Semi‐structured focus groups were conducted after each course to investigate students’ perceptions.

Results

Twenty fourth‐year medical students attended the PTT. Students reported improvements in their understanding of educational principles, confidence in teaching and feedback skills, and an increased likelihood of volunteering to teach. Focus groups revealed potential benefits for future patient interaction and preparation for educator roles.

Discussion

The PTT provided an effective approach for medical students to gain perceived competence and confidence in teaching and giving feedback. Students reported an increased propensity for teaching when qualified. Students with lower self‐reported teaching ability reported greater improvements following the course. Students reported unanticipated perceived benefits for improving patient education and obtaining teaching accreditation for their portfolio and future clinical roles. They perceived potential value if the training were to be made interprofessional on future courses. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the transferability of the PTT programme across university settings.
Pre‐hospital transfusion of red blood cells. Part 1: A scoping review of current practice and transfusion triggers
Authors: van Turenhout Elisabeth C. , Bossers Sebastiaan M. , Loer Stephan A. , Giannakopoulos Georgios F. , Schwarte Lothar A. , Schober Patrick
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The primary aim of this scoping review is to describe the current use of pre‐hospital transfusion of red blood cells (PHTRBC) and to evaluate criteria used to initiate PHTRBC. The effects on patients' outcomes will be reviewed in Part 2.

Background

Haemorrhage is a preventable cause of death in trauma patients, and transfusion of red blood cells is increasingly used by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for damage control resuscitation. However, there are no guidelines and little consensus on when to initiate PHTRBC.

Methods

PubMed and Web of Science were searched through January 2019; 71 articles were included.

Results

Transfusion triggers vary widely and involve vital signs, clinical signs of poor tissue perfusion, point of care measurements and pre‐hospital ultrasound imaging. In particular, hypotension (most often defined as systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mmHg), tachycardia (most often defined as heart rate ≥ 120/min), clinical signs of poor perfusion (eg, prolonged capillary refill time or changes in mental status) and injury type (ie, penetrating wounds) are common pre‐hospital transfusion triggers.

Conclusions

PHTRBC is increasingly used by Emergency Medical Services, but guidelines on when to initiate transfusion are lacking. We identified the most commonly used transfusion criteria, and these findings may provide the basis for consensus‐based pre‐hospital transfusion protocols.
Fluorogen activating protein toolset for protein trafficking measurements
Authors: Perkins Lydia A. , Bruchez Marcel P.
Published: February 2020

Throughout the past decade the use of fluorogen activating proteins (FAPs) has expanded with several unique reporter dyes that support a variety of methods to specifically quantify protein trafficking events. The platform's capabilities have been demonstrated in several systems and shared for widespread use. This review will highlight the current FAP labeling techniques for protein traffic measurements and focus on the use of the different designed fluorogenic dyes for selective and specific labeling applications.
Four new feather mites of the genus Mesalgoides Gaud & Atyeo (Acariformes: Psoroptoididae) from passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) of China

Authors: Wang Zi-ying , Li Xiao-ling , Mu Ning , Chang Huiqun , Liu Huai
Published: February 2020

Four new species of the feather mite genus Mesalgoides (Acariformes: Psoroptoididae: Pandalurinae) are described from passerine birds (Passeriformes) in China: Mesalgoides morrisonia sp. nov. from Alcippe morrisonia Swinhoe (Leiothrichidae), M. vinacea sp. nov. from Carpodacus vinaceus Verreaux (Fringillidae), M. flammicepis sp. nov. from Cephalopyrus flammiceps (Burton) (Paridae), and M. erythaca sp. nov. from Pyrrhula erythaca Blyth (Fringillidae).
Four new species of larval Callidosomatinae (Acari: Prostigmata: Erythraeidae) and a newly recorded genus Iguatonia from China with notes on generic concept

Authors: Xu Si-Yuan , Yi Tian-ci , Guo Jian-jun , Jin Dao-chao
Published: February 2020

Four new species, Caeculisoma allopenlineatus Xu & Jin sp. nov., Dambullaeus jianfengensis Xu & Jin sp. nov., Iguatonia seemani Xu & Jin sp. nov. and Iguatonia xinfengi Xu & Jin sp. nov. are described and illustrated based on larvae ectoparasitic on insects (Hemiptera) from Hainan Province, China. The genus Iguatonia is reported for the first in China. New data for Caeculisoma penlineatus Xu & Jin, 2019 are given. Keys to world species of larval Caeculisoma, Dambullaeus and Iguatonia are presented.
Association Between Implementation of the Athlete Biological Passport and Female Elite Runners’ Performance
Authors: Iljukov Sergei , Kauppi Jukka-Pekka , Uusitalo Arja L.T. , Peltonen Juha E. , Schumacher Yorck O.
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the performances of female middle- and long-distance runners before and after the implementation of a new antidoping strategy (the Athlete Biological Passport [ABP]) in a country accused of systematic doping. A retrospective analysis of the results of Russian National Championships from 2008 to 2017 was performed. The 8 best female performances for the 800-m, 1500-m, 3000-m steeplechase, 5000-m, and 10,000-m events from the semifinals and finals were analyzed. The yearly number of athletes fulfilling standard qualifications for international competitions was also evaluated. Overall, numbers of athletes banned for doping in 2008–2017 were calculated. As a result, 4 events (800, 1500, 5000 [all P < .001], and 10,000 m [P < .01]) out of 5 showed statistically significant deterioration in the performances when comparing before and after the introduction of the ABP. The 3000-m steeplechase was the only event that did not show statistically significant change. The highest relative decrease in the number of runners who met standard qualification for international competition was for the 5000-m event (46%), followed by 1500-m (42%), 800-m (38%), 10,000-m (17%), and 3000-m steeplechase (1%). In conclusion, implementation of the ABP was followed by a significant reduction in the performance of female runners in a country accused of systematic doping. It can be reasonably speculated that more stringent antidoping testing, more specifically the introduction of the ABP, is a key reason for this reduction.
Tough microbe's DNA could be a lasting archive
Authors: Nadis Steve
Published: February 2020

Artist and DNA storage pioneer says microbes could preserve a record of humanity.
Ancient origins of allosteric activation in a Ser-Thr kinase
Authors: Hadzipasic Adelajda , Wilson Christopher , Nguyen Vy , Kern Nadja , Kim Chansik , Pitsawong Warintra , Villali Janice , Zheng Yuejiao , Kern Dorothee
Published: February 2020

Evolution of a kinase allosteric site

Enzyme activity is often regulated by conformational changes coupled to binding of an effector at an allosteric site, a feature especially important for enzymes involved in signaling cascades. Hadzipasic
et al.
studied the origins of allosteric regulation of Aurora A, a kinase involved in progression of the eukaryotic cell cycle. Aurora A is allosterically regulated through the binding of an effector protein named TPX2, which also targets the kinase to spindle microtubules. By reconstructing ancestor kinase sequences, they found that TPX2 bound to an early Aurora A but had very weak activation that was gradually strengthened by evolution of an allosteric network within the kinase. An evolutionary advantage from localizing the active protein at the mitotic spindle may have driven the development of this regulatory mechanism.

Science
, this issue p.
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Effect of low-dose atropine on myopia progression, pupil diameter and accommodative amplitude: low-dose atropine and myopia progression
Authors: Fu Aicun , Stapleton Fiona , Wei Li , Wang Weiqun , Zhao Bingxin , Watt Kathleen , Ji Na , Lyu Yong
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of 0.01% and 0.02% atropine eye drops on myopia progression, pupil diameter and accommodative amplitude in myopic children.

Methods

A cohort study assessed 400 myopic children divided into three groups: 138 and 142 children were randomised to use either 0.02% or 0.01% atropine eye drops, respectively. They wore single-vision (SV) spectacles, with one drop of atropine eye drop applied to both eyes once nightly. Control children (n=120) only wore SV spectacles. Repeated measurements of spherical equivalent refractive errors (SERs), axial length (AL), pupil diameter and accommodative amplitude were performed at baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 months after treatment.

Results

After 12 months, the SER change was −0.38±0.35D, −0.47±0.45D, −0.70±0.60D and AL change was 0.30±0.21 mm, 0.37±0.22 mm, 0.46±0.35 mm in the 0.02%, 0.01% atropine and control groups, respectively. There were significant differences in the change in AL and SER between three groups (all p<0.001). Between baseline and the 12-month visit, the overall change in accommodative amplitude was 1.50±0.25D, 1.61±0.31D and change in pupil diameter was 0.78±0.42 mm, 0.69±0.39 mm, with 0.02% and 0.01% atropine, respectively. Accommodative amplitude significantly decreased and pupil diameter significantly increased in two atropine groups (all p<0.001). Moreover, there was no statistical difference in the change difference in accommodative amplitude and pupil diameter between two atropine groups (p=0.24, p=0.38), whereas the accommodative amplitude (p=0.45) and pupil diameter (p=0.39) in the control group remained stable.

Conclusions

0.02% atropine eye drops had a better effect on myopia progression than 0.01% atropine, but 0.02% and 0.01% atropine showed similar effects on pupil diameter and accommodative amplitude after 12 months of treatment.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-IPD-16008844.