bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High prevalence of sleep disorders and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in late-onset Alzheimer disease
Authors: Zhou Guoyu , Liu Shuangwu , Yu Xiaolin , Zhao Xinjin , Ma Lin , Shan Peiyan
Published: December 2019

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative brain disease that causes cognitive impairment in the elderly. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), also known as neuropsychiatric symptoms, represent a heterogeneous group of non-cognitive symptoms and behaviors for AD patients. Sleep disorder is one closely-related psychiatric symptom of AD. In this cross-section study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics of sleep status and BPSD among AD patients in Eastern China and to assess the relationship among sleep disorder, BPSD, and cognition.

A total of 176 participants were enrolled in the study, including 84 AD patients and 92 healthy individuals as controls. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE), cooperative study-activities of daily living (ADCS-ADL) and clinical dementia rating (CDR) were used to measure cognition, the competence in basic and instrumental activities of daily living, and severity of dementia, respectively. BPSD were evaluated by neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI). Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Epworth sleepiness scale were designed to assess the sleep status and daytime naps. Spearman correlation analyses were performed to determine the relations between PSQI, MMSE, ADCS-ADL, and NPI scores and CDR.

Sleep disorders occurred in 55.9% of AD patients versus only 15.2% of controls. 89.2% of AD patients had BPSD while only 22.9% of controls did, with apathy (64.2%) the most common among AD patients. Among AD patients, PSQI was negatively correlated with both MMSE (r = −0.600, P < .01) and ADCS-ADL (r = −0.725, P < .01), and was positively correlated with total NPI score (r = 0.608, P < .01). PSQI was closely associated with depression (r = 0.653, P < .01) and apathy (r = 0.604, P < .01).

This study showed that AD patients have a higher prevalence of sleep disorders and BPSD than healthy elderly adults. Sleep disorders affect cognition of AD patients and increase apathy and depression. These results can help investigate new therapeutic targets in AD treatments.
Craniofacial Deformities in Patients With Beta-Thalassemia: Orthodontic Versus Surgical Correction—A Systematic Review
Authors: Einy Shmuel , Ben-Barak Ayelet , Kridin Khalaf , Aizenbud Dror
Published: December 2019

Rapid blood cell turnover and bone marrow expansion caused by beta-thalassemia (βT) result in craniofacial and dentoalveolar anomalies. This report presents a systematic review of the literature over the past 50 years on orthodontic and surgical considerations in the management of βT-affected patients. Seventeen publications encompassed 24 patients, 11 male individuals and 13 female individuals, 7 to 43 years of age. Eleven patients underwent only surgical treatment, eleven combined orthodontic-surgical treatment, and 2 orthodontic treatment. Surgical treatment primarily addressed typical maxillary overgrowth by maxillary reshaping, premaxillary segmental repositioning, or complete Le Fort I impaction and set back osteotomy. In severe maxilla-mandibular discrepancy and/or increased lower facial height, a bilateral sagittal split mandibular osteotomy is the treatment of choice. Although surgery involves risks of excessive bleeding, morbidity, and impaired nasal esthetics, little attention is given to the orthodontic modality. In conclusion, the current literature recommends early interceptive orthodontics aimed to decrease dentoskeletal deformities, severe malocclusion, and soft tissue imbalance. Treatment includes maxillo-mandibular orthopedic and functional manipulation with dentoalveolar treatment, which might either prevent orthosurgical procedures later or reduce its extent. This suggested a multidisciplinary approach comprising a hematologist, a pediatrician, a pediatric dentist, and an orthodontist, which might also significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.
Limited evidence for selection at theFADSlocus in Native American populations
Authors: Mathieson Iain
Published: December 2019

TheFADSlocus contains the genesFADS1andFADS2that encode enzymes involved in the synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). This locus appears to have been a repeated target of selection in human evolution, likely because dietary input of LC-PUFA varied over time depending on environment and subsistence strategy. Several recent studies have identified selection at theFADSlocus in Native American populations, interpreted as evidence for adaptation during or subsequent to the passage through Beringia. Here, we show that these signals of selection are confounded by the presence of parallel adaptation–postdating their split from Native Americans–in the European and East Asian populations used in the population branch statistic (PBS) test. This is supported by direct evidence from ancient DNA that one of the putatively selected haplotypes was already common in Northern Eurasia at the time of the separation of Native American ancestors. A more parsimonious explanation for the present-day distribution of the haplotype is that Native Americans retain the ancestral state of Paleolithic Eurasians. Another haplotype at the locus may reflect a secondary selection signal, although its functional impact is unknown.
Dscam homophilic specificity is generated by high ordercis-multimers coupled withtransself-binding of variable Ig1 in Chelicerata
Authors: Zhou Fengyan , Cao Guozheng , Dai Songjun , Li Guo , Li Hao , Ding Zhu , Hou Shouqing , Xu Bingbing , You Wendong , Shi Feng , Yang Xiaofeng , Jin Yongfeng
Published: December 2019

By alternative splicing,Drosophila Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule(Dscam1) encodes tens of thousands of proteins required for establishing neural circuits, while Chelicerata encodes a family of ∼ 100 shortenedDscam(sDscam) isoforms via alternative promoters. We report that Dscam isoforms interact promiscuouslyin cisto generate a vast repertoire of combinatorial homophilic recognition specificities in Chelicerata. Specifically, sDscams formed high ordercis-multimers without isoform specificity involving the membrane-proximal fibronectin type III (FNIII) 1-3 and transmembrane (TM) domains and associated specificallyin transvia antiparallel self-binding of the first variable immunoglobulin (Ig1) domain. We propose that such sDscam combinatorial homophilic specificity is sufficient to provide each neuron with a unique identity for self–non-self discrimination. In many respects, our results amazingly mirror those reported for the structurally unrelated vertebrate protocadherins (Pcdh) rather than for the closely related fly Dscam1. Thus, our findings blur the distinction between the neuronal self-avoidance of invertebrates and vertebrates and provide insight into the basic principles and evolution of metazoan self-avoidance and self–non-self discrimination.
Ectopic overexpression of abiotic stress-induced rice annexin,OsAnn5potentiates tolerance to abiotic stresses
Authors: Boyidi Prasanna , Shalibhadra Trishla Vikas , Botta Halidev Krishna , Yadav Deepanker , Kirti Pulugurtha Bharadwaja
Published: December 2019

The current study on putative rice annexinOsAnn5was tried to know its functional role in the abiotic stress tolerance. For this anin silicoanalysis of its protein sequence and upstream region was carried out. This results in identification of several probable potential sites for post-translational modifications and cis-elements respectively. We have studied the effect ofOsAnn5in the amelioration of abiotic stress tolerance through heterologous expression in transgenic tobacco andE.coli. It is observed thatOsAnn5over expression leads to enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress through efficient scavenging of the ROS and balanced expression of SOD and CAT antioxidant enzymes in both the systems, under stress treatments. Fluorescent signal for transiently expressed EGFP:OsANN5 fusion protein was localized in the peripheral region of the onion epidermal cells under salt stress treatment. Expression analysis ofOsAnn5under ABA synthesis inhibitor, fluridone and salinity stress revealed that OsAnn5 appears to act through an ABA-independent pathway under salt stress and in support to this 35S:OsAnn5transgenics seedlings exhibited less sensitivity to externally applied ABA.
Mechanism ofin vivoactivation of the MutLγ-Exo1 complex for meiotic crossover formation
Authors: Sanchez Aurore , Adam Céline , Rauh Felix , Duroc Yann , Ranjha Lepakshi , Lombard Bérangère , Mu Xiaojing , Loew Damarys , Keeney Scott , Cejka Petr , Guérois Raphaël , Klein Franz , Charbonnier Jean-Baptiste , Borde Valérie
Published: December 2019

Crossovers generated during the repair of programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs) during homologous recombination are essential for fertility to allow accurate homolog segregation during the first meiotic division. Most crossovers arise through the cleavage of recombination intermediates by the Mlh1-Mlh3 (MutLγ) endonuclease and an elusive non-catalytic function of Exo1, and require the Polo kinase Cdc5. Here we show in budding yeast that MutLγ forms a constitutive complex with Exo1, and in meiotic cells transiently contacts the Msh4-Msh5 (MutSγ) heterodimer, also required for crossover formation. We further show that MutLγ-Exo1 associates with recombination intermediates once they are committed to the crossover repair pathway, and then Exo1 recruits Cdc5 through a direct interaction that is required for activating MutLγ and crossover formation. Exo1 therefore serves as a non-catalytic matchmaker between Cdc5 and MutLγ. We finally show thatin vivo, MutLγ associates with the vast majority of DSB hotspots, but at a lower frequency near centromeres, consistent with a strategy to reduce at-risk crossover events in these regions. Our data highlight the tight temporal and spatial control of the activity of a constitutive, potentially harmful, nuclease.
Active mucus-cilia hydrodynamic coupling drives self-organisation of human bronchial epithelium
Authors: Loiseau E. , Gsell S. , Nommick A. , Jomard C. , Gras D. , Chanez P. , D’Ortona U. , Kodjabachian L. , Favier J. , Viallat A.
Published: December 2019

The respiratory tract is protected by mucus, a complex fluid transported along the epithelial surface by the coordinated beating of millions of microscopic cilia, hence the name of mucociliary clearance. Its impairment is a strong marker of severe chronic respiratory diseases. Yet, the relationship between ciliary density and the spatial scale of mucus transport, as well as the mechanisms that drive ciliary-beat orientations during ciliogenesis are much debated. Here, we show on polarized human bronchial epithelia that mucus swirls and circular orientational order of the underlying ciliary beats emerge and grow during ciliogenesis, until a macroscopic mucus transport is achieved for physiological ciliary densities. By establishing that the macroscopic ciliary-beat order is lost and recovered by removing and adding mucus respectively, we demonstrate that cilia/mucus hydrodynamic interactions govern the collective dynamics of ciliary-beat directions. We propose a two-dimensional model that predicts a phase diagram of mucus transport in accordance with the experiments. It paves the way to a predictive in-silico modeling of bronchial mucus transport in health and disease.
Visualization of woven bone structure through analysis of biopsy specimens using synchrotron radiation and conventional X-ray microcomputed tomography
Authors: Seo Seung-Jun , Kim Yong-Gun
Published: December 2019

This study explores the application of synchrotron radiation and conventional microcomputed tomography (SR-µCT and C-µCT, respectively) in evaluating bone-biopsy specimens. Bone-biopsy specimens were obtained using a trephine bur during bone-graft removal for implant placement six months after performing a maxillary sinus bone-graft procedure. Image data of specimens were obtained using SR-µCT and C-µCT. SR-µCT was performed using the 6C biomedical imaging beamline at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory with a monochromatic X-ray beam of 23 keV, and C-µCT was performed using a table-top CT scanner (Skyscan 1272). Reconstruction images obtained using the two methods were qualitatively compared with 2D images evaluated under 3D visualization. The SR-µCT images, especially of the new-bone–graft–woven-bone formation, were less noisy and sharper than the C-µCT images. To evaluate the new-bone–graft–woven-bone formation, only the SR-µCT images showed areas of new bone (NB) formation with bone substitute (BS; Bio-Oss) and woven bone (WB) contact, and correctly visualized true 3D structures of bone formation. Hence, µCT techniques are non-destructive and can provide detailed images of bone biopsy. In particular, SR-µCT can be used to obtain improved image quality with contrast of NB, BS and WB, demonstrating a level of detail comparable with bone formation. SR-µCT could be an unbiased 3D alternative for imaging WB formation and for high-throughput analysis.
Improving the financial performance of SMEs
Authors: Ardito Lorenzo , Galati Francesco , Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio , Corvino Antonio
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the influence of the presence in foreign markets on small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) financial performance. Furthermore, it seeks to examine the moderating effect of corporate group and alliance portfolio size on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors develop hypotheses concerning the relationship between the presence in foreign markets and SMEs’ financial performance as well as the moderating role of the size of an SME’s corporate group and alliance portfolio. Afterward, the authors used ordinary least square regression to the test the hypotheses based on a sample of 5,885 high-tech US SMEs registered in the Orbis database (Bureau van Dijk).

Findings

Results of the study reveal that the presence in foreign markets is positively associated with an SME’s financial performance, with the size of the corporate group enhancing this relationship, hence confirming the conjectures. Instead, the size of the alliance portfolio appears to not exert any moderating effect, in contrast with the last hypothesis.

Originality/value

Form a theoretical perspective, the authors dig into the literature assessing the performance outcomes of SMEs and contingent effects of the possibility to tap into external resources of other firms. By so doing, the findings support a specific stream of the literature in claiming the positive effects deriving from being part of a corporate group. Conversely, the findings seem to go in the opposite direction of the majority of the literature that claim a positive impact of alliances on financial performances, while supporting those studies stressing that alliances pose significant challenges for SMEs and should be carefully identified and managed.
The effects of market and entrepreneurial orientation on the ambidexterity of multinational companies’ subsidiaries
Authors: Martins Fellipe Silva , Lucato Wagner Cezar , Vils Leonardo , Serra Fernando Antonio Ribeiro
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effect of crises on multinational companies’ (MNC) subsidiaries’ performance. It is hypothesized that crisis-led business underperformance will lead subsidiaries to choose market oriented or entrepreneurial oriented strategies (or both, “ambiorientation”). Finally, this study explores the idea that subsidiaries address market orientation (MO)-based strategies will address both exploration and exploitation outcomes, whereas those that choose entrepreneurial orientation (EO)-based strategies will focus on exploration only.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial-least square structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses. Data collection consisted of 280 full answers regarding MNC subsidiaries in Brazil.

Findings

The data provide evidence that crisis perception affects firms’ business performance. MNC subsidiaries in emerging economies, when confronting crises, take two different paths and use both market orientation, as well as entrepreneurial orientation (what the authors call “ambiorientation”). MO-based strategies cause both exploration and exploitation outcomes, and their combined result is comparable to EO-based strategies that focus only on exploration.

Research limitations/implications

Data collection was performed only in MNC subsidiaries in Brazil, and the results may differ depending on the area and the origin of the multinationals. Second, the sample concentrated on industrial activities, where there is space for both exploration and exploitation strategies.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by discussing the role of crises in shaping the possible strategic reactions multinational companies’ subsidiaries may undertake in emerging countries and their possible outcomes.
Archetypes of sourcing decision-making
Authors: Schleper Martin C. , Blome Constantin , Stanczyk Alina
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop taxonomy of sourcing decision-making (SDM) archetypes and explore how different contextual factors influence these archetypes when global sourcing of complex components is considered a viable option.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study approach with five in-depth cases is employed. In total, 19 interviews as well as publicly available and internal data from large buying firms headquartered in Austria and Germany were collected and analyzed.

Findings

The results reveal three different SDM archetypes which are described in detail (i.e. “consensus,” “argumentation” and “cabal”). Furthermore, it is found that these archetypes are mainly influenced by three contextual factors: sourcing maturity, product complexity and leadership style. The final model comprises six propositions which illustrate how these contextual factors determine companies’ SDM archetypes.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to theory development at the intersection of organizational buying behavior and the (global) SDM literature. Thereby, it answers the call for more rigorous investigation of the influence of contextual factors on SDM processes.

Practical implications

The findings enable practitioners to better understand and consequently manage SDM processes and their outcomes. By supporting decision-makers in identifying SDM archetypes, this study allows sourcing managers and teams to make better decisions by avoiding problems that occur in situations in which the preferred decision-making type would result in suboptimal decisions.

Originality/value

The study provides a first step toward taxonomy of SDM archetypes and is among the first that explores their underlying contextual factors.
Self-perceptions of English and Welsh constables and sergeants preparedness for online crime
Authors: Burruss George , Howell Christian Jordan , Bossler Adam , Holt Thomas J.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Cybercrime is the greatest threat facing law enforcement agencies in England and Wales. Although these crimes are transnational by nature, the burden of response has been placed on line officers. Not all officers, however, believe they are capable of responding to calls involving cybercrime. The current study, using latent class analysis (LCA) on a large sample of English and Welsh officers, finds two types of officers: those prepared (39 percent) and those unprepared (61 percent). Using logistic regression to predict who falls into either classification, the authors find that training and age are the best predictors of latent membership. Implications for policy and future research are discussed. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors used LCA to determine the number and character of unobserved categories of officers in how they deal with cybercrime.

Findings

The LCA indicated there are two distinct categories of police in the English and Welsh constabulary: those prepared (39 percent) and those unprepared (61 percent). Training and age were the two key determinants of this classification.

Research limitations/implications

LCA is an exploratory analysis technique that requires additional validation to confirm the findings of any one study.

Practical implications

The salience of training in helping officers feel prepared to deal with cybercrime cases as well as victims was demonstrated. A full 60 percent of the officers in this study fell in the “unprepared” category, which continues to highlight the limitations of local police to handle cybercrime cases; nevertheless, almost 40 percent of officer could be considered ready when responding to cybercrimes.

Social implications

As the harm cybercrime brings to our financial and social well-being, law enforcement agencies will be required to improve their response capabilities. Most current cybercrime responses address technical issues related to online fraud and abuse, but officers often perceive the problem as outside their legal and geographic jurisdiction. Knowing how officers perceive cybercrime as well as their own capabilities will allow us to begin changing enforcement policies, training capacity and individual response efficacy.

Originality/value

This study involved a sample of English and Welsh constables and sergeants to classify their cybercrime readiness. The analysis and particular data are unique to the study of cybercrime.
Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 syrM inactivation affects the expression of a large number of genes, impairs nodulation with soybean and extends the host‐range to Lotus japonicus
Authors: Acosta‐Jurado Sebastián , Alias‐Villegas Cynthia , Navarro‐Gómez Pilar , Almozara Andrés , Rodríguez‐Carvajal Miguel A. , Medina Carlos , Vinardell José‐María
Published: December 2019

Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 RifR is a broad host‐range rhizobial strain able to nodulate with soybean and Lotus burttii, but it is ineffective with L. japonicus. Here, we study the role of the HH103 RifR SyrM protein in the regulation of gene expression and its relevance in symbiosis with those three legumes. RNAseq analyses show that HH103 SyrM is an important transcriptional regulator not only in the presence of inducer flavonoids but also in its absence. Lack of SyrM increases Nod factors production and decreases genistein‐mediated repression of exopolysaccharide production in HH103. In symbiosis, mutation of syrM partially impaired interaction with soybean but improves effectiveness with L. burttii and extends the host‐rage to L. japonicus Gifu. In addition, HH103 syrM mutants enter in both Lotus species by infection threads, whereas HH103 uses the more primitive intercellular infection to enter into L. burttii roots These symbiotic phenotypes were previously observed in two other HH103 mutants affected in symbiotic regulators, nodD2 and nolR, revealing that in S. fredii HH103 numerous transcriptional regulators finely modulate symbiotic gene expression.
Values in tension. Clinical quality and civic participation in umbilical cord blood banking in Italy
Authors: Beltrame Lorenzo
Published: December 2019

In the dominant narrative of bioethics and biomedical discourse on public Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) banking, the ethical value of donating UCB is unproblematically associated with the clinical quality of collected UCB. This article shows that this view is analytically untenable as it overlooks tensions and conflicts between the social values of donation and the clinical value of banked UCB in concrete arrangements regarding the logistics of UCB donation and collection. Adopting the notion of registers of valuing (Heuts and Mol 2013: Valuation Studies, 1, 2, 125–46) and analysing the case of the Italian network of public UCB banks and collection sites, this article shows how conflicting registers of valuing concerning UCB can shape different organisational models of UCB donation and collection, in which social values and clinical value are not unproblematically conflated. The article aims to demonstrate that the functioning of biobanking arrangements is dependent on how different values are accomplished and aligned in concrete practices of tissue donation and collection.
Origin and distribution of the brachial plexus of the Van cats
Authors: Hakkı Nur İsmail , Keleş Hacı , Pérez William
Published: December 2019

Knowing the structure and variations of the plexus brachialis is important in neck and shoulder surgery. The knowledge of the brachial plexus reduces the injury rate of the nerves in surgical interventions to the axillary region. The major nerve trunks of the thoracic limb were the suprascapular, subscapular, axillary, radial, musculocutaneous, median and ulnar nerves. In Van cats, the brachial plexus was formed by the ventral branches of the spinal nerves, C6‐C7‐C8 and T1. The 7th cervical nerve was quite thick compared to the others. The subscapular nerve was the thinnest (on the right side, the average length was 6.55 ± 0.60 mm and on the left side was 6.50 ± 0.60 mm), and the radial nerve was the thickest (the average length on the right side was 28.48 ± 0.44 mm and on the left side was 29.11 ± 0.55 mm). The suprascapular nerve was formed by the ventral branch of the 6th cervical nerve. The subscapular nerves were formed by a branch originating from the 6th cervical nerve and the two medial and caudal branches originating from the 7th cervical nerve. No communicating branch between the ulnar nerve and the median nerve was observed in the palmar region. The axillary nerve was formed by the ventral branches of the 7th nerve, the musculocutaneous nerve was formed by ventral branches of the 6th and 7th cervical nerves, and the ulnar nerve was formed by ventral branches of the 8th cervical and the 1st thoracic nerves. The radial nerve was the thickest branch in the brachial plexus. In Van cats, the origin and distribution of nerves were similar to those reported in the literature for other species of cats, with the exception of the suprascapular, subscapular and axillary nerves.
Australian endocrinologists need more training in transgender health: A national survey
Authors: Bretherton Ingrid , Grossmann Mathis , Leemaqz Shalem Y. , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Cheung Ada S.
Published: December 2019

Objective

An increasing number of trans and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are seeking gender‐affirming hormone therapy for gender transition. Little is known about the levels of training, experience and confidence of endocrinologists in providing care and lack of training and experience is a potential barrier to individuals seeking appropriate and timely health care. We aimed to assess the level of training and confidence of Australian endocrinologists and trainees in the endocrine management of trans and gender diverse individuals in a representative sample.

Design

Endocrinologist and trainee members of the Endocrine Society of Australia were invited to participate in an anonymous 14‐item survey. Of the 545 members, 147 clinicians (95 adult endocrinologists, 2 paediatric endocrinologists and 50 endocrinology trainees) responded.

Results

When presented with a scenario regarding commencement of gender‐affirming hormone therapy, only 19% felt confident providing clinical care to TGD individuals. Compared to other areas of endocrinology, 75% felt less or not at all confident in commencing hormone therapy in a TGD patient. No training in transgender medicine during medical school or during their endocrinology training was reported by 96% and 60%, respectively. There were significantly higher levels of confidence in all aspects including performing a consultation in those who had previously seen a TGD patient. The desire for more training was high (91%).

Conclusions

These results highlight the shortfall in training in TGD health care amongst endocrinologists and show that prior clinical experience is associated with higher levels of confidence. Medical schools and endocrinology fellowship training programmes will need to adapt to meet the increasing demand for quality TGD health services.
AN EMPIRICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DYNAMIC EFFECTS OF POLICE SPENDING ON VIOLENT AND PROPERTY CRIME
Authors: Atems Bebonchu
Published: December 2019

The study estimates the dynamic effects of shocks to police expenditures on measures of violent and property crime rates using annual U.S. state‐level data for the period 1960–2015. We employ a structural panel VAR model and achieve identification by imposing the restriction that police spending responds to structural shocks to crime with at least a lag of 1 year. Results indicate that a shock to police spending leads to (a) persistent and significant decreases in violent and property crime rates and (b) significant and persistent negative impacts on crime rates in periods of high crime but little impacts in periods of low crime. Variance decompositions show that shocks to police spending account for moderate to large proportions of the variability of U.S. state‐level crime rates. Our findings are robust across separate measures of violent and property crime rates, as well as to the inclusion of additional variables to the baseline panel VAR model. (JEL K42)
DISINFLATION, INEQUALITY, AND WELFARE IN A TANK MODEL
Authors: Tirelli Patrizio , Ferrara Maria
Published: December 2019

We investigate the redistributive and welfare effects of disinflation in a two‐agent New Keynesian model characterized by limited asset market participation and wealth inequality. We highlight two key mechanisms driving our long‐run results: (1) the cash in advance constraint on firms working capital; (2) dividends endogeneity. These two channels point in opposite directions. Lower inflation softens the cash in advance constraint and, by raising labor demand, lowers inequality. But disinflation also raises dividends and this increases inequality. The disinflation is always welfare‐improving for asset holders. We obtain ambiguous results for non‐asset holders, who suffer substantial consumption losses during the transition. (JELE31, E5, D3, D6)
Final year dental students' self‐assessed confidence in general dentistry
Authors: Rajan Sadna , Chen Hong Yang , Chen Jess Jinxuan , Chin‐You Samantha , Chee Sandra , Chrun Rina , Byun Jasper , Abuzar Menaka
Published: December 2019

Background

Self‐assessment is an important introspective skill that dental professionals will utilise throughout their professional career. Its value lies in its ability to help individuals identify areas of strengths and weakness, and subsequently seek further development of professional skills where needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between self‐assessed confidence and the assessment grade of final year dental students based on the professional attributes and competencies of newly qualified dentists outlined by the Australian Dental Council (ADC).

Methods

Ethical approval was obtained prior to distribution of a questionnaire with 45 statements to final year dental students. The survey was created based on the learning outcomes of the ADC guidelines in the domains of “scientific and clinical knowledge” and “patient care.” Participants indicated their level of self‐assessed confidence by marking “X” on a visual analogue scale (VAS) from zero (“No Confidence”) to 10 cm (“Very Confident”). The assessment grade was based on OSCE, viva voce, case report and written paper.

Results

A total of 58 (71.6%) dental students participated in the survey. The reported self‐assessed confidence over two domains were under “patient care”: clinical information gathering 8.92 ± 1.07 cm (range =3.94‐10.0 cm: n = 58; 100%), clinical diagnosis and management planning 8.26 ± 1.34 cm (range =0.50‐9.95 cm: n = 55; 94.8%), clinical treatment and evaluation, 6.07 ± 1.69 cm (range =0‐10.00 cm: n = 55; 94.8%), and “scientific and clinical knowledge”: 6.98 ± 1.58 cm (range =0‐10.00 cm: n = 58; 100.0%). Within these categories, high confidence was reported for routine dental care (caries management and preventive care) whilst lower confidence was reported for the management of oral medicine and pathologies, dental emergencies, trauma, paediatric dentistry and prosthodontics. Correlation between the assessment grade and the overall score of self‐assessed confidence is low positive (r = .225) and not statistically significant (n = 46; P = .132, Spearman'sρ).

Conclusions

The final year dental students appear to have good overall self‐assessed confidence in core areas of general dentistry. However, confidence seems to be over‐estimated when compared with summative assessment.
Better off alone? Compared performance of monoclonal and polyclonal stands of a cultivated red alga growth
Authors: Usandizaga Sara , Buschmann Alejandro H. , Camus Carolina , Kappes José Luis , Arnaud‐Haond Sophie , Mauger Stéphane , Valero Myriam , Guillemin Marie Laure
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to test, using a field experiment, the effect of genotypic diversity on productivity of farmed populations (Ancud and Chaica, Chile) of the domesticated red alga Agarophyton chilense (formerly known as Gracilaria chilensis), a species considered as economically important in Chile. Monoclonal and polyclonal (4 and 8 genotypes) subplots were outplanted into the mid intertidal in Metri Bay (Puerto Montt, Chile) during summer, a season in which A. chilense face higher temperatures (>18°C) and low nitrogen availability (<4.00 μmol). Ancud farm genotypes show higher growth rates in the monoclonal rather than the two polyclonal subplots. A similar tendency, yet not significant, was discernible in Chaica. In addition, whatever the population of origin of the thalli, no effect of genotypic diversity was detected neither on the agar yield and its quality, nor on the epiphyte load. Such unexpected results of a higher performance in plots with a lower genotypic diversity could be explained (a) by human‐assisted selection for dominant‐best‐performing genotypes that could counterbalance the negative effect caused by the low genotypic diversity in farms and (b) by the fact that the organisms inhabiting the algal mats do not impact the fitness of their host. Overall, the results obtained here suggest that despite farm induced selection lead to impoverished pools of genotypes, they may also have a positive effect of on the resistance of farmed populations to seasonal stressors. However, whether this may have a secondary negative effect on the longer term in a fluctuating environment remains to be determined, but may be avoided by adopting strategy of selection favoring different genotypes in space and time, as implemented in forestry.
The synergistic effect of phonology and songs on enhancing second/foreign language listening abilities
Authors: Tsang Art
Published: December 2019

Phonology in second/foreign (L2/FL) listening has not received much attention from scholars and teachers. This article reports on a mixed‐methods study which set out to fill this gap by exploring the effectiveness of explicit instruction in phonology and the use of songs to enhance English‐as‐a‐L2 (ESL) learners' listening abilities in Hong Kong. ESL learners (n = 92) aged 17–20 participated in a three‐month experiment. Data from pre‐, post‐listening tests and semi‐structured interviews were collated. The findings demonstrated the efficacy of L2 phonology instruction in improving learners' L2 listening. More remarkably, the positive effect was augmented when the instruction was coupled with phonological analyses of song lyrics. However, using songs alone for gap‐filling exercises (as is commonplace in L2 classrooms) was not found to be effective.
Personality, interview faking, and the mediating role of attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control
Authors: Bourdage Joshua S. , Schmidt Joseph , Wiltshire Jocelyn , Nguyen Brenda , Lee Clara
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the psychological processes underlying interview faking, and that link personality to interview faking. In a sample of 198 recent interviewees, surveyed across three time points, we examined the mediating role of three constructs from the theory of planned behavior (TPB; i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) in explaining the relationship between the traits of Honesty–Humility and Conscientiousness and one form of interview faking (i.e., extensive image creation). Results indicated that all three TPB constructs correlated with interview faking, although only attitudes and subjective norms predicted faking incrementally. Attitudes and norms mediated the relationships between Honesty–Humility and Conscientiousness and interview faking. This study provides insight into interview faking, and the link between personality and interview faking.
PD‐L2+ wound zone macrophage‐like cells display M1/M2‐mixed activation and restrain the effector Th1 responses
Authors: Tavukcuoglu Ece , Horzum Utku , Yilmaz Kerim B , Esendagli Gunes
Published: December 2019

Depending on the microenvironment conditions, macrophages display phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. This study characterized the programmed cell death‐ligand 2 (PD‐L2)‐expressing macrophage‐like cells drained from surgical wound zones, and investigated their influence on helper T (Th) cell responses. Although all CD14+ myeloid cells possessed macrophage‐like features, CD206+ and CD163+ cells constituted a specific subpopulation with high PD‐L2 expression. There was a modest correlation between the PD‐L2 levels on CD206+ macrophages and the amount of interferon (IFN)‐γ in the drainage fluid. The adhesion‐independent macrophages simultaneously presented both classically‐activated M1 and alternatively‐activated M2 characteristics. CD206+ and PD‐L2+ cells were identified with high granularity and size, expressed arginase‐1 and costimulatory molecules, had enhanced phagocytic activity and produced reactive oxygen species. The genes associated with macrophage differentiation (MERTK, AXL and TYRO3) were also upregulated. These cells provided costimulation to Th cells; yet, when PD‐L2 was blocked, T‐cell proliferation and IFNγ production were enhanced. Under defined conditions devoid of activation stimuli and matrix adhesion, ex vivo‐generated monocyte‐derived macrophages displayed limited capacity to stimulate T cells. Upon exposure to IFNγ, they significantly upregulated programmed death 1 ligands, especially PD‐L2. These cells did not completely abrogate T‐cell differentiation; however, PD‐L2 checkpoint blockade restored Th1 proliferation and secretion of interleukin‐2, tumor necrosis factor‐α and IFNγ. In conclusion, upregulation of PD‐L2 on the wound zone macrophages may constitute a negative feedback loop that restrains the Th1 effector responses and avoids exacerbation of inflammation during tissue healing.
Comparison of transepidermal water loss rates in subjects with skin patch test positive vs negative to skin care products
Authors: Liu Dan , Wen Si , Huang Li‐ning , Wang Xiaohua , Gong Can‐yi , Li Zhiping , Wang Hui , Elias Peter M. , Yang Bin , Man Mao‐Qiang
Published: December 2019

Background

Adverse cutaneous reactions to skin care products (SCP) are becoming increasingly common and may be indicative of defective permeability barrier function.

Aim

To determine the differences in transepidermal water loss rates (TEWL) between skin patch positive vs negative to skin care products in normal Chinese females.

Methods

Skin patch test reactions to nine skin care products were assessed in 65 normal Chinese females. Correlations of cutaneous reactions to a panel of nine foreign and domestic SCP with permeability barrier function and stratum corneum (SC) hydration levels were analyzed.

Results

Out of 65 subjects, 24 (37%) displayed positive reactions to one or more SCP. However, the occurrence of positive reactions to patch tests did not correlate with either transepidermal water loss rates or SC hydration levels.

Conclusions

Though a substantial proportion of normal females display adverse reactions to SCP, this problem cannot be attributed to differences in the qualities of their epidermal permeability barriers, and therefore, these reactions more likely reflect the potential adverse events of the SCP themselves. However, further studies in large cohort of both males and females would be helpful to ascertain whether TEWL levels can predict cutaneous reactions to SCP.
Effect of time in function on the predictability of short dental implants (≤6 mm): A meta‐analysis
Authors: Vazouras Konstantinos , de Souza Andre Barbisan , Gholami Hadi , Papaspyridakos Panos , Pagni Sarah , Weber Hans‐Peter
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To analyse randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies reporting on the survival and failure rates of functionally loaded short implants (SI) based on the actual length of time in function.

Materials and methods

This meta‐analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Electronic and manual searches were conducted to identify RCTs and prospective cohort studies reporting survival and complication rates of short dental implants (≤6 mm) based on the time in function. Secondary outcomes included the location (maxilla or mandible), type of restoration (single crown [SC] versus fixed dental prosthesis [FDP]) and marginal bone loss (MBL).

Results

A total of 20 studies (11 RCTs and 9 prospective) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and featured a total of 1238 SI placed in 747 patients. The overall (early and late) mean percentage of short implant failure was 4%. SI with up to 1‐year follow‐up presented failure rate of 2%, while SI followed up for >3 years showed a failure rate of 10%. SI restored with SC presented a late failure rate of 4% while SI restored with FPD 2%. The late failure rate did not differ in terms of location (maxilla or mandible) both with 3%.

Conclusion

Short implants in function for more than 3 years presented higher failure rates compared to SI in function for <3 years. Splinting crowns supported by SIs in the posterior area should be considered. However, SI is a valid option for selected cases given their relatively high long‐term survival rates.
An evolutionary growth model with banking activity
Authors: Almudi Isabel , Fatas‐Villafranca Francisco , Jarne Gloria , Sanchez‐Choliz Julio
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we propose an evolutionary growth model in which an innovative production sector interacts with a simplified banking sector. We explore the relationships between long‐term sources of growth (technological change) and short‐term/mid‐term factors (such as price dynamics and interest rates). The model suggests new explanations for the endogenous emergence of sharp crises with profound effects in the long run. An interesting aspect of the model is that these crises appear in a strictly private economy, in which everything produced is sold, and there are neither government distortions nor exogenous shocks. The crises emerge from the interactions between uneven innovation rates and market reactivity. In fact, high reactivity in financial markets can amplify the (initially small) effects of innovative competition, leading to a destabilization of economic growth. Drawing on the results of the model we suggest some policy implications.
‘It's (not) who we are’: Representing the nation in US and Canadian newspaper articles about refugees entering the country
Authors: Jaworsky Bernadette Nadya
Published: December 2019

Ideas about nation and national identity continue to be highly important, for both individuals and collectivities. In this article, I provide a cultural‐sociological reconstruction of the meanings of national identity conveyed in US and Canadian newspaper coverage of refugees entering, or potentially entering, the country. I engage Billig's theory of ‘banal nationalism’ and Anderson's idea of ‘imagined comEties’. In Canada, there is a single narrative that encapsulates ‘who we are’—a generous, welcoming country for people fleeing extraordinarily difficult circumstances, who will eventually integrate and succeed. National identity is processual, narrated as an ongoing ‘national project’. In the US, there are two distinct storylines about ‘who we are not’. Both begin with the country depicted as a humanitarian leader but diverge along political party lines. The Democrats quoted invoke history and ‘American values’ to say this is not a country that turns its back on those in need; the Republicans argue that this is not a country that exposes its people to harm, so refugee admissions must be halted. National identity is more solid, represented in passing; ‘who we are’ is taken for granted by spelling out ‘who we are not’.
Genetic modulation of RAP alters fruit coloration in both wild and cultivated strawberry
Authors: Gao Qi , Luo Huifeng , Li Yongping , Liu Zhongchi , Kang Chunying
Published: December 2019

Fruit colour affects consumer preference and is an important trait for breeding in strawberry. Previously, we isolated the Reduced Anthocyanins in Petioles (RAP) gene encoding a glutathione S‐transferase (GST) that binds anthocyanins to facilitate their transport from cytosol to vacuole in the diploid strawberry Fragaria vesca. The parent of rap was the F. vesca variety ‘Yellow Wonder’ that develops white fruit due to a natural mutation in the FveMYB10 gene. Here, we investigated the application potential of RAP in modulating fruit colours by overexpression of RAP in F. vesca and knockout of RAP in the cultivated strawberry Fragaria × ananassa. Unexpectedly, the RAP overexpression in Yellow Wonder background caused formation of red fruit. In addition, the red coloration occurs precociously at floral stage 10 and continues in the receptacle during early fruit development. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the anthocyanin biosynthesis genes were not up‐regulated in RAP‐ox; rap myb10 flowers at anthesis and largely inhibited at the turning stage in fruit, suggesting a coloration mechanism independent of FveMYB10. Moreover, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to knockout RAP in cultivated strawberry which is octoploid. Six copies of RAP were simultaneously knocked out in the T0 generation leading to the green stem and white‐fruited phenotype. Several T1 progeny have segregated away the CRISPR/Cas9 transgene but maintain the green stem trait. Our results indicate that enhancing the anthocyanin transport could redirect the metabolic flux from proanthocyanidin to anthocyanin production at early developmental stages of fruit and that RAP is one promising candidate gene in fruit colour breeding of strawberry.
Polyethylene glycol 3350 plus electrolytes for pediatric chronic constipation: An open‐label clinical study in Japan
Authors: Gondo Mayuko , Nagata Satoru , Shinbo Kazuhiko , Oota Akira , Tomomasa Takeshi
Published: December 2019

Background

Despite the abundance of study evidence for its efficacy and tolerability for the treatment of constipation in other countries, polyethylene glycol 3350 plus electrolytes (PEG3350+E) was not available in Japan until recently. The purpose of this study was to establish the efficacy and safety of PEG3350+E for the treatment of functional constipation in children in Japan.

Methods

Japanese children aged 2–14 years with a mean spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) frequency of 2 times/week or less for at least 2 months prior to informed consent were enrolled into the study. After a 2‐week screening period, treatment with PEG3350+E was initiated on the day of enrollment and continued for 12 weeks. Change in SBM frequency from screening period week 2 (baseline) to treatment period week 2 was set as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints and adverse events were also examined.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients were enrolled and completed the 12‐week study period. The SBM frequency (mean ± SD) at baseline and treatment period week 2 was 1.00 ± 0.89 and 6.54 ± 4.38, respectively. The change in SBM frequency was 5.54 ± 4.55 (one‐sample t test, P < 0.0001) and remained stable through week 12. Stool consistency was also improved over the entire treatment period. Three mild adverse drug reactions were reported: decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (each in 1 of 39 [2.6%] patients).

Conclusion

PEG3350+E can be considered as a new treatment option for chronic constipation in children in Japan. Clinical trial registration number: Japic CTI‐163167.