bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration, Diaspora and Citizenship: A Qualitative Study of the Perceptions of Pakistani Nationals towards the Political Rights of Pakistani Dual Citizens
Authors: Chaudhry Ayesha Masood , Bilal Muhammad
Published: May 2020

The dual citizenship has been the subject of intense political debate in Pakistan barring the elected representatives, in parliament, the provincial assemblies and the presidency, from holding dual nationality. The perceptions that holding a foreign citizenship challenges the undiluted loyalty to country further engender question mark over their political participation in country’s affairs. A qualitative study has been carried out in the city of Rawalpindi to explore the stance of Pakistani nationals on such exclusion of Pakistani dual citizens from mainstream politics of Pakistan asking should the individual’s association to the state be an exclusive one? In this paper, in‐depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 40 male and female respondents (22 Pakistani citizens, 18 Pakistani dual citizens) and 6 constitutional experts. The results indicate distrust among Pakistani citizens when considering dual citizens’ right of representation in general elections of Pakistan, stemming from a mistrust of their “split loyalties”.
The Myth of Unions’ Overprotection of Bad Teachers: Evidence from the District–Teacher Matched Data on Teacher Turnover
Authors: Han Eunice S.
Published: May 2020

This article examines the relationship between teachers’ unions and teacher turnover in U.S. public schools. The trade‐off between teacher pay and employment predicts that unions raise the dismissal rate of underperforming teachers but reduce the attrition of high‐quality teachers, as the higher wages unions negotiate provide districts strong incentives to scrutinize teacher performance during a probationary period while encouraging high‐quality teachers to remain in teaching. Using the district–teacher matched data and a natural experiment, I find that, compared to less‐unionized districts, highly unionized districts dismiss more low‐quality teachers and retain more high‐quality teachers, raising average teacher quality and educational outcomes.
Utilizing the autocatalysis of Co to prepare low‐cost WC‐Co powder for high‐performance atmospheric plasma spraying
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yue Fen , Li Shaofu , Yang Yafeng
Published: May 2020

A novel method of incorporating fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (FBCVD) with electroless plating was developed to effectively prepare the core‐shell structured WC‐Co composite powders. The Co nanoparticles decorated on the surface of WC particles by FBCVD acted as active catalysts for the subsequent electroless plating process. The particle size and quantity of the decorated Co particles determined the electroless plating rate but the particle size played more important role. For the conditions tested, the maximum electroless plating rate of 2.34 mg/g/min was obtained by using an optimal FBCVD pretreatment at 750°C for 3 minutes. WC‐12Co composite powders with a commercial composition widely used for atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) were efficiently prepared. The composite powders exhibited excellent suitability for APS by forming a homogenous Co‐W‐C ternary liquid stream. The APS coating is not only well‐bonded with the substrate but also consisted of hard nonequilibrium Co3W3C and W2C phases with a uniform distribution. Both remarkably improved the hardness and tribological properties of the APS coating.
Microstructure and plasma corrosion behavior of yttria coatings prepared by the aerosol deposition method
Authors: Ashizawa Hiroaki , Masakatsu Kiyohara , Yoshida Katsumi
Published: May 2020

Particle contamination arising from inner ceramic components of the plasma etching equipment has become a serious issue. Yttria (Y2O3) coatings prepared via aerosol deposition (AD) have demonstrated superior plasma resistance in the reduction of particle contamination. The superior particle contamination performance of Y2O3 coatings prepared by AD has been speculatively attributed to its unique microstructure; however, the relationship between the coatings’ microstructure and plasma corrosion behavior has been insufficiently clarified. Herein, we investigated the relationship between the microstructure and plasma corrosion behavior of Y2O3 coatings prepared by the AD method and compared the results with those for coatings prepared by other coating methods. When internal pores are present, these internal pores were selectively plasma corroded; plasma corrosion marks reflecting their pore shape were formed, and the surface roughness increased with increasing plasma exposure time. However, when no internal pores were present, as in the case of the AD coating, the surfaces were homogeneously corroded and maintained their initial surface. As the risk of particle contamination caused by the corrosion of the plasma‐resistant coatings is greatly increased with surface roughness, we concluded that the Y2O3 coating prepared via AD will contribute greatly to reducing particle contamination.
Parents' knowledge of their child with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: An interpretative synthesis
Authors: Kruithof Kasper , Willems Dick , van Etten‐Jamaludin Faridi , Olsman Erik
Published: May 2020

Background

Parents’ knowledge of their child with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) is seen as crucial in the support and care for their child. The aim of this study was to explore the nature and transferability of this knowledge.

Method

We conducted an interpretative synthesis, searched PubMed, CINAHL, Philosopher's Index and PsycINFO and included fourteen studies.

Results

Parents’ knowledge was based on their long‐lasting and special bond with their child and described as an intuition, a gut feeling, a sixth sense and a sense of knowing. Parents applied their knowledge as experts in interpreting their child's intended communication, well‐being and pain, and as advocates opposing the more objectivist approach of medical professionals. Showing by example and passing on narratives were seen as important ways of transferring this knowledge.

Conclusions

Suggestions are made on how to apply and retain parents’ knowledge to improve care and support for people with PIMD.
Sedative effects of intergroup contact on support for ethnic activism among Kosovo Albanians in Switzerland: The interplay of ethnic, national, and dual identification
Authors: Politi Emanuele , Giroud Adrienne , Green Eva G. T. , Maloku Edona
Published: May 2020

A large body of research has demonstrated that intergroup contact is a powerful tool for reducing prejudice among majority group members. Yet, research among minority group members has revealed a more complex picture. The present contribution advances recent research on sedative effects of intergroup contact on support for ethnic activism, by investigating how identity dynamics undermine ethnic minorities' claims for better conditions and equal rights. More precisely, we disentangled the mediating roles played by reduced ethnic and increased national identification as a consequence of intergroup contact, while considering the moderating role of dual identification. Results from a cross‐sectional study among an understudied immigrant minority, Kosovo Albanians in Switzerland, indicate that dual identification moderated the sedative effect of intergroup contact on support for ethnic activism via decreased ethnic identification, while no support for conditional processes of intergroup contact via increased national identification were found. Intergroup contact was linked to reduced ethnic identification, which in turn related to increased support for ethnic activism, but only when dual identification was low. Conversely, when dual identification was high, ethnic identification was unrelated to support for ethnic activism, and intergroup contact reduced ethnic activism directly. To conclude, we discuss the mobilizing role of dual identification, and reflect on how ethnic and national components of dual identities affect the politicization of stigmatized minorities.
Dual computer displays reduce extraneous cognitive load
Authors: Miller Robert A. , Stenmark Cheryl K. , Ittersum Kyle van
Published: May 2020

Dual display desktop computers are becoming more prevalent in the home, workplace, and schools, yet there has been little research into how learning and productivity are impacted by having a second display. One useful method in exploring this question is to measure cognitive load during an intensive learning event. This study compared perceived cognitive load among participants in a military training program using one or two computer displays. Participants using dual monitors reported lower unnecessary cognitive load than participants using one monitor. The implications of these findings for theory and practice are discussed.
Reproducibility of pulmonary vein isolation guided by the ablation index: 1‐year outcome of the AIR registry
Authors: Stabile Giuseppe , Lepillier Antoine , De Ruvo Ermenegildo , Scaglione Marco , Anselmino Matteo , Sebag Frederic , Pecora Domenico , Gallagher Mark , Rillo Mariano , Viola Graziana , Rossi Luca , De Santis Valerio , Landolina Maurizio , Castro Antonello , Grimaldi Massimo , Badenco Nicolas , Del Greco Maurizio , De Simone Antonio , Pisanò Ennio , Abbey Salim , Lamberti Filippo , Pani Antonio , Zucchelli Giulio , Sgarito Giuseppe , Dugo Daniela , Bertaglia Emanuele , Strisciuglio Teresa , Solimene Francesco
Published: May 2020

Background

Ablation index (AI) is a new lesion quality marker that has been demonstrated to allow a high single‐procedure arrhythmia‐free survival in single‐center studies. This prospective, multi‐center study was designed to evaluate the reproducibility of pulmonary vein (PV) isolation guided by the AI.

Methods

A total of 490 consecutive patients with paroxysmal (80.4%) and persistent AF underwent first time PV isolation and were divided in four study groups according to operator's preference in choosing the ablation catheter (a contact force (ST) or contact force surround flow (STSF) catheter) and the AI setting (330‐450 or 380‐500 at anterior wall or posterior wall, respectively).

Results

At 12 months a high rate of freedom from AF recurrences was observed in patients with both paroxysmal and persistent AF (91% vs 83.3%; P = .039). There was no difference in the rate of AF recurrence among the four study groups (4.5% in group ST330‐450, 12.2% in group ST 380‐500, 14.9% in group STSF330‐450, 9.4% in group STSF380‐500; P = .083). Recurrence was also similar between patients treated with a ST (8%) or STSF catheter (12.1%; P = .2), and within patients targeting an AI settings of 330 to 450 (10.9%) or 380 to 500 (10.3%; P = .64). In patients with paroxysmal AF, there was no difference (P = .12) in the 1‐year freedom from AF recurrence among 14 operators that performed ≥10 ablation procedure.

Conclusions

An ablation protocol respecting strict criteria for contiguity and quality lesion resulted in high rate of 1‐year freedom from AF recurrence, irrespective of the ablation catheters, AI settings, and operator.
Antiphospholipid antibody‐activated NETs exacerbate trophoblast and endothelial cell injury in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Lu Yuan , Dong Yan , Zhang Yan , Shen Di , Wang Xiyao , Ge Ruxiu , Zhang Meihua , Xia Yu , Wang Xietong
Published: May 2020

Despite the widespread use of antiplatelets and anticoagulants, women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) may face pregnancy complications associated with placental dysplasia. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are involved in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, including vascular APS; however, their role in obstetric APS is unclear. Herein, we investigated the role of NETs by quantifying cell‐free DNA and NET marker levels. Live‐cell imaging was used to visualize NET formation, and MAPK signalling pathway proteins were analysed. Cell migration, invasion and tube formation assays were performed to observe the effects of NETs on trophoblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The concentrations of cell‐free DNA and NETs in sera of pregnant patients with APS were elevated compared with that of healthy controls (HCs) matched to gestational week. APS neutrophils were predisposed to spontaneous NET release and IgG purified from the patients (APS‐IgG) induced neutrophils from HCs to release NETs. Additionally, APS‐IgG NET induction was abolished with inhibitors of reactive oxygen species, AKT, p38 MAPK and ERK1/2. Moreover, NETs were detrimental to trophoblasts and HUVECs. In summary, APS‐IgG‐induced NET formation deserves further investigation as a potential novel therapeutic target in obstetrical APS.
Ancient genes can be served as pan‐cancer diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers
Authors: Ji Xiangwen , Cui Qinghua
Published: May 2020

One important challenge for cancer is efficient biomarkers monitoring its formation and developments remain greatly limited. Although the accumulated big omics data provide great opportunities to the above purpose, the biomarkers identified by the data‐driven strategy often do not work well in new datasets, which is one of the main bottlenecks limiting their utilities. Given that atavistic phenotype is generally observed in cancer cells, we have been suggested that the activity of progenitor genes in tumour could serve as an efficient cancer biomarker. For doing so, we first curated 77 progenitor genes and then proposed a quantitative score to evaluate cancer progenitorness. After applying progenitorness score to ~ 22 000 samples, 33 types of cancers from 81 datasets, this method generally performs well in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy monitoring of cancers. This study proposed a potential pan‐cancer biomarker and revealed a significant role of atavism in the formation and development of cancers.
Sleep‐dependent consolidation in children with comprehension and vocabulary weaknesses: it’ll be alright on the night?
Authors: James Emma , Gaskell M. Gareth , Henderson Lisa M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Vocabulary is crucial for an array of life outcomes and is frequently impaired in developmental disorders. Notably, ‘poor comprehenders’ (children with reading comprehension deficits but intact word reading) often have vocabulary deficits, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Prior research suggests intact encoding but difficulties consolidating new word knowledge. We test the hypothesis that poor comprehenders’ sleep‐associated vocabulary consolidation is compromised by their impoverished lexical‐semantic knowledge.

Methods

Memory for new words was tracked across wake and sleep to assess encoding and consolidation in 8‐to‐12‐year‐old good and poor comprehenders. Each child participated in two sets of sessions, one beginning in the morning (AM‐encoding) and the other in the evening (PM‐encoding). In each case, they were taught 12 words and were trained on a spatial memory task. Memory was assessed immediately, 12‐ and 24‐hr later via stem‐completion, picture‐naming, and definition tasks to probe different aspects of word knowledge. Long‐term retention was assessed 1–2 months later.

Results

Recall of word‐forms improved over sleep and postsleep wake, as measured in both stem‐completion and picture‐naming tasks. Counter to hypotheses, deficits for poor comprehenders were not observed in consolidation but instead were seen across measures and throughout testing, suggesting a deficit from encoding. Variability in vocabulary knowledge across the whole sample predicted sleep‐associated consolidation, but only when words were learned early in the day and not when sleep followed soon after learning.

Conclusions

Poor comprehenders showed weaker memory for new words than good comprehenders, but sleep‐associated consolidation benefits were comparable between groups. Sleeping soon after learning had long‐lasting benefits for memory and may be especially beneficial for children with weaker vocabulary. These results provide new insights into the breadth of poor comprehenders’ vocabulary weaknesses, and ways in which learning might be better timed to remediate vocabulary difficulties.
Vitamin D deficiency is not associated with graft versus host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chiengthong Kanhatai , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Thongprayoon Charat , Lertjitbanjong Ploypin , Cato Liam D , Bathini Tarun , Ungprasert Patompong , Mao Michael A , Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai
Published: May 2020

Objective

Vitamin D status plays an important role in immunoregulation, and a deficiency is believed to be related to Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We aim to study the association between vitamin D deficiency and GVHD after HSCT.

Methods

A literature search was conducted utilizing MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library Database from inception to July 2019. Eligible studies were required to1 be clinical trials or observational studies (cohort, case‐control, or cross‐sectional studies);2 provide data to calculate the odds ratios (OR) of GVHD in HSCT patients with vitamin D deficiency. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using random‐effects meta‐analysis through the Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis 3.3 software.

Results

In total, 8 observational studies consisting of 1335 HSCT patients were enrolled in this systematic review. Overall, there was no significant association between vitamin D deficiency and acute GVHD (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.74‐1.53, P > 0.05). There was no significant association between vitamin D deficiency and chronic GVHD (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 0.72‐4.26, P > 0.05). Funnel plots and Egger regression asymmetry test were performed and showed no publication bias.

Conclusion

There is not a statistically significant association between vitamin D deficiency and neither acute nor chronic GVHD.
Intervention study for the reduction of medication errors in elderly trauma patients
Authors: Parro Martín María de los Ángeles , Muñoz García María , Delgado Silveira Eva , Martín‐Aragón Álvarez Sagrario , Bermejo Vicedo Teresa
Published: May 2020

Objective

To analyse the impact of a set of measures designed by a working group to reduce medication errors (MEs) during the care transition of elderly trauma patients. The secondary objectives were to classify MEs and determine their location.

Methods

A 43‐month pre‐post prospective intervention study in a university hospital. A working group was set up in the Trauma Service. A pharmacist analysed the pharmacotherapeutic processes of all patients admitted to the Trauma Service in different healthcare locations from Monday to Friday. To detect MEs, the pharmacist reviewed this process at the following points: reconciliation, prescription, validation, dispensing, and administration records. Errors were classified according to the Ruiz Jarabo classification. Subsequently, the working group designed a set of measures that were implemented with the incorporation into the Acute Care Team and the intervention of a pharmacist. Data on MEs were again collected in a post‐implementation phase.

Results

There was a statistically significant reduction in MEs between phases. A total of 132 (31.3%) patients experienced MEs during the pre‐implementation phase and 75 (16.2%) during the post‐implementation phase. Among the measures implemented, the incorporation of the pharmacist to the team, as well as training sessions and design of medication protocols. During the pre‐implementation and post‐implementation phases, the ME rates were respectively as follows: reconciliation 31.6% (172) vs 14.8% (91); prescription 7.7% (79) vs 1.9% (23); dispensing 1% (10) vs 0.3% (3); administration record 0.4% (4) vs 0.0% (0); and validation 0.3% (3) vs 0.1% (1). There were significant reductions in reconciliation, prescription, and dispensing errors. The majority of the MEs occurred in the Trauma Service.

Conclusions

The implementation of specific measures by a Multidisciplinary Safety Group reduced MEs in the care transition of elderly trauma patients, particularly those MEs that occurred during reconciliation. The greatest reduction in MEs occurred in the Trauma Service.
Enhanced elimination of Salmonella Typhimurium and Campylobacter jejuni on chicken skin by sequential exposure to ultrasound and peroxyacetic acid
Authors: Joo Hyun‐Jung , Mizan Md. Furkanur Rahaman , Hossain Md. Iqbal , Lee Dong‐Un , Ha Sang‐Do
Published: May 2020

The present study investigated the effects of combined ultrasound (37 kHz, 380 W for 5 min) and peroxyacetic acid (PAA; 50–200 ppm) treatment on the reduction of Salmonella Typhimurium and Campylobacter jejuni on chicken skin. Ultrasound was not sufficient to inactivate S. Typhimurium (0.48 log CFU/g reduction) or C. jejuni (0.25 log CFU/g reduction), whereas PAA significantly (p < .05) reduced S. Typhimurium (0.93–1.59 log CFU/g reduction) and C. jejuni (0.77–1.52 log CFU/g reduction). However, maximum reductions of 2.21 and 2.08 log CFU/g were observed for S. Typhimurium and C. jejuni, respectively, for combined treatment with 5 min of ultrasound and 200 ppm PAA. Our results indicate that a combination of ultrasound treatment for 5 min and 200 ppm PAA was more effective in reducing S. Typhimurium and C. jejuni compared to the individual treatments, without significantly affecting the color or texture of the chicken skin, thus, demonstrating its potential to increase the microbial safety during poultry processing.
The Gender‐as‐Relational Approach for Theorizing About Romantic Relationships of Sexual and Gender Minority Mid‐ to Later‐Life Adults
Authors: Thomeer Mieke Beth , Umberson Debra , Reczek Corinne
Published: May 2020

This article employs the gender‐as‐relational (GAR) approach to enhance the study of the long‐term romantic relationships of sexual and gender minority mid‐ to later‐life adults. The GAR approach states that gender in relationships is shaped by three key factors: own gender, partner gender, and the gendered relational context. This approach emphasizes that the relationship dynamics of men, women, and gender‐nonconforming individuals are highly diverse, reflecting that gender is a social construct formed within interactions and institutions. We explicate how GAR can reorganize the study of sexual and gender diversity in three research areas related to aging and relationships—caregiving, marital health benefits, and intimacy—and discuss theory‐driven methods appropriate for a GAR research agenda. A GAR framework reorients research by complicating taken‐for‐granted assumptions about how gender operates in mid‐ to later‐life romantic relationships and queering understandings of aging and romantic relationships to include experiences outside of heteronormative and cisnormative categories.
Eco‐efficiency of water and wastewater management in food production: A case study from a large dairy in Denmark
Authors: Skrydstrup Julie , Larsen Sille Lyster , Rygaard Martin
Published: May 2020

Rising water demands and pressures on water resources call for water management in industrial production. An eco‐efficiency framework may provide justification for water consumption and treatment by combining environmental and economic dimensions in a life cycle perspective. We used principles of value added and value chain assessment (VCA) in the life‐cycle system boundaries for a consistent assessment of eco‐efficiency. The method was demonstrated for a membrane bioreactor‐based, decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse in a dairy. The LCA results showed that decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse in the dairy will improve the aquatic environment by 80% (freshwater) and 51% (marine water), but increase the negative impact on climate change by 27% compared to conventional wastewater treatment. The VCA revealed that the decentralized alternatives would increase the value added by 1.3–1.4 €/m3 wastewater in the dairy, but also incur a value loss of 1.4–1.9 €/m3 for associated stakeholders such as the centralized wastewater treatment plant. The case study revealed the critical nature of a well‐defined system boundary that includes impacts along the entire value chain and exposed pros and cons for decision‐makers at both the system level and individual stakeholder level.
A new technique for the treatment of nasal telangiectasia using atmospheric plasma (voltaic arc dermabrasion): Postoperative pain assessment by thermal infrared imaging
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Petrini Morena , Inchingolo Francesco , Lorusso Felice , Amuso Domenico
Published: May 2020

Background

Nasal telangiectasias are superficial, small vessels in the ala nasi and nasolabial crease with a varying origin. They represent an unaesthetic condition, frustrating patients who frequently request their removal. Microsclerotherapy, electrosurgery, different types of laser therapy, needle‐assisted electrocoagulation, and TRASER therapy have been described for treating this condition.

Aims

The aim of this study is to describe a novel technique that removes nasal telengectiasias using voltaic arc dermabrasion (VAD).

Patients/Methods

Voltaic arc dermabrasion treatment was used to remove nasal telangiectasia in 23 patients. The post‐treatment condition was monitored by means of photographic records and the evaluation of erythema, pain score, patient and surgeon satisfaction, and skin temperature. The timing points were 1, 4, 6 days and 1 year after treatment.

Results

Patients referred a moderate pain during the treatment that ceased at the end of the procedure. Moderate erythema and punctiform fine crusting were present in all patients that lasted until the 6th day after treatment. No other adverse effects were observed. After 1‐year, the mean patient and surgeon satisfaction scores were 2.90 and 3.00 ± 0.3, respectively. A single treatment was effective in 85% of the patients and no recurrences were recorded for one year. The skin temperature increased about 18.2 ± 3.2°C during the treatment but returned to basal values in about 20 seconds in most of the patients.

Conclusion

Voltaic arc dermabrasion treatment is a viable, easy to use, and inexpensive tool for successful nasal telangiectasia removal, with minimal post‐treatment discomfort.
Randomized double‐blind vehicle controlled study of the effects of topical acetyl zingerone on photoaging
Authors: Dhaliwal Simran , Rybak Iryna , Pourang Aunna , Burney Waqas , Haas Kelly , Sandhu Simran , Crawford Robert , K Sivamani Raja
Published: May 2020

Objective

Acetyl zingerone (AZ), a derivative of the phytochemical zingerone from Zingiber officinale (ginger), is a novel compound that is purported to have antiaging properties. The objective of this clinical study was to assess the role of acetyl zingerone in its ability to improve the appearance of facial skin wrinkles, redness, pigmentation, and photoaging was assessed.

Methods

Thirty‐one healthy participants (age 44 ± 7 years) were randomized in blinded fashion to apply either 1% AZ or placebo, consisting of the vehicle base cream, to the full face twice daily for 8 weeks with a total of 3 visits. Signs of photoaging, including wrinkles, dyspigmentation, and redness were assessed with facial image analysis photography and software.

Results

There was a significant decrease in average wrinkle severity (P = .019; Mean=−25.7% change), total wrinkle volume (P = .003; Mean=−30.1% change), pigment intensity (P = .021; Mean=−25.6% change), and redness intensity (P = .035; Mean=−20.7% change) in the AZ group by 8 weeks compared with the placebo. No significant itching, burning, or stinging was noted by study participants. There was also no significant difference between both groups in the clinical assessment of scaling, erythema, hypopigmentation, or hyperpigmentation.

Conclusions and Relevance

Topical AZ improves photodamage and decreases the appearance of wrinkles, dyspigmentation, and redness intensity when compared to placebo (vehicle) formulation. Acetyl zingerone is well tolerated with daily use.
Ethnic differences in adiposity and diabetes risk – insights from genetic studies
Authors: Yaghootkar H. , Whitcher B. , Bell J. D. , Thomas E. L.
Published: May 2020

Type 2 diabetes is more common in non‐Europeans and starts at a younger age and at lower BMI cut‐offs. This review discusses the insights from genetic studies about pathophysiological mechanisms which determine risk of disease with a focus on the role of adiposity and body fat distribution in ethnic disparity in risk of type 2 diabetes. During the past decade, genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 400 genetic variants associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes. The Eurocentric nature of these genetic studies has made them less effective in identifying mechanisms that make non‐Europeans more susceptible to higher risk of disease. One possible mechanism suggested by epidemiological studies is the role of ethnic difference in body fat distribution. Using genetic variants associated with an ability to store extra fat in a safe place, which is subcutaneous adipose tissue, we discuss how different ethnic groups could be genetically less susceptible to type 2 diabetes by developing a more favourable fat distribution.
Development of a lexicon to describe the sensory characteristics of a wide variety of potato cultivars
Authors: Sharma Chetan , Chambers Edgar , Jayanty Sastry S. , Sathuvalli Rajakalyan Vidyasagar , Holm David G. , Talavera Martin
Published: May 2020

Potatoes have been a commodity of interest for some time due to nutritional and sensory reasons. Appearance, aroma, flavor and texture quality traits are gaining importance in breeding and processing programs, creating the need to develop a standard lexicon to provide common terminology to improve communication between breeders, producers, marketers, and researchers. A highly trained descriptive panel identified, defined, and referenced a lexicon with 64 attributes using a consensus based descriptive analysis method with 55 cultivars of potatoes. Samples were served mashed and air fried. Full lexicon includes 5 appearance, 17 aroma, 21 flavor, 13 texture, 5 mouthfeel, and 3 aftertaste attributes. The 55 cultivars used for lexicon development were also successfully profiled for the developed attributes. Cooked, potato, cardboard, umami, starchy, salty, metallic, bitter, and astringent attributes were mostly common among all samples. Attributes such as vegetable complex, beany, nutty, toasted, sweet potato, eggy, and cauliflower were unique to certain cultivars.

Practical applications

Development of a technical vocabulary will help the potato industry and research establishments to improve communication among stakeholders, irrespective of cross‐cultural differences. It is anticipated that this work will help fill knowledge gaps in potato research from sensory and consumer point of view.
Nerve poetry and fiber art: Biosemiosis and plasticity in Erasmus Darwin
Authors: Goldstein Amanda Jo
Published: May 2020

This essay explores the philosophy and poetry of the nervous system in Erasmus Darwin's late 18th‐century science of life, arguing that Darwin's theory of animation constitutes an unrecognized chapter in the history of what is now called “biosemiotics.” I show how Darwin's earlier modern approach to epigenesis and plasticity—concepts resurgent not only in present day developmental biology and neuroscience, but also in continental theory and philosophy—challenges these present discourses to grasp mimesis, poiesis, and rhetoric as intrinsic to the logic of life and to any possible science of the biological sign. Uncovering this possibility means displacing Catherine Malabou's influential neo‐Kantian approach to plasticity, which, like that of Kant himself, works to suppress the natural histories of meaning that epigenesis opened in the late 18th, as well as the late 20th, centuries. From the alternative, materialist perspective opened in Erasmus Darwin's work, rhetoric and poetics are implicated in the historical and actual conceptualization of epigenetic plasticity and biosemiosis not because biology is a fictive discourse, but because neural formation and communication actually comprise processes of transposition, association, double‐meaning, part‐for‐whole substitution, and species‐specific distortion for which metaphor, metonymy, allegory, synecdoche, and (anthropo‐)morphism are technically correct and illuminating names. From this perspective, the most baffling and notorious feature of Erasmus Darwin's own use of words can also be conceived anew. His commitment to presenting science in, or better as, poetry constitutes a neurologically informed pedagogical strategy: a means of setting readers' sensoria into semiotic motion, premised on the fundamental rhetorical educability of bodies that can live.
Acute on chronic liver failure from novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)
Authors: Qiu He , Wander Praneet , Bernstein David , Satapathy Sanjaya K.
Published: May 2020

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a highly infectious viral disease that predominantly causes respiratory symptoms. Elevated liver enzymes have been reported during the course of disease and appear to be common. We present a 56‐year‐old woman with a history of decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis who presented with abdominal pain, fever and diarrhoea and was found to have acute on chronic liver failure secondary to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The patient was treated with empiric antibiotic and supportive care with subsequent improvement.
Petrology and oxygen isotopic compositions of calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions in primitive CO3.0‐3.1 chondrites
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Bonato Enrica , King Ashley J. , Russell Sara S. , Tang Guoqiang , Lin Yangting
Published: May 2020

The petrologic and oxygen isotopic characteristics of calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) in CO chondrites were further constrained by studying CAIs from six primitive CO3.0‐3.1 chondrites, including two Antarctic meteorites (DOM 08006 and MIL 090010), three hot desert meteorites (NWA 10493, NWA 10498, and NWA 7892), and the Colony meteorite. The CAIs can be divided into hibonite‐bearing inclusions (spinel‐hibonite spherules, monomineralic grains, hibonite‐pyroxene microspherules, and irregular/nodular objects), grossite‐bearing inclusions (monomineralic grains, grossite‐melilite microspherules, and irregular/nodular objects), melilite‐rich inclusions (fluffy Type A, compact type A, monomineralic grains, and igneous fragments), spinel‐pyroxene inclusions (fluffy objects resembling fine‐grained spinel‐rich inclusions in CV chondrites and nodular/banded objects resembling those in CM chondrites), and pyroxene‐anorthite inclusions. They are typically small (98.4 ± 54.4 µm, 1SD) and comprise 1.54 ± 0.43 (1SD) area% of the host chondrites. Melilite in the hot desert and Colony meteorites was extensively replaced by a hydrated Ca‐Al‐silicate during terrestrial weathering and converted melilite‐rich inclusions into spinel‐pyroxene inclusions. The CAI populations of the weathered COs are very similar to those in CM chondrites, suggesting that complete replacement of melilite by terrestrial weathering, and possibly parent body aqueous alteration, would make the CO CAIs CM‐like, supporting the hypothesis that CO and CM chondrites derive from similar nebular materials. Within the CO3.0‐3.1 chondrites, asteroidal alteration significantly resets oxygen isotopic compositions of CAIs in CO3.1 chondrites (∆17O: −25 to −2‰) but left those in CO3.0‐3.05 chondrites mostly unchanged (∆17O: −25 to −20‰), further supporting the model whereby thermal metamorphism became evident in CO chondrites of petrologic type ≥3.1. The resistance of CAI minerals to oxygen isotope exchange during thermal metamorphism follows in the order: melilite + grossite < hibonite + anorthite < spinel + diopside + forsterite. Meanwhile, terrestrial weathering destroys melilite without changing the chemical and isotopic compositions of melilite and other CAI minerals.
Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction: Characterization of a new entity? Clinical, manometric, and neuroimmunological description
Authors: Furuzawa‐Carballeda Janette , Coss‐Adame Enrique , Romero‐Hernández Fernanda , Zúñiga Joaquín , Uribe‐Uribe Norma , Aguilar‐León Diana , Valdovinos Miguel A. , Núñez‐Álvarez Carlos A. , Hernández‐Ramírez Diego F. , Olivares‐Martínez Elizabeth , Cruz‐Lagunas Alfredo , López‐Verdugo Fidel , Priego‐Ranero Ángel , Azamar‐Llamas Daniel , Rodríguez‐Garcés Angélica , Chávez‐Fernández Raúl , Torres‐Villalobos Gonzalo
Published: May 2020

Objective

To determine the differences between clinical, manometric, and neuroimmunological profile of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) and achalasia patients.

Methods

Seven EGJOO and 27 achalasia patients were enrolled in a blind cross‐sectional study. Peripheral blood (PB) of 10 healthy donors and 10 lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle biopsies from organ transplant donors were included as controls. The presence of ganglion cells, cells of Cajal, Th22/Th7/Th2/Th1/Tregs/Bregs/pDCregs in tissue, and PB was assessed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Serum concentration of IL‐22/IL‐17A/IL‐17F/IL‐4/IFN‐γ/IL‐1β/IL‐6/IL‐23/IL‐33/TNF‐α/IL‐10 was determined using bioplex plates. ANAs and antineuronal antibodies were evaluated by immunofluorescence and Western blot.

Key Results

EGJOO and achalasia patients had lower ganglion cells and cells of Cajal percentage vs. controls, while fibrosis was present only in achalasia patients. EGJOO and controls had lower cell percentage of Th22/Th17/Th2 vs. achalasia. EGJOO tissue had lower Th1/Treg cell number vs. achalasia, but higher levels vs. control group. Bregs and pDCregs percentage was higher in EGJOO vs. control group. Percentage of PB subpopulations in EGJOO was not significantly different from control group. Serum cytokine levels were higher for IL‐1β/IL‐6/TNF‐α, while IL‐17A levels were lower in EGJOO vs. achalasia and control group. EGJOO group was negative for ANAs, while in achalasia group, 54% were positive. GAD65 and PNMa/Ta2 antibodies were present in achalasia, whereas Yo and recoverin were positive in EGJOO group.

Conclusions and Inferences

Although EGJOO shares some clinical characteristics with achalasia, the neuroimmunological profile is completely different, suggesting that EGJOO might be a different entity.
Measuring Smile Curves in Global Value Chains
Authors: Meng Bo , Ye Ming , Wei Shang‐Jin
Published: May 2020

The logic of the ‘smile curve’ in the context of global value chains (GVCs) has been widely used in case studies of individual firms, but rarely identified at the country‐industry level by using real data. This paper puts forward a proposal, based on an inter‐country input–output model, to consistently measure both the gain of value added and the position of countries and industries when they join GVCs. This allows for better identification and mapping of economy‐wide smile curves in a given conceptual value chain. Using the World Input‐Output Tables, we identify the Information and Communications Technology exports‐related smile curves for China and the United States (US), which provide an intuitive and visual representation of who gains value added and jobs through joining GVCs, and to what extent. Further insight into the distributional implications of GVC expansion, based on our analysis of labour markets for China and the US, provides a strong support for the so‐called ‘Paradoxical Pair of Concerns’ between developed and developing countries. Our empirical results show that gains through joining GVCs may vary greatly across different skill levels of labour domestically, a fact that has, at least in part, been a driver of the backlash against globalization and the rise of trade protectionism.
Cochleatina: an enigmatic Ediacaran–Cambrian survivor among small carbonaceous fossils (SCFs)
Authors: Slater Ben J. , Harvey Thomas H. P. , Bekker Andrey , Butterfield Nicholas J.
Published: May 2020

Conspicuously few body‐fossil taxa are known to span the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary, a pattern usually taken to signal either a terminal Proterozoic mass extinction, or taphonomic failure. We draw attention to the emerging record of small carbonaceous fossils (SCFs), which exhibit continuous preservation spanning this critical interval. Here we focus on the enigmatic SCF Cochleatina, a morphologically complex coil‐shaped problematicum that ranges across the Ediacaran–Cambrian divide, and is potentially among the oldest fossil occurrences of metazoans. We report new material of Cochleatina canilovica from the Ediacaran of Estonia and Ukraine, which offers new characters for assessing its palaeobiology. Significantly, new specimens include sets of three‐alike triplets of Cochleatina adhering to organic sheets, suggesting a clustering habit, or grouping of elements within an individual during life; an important step in constraining the morphology and ecology of this Ediacaran–Cambrian problematicum. We present revised systematic descriptions for Cochleatina and C. canilovica, and critically evaluate previous biological interpretations, drawing comparisons with metazoan, algal and protistan analogues. We reject hypotheses supporting Cochleatina as a metazoan mouthpart, and suggest new grounds for viewing Cochleatina as a potential multicomponent predator that trapped protists among microbial mats. Most occurrences are from Baltica, but we synthesize sporadic reports of Cochleatina from other palaeocontinents, pointing to its global distribution during the latest ˜10 myr of the Ediacaran and majority of the earliest Cambrian Fortunian Stage. As a rare example of an ‘Ediacaran survivor’, Cochleatina highlights the broader significance of SCFs as a novel means of tracking evolutionary patterns through the Proterozoic–Phanerozoic transition.
Evaluation of transgenic Leishmania infantum expressing mLLO‐BAX‐SMAC in the apoptosis of the infected macrophages in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Aghaei Maryam , Khanahmad Hossein , Aghaei Shahrzad , Hosseini Sayed Mohsen , Farahmand Mahin , Hejazi Seyed Hossein
Published: May 2020

Background

Leishmaniasis is an important infectious disease that develops because of escaping parasite from the host immune system or preventing host macrophages apoptosis. Recently, the development of transgenic methods and the manipulation of the parasite genome has provided many advantages. So, in this study, the effect of the transgenic Leishmania infantum expressing mLLO‐BAX‐SMAC proteins was examined in accelerating host cell apoptosis.

Method

The entire coding sequence of designed codon‐optimized mLLO‐Bax‐Smac was cloned in the pLexyNeo2 vector and integrated downstream of the 18srRNA locus of L infantum genome by homologous recombination. Next, the expression of mLLO‐BAX‐SMAC fusion protein was evaluated by the Western blotting technique and the pathogenesis of transgenic parasite was surveyed in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The results of PCR and Western blot confirmed proper integration and expression of mLLO‐Bax‐Smac sequence into the 18srRNA locus of L infantum. Flow cytometry showed accelerating apoptosis of transgenic Leishmania‐infected macrophages compared to wild‐type parasite. Also, transgenic parasites were less virulent as a fewer parasitic burden was found in the spleen and liver of transgenic‐infected mice compared to the control.

Conclusion

The data suggested that the transgenic L infantum expressing BAX‐SMAC can be used as an experimental model for developing vaccination against leishmaniasis.
In vitro three‐dimensional culture systems of salivary glands
Authors: Tanaka Junichi , Mishima Kenji
Published: May 2020

Dry mouth can be caused by salivary gland hypofunction due to Sjögren's syndrome (SS) or radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, and it can also be a side effect of medications. The use of sialagogues effectively increases saliva secretion in patients with dry mouth. However, the application of sialagogues is not always satisfactory because of their side effects, such as sweating, nausea, runny nose and diarrhea. Two‐dimensional (2D) cell cultures have been used not only for drug screening and discovery but also to clarify disease mechanisms. However, three‐dimensional (3D) cell cultures are expected to be even more advantageous than 2D cell cultures. Therefore, we have tried to develop an in vitro cell culture system that can reconstitute 3D salivary glands. Sox9 and Foxc1 were identified as important genes that differentiate mouse embryonic stem cell‐derived oral ectoderm into salivary gland placode. Using these genes and organoid culture systems, we succeeded in generating salivary gland organoids that exhibited a morphology and gene expression profile that were similar to those of the embryonic rudiment from which salivary glands arise in normal mice. These organoids are expected to be a promising tool for disease modeling, drug discovery and regenerative medicine in salivary glands.
Interacting Capacities: The Indirect National Contribution to Subnational Service Provision
Authors: Bello‐Gomez Ricardo A.
Published: May 2020

Different levels of government often interact on the ground, providing closely related services. While multilevel governance arrangements have been studied broadly, scarce literature has explored the contribution of national governments to achieving subnational policy goals. By reconceptualizing administrative decentralization as coexisting devolution (to subnational governments) and deconcentration (through field units), this research explores the indirect national contribution to subnational performance by delivering associated services. This article tests the following hypotheses: (1) there is a positive effect of national deconcentrated capacity on subnational policy outputs, and (2) under policy overlap, this contribution diminishes with increasing levels of subnational capacity. While Colombian schooling is decentralized, the national government indirectly contributes to education through a national agency that administers child protection services. Analyzing data for Colombian subnational governments over a decade reveals that national capacity boosts education provision while the least endowed regions benefit the most, thus providing evidence supporting both hypotheses.
Pragmatic Municipalism: U.S. Local Government Responses to Fiscal Stress
Authors: Warner Mildred E. , Aldag Austin M. , Kim Yunji
Published: May 2020

This article updates cutback management theory and challenges austerity urbanism theory by showing that local governments practice pragmatic municipalism—protecting services with a balanced response to fiscal stress. Using a 2017 national survey of 2,341 U.S. municipalities and counties, the authors identify four responses—no specific action, cuts, revenue supplements, and deferrals. Structural equation models show that cuts are higher in places with older infrastructure and more unemployment but not in places with more poverty. Supplemental responses are higher in places with professional management and higher education. Deferrals are higher in places with more debt but lower in places with older infrastructure. Localities with less fiscal stress take no specific action. Most governments combine cuts, supplements, and deferrals; this balanced response is associated with more fiscal stress, more citizen engagement, and higher levels of unionization. These results show that local governments practice pragmatic municipalism, not austerity urbanism, when responding to fiscal stress.