bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A sequence symmetry analysis of the interrelationships between statins, diabetes and skin infections
Authors: Ko Humphrey H.T. , Lareu Ricky R. , Dix Brett R. , Hughes Jeffery D. , Parsons Richard W.
Published: October 2019

Aims

To determine statins' impact on skin infection risk in view of conflicting literature: that statins may reduce infection risk, but are also associated with diabetes mellitus, a risk factor for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).

Methods

Sequence symmetry analysis was performed on prescription claims (2001–2011) from the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs to determine the interrelationships between: (i) statins and SSTIs; (ii) statins and diabetes; and (iii) diabetes and SSTIs; as well as whether statins increased the risk of SSTIs, independent of diabetes status. Chi‐square tests were performed to detect differences in Index of Relative Socio‐economic Advantage and Disadvantage scores of patients within each interrelationship. Prescriptions for statins, antidiabetic medication, and antistaphylococcal antibiotics were evaluated using nonidentifiable client numbers, prescription dates filled, residential electorates, and pharmaceutical codes. Adjusted sequence ratio and confidence interval were calculated at intervals of 91, 182 and 365 days for sequence symmetry analysis studies.

Results

Statins were associated with: (i) significant SSTI risk (adjusted sequence ratio > 1; confidence interval >1), (ii) significant diabetes risk, and (iii) diabetic patients had increased risk of SSTIs. Diabetic and nondiabetic statin users had significantly increased risks of SSTIs, while the influence from socioeconomic status was not significant for each of the 3 relationships.

Conclusions

Statins are associated with increased risk of SSTIs via direct and indirect mechanisms, probably independent of diabetes or socioeconomic statuses. We believe that clinicians should be aware of the association between statins and SSTIs, and, where appropriate, monitor blood glucose levels of statin users.
Population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic modelling of liquid and controlled‐release formulations of oxycodone in healthy volunteers
Authors: Ladebo Louise , Foster David J. R. , Abuhelwa Ahmad Y. , Upton Richard N. , Kongstad Kenneth T. , Drewes Asbjørn M. , Christrup Lona L. , Olesen Anne E.
Published: October 2019

Oral controlled‐release formulations are playing an ever‐increasing role in opioid therapy; however, little is known about their influence on the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The study aim was to characterize the pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamics of two controlled‐release tablet formulations and a liquid formulation of oxycodone in healthy, opioid‐naïve volunteers, which can serve as a reference for future patient studies. A semi‐double‐blinded, three‐way crossover study was conducted, with fifteen healthy volunteers receiving two differently designed 20 mg monophasic controlled‐release oxycodone tablets and 10 mg oral solution oxycodone in a randomized order. Venous plasma concentrations and pupil diameter were determined pre‐dose and 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.33, 2.66, 3, 3.33, 3.66, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hour post‐dose. Oxycodone pharmacokinetics was best described by a two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption. The controlled‐release formulations had an absorption lag of 0.23 hour and a slower absorption rate constant (kaCR = 0.19 hour‐1) compared to the oral solution (kaSOL = 0.94 hour‐1). Effects on pupil diameter were delayed relative to plasma (14 minutes half‐life) for all formulations and were best described by a proportional Emax model. The plasma concentration of oxycodone at half‐maximum effect was lower in males (31.1 μg/L) compared to females (52.8 μg/L; P < .001). The absorption profile of controlled‐release oxycodone formulations provided a prolonged onset and offset of action compared to oral solution oxycodone. The controlled‐release formulations showed no differences in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters suggesting that both may be used interchangeably in human beings with normal gastrointestinal function.
Who Works for Whom and the UK Gender Pay Gap
Authors: Jewell Sarah Louise , Razzu Giovanni , Singleton Carl
Published: October 2019

This study reports novel facts about the UK gender pay gap. We use a representative, longitudinal and linked employer–employee dataset for 2002–2016. Men's average log hourly wage was 22 points higher than women's in this period. We find that 16 per cent of this raw pay gap is accounted for by estimated firm‐specific wage effects. This is almost three times the amount explained by gender occupation differences. When we decompose a pre‐adjusted measure of the pay gap, we find less than 1 percentage point or a 6 per cent share is accounted for by the gender allocation across high‐ and low‐wage firms. In other words, only a small share of what is traditionally referred to as the ‘unexplained’ part of the pay gap is explained by the differences between men and women in whom they work for.
Efficacy of air cleaners in asthmatics allergic to cat in ALYATEC® environmental exposure chamber
Authors: Gherasim Alina , Jacob Audrey , Schoettel Florian , Domis Nathalie , de Blay Frederic
Published: October 2019

Background

Air cleaners have been promoted for respiratory allergic disease prevention, but there is no clear clinical proof of their efficacy in allergic asthma.

Objective

To examine the efficacy of a new air cleaner on early and late asthmatic responses in cat‐allergic patients.

Methods

This randomized, cross‐over, double‐blind placebo‐controlled study enrolled 24 cat‐asthmatic patients with GINA 1 asthma. At baseline, participants were exposed to 40 ng/m3 of airborne cat allergen for a maximum of 2 hours in ALYATEC® environmental exposure chamber (EEC). All participants were subsequently randomized into two groups that were exposed to cat allergen, either with active then placebo air cleaners or with placebo then active air cleaners with a 3‐week interval in the EEC. This study was registered under number (NCT03928561).

Results

Fewer patients experienced an EAR with active air cleaners (seven patients; 29.17%) than placebo (21 patients; 87.50%). The response incidence was lower with active than with placebo air cleaners. A Cox model demonstrated a significant treatment effect (hazard ratio, 0.10; P = .002). Active air cleaners also prevented late asthmatic response: four patients (16.67%) had a late asthmatic response with active air cleaners compared to 11 patients (45.83%) with placebo (Prescott test P = .002). Active air cleaners also decreased the maximal severity of bronchial response (FEV1 decrease of 17.24% with active vs 25.62% with placebo air cleaners; P = .001).

Conclusions

Our present results demonstrated that Intense Pure Air XL® air cleaners significantly prevented early and late asthmatic responses among cat‐allergic asthmatics during cat allergen exposure in the ALYATEC® EEC.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor‐induced diarrhea: Clinicopathological study of 11 patients
Authors: Yanai Shunichi , Nakamura Shotaro , Kawasaki Keisuke , Toya Yosuke , Akasaka Risaburo , Oizumi Tomofumi , Ishida Kazuyuki , Sugai Tamotsu , Matsumoto Takayuki
Published: October 2019

We reviewed the records of patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)‐induced diarrhea during 2015 to 2019. ICI included nivolumab and ipilimumab. There were 11 patients with ICI‐induced diarrhea aged 46–81 years (median, 63 years). On colonoscopy, four patients appeared normal, whereas loss of vascularity, erythema, granularity, erosions or ulcerations apparently mimicking ulcerative colitis were found in seven patients. Those seven patients had acute inflammation, cryptitis, crypt abscess and apoptosis, suggestive of ICI‐induced colitis. Five of the seven patients were treated with prednisolone, two of whom were resistant to prednisolone and required infliximab. In contrast, none of the four patients without ICI‐induced colitis required further treatment. Our observations suggest that diversity exists in the clinical, endoscopic and histological severity of patients with ICI‐induced diarrhea. Colonoscopy together with biopsy is inevitable for the diagnosis of ICI‐induced colitis, which requires intensive treatment.
Effect of diabetes duration on the relationship between glycaemic control and risk of death in older adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ghouse Jonas , Isaksen Jonas L. , Skov Morten W. , Lind Bent , Svendsen Jesper H. , Kanters Jørgen K. , Olesen Morten S. , Holst Anders G. , Nielsen Jonas B.
Published: October 2019

Aim

To investigate the effect of diabetes duration on glycaemic control, measured using mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and mortality risk within different age, sex and clinically relevant, comorbidity‐defined subgroups in an elderly population with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

We studied older (≥65 years) primary care patients with T2D, who had three successive annual measurements of HbA1c taken between 2005 and 2013. The primary exposure was the mean of all three HbA1c measurements. Follow‐up began on the date of the third measurement. Individual mean HbA1c levels were categorized into clinically relevant groups (<6.5% [<48 mmol/mol]; 6.5%‐6.9% [48‐52 mmol/mol]; 7%‐7.9% [53‐63 mmol/mol]; 8%‐8.9% [64‐74 mmol/mol]; and ≥9% [≥75 mmol/mol]). We used multiple Cox regression to study the effect of glycaemic control on the hazard of all‐cause mortality, adjusted for age, sex, use of concomitant medication, and age‐ and disease‐related comorbidities.

Results

A total of 9734 individuals were included. During a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 7.3 (4.6‐8.7) years, 3320 individuals died. We found that the effect of mean HbA1c on all‐cause mortality depended on the duration of diabetes (P for interaction <.001). For individuals with short diabetes duration (<5 years), the risk of death increased with poorer glycaemic control (increasing HbA1c), whereas for individuals with longstanding diabetes (≥5 years), we found a J‐shaped association, where a mean HbA1c level between 6.5% and 7.9% [48 and 63 mmol/mol] was associated with the lowest risk of death. For individuals with longstanding diabetes, both low (<6.5% [<48 mmol/mol]; hazard ratio [HR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07‐1.37, P = .002) and high mean HbA1c levels (≥9.0% [≥75 mmol/mol]; HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.28‐1.99, P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of death. We also calculated 5‐year absolute risks of all‐cause mortality, separately for short and long diabetes duration, and found similar risk patterns across different age groups, sex and comorbidity strata.

Conclusions

In elderly individuals with T2D, the effect of glycaemic control (measured by HbA1c) on all‐cause mortality depended on the duration of diabetes. Of particular clinical importance, we found that strict glycaemic control was associated with an increased risk of death among individuals with long (≥ 5 years) diabetes duration. Conversely, for individuals with short diabetes duration, strict glycaemic control was associated with the lowest risk of death. These results indicate that tight glycemic control may be beneficial in people with short duration of diabetes, whereas a less stringent target may be warranted with longer diabetes exposure.
The association between collagen and bone biomarkers and radiographic osteoarthritis in the distal tarsal joints of horses
Authors: Coppelman E. B. , David F. H. , Tóth F. , Ernst N. S. , Trumble T. N.
Published: October 2019

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the distal intertarsal (DIT) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints occurs commonly. Synovial fluid (SF) biomarkers of collagen and bone turnover have potential clinical value.

Objectives

To measure SF biomarker concentrations from DIT and TMT joints in adult horses and determine if they correlate with radiographic OA severity and are higher in joints with radiographic OA compared to controls.

Study design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

Radiographic OA of DIT and TMT joints was evaluated from adult horses (5–35 years old). Overall radiographic scores divided horses into those with mild or moderate radiographic OA (16 joints from 9 horses) or controls (13 joints from 9 horses). Direct biomarkers of OA (Carboxypropeptide of type II collagen = CPII, carboxy‐neoepitope of type II collagen exposed after collagenase‐cleavage = C2C, Bone alkaline phosphatase = BAP and Chondroitin sulfate epitope = CS846) were measured via ELISA and CPII/C2C was calculated. Biomarkers were correlated with radiographic findings and concentrations from those with radiographic OA to control joints and were compared.

Results

Concentrations of CPII (R = 0.84, P<0.001), C2C (R = 0.69, P<0.001) and BAP (R = 0.41, P = 0.03) as well as CPII/C2C (R = 0.69, P<0.001) values positively correlated with overall radiographic scores. Adjusted means ± s.d., after controlling for age, for CPII (P<0.001), C2C (P<0.001), CPII/C2C (P = 0.004) and BAP (P = 0.05) were significantly higher in DIT and TMT joints with radiographic OA (CPII: 2174.45 ± 1064.01; C2C: 233.52 ± 51.187; CPII/C2C: 9.01 ± 4.09; BAP: 21.98 ± 15.34) compared to controls (CPII: 594.53 ± 463.05; C2C: 153.12 ± 48.95; CPII/C2C: 3.96 ± 2.38; BAP: 12.76 ± 3.61). CPII (P<0.001), C2C (P = 0.001) and CPII/C2C (P = 0.001) were significantly higher with moderate radiographic OA (CPII: 2444.61 ± 772.78; C2C: 248.90 ± 44.94; CPII/C2C: 9.47 ± 2.97) compared to controls (CPII: 658.38 ± 417.36; C2C: 156.49 ± 47.61; CPII/C2C: 4.15 ± 2.04), with CPII also showing significantly higher concentrations (P = 0.04) with mild radiographic OA compared (1515.00 ± 584.95) to controls (658.38 ± 417.36). There were no differences in CS846 concentrations between radiographic OA and control joints. Age positively correlated with CPII (R = 0.48, P = 0.01) and C2C (R = 0.44, P = 0.02) concentrations.

Main limitations

Radiographic OA was assessed, not clinical lameness. Controls were not age‐matched to those with spontaneous radiographic OA.

Conclusions

There is an association between collagen (CPII, C2C and CPII/C2C) and bone (BAP) biomarkers and radiographic OA in the distal tarsal joints of horses.
The Counseling Experiences of Individuals Who Are Estranged From a Family Member
Authors: Blake Lucy , Bland Becca , Imrie Susan
Published: October 2019

Objective

For the first time, this study explored the counseling experiences of individuals estranged from a family member and the ways in which therapy was helpful, unhelpful, or both.

Background

Family relationships are often assumed to be permanent. However, family members both can and do become estranged from one another, which can be a challenging experience, leading to feelings of sadness and loss and experiences or perceptions of stigma.

Method

Findings are presented from an online survey of individuals who are estranged from one or more family members and had sought support from the charity Stand Alone. Open‐text responses were thematically analyzed from 209 respondents, 133 of whom elaborated on counseling experiences that had been helpful and 107 of whom described counseling experiences that had been unhelpful.

Results

Helpful encounters with therapy were those in which respondents felt supported to make their own decisions about their family relationships, developed insight and understanding through working with professionals who were knowledgeable about estrangement, and moved forward in their lives.

Conclusion

Therapy that is delivered by professionals who offer nondirective support (rather than suggesting that clients act or feel a certain way) and who are knowledgeable about estrangement will be of the greatest help and utility to individuals estranged from a family member.

Implications

Commissioning bodies who offer support to estranged individuals need to ensure that counselors are knowledgeable about estrangement and that training on this issue is included in ongoing career professional development.
Electronation‐dependent structural change at the proton exit side of cytochrome c oxidase as revealed by site‐directed fluorescence labeling
Authors: Wolf Alexander , Wonneberg Juliane , Balke Jens , Alexiev Ulrike
Published: October 2019

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), the terminal enzyme of the respiratory chain of mitochondria and many aerobic prokaryotes that function as a redox‐coupled proton pump, catalyzes the reduction of molecular oxygen to water. As part of the respiratory chain, CcO contributes to the proton motive force driving ATP synthesis. While many aspects of the enzyme’s catalytic mechanisms have been established, a clear picture of the proton exit pathway(s) remains elusive. Here, we aim to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of CcO through the development of a new homologous mutagenesis/expression system in Paracoccus denitrificans, which allows mutagenesis of CcO subunits 1, 2, and 3. Our system provides true single thiol‐reactive CcO variants in a three‐subunit base variant with unique labeling sites for the covalent attachment of reporter groups sensitive to nanoenvironmental factors like protonation, polarity, and hydration. To this end, we exchanged six residues on both membrane sides of CcO for cysteines. We show redox‐dependent wetting changes at the proton uptake channel and increased polarity at the proton exit side of CcO upon electronation. We suggest an electronation‐dependent conformational change to play a role in proton exit from CcO.
Alphabeticity Bias in 401(k) Investing
Authors: Doellman Thomas W. , Itzkowitz Jennifer , Itzkowitz Jesse , Sardarli Sabuhi H.
Published: October 2019

Structural factors that cause irrational investment in defined contribution savings plans are of great concern. Using a proprietary database of 401(k) plans we show that alphabeticity—the order that fund names appear when listed in alphabetical order—significantly biases participants’ investment allocation decisions. While we show a larger impact as the number of funds in the plan increases, this bias is strong even when relatively few funds are available in the plan menu. Importantly, our findings suggest that a more strategic ordering of funds could result in favorable outcomes for participants.
The Preparation and Preliminary Characterisation of Three Synthetic Andesite Reference Glass Materials (ARM‐1, ARM‐2, ARM‐3) for In Situ Microanalysis
Authors: Wu Shitou , Wörner Gerhard , Jochum Klaus Peter , Stoll Brigitte , Simon Klaus , Kronz Andreas
Published: October 2019

Three synthetic reference glasses were prepared by directly fusing and stirring 3.8 kg of high‐purity oxide powders to provide reference materials for microanalytical work. These glasses have andesitic major compositions and are doped with fifty‐four trace elements in nearly identical abundance (500, 50, 5 µg g−1) using oxide powders or element solutions, and are named ARM‐1, 2 and 3, respectively. We further document that sector‐field (SF) ICP‐MS (Element 2 or Element XR) is capable of sweeping seventy‐seven isotopes (from 7Li to 238U, a total of sixty‐eight elements) in 1 s and, thus, is able to quantify up to sixty‐eight elements by laser sampling. Micro‐ and bulk analyses indicate that the glasses are homogeneous with respect to major and trace elements. This paper provides preliminary data for the ARM glasses using a variety of analytical techniques (EPMA, XRF, ICP‐OES, ICP‐MS, LA‐Q‐ICP‐MS and LA‐SF‐ICP‐MS) performed in ten laboratories. Discrepancies in the data of V, Cr, Ni and Tl exist, mainly caused by analytical limitations. Preliminary reference and information values for fifty‐six elements were calculated with uncertainties [2 relative standard error (RSE)] estimated in the range of 1–20%.
Temporal variations in soil CO2 efflux in an alpine meadow site on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wu Jianguo
Published: October 2019

Temporal variations in soil CO2 efflux and its direct links to soil microbial biomass and environmental factors in high‐elevation regions are poorly understood. In this study, I investigated the variations in soil CO2 efflux over time and their relationships to soil organic matter, soil microbial biomass and environmental factors in an alpine meadow site on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. The results showed notable monthly to seasonal changes in soil CO2 efflux in alpine meadows. The soil CO2 efflux was lower overall from January to May and from October to December than from June to September (p < 0.05); on a seasonal basis, the soil CO2 efflux was lower during the spring, autumn and winter than during the summer (p < 0.05). In addition, linear regression analysis showed that the temporal variations in soil CO2 efflux over the whole year decreased with soil microbial biomass carbon content (p < 0.05). Soil CO2 efflux was also positively related to air temperature and snow cover depth (p < 0.05). Multiregression and principal component regression analyses indicated that temporal variations in soil CO2 efflux were mainly caused by monthly and seasonal changes in air temperature and soil microbial biomass.
Towards the creative university: Five forms of creativity and beyond
Authors: Barnett Ronald
Published: October 2019

The Creative University is susceptible to multiple interpretations which are moving in a fluid conceptual space. This conceptual openness can be adequately understood only as a set of discursive formations that reflect underlying societal changes. It is becoming a commonplace to suggest that creativity should no longer be seen as a matter of heroic individuals at work, for creativity is always a networked matter, but that reflection has to be widened to encompass a sense of underlying shifting societal forces, with the economy central stage and hence the emergence of the hybrid idea of the creative economy. Qua institution, the creative university sits uneasily between discourses of economicism and societal flourishing. The creative university, accordingly, has to be seen in this milieu, which is steering the university but which also is affording it new possibilities for creativity. Five levels of creativity are identified that serve as domains in which these forces and affordances coexist. One such level, university reflexive creativity, is singled out as the most significant of the five. The creative university, it follows, unfolds as sets of interactions between individuals, institutional structures and corporate agency. Even as the constraints multiply, so too ever‐wider possibilities for the creative university may be opening.
Pasture restoration improvement methods for temperate degraded pastures and consequences of the climatic seasonality on soil–pasture complex
Authors: Descalzi Constanza A. , López Ignacio F. , Kemp Peter D. , Dörner José , Ordóñez Iván
Published: October 2019

Short persistence of renovated pastures is a major problem for pastoral production systems. Pasture species establishment, species performance and persistency and their relationships with soil–water attributes following pasture improvement methods were evaluated over two years. Fertilised naturalised pasture (FNP), non‐fertilised naturalised pasture (NFNP),Lolium perenne–Trifolium repenscultivated pasture (CP),L. perenne–T. repensdirect‐drilled pasture (DP), andBromus valdivianus,Holcus lanatus,Dactylis glomerata,L. perenneandT. repensdirect‐drilled pasture (DDP) were established as a randomised complete block design. Pastures were limed, fertilised and sheep‐grazed. Plant growth compensatory mechanisms, by decreasing tiller number and increasing tiller size, equalised pasture yield during the establishment. In both years, the improved pastures yield was greater than that of NFNP. In the second year, DDP and FNP reached the higher pasture growth rate, with a seasonality diminishment. During the second summer, soil matrix potential at 0–20 cm soil profile exceeded the permanent wilting point, resulting in the pasture growth rate of NFNP and the sown pastures ranging from 0.0 to 3.6 kg DM/ha per day, while for FNP, it was 17.8 kg DM/ha per day. Sown species, fast‐growing species spontaneous colonisation and growth were all stimulated in the improved pastures over species that tolerate stress, improving agronomical and ecological pasture features.
Degradation of a SiC‐SiC composite in water vapor environments
Authors: Zok Frank W. , Maxwell Peter T. , Kawanishi Ken , Callaway Evan Benjamin
Published: October 2019

The article examines degradation of a SiC‐based fiber composite containing Tyranno ZMI fibers in water vapor at elevated temperatures (800°C and 1100°C). Degradation is characterized through mechanical tests under cyclic and quasi‐static tensile loading in the near‐threshold regime, at stresses at or slightly above the matrix cracking limit. These tests are augmented by examinations of fracture surfaces and polished cross‐sections, measurements of fracture mirror radii, and measurements of interfacial debond toughness and sliding resistance. Degradation involves highly localized consumption of fibers through reactions of water vapor with the fibers and the BN coatings in regions adjacent to the few matrix cracks present at low stresses; the global hysteresis response and the average interfacial properties are minimally affected. Boria formed by oxidation of BN appears to play a fluxing role; it combines with silica on the fibers to form a non‐protective molten glass. Inhomogeneous fiber consumption leads to stress concentrations in the fibers and hence reduced fiber strength. Spatial variations in the degradation process occur at two length scales: at the macroscopic scale, because of cracking of the external CVI SiC overcoat and subsequent water ingress through the cracks, and at the tow‐scale, because of cracking of the CVI SiC around the tows. Parsing the kinetic processes over the two length scales remains a significant challenge.
Corrosion modeling of magnesia aggregates in contact with CaO–MgO–SiO2 slags
Authors: Zhang Wenxuan , Huang Ao , Zou Yongshun , Gu Huazhi , Fu Lvping , Li Guangqiang
Published: October 2019

Ladle refining is an efficient process for improvement of quality of steel on secondary metallurgy under harsh conditions. Magnesia refractories with high purity are important raw materials for ladle lining in high‐quality steel production. However, the penetration by CaO–MgO–SiO2 slags damages magnesia refractories, which considerably limits their service life. Abundant grain boundaries in magnesia create channels for slag penetration and lead to the destruction of the structure. The effect of the microstructure on the slag corrosion behavior of magnesia aggregates requires further systematic investigation. In this study, a corrosion model was established to describe the slag penetration process of magnesia aggregates. The effects of the grain‐boundary size and slag CaO/SiO2 mass ratio (C/S ratio) on slag penetration were investigated, and the possibility of the microstructure optimization of magnesia aggregates was discussed. The results indicated that magnesia aggregates exhibited excellent slag resistance for slag with a C/S ratio above 1.5 or even 2.0. When the slag C/S ratio was lower than 1.5, the dissolution rate of magnesia decreased more rapidly with the increase in the slag C/S ratio. In addition, the much smaller grain‐boundary size increased the slag penetration resistance by promoting the formation of a dense isolation layer and inhibiting further penetration processes. The calculation results agreed well with the experimental results, suggesting that the corrosion model is promising for predicting slag corrosion.
Connecting patients, practitioners, and regulators in supporting positive experiences and processes of shared decision making: A progress report
Authors: Browne Fiona , Bettles Steven , Clift Stacey , Walker Tim
Published: October 2019

This paper describes a novel approach to explore how regulators, working with patients and practitioners, may contribute to supporting person‐centred care and processes of shared decision making in implementing professional standards and reducing harms. Osteopathic patients report high levels of patient care. However, areas of consultations less likely to be rated as high included “fully understanding your concerns,” “helping you to take control,” and “making a plan of action with you,” suggestive of a paternalistic approach to care and a barrier to the effective implementation of standards. This programme explored how to support patients and practitioners to make more explicit what is important to support consultations with better communication in accordance with standards. A series of workshops took place involving approximately 80 participants, which explored and identified practitioner and patient values; these were themed to develop a common framework and tested using case studies. Aspects of what enables or presents a barrier to a positive consultation were further explored with real patient narratives, and a range of resources were subsequently developed, which may support patients and practitioners to make explicit what is important to them in a consultation. A series of approaches and tools were then developed for piloting including patient curriculum vitae; patient goal planner; patient animation to support preparation for an appointment; infographic: a patient poster or leaflet; practitioner reflective tool; and an audio recording to increase awareness and understanding of values‐based practice. In conclusion, a range of approaches may help to support patients and practitioners to make explicit what is important to them in a consultation. The next phase of our programme will use a range of methods including cluster sampling, pre‐testing and post‐testing with the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure tool, and interviews and focus groups with users and practitioners to demonstrate impact.
MLR and experimental testing for characterization and classification of damage resistance of maize hybrids based on mechanical properties
Authors: Su Yuan , Cui Tao , Zhang Dongxing , Xia Guoyi , Gao Xiaojun , He Xiaowei , Xu Yang
Published: October 2019

The mechanical properties of kernels and ears are important factors affecting the resistance of maize hybrids of mechanical impact. The mechanical properties of kernels and ears and broken rate (BR) of 28 hybrids were determined by uniaxial compression, shear, and hardness tests under standard operating conditions. A strong correlation was found between the BR and the mechanical properties of all maize hybrids, including the compression stress of the kernels in the X‐axis and Z‐axis, the shear force in the X‐axis, the rupture force of the ears, and the hardness of the endosperm. Three‐element BR model was developed to determine the relationship between the mechanical properties (compressive stress in the X‐axis and Z‐axis, hardness of horny endosperm) and the BR to characterize the resistance of maize hybrids to mechanical damage (Rs2 = 0.583). And all hybrids were classified into four groups based on those extracted characteristic mechanics, and the BR of each group has significant difference (p < .01). Research on the damage resistance and mechanical properties of various maize hybrids provides a theoretical basis for varietal food processing methods.

Practical Applications

The rapidly increase in maize hybrids and planting area places higher requirements on maize kernel processing. The broken rate of kernels determines the damage resistance processing performance of maize hybrids. The identification of the best maize hybrids for the mechanical process requires a limited number of simple, practical, and reliable tests that are able to predict the potential broken rate. This study evaluated the damage resistance and mechanical properties of commonly used commercial maize hybrids and provides reference data to develop suitable conditions for harvesting, storing, and handling of maize.
Polyunsaturated linolenoyl‐CoA modulates ERF‐VII‐mediated hypoxia signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhou Ying , Tan Wei‐Juan , Xie Li‐Juan , Qi Hua , Yang Yi‐Cong , Huang Li‐Ping , Lai Yong‐Xia , Tan Yi‐Fang , Zhou De‐Mian , Yu Lu‐Jun , Chen Qin‐Fang , Chye Mee‐Len , Xiao Shi
Published: October 2019

In plants, submergence from flooding causes hypoxia, which impairs energy production and affects plant growth, productivity, and survival. In Arabidopsis, hypoxia induces nuclear localization of the group VII ethylene‐responsive transcription factor RELATED TO AP2.12 (RAP2.12), following its dissociation from the plasma membrane‐anchored ACYL‐COA BINDING PROTEIN1 (ACBP1) and ACBP2. Here, we show that polyunsaturated linolenoyl‐CoA (18:3‐CoA) regulates RAP2.12 release from the plasma membrane. Submergence caused a significant increase in 18:3‐CoA, but a significant decrease in 18:0‐, 18:1‐, and 18:2‐CoA. Application of 18:3‐CoA promoted nuclear accumulation of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions RAP2.12‐GFP, HYPOXIA‐RESPONSIVE ERF1‐GFP, and RAP2.3‐GFP, and enhanced transcript levels of hypoxia‐responsive genes. Plants with decreased ACBP1 and ACBP2 (acbp1 ACBP2‐RNAi, produced by ACBP2 RNA interference in the acbp1 mutant) had reduced tolerance to hypoxia and impaired 18:3‐CoA‐induced expression of hypoxia‐related genes. In knockout mutants and overexpression lines of LONG‐CHAIN ACYL‐COA SYNTHASE2 (LACS2) and FATTY ACID DESATURASE 3 (FAD3), the acyl‐CoA pool size and 18:3‐CoA levels were closely related to ERF‐VII‐mediated signaling and hypoxia tolerance. These findings demonstrate that polyunsaturation of long‐chain acyl‐CoAs functions as important mechanism in the regulation of plant hypoxia signaling, by modulating ACBP–ERF‐VII dynamics.
Leishmaniasis in non‐human primates: Clinical and pathological manifestations and potential as reservoirs
Authors: Santos Renato Lima , de Oliveira Ayisa Rodrigues
Published: October 2019

Although the domestic dog is the most important reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis in urban areas, there have been an increasing number of reports of naturally occurring leishmaniasis in non‐human primates. Reported cases affecting neotropical and Old World non‐human primates as well as their potential role as reservoirs were reviewed.
Hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy type II: Report of two novel mutations in the FAM134B gene
Authors: Falcão de Campos Catarina , Vidailhet Marie , Toutain Annick , de Becdelièvre Alix , Funalot Benoît , Bonello‐Palot Nathalie , Stojkovic Tanya
Published: October 2019

Hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) type II is a rare, autosomal recessive, and early onset sensory neuropathy, characterized by severe and progressive sensation impairment, leading to ulcero‐mutilating complications. FAM134B gene, also known as RETREG1 gene, mutations have been reported to be associated to HSAN‐IIB. We report four patients from two unrelated families who developed during childhood a sensory axonal neuropathy with variable severity and pronounced nociception impairment. Complications such as recurrent ulcerations, osteomyelitis, and osteonecrosis leading to distal amputation were noticed. Dysautonomia was mild or even absent in our group of patients. Additionally, either clinical or neurophysiological motor impairment was not uncommon. Presence of upper motor neuron signs was also a distinctive feature in two related patients. After extensive workup, two novel homozygous mutations in the FAM134B gene were identified. This report expands the clinical and genetic spectrum of HSAN type II and emphasizes the phenotype variability even within the same family.
Does Borrowing from Banks Cost More than Borrowing from the Market?
Authors: SCHWERT MICHAEL
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the pricing of bank loans relative to capital market debt. The analysis uses a novel sample of loans matched with bond spreads from the same firm on the same date. After accounting for seniority, lenders earn a large premium relative to the bond‐implied credit spread. In a sample of secured term loans to noninvestment‐grade firms, the average premium is 140 to 170 bps or about half of the all‐in‐drawn spread. This is the first direct evidence of firms' willingness to pay for bank credit and raises questions about the nature of competition in the loan market.
Annual report of the Women's Health Care Committee, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2019
Authors: Kitawaki Jo , Kato Kiyoko
Published: October 2019

Since 2010, the Women's Health Care Committee has continuously addressed issues closely linked to women's quality of life. The five agendas this committee has engaged for this academic year are as follows: (i) clinical study of urinary complications in perinatal and post‐partum women's health care; (ii) enlightenment of infectious diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Japan; (iii) educational activities regarding management guidelines for health care in female athletes; (iv) training program for women's health‐care advisers; and (v) pregnancy‐ and lactation‐associated osteoporosis (PLOP). The detailed activities of the five subcommittees are described herein. This report is based on the Japanese version of our annual report (Acta Obst Gynaec Jpn 2019;71(6): 889–898), which publicizes the activities of our committee.
Maintenance of Complex Life Cycles Via Cryptic Differences In The Ecophysiology Of Haploid And Diploid Spores Of An Isomorphic Red Alga1
Authors: Bellgrove Alecia , Nakaya Fumio , Serisawa Yukihiko , Matsuyama‐Serisawa Kazuyo , Kagami Yayoi , Jones Paul M. , Suzuki Heikichi , Kawano Shigeyuki , Aoki Masakazu N.
Published: October 2019

Recognition of the wide diversity of organisms that maintain complex haploid–diploid life cycles has generated interest in understanding the evolution and persistence of such life cycles. We empirically tested the model where complex haploid–diploid life cycles may be maintained by subtle/cryptic differences in the vital rates of isomorphic haploid–diploids, by examining the ecophysiology of haploid tetraspores and diploid carpospores of the isomorphic red alga Chondrus verrucosus. While tetraspores and carpospores of this species did not differ in size or autofluorescence, concentrations of phycobiliproteins of carpospores were greater than that of tetraspores. However, tetraspores were more photosynthetically competent than carpospores over a broader range of photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDs) and at PPFDs found at both the depth that C. verrucosus is found at high tide and in surface waters in which planktonic propagules might disperse. These results suggest potential differences in dispersal potential and reproductive success of haploid and diploid spores. Moreover, these cryptic differences in ecological niche partitioning of haploid and diploid spores contribute to our understanding of some of the differences between these ploidy stages that may ultimately lead to the maintenance of the complex haploid–diploid life cycle in this isomorphic red alga.
Changing Event Categorization in Second Language Users Through Perceptual Learning
Authors: Vanek Norbert
Published: October 2019

This study examined the impact of a second language (L2) on how event phases are categorized. The aim was to test how strong a boost the L2 system provides when learners are trained to classify events in a new way. The targeted linguistic contrast was the grammatical expression of change‐of‐state events in progress, available in English but far less so in Chinese. Advanced Chinese learners of English received categorization training in four conditions: action‐biased, completion‐biased, verbally‐distracted, and with overt L2 encoding. Experiment 1 tested the extent to which learners’ first language facilitates event categorization. Experiment 2 compared learning success in L2‐based categorization with and without verbal interference. Experiment 3 measured the benefits of explicit L2 verbalization for L2‐based category learning. The results showed that L2 grammar has a graded impact on learning, categorization with overt verbalization having the highest, followed by categorization in silence, and categorization with verbal interference the lowest, although not significantly reduced.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded Open Data, Open Materials, and Preregistered Research Design badges. All data and materials, along with preregistration for research design and analyses, are publicly accessible through the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/rxe6u/. The study materials are also publicly available via the IRIS database at https://www.iris-database.org. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Zinc deficiency associated with anaemia among young children in rural Guatemala
Authors: Palacios Ana M. , Hurley Kristen M. , De‐Ponce Silvia , Alfonso Víctor , Tilton Nicholas , Lambden Kaley B. , Reinhart Gregory A. , Freeland‐Graves Jeanne H. , Villanueva Lisa M. , Black Maureen M.
Published: October 2019

One in four children younger than age five in Guatemala experiences anaemia (haemoglobin <11.0 g/dl). This study characterized the factors and micronutrient deficiencies associated with anaemia in a baseline cross‐sectional sample of 182 Guatemalan infants/toddlers and 207 preschoolers, using generalized linear mixed models. Associations between anaemia and maternal, child and household variables, and biomarkers (soluble transferrin receptor, ferritin, zinc, folate, vitamin B12, C‐reactive protein, and α1‐acid glycoprotein) were explored. Rates of anaemia were 56% among infants/toddlers and 12.1% among preschoolers. In children with anaemia, rates of iron deficiency (low ferritin based on inflammation status, and/or high soluble transferrin receptor, ≥1.97 mg/L) and zinc deficiency (serum zinc <65 μg/dl) were 81.1% and 53.7%, respectively. Folate deficiency (either plasma folate <3 ng/ml or erythrocyte folate <100 ng/ml) was 3.3%. Vitamin B12 deficiency (plasma vitamin B12 <148 pmol/L) was 7.5%. For infants and toddlers (<24 months), the odds ratio of anaemia was lower when higher number of adults lived in the household (OR = 0.69; 95% CI [0.53, 0.90]), and higher when children were zinc deficient (OR = 3.40; 95% CI [1.54, 7.47]). For preschoolers (36–60 months), the odds ratio of anaemia was lower for every additional month of age (OR = 0.90; 95% CI [0.81, 1.00]). Findings suggest that micronutrient deficiencies coexist in Guatemalan rural children, and zinc deficiency is associated with anaemia in children <24 months, highlighting the need of continued multidisciplinary interventions with multiple micronutrients. Further research examining how household composition, feeding practices, and accessibility to micronutrient supplements and to animal source foods is needed to incorporate strategies to improve the nutritional status of Guatemalan children.
Relationships among wood‐boring beetles, fungi, and the decomposition of forest biomass
Authors: Skelton James , Jusino Michelle A. , Carlson Paige S. , Smith Katherine , Banik Mark T. , Lindner Daniel L. , Palmer Jonathan M. , Hulcr Jiri
Published: October 2019

A prevailing paradigm in forest ecology is that wood‐boring beetles facilitate wood decay and carbon cycling, but empirical tests have yielded mixed results. We experimentally determined the effects of wood borers on fungal community assembly and wood decay within pine trunks in the southeastern United States. Pine trunks were made either beetle‐accessible or inaccessible. Fungal communities were compared using culturing and high‐throughput amplicon sequencing (HTAS) of DNA and RNA. Prior to beetle infestation, living pines had diverse fungal endophyte communities. Endophytes were displaced by beetle‐associated fungi in beetle‐accessible trees, whereas some endophytes persisted as saprotrophs in beetle‐excluded trees. Beetles increased fungal diversity several fold. Over forty taxa of Ascomycota were significantly associated with beetles, but beetles were not consistently associated with any known wood‐decaying fungi. Instead, increasing ambrosia beetle infestations caused reduced decay, consistent with previous in vitro experiments that showed beetle‐associated fungi reduce decay rates by competing with decay fungi. No effect of bark‐inhabiting beetles on decay was detected. Platypodines carried significantly more fungal taxa than scolytines. Molecular results were validated by synthetic and biological mock communities and were consistent across methodologies. RNA sequencing confirmed that beetle‐associated fungi were biologically active in the wood. Metabarcode sequencing of the LSU/28S marker recovered important fungal symbionts that were missed by ITS2, though community‐level effects were similar between markers. In contrast to the current paradigm, our results indicate ambrosia beetles introduce diverse fungal communities that do not extensively decay wood, but instead reduce decay rates by competing with wood decay fungi.
Island area, body size and demographic history shape genomic diversity in Darwin's finches and related tanagers
Authors: Brüniche‐Olsen Anna , Kellner Kenneth F. , DeWoody J. Andrew
Published: October 2019

Genomic diversity is the evolutionary foundation for adaptation to environmental change and thus is essential to consider in conservation planning. Island species are ideal for investigating the evolutionary drivers of genomic diversity, in part because of the potential for biological replicates. Here, we use genome data from 180 individuals spread among 27 island populations from 17 avian species to study the effects of island area, body size, demographic history and conservation status on contemporary genomic diversity. Our study expands earlier work on a small number of neutral loci to the entire genome and from a few species to many. We find significant positive correlation between island size and genomic diversity, a significant negative correlation between body size and genomic diversity, and that historical population declines significantly reduced contemporary genomic diversity. Our study shows that island size is the key factor in determining genomic diversity, indicating that habitat conservation is key to maintaining adaptive potential in the face of global environmental change. We found that threatened species generally had a significantly smaller values of Watterson's theta (θW = 4Neμ) compared to nonthreatened species, suggesting that θW may be useful as a conservation indicator for at‐risk species. Overall, these findings (a) provide biological insights into how genomic diversity scales with ecological, morphological and demographic factors; and (b) illustrate how population genomic data can be leveraged to better inform conservation efforts.
Genome‐wide SNP data reveal improved evidence for Antarctic glacial refugia and dispersal of terrestrial invertebrates
Authors: McGaughran Angela , Terauds Aleks , Convey Peter , Fraser Ceridwen I.
Published: October 2019

Antarctica is isolated, surrounded by the Southern Ocean and has experienced extreme environmental conditions for millions of years, including during recent Pleistocene glacial maxima. How Antarctic terrestrial species might have survived these glaciations has been a topic of intense interest, yet many questions remain unanswered, particularly for Antarctica's invertebrate fauna. We examine whether genetic data from a widespread group of terrestrial invertebrates, springtails (Collembola, Isotomidae) of the genus Cryptopygus, show evidence for long‐term survival in glacial refugia along the Antarctic Peninsula. We use genome‐wide SNP analyses (via genotyping‐by‐sequencing, GBS) and mitochondrial data to examine population diversity and differentiation across more than 20 sites spanning >950 km on the Peninsula, and from islands both close to the Peninsula and up to ~1,900 km away. Population structure analysis indicates the presence of strong local clusters of diversity, and we infer that patterns represent a complex interplay of isolation in local refugia coupled with occasional successful long‐distance dispersal events. We identified wind and degree days as significant environmental drivers of genetic diversity, with windier and warmer sites hosting higher diversity. Thus, we infer that refugial areas along the Antarctic Peninsula have allowed populations of indigenous springtails to survive in situ throughout glacial periods. Despite the difficulties of dispersal in cold, desiccating conditions, Cryptopygus springtails on the Peninsula appear to have achieved multiple long‐distance colonization events, most likely through wind‐related dispersal events.