bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of productivity and its temporal stability in a tropical tree diversity experiment
Authors: Schnabel Florian , Schwarz Julia A. , Dănescu Adrian , Fichtner Andreas , Nock Charles A. , Bauhus Jürgen , Potvin Catherine
Published: September 2019

There is increasing evidence that mixed‐species forests can provide multiple ecosystem services at a higher level than their monospecific counterparts. However, most studies concerning tree diversity and ecosystem functioning relationships use data from forest inventories (under noncontrolled conditions) or from very young plantation experiments. Here, we investigated temporal dynamics of diversity–productivity relationships and diversity–stability relationships in the oldest tropical tree diversity experiment. Sardinilla was established in Panama in 2001, with 22 plots that form a gradient in native tree species richness of one‐, two‐, three‐ and five‐species communities. Using annual data describing tree diameters and heights, we calculated basal area increment as the proxy of tree productivity. We combined tree neighbourhood‐ and community‐level analyses and tested the effects of both species diversity and structural diversity on productivity and its temporal stability. General patterns were consistent across both scales indicating that tree–tree interactions in neighbourhoods drive observed diversity effects. From 2006 to 2016, mean overyielding (higher productivity in mixtures than in monocultures) was 25%–30% in two‐ and three‐species mixtures and 50% in five‐species stands. Tree neighbourhood diversity enhanced community productivity but the effect of species diversity was stronger and increased over time, whereas the effect of structural diversity declined. Temporal stability of community productivity increased with species diversity via two principle mechanisms: asynchronous responses of species to environmental variability and overyielding. Overyielding in mixtures was highest during a strong El Niño‐related drought. Overall, positive diversity–productivity and diversity–stability relationships predominated, with the highest productivity and stability at the highest levels of diversity. These results provide new insights into mixing effects in diverse, tropical plantations and highlight the importance of analyses of temporal dynamics for our understanding of the complex relationships between diversity, productivity and stability. Under climate change, mixed‐species forests may provide both high levels and high stability of production.
Doing hot and ‘dirty’ work: Masculinities and occupational identity in firefighting
Authors: Perrott Tamika Alana
Published: September 2019

Within industrial societies, firefighters are often sexualized, celebrated and elevated as respectable working‐class heroes. Drawing from fieldwork and interviews with 33 men currently employed in an Australian metropolitan fire service, I explore the making of masculinities across four stations. Utilizing Beverly Skeggs’ social exchange theory and Mary Douglas’ theory of risk and analysis of pollution, this article argues that men attempt to construct respectable masculinities, in an effort to protect their self‐image as the heroes of contemporary society. Exploring issues surrounding morality and physicality, the findings suggest that firefighters consciously distance themselves from potential sites of pollution, which include avoiding stigmatized stations. This article extends gender theory by showing how working‐class men distinguish from each other through intra‐age distinction in order to construct respectable working‐class masculinities.
Review: Helicobacter pylori in pediatrics
Authors: Mišak Zrinjka , Hojsak Iva , Homan Matjaž
Published: September 2019

Despite a decrease in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, it still poses a significant health burden worldwide. This review summarizes important pediatric studies on H pylori published from April 2018 to March 2019. Epidemiologic studies have reported different prevalences in different parts of the world and have mainly confirmed traditional risk factors. Several studies on pathophysiology attempted to identify risk markers in childhood for gastric cancer development later in life. One of the most interesting studies evaluated the relationship between eosinophilic esophagitis and H pylori infection; however, an inverse relationship was not confirmed. The high resistance of H pylori and, consequently, low eradication rates, is still a major concern and susceptibility testing before treatment has again been highlighted. Potassium‐competitive acid blockers are promising new acid‐suppressant drugs but their role in H pylori eradication schemes is still to be determined.
Influence of oil droplet size on the oxidative stability of the free and encapsulated fractions of freeze‐dried microencapsulated sunflower oil
Authors: Holgado Francisca , Márquez‐Ruiz Gloria , Victoria Ruiz‐Méndez María , Velasco Joaquín
Published: September 2019

The effect of oil droplet size (ODS) on the oxidative stability (OS) of dried microencapsulated oils has been scarcely studied, and results are contradictory. A few studies have shown increased OS when the ODS was reduced and this was attributed to a decrease in the surface oil content (SOC). Yet, in such studies, only the total oil fraction was evaluated. In the present work, the free (FO) and encapsulated oil (EO) fractions of freeze‐dried microencapsulated sunflower oil were analysed to study the effect of changes in the ODS by using different homogenisation pressure (15 or 70 MPa) in the emulsification step. The OS of both the free and encapsulated fractions increased when the ODS was significantly reduced in two samples with different encapsulation matrix, namely caseinate/lactose and maltodextrin/sucrose/gelatine. A reduction in the SOC would explain the increased stability of the FO, but not that of the EO. An additional protective role of the interfacial film could have been involved. In conclusion, if the encapsulation matrix and the interfacial region are effective as oxygen barriers, a reduction in the ODS of the parent emulsion by an increase in the homogenisation pressure will result in capsules more stable against lipid oxidation.
Fundamental and applied aspects of catechins from different sources: a review
Authors: Pedro Alessandra Cristina , Maciel Giselle Maria , Rampazzo Ribeiro Valéria , Haminiuk Charles Windson Isidoro
Published: September 2019

Catechins belong to the group of flavonoids. Numerous studies show that consuming foods rich in catechins such as vegetables, fruits and especially teas may decrease the risk of developing various diseases. Therefore, we present in this compilation a critical and detailed analysis of the works published in the last 6 years and a guide for the reader with the main analytical techniques of quantification, in vitro and in vivo biological activities, the mechanisms of action in the organism and the bioaccessibility in treating the gastrointestinal effects of catechins from different matrices. The information presented in this review is important for a broad understanding of benefits that catechins can bring to human health and can be taken as an example for the study of new matrices, new effects and possible forms of application, such as dietary supplements or functional food ingredients for health promotion and the reduced risk for developing diseases.
Influence of ammonia and lysine supplementation on yeast growth and fermentation with respect to gluten‐free type brewing using unmalted sorghum grain
Authors: Dlamini Bhekisisa C. , Taylor John R. N. , Buys Elna M.
Published: September 2019

Because gluten‐free type brewing with unmalted sorghum does not provide adequate nitrogen for complete fermentation, wort supplementation with ammonia (as diammonium phosphate, DAP) or lysine on yeast performance was investigated. By Phenotype Microarray, under aerobic conditions, greater yeast growth was indicated with DAP than lysine both as a single source and combined with sorghum wort amino acids. With sorghum fermentation, both DAP and lysine improved maltose and maltotriose uptake. However, DAP supplementation also maintained yeast numbers (24.0–21.3 × 106 cells mL−1), whereas there was a decline with lysine supplementation. Lysine supplementation also resulted in adverse effects on yeast cell morphology. Neither DAP nor lysine supplementation resulted in evident genetic change to the yeast, but the change in substrate from barley malt wort to unmalted sorghum wort slightly altered the yeast genetically. Therefore, ammonia as DAP has potential as a nitrogen supplement for improving yeast fermentation performance in sorghum gluten‐free brewing.
Sampling‐based Randomised Designs for Causal Inference under the Potential Outcomes Framework
Authors: Branson Zach , Dasgupta Tirthankar
Published: September 2019

We establish the inferential properties of the mean‐difference estimator for the average treatment effect in randomised experiments where each unit in a population is randomised to one of two treatments and then units within treatment groups are randomly sampled. The properties of this estimator are well understood in the experimental design scenario where first units are randomly sampled and then treatment is randomly assigned but not for the aforementioned scenario where the sampling and treatment assignment stages are reversed. We find that the inferential properties of the mean‐difference estimator under this experimental design scenario are identical to those under the more common sample‐first‐randomise‐second design. This finding will bring some clarifications about sampling‐based randomised designs for causal inference, particularly for settings where there is a finite super‐population. Finally, we explore to what extent pre‐treatment measurements can be used to improve upon the mean‐difference estimator for this randomise‐first‐sample‐second design. Unfortunately, we find that pre‐treatment measurements are often unhelpful in improving the precision of average treatment effect estimators under this design, unless a large number of pre‐treatment measurements that are highly associative with the post‐treatment measurements can be obtained. We confirm these results using a simulation study based on a real experiment in nanomaterials.
A field‐deployable insulated isothermal RT‐PCR assay for identification of influenza A (H7N9) shows good performance in the laboratory
Authors: Inui Ken , Nguyen Tung , Tseng Hsin‐Jou , Tsai ChuanFu Mark , Tsai Yun‐Long , Chung Simon , Padungtod Pawin , Zhu Huachen , Guan Yi , Kalpravidh Wantanee , Claes Filip
Published: September 2019

Background

Avian influenza A (H7N9) remains circulating in China. For countries at risk of introduction of H7N9, such as Vietnam, early detection of H7N9 virus is essential for the early containment of the virus. Insulated isothermal reverse transcriptase PCR (iiRT‐PCR) is a portable PCR system that can be deployed under field conditions to identify pathogens at the sampling site. Applying PCR at the sampling site will greatly reduce the time to obtain a diagnostic result which allows the veterinary authority to take immediate action to contain disease spreading.

Objective

To determine analytical and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the portable iiRT‐PCR for H7N9 virus detection.

Methods

A panel of 59 virus isolates, including H7N9, avian influenza viruses of subtype H1 to H13, swine and human influenza viruses, Newcastle disease virus, and infectious bursal disease virus, were tested by H7 and N9 iiRT‐PCR reagents, using probes and primers specific to H7 or N9, in comparison with laboratory‐based real‐time RT‐PCR assays to determine analytical sensitivity and specificity. Fifty oropharyngeal samples from experimentally infected chicken and ducks with H7N9 and 50 non‐infected control swabs were tested by the H7 iiRT‐PCR to determine diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The H7 and N9 iiRT‐PCR reagents yielded comparable levels of analytical sensitivity and specificity with real‐time RT‐PCR for the detection of H7N9 virus. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of H7 iiRT‐PCR were 98% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

The observed high sensitivity and specificity of iiRT‐PCR for H7N9 detection show its potential for early detection of H7N9 in risk‐based surveillance.
Can Hearing Aids Delay Time to Diagnosis of Dementia, Depression, or Falls in Older Adults?
Authors: Mahmoudi Elham , Basu Tanima , Langa Kenneth , McKee Michael M. , Zazove Philip , Alexander Neil , Kamdar Neil
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between hearing aids (HAs) and time to diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) or dementia, anxiety or depression, and injurious falls among adults, aged 66 years and older, within 3 years of hearing loss (HL) diagnosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

We used 2008 to 2016 national longitudinal claims data (based on office visit, inpatient, or outpatient healthcare encounters) from a large private payer. We used Kaplan‐Meier curves to examine unadjusted disease‐free survival and crude and adjusted Cox regression models to examine associations between HAs and time to diagnosis of three age‐related/HL‐associated conditions within 3 years of HL diagnosis. All models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, census divisions, and prior diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and diabetes.

PARTICIPANTS

The participants included 114 862 adults, aged 66 years and older, diagnosed with HL.

MEASUREMENT

Diagnosis of (1) AD or dementia; (2) depression or anxiety; and (3) injurious falls.

INTERVENTION

Use of HAs.

RESULTS

Large sex and racial/ethnic differences exist in HA use. Approximately 11.3% of women vs 13.3% of men used HAs (95% confidence interval [CI] difference = −0.024 to −0.016). Approximately 13.6% of whites (95% CI = 0.13‐0.14) vs 9.8% of blacks (95% CI = 0.09‐0.11) and 6.5% of Hispanics (95% CI = 0.06‐0.07) used HAs. The risk‐adjusted hazard ratios of being diagnosed with AD/dementia, anxiety/depression, and injurious falls within 3 years after HL diagnosis, for those who used HAs vs those who did not, were 0.82 (95% CI = 0.76‐0.89), 0.89 (95% CI = 0.86‐0.93), and 0.87 (95% CI = 0.80‐0.95), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of HAs is associated with delayed diagnosis of AD, dementia, depression, anxiety, and injurious falls among older adults with HL. Although we have shown an association between use of HAs and reduced risk of physical and mental decline, randomized trials are needed to determine whether, and to what extent, the relationship is causal. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2362–2369, 2019
Use of sonic waves in bubble formation, microhardness and fluoride release of a high‐viscosity glass‐ionomer cement
Authors: Hironaka Nallu Gomes Lima , Trizzi Juliana Quintino , Yoshida Natália Miwa , Cury Jaime Aparecido , Tabchoury Cinthia Pereira Machado , Botelho Juliana Nunes , Pini Nubia Inocencya Pavesi , Pascotto Renata Corrêa
Published: September 2019

Aim

High‐viscosity glass‐ionomer cements (HV‐GIC) are indicated for restorations but their viscosity favors the inclusion of bubbles within it. This study aimed to evaluate the use of ultrasonic and sonic waves in bubble formation, microhardness and fluoride release in a HV‐GIC, also considering a different powder:liquid ratio (P/L).

Methods

Twenty‐four molars with occlusal cavities were divided into four groups (N = 6): CG, HV‐GIC with manual insertion; UG, application of ultrasonic waves; SG, application of sonic waves; and FG, HV‐GIC fluid (1:2 P/L) with manual insertion. After 24 hours, bubbles and microhardness (50 g/5 s) were measured. Fluoride release (N = 10) was evaluated in CG, SG and UG after cariogenic challenge for 11 days. Microhardness, total area and number of bubbles, and fluoride release were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test. The average size of bubbles was analyzed by Kruskal‐Wallis test (α = 5%).

Results

FG presented the lowest value of microhardness and higher average size for bubbles (P < .05). Differences concerning total number, total area occupied by bubbles and fluoride release were not found (P > .05).

Conclusion

The use of sonic and ultrasonic waves had no influence on bubble formation, microhardness and fluoride release of a HV‐GIC. Changing the P/L is not recommended.
The transcription factor GATA10 regulates fertility conversion of a two‐line hybrid tms5 mutant rice via the modulation of UbL40 expression
Authors: Jin Jing , Gui Songtao , Li Qian , Wang Ying , Zhang Hongyuan , Zhu Zhixuan , Chen Hao , Sun Yueyang , Zou Yu , Huang Xingguo , Ding Yi
Published: September 2019

The thermosensitive genic male sterile 5 (tms5) mutation causes thermosensitive genic male sterility in rice (Oryza sativa) through loss of RNase ZS1 function, which influences ubiquitin fusion ribosomal protein L40 (UbL40) messenger RNA levels during male development. Here, we used ATAC‐seq, combined with analysis of H3K9ac and H3K4me2, to identify changes in accessible chromatin during fertility conversion of the two‐line hybrid rice Wuxiang S (WXS) derived from a mutant tms5 allele. Furthermore, RNA‐seq and bioinformatic analyses identified specific transcription factors (TFs) in differentially accessible chromatin regions. Among these TFs, only GATA10 targeted UbL40. Osgata10 knockout mutations, which resulted in low expression of UbL40 and a tendency toward male fertility, confirmed that GATA10 regulated fertility conversion via the modulation of UbL40. Meanwhile, GATA10 acted as a mediator for interactions with ERF65, which revealed that transcriptional regulation is a complex process involving multiple complexes of TFs, namely TF modules. It appears that the ERF141/MADS7/MADS50/MYB modules affect metabolic processes that control anther and pollen development, especially cell wall formation. Our analysis revealed that these modules directly or indirectly affect metabolic pathway‐related genes to coordinate plant growth with proper anther development, and furthermore, that GATA10 regulates fertility conversion via the modulation of UbL40 expression.
Do blood groups play a role in etiology of rosacea?
Authors: Ozturk Murat , An Isa
Published: September 2019

Background

The pathogenesis of rosacea is not fully understood. The innate immune system is impaired in patients with rosacea. This leads to abnormal inflammatory cytokine release. It has been proposed that the molecular mechanism for the role of the ABO antigenic system in human diseases may arise from its relationship with the von Willebrand factor and several pro‐inflammatory and adhesion molecules. To our knowledge, the relationship between ABO‐Rh groups and rosacea has not been investigated previously.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and fourteen patients with rosacea and 258 healthy individuals who had blood group record were included in this study. The results were analyzed statistically.

Results

In terms of ABO blood groups, 54 (47.4%) patients had A, 14 (12.3%) patients had B, 7 (6.1%) patients had AB, and 39 (34.2%) patients had O blood groups in the patient group. In the control group, 109 (42.2%) individuals had A, 45 (17.5%) individuals had B, 29 (11.2%) individuals had AB, and 75 (29.1%) individuals had O blood group. There was no significant difference between the groups (P > .05). In terms of Rh groups, 103 (90.4%) patients were Rh (+) and 11 (9.6%) patients were Rh (−). In the control group, 220 (85.3%) individuals were Rh (+) and 38 (14.7%) were Rh (‐). There was no significant difference between the groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

We did not find a relationship between blood groups and rosacea. But, we think this is an interesting hypothesis. To clarify this possible relationship, comprehensive and further studies are needed in different races and geographic regions.
Effects of aqueous alteration on primordial noble gases and presolar SiC in the carbonaceous chondrite Tagish Lake
Authors: Riebe M. E. I. , Busemann H. , Alexander C. M. O'D. , Nittler L. R. , Herd C. D. K. , Maden C. , Wang J. , Wieler R.
Published: September 2019

Effects of aqueous alteration on primordial noble gas carriers were investigated by analyzing noble gases and determining presolar SiC abundances in insoluble organic matter (IOM) from four Tagish Lake meteorite (C2‐ung.) samples that experienced different degrees of aqueous alteration. The samples contained a mixture of primordial noble gases from phase Q and presolar nanodiamonds (HL, P3), SiC (Ne‐E[H]), and graphite (Ne‐E[L]). The second most altered sample (11i) had a ~2–3 times higher Ne‐E concentration than the other samples. The presolar SiC abundances in the samples were determined from NanoSIMS ion images and 11i had a SiC abundance twice that of the other samples. The heterogeneous distribution of SiC grains could be inherited from heterogeneous accretion or parent body alteration could have redistributed SiC grains. Closed system step etching (CSSE) was used to study noble gases in HNO3‐susceptible phases in the most and least altered samples. All Ne‐E carried by presolar SiC grains in the most altered sample was released during CSSE, while only a fraction of the Ne‐E was released from the least altered sample. This increased susceptibility to HNO3 likely represents a step toward degassing. Presolar graphite appears to have been partially degassed during aqueous alteration. Differences in the 4He/36Ar and 20Ne/36Ar ratios in gases released during CSSE could be due to gas release from presolar nanodiamonds, with more He and Ne being released in the more aqueously altered sample. Aqueous alteration changes the properties of presolar grains so that they react similar to phase Q in the laboratory, thereby altering the perceived composition of Q.
Different as night and day: Behavioural and life history responses to varied photoperiods in Daphnia magna
Authors: Gust Kurt A. , Kennedy Alan J. , Laird Jennifer G. , Wilbanks Mitchell S. , Barker Natalie D. , Guan Xin , Melby Nicolas L. , Burgoon Lyle D. , Kjelland Michael E. , Swannack Todd M.
Published: September 2019

Nearly all animal species have utilized photoperiod to cue seasonal behaviours and life history traits. We investigated photoperiod responses in keystone species, Daphnia magna, to identify molecular processes underlying ecologically important behaviours and traits using functional transcriptomic analyses. Daphnia magna were photoperiod‐entrained immediately posthatch to a standard control photoperiod of 16 light/ 8 dark hours (16L:8D) relative to shorter (4L:20D, 8L:16D, 12L:12L) and longer (20L:4D) day length photoperiods. Short‐day photoperiods induced significantly increased light‐avoidance behaviours relative to controls. Correspondingly, significant differential transcript expression for genes involved in glutamate signalling was observed, a critical signalling pathway in arthropod light‐avoidance behaviour. Additionally, period circadian protein and proteins coding F‐box/LRR‐repeat domains were differentially expressed which are recognized to establish circadian rhythms in arthropods. Indicators of metabolic rate increased in short‐day photoperiods which corresponded with broadscale changes in transcriptional expression across system‐level energy metabolism pathways. The most striking observations included significantly decreased neonate production at the shortest day length photoperiod (4L:20D) and significantly increased male production across short‐day and equinox photoperiods (4L:20D, 8L:16D and 12L:12D). Transcriptional expression consistent with putative mechanisms of male production was observed including photoperiod‐dependent expression of transformer‐2 sex‐determining protein and small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) which control splice variant expression for genes like transformer. Finally, increased transcriptional expression of glutamate has also been shown to induce male production in Daphnia pulex via photoperiod‐sensitive mechanisms. Overall, photoperiod entrainment affected molecular pathways that underpin critical behavioural and life history traits in D. magna providing fundamental insights into biological responses to this primary environmental cue.
Serum chitinase‐like protein YKL‐40 is linked to small airway function in children with asthmatic symptoms
Authors: Knihtilä Hanna , Kotaniemi‐Syrjänen Anne , Pelkonen Anna S. , Savinko Terhi , Malmberg Leo Pekka , Mäkelä Mika J.
Published: September 2019

Background

Lung function impairment among asthmatic children begins in early life, and biomarkers for identifying this impairment are needed. The chitinase‐like protein YKL‐40 has been associated with asthma and lung function in adults, but studies in children have yielded conflicting results. We evaluated the potential of YKL‐40 and other systemic biomarkers for identifying lung function deficits in children with asthmatic symptoms.

Methods

We determined the levels of serum YKL‐40, periostin, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) from the blood samples of 49 children with asthmatic symptoms. Lung function was assessed with impulse oscillometry (IOS) and spirometry, combined with an exercise challenge and a bronchodilator test. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide was measured at multiple flow rates.

Results

Serum levels of YKL‐40 showed significant correlations with most IOS indices at baseline (P = .008‐.039), but there was no association between YKL‐40 and spirometry parameters. Neither periostin nor hs‐CRP were associated with baseline lung function. Children with a significant response in either the exercise challenge or the bronchodilator test had increased serum levels of YKL‐40 (P = .003) and periostin (P = .035). YKL‐40 correlated significantly with the blood neutrophil count (rs = .397, P = .005) but was not associated with biomarkers of eosinophilic inflammation.

Conclusion

Serum YKL‐40 is a potential biomarker for lung function deficits in children with asthmatic symptoms. These deficits appear to be focused on small airways and may remain undetected with spirometry.
Epidemiology of regional anesthesia in children: Lessons learned from the European Multi‐Institutional Study APRICOT
Authors: Dadure Christophe , Veyckemans Francis , Bringuier Sophie , Habre Walid
Published: September 2019

Background

Recently, the European prospective observational multicenter cohort study, APRICOT, reported anesthesia techniques and complications in more than 31 000 pediatric procedures. The main objective of this study was to analyze the current practice in regional anesthesia in the 33 countries that participated to APRICOT.

Methods

Data on regional anesthesia techniques were extracted from the database of APRICOT (261 centers across 33 European countries). All children, aged from birth to 16 years old, were eligible for inclusion during a 2‐week period. Type of regional anesthesia, whether used awake or with sedation or general anesthesia, techniques of guidance, and the drugs administered were analyzed.

Results

Regional anesthesia was used in 4377 pediatric surgical procedures. The large majority was performed under general anesthesia with central blocks and truncal blocks, representing, respectively, 42.6% and 41.8% of performed techniques. Caudal blocks represented 76.9% of all central blocks. The penile and ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric blocks were the most commonly performed truncal blocks. Anesthetists used mainly anatomical landmarks; ultrasound guidance was applied in only 23.8% of cases. A wide variability of practices was observed in terms of regional anesthesia techniques and local anesthetics among the participating European countries. No serious complications were reported.

Conclusion

These data show a large predominance of central and truncal blocks in APRICOT study. Ultrasound guidance was mainly used for peripheral nerve blocks while central blocks were performed using landmark techniques.
Operationalism and realism in psychometrics
Authors: Vessonen Elina
Published: September 2019

Psychometrics is one of the main approaches to social scientific measurement. It is relied upon in drug testing, economic policymaking, recruitment, and other decision‐making contexts. The first aim of this article is to introduce philosophers to key aspects of psychometrics, namely, classical test theory, item response theory, and construct validity. The second aim is to show how a debate on the nature of psychological attributes manifests in psychometrics. In this debate, realists claim that psychometric measures are indicators of independently existing qualities, while operationalists argue that a measure defines its target attribute. The third and final aim is to argue that despite its poor reputation among philosophers, operationalism is a viable approach to psychometrics.
(Un)Informed Voting? A Test of Compulsory Voting Feedback Effects
Authors: Miles Matthew R. , Mullinix Kevin J.
Published: September 2019

Compulsory voting is known to increase turnout and produce a more representative electorate, but there is considerable debate about whether it stimulates political learning. Analyses of political knowledge using cross‐national and intranational observational data arrive at mixed conclusions. Experimental research is similarly inconclusive. We attempt to reconcile these disparate results by employing a novel experiment that tracks political learning during real elections and randomly assigns some people to receive a punitive threat for failure to cast an in‐person vote. We demonstrate that compelled voter participation can increase voter participation and political learning, but also prompts anger.
Public health nurses' experiences of assessing disruptive behaviour in children and supporting the use of an Internet‐based parent training programme
Authors: Ristkari Terja , Mishina Kaisa , Lehtola Milka‐Maija , Sourander Andre , Kurki Marjo
Published: September 2019

Background

In Finland, although families generally receive support from child health clinics, some need more help in dealing with their child's emotions, behaviour and psychosocial development. Public health nurses play a central role in providing vital psychosocial support for families, but they often lack the confidence and competence to tackle mental health problems.

Aim

To describe how public health nurses used and experienced a working model that combined a psychosocial tool (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ) to identify disruptive behaviour in four‐year‐old children and an Internet‐based parent training programme with telephone coaching.

Methods

This is a descriptive, cross‐sectional survey study. The sample consists of public health nurses (n = 138) who were working in child health clinics in Finland that had used the working model. Statistical data were analysed using SPSS Statistics for Windows. The responses to an open‐ended question were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results

The experiences about the working model were mainly positive. The public health nurses felt that the psychosocial tool, the SDQ, was easy and suitable to use in child health clinics. The availability of an Internet‐based parent training programme provided greater support for parents by overcoming practical barriers. Overall, the working model helped nurses to develop their mental health competencies.

Conclusion

Within primary care, the need to tackle psychosocial problems is increasing, and for this, public health nurses need extra support and tools. It seems that the working model, including the SDQ and the online and telephone coaching programme, worked well in child health clinics. This working model can be used to provide parental support and improve nurses' mental health competencies.
HLA‐DRB1*11:259 allele detected in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: September 2019

Nucleotide substitution in exon 2 of HLA‐DRB1*11:01:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DRB1*11:259.
How to … use qualitative research to change practice
Authors: Kajamaa Anu , de la Croix Anne , Mattick Karen
Published: September 2019

The ‘How to …’ series focuses on how to do qualitative research. But how can qualitative research enhance patient care? This paper aims to support health care practitioners, educators and researchers who are interested in bridging the gap between research and practice (both clinical and educational), to guide improvements that can ultimately benefit patients. We present action research and The Change Laboratory method as two approaches that typically involve qualitative research and have potential to change practice, blending scientific inquiry with social action. These approaches establish close research–practice partnerships and help answer tricky ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions that may unlock deep insights to enhance learning and patient care.

… how can qualitative research enhance patient care?
Exploring threshold concepts in population health
Authors: Neve Hilary , Hothersall Eleanor J , Rodrigues Veena
Published: September 2019

Background

Doctors are increasingly expected to improve the health and well‐being of populations, as well as to care for individuals. However, despite extensive efforts to integrate population health into undergraduate programmes, engaging students in such learning is notoriously challenging. Threshold concepts are transformative, integrative, irreversible and fundamental to understanding a discipline. Grasping such concepts requires learners to cross a liminal space, which often involves struggle.

Methods

We employed a form of transactional curriculum enquiry, involving qualitative and quantitative methods, with experienced population health medical educators to identify and explore threshold and troublesome concepts in population health.

Results

Attributing causality, inequalities in health and doctors’ responsibility for populations not just individuals were the concepts most participants thought were threshold. The value of qualitative research, health as politically and socially determined and not taking evidence at face value were the concepts ranked as most troublesome for learners. Participants found the notions of threshold and troublesome concepts helpful and empowering. They described ways these new ideas would influence how they taught population health.

Discussion

Transactional curriculum enquiry can offer insights into which population health concepts may be threshold and troublesome. The number of such concepts identified in this study may help explain why students often struggle to engage in population health learning. Understanding which concepts are threshold and particularly which are troublesome can help teachers to better support learners and can also inform curriculum design.

If our students are to … take responsibility for populations as well as individuals … it is vital that they cross these fundamental thresholds in learning
Sustained virological response with 16‐week glecaprevir/pibrentasvir after failure to sofosbuvir/velpatasvir in post‐transplant severe HCV recurrence in HIV
Authors: Merli Marco , Rossotti Roberto , Travi Giovanna , Ferla Fabio , Lauterio Andrea , Angelini Zucchetti Teresa , Alcantarini Chiara , Bargiacchi Olivia , De Carlis Luciano , Puoti Massimo
Published: September 2019

Direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) demonstrated high efficacy and safety even in the post‐liver transplant (LT) setting and in HIV‐infected patients, but data are very limited in the early post‐LT period with the most recently available DAA. Two HIV/HCV‐coinfected LT recipients (both grafts from HIV/HCV‐negative donors) experienced early HCV recurrence with severe hepatitis and were treated with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for 12 weeks. Unfortunately, both patients failed: one (genotype 4d) showed virological breakthrough at week 3 with resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) for both NS5A and NS5B, while the other (genotype 1a) experienced virological relapse without RAS. Both progressed to fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis and were successfully retreated with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for 16 weeks achieving sustained virological response. The higher prevalence of RAS in experienced genotype 4 patients and the long time to viral suppression observed in subjects with fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis should be taken into account, considering longer treatment duration to increase the chances of achieving sustained virological response.
Single‐center experience with use of letermovir for CMV prophylaxis or treatment in thoracic organ transplant recipients
Authors: Aryal Shambhu , Katugaha Shalika B. , Cochrane Adam , Brown Anne Whitney , Nathan Steven D. , Shlobin Oksana A. , Ahmad Kareem , Marinak Lauren , Chun Jessica , Fregoso Margaret , Desai Shashank , King Christopher
Published: September 2019

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common in thoracic organ transplant recipients. Valganciclovir and ganciclovir are used for both prophylaxis and treatment of this infection, but intolerance and treatment failure are common. Letermovir has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of CMV infection when used for prophylaxis in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. However, there are no data on its efficacy in thoracic organ transplantation.

Methods

We examined the use of letermovir for either CMV prophylaxis (primary and secondary) or treatment in heart and lung transplant recipients at our institution from February 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018.

Results

Nine total patients received letermovir at our institution (8 lung transplant, 1 heart transplant) during the study period. Letermovir was prescribed for CMV prophylaxis in eight patients (primary prophylaxis in two patients and secondary prophylaxis in 6 patients), and for treatment of CMV DNAemia in two cases. One patient received letermovir for both secondary prophylaxis and treatment on separate occasions. Three out of 8 (37.5%) patients receiving letermovir for prophylaxis developed CMV DNAemia during prophylaxis. One patient treated for CMV disease had clinical failure with a sharp rise in serum CMV DNA PCR. The other patient treated for low‐grade CMV DNAemia initially had a slight rise in CMV DNA PCR, but has since had a sustained response. No major side effects were experienced, and 2 patients reported minor side effects.

Conclusion

Letermovir was well tolerated with only minor side effects reported; however, the rate of development of CMV DNAemia on prophylaxis was considerable. Further study of the dosing and efficacy of letermovir for CMV prophylaxis or treatment in thoracic organ transplant recipients is warranted.
Drug dose and drug choice: Optimizing medical therapy for veterinary cancer
Authors: Thamm Douglas H. , Gustafson Daniel L.
Published: September 2019

Although novel agents hold great promise for the treatment of animal neoplasia, there may be room for significant improvement in the use of currently available agents. These improvements include altered dosing schemes, novel combinations, and patient‐specific dosing or selection of agents. Previous studies have identified surrogates for “individualized dose intensity,”, for example, patient size, development of adverse effects, and pharmacokinetic parameters, as potential indicators of treatment efficacy in canine lymphoma, and strategies for patient‐specific dose escalation are discussed. Strategies for treatment selection in individual patients include conventional histopathology, protein‐based target assessment (eg, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and mass spectrometry), and gene‐based target assessment (gene expression profiling and targeted or global sequencing strategies). Currently available data in animal cancer evaluating these strategies are reviewed, as well as ongoing studies and suggestions for future directions.
Dermal arteritis of the nasal philtrum: a retrospective study of 23 dogs
Authors: Souza Clarissa P. , Torres Sheila M. F. , Koch Sandra N. , Bernardi de Souza Lucilene
Published: September 2019

Background

Dermal arteritis of the nasal philtrum (DANP) is a cutaneous vascular condition that selectively targets large vessels of the nasal philtrum of dogs; little information is published about this disease.

Objective

The aim of this study was to report the signalment, clinical signs, treatment options and outcome of dogs with DANP, and to propose a rationale for the clinical diagnosis.

Animals

Twenty‐three dogs from four referral veterinary clinics from January 2002 to July 2018.

Methods and materials

Retrospective analysis of medical records of dogs with diagnosis of DANP.

Results

The mean age at disease onset was 5.3 years. Nineteen dogs were pure‐bred (11 different breeds) and four were mixed breed. Twenty‐three dogs had a clinical diagnosis of DANP and three of these had histopathological confirmation. Eight dogs had episodes of profuse arterial bleeding from the lesion, nine had minor bleeding and six no bleeding. Twenty dogs were managed medically with monotherapy or combined therapy of topical tacrolimus, prednisolone, doxycycline and niacinamide, and/or pentoxifylline. Long‐term tacrolimus was prescribed for 15 cases, eight of those cases as sole therapy. Treatment was declined for three dogs and four dogs were lost to follow‐up. The lesion was satisfactorily controlled in 12 dogs and well‐controlled in four dogs.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The distinctive presentation of DANP substantiates the clinical diagnosis. Medical treatment seems to be effective in controlling DANP and tacrolimus used as sole or adjunctive therapy appears to manage the disease satisfactorily.
Isolation of Neisseria dumasiana from a deep bite wound infection in a dog
Authors: Cobiella Danielle , Gram Dunbar , Santoro Domenico
Published: September 2019

Background

Neisseria spp. is a common inhabitant of the oral flora of cats and dogs; it is a potential cause of cutaneous infections in people secondary to animal bites. Neisseria dumasiana is a new species identified in the oral cavity of dogs. It has not been linked to cutaneous infections in people.

Objective

To describe the clinical and microbiological features of Neisseria dumasiana isolated from the skin of a dog.

Animal

A 3‐year‐old male neutered mixed breed dog from Florida, USA.

Methods and materials

The dog had no travel history within or outside the United States; the dog was presented with draining tracts on the dorsum. Five months before the initial examination the dog was involved in a fight with another dog.

Results

An aerobic bacterial culture was performed and isolated multiple small, grey, moist, circular, convex and nonhaemolytic colonies. A Gram stain showed Gram‐negative coccobacilli present in pairs. The bacteria were oxidase‐ and catalase‐positive and negative for indole and fermentation of fructose, xylose, sucrose, mannitol and sorbitol. Polymerase chain reaction, using 16S rDNA sequencing, was positive for Neisseria dumasiana. Clinical and microbiological resolution occurred within three months of treatment.

Conclusions and clinical importance

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a deep cutaneous dermatitis associated with Neisseria dumasiana in a dog. This case should stimulate veterinary clinicians and microbiologists to consider Neisseria spp. among the differential diagnoses of nonhealing wounds in dogs, particularly those associated with bite wounds.
Development of a Parallel Manipulator-Based Multifunction Mobility Assistive Device
Authors: Asker Ahmed , Assal Samy F. M.
Published: September 2019

Developing robotic systems for reducing the dependence of elderly on personal assistance is one of the most recent hot topics in robotics research. This paper proposes a multifunction mobility assistive device, which consists of an assisting parallel manipulator carried over an active walker. It is developed to interactively assist in various lower limb activities, namely, sit-to-stand, walking, bed or toilet to wheelchair transfer, and support in the upright position. The assisting parallel manipulator is constructed based on two of the nonconventional structure of the 3-RPR parallel manipulator. This structure offers kinematic decoupling between the position and orientation and free of singularity suitable workspace as well as high rigidity and payload capability. Kinematic, dynamic, and finite element analyses are performed to ensure the functionality of the device. A prototype of the device is constructed to verify the applicability of the device. The prototype is shown to be suitable for assisting subjects to stand up in a natural manner.
A new species of Tanytydeus (Acari: Paratydeidae) from termite nests in South Africa

Authors: Khaustov Alexander , Hugo-Coetzee Elizabeth , Ermilov Sergey
Published: September 2019

All active stages of a new species, Tanytydeus theroni sp. nov., are described from nests of the termite Trinervitermes trinervoides (Sjöstedt, 1911) (Isoptera: Termitidae) from South Africa. A key to Tanytydeus of the world is provided. The unusual morphological characters of the new species are discussed.
On the nonlinear temperature dependence of elastic constants and wave velocities for solid media with applications to geologic materials
Authors: Yang Jian , Fu Li-Yun , Fu Bo-Ye , Wang Zhiwei , Hou Wanting
Published: September 2019

Temperature-induced variations of elastic moduli in solid media are generally characterized by a strong nonlinear dependence on temperature associated with complex deformations under thermal treatments. Conventional thermoelasticity with third-order elastic constants for the one-order temperature dependence has been extensively studied for crystals, but encountering problems of divergent and limited velocity variations for rocks as a polycrystal mixture, especially at high temperatures. The extension of the theory beyond high-order elastic constants to solid media is addressed in this article to describe the nonlinear temperature dependence of both elastic constants and wave velocities. The total strain is divided into the background component associated with temperature variations and the infinitesimal component induced by propagating waves. A third-order temperature dependence of velocity variations is formulated by taking into account fourth-order elastic constants. Applications to solid rocks (sandstone, granite, and olivine) demonstrate an accurate description of temperature-induced variations, especially for high temperatures. Unlike crystals, the synthetic averaging elastic constants for a solid rock (as a polycrystal mixture) change less than 10% with temperatures. The thermal sensitivity of P-wave velocities is much more than that of S-wave velocities over the vast majority of temperatures examined.
In search of Sac Balam
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: September 2019

The Lacandon Maya resisted Spanish conquest for nearly 200 years. This summer, archaeologists went looking for their capital.
Galactic archaeology with Gaia
Authors: Wyse Rosemary
Published: September 2019

Satellite data reveal the Milky Way's turbulent past