bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assisted Desistance in Formal Settings: A Scoping Review
Authors: VILLENEUVE MARIE‐PIERRE , F.‐DUFOUR ISABELLE , FARRALL STEPHEN
Published: October 2020

Current research often relies on measures of recidivism to evaluate the effectiveness of formal criminal justice system interventions. Such studies, however, do not provide information on desistance from crime, that is, on how such interventions can help maintaining abstinence from offending and assist desisters in their efforts to change. This scoping review argues that formal agents (such as probation officers) can play a part in supporting desistance by providing practical help and resources based on desisters’ needs, and can assist in changes in self‐identity through sustained positive feedback and encouragement. We propose a model of assisted desistance to conceptualise the effects of formal agents on desistance processes. The mandatory context of interventions, the fragile balance between legalistic and therapeutic roles, as well as the processes of desistance outside of the criminal justice system are considered. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed.
The relationship between cognitive ability and personality scores in selection situations: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Schilling Michael , Becker Nicolas , Grabenhorst Magdalena M. , König Cornelius J.
Published: October 2020

Several faking theories have identified applicants’ cognitive ability (CA) as a determinant of faking—the intentional distortion of answers by candidates—but the corresponding empirical findings in the area of personality tests are often ambiguous. Following the assumption that CA is important for faking, we expected applicants with high CA to show higher personality scores in selection situations, leading in this case to significant correlations between CA and personality scores, but not in nonselection situations. This meta‐analysis (66 studies, k = 115 individual samples, N = 46,265) showed this pattern of results as well as moderation effects for the study design (laboratory vs. field), the response format of the personality test, and the type of CA test.
Failed Promise of Equality: Iranian women’s integration in the Netherlands
Authors: Ghorashi Halleh
Published: October 2020

Iranians are considered the most successful refugee group in the Netherlands in terms of integration. However, their path towards inclusion is not without struggles. This paper highlights organizational and societal limiting factors that are often forgotten in research and policy on refugees’ integration in the job market and on inclusion in general. The data presented are based on 20 years of research on narratives from Iranian refugees – mostly women – about their struggles towards societal and organizational inclusion. This article critically discusses the implications of dominant discourses and policies on the integration of refugees in the past and present to enable reflection for the future. The empirical data show how the consistency of normalized images of refugees hinders their path to long‐term inclusion. The data analysis is situated within the theoretical discussion on refugees’ integration in the labour market, connecting bodies of literature from refugee studies, organization studies and integration studies.
To investigate outcomes in endoscopic management of early oesophageal adenocarcinoma in Barrett oesophagus: experience at three Australian tertiary centres
Authors: Pateria Puraskar , Chong Andre , Muwanwella Niroshan , Siah Chiang , Kumarasinghe Priyanthi , Raftopoulos Spiro
Published: October 2020

Background

Barrett oesophagus is a known precursor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Early EAC includes T1a (invasion into mucosa) and T1b (invasion into submucosa but not muscularis propria). Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) provides accurate histological staging and definitive treatment for early EAC. Post EMR, the remaining Barrett is eradicated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). However, there is a paucity of long‐term Australian data.

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and long‐term outcomes of EMR and RFA in the management of early EAC.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients early EAC treated endoscopically at three Western Australian tertiary centres, with at least 12‐months follow up, over the past 10 years.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients with early EAC (61 T1a and 6 T1b) were treated with EMR. Complete Barrett eradication was done by EMR in 31 of 67 patients whereas 36/67 patients underwent RFA for residual Barrett. EMR changed pinch biopsy histology from HGD (n = 33), HGD suspicious for IMC (n = 5) and LGD (n = 1) to early EAC in 58.2% (n = 39) patients.

During a mean follow up of 37.2 months (interquartile range: 20, 56), complete remission of dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia was seen in 97% (n = 65) and 89.5% (n = 60) patients. One patient with T1b EAC underwent oesophagectomy. No cases developed metachronous EAC, progression to invasive adenocarcinoma or development of nodal/distant metastasis. Complications were endoscopically treated haematemesis (n = 1) and strictures (n = 16) requiring dilatations. Three patients died due to causes unrelated to IMC.

Conclusion

EMR in conjunction with RFA is an effective and safe management for early EAC. EMR provides accurate staging and has low complication rates.
Discriminant validity of the Crown–Crisp Experiential Index
Authors: Burgess P. M. , Mazzocco L. , Campbell I. M.
Published: October 2020

The discriminative power of the CCEI subscales was examined. Several approaches were undertaken on the responses from subjects in three neurotically disturbed groups and a normal control group. Analyses indicated that simple cut‐off points could discriminate effectively an ‘adjusted‐neurotic’ dimension; simple cut‐off points were relatively more difficult to develop for discrimination among the three neurotically disturbed groups. Discriminant analysis of the CCEI subscales indicated that approximately 74 per cent of all subjects could be classified correctly. The OBS and HYS subscales were not found to be effective discriminators among the four groups. While that finding may question the utility of those scales, an alternative explanation was proposed in terms of the characteristics of the present samples.
Experiences of new nurses dealing with death in a paediatric setting: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Chew Yi Jie Meredith , Ang Su Ling Linda , Shorey Shefaly
Published: October 2020

Aims

To explore and describe the experiences, challenges and coping strategies of new nurses dealing with paediatric death in a clinical setting.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study design was used.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of 12 new paediatric nurses from a tertiary public hospital in Singapore. Data were collected from September 2019‐December 2019. A thematic analysis was performed for data analysis.

Results

Four themes were generated: (a) a spectrum of emotions; (b) the ‘blame’ game; (c) getting through the grief; and (d) new nurses' wish list. The new nurses tended to be emotionally affected by their first death experience. They felt anxious and personally responsible for the death but eventually controlled their emotions. Colleagues, religion and self‐actualization were key in overcoming grief.

Conclusion

The experiences nurses go through at the early stages of their profession shape future workplace attitudes. Additional training and support should be provided to new nurses to build their confidence in managing end‐of‐life care. Training should include cultural awareness and communication skills to equip nurses with the necessary skills.

Impact

This research will have an impact on institutions, which develop culturally congruent training and support platforms that prepare new nurses for nursing practice. This research will drive future investigations on the long‐term effects of paediatric death on new nurses.
Relationships among hope, meaning in life, and post‐traumatic growth in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Jizhe , She Yiying , Wang Meiya , Zhang Yuting , Lin Yuanxin , Zhu Xiuli
Published: October 2020

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the relationships among hope, meaning in life, and post‐traumatic growth (PTG) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Design

A cross‐sectional study design.

Methods

Between October 2018–September 2019, 221 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient completed the questionnaires including sociodemographic information, Chinese Version of Herth Hope Index, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and Post‐traumatic Growth Inventory. Descriptive analysis, Spearman's correlation analysis, the Kruskal–Wallis H test, the Mann–Whitney U test, and the ridge regression analysis were used for analysis.

Results

Spearman's correlation analysis showed that hope and meaning in life were positively interrelated with PTG (r = 0.20–0.45, r = 0.36–0.54, p < 0.01). Ridge regression analysis results showed that hope, meaning in life, time since diagnosis, habitation, medical insurance, and monthly income could explain 47.30% of the variance in PTG (F = 33.863, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experienced a slightly positive change in meaning in life and a moderate degree of hope and PTG. Results suggested that hope and meaning in life were positively connected with PTG. Therefore, enhancing hope and meaning in life might be crucial for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to promote PTG.

Impact

The findings added better understanding of relationships among hope, meaning in life, and post‐traumatic growth in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which can help nurse give interventions in the early stage of disease diagnosis.
Looking back, looking forward: Methodological challenges and future directions in research on persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Authors: Maes Bea , Nijs Sara , Vandesande Sien , Van keer Ines , Arthur‐Kelly Michael , Dind Juliane , Goldbart Juliet , Petitpierre Geneviève , Van der Putten Annette
Published: October 2020

Background

Within the context of the Special Interest Research Group (SIRG) on Persons with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities (PIMD), researchers often discuss the methodological problems and challenges they are confronted with. The aim of the current article was to give an overview of these challenges.

Methods

The challenges are centred on six topics. These reflect the main components of a study's design: (a) participant demarcation, (b) participant recruitment, (c) data collection and instruments, (d) data analysis, (e) ethics/including the “voice” of persons with PIMD and (f) theoretical models.

Results

Next, to describing the specific challenges, possible solutions and pathways to address them are discussed. These are illustrated by recent studies by the authors and other researchers in the field.

Conclusions

The current contribution wants to stimulate further discussion and exchange of ideas, and the development of creative research techniques.
Behavioural, psychiatric and psychosocial factors associated with aggressive behaviour in adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review and narrative analysis
Authors: van den Akker Natalie , Kroezen Marieke , Wieland Jannelien , Pasma Annelieke , Wolkorte Ria
Published: October 2020

Background

Aggressive behaviour is prevalent in people with intellectual disabilities. To understand the aetiology, it is important to recognize factors associated with the behaviour.

Method

A systematic review was conducted and included studies published between January 2002 and April 2017 on the association of behavioural, psychiatric and psychosocial factors with aggressive behaviour in adults with intellectual disabilities.

Results

Thirty‐eight studies were included that presented associations with 11 behavioural, psychiatric and psychosocial factors. Conflicting evidence was found on the association of these factors with aggressive behaviour.

Conclusions

The aetiology of aggressive behaviour is specific for a certain person in a certain context and may be multifactorial. Additional research is required to identify contributing factors, to understand causal relationships and to increase knowledge on possible interaction effects of different factors.
Intelligence trajectories in adolescents and adults with down syndrome: Cognitively stimulating leisure activities mitigate health and ADL problems
Authors: Lifshitz Hefziba Batya , Bustan Noa , Shnitzer‐Meirovich Shlomit
Published: October 2020

Goals

This study examined: (a) crystallized/fluid intelligence trajectories of adolescents and adults with Down syndrome; and (b) the contribution of endogenous (health, activities of daily living—ADL) and exogenous (cognitively stimulating leisure activities) factors on adults’ intelligence with age.

Method

Four cohorts (N = 80) with Down syndrome participated: adolescents (ages 16–21) and adults (ages 30–45, 46–60 and 61+). All completed Vocabulary and Similarities (crystallized) and Block Design and Raven (fluid) intelligence tests (WAIS‐IIIHEB, Wechsler, 2001).

Results

The 30–45 cohort significantly outperformed the 16–21 cohort. Except for Vocabulary, which remained stable, onset of decline was at 40–50. Age‐related declining health and ADL correlated with participants’ lower fluid intelligence, but cognitive leisure activities mitigated this influence.

Conclusions

Intelligence development into adulthood supported the continuous trajectory and compensation age theory, rather than accelerated or stable trajectories. Not only endogenous factors but also exogenous factors determined intelligence levels in adults with Down syndrome, supporting cognitive activity theory.
Interglacials are driving speciation and intraspecific differentiation in the cold‐adapted butterfly species group Boloria pales / napaea (Nymphalidae)
Authors: Ehl Stefan , Ehl Sarah , Kramp Katja , Schmitt Thomas
Published: October 2020

Aim

Cold‐adapted species had their largest distribution areas during glacial periods, whereas the subsequent interglacials led to retreats of these taxa into mountain ranges and more northern regions, but existing data are not sufficient for generalizing these range dynamics. To improve our knowledge of the different phylogeographical patterns existing for cold‐adapted species, we examined two closely related butterfly species of the genus Boloria with alpine disjunct and arctic–alpine distribution respectively.

Location

Europe: High mountain areas and Scandinavia.

Taxa

Boloria pales and B. napaea.

Methods

We sequenced two mitochondrial (COI, ND1/trRNA/16S region) and two nuclear genes (wingless and EF‐1α) for 182 B. pales specimens from 37 localities and 60 B. napaea specimens from 12 localities representing the whole distribution area of both species in Europe. We used existing and known calibration points to date the age of the relevant splits.

Results

While nuclear DNA showed no genetic structures, the mitochondrial loci revealed 91 haplotypes belonging to three well‐differenced genetic lineages: (a) all samples of B. napaea from the Alps and Scandinavia, (b) the samples of B. pales from the Alps, Carpathians, High Tatra, Pirin Mountains, Dinaric Alps in Montenegro and the Apennines and (c) all samples of B. pales from the Pyrenees. The time estimates for the splits between these three groups range from 1.3 to 0.84 million years ago (mya). The further within‐groups differentiations are not older than 0.32 mya, but reveal a subtle pattern among and within mountain ranges.

Main conclusions

Allopatry during the mid‐Pleistocene has led to differentiation into three major genetic groups, each of which possibly representing a separate species today. Especially within the today widespread mountain group (i.e. the pales sensu stricto group), repeated expansion out of their Alpine centre and a number of different peri‐Alpine glacial distribution areas have produced the subtle genetic structure observed over the late Pleistocene. The two other groups also show substructures, but to a lesser degree, hence, calling for a less disrupted distribution pattern during the late Pleistocene. However, the arctic populations of B. napaea are not derived from the same source as the Alpine ones.
The impact of anthropogenic disturbances on the genetic diversity of terrestrial species: A global meta‐analysis
Authors: Almeida‐Rocha Juliana M. , Soares Leiza A.S.S. , Andrade Edyla R. , Gaiotto Fernanda A. , Cazetta Eliana
Published: October 2020

Human activities are primarily responsible for habitat loss and changes in natural environments around the world. It has been suggested that populations inhabiting human‐modified landscapes experience reduced gene flow, inbreeding depression, and loss of alleles due to genetic drift. However, empirical evidence shows the contrasting effects of anthropogenic disturbances on the genetic diversity of species. We performed a meta‐analysis of 61 studies that compared the genetic diversity of plant and/or animal populations in disturbed and more preserved areas (316 paired comparisons) to investigate the genetic responses to different disturbance types. There is a negative effect (effect size: −0.45; 95% confidence interval: −0.61, −0.29) of disturbances on genetic diversity, in which the most detrimental effects are caused by the loss of connectivity and forest cover. The methodological approach can explain part of the heterogeneity among the genetic responses detected by primary studies: (a) studies using the number of effective alleles did not detect genetic erosion, while all other indices revealed negative responses to disturbances; and (b) only studies performed with transferred or a combination of transferred and specific microsatellites detected negative responses. The effects on animal populations are more detrimental than in plant populations. Only plant species with a shrub life form, self‐incompatible reproductive systems, and biotic pollination and seed dispersal showed negative responses to disturbances. Despite heterogeneity among studies, there is an overall negative effect of disturbances on genetic diversity, which indicates that remaining populations inhabiting human‐modified landscapes have reduced evolutionary potential and are prone to local extinction.
CYP2J19 mediates carotenoid colour introgression across a natural avian hybrid zone
Authors: Kirschel Alexander N. G. , Nwankwo Emmanuel C. , Pierce Daniel K. , Lukhele Sifiso M. , Moysi Michaella , Ogolowa Bridget O. , Hayes Sophia C. , Monadjem Ara , Brelsford Alan
Published: October 2020

It has long been of interest to identify the phenotypic traits that mediate reproductive isolation between related species, and more recently, the genes that underpin them. Much work has focused on identifying genes associated with animal colour, with the candidate gene CYP2J19 identified in laboratory studies as the ketolase converting yellow dietary carotenoids to red ketocarotenoids in birds with red pigments. However, evidence that CYP2J19 explains variation between red and yellow feather coloration in wild populations of birds is lacking. Hybrid zones provide the opportunity to identify genes associated with specific traits. Here we investigate genomic regions associated with colour in red‐fronted and yellow‐fronted tinkerbirds across a hybrid zone in southern Africa. We sampled 85 individuals, measuring spectral reflectance of forecrown feathers and scoring colours from photographs, while testing for carotenoid presence with Raman spectroscopy. We performed a genome‐wide association study to identify associations with carotenoid‐based coloration, using double‐digest RAD sequencing aligned to a short‐read whole genome of a Pogoniulus tinkerbird. Admixture mapping using 104,933 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified a region of chromosome 8 that includes CYP2J19 as the only locus with more than two SNPs significantly associated with both crown hue and crown score, while Raman spectra provided evidence of ketocarotenoids in red feathers. Asymmetric backcrossing in the hybrid zone suggests that yellow‐fronted females mate more often with red‐fronted males than vice versa. Female red‐fronted tinkerbirds mating assortatively with red‐crowned males is consistent with the hypothesis that converted carotenoids are an honest signal of quality.
European confederation of medical mycology quality of clinical candidaemia management score: A review of the points based best practice recommendations
Authors: Bal Abhijit M.
Published: October 2020

Candidaemia is associated with high mortality. In the last few years, several guidelines have been published on the management of Candida bloodstream infection. However, adherence to the practice guidelines has been suboptimal. In order to facilitate and objectively measure the adherence to good practice recommendations, a scoring criterion was published by the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM). The ECMM Quality (EQUAL) of Clinical Candidaemia Management is an audit tool that comprises of 10 quality indicators. Each quality indicator is allotted between 1 and 3 points. The maximum achievable score is 22 or 19 in patients with or without a central venous catheter, respectively. This paper reviews each of the 10 quality indicators and provides the context for improving quality within the individual domains. The review also suggests areas that are in need of further clarity or areas which merit attention in the future updates of the EQUAL scoring system so that clinicians are able to derive maximum benefit from the audit tool. The EQUAL scoring tool is an important milestone in the quality improvement aspect of the management of candidaemia and contributes to the various components of clinical governance in the management of Candida infection of the bloodstream.
Advances in understanding the role of adiponectin in renal fibrosis
Authors: Zhao Dan , Zhu Xiaoyu , Jiang Lili , Huang Xiu , Zhang Yangyang , Wei Xuejiao , Zhao Xiaoxia , Du Yujun
Published: October 2020

Renal fibrosis is characterized by the proliferation of renal intrinsic cells, activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), processes that lead to the progressive loss of renal function. Renal fibrosis is characterized by the proliferation of renal intrinsic cells, activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts, and septal fibrosis is recognized as a marker for the progression of chronic kidney disease, a condition that is associated with high morbidity and mortality and is a significant public health burden. Despite extensive studies, there are no effective treatments for renal fibrosis. Adiponectin (APN) is a protein mainly produced by adipocytes that has anti‐inflammatory and anti‐atherosclerotic effects, improves insulin resistance and provides other salutary effects. Recent studies found that APN can inhibit ECM deposition by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, and by regulating the TGF‐β, AMPK, MCP‐1 and other signalling pathways. Many recent studies have examined the roles of these pathways in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. In this article, we review the pathogenic mechanism of APN in renal fibrosis and provide a theoretical basis for delaying and blocking renal fibrosis by alteration of APN activity.
Differential exposure to, and potential impact of, unhealthy advertising to children by socio‐economic and ethnic groups: A systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Backholer Kathryn , Gupta Adyya , Zorbas Christina , Bennett Rebecca , Huse Oliver , Chung Alexandra , Isaacs Anna , Golds Gabby , Kelly Bridget , Peeters Anna
Published: October 2020

Children's exposure to advertising of unhealthy food and nonalcoholic beverages that are high in saturated fats, salt and/or sugar is extensive and increases children's preferences for, and intake of, targeted products. This systematic review examines the differential potential exposure and impact of unhealthy food advertising to children according to socio‐economic position (SEP) and/or ethnicity. Nine databases (health, business, marketing) and grey literature were searched in November 2019 using terms relating to ‘food or drink’, ‘advertising’ and ‘socioeconomic position or ethnicity’. Studies published since 2007 were included. Article screening and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers. Quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa quality scale. Of the 25 articles included, 14 focused on exposure to unhealthy food advertising via television, nine via outdoor mediums and two via multiple mediums. Most studies (n = 19) revealed a higher potential exposure or a greater potential impact of unhealthy food advertising among ethnic minority or lower SEP children. Few studies reported no difference (n = 3) or mixed findings (n = 3). Children from minority and socio‐economically disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately exposed to unhealthy food advertising. Regulations to restrict unhealthy food advertising to children should be implemented to improve children's diets and reduce inequities in dietary intake.
Pacemaker‐mediated tachycardia in a dual‐lead CRT‐D: What is the mechanism?
Authors: Monkhouse Christopher , Cambridge Alex , Chow Anthony W.C. , Behar Jonathan
Published: October 2020

A 73‐year‐old gentleman with dilated cardiomyopathy, left bundle branch block and a left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction of 20% was implanted with two LV leads in a tri‐ventricular cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) trial. As a part of the trial he was programmed with fusion‐based CRT therapy with dual LV lead only pacing. The patient presented to local heart failure service 12 years after implant, after a positive response to CRT therapy, with increase in fatigue, shortness of breath and bilateral pitting oedema. The patient sent a remote monitoring transmission that suggested loss of capture on one of the LV leads. This coupled with atrial ectopics was producing a high burden of pacemaker‐mediated tachycardia (PMT) that was not seen when both LV leads had been capturing. What is the mechanism for this? Dual LV‐lead tri‐ventricular leads have been shown to have variable improvements in CRT response but with an increased complexity of implant procedure. This is the first case report of PMT‐induced heart failure exacerbation in a tri‐ventricular device following loss of LV capture of one lead.
Low renal transplantation rates in children with end‐stage kidney disease: A study of barriers in a low‐resource setting
Authors: Pais Priya , Blydt‐Hansen Tom D. , Michael Raj John A. , Dello Strologo Luca , Iyengar Arpana
Published: October 2020

After 2 decades as a low‐cost transplant centre in India, our rates of kidney transplantation are low compared to the burden of end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD). We performed this study to identify possible barriers inhibiting paediatric kidney transplant and to assess the outcomes of paediatric ESKD. A retrospective chart review of ESKD patients (2013 ‐ 2018) at a tertiary paediatric nephrology centre was conducted. Medical/non‐medical barriers to transplant were noted. Patient outcomes were classified as “continued treatment,” “lost to follow‐up (LTFU)” or “died.” Of 155 ESKD patients (monthly income 218 USD [146, 365], 94% self‐pay), only 30 (19%) were transplanted (28 living donor). Sixty‐five (42%) were LTFU, 19 (12%) died, and 71 (46%) continued treatment. LTFU/death was associated with greater travel distance (300 km [60, 400] vs 110 km [20, 250] km, P < .0001) and lower monthly income (145 USD [101, 290] vs 290 USD [159, 681], P < .0001). Among those who continued treatment, 41 proceeded to transplant evaluation of whom 13 had no living donor and remained waitlisted for 27 months (15, 30). The remainder (n = 30) did not proceed to transplant due to unresolved medical issues (n = 10) or a lack of parental interest in pursuing transplant (n = 20). Barriers to transplantation in low‐resource setting begin in ESKD. LTFU resulted in withdrawal of care and was associated with low socioeconomic status. Among those who continued treatment, transplant rates were higher but medical challenges and negative attitudes towards transplant and organ donation occurred.
Mechanistic Study of the Peroxyoxalate System in Completely Aqueous Carbonate Buffer
Authors: Augusto Felipe A. , Bartoloni Fernando H. , Pagano Ana Paula E. , Baader Wilhelm J.
Published: October 2020

The peroxyoxalate reaction is one of the most efficient chemiluminescence transformations, with emission quantum yields of up to 50%; additionally, it is widely utilized in analytical and bioanalytical assays. Although the real reason for its extremely high efficiency is still not yet understood, the mechanism of this transformation has been well elucidated in anhydrous medium. Contrarily, only few mechanistic studies have been performed in aqueous media, which would be of great importance for its application in biological systems. We report here our experimental results of the peroxyoxalate reaction in completely aqueous carbonate buffer, using fluorescein as chemiluminescence activator. The kinetics are very fast in the used basic conditions (pH > 9); despite this, reproducible kinetic results were obtained. The reaction proceeds by specific base catalysis, with rate‐limiting attack of hydrogen peroxide anion to the oxalic ester, in competition with ester hydrolysis by hydroxide ion. Emission quantum yields increase with the hydrogen peroxide concentration up to an optimal concentration of 10 mmol L–1. The infinite singlet quantum yield of (5.8 ± 0.2) × 10–7 is much lower than in anhydrous medium; however, it is similar to quantum yields measured before in partially aqueous media.
First report of the sexual stage of the flax pathogen Mycosphaerella linicola in France and its impact on pasmo epidemiology
Authors: Paumier Delphine , Bammé Blandine , Penaud Annette , Valade Romain , Suffert Frédéric
Published: October 2020

We performed a 3‐year field survey in France to characterize the dynamics of sexual reproduction in Mycosphaerella linicola, the causal agent of pasmo, during the interepidemic period. Cohorts of fruiting bodies were sampled from linseed straw during the autumn and winter and carefully observed, focusing on pseudothecia, asci, and ascospores. A sequence of experimental steps corresponding to Koch's postulates confirmed in July 2014, for the first time in France and continental Europe, the widespread presence of the sexual stage of M. linicola in plant host tissues. The developmental dynamics of pseudothecia on straw, expressed as the change over time in the percentage of mature pseudothecia, was similar in all three years. Pseudothecia appeared in late summer, with peak maturity reached in October. A temporal shift, thought to be due to early autumn rainfall, was highlighted in one of the three years. These observations suggest that sexual reproduction plays a significant role in the epidemiology of pasmo in France. A resurgence of M. linicola infections in spring flax is thought to have occurred in recent years, due to the increase in the area under flax. The presence of the sexual stage of this pathogen probably increased the quantitative impact of residues of winter linseed (used for oil) and flax straw (left on the soil for retting and used for fibres) as an interepidemic “brown bridge”. This case study highlights how certain parts of a disease cycle, in this case the sexual phase, can become crucial due to changes in production conditions.
Technology transfer and team boundary‐spanning activities and their antecedents: do the classic measures apply to China?
Authors: Crupi Antonio
Published: October 2020

The recent shift in the classic paradigm of technology transfer demands new and more adequate tools of investigation. In the last few decades, the world has experienced a unique mutation in innovation flow. If yesterday technologies traveled from west to east and from north to south, nowadays, leapfrogging economies are playing a pivotal role in changing this dynamic. The paper conducts an explorative inductive study to investigate the peculiarities of technology transfer and team boundary‐spanning activities and their antecedents in China. Moreover, the paper, through surveys and interviews explores how technology transfer classical measurements apply to Chinese respondents. The focus of the present research on boundary‐spanning activities carried out by teams in the technology industry is due to the rising interest from scholars and members of the Chinese technology industry. Interest has increased in light of the impressive efforts made by the Chinese government and institutions to push Chinese domestic inventions globally. Finally, while considering the limitations presented by a case study, the paper offers several insights for further analysis and discusses the theoretical and managerial implications of its findings.
Customer‐centric regulation: The case of Victorian urban water sector
Authors: Ananda Jayanath , Pawsey Nicholas , Nayeem Tahmid
Published: October 2020

The growing interest in customer engagement (CE) has triggered a new wave of reforms, particularly in utility regulation. Within the water sector, there has been a shift from a focus on cost‐reflective pricing toward customer‐centric pricing processes designed to identify customer preferences and expectations. The Victorian water sector in Australia offers a unique opportunity to explore the outcomes of these CE trends given the recent first‐time application of a novel Performance, Risk, Engagement, Management, and Outcomes (PREMO) framework. Based on in‐depth interviews with senior industry representatives from a diverse sample of Victorian water utilities, this paper critically analyses the scope, design, and incentive mechanisms that underpin the new regulatory process. Findings indicate that CE has potentially beneficial aspects to both the regulator and the regulated utility, including more transparency in capital projects and a better understanding of customer preferences in service delivery.
The Analysis of Well‐Being Using the Income‐Adjusted Multidimensional Synthesis of Indicators: The Case of China
Authors: Biggeri Mario , Bortolotti Luca , Mauro Vincenzo
Published: October 2020

In multidimensional indexes employed to measure well‐being and deprivation, income is sometimes included and sometimes excluded. The aim of this paper is to reconsider the role of income in the measurement of multidimensional well‐being by recognizing that it can indirectly contribute to individual well‐being, even if it is not regarded as a goal in itself. This involves introducing a new composite index: the Income‐adjusted Multidimensional Synthesis of Indicators (I‐MSI). To illustrate this index, individual‐level data from the 2015 China Household and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) are analyzed. Results confirm the soundness ofI‐MSIapproach as a multidimensional aggregation method and show that it can capture disparities across Chinese macro‐regions and variations among different segments of society.
Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette: Connection Through Comedy
Authors: Lintott Sheila
Published: October 2020

Hannah Gadsby: Nanette (2018) is a brilliant and masterful work of comedy in which Gadsby announces she is quitting comedy. In this article, I draw on classical and contemporary humor theory to explore the comedic content of Nanette and critique Gadsby’s reasons for quitting. Although I largely agree with Gadsby’s concerns about comedy, I argue that the very show in which she presents them, Nanette, stands as evidence against their universal truth. Gadsby argues that comedy is no longer conducive to her health for at least three related reasons. First, the self‐deprecatory comedy out of which she has built her career is a symptom of her humiliation which she is no longer willing or able to showcase for the pleasure of others. I argue that while self‐deprecatory humor can, of course, be a sign of humiliation, it needn’t be. Comedians, including those on the margins, can and do effectively employ self‐deprecation without humiliation or denigration of self, and one way comedians do this is as a ruse to expose the ignorance of the audience or of comic targets not present. Second, Gadsby analyzes jokes and argues their two‐part structure, set‐up and punch line, is inadequate for telling the whole story of the trauma she has endured as a lesbian who, as she puts it, presents as “gender not‐normal.” However, I maintain that, although jokes may not be, stand‐up sets are often complete wholes with beginnings, middles, and ends. In fact, Nannette is a prime example of such complex comedy. Finally, she argues that the comedian’s job is to create and dispel tension, but she is no longer willing to take responsibility for or do anything to dispel the tension created when she speaks of her past trauma. But I discuss how Gadsby, as a true master of her craft, is able to create a highly successful and very funny comedy show in which she completely controls the tension while explicitly choosing to leave significant portions of it with the audience. In fact, super stand‐up comedy can introduce tension it neglects to remove without sacrificing the humor. Indeed, Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette is a prime example of comedy that powerfully does precisely this.
Can Balint groups fill a gap in medical curricula?
Authors: Gajree Neera
Published: October 2020

Background

Emotions play a fundamental role in the professional development of doctors. Teaching medical students about the role of emotions in illness and relationships with patients can be challenging. Balint groups involve a case presentation and discussion focussed on the emotional component of patient interactions. This study aimed to assess whether a Balint group helped medical students to gain a better understanding of the role of emotions in the doctor–patient relationship, and whether students believed that the group provided a valuable educational opportunity.

Methods

Voluntary 5‐week Balint groups were offered to third, fourth and fifth year medical students on clinical placement at University Hospital Hairmyres. The traditional Balint group format was adhered to. Participating students were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire following the final group session.

Results

Sixteen medical students participated in the Balint groups, and they all completed the questionnaire. The majority of students agreed that the groups helped them to think about the place of emotions in patient encounters, and provided a useful space to think about the doctor–patient relationship. Most students agreed that participating in a Balint group was an important part of their training as a doctor. Students overwhelmingly indicated that Balint groups provide an aspect of training that is not currently addressed elsewhere in the medical student curriculum.

Conclusion

Balint groups provide an effective means of educating students about the role of emotions in the doctor–patient relationship. They are largely valued by students as providing a relevant component of their medical education
Differential activities of maize plant elicitor peptides as mediators of immune signaling and herbivore resistance
Authors: Poretsky Elly , Dressano Keini , Weckwerth Philipp , Ruiz Miguel , Char Si Nian , Shi Da , Abagyan Ruben , Yang Bing , Huffaker Alisa
Published: October 2020

Plant elicitor peptides (Peps) are conserved regulators of defense responses and models for the study of damage‐associated molecular pattern‐induced immunity. Although present as multigene families in most species, the functional relevance of these multigene families remains largely undefined. While Arabidopsis Peps appear largely redundant in function, previous work examining Pep‐induced responses in maize (Zm) implied specificity of function. To better define the function of individual ZmPeps and their cognate receptors (ZmPEPRs), activities were examined by assessing changes in defense‐associated phytohormones, specialized metabolites and global gene expression patterns, in combination with heterologous expression assays and analyses of CRISPR/Cas9‐generated knockout plants. Beyond simply delineating individual ZmPep and ZmPEPR activities, these experiments led to a number of new insights into Pep signaling mechanisms. ZmPROPEP and other poaceous precursors were found to contain multiple active Peps, a phenomenon not previously observed for this family. In all, seven new ZmPeps were identified and the peptides were found to have specific activities defined by the relative magnitude of their response output rather than by uniqueness. A striking correlation was observed between individual ZmPep‐elicited changes in levels of jasmonic acid and ethylene and the magnitude of induced defense responses, indicating that ZmPeps may collectively regulate immune output through rheostat‐like tuning of phytohormone levels. Peptide structure–function studies and ligand–receptor modeling revealed structural features critical to the function of ZmPeps and led to the identification of ZmPep5a as a potential antagonist peptide able to competitively inhibit the activity of other ZmPeps, a regulatory mechanism not previously observed for this family.
Genetic architecture to cause dynamic change in tiller and panicle numbers revealed by genome‐wide association study and transcriptome profile in rice
Authors: Ma Xiaoqian , Li Fengmei , Zhang Quan , Wang Xueqiang , Guo Haifeng , Xie Jianyin , Zhu Xiaoyang , Ullah Khan Najeeb , Zhang Zhanying , Li Jinjie , Li Zichao , Zhang Hongliang
Published: October 2020

Panicle number (PN) is one of the three yield components in rice. As one of the most unstable traits, the dynamic change in tiller number (DCTN) may determine the final PN. However, the genetic basis of DCTN and its relationship with PN remain unclear. Here, 377 deeply re‐sequenced rice accessions were used to perform genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for tiller/PN. It was found that the DCTN pattern rather than maximum tiller number or effective tiller ratio is the determinant factor of high PN. The DCTN pattern that affords more panicles exhibits a period of stable tillering peak between 30 and 45 days after transplant (called DT30 and DT45, respectively), which was believed as an ideal pattern contributing to the steady transition from tiller development to panicle development (ST‐TtP). Consistently, quantitative trait loci (QTL) expressed near DT30−DT45 were especially critical to the rice DCTN and in supporting the ST‐TtP. The spatio‐temporal expression analysis showed that the expression pattern of keeping relatively high expression in root at 24:00 (R24‐P2) from about DT30 to DT45 is a typical expression pattern of cloned tiller genes, and the candidate genes with R24‐P2 can facilitate the prediction of PN. Moreover, gene OsSAUR27 was identified by an integrated approach combining GWAS, bi‐parental QTL mapping and transcription. These findings related to the genetic basis underlying the DCTN will provide the genetic theory in making appropriate decisions on field management, and in developing new varieties with high PN and ideal dynamic plant architecture.
Resequencing of 296 cultivated and wild lotus accessions unravels its evolution and breeding history
Authors: Liu Zhengwei , Zhu Honglian , Zhou Juhong , Jiang Sanjie , Wang Yun , Kuang Jing , Ji Qun , Peng Jing , Wang Jie , Gao Li , Bai Mingzhou , Jian Jianbo , Ke Weidong
Published: October 2020

Lotus (family: Nelumbonaceae) are perennial aquatic plants that represent one of the most ancient basal dicots. In the present study, we resequenced 296 lotus accessions from various geographical locations and germplasms to explore their genomic diversity and population structure. This germplasm set consisted of four accessions of American wild lotus and 292 accessions of Asian lotus, which were divided into four subgroups: wild, rhizome, flower and seed. Total single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) suggested that the wild lotus had the highest variant number (7 191 010). Population structure and genome diversity analysis indicated that the American wild lotus demonstrated a distant genetic relationship with the Asian lotus. Furthermore, the seed and rhizome lotus groups had not originated from a single source but rather had a more complex multisource origin. Besides that, the seed lotus showed higher genetic diversity, which might have been due to the gene flow from the flower lotus to seed lotus by artificial crossing, and the rhizome lotus showed a much lower genetic diversity than the other groups. The present study provides SNP markers for lotus genomic diversity analysis, which will be useful for guiding lotus breeding.
Local gene regulation in radial glia: Lessons from across the nervous system
Authors: D'Arcy Brooke R. , Silver Debra L.
Published: October 2020

Radial glial cells (RGCs) are progenitors of the cerebral cortex which produce both neurons and glia during development. Given their central role in development, RGC dysfunction can result in diverse neurodevelopmental disorders. RGCs have an elongated bipolar morphology that spans the entire radial width of the cortex and ends in basal endfeet connected to the pia. The basal process and endfeet are important for proper guidance of migrating neurons and are implicated in signaling. However, endfeet must function at a great distance from the cell body. This spatial separation suggests a role for local gene regulation in endfeet. Endfeet contain a local transcriptome enriched for cytoskeletal and signaling factors. These localized mRNAs are actively transported from the cell body and can be locally translated in endfeet. Yet, studies of local gene regulation in RGC endfeet are still in their infancy. Here, we draw comparisons of RGCs with foundational work in anatomically and phylogenetically related cell types, neurons and astrocytes. Our review highlights a striking overlap in the types of RNAs localized, as well as principles of local translation between these three cell types. Thus, studies in neurons, astrocytes and RGCs can mutually inform an understanding of RNA localization across the nervous system.
Do exporters have markup premiums and why (not)? Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Chih‐Hai
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the relationship between exports and markups in Chinese manufacturing firms. In particular, the investigation focuses on how ownership differentiates the export–markup nexus and how heterogeneity in export contents affects exporters' markups. The export–markup premium is found exclusively in the full sample and domestic firms. In contrast, exporters of foreign‐invested enterprises (FIEs) demonstrate a lower markup than their non‐exporters counterparts, ceteris paribus. The possible channels and mechanisms that result in such results are proposed and discussed. Furthermore, export types and export variety can influence exporters' markups. Ordinary exports carry a higher premium than that of processing exports for domestic exporters; multi‐product exporters exhibit a higher markup than single‐product exporters. The markup effect of export destinations varies between domestic firms and FIEs.