bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
French Prisoners Cast their Vote in the 2019 European Elections: An ad hoc Analysis of their Electoral Choices and Political Attitudes
Authors: HERZOG‐EVANS MARTINE , THOMAS JÉRÔME
Published: September 2020

France belongs to a group of jurisdictions where the vast majority of prisoners retain their right to vote, but where it remained difficult to exercise this right until a March 2019 Act unexpectedly allowed them to vote via a booth and ballot box for the EU parliamentary elections. This article analyses their participation and political choices at a national level. It further presents the result of an ad hoc study conducted in three prisons which explored prisoners’ political culture, their interest in political life, their perception of the political challenges and contemporary questions, and their political convictions and values. Our general findings are that prisoners only partially differ from the general population regarding their political choices. At a deeper level, the findings also show that prisoners have more ‘political capital’ than politicians assume. We conclude with comments on the untapped potential this holds for their reintegration into the community.
Do macro‐prudential policies jeopardize banking competition?
Authors: Mirzaei Ali , Moore Tomoe
Published: September 2020

Macro‐prudential policies that are adopted to strengthen the resilience of the financial sector to systemic risk impose additional restrictions on bank lending and other activities, altering the structure of the banking sector. In this article, we empirically investigate the extent to which macro‐prudential instruments affect one of the bank characteristics, bank competition, for a sample of 58 countries. The robust finding is that macro‐prudential policies are adversely affecting bank competition, in particular, this is driven by liquidity‐ and capital‐related instruments. The negative effect can, however, be mitigated in countries with high institutional quality and high bank supervisory powers.
Fruit damages caused by the broad‐winged bush katydid, Scudderia pistillata (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) in commercial cranberry bog
Authors: Labarre Didier , Piché‐Luneau Samuel , Gervais François , Légaré Jean‐Philippe , Cormier Daniel , Lucas Eric
Published: September 2020

In August 2018, unidentified damages were reported on cranberries in a conventional bog located in Quebec (Eastern Canada). Following a field inspection, high percentage of nibbled fruits as well as katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) were observed. Several individuals (nymphs and adults) were seen feeding directly on the fruits. Specimens were captured and sent to the “Laboratoire d'expertise et de diagnostic en phytoprotection” of the “Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food" (LEDP‐MAPAQ). They were identified as Scudderia pistillata Brunner von Wattenwyl (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). Subsequently, a systematic fruit sampling was realized into the beds where damages were observed to assess spatial patterns of infestation. To our knowledge, it constitutes the first mention of significant damages associated to this species in cranberry bogs and, in some cases, up to 5% damages to the fruits were observed. This observation suggests that S. pistillata represents a potential pest for this crop. Additionally, a decrease of damage rates was observed when distancing from the north‐eastern corner of the bog. Hypothesis in regards of damages' spatial pattern is discussed.
Community pharmacist interventions to improve adherence to lipid lowering medication and their influence on clinical outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Oñatibia‐Astibia Ainhoa , Malet‐Larrea Amaia , Gastelurrutia Miguel Ángel , Calvo Begoña , Goyenechea Estibaliz
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Non‐adherence is a major problem among patients with chronic diseases. Community pharmacists are ideally positioned to detect non‐adherence and to provide patient‐centred interventions.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of the impact of community pharmacist interventions on patient adherence to lipid lowering medication (LLM) prescriptions and clinical outcomes.

Search method

Five databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge) were searched systematically to identify relevant reports published by December 2019. Study quality was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB 2.0) tool.

Selection criteria

Controlled trials in which community pharmacists conducted an intervention to improve patient adherence to LLM and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Main results

Five studies (2408 participants) were included in the qualitative analysis. Four studies (n = 2266) were pooled in the meta‐analysis. Participants in the intervention group (IG) had better adherence than those in the control group (CG) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38‐2.02; P < 0.001; I2 = 54%]. Better adherence rates were obtained when adherence was measured with validated questionnaires than when medication‐possession ratio (MPR) measurements were used. Total cholesterol (TC) levels were not included in the meta‐analysis due to data variability among the studies.

Conclusions

Pharmacist‐led intervention can improve LLM adherence, but its influence on clinical outcomes, including lipid level control, remains to be clarified.
Quantifying an overlooked aspect of partial migration using otolith microchemistry
Authors: Rohtla Mehis , Matetski Lagle , Taal Imre , Svirgsden Roland , Kesler Martin , Paiste Päärn , Vetemaa Markus
Published: September 2020

For the first time, an overlooked aspect of partial migration was quantified using otolith microchemistry and brown trout, Salmo trutta, as a model species. Relative contributions of freshwater resident and anadromous female brown trout to mixed‐stock sea trout populations in the Baltic Sea were estimated. Out of 236 confirmed wild sea trout sampled around the coast of Estonia 88% were of anadromous maternal origin and 12% were of resident maternal origin. This novel finding underscores the importance of the resident contingent in maintaining the persistence and resilience of the migratory contingent.
First genetic characterization of sturgeon mimiviruses in Ukraine
Authors: Rud Yuriy , Bigarré Laurent , Pallandre Laurane , Briand François‐Xavier , Buchatsky Leonid
Published: September 2020

A group of pathogenic nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) related to the Mimiviridae family infect farmed sturgeons across Europe, causing mild‐to‐severe losses. One of these viruses, Acipenser iridovirus‐European (AcIV‐E), was identified in six sturgeon species. During the 2018–2019 period, nine sick Siberian (A. baerii) and Russian (A. gueldenstaedtii) sturgeons were sampled in Ukrainian farms and tested for the presence of AcIV‐E using real‐time PCR. The presence of AcIV‐E was confirmed in some samples. High‐resolution melting (HRM) assay and Sanger sequencing demonstrated the presence in three farms of two alleles of the major capsid protein (MCP) gene, called var1 and var2. Five samples carried both var1 and var2 at varying ratios, and the sixth sample was infected with only var1. These results constitute the first detection of AcIV‐E in Ukraine and the first detection of a sample carrying only var1. The full‐length sequences of the MCP genes confirmed the existence of two genetic lineages of AcIV‐E, tentatively named V1 and V2, each displaying multiple substitutions in the MCP gene. Some of the MCP sequences showed a genetic relationship to both V1 and V2 lineages, depending on the fragment examined. Most likely, these sequences resulted from recombination events.
A comparison of the use of different swab materials for optimal diagnosis of amoebic gill disease (AGD) in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Fernandez‐Senac Carolina , Fridman Sophie , Sokolowska Jadwiga , Monaghan Sean J. , Garzon Teresa , Betancor Monica , Paladini Giuseppe , Adams Alexandra , Bron James E.
Published: September 2020

Routine gill swabbing is a non‐destructive sampling method used for the downstream qPCR detection and quantitation of the pathogen Neoparamoeba perurans, a causative agent of amoebic gill disease (AGD). Three commercially available swabs were compared aiming their application for timelier AGD diagnosis (Calgiswab® (calcium alginate fibre‐tipped), Isohelix® DNA buccal and cotton wool‐tipped). Calcium alginate is soluble in most sodium salts, which potentially allows the total recovery of biological material, hence a better extraction of target organisms’ DNA. Thus, this study consisted of (a) an in vitro assessment involving spiking of the swabs with known amounts of amoebae and additional assessment of retrieval efficiency of amoebae from agar plates; (b) in vivo testing by swabbing of gill arches (second, third and fourth) of AGD‐infected fish. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments identified an enhanced amoeba retrieval with Calgiswab® and Isohelix® swabs in comparison with cotton swabs. Additionally, the third and fourth gill arches presented significantly higher amoebic loads compared to the second gill arch. Results suggest that limiting routine gill swabbing to one or two arches, instead of all, could likely lead to reduced stress‐related effects incurred by handling and sampling and a timelier diagnosis of AGD.
Prevalence of Clonorchis sinensis infection in fish in South‐East Asia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Ying , Gong Qing‐Long , Lv Qing‐Bo , Qiu Yang‐Yuan , Wang Yan‐Chun , Qiu Hong‐Yu , Guo Xin‐Rui , Gao Jun‐Feng , Chang Qiao‐Cheng , Wang Chun‐Ren
Published: September 2020

Clonorchis sinensis, an important fish‐borne zoonotic trematode, is widely distributed in South‐East Asia, especially in China. Infections from human and animal reservoir hosts occur due to the consumption of raw or undercooked fish with C. sinensis metacercariae. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of C. sinensis metacercariae in fish in South‐East Asia via systematic review and meta‐analysis. We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and Chongqing VIP databases for studies published between 1976 and 2020 that are related to the prevalence of C. sinensis metacercariae in fish. Studies were screened with keywords based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Seventy‐one eligible articles were identified, covering three countries: China, Korea and Vietnam. The pooled prevalence of C. sinensis metacercariae in fish from South‐East Asia was 30.5%, with 35.1% in China, 29.7% in Korea and 8.4% in Vietnam. In subgroup analyses of climate, season, water source and publication date, the highest prevalence was identified in the Dwb climate type (43.3%), summer (70.2%), river (34.5%) and pre‐2001 publications (38.9%), respectively. In comparison, the lowest prevalence was found in the Dfa climate type (14.5%), winter (19.5%), lake (8.0%) and post‐2001 publications (23.8%). Meta‐regression results indicated that country (p = .009), the published time (p = .035) and water source subgroups (p = .003) may be the source of heterogeneity. Overall, our study indicates that a high prevalence of C. sinensis infections occurs in fish in China, Korea and Vietnam, illuminating a significant public health concern in these countries.
Mucin histochemistry as a tool to assess rostral digestive tract health in a teleost model (Danio rerio)
Authors: Kotzé Sanet H. , Huysseune Ann
Published: September 2020

The zebrafish (Danio rerio), a small agastric teleost fish, has become a popular species to model diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Remarkably, its rostral digestive tract has been largely understudied. To allow for accurate reporting and to improve the translational potential of this research model, the present study first proposes terminology for the different regions of the rostral digestive tract in zebrafish. Based on markers (in particular mucin histochemistry) which are easy to apply in routine histopathology laboratories, five regions are identified, in line with descriptions for carp, a close relative of zebrafish. The mucin histochemical staining is specific and distinct in each region identified, and can be used as a tool to assess health of the rostral digestive tract. In addition, we identify a transitional zone between the oesophagus and intestinal bulb which may represent a remnant of a rudimentary stomach.
Cancer Prevention and Screening for Older Adults: Part 1. Lung, Colorectal, Bladder, and Kidney Cancer
Authors: Coll Patrick P. , Korc‐Grodzicki Beatriz , Ristau Benjamin T. , Shahrokni Armin , Koshy Alexander , Filippova Olga T. , Ali Imran
Published: September 2020

The incidence of most cancers increases with age. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in older adults after cardiovascular disease. Many common cancers in older adults can be prevented from occurring or can be identified at an early stage and treated effectively. The prevention and identification of cancer in its early stages, in an attempt to reduce discomfort and disability associated with advanced cancer and cancer treatment, is also a priority. Overscreening for cancer in older adults can lead to unnecessary diagnostic testing and unnecessary treatment. Both older adults and their healthcare providers need guidance on the appropriate use of cancer prevention and screening interventions. This first of a two‐part review addresses special considerations regarding cancer prevention for adults aged 65 and older. Screening decisions and the impact of limited life expectancy and an older adult's ability to tolerate cancer treatment are also addressed. Guidance is provided regarding the prevention and early identification of lung, colorectal, bladder, and kidney cancer in older adults. The prevention of breast, prostate, and female urogenital cancers are addressed in Part 2. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2399–2406, 2020.
Potentials of big data for corporate environmental management: A case study from the German automotive industry
Authors: Beier Grischa , Kiefer Julian , Knopf Jutta
Published: September 2020

Integrating more sustainability into business processes is becoming increasingly important for companies. At the same time, they aim to collect and analyze large amounts of data (big data) to improve these processes. The potentials of big data for corporate environmental protection are hardly dealt with in the scientific literature. The main contribution of this paper is to identify potential big data use cases for corporate environmental management by using the example of the German automotive industry. For this purpose, expert interviews were conducted with corporate environmental managers which were evaluated by using a qualitative content analysis. In order to balance this environmental perspective and enhance it with data analytical expertise, these use cases were assessed by data analytics experts through a mixed method approach, in a subsequent process. The presentation of the identified five use cases and their critical reflection through data analytics experts are the key results of this paper.
Capital Bubbles, Interest Rates, and Investment in a Small Open Economy
Authors: KIKUCHI TOMOO , THEPMONGKOL ATHAKRIT
Published: September 2020

We model a bubble in a productive asset (capital) on an explosive path, which diverges from the fundamental equilibrium and bursts with a positive probability. When the bubble grows, the small open economy borrows from the the world economy to finance investment and production, and banks charge the risk of the bubble bursting as an interest rate spread to debtors. Consequently, the interest rate spread widens as loans are increasingly backed by the bubble. When the bubble bursts, defaults cause a sudden stop of credit inflow from the world economy, investment falls, and the interest rate spread vanishes.
Recent advances in gene therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders with epilepsy
Authors: Turner Thomas J. , Zourray Clara , Schorge Stephanie , Lignani Gabriele
Published: September 2020

Neurodevelopmental disorders can be caused by mutations in neuronal genes fundamental to brain development. These disorders have severe symptoms ranging from intellectually disability, social and cognitive impairments, and a subset are strongly linked with epilepsy. In this review, we focus on those neurodevelopmental disorders that are frequently characterized by the presence of epilepsy (NDD + E). We loosely group the genes linked to NDD + E with different neuronal functions: transcriptional regulation, intrinsic excitability and synaptic transmission. All these genes have in common a pivotal role in defining the brain architecture and function during early development, and when their function is altered, symptoms can present in the first stages of human life. The relationship with epilepsy is complex. In some NDD + E, epilepsy is a comorbidity and in others seizures appear to be the main cause of the pathology, suggesting that either structural changes (NDD) or neuronal communication (E) can lead to these disorders. Furthermore, grouping the genes that cause NDD + E, we review the uses and limitations of current models of the different disorders, and how different gene therapy strategies are being developed to treat them. We highlight where gene replacement may not be a treatment option, and where innovative therapeutic tools, such as CRISPR‐based gene editing, and new avenues of delivery are required. In general this group of genetically defined disorders, supported increasing knowledge of the mechanisms leading to neurological dysfunction serve as an excellent collection for illustrating the translational potential of gene therapy, including newly emerging tools.

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Setting the Tone for the Team: A Multi‐Level Analysis of Managerial Control, Peer Control, and their Consequences for Job Satisfaction and Team Performance
Authors: Walter Jorge , Kreutzer Markus , Kreutzer Karin
Published: September 2020

In this study, we develop a multi‐level theoretical framework linking antecedents and outcomes of peer control, defined as team members at the same hierarchical level noticing and responding to their peers’ behaviour or performance. Analysing multi‐level data from 356 volunteers and 58 regional teams in a non‐profit organization, we examine top‐down managerial controls as antecedents of lateral peer control, both directly (i.e., monitoring and responding directly to peers) and indirectly (i.e., gossiping about and avoiding underperforming peers), and peer control’s effects on individual‐ and team‐level outcomes. In line with our predictions, we find formal managerial control and clan control to be antecedents of peer control, albeit with differential effects on direct and indirect peer control. We also find a significant association between peer control and both individual‐level job satisfaction and team‐level performance, but again, with crucial differences between the two types of peer controls and the two outcomes. Our study contributes to the development of a better theoretical understanding of peer control, sheds light on inconsistent findings across prior studies, provides novel insights into how team leaders can influence team members’ individual satisfaction and team‐level performance via peer control, and reveals important trade‐offs with regards to peer control’s influence on individual‐ and team‐level outcomes.
Insights of Brazilian consumers' behavior for different coffee presentations: An exploratory study comparing hard laddering and completion task
Authors: Sales Yasmin Janaína D. , Corrêa Fernando J. Braz , Tavares‐Filho Elson R. , Soares Paula Thaís S. , Durço Bruna B. , Pagani Mônica M. , Freitas Mônica Q. , Cruz Adriano G. , Esmerino Erick A.
Published: September 2020

Coffee is one of the most appreciated beverages worldwide. However, little is known about the factors that motivate the consumption of coffee in the form of capsules (CC), roasted beans (CB), and powder (CP). Thus, qualitative methodologies such as of completion task (CT) and hard laddering (HL) were used in this study to help understand the motivations that drive the choice of different coffee presentations. The results obtained show that CP was perceived as traditional, practical, low cost, low quality generating less pleasure during consumption when compared with the others. CC was perceived as more practical, with the practicality and variety of flavors, although the higher price, lower sensory quality and the environmental impacts were relevant perceptions. Although CB was perceived as a high‐quality product, generating greater consumer satisfaction, its high cost and lack of convenience stood out. Therefore, both techniques were able to capture the consumers' perception with great similarity between the results; however, it is worth emphasizing that HL was able to achieve deeper values related to food choice and consumption of product. This information can be used by the coffee producers and the processing industries to develop effective marketing strategies to effectively reach market segments.

Practical application

As the demand for coffee consumption has increased over the years, driven by the diversification of commercial presentations of the product, it is of great value to understand the perception of consumers and the factors involved in purchase and consumption. Laddering is a useful in‐depth interviewing technique of qualitative research that unveils opinions, attitudes and beliefs that are part of consumers' cognitive structure. Projective methodologies as completion task use ambiguous and indirect stimuli such as images or stories encourage participants to project their own experience onto the stimuli, allowing that values, ideas, and abstract need to be explored. We believe that the data obtained in such a deep and spontaneous way can be extrapolated to guide actions and can help several decisions of product development, labeling, packaging, and marketing.
Community‐level burden of acute diarrhoeal illness in the first 2 years of life in Brisbane, Australia: A birth cohort study
Authors: Mihala Gabor , Grimwood Keith , Lambert Stephen B , Ware Robert S
Published: September 2020

Aim

This study sought to describe the burden of acute diarrhoeal illness (ADI) in an Australian subtropical urban setting following rotavirus vaccine introduction and to investigate the associations between child/family characteristics and ADI.

Methods

Parents of 154 children from the Observational Research in Childhood Infectious Diseases birth cohort provided daily symptom and health‐care data until the age of 2 years.

Results

The incidence rate of ADI was 1.07 per child‐year (95% confidence interval: 0.94–1.21). The median length of episode duration was 3 days (25th–75th percentiles: 1–6). The incidence rate was significantly higher in the first month of life and between 6 and 17 months of age compared with 18–23 months, also for children with siblings and in formal childcare. Overall, 49% of ADI episodes led to health‐care visits.

Conclusions

Despite a successful rotavirus vaccine programme, ADI still results in a substantial disease burden affecting young Australian children and their families.
Mycorrhizal fungi maintain plant community stability by mitigating the negative effects of nitrogen deposition on subordinate species in Central Asia
Authors: Jia Yangyang , Walder Florian , Wagg Cameron , Feng Gu
Published: September 2020

Questions

Plant community stability is threatened by increasing numbers of simultaneously changing factors such as increased precipitation and nitrogen (N) deposition. Despite the pivotal roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for plant community dynamics, only few studies have paid attention to their roles in maintaining plant community stability under global change. We therefore assessed the interactive effects of a realistic N deposition and AMF on plant community temporal stability under future increased precipitation scenarios.

Location

Gurbantunggut desert, China.

Methods

We conducted a four‐year field experiment simulating a realistic N deposition and with/without AMF treatments in one typical ephemeral plant community, dynamically monitoring the changes in plant community biomass and composition.

Results

We found that suppression of AMF significantly reduced Shannon–Wiener diversity and evenness while the realistic N deposition only marginally reduced the Shannon–Wiener diversity. Suppression of AMF and increased N deposition highly increased the species turnover. Particularly, the stability of subordinate plant species significantly correlated to the community‐level stability. AMF were able to buffer the negative effects of increased N deposition on plant community diversity, to maintain community‐level stability.

Conclusions

Our study supports the subordinate insurance hypothesis, highlighting the considerable roles of subordinate plant species in maintaining community stability. Furthermore, our results indicate the joint roles of AMF and N deposition in regulating plant community stability, and point to the importance of taking AMF and the realistic N deposition into account for understanding the responses of community stability to multiple global change scenarios.
Contrasting signatures of introgression in North American box turtle (Terrapene spp.) contact zones
Authors: Martin Bradley T. , Douglas Marlis R. , Chafin Tyler K. , Placyk John S. , Birkhead Roger D. , Phillips Christopher A. , Douglas Michael E.
Published: September 2020

Hybridization occurs differentially across the genome in a balancing act between selection and migration. With the unprecedented resolution of contemporary sequencing technologies, selection and migration can now be effectively quantified such that researchers can identify genetic elements involved in introgression. Furthermore, genomic patterns can now be associated with ecologically relevant phenotypes, given availability of annotated reference genomes. We do so in North American box turtles (Terrapene) by deciphering how selection affects hybrid zones at the interface of species boundaries and identifying genetic regions potentially under selection that may relate to thermal adaptations. Such genes may impact physiological pathways involved in temperature‐dependent sex determination, immune system functioning and hypoxia tolerance. We contrasted these patterns across inter‐ and intraspecific hybrid zones that differ temporally and biogeographically. We demonstrate hybridization is broadly apparent in Terrapene, but with observed genomic cline patterns corresponding to species boundaries at loci potentially associated with thermal adaptation. These loci display signatures of directional introgression within intraspecific boundaries, despite a genome‐wide selective trend against intergrades. In contrast, outlier loci for interspecific comparisons exhibited evidence of being under selection against hybrids. Importantly, adaptations coinciding with species boundaries in Terrapene overlap with climatic boundaries and highlight the vulnerability of these terrestrial ectotherms to anthropogenic pressures.
The technological challenges of reducing the saturated fat content of foods
Authors: Bruce J. H.
Published: September 2020

Industrial food scientists modify oil formulations in order to meet their customers’ needs such as cost and nutritional content, but the fat formulae must also function during production of the food and in the finished food product. Unlike mono‐ and polyunsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids (SFA) are resistant to oxidation and become solid at room temperatures. Reducing the level of SFA therefore creates technical difficulties. Techniques such as plant breeding to reduce polyunsaturated fat and so increase oxidative stability, and fractionation and interesterification to provide greater firmness, are discussed. Opportunities for SFA reduction are identified in baked goods, such as biscuits, cakes and pastries, using formulations which are already available on the market. Other products, such as meat, dairy and confectionery, would prove harder to reformulate. An example of a successful change in fatty acid profiles of foods is the removal of industrially produced trans fatty acids, which was largely complete in the UK by 2006. Similar methods could be used to bring about a reduction in intake of saturated fat, but the food industry would need compelling scientific, regulatory or public relations arguments to motivate these changes due to the costs involved.
Toward pollen sterility in German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)–Conventional breeding approaches of cytoplasmic/genic male sterility and chemical emasculation
Authors: Faehnrich Bettina , Huber Julia , Wagner Sarah , Franz Chlodwig , Fraust Beate , Wehrle Maria , Ruzicka Joana , Novak Johannes , Otto Lars‐Gernot
Published: September 2020

Pollen sterility (PS) in mother lines is crucial for hybrid crossings in plant breeding. 21 di‐ (2x) and tetraploid (4x) accessions of the hermaphroditic chamomile were screened for spontaneous, thermic or gametocide induced PS. Two crossing trials with the diploid accessions 'Bona' (BON) and 'Hungary 2' (HUN2) should specify maternally inherited cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). Progeny thereof showed increased PS. BON as mother (BH) entailed means of 30 and 22% PS, versus 8% and 20% after reciprocal crossings. Backcrosses of BH with HUN2 in paternal and maternal direction revealed increasing mean PS (24% and 32%), without verification of CMS. A split plot design of 100 individuals treated with four chemical gametocides analyzed PS, seed set, germination rate and whole plant damage. Tri‐iodobenzoic acid caused the highest PS (43%). Progeny of two plants (2x, 4x) with degenerated anthers without pollen, showed 100% PS either in tetraploid F1 and F2 (4% and 11%) or in diploid F2 and F3 (26% and 23%). High temperature (30/28°C day/night) decreased the male fertility to some extent.
Trichomonas vaginalis‐secreted cysteinyl leukotrienes promote migration, degranulation and MCP‐1 production in mast cells
Authors: Lee Young Ah , Nam Young Hee , Min Arim , Shin Myeong Heon
Published: September 2020

Trichomonas vaginalis, a flagellated extracellular protozoan parasite that infects the human genitourinary tract, is usually transmitted by sexual contact. Our previous study showed that the leukotriene B4 (LTB4), a T vaginalis‐secreted lipid mediator, induces interleukin (IL)‐8 production and promotes mast cell degranulation and migration via BLT1 in human. In this study, we investigated whether T vaginalis produces another leukotrienes and whether it causes increased MCP‐1 production, mast cell migration and degranulation by activating mast cells. We found that cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) were contained in T vaginalis‐derived secretory product (TvSP) by ELISA. The TvSP‐stimulated human mast cell line (HMC‐1) exhibited significantly increased monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) secretion compared to the unstimulated cells. Inhibition of NOX2 activation of cells by treatment of NOX inhibitor or NOX2 siRNA reduced TvSP‐stimulated MCP‐1 production in HMC‐1 cells. It was also confirmed that the receptor for CysLTs is expressed in mast cells. The CysLT receptor (CysLTR) antagonist inhibited TvSP‐stimulated MCP‐1 production of mast cells, as well as ROS production, migration and degranulation of mast cells, and reduced phospho‐NF‐kB expression. These results suggest that T vaginalis‐secreted CysLTs promote migration, degranulation and MCP‐1 production in human mast cells through CysLT receptor‐mediated NOX2 activation.
Peritoneal adenomatoid (microcystic) mesothelioma
Authors: Mori Daisuke , Kido Shinichi , Hiraki Masatsugu , Sumi Kenji , Ureshino Norio , Masuda Masanori , Nabeshima Kazuki , Akashi Michiaki
Published: September 2020

There are several reports of pleural adenomatoid (microcystic) mesothelioma, but peritoneal adenomatoid mesothelioma is extremely rare. A 64‐year‐old Japanese woman presented with no symptoms and no asbestos exposure history. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed multiple hypervascular masses on the liver surface, pelvic cavity and anterior peritoneum. Over 10 pieces of the multiple resected tumors showed numerous microcysts composed of a bland mesothelial cell background with rich capillary vessels. Focally, atypical cells with bizarre nuclei with prominent nucleoli were observed. Adenomatoid mesothelioma was suspected based on histochemical, immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization findings. The tumors relapsed 4 years later and metastasized to the lung, but the patient remains alive 7 years after the first tumor resection surgery. Although the prognosis of adenomatoid mesothelioma of pleural origin is poor, the progression of this peritoneal case is slow.
Co‐occurrence of EBV‐positive classic Hodgkin lymphoma and B‐cell lymphomas of different clonal origins: A case report and literature review
Authors: Karube Kennosuke , Takatori Mitsuyoshi , Kohno Kei , Tomoyose Takeaki , Ohshiro Kazuiku , Nakazato Iwao
Published: September 2020

Although cases with metachronous or synchronous co‐occurrence of classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) and B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) have been reported, few reports have analyzed the clonal relationship between both lesions in detail, especially in Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive settings. Here, we report a case of a 38‐year‐old male with CHL, followed by the recurrence of EBV‐positive mucocutaneous ulcers of the large intestine and EBV‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in the liver. Surprisingly, polymerase chain reaction analysis for immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement revealed that all lesions were clonally distinct. We further reviewed the literature on synchronous and metachronous co‐occurrence of CHL and B‐NHL in EBV‐positive settings. In contrast to EBV‐negative settings, all evaluable cases showed clonally distinct multiple lesions. These findings suggest that histologically and clonally distinct B‐cells could simultaneously proliferate in EBV‐associated settings, providing a new insight into the pathogenesis of EBV‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders.
Genomic full‐length sequence of the HLA‐A*11:97 allele，identified by full‐length group‐specific sequencing
Authors: Hu Bin , Jiao Shuxian , Chi Xiaoyun , Pang Shutao
Published: September 2020

Genomic full‐length sequence of HLA‐A*11:97 was identified by group‐specific sequencing in a Chinese individual.
Novel HLA‐B*81:02:02 allele identified in a Saudi individual
Authors: Alburaq Mohammed , AlSebaiheen Farrah , Alshubaili Abdullah , Alghamdi Mohammed , Hajeer Ali H.
Published: September 2020

HLA‐B*81:02:02 differs from HLA‐B*81:02 by a synonymous substitution in exon 5.
Investigation of Mechanical Integrity of Prismatic Lithium-Ion Batteries With Various State of Charge
Authors: Wang Tao , Chen Xiaoping , Chen Gang , Ji Hongbo , Li Ling , Yuan Quan , Liu Yuezhuan , Ji Yingping
Published: September 2020

The crush safety of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has recently become one of the hottest topics as the electric vehicle (EV) market is growing rapidly. In this study, mechanical properties of prismatic lithium-ion batteries under compression loading are investigated. Batteries with different values of state of charge (SOC) under different loading directions are compared. Results show LIB cells with different SOCs under same loading direction exhibit similar response curve profile, however, the load capacities of LIBs can be influenced by SOCs. The stiffness and stress have approximately linear relationship with the SOC values. Based on experimental results, finite element models are established which can predict the mechanical properties of prismatic LIBs. The proposed models can be utilized to evaluate the crush behaviors of LIBs, providing guidance for electric vehicle safety design.
Underwater sound generated by motor vehicle traffic in an underwater tunnel
Authors: Reeder D. Benjamin , Joseph John E. , Rago Tarry A.
Published: September 2020

Underwater acoustic and environmental measurements were made adjacent to the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel in the James River in Virginia during a field experiment in April 2019. The observed sound field exhibited short time-scale and tidal time-scale variability due to passing marine vessels and tidally driven currents in the estuary; most interestingly, the sound field exhibited variability on a diurnal time scale, closely correlated to the temporal distribution of vehicular traffic in the underwater tunnel. During morning and evening rush-hour traffic periods, the amplitude of the traffic-induced underwater signal exceeded 10 dB at 40 Hz. Additional physics-based modeling and direct observation are required to verify the hypothesis that the signal is associated with the traffic-induced vibration in the tunnel roadbed.
Mechanisms of two-step yielding in attractive colloidal glasses
Authors: Moghimi Esmaeel , Petekidis George
Published: September 2020

A combination of experiments and Brownian Dynamics simulations is utilized to examine the mechanisms of yielding and flow in attractive colloidal glasses during start-up shear flow. In both experiments and simulations, the transient stress exhibits two stress peaks indicative of two-step yielding processes. The first yield depends largely on details of interparticle potential whereas the second yield is independent of the potential and takes place at strain (≃20%), at which a purely repulsive glass yields. The stress decomposition into repulsive (hard sphere, HS) and attractive contributions reveals that there are strong contributions of both types of stresses into the first stress peak whereas the second stress peak is mainly linked with HS stresses. The transient stress during start-up shear originates from the change in the averaged pair orientation. At the first stress peak, bonded particles (causing attractive stresses) show the maximum orientation along the extension axis with colliding particles (causing HS stresses) being locally oriented along the compression axis. However, at the second stress peak, collided particles show the maximum orientation along the compression axis with particles escaping their cages along the extension axis similar to a HS glass. Analysis of particle dynamics shows that yielding takes place through a two-step shear-activated hopping process in which first shear flow takes particles out of their attractive constraints. The length scale associated to this process is at the order of attraction range (bond length). Subsequently, cage escape of particles sets the second process which leads to a complete yielding and flow.
Human-centered redistricting automation in the age of AI
Authors: Cho Wendy K. Tam , Cain Bruce E.
Published: September 2020

Human-machine collaboration and transparency are key
The Stepford wife gets smart
The Smart Wife: Why Siri, Alexa, and Other Smart Home Devices Need a Feminist Reboot
Yolande Strengers and Jenny Kennedy
MIT Press, 2020. 320 pp.
Authors: Sweeney Miriam E.
Published: September 2020

A pair of digital scholars confront the troubling implications of feminized household management technologies
A molecular trap against COVID-19
Authors: DeKosky Brandon J.
Published: September 2020

Structure-function studies reveal a new receptor decoy to block virus entry
Biology's brave new world
Biohackers
Christian Ditter
Netflix, 2020. 6 episodes.
Authors: Greenbaum Dov
Published: September 2020

The promise and perils of synthetic biology take center stage in a fast-paced new series
Enshrining equity in democracy
Authors: Hammonds Evelynn M.
Published: September 2020

On 18 August 2020, the United States celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment to its Constitution, which granted the right to vote to female U.S. citizens. This amendment had a profound, yet uneven, impact on the lives of female scientists and on the scientific enterprise at the time and into the 21st century, enabling white women in science to gain greater professional acceptance, to expand their opportunities for scientific work, and to fight for equal pay. At the same time, women of color did not receive the right to vote until 1965. The participation of women of color in scientific professions was thus severely limited during the intervening years; a disparity that continues today, and which may worsen as women throughout the country are being tasked with new and more extensive childcare, elder care, and household responsibilities as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Reopening schools during COVID-19
Authors: Lordan Ronan , FitzGerald Garret A. , Grosser Tilo
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is upending education. Operating schools during the pandemic entails balancing health risks against the consequences of disrupting in-person learning. In the United States, plans differ among states as schools have already reopened or plan to reopen. Scientific understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19) should inform how schools reopen.
Protocol of a randomised controlled phase II clinical trial investigating PREoperative endoscopic injection of BOTulinum toxin into the sphincter of Oddi to reduce postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy: the PREBOTPilot trial
Authors: Klaiber Ulla , Sauer Peter , Martin Eike , Bruckner Thomas , Luntz Steffen , Tjaden Christine , Probst Pascal , Knebel Phillip , Diener Markus K , Buchler Markus W , Hackert Thilo
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is still the most frequently occurring and clinically relevant complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP). Preoperative endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin (BTX) into the sphincter of Oddi represents an innovative approach to prevent POPF. The aim of this project (PREBOTPilot) is to generate the first randomised controlled trial data on the safety, feasibility and efficacy of preoperative endoscopic BTX injection into the sphincter of Oddi to prevent clinically relevant POPF following DP.

Methods and analysis

PREBOTPilot is an investigator-initiated, single-centre, randomised, controlled, open-label, phase II clinical trial with two parallel study groups and an exploratory study design. 60 patients scheduled for DP will be randomised to intervention and control group. In the intervention group, patients will undergo preoperative endoscopic injection of BTX into the sphincter of Oddi, whereas in the control group no preoperative endoscopy will be performed. The combined primary endpoint is the occurrence of clinically relevant POPF and/or death within 30 days after DP. The secondary endpoints comprise further postoperative outcome parameters and quality of life up to 3 months after DP as well as safety and feasibility of the procedure. Statistical analysis is based on the modified intention-to-treat population, excluding patients without status post DP. For safety analysis, rates of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs will be calculated with 95% CIs for group comparisons.

Ethics, funding and dissemination

PREBOTPilot has been approved by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (reference number 4043654) and the Ethics Committee of Heidelberg University (reference number AFmo-523/2019). This trial is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The results of the trial will be presented at national and international conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

DRKS00020401.
Physical activity patterns in a representative sample of adolescents from the largest city in Latin America: a cross-sectional study in Sao Paulo
Authors: Ferrari Gerson , Rezende Leandro F.M. , Wagner Gabriela Arantes , Florindo Alex A , Peres Maria Fernanda Tourinho
Published: September 2020

Objectives

We examined the patterns of total and domain-specific physical activity (PA) by sex, socioeconomic status and maternal education level in adolescents from Sao Paulo city, Brazil.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Participants

We included a representative sample of 2682 (52.2% boys) adolescents aged 14–15 years from public and private schools in Sao Paulo, 2017. Socioeconomic status was assessed using a wealth index derived from principal component analysis. Descriptive analyses evaluated differences in total and domain-specific PA by sex, socioeconomic status and maternal education level.

Outcome measures

We collected data on the frequency and duration that adolescents spent in each PA domain (active transportation, leisure PA and physical education classes) through a self-report questionnaire.

Results

On average, adolescents spent 197.7 min/week (95% CI 190.6–204.8) in total PA. The proportion of adolescents achieving at least 60 min/day (≥420 min/week) was 12.7% (95% CI 11.4–14.1), with a higher prevalence in boys (18.3%) and in those with higher socioeconomic status (17.4%). Similar patterns were observed for leisure PA and physical education classes. Active transportation was higher in girls (46.0 min/week; 95% CI 42.6–49.6) than in boys (43.4 min/week, 95% CI 39.9–46.6). Boys and adolescents with higher socioeconomic status and higher maternal education level had higher levels of total PA.

Conclusions

We found a variation in patterns of total and domain-specific PA by sex, socioeconomic status and maternal education level in adolescents from Sao Paulo. Initiatives for promoting PA in adolescents should take these findings into account.
Intensive Care Weaning (iCareWean) protocol on weaning from mechanical ventilation: a single-blinded multicentre randomised control trial comparing an open-loop decision support system and routine care, in the general intensive care unit
Authors: Vizcaychipi M P , Martins Laura , White James R , Karbing Dan Stleper , Gupta Amandeep , Singh Suveer , Osman Leyla , Moreno-Cuesta Jeronimo , Rees Steve
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Automated systems for ventilator management to date have been either fully heuristic rule-based systems or based on a combination of simple physiological models and rules. These have been shown to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation in simple to wean patients. At present, there are no published studies that evaluate the effect of systems that use detailed physiological descriptions of the individual patient.

The BEACON Caresystem is a model-based decision support system that uses mathematical models of patients’ physiology in combination with models of clinical preferences to provide advice on appropriate ventilator settings. An individual physiological description may be particularly advantageous in selecting the appropriate therapy for a complex, heterogeneous, intensive care unit (ICU) patient population.

Methods and analysis

Intenive Care weaning (iCareWean) is a single-blinded, multicentre, prospective randomised control trial evaluating management of mechanical ventilation as directed by the BEACON Caresystem compared with that of current care, in the general intensive care setting. The trial will enrol 274 participants across multiple London National Health Service ICUs. The trial will use a primary outcome of duration of mechanical ventilation until successful extubation.

Ethics and dissemination

Safety oversight will be under the direction of an independent committee of the study sponsor. Study approval was obtained from the regional ethics committee of the Health Research Authority (HRA), (Research Ethic Committee (REC) reference: 17/LO/0887. Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) reference: 226610. Results will be disseminated through international critical care conference/symposium and publication in peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT03249623. This research is registered with the National Institute for Health Research under CPMS ID: 34831.