bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecosystem response to earlier ice break‐up date: Climate‐driven changes to water temperature, lake‐habitat‐specific production, and trout habitat and resource use
Authors: Caldwell Timothy J. , Chandra Sudeep , Feher Karly , Simmons James B. , Hogan Zeb
Published: June 2020

Climate warming has yielded earlier ice break‐up dates in recent decades for lakes leading to water temperature increases, altered habitat, and both increases and decreases to ecosystem productivity. Within lakes, the effect of climate warming on secondary production in littoral and pelagic habitats remains unclear. The intersection of changing habitat productivity and warming water temperatures on salmonids is important for understanding how climate warming will impact mountain ecosystems. We develop and test a conceptual model that expresses how earlier ice break‐up dates influence within lake habitat production, water temperatures and the habitat utilized by, resources obtained and behavior of salmonids in a mountain lake. We measured zoobenthic and zooplankton production from the littoral and pelagic habitats, thermal conditions, and the habitat use, resource use, and fitness of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). We show that earlier ice break‐up conditions created a "resource‐rich" littoral–benthic habitat with increases in zoobenthic production compared to the pelagic habitat which decreased in zooplankton production. Despite the increases in littoral–benthic food resources, trout did not utilize littoral habitat or zoobenthic resources due to longer durations of warm water temperatures in the littoral zone. In addition, 87% of their resources were supported by the pelagic habitat during periods with earlier ice break‐up when pelagic resources were least abundant. The decreased reliance on littoral–benthic resources during earlier ice break‐up caused reduced fitness (mean reduction of 12 g) to trout. Our data show that changes to ice break‐up drive multi‐directional results for resource production within lake habitats and increase the duration of warmer water temperatures in food‐rich littoral habitats. The increased duration of warmer littoral water temperatures reduces the use of energetically efficient habitats culminating in decreased trout fitness.
Davids versus Goliaths: Epigenetic dynamics and structural change in the Swedish innovation system
Authors: Romano Silvina A. , Zabala‐Iturriagagoitia Jon Mikel
Published: June 2020

Entrepreneurship induces novelty in the innovation system, generates selection processes, and shapes market structure over time. Entrepreneurial firms participate in the creation and diffusion of new technologies, the creation, and early development of new markets and industries, and the renewal of existing firms and industries. But does entrepreneurship also facilitate the transformation and adaptability of innovation systems? In this paper, we analyze whether the Swedish innovation system's industrial structure underwent a transformation as a result of the emergence, growth, and development of new entrepreneurial firms during the last financial crisis. In particular, we focus on the dynamics of two relevant sectors of the Swedish economy which, however, show however different structural characteristics: manufacture of machinery and industrial equipment, and computer programming. Our analysis reveals that large companies use firm acquisitions to respond to the threats posed by new emerging entrepreneurial firms. In the current context of disruptive change, acquisitions are thus used as a defensive mechanism for firms’ survival and adaptation rather than as a means to transfer/gain new knowledge/technology. We discuss how entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovation support policies can take two forms depending on the stage of development of an innovation system.
Clinical and anthropometric characteristics of non‐obese non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease subjects in Japan
Authors: Shida Takashi , Oshida Natsumi , Suzuki Hideo , Okada Kosuke , Watahiki Takahisa , Oh Sechang , Kim Taeho , Isobe Tomonori , Okamoto Yoshikazu , Ariizumi Shun‐ichi , Yamamoto Masakazu , Shoda Junichi
Published: June 2020

Aim

The underlying mechanism of non‐obese non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been fully elucidated. We classified patients with NAFLD by sex and body mass index and compared their clinical features to clarify the background pathophysiology of non‐obese NAFLD.

Methods

A total of 404 patients with NAFLD were divided according to their body mass index (<25 [non‐obese], 25 to <30 [obese], and ≥30 [severe obese]), and were further compared with 253 patients without obesity and NAFLD (non‐NAFLD).

Results

The proportion of the individuals with non‐obese NAFLD was 25.7% in men and 27.6% in women. The male and female non‐obese NAFLD groups had lower skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength than the obese NAFLD groups. The visceral fat area, although low, was ≥100 cm2 in 59.3% of men and 43.8% of women. An increase in liver fat accumulation, hepatic fibrosis, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and leptin levels was modest in the non‐obese NAFLD group compared with a marked increase in the obese NAFLD groups. The muscle mass of the non‐obese NAFLD group was similar to that of the non‐NAFLD group, but muscle steatosis was particularly common among women. Multivariate analysis revealed that the factors contributing to increased liver fat accumulation in the non‐obese NAFLD group were visceral fat area, HbA1c, myostatin, and leptin.

Conclusions

In patients with non‐obese NAFLD, a sex difference was observed in the clinical features. In addition to increased visceral fat, decreased muscle mass and muscle strength, muscle atrophy (presarcopenia), and impaired glucose tolerance were considered to be important pathophysiological factors.
Refining the Salience Hypothesis: Does the Response to Immigration Differ Across Countries?
Authors: Davis Lewis S. , Deole Sumit S.
Published: June 2020

Applied to immigration, Blalock’s (Toward a Theory of Minority‐Group Relations. A Capricorn Giant, 1967) salience hypothesis predicts that contact with immigrants will tend to highlight the role of nationality in the identities of natives and thereby increase opposition to immigration. Drawing on group threat and cultural perspectives hypotheses, we consider the roles of macroeconomic conditions and national culture in salience effects. Our results indicate that economic concerns over immigration are more sensitive to the immigrant population share during difficult economic times and in countries with less religious diversity and more collectivist cultures. In contrast, cultural concerns over immigration are not sensitive to the macroeconomic and cultural variables we examine. Thus, the attitudinal response to immigration differs significantly across countries, a finding that is relevant to attempts to manage the social and political consequences of large immigration inflows.
Highly Skilled Entrepreneurial Refugees: Legal and Practical Barriers and Enablers to Start Up in the Netherlands
Authors: de Lange Tesseltje , Berntsen Lisa , Hanoeman Romy , Haidar Ous
Published: June 2020

This article analyses how highly skilled refugees experience barriers and enablers to entrepreneurship in the Netherlands. Using the welcoming talent model, the article claims that material and procedural norms as well as the governance of support for refugee entrepreneurship in the Netherlands needs a new design. Through socio‐legal research on the experiences of highly skilled Syrian refugees, private support structures and municipalities with migration, integration and welfare policies and practices, we reveal that financial independence through entrepreneurship requires not just entrepreneurial skills but meeting the right people and not running into municipalities propagating work first. Policies and practices need to be developed in which welcoming entrepreneurial (highly skilled) refugees is key. Welcoming policies and practices are to offer refugees nationwide, equally accessible, transparent support structures, and access to finance instead of barriers towards financial independence.
Prevention and management of aggressive behaviour in patients at psychiatric hospitals: a document analysis of clinical practice guidelines in Hong Kong
Authors: Lantta Tella , Varpula Jaakko , Cheung Teris , Wong Wai Kit , Cheng Po Yee Ivy , Ng Tony , Ng Chi Fai , Yam Chun Pong , Ip Glendy , Bressington Daniel , Välimäki Maritta
Published: June 2020

Patient aggressive behaviour remains a significant public health concern worldwide. The use of restraint and seclusion remains a last resort but not an uncommon practice in clinical psychiatry in the management of aggressive events. There seems to be a paucity of evidenced‐based research examining the policy framework guiding the use of restraint and seclusion in Asia contexts. The purpose of this study was to conduct an analysis on the guidelines in psychiatric hospitals in Hong Kong, and to explore the extent to which these guidelines were aligned with the international clinical guidelines for the prevention and management of patient aggression in psychiatry. A descriptive document analysis was used to analyse the guidelines from four psychiatric hospitals in Hong Kong in comparison with the NICE (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence UK) guidelines. Data were collected from December 2017 to June 2018. A total of 91 written documents were retrieved. Preventing violence and aggression has the highest level of agreement (31%,) while the use of restrictive interventions has the lowest level of agreement (12%). The sub‐recommendation with most in line with the NICE guidelines were restrictive interventions, de‐escalation, and improving service users’ experiences. However, for example, staff training, working with police, and reduced use of restrictive interventions seemed to have no agreement with the NICE guidelines. Variation exists between the Asian (Hong Kong) local policy framework/guidelines and the European (UK) national policy framework. There are also large discrepancies in the written guidelines on patient aggressive behaviour when comparing local policy frameworks, cluster‐based documents, and departmental practices.
Usingeye‐movementmodelling examples to improve critical reading of multiple webpages on a conflicting topic
Authors: Salmerón Ladislao , Delgado Pablo , Mason Lucia
Published: June 2020

Interventions to promote students' source evaluations have used various methods designed for the classroom context. In the present study, we tested an approach that is easily adaptable to online courses, based on eye movement modelling examples (EMME), that is, short videos displaying an expert student's eye gaze while s/he reads multiple pages on the Internet to learn about a conflicting topic. Using an eye‐tracking methodology in a pre–post design, we analysed how an intervention using EMME changed students' attention to source information, and how this processing affected their learning. EMME increased participants' attention to the search engine results page, author information and decreased attention of texts from untrustworthy pages. In addition, EMME increased the number of participants who cited at least one document source at post‐test. We discuss the potential benefits and limitations of EMME in teaching complex literacy strategies, and the importance of measuring processing data in educational research studies.
Development and validation of immune inflammation–based index for predicting the clinical outcome in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zeng Xiaojiao , Liu Guohong , Pan Yunbao , Li Yirong
Published: June 2020

Inflammation indicators, such as systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), are associated with poor prognosis in various solid cancers. In this study, we investigated the predictive value of these inflammation indicators in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This retrospective study involved 559 patients with NPC and 500 patients with chronic rhinitis, and 255 NPC patients were followed up successfully. Continuous variables and qualitative variables were measured by t test and chi‐square test, respectively. The optimal cut‐off values of various inflammation indicators were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Moreover, the diagnostic value for NPC was decided by the area under the curves (AUCs). The Kaplan‐Meier methods and the log‐rank test were used to analyse overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). The independent prognostic risk factors for survival and influencing factors of side effects after treatment were analysed by Cox and logistic regression analysis, respectively. Most haematological indexes of NPC and rhinitis were significantly different between the two groups, and PLR was optimal predictive indicators of diagnosis. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, PLR, WBC, RDW, M stage and age were independent prognostic risk factors. Many inflammation indicators that affected various side effects were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, the combined inflammation indicators were superior to single haematological indicator in the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC. These inflammation indicators can be used to supply the current evaluation system of the TNM staging system to help predict the prognosis in NPC patients.
Langmuir‐diffusion model: Its modification and further application to glutinous rice flour particles
Authors: Zhao Xuewei , Zhang Hua , Li Wangming , Li Xingke , Fan Wen , Zhang Yanyan
Published: June 2020

When the Langmuir‐diffusion model was applied to a continuous multistep dynamic vapor adsorption, an initial desorption of bound water was predicted for the relative humidity (RH) steps except the first. The desorption is physically meaningless. The model was modified with assuming probability ratio (β/γ) continuity between the boundary and field equations. The β/γ was calculated from the Park isotherm model. According to our modifying methodology, two parameter selection strategies exist while conducting parameter optimization: β as parameter while γ calculated using the β/γ ratio; γ as parameter while β calculated. These two strategies can result to almost identical total, free and bound water concentration evolution, nearly equal diffusivity, and qualitatively similar variation trends of both γ and β with free water concentration. Application of the modified model to the adsorption of glutinous rice flour revealed that the well‐documented bell‐like diffusivity vs RH curve did not hold for the free water.

Practical Applications

The Fickian law assumes that all water molecules diffuse equally. As we all know, at least two water populations with different mobilities coexist in most food materials. The Langmuir‐diffusion model assumes that the water molecules exist in free and bound states and that the free molecules may bond at certain sorption sites while diffusing. The modified version of the Langmuir‐diffusion model proposed here can be used to describe a continuous multistep vapor adsorption and deepen our understanding of moisture transfer mechanisms. This information can be applied in optimizing both the quality of food product and the economics of many food processes involving water transfer.
Impairing committed cholesterol biosynthesis in white matter astrocytes, but not grey matter astrocytes, enhances in vitro myelination
Authors: Werkman Inge L. , Kövilein Janine , de Jonge Jenny C. , Baron Wia
Published: June 2020

Remyelination is a regenerative process that is essential to recover saltatory conduction and to prevent neurodegeneration upon demyelination. The formation of new myelin involves the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) toward oligodendrocytes and requires high amounts of cholesterol. Astrocytes (ASTRs) modulate remyelination by supplying lipids to oligodendrocytes. Remarkably, remyelination is more efficient in grey matter (GM) than in white matter (WM), which may relate to regional differences in ASTR subtype. Here, we show that a feeding layer of gmASTRs was more supportive to in vitro myelination than a feeding layer of wmASTRs. While conditioned medium from both gmASTRs and wmASTRs accelerated gmOPC differentiation, wmOPC differentiation is enhanced by secreted factors from gmASTRs, but not wmASTRs. In vitro analyses revealed that gmASTRs secreted more cholesterol than wmASTRs. Cholesterol efflux from both ASTR types was reduced upon exposure to pro‐inflammatory cytokines, which was mediated via cholesterol transporter ABCA1, but not ABCG1, and correlated with a minor reduction of myelin membrane formation by oligodendrocytes. Surprisingly, a wmASTR knockdown of Fdft1 encoding for squalene synthase (SQS), an enzyme essential for the first committed step in cholesterol biosynthesis, enhanced in vitro myelination. Reduced secretion of interleukin‐1β likely by enhanced isoprenylation, and increased unsaturated fatty acid synthesis, both pathways upstream of SQS, likely masked the effect of reduced levels of ASTR‐derived cholesterol. Hence, our findings indicate that gmASTRs export more cholesterol and are more supportive to myelination than wmASTRs, but specific inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in ASTRs is beneficial for wmASTR‐mediated modulation of myelination.

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Perceived overqualification and task performance: Reconciling two opposing pathways
Authors: Lee Allan , Erdogan Berrin , Tian Amy , Willis Sara , Cao Jie
Published: June 2020

In this study, we predict that higher levels of relative deprivation and higher levels of task mastery constitute two pathways through which perceived overqualification (POQ) has indirect and opposing effects on task performance. Further, we predict that occupational instrumentality, the degree to which the individual regards their job as a stepping stone to future career opportunities, will serve as a moderator for both pathways. Across two studies, as well as a supplementary study, we found evidence that POQ is positively associated with followers’ perceptions of both task mastery and relative deprivation. In both studies, we also found consistent evidence for a positive indirect effect between POQ and task performance via perceptions of task mastery. This indirect relationship was observed for both self‐rated (Studies 1 and 2) and manager‐rated task performance (Study 2). Further, occupational instrumentality mitigated the positive relationship between POQ and relative deprivation. Overall, the results suggest that POQ–task performance relationship is a function of dual pathways that work in opposing directions and that the ability to see the job as a stepping stone is instrumental in determining the strength of these pathways.

Practitioner points

Our findings suggest that when employees feel overqualified for their jobs, it can have both positive and negative effects on their level of task performance. On the one hand, when employees feel they are overqualified they may feel resentment and demotivation at work. On the other hand, such employees are also more likely to master the skills needed to perform their jobs at a high level.

The demotivating effects of perceived overqualification on task performance depend on the degree to which employees regard their jobs as a stepping stone to future career opportunities.

Organizations or managers of employees who feel overqualified should consider ways to highlight how their job connects to future career opportunities and offers advancement potential.
Expressed Demand for Health Care Services in Regional South Australia: A Cross‐sectional Study
Authors: Leach Matthew J. , Walsh Sandra , Muyambi Kuda , Gillam Marianne , Jones Martin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Accessibility and availability of health care services/providers is an increasing concern for many regional communities, particularly regional South Australia. Assessing the level of health service/provider utilization within a region (ie, expressed demand) can be useful in determining health care need and health service/workforce demand.

Methods

The regional South Australia health (RESONATE) survey aimed to determine the expressed demand for health care services and the health workforce in a regional South Australian population. The study was open to adults living in regional South Australia and was promoted using a comprehensive multimodal recruitment campaign. Data were collected between April 2017 and March 2018 using the consumer utilization, expectations and experiences of healthcare instrument.

Findings

A total of 3,926 adults completed the questionnaire. Participants reported using 47 different health care providers in the previous 12 months. Whilst almost all (92.9%) participants had seen a general practitioner in the past 12 months, yoga instructors, chiropractors, pharmacists, and physiotherapists were visited most frequently. Proportionally fewer participants in more remote locations received conventional services/treatments, though a significantly greater proportion of those in more remote locations had received complementary medicine services/treatments (relative to inner regional areas).

Conclusions

Findings of the RESONATE survey point to a high level of expressed demand for conventional and complementary health care services among study participants, possibly higher than that reported in the general population. Examining the extent to which the health needs of this and other regional populations are met should be the focus of further research to better inform future health workforce/services planning.
Silica‐rich objects in the Acfer 182 CH chondrite: A new view
Authors: Varela Maria Eugenia
Published: June 2020

Five silica‐rich objects (SRO) from Acfer 182 were studied. They have cryptocrystalline textures characterized by micro‐emulsion and amoeboid patterns that point toward the coexistence of pyroxene‐ and silica‐normative liquids that were quenched. Both objects have variable contents of refractory lithophile elements. Their positive Yb versus La correlation around primordial values suggests a cosmochemical process (e.g., a gas/liquid condensation) as responsible for SRO formation. The bulk trace element abundances of amoeboid‐ and emulsion‐type SRO as well as their fractionation do not support an origin through high temperature processes. Conversely, their formation might have taken place while cooling of the nebular gas in two different chondrule‐forming regions characterized by having different evolution paths. Cooling of these dust‐enriched regions might lead to the condensation of pyroxene‐rich liquids first, followed by formation of Mg‐rich and SiO2‐rich liquids, provided irradiation and annealing were active in these regions. Irradiation could be the process involved both in the formation of cristobalite (with annealing ~1200 K) and in triggering a spinoidal decomposition causing unmixing of the enstatite liquid into two coexisting phases, such as Mg‐rich and SiO2‐rich liquids, the precursors of the SRO in Acfer 182. Formation of emulsion‐ and amoeboid‐type objects may be the result of exposing those chondrule‐forming regions to different degrees of radiation.
National nutrition strategies that focus on maternal, infant, and young child nutrition in Southeast Asia do not consistently align with regional and international recommendations
Authors: Nguyen Tuan T. , Darnell Ashley , Weissman Amy , Cashin Jennifer , Withers Mellissa , Mathisen Roger , Lapping Karin , Mastro Timothy D. , Frongillo Edward A.
Published: June 2020

We examined the consistency of national nutrition strategies and action plans (NNS) focusing on maternal, infant, and young child nutrition in Southeast Asia with regional and international recommendations. Between July and December 2017, we identified and extracted information on context, objectives, interventions, indicators, strategies, and coordination mechanisms from the most recent NNS in nine Southeast Asian countries. All NNS described context, objectives, and the following interventions: antenatal care, micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy, breastfeeding promotion, improved complementary feeding, nutrition in emergencies, and food fortification or dietary diversity. Micronutrient supplementation for young children was included in eight NNS; breastfeeding promotion during pregnancy and support at birth in seven; and school feeding, deworming, and treatment of severe acute malnutrition in six. All NNS contained programme monitoring and evaluation plans with measurable indicators and targets. Not all NNS covered wasting, exclusive breastfeeding, low birthweight, and childhood overweight. Strategies for achieving NNS goals and objectives were health system strengthening (nine), social and behaviour change communication (nine), targeting vulnerable groups (eight), and social or community mobilization (four). All addressed involvement, roles and responsibilities, and collaboration mechanisms among sectors and stakeholders. There was a delay in releasing NNS in Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. In conclusion, although Southeast Asian NNS have similarities in structure and contents, some interventions and indicators vary by country and do not consistently align with regional and international recommendations. A database with regularly updated information on NNS components would facilitate cross‐checking completeness within a country, comparison across countries, and knowledge sharing and learning.
Genetic architecture of a body colour cline inDrosophila americana
Authors: Sramkoski Lisa L. , McLaughlin Wesley N. , Cooley Arielle M. , Yuan David C. , John Alisha , Wittkopp Patricia J.
Published: June 2020

Phenotypic variation within a species is often structured geographically in clines. InDrosophila americana, a longitudinal cline for body colour exists within North America that appears to be due to local adaptation. Thetanandebonygenes have been hypothesized to contribute to this cline, with alleles of both genes that lighten body colour found inD. americana. These alleles are similar in sequence and function to the allele fixed inD. americana'smore lightly pigmented sister species,Drosophila novamexicana. Here, we examine the frequency and geographic distribution of theseD. novamexicana‐like alleles inD. americana. Among alleles from over 100 strains ofD. americanaisolated from 21 geographic locations, we failed to identify additional alleles oftanorebonywith as much sequence similarity toD. novamexicanaas theD. novamexicana‐like alleles previously described. However, using genetic analysis of 51D. americanastrains derived from 20 geographic locations, we identified one new allele ofebonyand one new allele oftansegregating inD. americanathat are functionally equivalent to theD. novamexicanaallele. An additional 5 alleles oftanalso showed marginal evidence of functional similarity. Given the rarity of these alleles, however, we conclude that they are unlikely to be driving the pigmentation cline. Indeed, phenotypic distributions of the 51 backcross populations analysed indicate a more complex genetic architecture, with diversity in the number and effects of loci altering pigmentation observed both within and among populations ofD. americana. This genetic heterogeneity poses a challenge to association studies and genomic scans for clinal variation, but might be common in natural populations.
Targeted temperature management in acute liver failure: A systematic review
Authors: Ribaud Juliette , McLernon Siobhan , Auzinger Georg
Published: June 2020

Background

Targeted temperature management is the modern term for therapeutic hypothermia, where cooling is induced by intensive care clinicians to achieve body temperatures below 36°C. Its use in acute liver failure to improve refractory intracranial hypertension and patient outcomes is not supported by strong quality evidence.

Aim

This systematic review aims to determine if targeted temperature management improves patient outcome as opposed to normothermia in acute liver failure.

Methods

A computerized and systematic search of six academic and medical databases was conducted using the following keywords: “acute liver failure", “fulminant hepatic injury", “targeted temperature management", “therapeutic hypothermia", and “cooling". Broad criteria were applied to include all types of primary observational studies, from case reports to randomized controlled trials. Standardized tools were used throughout to critically appraise and extract data.

Findings

Nine studies published between 1999 and 2016 were included. Early observational studies suggest a benefit of targeted temperature management in the treatment of refractory intracranial hypertension and in survival. More recent controlled studies do not show such a benefit in the prevention of intracranial hypertension. All studies revealed that the incidence of coagulopathy is not higher in patients treated with targeted temperature management. There remains some uncertainty regarding the increased risk of infection and dysrhythmias. Heterogeneity was found between study types, design, sample sizes, and quality.

Conclusion

Although it does not significantly improve survival, targeted temperature management is efficient in treating episodes of intracranial hypertension and stabilizing an unstable critical care patient without increasing the risk of bleeding. It does not, however, prevent intracranial hypertension. Data heterogeneity may explain the contradictory findings.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Controlled studies are needed to elucidate the true clinical benefit of targeted temperature management in improving patient outcome.
Effects of transcutaneous cardiac pacing on ventricular repolarization and comparison with transvenous pacing
Authors: Zagkli Fani , Georgakopoulou Alexandra , Chiladakis John
Published: June 2020

Background

The electrocardiographic (ECG) effects of transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP) on ventricular repolarization have not been studied in detail. This study evaluated the influence of TCP on ventricular repolarization. The results were compared with those obtained by conventional transvenous right ventricular pacing (TVP).

Methods

Sixty‐two patients with spontaneous bradycardia and standard indication for pacemaker or implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or not of structural heart disease (SHD). Surface 12‐lead ECG characteristics of ventricular depolarization (QRS complex) and repolarization (QT and JT intervals, Tpeak to Tend interval [TpTe], QT dispersion [QTd], TpTe dispersion [TpTe‐d], and TpTe/QT ratio) were recorded at baseline before device implantation (45 ± 5 beats/min) and were compared with corresponding data during short periods of TCP and TVP at a similar increased heart rate (81 ± 6 beats/min).

Results

Both TCP and TVP compared with baseline measures significantly increased the QRS complex and the QTc/JTc intervals regardless of SHD status (P < .001), and QTc‐d and TpTe particularly in the patients without SHD (P < .05). TCP caused greater QRS prolongation than TVP in patients without SHD (P < .05), but it was associated with lower TpTe and TpTe/QT in patients without SHD as well as lower QTc‐d in patients with SHD (P < .05).

Conclusion

TCP produces greater lengthening of ventricular repolarization than TVP, but lesser increase of ECG markers of ventricular dispersion of repolarization.
Alcohol use in Australia during the early days of the COVID‐19 pandemic: Initial results from the COLLATE project
Authors: Neill Erica , Meyer Denny , Toh Wei Lin , van Rheenen Tamsyn Elizabeth , Phillipou Andrea , Tan Eric Josiah , Rossell Susan Lee
Published: June 2020

Aim

The effects of social isolation measures used to control the spread of COVID‐19 are negatively impacting the mental health of many. One of the consequences of exposure to disasters/pandemics is an increase in alcohol use. The current study aimed to examine what predisposing (distal) and pandemic‐related (proximal) factors were associated with increased drinking in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

On 1 April 2020, 5158 Australians completed a survey from the COvid‐19 and you: mentaL heaLth in AusTralia now survEy (COLLATE) project, a nationwide study aimed at tracking key mental health concerns. Using logistic regression, distal (demographics and previous drinking behaviors) and proximal (employment, lifestyle factors, and mood) factors were assessed for their association with increased drinking since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

Distal factors, including heavier drinking pre‐pandemic, middle age, and average or higher income, and proximal factors, including job loss, eating more, changes to sleep as well as stress and depression, were all associated with increased drinking in the COVID‐19 pandemic environment. Female sex and self‐reported history of mental illness became nonsignificant after proximal measures were added to the model. Living alone, exercise, anxiety, and status as an essential or health‐care worker were not associated with increased drinking.

Conclusion

These results provide guidance as to who might be targeted to receive support based on predisposing demographic factors and pre‐pandemic drinking behavior. Second, they indicate what behaviors/factors accompany increased alcohol use and provide targets for psychosocial and psychoeducational supports to address these proximal factors.
Characterization of ovine monocyte activity when cultured with Haemonchus contortus larvae in vitro
Authors: Shepherd Elizabeth , Greiner Scott P. , Bowdridge Scott A.
Published: June 2020

Aims

The objective of this study was to identify and characterize cell populations within ovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) associated with Haemonchus contortus (Hc) larval morbidity and impairment in vitro.

Methods and results

Monocytes and lymphocytes were separated from PBMC from parasite‐resistant St. Croix (STC) sheep and parasite‐susceptible Suffolk (SUF) sheep. Cells were cultured with Hc third stage larvae (L3) for 9 h. Larval morbidity was assessed using ATP concentration. Activation status was determined through gene expression analysis and enzyme inhibition. Enzymes arginase‐1 (Arg1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were inhibited using BEC (S‐(2‐boronoethyl)‐I‐cysteine) and 1400W (N‐(3‐(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine), respectively. Larval ATP was lower when cultured with STC‐derived monocytes (0.015 μmol/L ATP) compared to SUF‐derived monocytes (0.067 μmol/L ATP) (P < .001), or lymphocytes from either breed (STC: 0.085 μmol/L, SUF: 0.112 μmol/L ATP) (P < .001). SUF‐derived monocytes displayed higher expression of M1 genes, whereas STC‐derived monocytes displayed M2 genes continuously. Inhibition of Arg1 decreased monocyte function in both breeds, whereas iNOS inhibition restored SUF‐derived monocyte function.

Conclusions

Together, these data indicate STC‐derived monocytes favour M2 phenotype when exposed to L3, where SUF‐derived monocyte function resembled M1 phenotype and described potential for improving Suffolk sheep through modulating inflammatory responses.
Deep learning for smart fish farming: applications, opportunities and challenges
Authors: Yang Xinting , Zhang Song , Liu Jintao , Gao Qinfeng , Dong Shuanglin , Zhou Chao
Published: June 2020

The rapid emergence of deep learning (DL) technology has resulted in its successful use in various fields, including aquaculture. DL creates both new opportunities and a series of challenges for information and data processing in smart fish farming. This paper focuses on applications of DL in aquaculture, including live fish identification, species classification, behavioural analysis, feeding decisions, size or biomass estimation, and water quality prediction. The technical details of DL methods applied to smart fish farming are also analysed, including data, algorithms and performance. The review results show that the most significant contribution of DL is its ability to automatically extract features. However, challenges still exist; DL is still in a weak artificial intelligence stage and requires large amounts of labelled data for training, which has become a bottleneck that restricts further DL applications in aquaculture. Nevertheless, DL still offers breakthroughs for addressing complex data in aquaculture. In brief, our purpose is to provide researchers and practitioners with a better understanding of the current state of the art of DL in aquaculture, which can provide strong support for implementing smart fish farming applications.
Reflexive institutional reform and the politics of the regulatory state of the south
Authors: Desai Deval
Published: June 2020

What will the regulatory state of the South (RSoS) look like in the coming decade? This paper takes stock of contemporary practices of institutional reform in development, and their historical trajectory, to chart a possible pathway. Empirically, I identify a practical shift in development since the early‐2000s. On one side are Washington Consensus practices that assume a “non‐reflexive” relationship between people and institutions, meaning that people, in general, do not or should not reflect on their values and political position. On the other side are practices that assume a “reflexive” relationship between people and institutions, meaning that people reflect on their values and political position, and contest and shape the institutions that govern them. Analytically, I identify the emergence of an infrastructure that has enabled development actors to put this shift into practice. Proceeding inductively, I argue that it is composed of three specific technologies – massive data‐gathering of people's political and social values; adaptive institutional design processes; and large multistakeholder platforms. Theoretically, I explore the political structures embedded in these technologies and sketch some of their consequences, particularly in light of the centrality of institutional reform to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals over the next decade.
Development and validation of a risk assessment tool for BKPyV Replication in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Abudayyeh Ala , Lin Heather , Abdelrahim Maen , Rondon Gabriela , Andersson Borje S. , Martinez Charles S. , Page Valda D. , Tarrand Jeffrey J. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Marin David , Oran Betul , Olson Amanda , Jones Roy , Popat Uday , Champlin Richard E. , Chemaly Roy F. , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Rezvani Katayoun
Published: June 2020

Background

BK polymavirus (BKPyV), a member of the family Polyomaviridae, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients.

Methods

In our previous retrospective study of 2477 stem cell transplant patients, BKPyV replication independently predicted chronic kidney disease and poor survival. In this study, using the same cohort, we derived and validated a risk grading system to identify patients at risk of BKPyV replication after transplantation in a user‐friendly modality. We used 3 baseline variables (conditioning regimen, HLA match status, and underlying cancer diagnosis) that significantly predicted BKPyV replication in our initial study in a subdistribution hazard model with death as a competing risk. We also developed a nomogram of the hazard model as a visual aid. The AUC of the ROC of the risk‐score‐only model was 0.65. We further stratified the patients on the basis of risk score into low‐, moderate‐, and high‐risk groups.

Results

The total risk score was significantly associated with BKPyV replication (P < .0001). At 30 days after transplantation, the low‐risk (score ≤ 0) patients had a 9% chance of developing symptomatic BKPyV replication, while the high‐risk (score ≥ 8) of the population had 56% of developing BKPyV replication. We validated the risk score using a separate cohort of 1478 patients. The AUC of the ROC of the risk‐score‐only model was 0.59. Both the total risk score and 3‐level risk variable were significantly associated with BKPyV replication in this cohort (P < .0001).

Conclusions

This grading system for the risk of symptomatic BKPyV replication may help in early monitoring and intervention to prevent BKPyV‐associated morbidity, mortality, and kidney function decline.
Coinfection rates and clinical outcome data for cytomegalovirus and Epstein‐Barr virus in post‐transplant patients: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Anderson‐Smits Colin , Baker Erin R. , Hirji Ishan
Published: June 2020

Background

In transplant recipients, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection increases morbidity and mortality; furthermore, coinfection with other human herpesviruses like the Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) may complicate their management. This systematic literature review aimed to summarize rates of CMV‐EBV coinfection and associated clinical outcomes among solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients.

Methods

An electronic literature search was performed using pre‐specified search strategies (January 1, 2010‐October 31, 2018) and following established/best practice methodology. Of 316 publications identified, 294 did not report CMV‐EBV coinfection and were excluded. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were further analyzed. Due to limited reporting/heterogeneity, data were not meta‐analyzable.

Results

Nine studies (six SOT; three HSCT) reported CMV‐EBV coinfection; rates of coinfection post transplantation varied between 2.6% and 32.7%. Two studies indicated CMV reactivation to be an independent variable associated with EBV reactivation. Among SOT studies, higher rates of graft dysfunction (47.4% vs 22.9%), rejection episodes (20.0% vs 8.9%), or acute rejection (50.0% vs 31.0%) were reported for patients with coinfection than without. In HSCT studies, patients with graft‐vs‐host disease were not reported separately for coinfection. Two studies described cases of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in patients with CMV‐EBV coinfection and reported rates of PTLD of 92% and 100%.

Conclusion

The CMV‐EBV coinfection rate in HSCT and SOT recipients varied and was associated with increased graft rejection and PTLD compared with patients without coinfection. Further research may improve understanding of the burden of CMV‐EBV coinfection among transplant recipients.
Targeted migration of pherophorin‐S indicates extensive extracellular matrix dynamics in Volvox carteri
Authors: von der Heyde Benjamin , Hallmann Armin
Published: June 2020

Hydroxyproline‐rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) constitute a major group of proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The multicellular green alga Volvox carteri is a suitable model organism in which to study the evolutionary transition to multicellularity, including the basic principles and characteristics of an ECM. In Volvox, the ECM is dominated by a single HRGP family: the pherophorins. Our inventory amounts to 117 pherophorin‐related genes in V. carteri. We focused on a pherophorin with an unexpected characteristic: pherophorin‐S is a soluble, non‐cross‐linked ECM protein. Using transformants expressing a YFP‐tagged pherophorin‐S we observed the synthesis and secretion of pherophorin‐S by somatic cells in vivo, and we then traced the protein during its conspicuous migration to the ECM around prehatching juveniles and its localized concentration there. Our results provide insights into how an ECM zone surrounding the progeny is remotely affected by distantly located parental somatic cells. In view of the properties and migration of pherophorin‐S, we conclude that pherophorin‐S is likely to act as an ECM plasticizer to allow for dynamic ECM remodeling.
E-Procurement as a Strategic Sourcing Tool in the Beverage Industry in Zimbabwe
Authors: Madzinga Tinashe , Sibanda Vusumuzi , Munuhwa Shakerod
Published: June 2020

This study evaluated the impact of e-procurement as a strategic sourcing tool in the Beverage Industry in Zimbabwe. A quantitative survey of 57 respondents drawn from the key players in the Beverage Industry in Harare, Zimbabwe was conducted using a questionnaire. In line with the research objectives, descriptive statistics were calculated and cross tabulations were also performed in SPSS to produce outputs that provided answers to the research questions. The results show that through the use of e-procurement, companies are able to move towards partnership or lean supply with a smaller number of more technically proficient suppliers. The study concluded that there is a significant positive association between e-procurement and improvement in procurement efficiency. The study recommends that organisations develop adequate business processes to support e-procurement and the alignment of existing procurement processes with e-procurement procedures.
The bounded height conjecture for semiabelian varieties
Authors: Kühne Lars
Published: June 2020

The bounded height conjecture of Bombieri, Masser, and Zannier states that for any sufficiently generic algebraic subvariety of a semiabelian$\overline{\mathbb{Q}}$-variety$G$there is an upper bound on the Weil height of the points contained in its intersection with the union of all algebraic subgroups having (at most) complementary dimension in $G$. This conjecture has been shown by Habegger in the case where$G$is either a multiplicative torus or an abelian variety. However, there are new obstructions to his approach if$G$is a general semiabelian variety. In particular, the lack of Poincaré reducibility means that quotients of a given semiabelian variety are intricate to describe. To overcome this, we study directly certain families of line bundles on $G$. This allows us to demonstrate the conjecture for general semiabelian varieties.
Integrative crosstalk between hypoxia and the cold: Old data and new opportunities
Authors: Mugele Hendrik , Oliver Samuel J. , Gagnon Daniel , Lawley Justin S.
Published: June 2020

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

The aim was to examine the influence of hypoxia on thermoregulatory and cardiovascular control in the cold.

What advances does it highlight?

Exposure to hypoxia seems to alter both thermoregulatory and cardiovascular control, but these conclusions are based on limited data, and this review highlights the need for future research in this area.

Cold stress and hypoxia have been the subject of research for decades; however, humans often encounter these stressors together, such as in the alpine environment. Therefore, this review summarizes previous data with respect to the influence of hypoxia on thermoregulatory and cardiovascular control in the cold and presents new ideas for the future. Altogether, little to no evidence is available on the integrative and adaptive mechanisms by which the human body regulates heat conservation, oxygen delivery and maintenance of blood pressure.
De la privación a la restricción de la libertad y otras sanciones penales ¿hacia un paradigma restaurativo en la justicia especial para la paz colombiana?
Authors: Hernández Jiménez Norberto
Published: June 2020

El presente artículo explora los lineamientos de la sanción penal (propia, alternativa y ordinaria) como respuesta punitiva consagrada en el Acuerdo Final para la Terminación del Conflicto y la Construcción de una Paz Estable y Duradera, suscrito entre el gobierno de Colombia y las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC-EP). Para este efecto, se hace una comparación entre la jurisdicción ordinaria y la privación de la libertad en este contexto, versus la restricción efectiva de la libertad de la sanción propia y el enfoque restaurativo regulado en las leyes 1922 de 2018 (reglas de procedimiento para la Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz) y 1957 de 2019 (estatutaria de la Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz). Todo esto se enmarca en los fines de la pena y los modelos punitivos para la elección del castigo que, en virtud del contexto transicional, tiende a privilegiar la reparación frente a la retribución, aunque las sanciones alternativas y ordinarias se fundamenten en esta última contraprestación.