bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conflict management as an organizational capacity: survey of hospital managers in healthcare organizations
Authors: Vesperi Walter , Ventura Marzia , Cristofaro Concetta Lucia
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first objective is to outline the main theoretical framework on the conflict style phenomenon; the second purpose is to understand the conflict style in a sample of Medical Health Manager.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors based this research on qualitative-quantitative analysis. This study starts with a survey questionnaire as a method to collect quantitative data. Therefore, the authors conducted a survey on the style of conflict management of hospital managers with subordinates. A modified version of the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory II (ROCI II) (Rahim, 1983) – Module B is used. This instrument is composed of 28 entries.

Findings

The results of this study offer a double perspective. From a theoretical point of view, the results highlight the main theoretical references related to conflict management. In particular, the main currents of study and the results of empirical evidence have been identified within organizational theory. The empirical part of this study, instead, offers a survey, carried out through the administration of the ROCI II – module B questionnaire.

Originality/value

This paper offers interesting food for thought on conflict management. In particular, it offers theoretical references on the subject and on the validation of the ROCI II - Form B model, in health organizations.
Teaching young adult learners is an intelligent orchestration of science and arts
Authors: Namhata Rima , Ghosh Vinit
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a classroom teaching orchestration technique, analogically drawing a reference from the movie, Prestige (2006). The generation of post-millennials has shorter attention span and motivation and prefers a learner-centric teaching style. This paper attempts to mitigate such challenges by bringing an analogy with a magic trick along with proposing a “divergent-convergent diamond structure” to anchor and synthesise teaching deliverables for the learners.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a practitioner’s study where practical experiences of the authors have led to the conceptualisation of the central theme discussed.

Findings

From a practitioner’s opinion and interpretation, the proposed “divergent-convergent diamond structure” has the potential to make postgraduate classes more engaging. The proposed structure may suggestively promote self-efficacy, trigger curious minds, bring relevance, indulge participatory learning and consolidate the concepts.
Affiliation bias in the online market for rental accommodation
Authors: Bliss Barbara A. , Engelberg Joseph , Warachka Mitch
Published: October 2020

We find evidence of taste‐based discrimination against rival affiliations in the online market for rental accommodation. Airbnb hosts in college towns increase their listing prices more than hotels on home football games against rival teams. By setting listing prices too high as a result of their affiliation bias against rival fans, hosts experience a 30% reduction in rental income. The overestimation of demand, the cost (inconvenience) of temporary relocation, and the likelihood of incurring damage cannot explain the inverse relation between listing price increases, and rental incomes that is limited to games against rival teams. Instead, greater financial constraints are associated with smaller listing price increases, and higher rental incomes on rival games, suggesting that taste‐based discrimination is a luxury.
Vaspin deficiency failed to promote the proliferation of BMSCs in osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Chen Zhongqiang , Guan Zhenpeng
Published: October 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate the possible role of vaspin in the proliferation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its molecular mechanisms in the bone marrow microenvironment of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

This study included 15 non‐obese elderly patients with severe knee OA and 15 non‐obese controls with femoral neck fracture. Patients all underwent hip or knee arthroplasty surgery to restore joint shape and function. Bone marrow samples were taken during surgery to estimate vaspin and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 levels by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and to observe the effect of vaspin on BMSCs proliferation by Cell Counting Kit‐8. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were performed to evaluate the effect of vaspin on the genes and proteins of Akt involved in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Results

Bone marrow vaspin levels were significantly lower in OA patients compared to controls (P = .03). Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between vaspin and TGF‐β1 concentrations in bone marrow (r = .60, P < .01). In addition, the in vitro studies indicated the proliferation of BMSCs was significantly promoted when the vaspin treatment concentration was 150 ng/mL (P < .01). Meanwhile, we found that the Akt messenger RNA and pAkt protein levels in BMSCs were increased after vaspin treatment (P < .05).

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest there was abnormal expression of vaspin in OA bone marrow microenvironment, and vaspin likely had a mediator role in the proliferation of BMSCs, which may work by promoting the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Resequencing and signatures of selection scan in two Siberian native sheep breeds point to candidate genetic variants for adaptation and economically important traits
Authors: Sweet‐Jones J. , Yurchenko A. A. , Igoshin A. V. , Yudin N. S. , Swain M. T. , Larkin D. M.
Published: October 2020

Russian sheep breeds represent an important economic asset by providing meat and wool, whilst being adapted to extreme climates. By resequencing two Russian breeds from Siberia: Tuva (n = 20) and Baikal (n = 20); and comparing them with a European (UK) sheep outgroup (n = 14), 41 million variants were called, and signatures of selection were identified. High‐frequency missense mutations on top of selection peaks were found in genes related to immunity (LOC101109746) in the Baikal breed and wool traits (IDUA), cell differentiation (GLIS1) and fat deposition (AADACL3) in the Tuva breed. In addition, genes found under selection owing to haplotype frequency changes were related to wool traits (DSC2), parasite resistance (CLCA1), insulin receptor pathway (SOCS6) and DNA repair (DDB2) in the Baikal breed, and vision (GPR179) in the Tuva breed. Our results present candidate genes and SNPs for future selection programmes, which are necessary to maintain and increase socioeconomic gain from Siberian breeds.
Spaces for Feminist Commoning? Creative Social Enterprise’s Enclosures and Possibilities
Authors: McLean Heather
Published: October 2020

This paper contributes an intersectional feminist analysis and methodological approach to debates about commoning and social enterprise. Through a narrative description of feminist social enterprise projects based on action research with the Kinning Park Complex, a social centre with a radical history in Glasgow’s South Side, I demonstrate how contemporary community economic development models can entrench intersectional exclusion. Specifically, I show how market‐oriented social enterprise models reproduce precarious work, hinder cooperative ethics, and promote depoliticised notions of difference. However, I also investigate the ways that community organisers and activists at KPC are re‐working these neoliberal models to carve out spaces for feminist commoning. Through these acts, women‐identifying and non‐binary activists, artists, and community organisers grapple with the classed, raced, and gendered politics of community organising and foster solidarities across difference.
Elements of the institutionalization process of the forest and pasture commons in Romania as particular forms of social economy
Authors: Opincaru Irina‐Sînziana
Published: October 2020

In Romania, the study of jointly owned property (devălmășie) has been of great interest for social scientists during the different political regimes of the country. After the fall of the communist regime and after over 50 years of state ownership, the forests and pasture commons (obști and composeorate) returned to be private property of newly established associative forms. This paper aims to identify and define the contemporary Romanian commons by reference to the general characteristics of social economy organizations. In order to achieve this and obtain a clearer view of the place of the commons in Romania's organizational environment, presentation of some elements of the commons’ institutionalization process after the fall of the communist regime is included. The data used for answering these two objectives comes from the analysis of a database comprising 328 questionnaires applied to board members of commons in Romania and various legal documents. The main argument of the paper is that the restitution process that led to the re‐establishment of the Romanian commons from public property to common private property—marked by hardships, conflicts, misunderstandings or faults—deepened the scarce knowledge of the political actors, general public and other stakeholders in regard to these organizations and perpetuated their unclear position in the organizational field.
Classification of co‐operative member shares as equity or liabilities: The case of consumer co‐operatives in South Korea
Authors: Seo Jinseon , Choi Woosuk
Published: October 2020

Member shares of co‐operatives are hybrid securities in that they have characteristics of both equity and liabilities. Prior studies propose that in order to classify hybrid securities as equity or liabilities, the economic substance of those securities should be considered. This study aims to examine whether the economic substance of member shares can be considered as equity or liabilities. Systematic risk is used as a proxy of economic substance. This study tests whether the proportion of member shares to equity is positively or negatively related to equity betas. If the test shows a negative relation, member shares can be considered to have the economic substance of equity; a positive relation implies that member shares have the substance of liabilities.

The results show that the proportion of member shares to equity is significantly negatively related to systematic risk of equity, which means that member shares have equity‐like characteristics. The robustness checks taking into account the tax effect of debt support the findings more strongly that redeemable member shares play an equity‐like role in consumer co‐operatives in South Korea. Although the legal and institutional systems in Korea do not provide member shares of consumer cooperatives with a clear status as equity, member shares still show equity‐like economic substance.
Antibiotics during childhood and development of appendicitis—a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Antonsen Jacob , Hansen Susanne , Morgen Camilla S. , Jess Tine , Jorgensen Lars N. , Allin Kristine H.
Published: October 2020

Background

Appendicitis is a common disease with a lifespan risk of approximately 8%. The full range of specific causes for the disease remains elusive, but an aberrant microbiota have been identified as a potential risk factor.

Aim

To investigate if use of antibiotics in a paediatric population increases the risk of appendicitis in childhood and adolescence

Methods

We conducted a cohort study from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2014. A total of 1 385 707 children (0‐19 years of age) including 7 406 397 antibiotic prescriptions and 11 861 cases of appendicitis were included. Primary outcome was appendicitis requiring appendectomy according to previous use of antibiotics. Appendicitis and appendectomy were identified from nationwide hospital records, and exposure to antibiotics was identified from nationwide prescription register. Rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated from Poisson and logistic regression models.

Results

Children who received at least one course of antibiotics were at increased risk of developing appendicitis compared to unexposed children (adjusted RR 1.72 [95% confidence interval 1.61‐1.85]), mean age of developing appendicitis was 9.8 years (SD 4.1 years). The RR of appendicitis increased by 1.04 (1.04‐1.04) per antibiotic course. A higher risk of appendicitis was observed in children exposed to antibiotics within the first 6 months of life (RR 1.46 [1.36‐1.56]) and children exposed to broad‐spectrum antibiotics (RR 1.33 [1.27‐1.39]). After adjustment for number of antibiotic courses, the association between early age of antibiotic exposure and risk of appendicitis and the association between exposure to broad‐spectrum antibiotics and the risk of appendicitis both disappeared.

Conclusion

Children who receive antibiotics are at increased and dose‐dependent risk of appendicitis. The underlying mechanisms merit further investigation.
Adolescents' well‐being: The role of basic needs fulfilment in family context
Authors: Lo Cricchio Maria Grazia , Costa Sebastiano , Liga Francesca
Published: October 2020

Although there is an increasing interest in studying the relations between the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and well‐being, this association for both parents and adolescents has been to some extent disregarded within the self‐determination theory. The present study was aimed at testing a model of relations between father, mother, and adolescent’s perception of basic needs fulfilment and well‐being. Participants were 98 co‐living family units of mother, father, and adolescents (54% males) aged from 12 to 18 years (M = 15.11, SD = 1.44). Results confirm that basic needs fulfilment was predictive of well‐being in all participants. Moreover, the needs fulfilment of both parents seemed to play a relevant role directly on the perceived needs satisfaction of their adolescents, and indirectly on their well‐being, through the adolescent’s needs satisfaction. Results are discussed in terms of practical implications for the promotion of positive youth development.
The relationship of emotion regulation and negative lability with socioemotional adjustment in institutionalized and non‐institutionalized children
Authors: Sousa Mariana , Cruz Sara , Cruz Orlanda
Published: October 2020

With this study, we aimed to investigate the contribution of emotion regulation and negative lability to socioemotional adjustment in institutionalized and non‐institutionalized children. Ninety‐two children aged 6 to 10 years (45 placed in residential care after abuse and 47 non‐abused, living with their biological families) participated in this study. Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were completed by the main caregivers of the institutions and by the elementary teacher, respectively, for the institutionalized and non‐institutionalized groups. No differences were observed between institutionalized and non‐institutionalized children in emotion regulation, negative lability, and socioemotional adjustment outcomes. Also, no sex and age effects were observed for both groups. Considering the institutionalized children, the length of institutionalization had a significant effect on negative lability, while no effects of the type of maltreatment on emotion regulation and negative lability were observed. Additionally, in institutionalized children, negative lability was negatively associated with peer relationship problems in socioemotional adjustment, whereas in the non‐institutionalized children, no significant associations were verified between emotion regulation and negative lability with socioemotional adjustment outcomes. For institutionalized children, emotional lability seems to have a differential impact on specific maladaptive socioemotional outcomes, which emphasizes the importance of analysing these specific risk developmental pathways.
Slow design‐driven innovation: A response to our future in the Anthropocene epoch
Authors: Gasparin Marta , Green William , Schinckus Christophe
Published: October 2020

Human activities have changed the Earth System to the point where we are in a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. This is characterized as a climate crisis with the practices and meanings associated with innovation being challenged. ‘Slow Designers’, including those living in the most climatically vulnerable parts of the Earth, are innovating design practices by building on the heritage and history of local communities and using eco‐friendly materials. These craft‐inspired approaches could mitigate our over reliance on the Earth System. Slow design‐driven innovation (DDI), by translating communities' heritage, history and territorial importance, creates sustainable products that customers love and care for. We contribute to the theory of DDI by bringing together concepts from the Slow Food movement and DDI, coining the term ‘Slow Design‐Driven Innovation’. Slow DDI consists of four actions: envisaging the heritage, featuring the biodiversity in the product, translating traditional techniques into processes for innovative products and narrating a story about the products and their makers to promote new meanings. Managerially, this contributes to a model of responsible production that confronts current practices in today's climate crisis, as the products are long‐lasting, high quality and are created using local organic materials, thereby protecting biodiversity.
Stochastic Volume Rendering of Multi‐Phase SPH Data
Authors: Piochowiak M. , Rapp T. , Dachsbacher C.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we present a novel method for the direct volume rendering of large smoothed‐particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulation data without transforming the unstructured data to an intermediate representation. By directly visualizing the unstructured particle data, we avoid long preprocessing times and large storage requirements. This enables the visualization of large, time‐dependent, and multivariate data both as a post‐process and in situ. To address the computational complexity, we introduce stochastic volume rendering that considers only a subset of particles at each step during ray marching. The sample probabilities for selecting this subset at each step are thereby determined both in a view‐dependent manner and based on the spatial complexity of the data. Our stochastic volume rendering enables us to scale continuously from a fast, interactive preview to a more accurate volume rendering at higher cost. Lastly, we discuss the visualization of free‐surface and multi‐phase flows by including a multi‐material model with volumetric and surface shading into the stochastic volume rendering.
Eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation test decreases exhaled nitric oxide level in children
Authors: Burman Janne , Malmberg Pekka , Elenius Varpu , Lukkarinen Heikki , Kuusela Tom , Mäkelä Mika , Remes Sami , Jartti Tuomas
Published: October 2020

Background

Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurements and eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) tests have been used as diagnostic tools for asthma. Data on the impact of hyperventilation on the level of FeNO are limited.

Aim

We aimed to evaluate whether EVH tests affect the level of FeNO in children aged 10–16 years.

Methods

A total of 234 children aged 10–16 years had a 6‐min EVH test performed. In total, FeNO values for 153 of 234 children were measured before the test and within 15 min after the test. According to a baseline FeNO level of 20 ppb, children were divided into two groups: those with low values (FeNO < 20 ppb) and those with high values (FeNO ≥ 20 ppb).

Results

The median age of the children was 13.4 years (interquartile range 12.3–15.3 years); 58% were boys and 42% were girls. Of these children, 51% were sensitized to aeroallergens. In 101 of 153 children (66%), the FeNO values decreased after the EVH test. In children with low and high baseline levels, the median level of FeNO decreased after the EVH test: 10.5 ppb before versus 9.5 ppb after (p < .011), and 31.0 ppb before versus 28.0 ppb after (p < .011), respectively. The decrease in FeNO after EVH test was not associated with induced bronchoconstriction expressed as a change in FEV1 (Rs = .19).

Conclusions

The EVH test decreases FeNO levels. Therefore, FeNO should be measured before an EVH test is performed.
Forced oscillation measurements in patients after lobectomy – A comparative analysis with IPF and COPD patients
Authors: Kostorz‐Nosal Sabina , Jastrzębski Dariusz , Ziora Dariusz
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Forced oscillation technique (FOT) is becoming increasingly widespread measurement method used for assessment of lung function. In the present study, we attempted to assess FOT values in patients after lobectomy in comparison with IPF and COPD patients.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients after lobectomy due to lung cancer stage I or II, 28 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 17 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were enrolled in the study. All patients performed spirometry (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, MEF50, MEF25, FEF25‐75, MIF50), plethysmography (Raw, TLC, RV, RV/TLC) and a test using the forced oscillation technique‐ resistance (R at 5Hz, 11Hz and 19Hz, inspiratory, expiratory and total), reactance (Xat 5Hz, 11Hz, inspiratory, expiratory and total), Fres and expiratory flow limitation (∆X). The ANOVA Kruskal‐Wallis test followed by a multiple comparison test were used to evaluate the differences in oscillatory parameters between‐groups.

Results

Patients after lobectomy presented reduced X5, X11 and moderately increased R5, R11, R19, R5‐19, ∆X and Fres. Rinsp5 weresignificantly higher when compared with IPF patients (P = 0.001). In lobectomy patients R5, X5, X11, ∆X and Fres were significantly less affected when compared with patients with COPD (P < 0.05 for all values). R5‐19, which reflects small airways dysfunction, occurred to be similarly elevated as in COPD patients (0.5 vs 0.6 cmH2O/L/s).Abnormalities of reactance at 11Hz were observed more frequently than at 5Hz in all groups of patients.

Conclusion

Patients after lobectomy due to lung cancer presented FOT abnormalities, which could be caused by lung parenchymal abnormalities following recent thoracic surgery.
Diagnosis of prostate cancer in one day: The benefits of cytology in tumour detection
Authors: Compérat Eva , Renard‐Penna Raphaele , Ondet Valérie , Cancel‐Tassin Géraldine , Cussenot Olivier
Published: October 2020

Objective

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a frequent and mortal disease. The aim of this study was to introduce a “diagnosis and handling of PCa in one day” concept, accelerating the handling of PCa patients by giving diagnostic results within 3 hours with the help of prostate cytology. Standard histology served as the control.

Material and methods

After multiparametric MRI, prostate biopsies were taken and one was used for imprint cytology on superfrost slides. The cytology samples were stained by p63/p504s double staining, a standard stain in PCa histology, followed by on‐site interpretation.

Results

Among 129 patients, 39.5% had a prior history of PCa and were either under active surveillance or had been treated by focal therapy. The others came with suspicion of PCa. In 80.8% of the cases, the cytology and histology results agreed. In low‐grade PCa the detection with cytology was more difficult with 72.4% agreement, whereas for intermediate and high‐grade PCa the concordance with histology was 81.8 and 90%, respectively. False positive cases were less than 4.0%.

Conclusion

Cytology of the prostate is unusual, but our study is the first to show it is feasible and gives immediate results that are satisfactory, especially in more aggressive cases. Immunocytology can be easily integrated into the laboratory. Our technique allows quicker handling of PCa, which can soften the psychological impact on men waiting for the diagnosis of PCa.
Endoscopic papillectomy for ampullary adenoma and early adenocarcinoma: Analysis of factors related to treatment outcome and long‐term prognosis
Authors: Kawashima Hiroki , Ohno Eizaburo , Ishikawa Takuya , Iida Tadashi , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Nakamura Masanao , Honda Takashi , Hashimoto Senju , Itoh Akihiro , Ishigami Masatoshi , Hirooka Yoshiki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: October 2020

Objectives

There are few reports on the long‐term prognosis of papillary tumors after endoscopic papillectomy. Here, we report a retrospective study of the therapeutic effects, long‐term prognosis, and affecting factors.

Methods

The inclusion criteria were papillary adenoma with/without an adenocarcinoma component on biopsy results and ≤10 mm intraductal extension, and the exclusion criteria were moderate to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma on biopsy results. If no residual lesion was confirmed ≥6 months after the last endoscopic treatment, remission was defined. Subsequently, follow‐up endoscopy was scheduled once a year. Surgery was required in the case of adenocarcinoma recurrence or intraductal lesions >10 mm. The rates of adverse events, remission, recurrence, and need for surgery were examined. The affecting factors were calculated.

Results

There were a total of 253 subjects, including 65 with adenocarcinoma. Pancreatitis (7.5%), bleeding (9.1%) and perforation (2.8%) were observed as adverse events. Among 221 subjects with ≥6 months of follow‐up, 212 (95.9%) were in remission. The cumulative recurrence rate using the Kaplan–Meier analysis at 5 years was 16.9% (22 cases), with the need for surgery in 5.9% (5 cases). Intraductal extension on preoperative diagnosis was the only significant risk factor for both recurrence (P < 0.001) and the need for surgery (P = 0.005). The presence of adenocarcinoma had no significant effect.

Conclusion

Although remission was achieved in more than 95% of our patients, we observed a high rate of recurrence at the long‐term follow‐up, which was significantly associated with intraductal extension but not with the presence of adenocarcinoma.
Professionals’ experience with conscientious objection to abortion in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: An interview study
Authors: Magelssen Morten , Ewnetu Demelash Bezabih
Published: October 2020

In Ethiopia, conscientious objection (CO) to abortion provision is not allowed due to government regulations. We here report findings from a qualitative interview study of 30 healthcare professionals from different professions working with abortion in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. CO is practised despite the regulations forbidding it. Most informants appeared to be unfamiliar with the prohibition or else did not accord it weight in their moral reasoning. Proponents of institutionalization/toleration of CO claimed that accommodation was often feasible in a hospital setting because colleagues could take over. Opponents pointed to threats to patient access in rural settings especially. Both proponents and opponents invoked tenets of professional ethics, viz., the right not to be coerced into actions one deems unacceptable, or the duty to provide care, respectively. More societal and professional discussion of the ethics and regulation of CO, and a clearer link between legal regulation and ethical guidance for professionals, are called for.
Measuring skeletal muscle morphology and architecture with imaging modalities in children with cerebral palsy: a scoping review
Authors: Williams Sîan A , Stott N Susan , Valentine Jane , Elliott Catherine , Reid Siobhán L
Published: October 2020

Aim

To investigate the use of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methodologies to assess muscle morphology and architecture in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

A scoping review was conducted with systematic searches of Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycInfo for all original articles published up to January 2019 utilizing ultrasound and/or MRI to determine morphological and architectural properties of lower limb skeletal muscle in children with CP.

Results

Eighty papers used ultrasound (n=44), three‐dimensional ultrasound (n=16), or MRI (n=20) to measure at least one muscle parameter in children and adolescents with CP. Most research investigated single muscles, predominantly the medial gastrocnemius muscle, included children classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I (n=62) and II (n=65), and assessed fascicle length (n=35) and/or muscle volume (n=35). Only 21 papers reported reliability of imaging techniques. Forty‐six papers assessed measures of Impairment (n=39), Activity (n=24), and Participation (n=3).

Interpretation

Current research study design, variation in methodology, and preferences towards investigation of isolated muscles may oversimplify the complexities of CP muscle but provide a foundation for the understanding of the changes in muscle parameters in children with CP.

What this paper adds

Current evidence is biased towards the medial gastrocnemius muscle and more functionally able children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Variations in imaging techniques and joint positioning limit comparisons between studies.

Clinimetric testing of parameters of CP muscle is not always considered.

Assessment of parameter(s) of muscle with measures of participation is sparse.
Neural correlates of visual spatial selective attention are altered at early and late processing stages in human amblyopia
Authors: Mortazavi Matin , Aigner Kiera M. , Antono Jessica E. , Gambacorta Christina , Nahum Mor , Levi Dennis M. , Föcker Julia
Published: October 2020

Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental visual disorder which results in reduced visual acuity in one eye and impaired binocular interactions. Previous studies suggest attentional deficits in amblyopic individuals. However, spatial cues which orient attention to a visual field improved performance. Here, we investigate the neural correlates of auditory‐visual spatial selective attention in amblyopia during EEG recording. An auditory cue, that was followed by the presentation of two Gabor patches presented in the lower left and right visual fields, indicated the most likely location of an upcoming target Gabor. The target Gabor differed in orientation from the more frequently presented non‐target Gabor patches. Adults with amblyopia and neurotypical observers were asked to detect the target Gabor monocularly at the cued location, while withholding their response to targets presented at the uncued location and to all non‐target Gabor patches. Higher response rates were observed for cued compared to uncued targets in both groups. However, amblyopic individuals detected targets less efficiently with their amblyopic eye as compared to their fellow eye. Correspondingly, event‐related potentials (ERPs) recorded to the onset of the non‐target Gabor patches were delayed at early processing stages (150–300 ms: posterior N100) and reduced in amplitude at later time windows (150–350 ms: P200, 300–500 ms: sustained activity) in the amblyopic eye compared to the fellow eye. Such interocular differences were not observed in neurotypical observers. These findings suggest that neural resources allocated to the early formation of visual discrimination as well as later stimulus recognition processes are altered in the amblyopic eye.
Syllogistic reasoning as a ground for the content of judgment: A line of thought from Kant through Hegel to Peirce
Authors: Stovall Preston
Published: October 2020

In this paper I develop Paul Redding's suggestion that Peircean abduction and Hegel's discussion of the syllogism can be seen as a working out of Kant's treatment of the reflecting power of judgment, particularly concerning its role in conceptual change. After some historical background I regiment a use of singular terms, kind terms, and predicates across Hegel's three syllogistic figures and reconstruct an account of comprehension and extension for this system suggested by Peirce. In doing so I show that reasoning according to the ampliative syllogistic figures affects the content of these three classes of terms in precise ways. I close with a treatment of inference by analogy (associated by Hegel with the third syllogistic figure) as an exercise of reflection, and I discuss two cases in the history of science, one in astronomy and the other in biology, where a reflective exercise associated with analogical inference revised our understanding of the domain in question.
Oviposition and refractory periods of the small water strider Microvelia horvathi (Heteroptera: Veliidae) after a single mating event
Authors: Matsushima Ryosuke , Ohba Shin‐ya , Yokoi Tomoyuki
Published: October 2020

Multiple mating can be costly, but also beneficial for females. When the costs outweigh the benefits, mated females can be reluctant to remate for some time. Conversely, females will be likely to remate when they need to replenish sperm and/or receive nutrients contained in the accessory ejaculate substances. Water striders have been commonly used in mating studies as many show a vigorous struggle between the sexes. Generally, water strider females frequently mate with many males and lay many eggs during mating period. However, little is known about their oviposition and refractory periods after an initial mating event. In this study, we revealed that single‐mated females of the small water strider, Microvelia horvathi, could lay eggs for 40 days, reflecting approximately half of their potential oviposition periods. It suggested that M. horvathi females do not need to mate to replenish sperm for some time once they mate. Our results also showed that no female remated after 1 or 3 days of an initial mating event. The proportion of female remating increased with time after the initial mating, however, remating levels reached 26.7% even after 14 days. In this sense, any significant cost of mating outweighs the benefit, which might be one of the factors lowering their remating levels.
Developing an approach to assess farmer perceptions of the value of pasture assessment technologies
Authors: Eastwood Callum , Dela Rue Brian , Kerslake Joanne
Published: October 2020

Measurement and monitoring of pasture have been identified as foundations for profitable and sustainable grazing systems. The value that farmers place on pasture assessment in feed management is difficult to ascertain and has seen limited research. The objectives of this study were to test a survey to quantify the perceived value of pasture assessment and identify key criteria for design of pasture assessment technologies. An online survey methodology was piloted with 44 New Zealand farmers to assess perceptions of actual and great grazing management outcomes, good and great pasture assessment, and the value associated with moving from good to great pasture assessment. Results highlighted that many farmers perceive a small potential for improvements in their current pasture performance, whereas industry‐level studies suggest that this is not the case. We found limitations with farmers linking better pasture management performance with eventual improvements in milk production. There were anomalies with assessing current and potential improved pasture performance through this type of survey methodology, with many farmers claiming very high levels of current performance, and some rating themselves as performing at more than 100% of potential. This research highlights that pasture assessment technology designers need to be aware of the high expectations of farmers regarding performance, for example measurement accuracy and data timeliness. Over, or under, specification of technology for specific tasks, such as daily allocation of pasture at a herd level, may lead to farmer dissatisfaction around costs of technology, return on investment, and if the technology is fit‐for‐purpose.
Network meta‐analysis of post‐exposure prophylaxis randomized clinical trials
Authors: Fernández I , de Lazzari E. , Inciarte A. , Diaz‐Brito V. , Milinkovic A. , Arenas‐Pinto A. , Etcheverrry F. , García F. , Leal L ,   the HIV‐PEP Group
Published: October 2020

Objectives

We performed a network meta‐analysis of PEP randomized clinical trials to evaluate the best regimen.

Methods

After MEDLINE/Pubmed search, studies were included if: (1) were randomized, (2) comparing at least 2 PEP three‐drug regimens and, (3) reported completion rates or discontinuation at 28 days. Five studies with 1105 PEP initiations were included and compared ritonavir‐boosted lopinavir (LPV/r) vs. atazanavir (ATV) (one study), cobicistat‐boosted elvitegravir (EVG/c) (one study), raltegravir (RAL) (one study) or maraviroc (MVC) (two studies). We estimated the probability of each treatment of being the best based on the evaluation of five outcomes: PEP non‐completion at day 28, PEP discontinuation due to adverse events, PEP switching due to any cause, lost to follow‐up and adverse events.

Results

Participants were mostly men who have sex with men (n = 832, 75%) with non‐occupational exposure to HIV (89.86%). Four‐hundred fifty‐four (41%) participants failed to complete their PEP course for any reason. The Odds Ratio (OR) for PEP non‐completion at day 28 in each antiretroviral compared to LPV/r was: ATV 0.95 (95% CI 0.58–1.56; EVG/c: OR 0.65 95% CI 0.30–1.37; RAL: OR 0.68 95% CI 0.41–1.13; and MVC: OR 0.69 95% CI 0.47–1.01. In addition, the rankogram showed that EVG/c had the highest probability of being the best treatment for the lowest rates in PEP non‐completion at day 28, switching, lost to follow‐up or adverse events and MVC for PEP discontinuations due to adverse events.

Conclusions

Our study shows the advantages of integrase inhibitors when used as PEP, particularly EVG as a Single‐Tablet Regimen.
Physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of flours and starches from taro cultivated in different regions of Thailand
Authors: Wongsagonsup Rungtiwa , Nateelerdpaisan Thanupong , Gross Chayapon , Suphantharika Manop , Belur Prasanna D. , Agoo Esperanza Maribel G. , Janairo Jose Isagani Belen
Published: October 2020

This research aimed to study physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of flours and starches from taro cultivated in different regions of Thailand, that is, Kanchanaburi (KB), Chiang Mai (CM), Phetchaburi (PB) and Saraburi (SB). Taro starches were extracted from taro flours using either water or alkaline extraction. The taro flours had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) larger particle size, higher pasting and gelatinisation temperatures, and resistant starch content but lower total starch content, whiteness (L* value), paste viscosities and clarity than their corresponding extracted starches. All the taro starches exhibited polygonal and irregular granules and gave A‐type X‐ray diffraction pattern. The alkaline‐extracted taro starches had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher extraction yield, total starch content, L* value, pasting and gelatinisation temperatures, and paste clarity but lower granular size, amylose content, resistant starch content, paste viscosities and relative crystallinity than their water‐extracted counterparts.
Fatty acid profiles of vegetable oils from four different plant sources and their effects on dough rheology and Chinese steamed bread quality
Authors: Zhang Tingjing , Guan Erqi , Yang Yuling , Liu Fang , Zhang Lili , Pang Jinyue , Bian Ke
Published: October 2020

Fatty acids (FAs) of soya bean oil (SO), corn oil (CO), peanut oil (PO), and rapeseed oil (RO) and their effects on dough rheology and Chinese steamed bread (CSB) quality were elucidated. PO, containing the most appropriate proportions of saturated (12.73%) and unsaturated (87.27%) FAs, had the most positive effects, conferring dough with an optimal viscosity and elasticity ratio, springiness, and recovery capacity. Concomitantly, the resultant CSB exhibited a nearly 15% larger specific volume, 33% softer texture, 5% lower mean cell area, 104% higher cell density, and 91% enhanced cell‐to‐total area ratio than control bread with commercial shortening. Furthermore, PO contained an optimal ω‐6/ω‐3 essential FA ratio of 6.28 for health benefits. For these reasons, PO could serve as a potential improver for CSB production to replace commercial shortening and compensate for essential nutrient deficiencies.
Using serological measures to estimate influenza incidence in the presence of secular trends in exposure and immuno‐modulation of antibody response
Authors: Quandelacy Talia M. , Cummings Derek A. T. , Jiang Chao Qiang , Yang Bingyi , Kwok Kin On , Dai Byran , Shen Ruiyin , Read Jonathan M. , Zhu Huachen , Guan Yi , Riley Steven , Lessler Justin
Published: October 2020

Background

Influenza infection is often measured by a fourfold antibody titer increase over an influenza season (ie seroconversion). However, this approach may fail when influenza seasons are less distinct as it does not account for transient effects from recent infections.

Here, we present a method to determine seroconversion for non‐paired sera, adjusting for changes in individuals’ antibody titers to influenza due to the transient impact of recent exposures, varied sampling times, and laboratory processes.

Methods

We applied our method using data for five H3N2 strains collected from 942 individuals, aged 2‐90 years, during the first two study visits of the Fluscape cohort study (2009‐2012) in Guangzhou, China.

Results

After adjustment, apparent seroconversion rates for non‐circulating strains decreased while we observed a 20% increase in seroconversion rates to recently circulating strains. When examining seroconversion to the most recently circulating strain (A/Brisbane/20/2007) in our study, participants aged under 18, and over 64 had the highest seroconversion rates compared to other age groups.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the need for improved methods when using antibody titers as an endpoint in settings where there is no clear influenza “off” season. Methods, like those presented here, that use titers from circulating and non‐circulating strains may be key.
China’s social security response to COVID‐19: Wider lessons learnt for social security’s contribution to social cohesion and inclusive economic development
Authors: Qian Xiaoyan
Published: October 2020

China has adopted an array of special social security measures in response to the spread of the COVID‐19 virus, to mitigate the downside social and economic impacts caused by the pandemic. Measures include the reduction, exemption and deferral of social security contributions by employers, the extension of benefits coverage for employees, and the provision of more accessible e‐services by social insurance agencies. The article points out that a preliminary assessment of those measures would suggest that they have played a key role in supporting social cohesion and in stabilizing the economy. In a critical manner, the article compares the measures adopted in China with those of other countries, and identifies how China could learn from international practice and experience. Finally, and based on recent Chinese experience, the article presents proposals that seek to improve the longer‐term contribution made by the Chinese social security system to realize the goals of social cohesion and inclusive economic development. As set out in China’s Social Insurance Law of 2010, the social security system should not only support a fair sharing of benefits of development, but also promote social harmony and stability.
Water adsorption on silica and calcium‐boroaluminosilicate glass surfaces—Thickness and hydrogen bonding of water layer
Authors: Lin Yen‐Ting , Smith Nicholas J. , Banerjee Joy , Agnello Gabriel , Manley Robert G. , Walczak Wanda J. , Kim Seong H.
Published: October 2020

Adsorption isotherm of water on silica (modeled with fused quartz) and calcium‐boroaluminosilicate (Ca‐BAS) glass surfaces as a function of relative humidity (RH) was studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The effective thickness of the adsorbed water layer and the distribution of hydrogen bonding interactions of water molecules in the adsorbed layer were determined by comparing the transmission FTIR spectra collected at the Brewster incidence angle with the theoretically calculated spectra. In the sub‐monolayer regime (<30% RH), differences between the water spectra on fused quartz and Ca‐BAS glass could be related to the areal density of hydroxyl groups as well as the elemental composition of the surface determined with x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In the transition regime (30%–60% RH), multilayers start growing and the difference between the fused quartz and Ca‐BAS surfaces diminishes as the humidity increases. In the multilayer regime (>60% RH), the total amount as well as the hydrogen bonding interactions of adsorbed water layers become insensitive to the surface chemistry and are governed mostly by the phase transition (vapor condensation) behavior. Overall, this study reveals how the water layer thickness and structure on the multicomponent silicate glass surface in ambient conditions are different from those on the pure silica surface.
Role of miR‐218‐GREM1 axis in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of oral squamous cell carcinoma: An in vivo and vitro study based on microarray data
Authors: Wang Yanpeng , Jiang Yifeng , Chen Long
Published: October 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent cancer that develops in the head and neck area and has high annual mortality despite optimal treatment. microRNA‐218 (miR‐218) is a tumour inhibiting non‐coding RNA that has been reported to suppress the cell proliferation and invasion in various cancers. Thus, our study aims to determine the mechanism underlying the inhibitory role of miR‐218 in OSCC. We conducted a bioinformatics analysis to screen differentially expressed genes in OSCC and their potential upstream miRNAs. After collection of surgical OSCC tissues, we detected GREM1 expression by immunohistochemistry, RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis, and miR‐218 expression by RT‐qPCR. The target relationship between miR‐218 and GREM1 was assessed by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. After loss‐ and gain‐of‐function experiments, OSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were determined by MTT assay, scratch test and Transwell assay, respectively. Expression of TGF‐β1, Smad4, p21, E‐cadherin, Vimentin and Snail was measured by RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis. Finally, effects of miR‐218 and GREM1 on tumour formation and liver metastasis were evaluated in xenograft tumour‐bearing nude mice. GREM1 was up‐regulated, and miR‐218 was down‐regulated in OSCC tissues, and GREM1 was confirmed to be the target gene of miR‐218. Furthermore, after up‐regulating miR‐218 or silencing GREM1, OSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were reduced. In addition, expression of TGF‐β signalling pathway‐related genes was diminished by overexpressing miR‐218 or down‐regulating GREM1. Finally, up‐regulated miR‐218 or down‐regulated GREM1 reduced tumour growth and liver metastasis in vivo. Taken together, our findings suggest that the overexpression of miR‐218 may inhibit OSCC progression by inactivating the GREM1‐dependent TGF‐β signalling pathway.