bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does seawater acidification affect zooxanthellae density and health in the invasive upside‐down jellyfish, Cassiopea spp.?
Authors: Weeks Chelsea , Meagher Shawn , Willink Philip , McCravy Kenneth W.
Published: August 2019

Ocean acidification is the decline in seawater pH that results from the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Decreased pH has negative effects on survivability, growth, and development in many marine calcifiers, potentially resulting in reduced coral species richness. This reduction in richness could open new niche space, allowing the spread of invasive species, such as the upside‐down jellyfish (Cassiopea spp.). Like corals, this jellyfish forms symbiotic relationships with zooxanthellae, photosynthetic dinoflagellates. This study focused on the effect of seawater acidification in Cassiopea spp. We monitored zooxanthellae density and two measures of health (bell diameter and volume) in individuals of Cassiopea sp. at three pH levels chosen to mimic different open‐ocean average conditions: 8.2, representing pre‐industrial revolution conditions; and 7.9 and 7.6, representing predicted declines in pH in the next century. Zooxanthellae density and health of the jellyfish were measured twice—prior to experimental manipulations and after four weeks of exposure to experimental pHs—in three consecutive trials. The effects of pH and Trial on proportional change in jellyfish attributes were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. We found no significant effects of either factor. These results indicate that decreasing seawater pH has no apparent negative effect on zooxanthellae density or health in Cassiopea, which suggests that these jellyfish may be relatively insensitive to the impacts of ocean acidification, heightening its potential as an invasive species.
Relaxor behavior and photocatalytic properties of BaBi2Nb2O9
Authors: Qi Wenzhi , Wang Yaqiong , Wu Jiyue , Hu Zimeng , Jia Chenglong , Viola Giuseppe , Zhang Hongtao , Yan Haixue
Published: August 2019

Lead‐free Aurivillius phase BaBi2Nb2O9 powders were prepared by solid‐state reaction. Ferroelectric measurements on BaBi2Nb2O9 (BBNO) ceramics at room temperature provided supporting evidence for the existence of polar nanoregions (PNRs) and their reversible response to an external electric field, indicating relaxor behavior. The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B reached 12% after 3 hours irradiation of BBNO powders under simulated solar light. Silver (Ag) nanoparticles were photochemically deposited onto the surface of the BBNO powders and found to act as electron traps, facilitating the separation of photoexcited charge carriers; thus, the photocatalytic performance was significantly improved. The present study is the first examination of the photochemical reactivity of a relaxor ferroelectric within the Aurivillius family with PNRs.
Viscosity and liquidus‐based predictor of glass‐forming ability of oxide glasses
Authors: Jiusti Jeanini , Zanotto Edgar D. , Cassar Daniel R. , Andreeta Marcello R. B.
Published: August 2019

Glass‐forming ability (GFA) is a measure of the easiness to vitrify a given substance. Theoretically, it is possible to make a glass from any liquid provided it is quenched from its liquidus temperature with a cooling rate above a critical value Rc to avoid crystallization. However, measuring GFA is a laborious and time‐consuming task. Moreover, predicting the GFA of substances that have never been vitrified is of greater interest. Here, we propose and evaluate a new parameter that can predict the glass forming ability of oxide mixtures. We derived a mother parameter, GFA = 1/Rc  [U(Tmax) × TL]−1, where U(Tmax) is the maximum crystal growth rate, and TL is the liquidus temperature, which strongly correlates with the experimental critical cooling rates of oxide glass‐formers. A simplified version derived from the mother parameter—which does not need (scarce) crystal growth rate data and only relies on viscosity η and TL, GFA  [η(TL)/]—also correlates well with the Rc of several oxide compositions. This new GFA parameter, dubbed Jezica, works when heterogeneous nucleation prevails. It corroborates the widespread concept that substances having high viscosity at TL, and a low TL can be easily vitrified, and provides a powerful tool for the quest and design of novel glasses.
High risk of the fall armyworm invading Japan and the Korean Peninsula via overseas migration
Authors: Ma Jian , Wang Yun‐Ping , Wu Ming‐Fei , Gao Bo‐Ya , Liu Jie , Lee Gwan‐Seok , Otuka Akira , Hu Gao
Published: August 2019

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is an invasive pest species in the Old World. This species is originally native to the Americas. Since 2016, S. frugiperda has spread widely and rapidly throughout Africa, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia and, most recently, to southern China. By May 2019, S. frugiperda had appeared in 13 provinces in southern China and will spread further into northern China. It is highly likely that S. frugiperda will enter Japan and Korea via overseas migrations as have many other migratory pests. To evaluate the risk of S. frugiperda invasion in Japan and the Korean Peninsula, we modelled the rate of expansion and future potential migratory range of the insect by a trajectory analytical approach using the flight behaviour of S. frugiperda and meteorological data of the past five years (2014–2018). If S. frugiperda can fly for up to 36 continuous hours over water, then our results predict migration from southern and eastern China into Japan and Korea. Most likely, Japan would be invaded from Fujian and Zhejiang in 1 June–15 July, and Kyushu, Shikoku and southwestern Honshu could face the highest risk of S. frugiperda invasion. Korea would most likely be reached by S. frugiperda from northern Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and Shandong in 1 June–15 July and later. Our results indicated a very high risk that S. frugiperda would annually invade Japan and the Korean Peninsula and cause a possible significant decrease in agricultural productivity.
Total phenolic content prediction inFlos Loniceraeusing hyperspectral imaging combined with wavelengths selection methods
Authors: Liu Yunhong , Wang Qingqing , Gao Xiuwei , Xie Anguo
Published: August 2019

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) method was applied to rapidly and nondestructively predict total phenolic content inFlos Lonicerae. The least squares support vector machine (LS‐SVM) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed on the basis of full wavelengths data and characteristic wavelengths data chosen by six wavelengths selection ways. The results clarified that standard normal variable (SNV) was the optimal pretreatment method, and the nonlinear LS‐SVM model based on the characteristic wavelengths chosen by the combination (CARS‐SPA) of competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and successive projections algorithm (SPA) yielded the best prediction performance for the total phenolic content. The overall results demonstrated that the proposed CARS‐SPA was a good method for selecting characteristic wavelengths to enhance prediction performance of HSI, and nonlinear LS‐SVM was more appropriate than linear PLSR for the prediction of total phenolic content inFlos Lonicerae.

Practical applications

Flos Loniceraeis a well‐known traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and also the raw material of various medicines and herbal tea. The demand forFlos Loniceraeis increasing. Therefore, monitoring the quality ofFlos Loniceraeis very important to consumers and industry ofFlos Lonicerae. The phenolic compounds content inFlos Loniceraeis one of the key internal quality factors. The traditional methods (such as spectrophotometric techniques or high‐performance liquid chromatography) for detecting total phenolic content are time‐consuming, labor‐consuming, and destructive. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a nondestructive and reliable method for quality inspection. The results showed that SNV was determined as the best method for pretreatment, and the nonlinear CARS‐SPA‐LS‐SVM model was developed for total phenolic content detection with high precision. It could be verified that HSI technology is effective and promising for rapid determination of total phenolic content and quality control ofFlos Loniceraeas well as other agricultural products.
Combination of spectra and image information of hyperspectral imaging data for fast prediction of lipid oxidation attributes in pork meat
Authors: Aheto Joshua H. , Huang Xingyi , Tian Xiaoyu , Ren Yi , Bonah Ernest , Alenyorege Evans A. , Lv Riqin , Dai Chunxia
Published: August 2019

This study highlighted the potential of integrating texture and spectra information of hyperspectral imaging to predict the evolution of 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and peroxide value (PV) as lipid oxidation attributes in pork muscles under diverse processing conditions. Partial least square regression (PLSR) models were established on data fusion information (image and optimal spectra) and compared with other three PLSR models built on spectra (full range and optimal), and image information. Regarding TBARS measurement, model based on optimal spectra was superior with determination coefficient of prediction (Rp2) of .896, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.034, and residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 2.311 as compared to the data fusion model (Rp2 = .865, RMSEP = 0.994, RPD = 2.280). For PV, model on data fusion yielded the best (Rp2 = .899, RMSEP = 0.966, RPD = 2.314) followed by that on optimal spectra (Rp2 = .883, RMSEP = 1.073, RPD = 2.281). Then prediction maps were drawn to visualize the distribution of TBARS and PV in the samples using models built on optimal spectra. The maps revealed intrinsic differences in samples which are not readily perceptible by visual observation.

Practical Applications

Models based on spectra and spatial information of hyperspectral imaging have been widely used to predict and visualize food quality attributes. However, these are not enough to elucidate the impact of processing on the meat samples as it may not be able to directly measure attributes related to external properties such as texture properties. The present study investigated the feasibility of integrating texture features obtained from gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix and spectra data to predict quality changes associated with pork meat subjected to diverse processing conditions. The results obtained proved that the methods presented can be useful for designing future experiments in a bid to establishing robust models for food quality assessment.
Application of Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test to survey the updated prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Mei‐Jyh , Fang Yu‐Jen , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Chen Chieh‐Chang , Chen Yen‐Nien , Yu Chien‐Chun , Kuo Chia‐Chi , Chiu Min‐Chin , Hu Wen‐Hao , Tsai Min‐Horn , Hsieh Cheng‐Lin , Chen Hsin‐Hung , Bair Ming‐Jong , Liou Jyh‐Ming ,   for the Taiwan Gastrointestinal Disease and Helicobacter Consortium
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

The reported prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Taiwan was 54.4% in 1992. An updated prevalence of H. pylori infection in asymptomatic adults is lacking in Taiwan. We aimed to assess the updated age‐standardized prevalence of H. pylori infection in asymptomatic subjects and in patients with dyspepsia and to assess the accuracy of H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA) test for screening of H. pylori in Chinese population.

Methods

Asymptomatic adult subjects (N = 189) were screened for H. pylori infection using HpSA, serology, and 13C‐urea breath test (13C‐UBT) in 2016–2017. Adult patients with dyspepsia (N = 145) were screened for H. pylori using 13C‐UBT, HpSA, serology, rapid urease test, and histology during 2016–2018. Two types of HpSA, including the Diagnostec HpSA ELISA Kit (HpSA ELISA) and Rapid Test Kit (HpSA Rapid), were used in this study. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the HpSA tests were calculated using the 13C‐UBT as golden standard test.

Results

The unadjusted prevalence of H. pylori was 21.2% in asymptomatic adults and 37.9% in patients with dyspepsia (P < 0.001). The age‐standardized prevalence of H. pylori was 28.9% in asymptomatic adults in Taiwan. Of the 334 patients included for analysis, the area under the curve of HpSA ELISA test was 0.978, and the optimal cutoff value of optical density was 0.03. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the HpSA ELISA were 0.929, 0.983, and 0.967, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the HpSA Rapid were 0.929, 0.958, and 0.949, respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of H. pylori infection has decreased in Taiwan. HpSA test is an accurate tool for screening of H. pylori in Chinese population.
Typology of Family Relationship and Elder Mistreatment in a US Chinese Population
Authors: Li Mengting , Guo Man , Stensland Meredith , Silverstein Merril , Dong XinQi
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES

To examine the associations between typology of family relationship and risk of elder mistreatment (EM).

DESIGN

Population‐based epidemiological cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

Community‐dwelling older adults in the greater Chicago area.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 3157 US older Chinese immigrants.

MEASUREMENTS

EM was measured by a brief screening tool. Latent class analysis was used to construct typologies of family relationship from eight indicators, evaluating the structural, associational, functional, affectual, and normative aspects of family relationship. Logistic regression models were used to test the associations between typology of family relationship and EM.

RESULTS

Unobligated ambivalent type (44.77%) was the most common family type among US older Chinese immigrants. The prevalence of EM was around 15%, with 475 participants reporting experience of EM. Unobligated ambivalent (odds ratio [OR] = 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.54‐2.34) and detached (OR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.32‐2.42) family types were associated with greater risk of EM; tight‐knit (OR = .34; 95% CI = .27‐.44) family type was associated with lower risk of EM. The relationship between commanding conflicted family type and EM was not significant.

CONCLUSION

Unobligated ambivalent family type, featured by high emotional closeness and high family conflict, was prevalent among US Chinese families and associated with EM consequences. Culturally customized social services are suggested to reduce intergenerational ambivalence and promote family harmony for immigrant families. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:S493–S498, 2019.
Exploring person‐centred fundamental nursing care in hospital wards: A multi‐site ethnography
Authors: van Belle Elise , Giesen Jeltje , Conroy Tiffany , van Mierlo Marloes , Vermeulen Hester , Huisman‐de Waal Getty , Heinen Maud
Published: August 2019

Objective

To explore how nurses in hospitals enact person‐centred fundamental care delivery.

Background

Effective person‐centred care is at the heart of fundamental nursing care, but it is deemed to be challenging in acute health care as there is a strong biomedical focus and most nurses are not trained in person‐centred fundamental care delivery. We therefore need to know if and how nurses currently incorporate a person‐centred approach during fundamental care.

Design

Focused ethnography approach.

Methods

Observations of 30 nurses on three different wards in two Dutch hospitals during their morning shift. Data were collected through passive observations and analysed using framework analysis based on the fundamentals of care framework. The COREQ guideline was used for reporting.

Results

Some nurses successfully integrate physical, psychosocial and relational elements of care in patient interactions. However, most nurses were observed to be mainly focused on physical care and did not take the time at their patients’ bedside to care for their psychosocial and relational needs. Many had a task‐focused way of working and communicating, seldom incorporating patients’ needs and experiences or discussing care planning, and often disturbing each other.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that although some nurses manage to do so, person‐centred fundamental care delivery remains a challenge in hospitals, as most nurses have a task‐focused approach and therefore do not manage to integrate the physical, relational and physical elements of care. For further improvement, attention needs to be paid to integrated fundamental care and clinical reasoning skills.

Relevance to clinical practice

Although most nurses have a compassionate approach, this study shows that nurses do not incorporate psychosocial care or encourage patient participation when helping patients with their physical fundamental care needs, even though there seems to be sufficient opportunity for them to do so.
Family carers' perspectives of managing activities of daily living and use of mHealth applications in dementia care: A qualitative study
Authors: Rathnayake Sarath , Jones Cindy , Calleja Pauline , Moyle Wendy
Published: August 2019

Aim

To examine the needs, barriers and challenges experienced by family carers of people with dementia concerning the management of their care recipients' functional disabilities, and their experiences and opinions of using mobile health (mHealth) applications in health information seeking.

Background

Functional disability is a significant problem among people with dementia and management can be challenging for family carers. Evidence suggests that mHealth applications can support knowledge needs of patients and families.

Design

A qualitative descriptive exploratory study.

Methodology

In‐depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of family carers using a semi‐structured interview guide. An inductive thematic analysis method was used. The COREQ reporting guideline was followed.

Results

Five spousal and five child carers participated in this study. Four key themes were identified: (a) Challenges faced that contribute to psychological distress and burden; (b) Essential role of support systems in dementia care; (c) Information and educational needs of family carers, and (d) Experiences and attitudes of mHealth applications as an educational and supportive resource.

Conclusion

Providing functional care is demanding, challenging and stressful, and leads to carer burden. The complexity of dementia is a barrier in the organisation of functional care and access to a support network is vital to care provision. The information needs of family carers can potentially be addressed through an mHealth application.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study provides important information on family carers' needs, and the barriers and challenges related to functional care for people with dementia. Findings from this study can assist nurses and other health professionals in the planning of educational and supportive programs for family carers. Furthermore, the use of mHealth applications could positively contribute to the delivery of these programs.
Potential role of Hedgehog signaling pathway and myofibroblastic differentiation in central giant cell granuloma—A preliminary study
Authors: Melo Muniz Vinicius Rio Verde , Nunes Fábio Daumas , Xavier Flávia Caló de Aquino , Cangussu Maria Cristina Teixeira , de Almeida Freitas Roseana , Cury Patrícia Ramos , Gurgel Clarissa Araújo , dos Santos Jean Nunes
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study investigated components of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway (SHH, GLI1), cyclin D1, and smooth muscle actin (SMA) in central giant cell granulomas (CGCG). The relationship between these proteins and myofibroblasts was also studied.

Material and methods

Twelve cases of non‐aggressive CGCG and 11 cases of aggressive CGCG were studied using immunohistochemistry for SHH, GLI1, Cyclin D1, and SMA.

Results

Associations between all proteins in non‐aggressive and aggressive CGCG were not significant (P > .05). All cases of CGCG showed significantly higher expression of SMA compared with the other proteins (P < .01). A positive correlation (P = .04) was only observed between SHH and GLI1 for all cases of CGCG. Furthermore, a positive correlation between SHH and GLI1 in non‐aggressive CGCG (P = .04) and between GLI1 and cyclin D1 in aggressive CGCG (P = .03) were observed. There was also a negative correlation between the expression of SHH and SMA in non‐aggressive CGCG (P = .031).

Conclusions

This study provided insights into the activation of the HH signaling pathway in CGCG. In addition, the activation of this pathway (SHH and GLI1) might play some role in the differentiation of stromal myofibroblasts, although these markers including Cyclin D1 and SMA do not indicate aggressiveness of the CGCG. Furthermore, this myofibroblastic differentiation process would occur at the expense of maturation of these lesions.
Patient and Clinical Evaluation of Traditional Metal and Polyamide Removable Partial Dentures in an Elderly Cohort
Authors: Manzon Licia , Fratto Giovanni , Poli Ottavia , Infusino Emilia
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To evaluate several clinical and functional parameters by administration of specific questionnaires to an elderly patient's cohort wearing three different types of removable partial denture (RPD): VALPLAST‐RPD (Polyamide VALPLAST), CoCr‐RPD (cobalt‐chromium alloy), and PMMA‐RPD (heat polymerized polymethyl methacrylate).

Materials and Methods

One hundred twenty patients (mean age 73 years) were included in this study. All patients were treated with a removable partial denture for the maxillary arch. After 1 year of use, patients and clinicians were asked to compile specific questionnaire on patient satisfaction, including aesthetic, functional, and clinical outcomes. It was also evaluated whether the localization of the missing teeth according to Kennedy classification may affect these parameters. Categorical data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed by chi‐squared test.

Results

VALPLAST‐RPD was the most satisfactory aesthetically. Nevertheless, patients of VALPLAST‐RPD group reported increased difficulty in cleaning the prosthesis, roughness perceived by the tongue, and increased retention loss (p < 0.001). Patients with PMMA‐RPD claimed a higher level of encumbrance (p < 0.001) and increased speech difficulties (p = 0.002). Clinically, patients of VALPLAST‐RPD and PMMA‐RPD groups displayed redness of the mucosa area around abutment teeth (p < 0.001). Patients of VALPLAST‐RPD group had four cases of artificial teeth loss and two cases of discoloration. The position of missing teeth did not significantly influence any parameter.

Conclusions

Each RPD material utilized may present advantages and disadvantages in an elderly population. VALPLAST‐RPD may be recommended to older patients with non‐extensive edentulous areas supported by anterior and posterior teeth, and not subjected to strong chewing loads. The main advantages are aesthetic satisfaction and easiness to insert and remove it.
Gathering consumer terminology using focus groups—An example with beauty care
Authors: Talavera Martin , Sasse Audra M.
Published: August 2019

Using consumer‐friendly terminology is essential for more impactful consumer research. As an example, focus groups are effective to gather emotional and attitudinal information in ways that surveys and questionnaires cannot. The objective of this study was to use situational exercises in focus groups to generate terminology about emotions and attitudes in beauty care. These terms can be used to aid the product development process and product communication. Women in the Kansas City area (N = 21), who use a variety of different beauty care products, were recruited for three focus groups of seven people each. The groups were divided by age group as follows: 18–35, 36–50, and 51+. Participants were asked questions regarding their behaviors behind their purchasing habits and use of beauty care products, both positive and negative. Women reported that when not using beauty care products, they felt tired, dirty, and self‐conscious. Contrarily, they reported feeling confident, clean, and beautiful when using products. They also mentioned the importance of ingredients. Women overwhelmingly wanted products to have more natural ingredients and to be created “cruelty‐free” (no animal testing). These qualitative techniques help understand the consumer so companies can better communicate with their target users.

Practical Applications

This article provides an example on the use of focus groups as a tool to rapidly gather relevant information about emotions and behaviors in the beauty care category. This technique is a fast way to gather rich information that could benefit a research and development team from two fronts: first, to a sensory or product development group to understand the relations between product characteristics and the emotional construct of consumers and perhaps provide a key into changing consumer behaviors and second, to a brand or marketing team to understand what their target users are saying so they can think about better ways to reach the consumer and communicate with them, in this case, within the beauty care industry.
Excess dietary tryptophan mitigates aflatoxicosis in growing quails
Authors: Khanipour Sousan , Mehri Mehran , Bagherzadeh‐Kasmani Farzad , Maghsoudi Ali , Assadi Soumeh Elham
Published: August 2019

A biological assay was carried out to evaluate the impact of dietary tryptophan (TRP) in aflatoxin B1‐contaminated diets (AFB1‐D) on performance, blood parameters, immunity, meat quality and microbial populations of intestine in Japanese quails. Six experimental diets were formulated to include two levels of dietary TRP; 2.9 (moderate high: MH‐TRP) and 4.9 g/kg (excess: Ex‐TRP); and three levels of AFB1 (0.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg). Each experimental diet was fed to the one of the six groups of birds from 7 to 35 days of age in a completely randomized design with 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Decrease in feed intake, body weight gain and gain:feed in birds fed 5.0 mg/kg AFB1‐D was restored to the control level by 4.9 g TRP/kg of the diet. The hepatic enzymes in blood were elevated in quails fed on AFB1‐D but attenuated by 4.9 g TRP/kg of the diet (Ex‐TRP; p ≤ .01). High serum uric acid in birds challenged with AFB1 significantly decreased by Ex‐TRP (p ≤ .01). The skin thickness to 2,4‐dinitro‐1‐chlorobenzene challenge suppressed by AFB1 but increased by Ex‐TRP diet (p ≤ .02). The AFB1 increased the malondialdehyde in meat, whereas TRP efficiently diminished malondialdehyde production (p ≤ .01). The greatest drip loss and pH in meat were observed in the birds fed 5.0 mg/kg AFB1‐D but Ex‐TRP augmented the adverse effects of AFB1 (p ≤ .01). The Ex‐TRP reduced the total microbial and Escherichia coli counts (p ≤ .01). The adverse effect of AFB1 on ileal Lactic acid bacteria was completely prevented by Ex‐TRP (p ≤ .03). This study showed that tryptophan supplementation could be considered as a powerful nutritional tool to ameliorate the adverse effects of AFB1 in growing quails.
Bryophyte and macrolichen diversity show contrasting elevation relationships and are negatively affected by disturbances in laurel forests of Madeira island
Authors: Boch Steffen , Martins Anabela , Ruas Sara , Fontinha Susana , Carvalho Palmira , Reis Fábio , Bergamini Ariel , Sim‐Sim Manuela
Published: August 2019

Questions

Studies on bryophyte and lichen diversity patterns along elevational gradients are scarce, although this approach can serve as space‐for‐time substitution to predict diversity changes because of climate warming. Therefore, we investigated bryophytes and macrolichens in disturbed and undisturbed stands along an elevational gradient in the unique laurel forest of Madeira island by addressing the following questions: (a) how does the species richness of functional‐taxonomic bryophyte and macrolichen groups differ with elevation; (b) how is the species richness of these groups affected by disturbances?

Location

UNESCO World Natural Heritage site laurel forest of Madeira island (Madeira, Portugal).

Methods

We analyzed species richness of bryophytes and macrolichens in 92 plots in response to elevation and to disturbances.

Results

Bryophyte species richness showed a mid‐elevational peak, while macrolichen richness increased with elevation. Disturbed plots harbored on average 20% less bryophyte and macrolichen species than undisturbed plots.

Conclusions

The laurel forest of Madeira island is a bryophyte and lichen diversity hotspot. Our findings indicate future biodiversity threats by changing environmental conditions. This calls for the need for a strict protection status of the laurel forest on Madeira island to minimize human‐related disturbances, for the development of management measures that could mitigate climate change effects by maximizing habitat suitability and for the implementation of species conservation programs to prevent future extinctions, in particular of endemic species.
Origins of meteoritic nanodiamonds investigated by coordinated atom‐probe tomography and transmission electron microscopy studies
Authors: Lewis Josiah B. , Floss Christine , Isheim Dieter , Daulton Tyrone L. , Seidman David N. , Ogliore Ryan
Published: August 2019

To constrain the origins of meteoritic nanodiamonds, the abundance ratios of stable C isotopes in acid residues from the carbonaceous chondritic meteorite Allende CV3 were measured using coordinated atom‐probe tomography (APT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We combined our data with previously published APT data. A statistical analysis of this combined data set suggests an upper bound of 1 in 102 on the subpopulation that could have a large isotopic enrichment in 13C relative to 12C, consistent with the possible detection by secondary ion mass spectrometry of a similar enrichment in a 1 in 105 fraction, abundant enough to account for the Xe‐HL anomalous isotopic component carried by the acid residues. Supernovae are believed to be the source of Xe‐HL, leading to the mystery of why all other supernova minerals do not carry Xe‐HL. The lack of Xe‐HL in low‐density disordered supernova graphite suggests that the isotopically anomalous component is the nanodiamonds, but the disordered C in the residue is not ruled out. We discuss possible origins of the disordered C and implications of our results for proposed formation scenarios for nanodiamonds. At least 99% of the meteoritic acid residue exhibits no unambiguous evidence of presolar formation, although production with solar isotope ratios in asymptotic giant branch stars is not ruled out. Comparison of TEM and APT results indicates that a minority of the APT reconstructions may preferentially sample disordered C rather than nanodiamonds. If this is the case, a presolar origin for a larger fraction of the nanodiamonds remains possible.
A Microenterprise Initiative Among Newly Resettled Refugees in a City of the U.S. South: Challenges, Successes, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Idris Mussa
Published: August 2019

This study analyzes the strengths and challenges of a microenterprise program developed for refugees in a city of the U.S. South region. By offering a microfinance loan of about $4,500 per client, the microenterprise program, run by a nonprofit resettlement agency (RA), hopes to provide economically poor and newly resettled refugees, who have no credit history with banks, with low‐interest loans and business training needed to get integrated into their new environment, become economically self‐sufficient, and contribute to the local economy. Nevertheless, the limited resources, dramatic shifts in new refugee policies, and the business, language and cultural integration skills that need to be learned by the newcomers present challenges that the microentrepreneurs and the RA are trying to overcome. Using semistructured interviews and ethnographic observations, information was collected from about three‐dozen in‐depth interviews between summer 2016 and spring 2017. Data from these interviews explicate the role of personal entrepreneurial agency and structural support by the RA. The study also highlights lessons learned by the RA and offers suggestions for the future. Thus far, most of the refugees who participated in the program have started microbusinesses that help them support their families and provide new services in the community where they live. They are also repaying their loans on time, in 95 percent of the cases.
The significance of overlooked objects: Materiality and care at home for people with dementia
Authors: Araujo Meiriele Tavares , Velloso Isabela Silva Câncio , Ceci Christine , Purkis Mary Ellen
Published: August 2019

An increase in the number of older people with dementia is currently a trend around the world. In low and middle countries, effective public health services are not yet well‐developed, and family care‐givers may be overwhelmed by the requirements of care. This paper has two purposes: to share findings from an ethnographic study about family dementia care practices in Brazil and to draw attention to the significance of the materiality of care practices in the family context. The study was conducted in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. We describe the care trajectory of one family and, analysing data using the insights of Actor Network Theory, show the significance of objects in a networked relation of care. In particular, we show how incontinence products such as adult diapers assume different positions in the network, acting as either mediator or intermediary of care in relation to other elements of the network composed of family members and their living situation, the person with dementia herself, the doctor, and Brazilian health policies. Although the diaper is often seen as an ordinary object for care providers, its participation in a care network shapes relations, activating conflict, financial constraint, and disciplining the body of the person with dementia.
Glucosinolate and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis are linked by proteasome‐dependent degradation of PAL
Authors: Kim Jeong Im , Zhang Xuebin , Pascuzzi Pete E. , Liu Chang‐Jun , Chapple Clint
Published: August 2019

Plants produce several hundreds of thousands of secondary metabolites that are important for adaptation to various environmental conditions. Although different groups of secondary metabolites are synthesized through unique biosynthetic pathways, plants must orchestrate their production simultaneously. Phenylpropanoids and glucosinolates are two classes of secondary metabolites that are synthesized through apparently independent biosynthetic pathways. Genetic evidence has revealed that the accumulation of glucosinolate intermediates limits phenylpropanoid production in a Mediator Subunit 5 (MED5)‐dependent manner.

To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying this process, we analyzed the transcriptomes of a suite of Arabidopsis thaliana glucosinolate‐deficient mutants using RNAseq and identified misregulated genes that are rescued by the disruption of MED5.

The expression of a group of Kelch Domain F‐Box genes (KFBs) that function in PAL degradation is affected in glucosinolate biosynthesis mutants and the disruption of these KFBs restores phenylpropanoid deficiency in the mutants.

Our study suggests that glucosinolate/phenylpropanoid metabolic crosstalk involves the transcriptional regulation of KFB genes that initiate the degradation of the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, which catalyzes the first step of the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. Nevertheless, KFB mutant plants remain partially sensitive to glucosinolate pathway mutations, suggesting that other mechanisms that link the two pathways also exist.
Anterograde His bundle activation during right ventricular overdrive pacing in supraventricular tachycardia
Authors: Elbatran Ahmed I. , Zarif John K. , Tawfik Mazen
Published: August 2019

Background

Differentiation between atrioventricular nodal re‐entrant tachycardia (AVNRT), atrioventricular re‐entrant tachycardia (AVRT), and atrial tachycardia (AT) is often challenging during electrophysiology studies. This study compared the sensitivity and specificity of identifying anterograde His bundle activation during entrainment with commonly used right ventricular (RV) pacing maneuvers to differentiate between these types of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Methods

Out of 112 consecutive patients with SVT, 90 (36 males [40%], age 37 ± 16 years) were prospectively studied. After entrainment during RV pacing, atrial response upon cessation of pacing, anterograde His activation during entrainment, stimulus‐atrial (SA), ventriculoatrial (VA) intervals, and post‐pacing interval minus tachycardia cycle length (PPI‐TCL) were determined. Ventricular extrastimulation during tachycardia and para‐Hisian pacing were performed.

Results

The final diagnosis was AVNRT in 54, AVRT in 33, and AT in 3 patients. Entrainment was achieved in 87(96%) patients. Anterograde His bundle activation predicted AVRT (sensitivity: 62.5%, specificity: 100%). PPI‐TCL ≥129 ms predicted AVNRT (sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 84%), as did SA‐VA value ≥85 ms (sensitivity: 91%, specificity: 87%). Atria were advanced during transition zone in 57% of AVRTs. Atrial pre‐excitation in response to progressively premature ventricular extrastimuli identified AVRT (sensitivity: 90%, specificity: 85%). Pre‐excitation index ≥87 ms identified AVNRT (sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 100%). Para‐Hisian pacing identified AVRT (sensitivity: 25%, specificity: 100%).

Conclusion

RV pacing maneuvers, applied in isolation, can misclassify a significant proportion of SVTs. Identifying anterograde His bundle activation during entrainment can complement other discriminators in differential diagnosis of SVT, with greatest sensitivity in septal and right‐sided accessory pathways.
Changes in cardiac function after renal transplantation in children: Significance of pre‐transplantation left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Masuda Toshiki , Hamasaki Yuko , Kubota Mai , Hashimoto Junya , Takahashi Yusuke , Muramatsu Masaki , Takatsuki Shinichi , Matsuura Hiroyuki , Sakai Ken , Shishido Seiichiro
Published: August 2019

LVH is a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular morbidity. However, few studies have evaluated the changes in cardiac function that occur in pediatric patients with ESRD undergoing RTx. Therefore, we assessed the changes in parameters associated with LVH in children within the first year after RTx. We retrospectively evaluated patients aged < 18 years who underwent initial RTx from April 2014 to December 2016. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of LVH before RTx. Clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic parameters including the LVMI before and 1 year after RTx were evaluated in both groups. Twenty‐six patients were included in this study. Seven of the 26 patients had LVH before RTx. Among the echocardiographic parameters, the LVMI was significantly improved 1 year after RTx in the initial LVH group (57.79 ± 11.86 vs 42.20 ± 6.03 g/cm2.7, P = .018), while no change was observed in the initial non‐LVH group (32.66 ± 7.52 vs 35.17 ± 12.86 g/cm2.7, P = .376). Improvement of the ejection fraction was also observed only in the initial LVH group (66.5% ± 5.3% vs 72.2% ± 5.2%, P = .042). Children who had LVH before RTx showed significant improvements in the LVMI and ejection fraction even within 1 year after RTx. To minimize aggravation of cardiac function, early RTx should be considered for patients with LVH.
Molecular tools for preventing and improving diagnosis of peri‐implant diseases
Authors: Carinci Francesco , Romanos Georgios E. , Scapoli Luca
Published: August 2019

Peri‐implantitis is an inflammatory disease of tissues surrounding osseointegrated dental implants. Inflammation affecting soft and hard peri‐implant tissues can cause alveolar bone resorption and subsequent implant loss. Clinical surveillance and early diagnosis are of paramount importance to reduce clinical failures and improve implant survival. Current diagnosis of implants is based on clinical and radiological signs. Molecular tests are an emerging diagnostic methodology, which potentially can help to detect and prevent early peri‐implantitis and monitor the efficacy of therapy as well. A plethora of potential biomarkers are potentially available to support the clinical diagnosis of peri‐implantitis. However, conflicting diagnostic conclusions have been reached, probably related to weak statistical results due to limited sample size or disease heterogeneity. The present paper reviews candidate diagnostic biomarkers for peri‐implantitis, including infective agents, genetic susceptibility factors, and key proteins related to inflammation and tissue remodeling.
Anatomic factors as contributing risk factors in implant therapy
Authors: Ramanauskaite Ausra , Becker Jürgen , Sader Robert , Schwarz Frank
Published: August 2019

Damage to the critical anatomic structures during dental implant placement can lead to serious complications, including intra‐ or postoperative bleeding, hematoma formation, or varying degrees of neurosensory alteration. These complications usually occur when the anatomic features of the major blood vessels and their anastomoses, neurovascular bundles, and alveolar ridge contour are not properly investigated prior to the surgery. Therefore, having proper knowledge of specific anatomic factors is key to avoiding intra‐ and postsurgical complications. The aim of the current review is to summarize the anatomic structures and their variations in the mandible and maxilla as contributing risk factors in implant therapy.
Challenges in Measuring Poverty and Understanding its Dynamics: A South Asian Perspective
Authors: Rama Martin
Published: August 2019

South Asia’s success at reducing poverty does not imply that the topic has become passé. Poverty rates are by now low, but this is because poverty lines are low as well. And the assessment of living standards and their dynamics are blurred by measurement and interpretation challenges. This paper relies mostly on South Asian examples to highlight four tensions: poorer versus richer households, rural versus urban locations, monetary versus non‐monetary dimensions of wellbeing, and household characteristics versus context. The discussion is conducted against the backdrop of the two analytical approaches with South Asian roots that have shaped the debate for decades. This review leads to three main recommendations: household survey data has to be exploited in a more thorough manner, data that is increasingly available from other sources needs to be incorporated more systematically in the analysis, and the multiple dimensions of wellbeing should be better integrated in a common framework.
(Re)theorizing civic engagement: Foundations for Black Americans civic engagement theory
Authors: Robinson Candice C.
Published: August 2019

Commonly known as “civic engagement,” getting involved within communities in a formalized way has served a foundational role in the development of the United States. Missing from foundational conceptualizations of analyses is theoretical and empirical research that does not center White people and experiences. In this article, I argue that researchers need to incorporate an understanding of Black American's relationship with civic engagement to increase the accuracy of literature on civic engagement. Toward this goal, I first outline the foundational conceptualizations of civic engagement. I next discuss the limitations of civic engagement theories with a focus on data sources and the exclusion of non‐White persons within foundational texts. I then highlight the historical civic activities of Black Americans that has been foregrounded in research on Black voluntary associations. This project pushes for a discussion on the relationship between civic engagement and race with a focus on Black Americans that is relevant to sociological understandings of civil society. I conclude by discussing how filling this gap has a far‐reaching impact in the field of collective behavior and social movements.
Making a murderer: The importance of gender and violence against women in mass murder events
Authors: Marganski Alison J.
Published: August 2019

This article examines sex, gender, and gender violence (e.g., dating/domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking) as related to mass murder events. Specifically, the paper explores (a) sex/gender and mass murder and (b) violence against women prior to and directly associated with mass murder events. A multidimensional framework guided by critical feminist thought is presented to offer a nuanced approach to understanding offending. The paper argues that mass murder, a gendered phenomenon, is a way by which some individuals “do gender,” an expression of aggrieved entitlement and representation of toxic masculinity resulting from the collision of individual, relational, community, and cultural forces that impact perpetrator attitudes, decisions, and behavior. The paper advances knowledge by drawing attention to men's violence against women preceding mass murder events, one of the most common yet overlooked risk factors. Other gendered aspects are also discussed. In all, findings suggest that sexist beliefs/norms stemming from gender role expectations in patriarchal cultures are reinforced by male peer support and institutional failures that fuel violence against women and mass murder events. Thus, if we are to tackle the issue of mass murder, we need to take the lived experiences of women and girls more seriously and work on gendered‐oriented and gender‐informed solutions.
Gun Ownership as a Social Identity: Estimating Behavioral and Attitudinal Relationships
Authors: Lacombe Matthew J. , Howat Adam J. , Rothschild Jacob E.
Published: August 2019

Objective

Recent research suggests that a gun owner social identity may undergird the deep political engagement of U.S. gun rights supporters. We adapt social psychological measures to assess whether such an identity does indeed exist, examine the factors that predict whether individuals hold the identity, and assess whether the identity predicts individuals’ political attitudes and participation.

Methods

We analyze two distinct survey data sets using various statistical techniques: (1) an original Mechanical Turk survey and (2) a survey of gun owners conducted by the Pew Research Center.

Results

Gun owner identity is an individual characteristic that can be meaningfully measured. Moreover, gun owner identity is predicted by contact with the National Rifle Association and participation in gun‐related social activities, among other factors. Further, this identity strongly predicts firearm‐related policy attitudes, the importance individuals place upon these issues, and their propensity to act in opposition to gun regulations, all independent of gun ownership.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that nuanced measurement of gun owner identity can provide a richer understanding of gun policy attitudes, identity politics, and interest group influence. In so doing, they help explain gun rights supporters’ unusual dedication and, by extension, the NRA's success in the realm of gun policy.