bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf traits predict global patterns in the structure and flammability of forest litter beds
Authors: Burton Jamie E. , Cawson Jane G. , Filkov Alex I. , Penman Trent D.
Published: December 2020

Fallen plant material such as leaves, needles and branches form litter beds which strongly influence fire ignition and spread. Traits of the dominant species influence litter flammability directly by determining how individual leaves burn and indirectly through the structure of the litter bed. However, we are yet to determine the relative importance of these different drivers across a range of plant species from different biomes.

We undertook a meta‐analysis, combining leaf trait, litter structure and flammability data for 106 species from North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The dataset encompassed broad‐leaved and coniferous species from seven different experimental studies. Relationships between leaf traits, litter structure and key flammability metrics—sustainability, combustibility and consumability—were analysed using bivariate and piecewise structural equation modelling (SEM).

Traits which characterise the three‐dimensional nature of the leaf and how much space a leaf occupies showed much stronger associations to litter structure and flammability than other morphological traits. Leaf curl, surface area to volume ratio (SAV) and SLA predominately influence litter flammability indirectly via litter structure with SLA being the only leaf trait which had a negative direct effect on flame duration. Packing ratio and bulk density were influenced by different combinations of leaf traits and, in turn, they aligned with different flammability metrics. Bulk density predicted flame spread rate and flame duration whereas packing ratio predicted consumption.

Synthesis. We identified key leaf and litter traits which influence different components of litter bed flammability. Importantly, we show that the effects of these leaf and litter traits are consistent across a wide range of taxa and biomes. Our study represents a significant step towards developing trait‐based models for predicting surface wildfire behaviour. Such models will more flexibly accommodate future shifts in the composition of plant species triggered by altered fire regimes and climate change.
Identification of the gut microbiota biomarkers associated with heat cycle and failure to enter oestrus in gilts
Authors: Wang Zhong , Fu Hao , Zhou Yunyan , Yan Min , Chen Dong , Yang Ming , Xiao Shijun , Chen Congying , Huang Lusheng
Published: December 2020

Failed puberty is one of the main reasons for eliminating gilts from production herds. This is often caused by disorders of sex hormones. An increasing number of studies have suggested that the gut microbiota may regulate sex hormones and vice versa. Whether the gut microbiota is involved in the failure of oestrus in gilts remains unknown. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing, network‐based microbiota analysis and prediction of functional capacity from 16S rRNA gene sequences to explore the shifts in the gut microbiota throughout a heat cycle in 22 eight‐month‐old gilts. We found that a module of co‐occurrence networks composed of Sphaerochaeta and Treponema, co‐occurred with oestrus during a heat cycle. The mcode score of this module reflecting the stability and importance in the network achieved the highest value at the oestrus stage. We then identified bacterial biosignatures associated with the failure to show puberty in 163 gilts. Prevotella, Treponema, Faecalibacterium, Oribacterium, Succinivibrio and Anaerovibrio were enriched in gilts showing normal heat cycles, while Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus, Coprococcus and Oscillospira had higher abundance in gilts failing to show puberty. Prediction of functional capacity of the gut microbiome identified a lesser abundance of the pathway ‘retinol metabolism’ in gilts that failed to undergo puberty. This pathway was also significantly associated with those bacterial taxa involved in failed puberty identified in this study (P < 0.05). This result suggests that the changed gut bacteria might result in a disorder of retinol metabolism, and this may be an explanation for the failure to enter oestrus.
Morphometric analysis of Hofbauer cells in normal placenta and chorioamnionitis in humans
Authors: Tauber Zdenek , Foltynkova Tereza , Cizkova Katerina
Published: December 2020

Hofbauer cells are macrophages residing in the stroma of placental villi and play a number of roles during normal pregnancy, as well as pathological conditions. A morphometric analysis of Hofbauer cells, in particular to investigate the number of cells, their size and shape in samples of normal human placenta from 1st trimester, term and with chorioamnionitis was performed. Tissue samples were immunostained for CD206 antigen and evaluated using ImageJ software. We detected significant changes in number and morphology of HBCs between normal placenta and placenta with chorioamnionitis samples. In chorioamnionitis, the cells were unevenly distributed within the villi, generally present in higher numbers, larger and more elongated than those in normal 1st trimester and term placenta.
Mediating role of regulatory focus in the relation between filial piety and youths’ life satisfaction and psychological distress
Authors: Wu Chih‐Wen , Chen Wei‐Wen
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of regulatory focus in the relation between filial piety beliefs and life outcomes, including life satisfaction and psychological distress. A total of 1,431 Taiwanese youths, aged 15 through 24 years, were recruited in the study. Results of structural equation modelling indicated that reciprocal filial piety can be associated with stronger promotion regulatory focus, which in turn contributes to greater life satisfaction and less psychological distress. In addition, reciprocal filial piety and authoritarian filial piety can relate to stronger prevention regulatory focus, which subsequently links to lower life satisfaction and more psychological distress.
How to ensure policies and interventions rely on strong supporting facts to improve women’s health: The case of female genital cutting, using Rosling’s Factfulness approach
Authors: Essén Birgitta , Mosselmans Luce
Published: December 2020

Rosling et al’s book Factfulness aims to inspire people to use strong supporting facts in their decision‐making, with 10 rules of thumb to fight dramatic instincts. In this paper, the Factfulness framework is applied to female genital cutting (FGC), in order to identify possible biases and promote evidence‐based thinking in studies on FGC, clinical guidelines on management of FGC, and interventions aimed at abolishing FGC. The Factfulness framework helps to acknowledge that FGC is not a uniform practice and helps address that variability. This framework also highlights the importance of multidisciplinarity to understand causalities of the FGC issue, which the authors argue is essential. This paper highlights the fact that FGC is a dynamic practice, with changes in the practice that are ongoing, and that those changes are different in different contexts. The “zero tolerance” discourses on FGC fail to acknowledge this. Factfulness encourages us to be more critical of methodologies used in the area of FGC, for example when estimating girls at risk of FGC in migration contexts. Factfulness provides the tools to calculate risks rather than judgments based on fear. This may help limit stigmatization of women with FGC and to allocate resources to health problems of migrant women based on real risks. The framework also calls for more research and production of less biased facts in the field of FGC, in order to improve interventions aimed at abolishing FGC, and clinical guidelines for the treatment of FGC. Factfulness is a useful and structured foundation for reflection over constructs, biases and disputes surrounding FGC, and can help improve the quality of future evidence‐based interventions and education that address the actual needs of women with FGC and girls at risk of FGC.
On large‐scale gilding and mosaic simulation in medieval Serbian wall painting
Authors: Drpić I. , Jelikić A.
Published: December 2020

This article explores the materials and techniques of gilding in the Serbian wall painting of the 13th and early 14th centuries. The investigation focuses on the pictorial decoration of the churches at Studenica, Mileševa, Sopoćani, Gradac and Banjska, all founded by members of the Serbian royalty. The murals of these churches originally featured backgrounds covered with gold leaf and patterned to mimic mosaic cubes—an expensive and fragile form of decoration of which only traces now survive. Research was conducted through a combination of in situ examination, sampling and laboratory microanalyses, with the aim to identify the composition of the materials used and to reconstruct the painters’ working methods. The results reveal a highly unusual, even experimental, system of gilding. In all but one instance, the painters employed leaves of what is known as ‘part gold’—a laminate produced by beating two sheets of gold and silver together, which was seldom applied to images on the wall and never on such a massive scale. The article's goal is twofold: first, to present new data on an important and innovative, yet poorly understood, form of decoration; and second, to lay the foundation for a comprehensive art‐historical study of the Serbian gilded murals with simulated tessellation and their significance for understanding the changing dynamic between painting and mosaic in the later Middle Ages.
Laparoscopic appendectomy during the second trimester of a twin pregnancy
Authors: Matsui Satoshi , Tanioka Toshiro , Kamata Yuko , Hoshi Hiromasa , Ryu Kyoko , Honda Masaki , Ueno Kodai , Ohata Yoshiteru , Hasegawa Fumi , Kaito Akio , Arita Kaida , Ito Koji , Takeuchi Shiho , Ishitsuka Syunsuke , Takiguchi Noriaki
Published: December 2020

Acute appendicitis during pregnancy may lead to increased maternal and fetal risks. Laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly performed during pregnancy. Compared with open appendectomy in pregnant women, laparoscopic appendectomy has shown non‐inferior safety for pregnancy outcomes and superior safety for surgical outcomes. Over the last few decades, the occurrence of twin pregnancy has been increasing. Performing an operation on a patient with a twin pregnancy is more difficult than with a singleton pregnancy. Only a few operations of this kind have been reported. Here, we present a case of a 20‐week twin pregnant woman who presented with acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed, and no maternal complications occurred. This report contributes to discussions on the safety of the laparoscopic approach for appendicitis during twin pregnancies.
Local excision after polypectomy for rectal polyp cancer: when is it worthwhile?
Authors: Jones Helen J. S. , al‐Najami Issam , Baatrup Gunnar , Cunningham Chris
Published: December 2020

Aim

The optimal management of a polyp cancer that has been removed endoscopically is unclear. Further local excision is often advocated to remove the polyp stalk or scar or to ensure clear margins, but the benefit of this is unclear. The aim of this paper is to determine whether the indications for further local excision can be better defined.

Method

Data were collected from two institutions (in UK and Denmark) which maintain prospective databases to collect information on all patients undergoing transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). The study group was all patients who had a TEM after macroscopically complete polypectomy for rectal cancer. Data covering an 11‐year period were analysed.

RESULTS

Sixty three patients had TEM with no residual cancer after macroscopically complete polypectomy. Residual adenoma was found in 23 (37%). A postpolypectomy endoscopy had not detected the residual adenoma in three. Malignant local recurrence occurred in five patients (8%) and distant metastases in another two (3%). Recurrence occurred in 4/23 (17%) when there was residual adenoma in the TEM specimen and in 3/40 (7.5%) where there was scar only, although this did not reach significance. In two instances recurrence was around 10 years after TEM. Those with residual adenoma at TEM tended to have poorer survival.

Conclusion

Further local excision often reveals no residual cancer despite microscopically involved polypectomy margins. Careful endoscopy is required to assess the polypectomy site as residual tumour can be missed. In the absence of residual adenoma, TEM does not appear to be of benefit, although a small risk of recurrence exists.
Thermoregulatory capacity of the Thoroughbred racehorse and its relationship to the pathogenesis of exertional heat illness
Authors: Brownlow M. A. , Mizzi J. X.
Published: December 2020

When racehorses fail to thermoregulate effectively, whether due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors, a condition called exertional heat illness (EHI) may occur, which can be life‐threatening and represents a significant welfare issue. Horses usually become affected in the recovery phase soon after racing, so that a knowledge of the ‘normal’ thermoregulatory processes which operate at this time and their variations is essential to enable early detection of EHI. Racing in hot or warm and humid weather conditions represents the upper extreme of thermoregulatory variations, and observations on how horses normally recover at the racetrack may provide a clearer perspective on the physiology of that process for all sports horses. This review focuses on the post‐exercise thermoregulatory capacity of the Thoroughbred racehorse, with a view to understanding the physiological mechanisms that should efficiently dissipate excess heat. The clinical manifestations of exertional heat illness are due to inadequate or harmful physiological responses, and if recognised and treated early can be effectively curtailed.
Belowground biomass C outweighs soil organic C of perennial energy crops: Insights from a long‐term multispecies trial
Authors: Martani Enrico , Ferrarini Andrea , Serra Paolo , Pilla Marcello , Marcone Andrea , Amaducci Stefano
Published: December 2020

The cultivation of perennial energy crops (PECs) couples the production of ligno‐cellulosic biomass to the provision of multiple ecosystem services, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the mitigation of climate change through carbon (C) sequestration in soil. Though C sequestration in soil by PECs has been widely studied, the contribution of their belowground biomass (BGB) to soil C sequestration and their influence on soil nitrogen (N) storage potential has received very little attention. In this study, C and N stocks in soil and BGB fractions (plant belowground organs and fine roots) were measured for six PECs (Populus spp. ‘Poplar’, Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Black locust’, Salix spp. ‘Willow’, Arundo donax ‘Giant reed’, Miscanthus × giganteus ‘Miscanthus’ and Panicum virgatum ‘Switchgrass’) grown on marginal soil, 11 years after establishment. All PECs had a higher soil organic carbon (SOC) stock and soil total nitrogen (STN) stock than arable land in the top (0–10 cm) soil layer. In this same top layer, woody crops had the highest SOC stock. The increase in SOC under PECs led to increased soil porosity in the top‐soil layer. On average, 43% of the belowground C stock of PECs was allocated in the plant belowground organs (PBO; i.e. in the rhizomes of herbaceous PECs and the stump for woody PECs). Giant reed had the highest C stock in PBO, whereas switchgrass the lowest (22.7 vs. 5.9 Mg C ha−1). On the contrary, switchgrass had the highest C stock in fine roots. Giant reed had the highest belowground C stock (sum of soil and BGB contribution) and black locust the highest belowground N stock. After 11 years of PEC cultivation, 68% of the belowground C stock was allocated in the BGB, and 32% was as SOC.
“The King was pregnant”: Organizational studies and speculative fiction with Ursula K. Le Guin
Authors: Sayers Janet G. , Martin Lydia A.
Published: December 2020

Continuing the work of feminist organizational studies scholars who have urged researchers to find ways of presenting knowledge and writing “differently,” we discuss the contributions of Ursula Le Guin whose fiction and nonfiction have had a profound influence on feminist theory development. We provide an overview of Le Guin's progenitors, her oeuvre, and provide an explanation and assessment of her influence on feminist thought including the concept of “bag‐lady storytelling,” speculative thought experiments, and her process of renewal through subversion. We demonstrate her potential for feminist theorizing through analysis of two of her works: the novel “The left hand of darkness,” and her short story “Sur.” We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our article for organizational studies, and reinforce how her writings are a treasure‐trove for writing differently to both subvert and offer more diverse alternatives, and we ask for more work using feminist speculative fiction.
Clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of prostate cancer diagnosed in young men aged up to 45 years
Authors: Baniak Nicholas , Sholl Lynette M , Mata Douglas A , D’Amico Anthony V , Hirsch Michelle S , Acosta Andres M
Published: December 2020

Aims

To characterise and compare the poorly understood clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa) in very young patients.

Methods and results

We compared the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of PCa diagnosed in 90 patients aged ≤45 years with those of PCa diagnosed in 200 patients of typical screening age (i.e. 60–65 years). Patients diagnosed at a younger age had a higher frequency of a family history of PCa and lower prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels than those diagnosed at regular screening age. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical stage or pathological characteristics of the core biopsy specimens between the groups. Young patients had a higher frequency of Grade Group 1 disease at radical prostatectomy. A subset of 13 aggressive PCa cases from young patients underwent successful DNA‐based next‐generation sequencing. In all, 46.2% (6/13) had TMPRSS2 rearrangements and 23.1% (3/13) had relevant pathogenic variants in DNA damage repair genes, including a mismatch repair‐deficient case with biallelic inactivation of MLH1. No statistically significant differences were observed in PCa‐specific recurrence/progression between the younger and older patients, including after adjustment for clinical stage, PSA level, and Grade Group.

Conclusions

In this study, the clinicopathological and molecular features of PCa diagnosed in young patients were comparable to those of PCa diagnosed in patients of screening age. Early‐onset PCa cases were not enriched in any of the known molecular PCa subtypes in this small series.
Deceased donor care provided by the nurse transplant coordinator: A qualitative research study among Spanish nurses
Authors: Fernández‐Alonso Víctor , Palacios‐Ceña Domingo , Silva‐Martín Celia , García‐Pozo Ana
Published: December 2020

Aim

The purpose of this study is to describe the experience of nursing care provided to the deceased organ donor by the nurse transplant coordinator.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory study was conducted within the National Transplant Organization and the Regional Office for Transplant Coordination. A purposive sampling method was used. Data collection methods included semistructured interviews. Sampling and data collection were pursued until the researchers achieved information redundancy. A systematic text condensation analysis was performed. The Guba and Lincoln criteria for guaranteeing trustworthiness were followed.

Results

A total of 16 participants were recruited, and three themes were identified regarding care of organ donors by the nurse transplant coordinator during the organ donation process: (a) fulfilling the desire and will of the donor patient; (b) the family as an extension of the donor; (c) coordinating the organ donation process.

Conclusions

The donation process is both complex and delicate, and nursing care is an essential component. The care provided by the nurse transplant coordinator has the donor at the centre of the process, driven by respect for their decision. The family is seen as an extension of the donor. Nursing care should focus on continuous, honest communication, coordinating care with the intensive care unit, ensuring privacy and intimacy.
Trends in practice: attitudes and challenges in the diagnosis, treatment and management of HIV infection in Australia
Authors: Smith Don E. , Woolley Ian J. , Russell Darren B. , Bisshop Fiona , Furner Virginia
Published: December 2020

As life expectancy for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWHIV) increases, management models for HIV infection are changing. To understand approaches to practice within this shifting climate and across different medical settings, in 2017 we conducted a baseline survey among the main medical practitioner groups responsible for HIV‐infection care in Australia: hospital‐based physicians (HBP), sexual health physicians (SHP) and ‘accredited general practitioners’ (referred to in 2017 study as ‘s100 GPs’), who are GPs authorised to prescribe HIV therapies after completing accredited national training. The follow‐up survey presented here explores any changes in approaches, attitudes and challenges associated with HIV‐infection management among the same practitioner groups: 17 HBP, 15 SHP and 69 accredited GP (referred to throughout as GP; includes those with sexual health diploma). Analysis of survey results showed practices remained largely similar between surveys, with a few notable exceptions. Greater consistency in attitudes, knowledge and approaches was observed between the practitioner specialty groups, with only small differences between modes of practice. A trend towards earlier initiation of HIV treatment was also identified, with a higher proportion of practitioners than baseline reporting they were comfortable beginning therapy on the day of HIV diagnosis. The impact of the introduction of two‐drug therapy in Australia was also explored. Although the majority of survey respondents (and SHP in particular) expressed greater preference for three‐drug compared with two‐drug regimens, interest in two‐drug regimens appears to be growing and may influence future prescribing practices. Addressing mental health issues for PLWHIV was again highlighted as a major priority, with practitioners overwhelmingly reporting mental health management as among their most difficult clinical challenges. Reduction in stigma/discrimination and better access to substance dependency programmes were also identified as unmet needs for this patient cohort. Consistent with our baseline survey, it appears targeted interventions and supports appropriate to this population are still required to improve overall wellbeing for PLWHIV.

Video Abstract
A retrospective view of 2020: A unique year for Immunology
Authors: Perryman Matthew , Milling Simon
Published: December 2020

2020 was a year unlike any other for Immunology. Through the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, with fantastic support from the global immunology community, we worked together to reach new heights. Here, we look back at some of the highlights for Immunology in a challenging and memorable year.
Umbilical Artery Blood Flow in Intra‐Uterine Growth Retarded Fetuses and Fetal Outcome: A Study of 102 Cases
Authors: Anandakumar C. , Lee C.S.S. , Wong Y. C. , Chia D. , Arulkumaran S. , Ratnam S. S.
Published: December 2020

Abstract

The 102 fetuses diagnosed by ultrasound to be asymmetrically growth‐retarded had blood flow velocity waveforms of the umbilical artery studied. Sixty‐two cases had normal blood flow, 28 had abnormal blood flow but with present end‐dialstolic flow, 8 had absent end‐dialstolic flow, and 4 had reversal of end‐dialstolic flow. Comparison was made between the blood flow status and other biophysical methods of antenatal surveillance and perinatal outcome. There is a strong correlation between abnormal blood flow and abnormalities detected by other biophysical methods of antenatal surveillance. Our study shows that fetuses with severe blood flow impairment tend to be more severely growth‐retarded and to be delivered earlier. Our results also show abnormal blood flow to be associated with a poor perinatal outcome. Those fetuses with severe impairment of blood flow suffered a high incidence of operative delivery for fetal distress, acidosis at birth, perinatal mortality and morbidity. The association between abnormal blood flow and the 5‐minute Apgar score is significant only in those with the severest impairment of blood flow. Our results are in close agreement with similar studies recorded in the literature.
Vulvar Dystrophy: A Clinical Follow‐Up
Authors: Mahmud Naseem , Murakami Toshio , Gyotoku Yutaka , Nakazima Hisayoshi , Ishimaru Tadayuki , Yamabe Tooru
Published: December 2020

Abstract

The vulvar dystrophy is an enigma and one of the most controversial topic as for the pathogenesis, clinical outcome and particularly the malignant potentiality. There has been very few systematic studies regarding vulvar dystrophy in Japan. Vulvar dystrophy with dysplasia is said to be a pre‐malignant condition of the vulva. So in our institute a prospective follow‐up of 5 months to 4 years was obtained in vulvar dystrophic patients after a conservative protocol of treatment. The initial histological diagnosis revealed 17 patients with squamous hyperplasia (9 patients with dysplasia and 8, without dysplasia), lichen sclerosus in 5 and other dermatoses in 1 patient. “Itching” was the most frequent complaint, encountered in 20 (69%) of the study patient. Amongst these patients 4/5 of lichen sclerosus and 16/18 of squamous hyperplasia and other dermatoses had complete symptomatic relief with testosterone and corticosteroid respectively. Morphologically 22/23 (96%) had more than 50% decrease of the total lesion. In squamous hyperplasia with dysplasia after treatment, the re‐biopsy revealed improvement of the dysplasia in all the cases with total disappearance in the mild dysplasia group. So far, vulvar carcinoma did not develop in any of the patient followed in our study who received treatment for vulvar dystrophy. So, for vulvar dystrophy, a benign squamous epithelial disorder of the vulva, steroid hormone therapy is indeed a logical and a consistent one.
Nurse staffing practices and adverse events in acute care hospitals: The research protocol of a multisite patient‐level longitudinal study
Authors: Rochefort Christian M. , Abrahamowicz Michal , Biron Alain , Bourgault Patricia , Gaboury Isabelle , Haggerty Jeannie , McCusker Jane
Published: December 2020

Aims

We describe an innovative research protocol to: (a) examine patient‐level longitudinal associations between nurse staffing practices and the risk of adverse events in acute care hospitals and; (b) determine possible thresholds for safe nurse staffing.

Design

A dynamic cohort of adult medical, surgical and intensive care unit patients admitted to 16 hospitals in Quebec (Canada) between January 2015–December 2019.

Methods

Patients in the cohort will be followed from admission until 30‐day postdischarge to assess exposure to selected nurse staffing practices in relation to the subsequent occurrence of adverse events. Five staffing practices will be measured for each shift of an hospitalization episode, using electronic payroll data, with the following time‐varying indicators: (a) nursing worked hours per patient; (b) skill mix; (c) overtime use; (d) education mix and; and (e) experience. Four high‐impact adverse events, presumably associated with nurse staffing practices, will be measured from electronic health record data retrieved at the participating sites: (a) failure‐to‐rescue; (b) in‐hospital falls; (c) hospital‐acquired pneumonia and; and (d) venous thromboembolism. To examine the associations between the selected nurse staffing exposures and the risk of each adverse event, separate multivariable Cox proportional hazards frailty regression models will be fitted, while adjusting for patient, nursing unit and hospital characteristics, and for clustering. To assess for possible staffing thresholds, flexible non‐linear spline functions will be fitted. Funding for the study began in October 2019 and research ethics/institutional approval was granted in February 2020.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this study is the first multisite patient‐level longitudinal investigation of the associations between common nurse staffing practices and the risk of adverse events. It is hoped that our results will assist hospital managers in making the most effective use of the scarce nursing resources and in identifying staffing practices that minimize the occurrence of adverse events.
The Price of Hope—Insights into rhino horn consumption in health‐related contexts in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hieu P. , Nguyen Hanh T. M. , Pham Huyen T.
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the interplay between social, cultural, and psychological factors that underlie rhino horn consumption for health‐related purposes in Vietnam, one of the world's major markets for rhino horn. Regarded as a panacea, rhino horn is used by Vietnamese consumers to treat a vast array of illnesses, including life‐threatening ones such as cancer, without any scientific evidence of its medicinal properties and effectiveness. Insatiable demand by Vietnamese consumers has driven rhino horn price to exceed that of gold. Using a qualitative approach, we show the process through which Vietnamese consumers form their beliefs and attitudes, normalize and justify their usage of rhino horn. We also demonstrate the roles that cultural and social norms play in the consumption of rhino horn among Vietnamese consumers. Drawing from these insights, we recommend a multi‐pronged approach for the development of programs that aim to combat and curb rhino horn purchase and consumption.
Time‐calibrated genomic evolution of a monomorphic bacterium during its establishment as an endemic crop pathogen
Authors: Richard Damien , Pruvost Olivier , Balloux François , Boyer Claudine , Rieux Adrien , Lefeuvre Pierre
Published: December 2020

Horizontal gene transfer is of major evolutionary importance as it allows for the redistribution of phenotypically important genes among lineages. Such genes with essential functions include those involved in resistance to antimicrobial compounds and virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria. Understanding gene turnover at microevolutionary scales is critical to assess the pace of this evolutionary process. Here, we characterized and quantified gene turnover for the epidemic lineage of a bacterial plant pathogen of major agricultural importance worldwide. Relying on a dense geographic sampling spanning 39 years of evolution, we estimated both the dynamics of single nucleotide polymorphism accumulation and gene content turnover. We identified extensive gene content variation among lineages even at the smallest phylogenetic and geographic scales. Gene turnover rate exceeded nucleotide substitution rate by three orders of magnitude. Accessory genes were found preferentially located on plasmids, but we identified a highly plastic chromosomal region hosting ecologically important genes such as transcription activator‐like effectors. Whereas most changes in the gene content are probably transient, the rapid spread of a mobile element conferring resistance to copper compounds widely used for the management of plant bacterial pathogens illustrates how some accessory genes can become ubiquitous within a population over short timeframes.
Vitamin D deficiency worsens maternal diabetes induced neurodevelopmental disorder by potentiating hyperglycemia‐mediated epigenetic changes
Authors: Liang Yujie , Yu Hong , Ke Xiaoyin , Eyles Darryl , Sun Ruoyu , Wang Zichen , Huang Saijun , Lin Ling , McGrath John J. , Lu Jianping , Guo Xiaoling , Yao Paul
Published: December 2020

Many studies have shown that vitamin D (VD) deficiency may be a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia, although causative mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential role and effect of VD on maternal diabetes induced autism‐related phenotypes. The in vitro study found that enhancing genomic VD signaling by overexpressing the VD receptor (VDR) in human neural progenitor cells ACS‐5003 protects against hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation by activating Nrf2 and its target genes, including SOD2 and HMOX1, and accordingly, VDR gene knockdown worsens the problem. In the two in vivo models we explored, maternal diabetes was used to establish an animal model of relevance to ASD, and mice lacking 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 1‐alpha‐hydroxylase (the rate‐limiting enzyme in the synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3) were used to develop a model of VD deficiency (VDD). We show that although prenatal VDD itself does not produce ASD‐relevant phenotypes, it significantly potentiates maternal diabetes induced epigenetic modifications and autism‐related phenotypes. Postnatal manipulation of VD has no effect on maternal diabetes induced autism‐related phenotypes. We conclude that VDD potentiates maternal diabetes induced autism‐related phenotypes in offspring by epigenetic mechanisms. This study adds to other preclinical studies linking prenatal VDD with a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Green or gas in OPEC member countries: a linear and asymmetric investigation of energy–growth nexus
Authors: Kalu Ebere Ume , Nwafor Florence U. , Arize Augustine C. , Dana Leo‐Paul , Malindretos John , Onwumere Josaphat U.
Published: December 2020

This study employed a combination of linear and nonlinear models to investigate the energy–growth nexus of OPEC member countries from 1960 to 2018 in a country‐specific form. It questioned the environmental friendliness of the energy initiatives of OPEC member countries as major producers and exporters of crude oil. Primary evidence of the study shows energy dependence among OPEC member countries supporting the growth hypothesis. We also found complementarity in fossil fuel and renewables as inducers of growth in 70% of the studied countries and found greater growth influence of fossil fuel in the case of 16% of the studied countries. In a country like Congo, we found greater influence from renewable energy, while Gabon's status was indeterminate. The dynamic profile of the energy–growth nexus evidenced by the error correction representations in their linear and asymmetric forms shows that growth adjusts nonlinearly to energy use in about 39% of the investigated OPEC member countries, and linearly in 61% of the countries. It can be said from our findings that global initiatives on green energy are gaining grounds in a preponderance of OPEC member countries.
Innovation Tournaments with Multiple Contributors
Authors: Ales Laurence , Cho Soo‐Haeng , Körpeoğlu Ersin
Published: December 2020

This study examines innovation tournaments in which an organizer seeks solutions to an innovation‐related problem from a number of agents. Agents exert effort to improve their solutions but face uncertainty about their solution performance. The organizer is interested in obtaining multiple solutions—agents whose solutions contribute to the organizer’s utility are called contributors. Motivated by mixed policies observed in practice, where some tournaments are open and others restrict entry, we study when it is optimal for the organizer to conduct an open tournament or to restrict entry. Our analysis shows that whether an open tournament is optimal is tied to: (1) the variance of uncertainty as compared to the impact of effort; (2) the number of contributors, and (3) the skewness of the uncertainty distribution. Our results help explain mixed policies about restricting entry observed in practice as well as recent empirical and experimental findings.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A*31 variant, HLA‐A*31:01:02:31, in a Saudi individual
Authors: Fakhoury Hana , Alanazi Hanan , Alqasem Afnan , Alanazi Aisha , Hajeer Ali H.
Published: December 2020

A single nucleotide change in the 5′ UTR of A*31:01:02:01 results in the novel HLA‐A*31:01:02:31 allele.
Identification of the novel HLA‐C*15:210 allele by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing
Authors: He Yizhen , Wang Wei , Zhang Wei , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: December 2020

HLA‐C*15:210 differs from HLA‐C*15:02:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 298 G>A.
Student contributions in residential aged care
Authors: Dallas Anthea , Lau Jenny Tung Yu , Ong Jake Sheng Loong , Green Damaris , Presser Jennifer
Published: December 2020

Background

Health care professional students can develop knowledge and skills to care for elderly patients during placements in residential aged care facilities (RACF). Enabling student contribution during clinical placements can enhance student learning and quality of care. Our medical student RACF placement includes a learning task where students recommend improvements to resident care. This study aimed to identify these recommendations and measure how many were adopted.

Methods

Students completed a medical assessment of a resident during their RACF placement, summarising their recommendations in a letter to the resident’s general practitioner (GP). Recommendations were categorised for quantification and audit. Three months after the time of recommendation residents’ files were audited. Definitions and descriptive statistics of the types of recommendations, and whether they had been implemented, are reported.

Results

Forty residents and 43 students participated in the study. In total, 391 recommendations were made. Medication recommendations were most common (47%), followed by allied health referrals (12%), lifestyle changes (10%) and GP review (10%). Smaller numbers of recommendations for nursing care, investigations, specialist review and patient education were made. Seventy‐seven recommendations were adopted.

Discussion

Student learning is enhanced when contributing to resident care, and educators can structure clinical placements to support this. Using an existing student learning task to feed into genuine quality improvements for care is one example of how this might be implemented. This study gives insight into types of recommendations students make, suggesting further research to explore barriers and enablers to maximise the benefits of student contributions.
A comparison of some control strategies for a non-integer order tuberculosis model
Authors: Akman Yıldız Tuğba
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to investigate some optimal control strategies for a generalized tuberculosis model consisting of four compartments. We construct the model with the use of Caputo time fractional derivative. Contribution of distancing control, latent case finding control, case holding control and their combinations are discussed and the optimality system is obtained based on the Hamiltonian principle. Additionally, the non-negativity and boundedness of the solution are shown. We present some illustrative examples to determine the most effective strategy to minimize the number of infected people and maximize the number of susceptible individuals. Moreover, we discuss the contribution of the Caputo derivative and the order of the fractional derivative to efficiency of the control strategies.
Parameter effect analysis of particle swarm optimization algorithm in PID controller design
Authors: Ayas Mustafa Şinasi , Sahin Erdinc
Published: December 2020

PID controller has still been widely-used in industrial control applications because of its advantages such as functionality, simplicity, applicability, and easy of use. To obtain desired system response in these industrial control applications, parameters of the PID  controller should be well tuned by using conventional tuning methods such as Ziegler-Nichols, Cohen-Coon, and Astrom-Hagglund or by means of meta-heuristic optimization algorithms which consider a fitness function including various parameters such as overshoot, settling time, or steady-state error during the optimization process. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is often used to tune parameters of PID controller, and studies explaining the parameter tuning process of the PID controller are available in the literature. In this study, effects of PSO algorithm parameters, i.e. inertia weight, acceleration factors, and population size, on parameter tuning process of a PID controller for a second-order process plus delay-time (SOPDT) model are analyzed. To demonstrate these effects, control of a SOPDT model is performed by the tuned controller and system response, transient response characteristics, steady-state error, and error-based performance metrics obtained from system response are provided.
Puebla: The Start of a Path Towards a More Audacious and Prophetic Theology in Latin America
Authors: Martínez Morales, S. J. Víctor
Published: December 2020

40 years ago, the Latin American bishops convened in Puebla to reflect upon and point towards new pastoral horizons and theological construction. This article conveys the dynamism, strength, and vigor of the message emanating from that meeting. Puebla gave clues of a new theology that, adhering to the Latin American method, can respond to the problems that question us with unprecedented vigor and invite us to envision new routes, fields of new approaches, and ways yet unpaved. The message arising from Puebla continues to be current. It opens up hope of new theological construction seeking to give a new dimension to its task, understand God’s action in history differently, as well as the human condition and its relation to nature. We live in a plural context, broad and open to the construction of theologies able to offer new interpretations of God’s revelation and action, a propitious moment to rethink theological efforts, regarding the challenges presented by Puebla. In this horizon, theological work should be understood from the experience of faith and fundamental openness of the being to God’s creative and salvific action, in the gratuity of filiation in the Son and not as a mere intellective obligation of the Christian faith. Puebla presents, not only for the Latin American people, but for the church in general, a reflection in which we are constantly reminded that human beings can transform situations of injustice into opportunities for liberation, forgiveness and mercy. It is up to every Christian to undertake a path of trustful commitment, marked by a spirit of solidarity and responsibility towards his or her neighbour. In this way one can make known the face of God of whom Puebla speaks and who cries out for justice.
Using Bayesian Analysis to Quantify Uncertainty in Radiometer Measurements
Authors: Spinti Jennifer P. , Smith Sean T. , Smith Philip J. , Harding N. Stanley , Scheib Kaitlyn , Draper Teri S.
Published: December 2020

We apply Bayesian inference to instrument calibration and experimental-data uncertainty analysis for the specific application of measuring radiative intensity with a narrow-angle radiometer. We develop a physics-based instrument model that describes temporally varying radiative intensity, the indirectly measured quantity of interest, as a function of scenario and model parameters. We identify a set of five uncertain parameters, find their probability distributions (the posterior or inverse problem) given the calibration data by applying Bayes' Theorem, and employ a local linearization to marginalize the nuisance parameters resulting from errors-in-variables. We then apply the instrument model to a new scenario that is the intended use of the instrument, a 1.5 MW coal-fired furnace. Unlike standard error propagation, this Bayesian method infers values for the five uncertain parameters by sampling from the posterior distribution and then computing the intensity with quantifiable uncertainty at the point of a new, in situ furnace measurement (the posterior predictive or forward problem). Given the instrument-model context of this analysis, the propagated uncertainty provides a significant proportion of the measurement error for each in situ furnace measurement. With this approach, we produce uncertainties at each temporal measurement of the radiative intensity in the furnace, successfully identifying temporal variations that were otherwise indistinguishable from measurement uncertainty.
Source depth estimation using spectral transformations and convolutional neural network in a deep-sea environment
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Wang Zhen , Su Lin , Hu Tao , Ren Qunyan , Gerstoft Peter , Ma Li
Published: December 2020

Multiple approaches for depth estimation in deep-ocean environments are discussed. First, a multispectral transformation for depth estimation (MSTDE) method based on the low-spatial-frequency interference in a constant sound speed is derived to estimate the source depth directly. To overcome the limitation of real sound-speed profiles and source bandwidths on the accuracy of MSTDE, a method based on a convolution neural network (CNN) and conventional beamforming (CBF) preprocessing is proposed. Further, transfer learning is adapted to tackle the effect of noise on the estimation result. At-sea data are used to test the performance of these methods, and results suggest that (1) the MSTDE can estimate the depth; however, the error increases with distance; (2) MSTDE error can be moderately compensated through a calculated factor; (3) the performance of deep-learning approach using CBF preprocessing is much better than those of MSTDE and traditional CNN.
A biomimetically hierarchical polyetherketoneketone scaffold for osteoporotic bone repair
Authors: Yuan Bo , Wang Linnan , Zhao Rui , Yang Xi , Yang Xiao , Zhu Xiangdong , Liu Limin , Zhang Kai , Song Yueming , Zhang Xingdong
Published: December 2020

A biomimetic PEKK implant was developed to promote osteoporotic bone regeneration and delay adjacent bone loss.
YbeY Controls the Type III and Type VI Secretion Systems and Biofilm Formation through RetS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Xia Yushan , Xu Congjuan , Wang Dan , Weng Yuding , Jin Yongxin , Bai Fang , Cheng Zhihui , Kuipers Oscar P. , Wu Weihui
Published: December 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
causes a variety of acute and chronic infections in humans. The type III secretion system (T3SS) plays an important role in acute infection, and the type VI secretion system (T6SS) and biofilm formation are associated with chronic infections.
Toxicological analysis of George’s marvellous medicine: literature review
Authors: Johnson Graham , Davies Patrick
Published: December 2020

Objective

To analyse the therapeutic effects and toxicity of the eponymous concoction described in Roald Dahl’s bookGeorge’s Marvellous Medicine.

Design

Literature review.

Setting

Two literature loving households in England.

Participants

George Kranky and grandma Kranky.

Main outcome measures

Clinical and toxic effects of the individual ingredients checked against those listed in ToxBase, the National Poisons Information Service’s poisons database.

Results

The medicine contained 34 ingredients. The most common toxic effect identified on ToxBase was nausea and vomiting (16 ingredients, 47%). Potentially life threatening effects were associated with 13 (38%) ingredients, including depression of the central nervous system, kidney injury, convulsions, cardiac toxicity, and mucosal erosion. The effects described in the book were accurate initially but then diverted from the most likely clinical outcome (death).

Conclusions

Although Dahl ought to be applauded for his initial accuracy about the toxicology of the ingredients in George’s marvellous medicine, the overall effect would be fatal catastrophic physiological collapse. Scientific exploration and experimentation should be encouraged in children, although any medicinal ingredients need to be checked for potential toxicity before being administered—to grandmas or anyone else.