bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge sharing, shared leadership and innovative behaviour: a cross-level analysis
Authors: Vandavasi Rama Krishna Kishore , McConville David C. , Uen Jin-Feng , Yepuru Prasanthi
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of knowledge sharing among team members on the development of shared leadership and innovative behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 64 management teams and 427 individuals working in 26 different hotels in the hospitality industry in Taiwan.

Findings

The results show that knowledge sharing has both direct and indirect effects on the development of shared leadership and individual innovative behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

Results suggest that knowledge sharing supports the occurrence of shared leadership, leading to an increase in innovative behaviour. The authors infer from the findings that encouraging a culture of knowledge sharing can have a positive impact on the creativity of teams.

Originality/value

This study advances knowledge of shared leadership as a mediator using a multilevel approach to test antecedents of innovative behaviour in the Taiwan hotel industry.
A spectacle of otherness: an autoethnography of a conference presentation
Authors: Jamjoom Liela A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This article is an autoethnography that describes an emotional journey of writing and; presenting a conference paper. While it is a personal story being told, it is a story that speaks to many other minorities in academia who continuously need to legitimize their voices in the midst of the dominant colonialist perspective. The intention of writing this autoethnography is to speak to the feelings of otherness experienced, to disrupt the traditional academic voice (Pathak, 2010), and to allow for the expression of a reality that is often hidden to those with a colonialist frame (Mohanty, 2003).

Design/methodology/approach

This article uses autoethnography as a methodology to reveal a personal story. Since autoethnographies help us make sense of our fragmented lives, the journey is told in chronological segments, detailing the emotions leading up to the conference presentation and its aftermath.

Findings

The findings of the article expose some of the colonialist frameworks that are still embedded in academia. They also lie in the revelation of the “spectacle of otherness” endured in the process. Drawing the reader into the author's mind and heart with the intention of understanding the other is an important part of this paper.

Originality/value

The first contribution of this paper lies in its decolonizing project, where Western knowledge systems and their epistemologies are the object of inquiry. The second contribution of the paper lies in its attempt to write intersectional research that does not impose predetermined categories of analysis but writes beyond specific classifications of identity. Finally, it also lies in celebrating the subjective self as a place that is worth exploring.
Quantum genetic algorithm to evolve controllers for self-reconfigurable modular robots
Authors: Mezghiche Mohamed Khalil , Djedi Noureddine
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore using real-observation quantum genetic algorithms (RQGAs) to evolve neural controllers that are capable of controlling a self-reconfigurable modular robot in an adaptive locomotion task.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantum-inspired genetic algorithms (QGAs) have shown their superiority against conventional genetic algorithms in numerous challenging applications in recent years. The authors have experimented with several QGAs variants and real-observation QGA achieved the best results in solving numerical optimization problems. The modular robot used in this study is a hybrid simulated robot; each module has two degrees of freedom and four connecting faces. The modular robot also possesses self-reconfiguration and self-mobile capabilities.

Findings

The authors have conducted several experiments using different robot configurations ranging from a single module configuration to test the self-mobile property to several disconnected modules configuration to examine self-reconfiguration, as well as snake, quadruped and rolling track configurations. The results demonstrate that the robot was able to perform self-reconfiguration and produce stable gaits in all test scenarios.

Originality/value

The artificial neural controllers evolved using the real-observation QGA were able to control the self-reconfigurable modular robot in the adaptive locomotion task efficiently.
Public administration reform for Aboriginal affairs: An institutionalist analysis
Authors: Dwyer Judith , Tenbensel Tim , Lavoie Josée , Martini Angelita , Brown Catherine , Devitt Jeannie , Myott Paula , Tilton Edward , Boulton Amohia
Published: April 2020

Persistent underperformance of public policy and program implementation in Aboriginal affairs is widely recognised. We analysed the results of two case studies of attempted reforms in public administration of Aboriginal primary health care in the Northern Territory, using a framework based on the institutionalist and systemic racism literatures, with the aim of better understanding the sources of implementation failure. Implementation of the agreed reforms was unsuccessful. Contributing factors were as follows: strong recognition of the need for change was not sustained; the seeds of change, present in the form of alternative practices, were not built on; there was a notable absence of sustained political/bureaucratic authorisation; and, interacting with all of these, systemic racism had important consequences and implications. Our framework was useful for making sense of the results. It is clear that reforms in Aboriginal affairs will require government authorities to engage with organisations and communities. We conclude that there are four requirements for improved implementation success: clear recognition of the need for change in ‘business as usual’; sustainable commitment and authorisation; the building of alternative structures and methods to enable effective power sharing (consistent with the requirements of parliamentary democracy); and addressing the impact of systemic racism on decision‐making, relationships, and risk management.
Determination of 2,4‐decadienal in edible oils using reversed‐phase liquid chromatography and its application as an alternative indicator of lipid oxidation
Authors: Sun Huihui , Peng Xiaoxiang , Li Chuan , Zhang Wei‐Min , Cao Jun
Published: April 2020

As a major product of linoleic acid‐rich oils, 2,4‐decadienal has unique reactivity that may be potentially toxic to human body. In this study, a reliable reversed‐phase liquid chromatography method for the determination of carbonyls was developed, and 2,4‐decadienal as the target aldehyde was validated. Furthermore, the possibility of 2,4‐decadienal as a lipid oxidation marker was evaluated. The optimal sample pretreatment method was extraction by 2 mL of acetonitrile three times, followed by derivatization at 40 °C for 30 min. The method was linear, sensitive, and accurate with detection and quantification limits of 15 and 50 nmol/L, respectively, and had good average recoveries for 2,4‐decadienal in oil samples. In tested edible oils, during heating at 180 °C, the level of 2,4‐decadienal rose faster than other aldehydes, including one of the characteristic aldehydes, hexanal. Moreover, good linear relationships between the 2,4‐decadienal content and other oxidation indices (R2 = 0.858 to 0.984 for the anisidine value; R2 = 0.876 to 0.986 for the total oxidation value) were observed in sunflower and corn oils under 8 hr heating at three temperatures (120, 150, and 180 °C), indicating that 2,4‐decadienal can predict the oxidation of oil.

Practical Application

2,4‐Decadienal is a toxic aldehyde produced by the oxidation of linoleic acid‐rich oils, which is closely related to human health. This work is the first to demonstrate that 2,4‐decadienal can be used as an alternative oxidation indicator for linoleic acid‐rich oils and is of great significance for the quality control of edible oil in the food industry.
Museomics identifies genetic erosion in two butterfly species across the 20th century in Finland
Authors: Gauthier Jérémy , Pajkovic Mila , Neuenschwander Samuel , Kaila Lauri , Schmid Sarah , Orlando Ludovic , Alvarez Nadir
Published: April 2020

Erosion of biodiversity generated by anthropogenic activities has been studied for decades and in many areas at the species level, using taxa monitoring. In contrast, genetic erosion within species has rarely been tracked, and is often studied by inferring past population dynamics from contemporaneous estimators. An alternative to such inferences is the direct examination of past genes, by analysing museum collection specimens. While providing direct access to genetic variation over time, historical DNA is usually not optimally preserved, and it is necessary to apply genotyping methods based on hybridization‐capture to unravel past genetic variation. In this study, we apply such a method (i.e., HyRAD), to large time series of two butterfly species in Finland, and present a new bioinformatic pipeline, namely PopHyRAD, that standardizes and optimizes the analysis of HyRAD data at the within‐species level. In the localities for which the data retrieved have sufficient power to accurately examine genetic dynamics through time, we show that genetic erosion has increased across the last 100 years, as revealed by signatures of allele extinctions and heterozygosity decreases, despite local variations. In one of the two butterflies (Erebia embla), isolation by distance also increased through time, revealing the effect of greater habitat fragmentation over time.
Ethanol Inhibits Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteochondral Lineage Differentiation Due in Part to an Activation of Forkhead Box Protein O‐Specific Signaling
Authors: Sharieh Farah , Eby Jonathan M. , Roper Philip M. , Callaci John J.
Published: April 2020

Background

During bone fracture repair, resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into chondrocytes, to form a cartilaginous fracture callus, and osteoblasts, to ossify the collagen matrix. Our laboratory previously reported that alcohol administration led to decreased cartilage formation within the fracture callus of rodents and this effect was mitigated by postfracture antioxidant treatment. Forkhead box protein O (FoxO) transcription factors are activated in response to intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and alcohol has been shown to increase ROS. Activation of FoxOs has also been shown to inhibit canonical Wnt signaling, a necessary pathway for MSC differentiation. These findings have led to our hypothesis that alcohol exposure decreases osteochondrogenic differentiation of MSCs through the activation of FoxOs.

Methods

Primary rat MSCs were treated with ethanol (EtOH) and assayed for FoxO expression, FoxO activation, and downstream target expression. Next, MSCs were differentiated toward osteogenic or chondrogenic lineages in the presence of 50 mM EtOH and alterations in osteochondral lineage marker expression were determined. Lastly, osteochondral differentiation experiments were repeated with FoxO1/3 knockdown or with FoxO1/3 inhibitor AS1842856 and osteochondral lineage marker expression was determined.

Results

EtOH increased the expression of FoxO3a at mRNA and protein levels in primary cultured MSCs. This was accompanied by an increase in FoxO1 nuclear localization, FoxO1 activation, and downstream catalase expression. Moreover, EtOH exposure decreased expression of osteogenic and chondrogenic lineage markers. FoxO1/3 knockdown restored proosteogenic and prochondrogenic lineage marker expression in the presence of 50 mM EtOH. However, FoxO1/3 inhibitor only restored proosteogenic lineage marker expression.

Conclusions

These data show that EtOH has the ability to inhibit MSC differentiation, and this ability may rely, at least partially, on the activation of FoxO transcription factors.
International Market Integration: A Survey
Authors: Akbari Amir , Ng Lilian
Published: April 2020

Market integration is a canonical topic in international finance. The question of whether and to what extent markets are integrated with the global economy has motivated one of the largest literatures in this field. Given this vast body of research, this survey shall only focus on the theoretical and empirical studies on one aspect of market integration – equity market integration. It reviews the evolution of various approaches employed in studying market integration. This survey discusses the recent empirical findings on cross‐sectional and time‐series dynamics of integration across developed and emerging markets. It also describes the empirical estimation of three current measures of market integration and discusses their usefulness as well as limitations. Finally, the survey provides a few future directions for this line of research.
The relationship between T‐wave peak‐to‐end interval and hemodynamic parameters in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Elitok Ali , Emet Samim , Karaayvaz Ekrem Bilal , Erdogan Onur , Aydogan Mehmet , Engin Berat , Cevik Erdem , Orta Huseyin , Okumus Gulfer , Bilge Ahmet Kaya
Published: April 2020

Background

T‐wave peak‐to‐end interval (TPEI) is a measure of repolarization dispersion on surface electrocardiogram (ECG). TPEI has been reported as a prognostic parameter with heart disorders. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between echocardiogram‐derived right heart parameters, right heart catheterization (RHC) measurements, and TPEI in patients with precapillary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Methods

Thirty‐eight patients (29 females and 9 males, mean age of 54.9 ± 10.9 years) who had undergone RHC for a preliminary diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) were included in the study. We performed transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and resting 12‐lead ECG was recorded before RHC. TPEI was measured from leads of V1‐V6, DII, DIII, and aVF, and these values are averaged to obtain the global TPEI.

Results

Duration of TPEI was significantly correlated with mean PAP, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and cardiac index (CI). Longer TPEI was associated with higher N terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT pro‐BNP) level, lower 6‐min walk distance (6MWD), and lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE).

Conclusion

Prolongation of TPEI could be a new predictor of adverse outcome in PAH and may provide additional prognostic information for patients with PAH.
Implementation of exome sequencing in fetal diagnostics—Data and experiences from a tertiary center in Denmark
Authors: Becher Naja , Andreasen Lotte , Sandager Puk , Lou Stina , Petersen Olav Bjørn , Christensen Rikke , Vogel Ida
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Applying whole‐exome sequencing (WES) for the diagnosis of diseases in children has shown significant diagnostic strength compared with chromosomal microarray. WES may also have the potential of adding clinically relevant prenatal information in cases where a fetus is found to have structural anomalies. We present results from the first fetal exomes performed in a tertiary center in Denmark.

Material and methods

Couples/expectant parents were included in Central Denmark Region from July 2016 to March 2019. Inclusion was not systematic, but where one or more fetal malformations or severe fetal hydrops were detected, and a specific diagnosis had not been obtained by chromosomal microarray. WES was performed in ongoing pregnancies (N = 11), after intrauterine demise (N = 5), or after termination of pregnancy based on ultrasound findings (N = 19). In most cases, a trio format was applied comprising fetal and parental DNA.

Results

WES was performed in 35 highly selected fetal cases. Pathogenic variants, or variants likely to explain the phenotype, were detected in 9/35 (26%). Variants of uncertain significance were detected in 7/35 (20%) and there was one secondary finding (3%). Out of the 11 ongoing pregnancies, four reached a genetic diagnosis (36%). Detection rate was highest in cases of multisystem anomalies (7/13, 54%). WES was completed in all three trimesters and both autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive and X‐linked inheritance were revealed.

Conclusions

We present data from 35 cases of exome sequencing applied in a setting of fetal malformations. Importantly, though, we wish to share our personal experiences with implementing WES into a prenatal setting. As a medical society, we must continue to share what we do not understand, what went wrong, what is difficult, and what we do not agree upon. A common understanding and language are warranted. We also advocate that more research is needed concerning the clinical value, as well as costs and patient perspectives, of using WES in pregnancy. We believe that WES will lead to improved prenatal and perinatal care.
Restriction of eye motility in patients with RETINA IMPLANT Alpha AMS
Authors: Faber Hanna , Besch Dorothea , Bartz‐Schmidt Karl‐Ulrich , Eisenstein Hanna , Roider Johann , Sachs Helmut , Gekeler Florian , Zrenner Eberhart , Stingl Katarina
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the motility of the eye in patients with the RETINA IMPLANT Alpha AMS.

Methods

Eye motility was determined in eight gaze directions in ten blind retinitis pigmentosa patients, who had received the RETINA IMPLANT Alpha AMS, before implantation of the subretinal implant and at six time‐points up to one year after.

Results

The analysis of eye motility showed a restriction in the upgaze and gaze to the temporal side directly after surgery in eight of the nine patients included. The degree of motility restriction decreased continuously with recovery during the observation time. One year after surgery, eye motility was still restricted in the majority of patients, especially in the upgaze to the temporal side at 20° (five of seven patients).

Conclusion

Retinal implants with intraorbital parts (e.g. connecting cables) caused restriction in the temporal and superior viewing directions in the majority of patients. Although this restriction might be cosmetically visible, this limitation in eye motility has no effects on the monocular vision and the implant’s efficacy for daily use.
Cumulative visits for care of minor injuries are associated with traumatic brain injury in young children
Authors: Obikane Erika , Yamana Hayato , Yasunaga Hideo , Kawakami Norito
Published: April 2020

Aim

To evaluate the association between cumulative visits for care of minor injuries and risk of traumatic brain injuries in children aged ≤36 months.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of children born from 2009 to 2012, using a health insurance claims database in Japan. We investigated the total number of visits where children aged 0‐36 months presented for treatment of minor injuries such as superficial injuries, fractures, burns and foreign body ingestions. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the cumulative number of visits for treatment of minor injuries and traumatic brain injuries in children aged ≤36 months.

Results

A total of 91 011 children were included in the analysis, 51% of whom were boys. Traumatic brain injuries were identified in 0.7% of these children. Cumulative visits for care of minor injuries among children aged 0‐36 months were significantly associated with traumatic brain injuries by 36 months of age, with an odds ratio of 2.12 (95% confidence interval: 1.68‐2.68) for multiple visits.

Conclusion

Cumulative visits for treatment of minor injuries during the first 36 months of life were associated with increased risk of traumatic brain injuries by 36 months of age.
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) in infection
Authors: Leth Steffen , Jensen‐Fangel Søren
Published: April 2020

Exhausted and dysfunctional T cells triggered by infection and cancer render the immune system unable to eliminate these pathogens. Pharmacologic blockade of the surface receptors that inhibit T‐cell function has shown remarkable success in patients with various malignancies. In this Review, we discuss the emerging evidence of inhibiting checkpoint pathways as a potential role in controlling or clearing infectious diseases. Though interesting tendencies, much work is still needed in order to develop safe strategies that can be translated into clinically relevant outcomes in patients with infections.
Understanding K‐12 teachers’ intention to adopt open educational resources: A mixed methods inquiry
Authors: Tang Hengtao , Lin Yu‐Ju , Qian Yingxiao
Published: April 2020

Teachers in K‐12 settings often teach out of textbooks in order to provide differentiated instruction. Open educational resources (OER) might be an effective alternative to traditional textbooks for K‐12 teachers because of a free access to a rich collection of open‐licensed educational materials. Understanding how to encourage teachers to accept OER is thus critical. However, existing evidence mainly concerns the advantage of OER in cost reduction but overlooks the merit of openness. To fill this gap, this mixed methods inquiry, implementing the technology acceptance model, integrated qualitative and quantitative findings to obtain a comprehensive understanding of teachers’ intentions of adopting OER in K‐12 settings. This study found that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness predicted K‐12 teachers’ intention to adopt OER with attitudes toward OER as a mediating variable. Perceived ease of use also determined perceived usefulness. Teachers’ perceptions of OER adoption were also examined for additional insight into the quantitative findings. Practical implications of adopting OER in K‐12 curriculum were discussed.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

K‐12 teachers need to teach out of textbooks to provide differentiated instruction but publishers usually charge teachers high subscription fees without giving them permission to customize the resources.

Open educational resources (OER) allow teachers to retain, reuse, revise, remix and redistribute free open‐licensed resources.

Teachers’ intention to use technology predicts their actual technology use, but evidence regarding reinforcing teachers’ intention to adopt OER is limited.

What this paper adds

This paper demonstrates the perceived ease of use of OER is a primary factor in how useful teachers consider them to be, how teachers feel about them in general, and how likely they are to use OER.

This paper shows perceived usefulness of OER determines teachers’ attitudes toward and intention to use OER.

This paper shows teachers’ attitudes toward OER mediate the effect of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness on their intention to adopt OER.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Simplifying the search process by improving the design of OER repositories to reinforce teachers’ perception that OER are easy to use.

Establishing quality assurance of OER to strengthen teachers’ perception that OER are useful.

Advocating open educational practices in K‐12 settings to engage students and teachers in the creation and curation of open content.

Initiating nationwide campaigns (eg, #GoOpen) to engage school districts and teachers in producing and publishing high‐quality OER.
The Bullshitting Frequency Scale: Development and psychometric properties
Authors: Littrell Shane , Risko Evan F. , Fugelsang Jonathan A.
Published: April 2020

Recent psychological research has identified important individual differences associated with receptivity to bullshit, which has greatly enhanced our understanding of the processes behind susceptibility to pseudo‐profound or otherwise misleading information. However, the bulk of this research attention has focused on cognitive and dispositional factors related to bullshit (the product), while largely overlooking the influences behind bullshitting (the act). Here, we present results from four studies focusing on the construction and validation of a new, reliable scale measuring the frequency with which individuals engage in two types of bullshitting (persuasive and evasive) in everyday situations. Overall, bullshitting frequency was negatively associated with sincerity, honesty, cognitive ability, open‐minded cognition, and self‐regard. Additionally, the Bullshitting Frequency Scale was found to reliably measure constructs that are (1) distinct from lying and (2) significantly related to performance on overclaiming and social decision tasks. These results represent an important step forward by demonstrating the utility of the Bullshitting Frequency Scale as well as highlighting certain individual differences that may play important roles in the extent to which individuals engage in everyday bullshitting.
The relationship of severity of depression with homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D levels in children and adolescents
Authors: Esnafoglu Erman , Ozturan Deniz Deniz
Published: April 2020

Background

Depression is a heterogeneous disorder and is thought to develop as a result of complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. One‐carbon metabolism that includes vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine has been investigated in psychiatric disorders like depression. In recent years, vitamin D has also been considered to contribute to psychiatric disorders. In this study, serum levels of folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine related to one‐carbon metabolism and vitamin D were investigated in children and adolescents with depression and to assess possible roles in depression pathogenesis.

Methods

The study included 89 children and adolescents with depression (69 female, 20 male; mean age ± SD = 15.08 ± 1.46) and 43 control subjects (31 female, 12 male; mean age ± SD = 14.41 ± 2.32) without any DSM‐5 diagnosis. Each subject completed a sociodemographic form, Childhood Depression Inventory, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory 1‐2 and measured serum folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine, and 25‐OH vitamin D levels.

Results

There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of folate levels (p = .052). In the patient group, the vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels were clearly low (p values for both levels were <.001), while homocysteine levels were found to be remarkably high (p < .001). In addition, there was a negative correlation between depression severity and vitamin B12 and vitamin D, while a positive correlation was found with homocysteine.

Conclusions

The results of the study show that vitamin B12 deficiency or insufficiency and elevated homocysteine may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of depression. Additionally, it was shown that lower vitamin D levels may be associated with depression.

Key Practitioner Message

Depression of children and adolescents is associated with the interaction of environmental and genetic factors.

Homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate related to one‐carbon metabolism are associated with psychiatric disorders such as depression in adulthood.

Vitamin D also contributes to psychiatric disorders pathogenesis.

There are not enough studies in the literature about these parameters in children with depression.

Low vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels and increased homocysteine levels may play a role in the pathogenesis of depression in children and adolescents.

Investigation of vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine, and vitamin D levels are recommended in children and adolescents with depression.
CD4+ T cells support polyfunctionality of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells with memory potential in immunological control of tumor
Authors: Imai Naoko , Tawara Isao , Yamane Makiko , Muraoka Daisuke , Shiku Hiroshi , Ikeda Hiroaki
Published: April 2020

Polyfunctionality/multifunctionality of effector T cells at the single cell level has been shown as an important parameter to predict the quality of T cell response and immunological control of infectious disease and malignancy. However, the fate of polyfunctional CD8+ CTLs and the factors that control the polyfunctionality of T cells remain largely unknown. Here we show that the acquisition of polyfunctionality on the initial stimulation is a sensitive immune correlate of CTL survival and memory formation. CD8+ T cells with high polyfunctionality, assessed with γ‐interferon and tumor necrosis factor‐α production and surface mobilization of the degranulation marker CD107a, showed enhanced Bcl‐2 expression, low apoptosis, and increased CD127highKLRG1low memory precursor phenotype. Consistent with these observations, CD8+ T cells were found to acquire high frequency of cells with polyfunctionality when stimulated in conditions known to enhance memory formation, such as the presence of CD4+ T cells, interleukin (IL)‐2, or IL‐21. Utilizing T‐cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mouse‐derived CD8+ T cells that express a TCR specific for a tumor‐derived neoantigen, we showed that polyfunctional tumor‐specific CTLs generated in the presence of CD4+ T cells showed long persistence in vivo and induced enhanced tumor regression when adoptively transferred into mice with progressing tumor. Acquisition of polyfunctionality thus impacts CTL survival and memory formation associated with immunological control of tumor.
Food security and Canada's agricultural system challenged by COVID‐19
Authors: Deaton B. James , Deaton Brady J.
Published: April 2020

The effect of COVID‐19 on Canadian food security is examined from two different perspectives. COVID‐19 creates a unique “income shock” that is expected to increase the prevalence of household food insecurity. This food insecurity can be measured by utilizing the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). More fundamentally, COVID‐19 heightens household concern about the capacity of the Canadian food system to ensure food availability. Despite surges in demand and supply chain disruptions, we currently do not observe broad, rapid appreciation in food prices. This suggests that there is an adequate supply of food for the near term. There is less certainty over intermediate and longer time periods because so many factors are in flux, particularly the rate of increases in sicknesses and deaths across the country and globally. Data on these health factors and elements of the food supply chain are needed to predict beyond a short time frame. In this regard, we discuss three ongoing considerations—ease of capital flows, international exchange, and maintaining transportation—that will help ensure food availability in the longer run.
Climate suitability as a predictor of conservation translocation failure
Authors: Bellis Joe , Bourke David , Maschinski Joyce , Heineman Katie , Dalrymple Sarah
Published: April 2020

The continuing decline and loss of biodiversity has caused an increase in the use of interventionist conservation tools, such as translocation. However, many translocation attempts fail to establish viable populations, with poor release site selection often flagged as an inhibitor of success. We used species distribution models (SDMs) to predict the climate suitability of 102 release sites for amphibians, reptiles, and terrestrial insects and compared suitability predictions between successful and failed attempts. We then quantified the importance of climate suitability relative to 5 other variables frequently considered in the literature as important determinants of translocation success: number of release years, number of individuals released, life stage released, origin of the source population, and position of the release site relative to the species’ range. Probability of translocation success increased as predicted climate suitability increased and this effect was the strongest among the variables we considered, accounting for 48.3% of the variation in translocation outcome. These findings should encourage greater consideration of climate suitability when selecting release sites for conservation translocations and we advocate the use of SDMs as an effective way to do this.
Perianal fistula and the ileoanal pouch – different aetiologies require distinct evaluation
Authors: Reza L. M. , Lung P. F. C. , Lightner A. L. , Hart A. L. , Clark S. K. , Tozer P. J.
Published: April 2020

Aim

Restorative proctocolectomy has been widely adopted as the procedure of choice for restoring gastrointestinal continuity following proctocolectomy. It is often associated with improved quality of life and high patient satisfaction; however, the development of a pouch anal fistula can cause significant morbidity. Pouch fistulas are notoriously difficult to treat and there is great heterogeneity in the management reported of these fistulas. A lack of classification, and the assumption that fistulas originating from completely different aetiologies will behave and respond similarly to a particular treatment strategy, precludes meaningful comparison of management outcomes. We aim to introduce consistency in the reporting of pouch fistulas using a novel classification system.

Methods

A consensus process involving clinicians experienced in the management of pouch fistulas from two high volume tertiary centres was performed.

Results

We propose that pouch anal fistulas should be classified into four distinct groups according to their aetiology: group 1, anastomotic related; group 2, inflammatory bowel disease related, with sub‐classifications Crohn’s (type A) and non‐Crohn’s (type B) in origin; group 3, cryptoglandular related; and group 4, malignancy related.

Conclusion

Classification of pouch fistulas according to their aetiology will provide consistency in the literature and improve the quality of prospective evidence for the management of pouch fistulas.
Digital Museum Objects and Memory: Postdigital Materiality, Aura and Value
Authors: Meehan Nicole
Published: April 2020

In the cultural sector we use digital museum objects every day; in exhibitions, websites, collections management systems, and on our social channels. But, what actually are these objects? Do we understand them as objects in their own right? With their own nature and essence?
Periodontitis lesions in smokers and non‐smokers
Authors: Schmidt Julia C. , Jajjo Elias , Berglundh Tord , Zitzmann Nicola U.
Published: April 2020

Differences in the progression of periodontitis have been observed between smokers and non‐smokers. The aim of the present study was to compare vascular and inflammatory cell densities in periodontitis lesions from smokers and non‐smokers to gain further understanding of the influence of smoking on histopathological characteristics of the disease. Two groups of patients with generalized severe periodontitis were recruited. One group consisted of 25 current smokers, aged 33–69 yr, while the second group comprised 21 non‐smokers, aged 35–76 yr. From each patient, gingival biopsies were harvested from one periodontitis site (probing pocket depth ≥6 mm and bleeding on probing) and one site without clinical signs of gingival inflammation (reference site). Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to assess the density of vessels and inflammatory cells. Small differences existed between smokers and non‐smokers regarding the size, proportion, number, and density of cells in periodontitis lesions. However, the vascular density in periodontitis lesions was significantly higher in non‐smokers than in smokers. In clinically healthy reference sites, lesions were considerably smaller than in periodontitis sites and presented with similar vascular densities in smokers and non‐smokers.
Sry‐related high‐mobility‐group/HMG box 10 (SOX10) as a sensitive marker for triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Jamidi Shirley K , Hu Jintao , Aphivatanasiri Chaiwat , Tsang Julia Y , Poon Ivan K , Li Joshua J , Chan Siu‐Ki , Cheung Sai‐Yin , Tse Gary M
Published: April 2020

Aims

Confirmation of a breast origin for triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is sometimes problematic. The traditional breast markers GATA‐binding protein 3 (GATA3), mammaglobin (MGB) and gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 (GCDFP15) have shown limitations in identifying TNBC. Here, we aimed to examine the diagnostic potential of the newly proposed TNBC marker, Sry‐related high‐mobility‐group/HMG box 10 (SOX10).

Methods and results

We analysed and compared SOX10 expression with GATA3, MGB and GCDFP15 expression in a test cohort of 1838 invasive breast cancers (IBCs) by using tissue microarrays. The findings from the test cohort were further examined with a validation cohort of 42 TNBCs in whole sections. The overall expression rates of SOX10, GATA3, MGB and GCDFP15 were 6.9%, 83.1%, 47.0%, and 34.8%, respectively. Among the TNBCs within this cohort, the expression rates of SOX10, GATA3, MGB and GCDFP15 were 31.3%, 34.5%, 27.9%, and 25.2%, respectively. SOX10 was strongly associated with TNBC (P < 0.001), whereas all other traditional markers were associated with non‐TNBC (P < 0.001 for all). In addition, SOX10 was more correlated to basal‐like breast cancer (BLBC) (P = 0.001) than five‐marker‐negative subtype among the TNBCs. A high expression rate of SOX10 (81%) was confirmed in the validation cohort. Additionally, SOX10 expression was inversely correlated with GATA3 and GCDFP15 expression, so they may complement each other in TNBC detection. The SOX10–GATA3 combination yielded a sensitivity of 60.3% for TNBC detection in the test cohort.

Conclusion

SOX10 is a reliable marker for identifying TNBC, and complements GATA3. The SOX10–GATA3 combination may be used as a sensitive TNBC marker.
Adaptation and validation of the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale amongst nurses in Turkey
Authors: Samur Menevse , Seren Intepeler Seyda , Lam Simon Ching
Published: April 2020

Aims

To adapt and psychometrically test the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale for use by Turkish nurses.

Background

Measurement of standard precautions compliance is important to manage the safety of both patients and health care teams.

Methods

This two‐phase methodological study employed a correlational design with repeated measures. In phase one, the scale's adaptation, including translation, semantic equivalence, content and face validity, was implemented. In phase two, internal consistency and stability were used to examine the reliability of the scale. Construct validity was tested using the Rasch rating scale model. This study was conducted by recruiting 411 nurses from three different hospitals between September 2015 and September 2016.

Results

Adaptation results showed that the Turkish version of the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (CSPS‐T) is adequate for linguistic and content validation. The content validity index and comprehensibility of the scale were similarly satisfactory. The reliability of the CSPS‐T was examined by Cronbach's alpha, corrected item‐total correlations and intraclass correlation coefficient, and good results were obtained. The Rasch model showed that all items were compatible with the model. Whereas Item 4 was the most difficult, Item 10 was the easiest.

Conclusion

The CSPS‐T is a reliable and valid tool for assessing compliance with standard precautions amongst Turkish nurses.
The role of B cell antigen presentation in the initiation of CD4+ T cell response
Authors: Hua Zhaolin , Hou Baidong
Published: April 2020

B cells have been known for their ability to present antigens to T cells for almost 40 years. However, the precise roles of B cell antigen presentation in various immune responses are not completely understood. The term “professional” antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) was proposed to distinguish APCs that are required for initiating the immune responses from those use antigen presentation to enhance their own effector functions. Unlike dendritic cells, which are defined as professional APCs for their well‐established functions in activating naive T cells, B cells have been shown in the past to mostly present antigens to activated CD4+ T cells mainly to seek help from T helper cells. However, recent evidence suggested that B cells can act as professional APCs under infectious conditions or conditions mimicking viral infections. B cell antigen receptors (BCRs) and the innate receptor Toll‐like receptors are activated synergistically in response to pathogens or virus‐like particles, under which conditions B cells are not only potent but also the predominant APCs to turn naive CD4+ T cells into T follicular helper cells. The discovery of B cells as professional APCs to initiate CD4+ T cell response provides a new insight for both autoimmune diseases and vaccine development.
Properties and characterization of alumina platelet reinforced geopolymer composites
Authors: Kutyla Gregory P. , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: April 2020

Geopolymers are porous, amorphous, alkali‐aluminosilicate hydrate materials formed at room temperature via a solution process. Geopolymer based on metakaolin had a relatively homogeneous microstructure that offered consistent behavior but suffered from dehydration cracking and large densification shrinkages when heated. It was found that by reinforcing a metakaolin geopolymer of composition (K2O·Al2O3·4SiO2·11H2O) with 50 µm diameter alumina platelets, dehydration cracking could be prevented, and shrinkage could be reduced by an order of magnitude. Samples were reinforced with 30, 50, and 70 wt% of alumina platelets. Although the properties of the 30 and 50 wt% conditions were better than those of unreinforced geopolymer, those samples still showed warping, cracking, and strength losses on heating. The 70 wt% samples did not warp or crack when heated to temperatures of up to 1500°C. The room‐temperature 4‐point flexural strength of these samples remained at around 20 MPa regardless of heat treatments. The in situ measured flexural strength increased to almost 40 MPa at 600°C, and remained higher than 20 MPa until 1200°C. Samples subjected to propane‐torch thermal shock heating and subsequent quenching did not crack or fragment. Dilatometry, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were used for additional characterization. Given these properties, this material showed promise as a castable refractory.
Biogeographical history of golden orbweavers: Chronology of a global conquest
Authors: Turk Eva , Čandek Klemen , Kralj‐Fišer Simona , Kuntner Matjaž
Published: April 2020

Aim

A wholistic biogeographical reconstruction should combine a phylogeny with specifics of organismal biology, plate tectonics and consequent probabilities of historic dispersal events. Here, we demonstrate this approach by reconstructing the geographical origin and sequence of intercontinental colonization of the golden orbweaving spiders, a global clade. We test two alternative hypotheses about their ancestral range. Due to the highest contemporary species diversity in Africa, the ‘Out of Africa’ hypothesis predicts the Afrotropics as their most likely ancestral area. The alternative, ‘Out of West Burma’ hypothesis aims to explain a Burmese amber fossil as stem nephilid. Because the West Burma block probably detached from Australia, then rafted towards Laurasia, either on its own or with India, this hypothesis predicts either Australasia or Indomalaya (or both) as the ancestral area.

Location

Worldwide.

Taxon

Golden orbweaving spiders, family Nephilidae.

Methods

We construct an expanded phylogeny of nephilid spiders and apply RASP (Reconstruct Ancestral State in Phylogenies) to infer their global biogeographical history. We fit the data to six integrated biogeographical models: DEC, DIVALIKE, BAYAREALIKE and their +j variants. We fine‐tune the analysis by evaluating varying probabilities of dispersal between geographical areas throughout the clade's evolutionary history. We use the physical distance between the areas as a proxy for dispersal probabilities, thus accounting for plate tectonics.

Results

The best supported model reconstructs both Australasia and Indomalaya as ancestral area. In several parts of the phylogeny, these areas persist for the estimated 130‐million‐year evolutionary history. However, numerous intercontinental shifts in nephilid biogeographical history are also inferred. Since nephilid origins are clearly Gondwanan, our study supports the interpretations that Burmese amber contains Gondwanan biota.

Main conclusions

These results are consistent with the Out of West Burma hypothesis but reject the Out of Africa hypothesis. That certain clades persist in their ancestral ranges while others may shift continents aligns well with the known nephilid biology. Our methodological approach that assesses organismal specific dispersal probabilities through concrete distances measured though time slices of the Earth's history can be applied to biogeographical reconstruction of any lineage.
Image distortion of intra‐oral photographs: The root coverage model
Authors: Kerner Stephane , Garabetyan Julia , Le Roch Sarah , Damman Daniel , Bouchard Philippe
Published: April 2020

Aim

Clinical photographs have been advocated in studies dealing with the quantity of root coverage. Changes in different angles of the camera when taking a photograph may lead to parallax errors resulting in inaccurate measurements. The aim of this study was to explore the distortion of the photographs according to the shooting angle.

Methods

A dental simulation model with a recession defect on tooth 21 was used. Photographs were taken with a digital camera at 5° intervals between 0° to 35°, by shifting the position of the model. Recession depth and root surface area were calculated with ImageJ and implemented in a mathematical model. The relationship between the experimental measurements and the outcomes of the mathematical model was statistically evaluated. The model was confirmed by clinical data.

Results

When the central axis of the lens of the camera focused on the experimental tooth is within a cone angle ≤36°, the maximum distortion of the recession area ranges from 0% to 14%, the maximum percentage occurring when the angle is coronal to the central axis.

Conclusions

Photographs without an external device connected to the camera provide a valuable support for root coverage assessment when using ImageJ as a measuring tool.
Male phenotypes in a female framework: Evidence for degeneration in sperm produced by male snails from asexual lineages
Authors: Jalinsky Joseph , Logsdon John M. , Neiman Maurine
Published: April 2020

How changes in selective regimes affect trait evolution is an important open biological question. We take advantage of naturally occurring and repeated transitions from sexual to asexual reproduction in a New Zealand freshwater snail species, Potamopyrgus antipodarum, to address how evolution in an asexual context—including the potential for relaxed selection on male‐specific traits—influences sperm morphology. The occasional production of male offspring by the otherwise all‐female asexual P. antipodarum lineages affords a unique and powerful opportunity to assess the fate of sperm traits in a context where males are exceedingly rare. These comparisons revealed that the sperm produced by ‘asexual’ males are markedly distinct from sexual counterparts. We also found that the asexual male sperm harboured markedly higher phenotypic variation and was much more likely to be morphologically abnormal. Together, these data suggest that transitions to asexual reproduction might be irreversible, at least in part because male function is likely to be compromised. These results are also consistent with a scenario where relaxed selection and/or mutation accumulation in the absence of sex translates into rapid trait degeneration.