bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The duration of gestation at previous induced abortion and its impacts on subsequent births: A nationwide registry‐based study
Authors: KC Situ , Gissler Mika , Klemetti Reija
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Previous induced abortions have been associated with adverse birth outcomes. However, only a few studies have considered the possible influence of gestational age at induced abortion. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the impacts of gestational age during prior induced abortion(s) on subsequent births among first‐time mothers in Finland.

Material and methods

First‐time mothers (n = 418 690) with singleton births between 1996 and 2013 were identified from the Finnish Medical Birth Register and linked to the Abortion Register. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]) of birth outcomes such as prematurity, low birthweight, perinatal death and small for gestational age (SGA).

Results

Higher risk was determined for extremely preterm birth (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.53‐3.39) and very low birthweight (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.22‐2.16) in women having had late‐induced abortion(s) (≥12 gestational weeks) compared with women having had early‐induced abortion(s) (<12 gestational weeks); after adjusting for women’s background characteristics, abortion method and interval between the pregnancies. When the analysis was limited to a single abortion, an increased risk was found for extremely preterm birth (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.02‐2.81). Higher risks were found for extremely preterm (OR 4.09; 95% CI 2.05‐8.18) and very low birthweight (OR 2.65; 95% CI 1.61‐4.35) among women with two or more late‐induced abortions compared with those with two or more early‐induced abortions. Worse outcomes were seen after a late‐induced abortion compared to an early‐induced abortion for both medically and surgically induced abortion.

Conclusions

The risk of subsequent adverse birth outcomes is very small if any, but the risk is higher with increasing gestational age at the time of induced abortion. Our study supports reduction of unintended pregnancy and offering abortion services without delay and as early in gestation as possible.
Adolescent abuse victims displayed physical health complaints and trauma symptoms during post disclosure interviews
Authors: Rueness Janne , Augusti Else‐Marie , Strøm Ida Frugård , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Myhre Mia C.
Published: March 2020

Aim

We investigated whether adolescents who had recently disclosed sexual abuse or family violence displayed more psychological trauma symptoms and physical health complaints than unaffected controls. We also investigated to what degree physical health complaints were associated with trauma symptoms in these abuse victims.

Methods

Abuse, trauma symptoms and physical health complaints were assessed during face‐to‐face interviews with 40 sexual abuse victims and 35 family violence victims aged 10‐18 years. They had all attended forensic interviews at the Barnehus in Oslo, a specialised Norwegian police unit where evidence is gathered in adolescent‐friendly surroundings, from October 2016 to November 2018. Their symptoms were compared with 41 controls from the general population. Linear regression analyses investigated associations between trauma symptoms and physical health complaints.

Results

Sexually abused adolescents displayed higher levels of post‐traumatic stress reactions, depression, dissociation and physical health complaints than unaffected controls. Family violence victims displayed higher levels of post‐traumatic stress reactions. Trauma symptoms were associated with physical health complaints, and these were most prominent in the adolescents with the highest burden of symptoms.

Conclusion

Based on the high burden of symptoms revealed, clinical examinations of abused adolescents should include a systematic assessment of trauma symptoms and physical health complaints.
‘Two different worlds’: Papua New Guinean women working in development in Port Moresby
Authors: Spark Ceridwen
Published: March 2020

This article examines the lives of Port Moresby women who work in the development sector of Papua New Guinea. In particular, it demonstrates how development discourse structures the very fabric of working relationships within this sector in Port Moresby. Underpinned by neocolonial geographies in which those in the global north rescue those in the global south, these discourses produce workplaces in which Papua New Guinean women are seen as lacking the moral and technical capacities to run development projects in their own country. The article argues that the privileges held by expatriates and denied to local women, in conjunction with the workplace discrimination to which they are subjected, ironically undermine the development sector's supposed commitment to promoting gender equality in Papua New Guinea.
Micro‐invasive method for studying lead isotopes in paintings*
Authors: D'Imporzano P. , Keune K. , Koornneef J. M. , Hermens E. , Noble P. , van Zuilen K. , Davies G. R.
Published: March 2020

A micro‐invasive technique is presented that enables pigment sampling from individual layers of a painting cross‐section by obtaining a furrow 10–50 μm wide of chosen length. Combined with increased sensitivity of lead (Pb) isotope analysis using multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICPMS) equipped with a 1013 Ω resistor or a Pb double‐spike technique, the amount of Pb needed for isotopic analysis is drastically reduced, while maintaining a relative 2 SD precision for 206Pb/204Pb of < 0.02%. The methodology proved able to characterize Pb isotope differences within paint layers.
The provenance and distribution of Early Bronze ceramics in the Kolyaei Plain, central Zagros, Iran
Authors: Heydarian M. , Abdorrahimian F. , Emami S. M. A. , Beheshti S. I.
Published: March 2020

Within Iran, there is little archaeological evidence for relationships between newly arrived Early Trans‐Caucasian (ETC) or Kura‐Araxes settlers and earlier inhabitants and contact with neighbouring cultures, or for their apparently abrupt end. Based on the evidence, the Iranian Kura‐Araxes was not a simple ‘copy' of the Caucasian Kura‐Araxes package. Ceramic traditions show local peculiarities, and all are elements suggesting that the Kura‐Araxes traditions went through processes of adaptation, change and re‐elaboration according to local tastes and technologies. In this study, an archaeometric approach to ceramics in the Kolyaei Plain of central Zagros contributes to the discussion of contact and exchange between indigenous communities and several cultural spheres of influence on the Early Bronze Age (beginning in the fourth millennium bce). Morphological data, as well as the mineralogical and chemical composition of ceramics, were applied to determine the major and trace elements of the pottery shards. Based on the trace element profiles, it can be suggested that all the pottery shards are in the same group and they strongly are local products. The ceramic provenance indicates the same patterns of material interactions during the ETC or Kura‐Araxes in all the sites within the Kolyaei Plain.
Face‐to‐pubes rotational maneuver for bilateral nuchal arms in a vaginal breech birth, resolved in an upright maternal position: A case report
Authors: Walker Shawn , Spillane Emma
Published: March 2020

Background

A physiological breech birth is one in which the woman is encouraged to remain active throughout her labor and able to assume the position of her choice for the birth. Use of this strategy within the United Kingdom National Health Service has led to the use of innovative maneuvers to relieve obstruction when women give birth in upright positions, for example, kneeling or standing. This includes use of the face‐to‐pubes rotational maneuver to relieve extended nuchal arm(s). In this paper, we report a case where the face‐to‐pubes rotational maneuver was used to relieve bilateral nuchal arm entrapment in a breech birth.

Methods

Single‐case study. We aimed to generate an in‐depth understanding of how this maneuver works and how professionals decide to use it by exploring its use in a real‐life context.

Results

The face‐to‐pubes rotational maneuver appears to be an effective method of relieving nuchal arm entrapment when used by experienced hands. In cases of bilateral nuchal arm entrapment, elevation to a higher station may be necessary to dis‐impact the arms above the pelvic inlet before the fetus can be rotated. After face‐to‐pubes rotation and release of arms, the head should be realigned in an occiput anterior position for delivery.

Conclusion

The face‐to‐pubes rotational maneuver can be taught for resolution of nuchal arms in an upright position. Parents should be informed of the availability or not of a specialist midwife trained in physiological breech birth, as this may be important to their decision‐making.
USP7 inhibition inhibits proliferation and induces megakaryocytic differentiation in MDS cells by upregulating gelsolin
Authors: Deng Jinghui , Liang Long , Yi Hui , Su Tao , Yang Zhou , Nie Ling , Liu Jing
Published: March 2020

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a largely incurable hematological malignancy, is driven by complex genetic and epigenetic alterations from an aberrant clone of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Ubiquitin‐specific protease 7 (USP7) has been demonstrated to have an important oncogenic role in the development of several cancer types, but its role in MDS is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that USP7 expression is elevated in MDS cell lines and patient samples. The USP7‐selective small‐molecule inhibitors P5091 and P22077 inhibited cell proliferation and induced megakaryocytic differentiation in both cell lines and primary cells. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of USP7 markedly suppressed the growth of MDS cell lines in xenograft mouse models. To explore the mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypic changes, we employed RNA‐seq to compare the differences in genes after USP7 inhibitor treatment and found that gelsolin (GSN) expression was increased significantly after USP7 inhibitor treatment. Furthermore, knockdown of GSN attenuated the proliferation inhibition, apoptosis induction and megakaryocyte differentiation induced by USP7 inhibitors in MDS cells. Collectively, our findings identify previously unknown roles of USP7 and suggest that the USP7/GSN axis may be a potential therapeutic target in MDS.
BMP8A promotes survival and drug resistance via Nrf2/TRIM24 signaling pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yu Yi‐peng , Cai Li‐cheng , Wang Xing‐yuan , Cheng Si‐yu , Zhang Da‐ming , Jian Wen‐gang , Wang Teng‐da , Yang Jian‐kun , Yang Kong‐bin , Zhang Cheng
Published: March 2020

There is increasing evidence that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are involved in the proliferation and drug tolerance of kidney cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of BMP8A in renal cell proliferation and drug tolerance is not clear. Here we showed that BMP8A was highly expressed in renal cell carcinoma, which suggests a poor prognosis of ccRCC. Promotion of cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis were detected by CCK‐8 assay, Trypan Blue staining, flow cytometry and bioluminescence. BMP8A promoted resistance of As2O3 by regulating Nrf2 and Wnt pathways in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, BMP8A enhanced phosphorylation of Nrf2, which, in turn, inhibited Keap1‐mediated Nrf2 ubiquitination and, ultimately, promoted nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of Nrf2. Nrf2 regulates the transcription of TRIM24 detected by ChIP‐qPCR. BMP8A was highly expressed in ccRCC, which suggests a poor prognosis. BMP8A was expected to be an independent prognostic molecule for ccRCC. On the one hand, activated Nrf2 regulated reactive oxygen balance, and on the other hand, by regulating the transcription level of TRIM24, it was involved in the regulation of the Wnt pathway to promote the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of ccRCC and the resistance of As2O3. Taken together, our findings describe a regulatory axis where BMP8A promotes Nrf2 phosphorylation and activates TRIM24 to promote survival and drug resistance in ccRCC.
Clinical care for obesity: A preliminary survey of sixty‐eight countries
Authors: Jackson Leach Rachel , Powis Jaynaide , Baur Louise A. , Caterson Ian D. , Dietz William , Logue Jennifer , Lobstein Tim
Published: March 2020

Obesity is a chronic relapsing condition affecting a rapidly increasing number of people worldwide. The United Nations has stated that universal health coverage is an essential element of the globally‐agreed sustainable development goals. This article provides a preliminary report of a survey of relevant health professionals and other interest groups on the readiness of health systems to provide obesity treatment services. Interviews and questionnaires were completed by 274 respondents from a total of 68 low, middle and high income countries. Respondents in the majority of countries stated that there were professional guidelines for obesity treatment, but that there was a lack of adequate services, especially in lower income countries, and in rural areas of most countries. Lack of treatment was attributed to a broad range of issues including: no clear care pathways from primary care to secondary services; absent or limited secondary services in some regions; lack of trained multi‐disciplinary support professionals; potentially high costs to patients; long waiting times for surgery; and stigma experienced by patients within the health care services. Defining obesity as a disease may help to overcome stigma and may also help to secure better funding streams for treatment services. However, the survey found that few countries were ready to accept this definition. Furthermore, until countries fully adopt and implement obesity prevention policies the need for treatment will continue to rise while the necessary conditions for treatment will remain inadequate.
Knowledge mapping of supply chain risk research based on CiteSpace
Authors: Sun Ling , Xu Xu , Yang Yanbin , Liu Wei , Jin Jiahao
Published: March 2020

Supply chain risk is a relatively new research field, and research results have been published in journals, and in master and doctoral articles. In this article, we first performed a quantitative analysis of existing literature on supply chain risk indexed in Web of Science (WOS). Then, we analyzed the author, institution, keywords, research hotspot, and cocited literature of existing publications in the research field of supply chain risk by using CiteSpace. The aim of this study is to investigate the trend, geographical distribution, author distribution, research field, keywords, keyword clustering, and other features of scientific articles on supply chain risk published in global journals, using the most advanced bibliometric analysis tools. The results of this study can be used to determine the most influential research institutions and authors in the research field of supply chain risk, as well as the research hotspots in different periods, and different research directions in this field.
Sicherheit eines Kompressionsstrumpfes für Patienten mit chronischer venöser Insuffizienz (CVI) und peripherer arterieller Verschlusskrankheit (pAVK)
Authors: Stücker Markus , Danneil Olivia , Dörler Martin , Hoffmann Maren , Kröger Elena , Reich‐Schupke Stefanie
Published: March 2020

Hintergrund

Die Kombination von chronischer Veneninsuffizienz (CVI) und peripherer arterieller Verschlusskrankheit (pAVK) tritt mit zunehmendem Lebensalter immer häufiger auf. Während es für Kompressionsbandagen spezielle Bandagensysteme für diese Patientengruppe gibt, gab es dies für die Kompressionsbestrumpfung dieser Patienten bislang nicht. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde daher die Sicherheit und Effektivität eines speziell für diese Patientengruppe konstruierten Kompressionsstrumpfes (VenoTrain® angioflow, Bauerfeind Deutschland, Kompressionsklasse I mit hoher Stiffness) untersucht.

Patienten und Methodik

In einer prospektiven Fallserie wurden Patienten mit einer CVI im Stadium C3 bis C5 der CEAP‐Klassifikation und mit einer pAVK mit einem Knöchel‐Arm‐Index von < 0,9 und > 0,5 sowie einem absoluten Knöchel‐Arterien‐Druck von > 60 mmHg eingeschlossen. Primäre Zielparameter waren die Sicherheit in Bezug auf die pAVK erfasst als akraler Druck, gemessen mittels akraler Photoplethysmographie (aPPG) sowie die Effektivität in Bezug auf die CVI, gemessen als Beschwerdescore durch ein geeignetes Fragesystem (VVSymQ).

Ergebnisse

Ausgewertet wurden 50 Patienten im Alter von 67,1 Jahren mit einem Knöchel‐Arm‐Index von im Mittel 0,75 ± 0,77. 15 Patienten waren dem Stadium IIa nach Fontaine, 15 dem Stadium IIb nach Fontaine, die übrigen dem Stadium I zuzuordnen. 31 Patienten wiesen das klinische Stadium C3, 16 C4 und 3 C5 der CEAP‐Klassifikation auf. Unmittelbar nach dem Anziehen des medizinischen Kompressionsstrumpfes stieg der systolische Großzehen‐Arteriendruck signifikant an (von 83,3 mmHg ± 27,6 mmHg auf 90,8 mmHg ± 24,1 mmHg) (p  =  0,026). Der VVSymQ‐Score sank von 5,0 ± 4,95 Punkten im Verlauf signifikant auf 1,4 ± 2,3 Punkte ab (p < 0,01)) als Zeichen der verbesserten Symptomatik im Rahmen der CVI.

Schlussfolgerungen

Der geprüfte Kompressionsstrumpf ist für Menschen mit einem Knöchel‐Arm‐Index ≥ 0,5 sicher. Schäden der Haut wurden nicht beobachtet.
Kombination von Ganzhautbestrahlung und Immuncheckpoint‐Inhibitoren: Eine vielversprechende Therapieoption bei Mycosis fungoides und Sézary‐Syndrom
Authors: Elsayad Khaled , Stadler Rudolf , Steinbrink Kerstin , Eich Hans Theodor
Published: March 2020

Die Radiotherapie, und hier insbesondere die Ganzhautbestrahlung mit Elektronen (total skin electron beam therapy; TSEB), ist eine der wichtigsten Säulen in der Therapie kutaner T‐Zell‐Lymphome (cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma; CTCL). Wegen ihres günstigen Toxizitätsprofils erfährt die niedrig dosierte TSEB derzeit viel Aufmerksamkeit. Die Gesamt‐Ansprechraten unter TSEB können bis zu 95 % erreichen, auch wenn die Dauer des Ansprechens meist nur kurz ist. Es wurden bislang nur wenige Studien zur Effektivität einer Kombinationstherapie der CTCL mit TSEB und systemischer Therapie veröffentlicht. Die Remissionsraten bei Patienten, die ausschließlich mit Checkpoint‐Inhibitoren behandelt wurden, lagen bei 15 % bis 38 % mit einem progressionsfreien Überleben von 69 % nach zwei Jahren. Angesichts der Tatsache, dass TSEB bei fast allen Patienten zu einer raschen Verringerung der Krankheitslast führt, stellten wir die Hypothese auf, dass eine TSEB gefolgt von einer Therapie mit Immuncheckpoint‐Inhibitoren eine sinnvolle Therapieoption mit nachhaltiger Wirksamkeit für vorbehandelte Patienten mit Mycosis fungoides und Sézary‐Syndrom sein könnte.
The genetic program to specify ectodermal cells in ascidian embryos
Authors: Liu Boqi , Satou Yutaka
Published: March 2020

The ascidian belongs to the sister group of vertebrates and shares many features with them. The gene regulatory network (GRN) controlling gene expression in ascidian embryonic development leading to the tadpole larva has revealed evolutionarily conserved gene circuits between ascidians and vertebrates. These conserved mechanisms are indeed useful to infer the original developmental programs of the ancestral chordates. Simultaneously, these studies have revealed which gene circuits are missing in the ascidian GRN; these gene circuits may have been acquired in the vertebrate lineage. In particular, the GRN responsible for gene expression in ectodermal cells of ascidian embryos has revealed the genetic programs that regulate the regionalization of the brain, formation of palps derived from placode‐like cells, and differentiation of sensory neurons derived from neural crest‐like cells. We here discuss how these studies have given insights into the evolution of these traits.
Disaster preparedness and cultural factors: a comparative study in Romania and Malta
Authors: Appleby‐Arnold Sandra , Brockdorff Noellie , Jakovljev Ivana , Zdravković Sunčica
Published: March 2020

This exploratory study investigates the relationships between the disaster preparedness of citizens and cultural factors in Romania and Malta. With regard to methodology, quantitative and qualitative data were collected during two Citizen Summits, which consisted of a real‐time survey and focus group discussions. The results point to two specific cultural factors that may bridge this ‘gap’ and be operationalised to enhance people's readiness for a disaster event. In Malta, the findings reveal how community cohesion is altered from a personal to a cultural value, which has the potential to encourage the transformation of preparedness intentions into actual preparedness behaviour. In Romania, meanwhile, the findings highlight the ambivalent aspects of trusting behaviour as a cultural norm on the one hand, and distrust in authorities based on experience and unmet expectations on the other hand. Social media use may reduce this tension between trust and distrust, and thus foster successful disaster risk‐related communication.
THE EFFECTS OF ASSET PURCHASES AND NORMALIZATION OF U.S. MONETARY POLICY
Authors: Hara Naoko , Miyao Ryuzo , Okimoto Tatsuyoshi
Published: March 2020

This paper examines changes in the effects of unconventional monetary policies in the United States. To this end, we estimate a Markov‐switching VAR model with absorbing regimes to capture possible structural changes. Our results detect regime changes around the beginning of 2011 and the middle of 2013. Before 2011, the U.S. large‐scale asset purchases (LSAPs) had relatively large impacts on the real economy and prices, but after the middle of 2013, their effects were weaker and less‐persistent. In addition, after the middle of 2013, which includes the monetary policy normalization period, the asset purchase (or balance sheet) shocks had slightly weaker effects than during the early stage of the LSAPs but stronger effects than during the late stage of the LSAPs, while interest rate shocks had insignificant effects on the real economy and prices. Finally, our results suggest that the positive responses of durables and capital goods expenditures to interest rate shocks weakened the negative impacts of interest rate hikes after the middle of 2013 including the period of monetary policy normalization. (JEL C32, E21, E52)
Morphological traits correlated with resource partitioning among small characin fish species coexisting in a Neotropical river
Authors: Delariva Rosilene Luciana , Neves Mayara Pereira
Published: March 2020

Body shape variation should play a central role in determining the feeding ability of a fish species. We tested whether variations in feeding resource use of sympatric and closely related fish species could be explained by differences in ecologically relevant metrics, such as body morphology, trophic apparatus or combinations thereof. Fish were sampled at 14 sampling sites from Pelotas River and tributaries, Upper Uruguay, Brazil. The stomach contents of five species of Characidae (Astyanax and Bryconamericus) were analysed by the volumetric method. A geometric morphometric approach was used together with internal morphological traits to predict their patterns of prey use. Significant differences in body depth, snout and caudal peduncle lengths were found. Concomitant pronounced variations were verified to occur among species in structures related to digestion and absorption. Increased numbers of cusps, more pyloric caeca and higher intestinal coefficient values were observed in species that consumed greater proportions of plants. The opposite trends occurred in species that consumed greater proportions of insects. Mixed linear models indicated that the characin species differed significantly in the use of algae, aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, plant remains/seeds and detritus. Dietary differences reflected in low trophic niche overlap. Partial least squares regression results indicated strong correlations between morphological divergences and the corresponding variations in species diet. These outcomes combined confirm that the morphological traits that best enables the exploration of certain resource were an important factor in the resource‐related divergence and were the underlying reasons for these species' respective feeding modes.
Use of X‐ray microcomputed tomography for characterizing earthworm‐derived belowground soil aggregates
Authors: Le Bayon Renée‐Claire , Guenat Claire , Schlaepfer Rodolphe , Fischer Franziska , Luiset Alexandre , Schomburg Andreas , Turberg Pascal
Published: March 2020

Soil structure is closely linked to biological activities. However, identifying, describing and quantifying soil aggregates remain challenging. X‐ray micro computed tomography (X‐ray μCT) provides a detailed view of the physical structure at a spatial resolution of a few microns. It could be a useful tool to discriminate soil aggregates, their origin and their formation processes for a better comprehension of soil structure properties and genesis. Our study aims to (a) determine different X‐ray μCT‐based aggregate parameters for differentiating earthworm casts belowground (earthworm aggregates) from aggregates that are not formed by earthworms (non‐earthworm aggregates), and (b) to evaluate if these parameters can also serve as specific “tomographic signatures” for the studied earthworm species. For this purpose, we set up a microcosm experiment under controlled conditions during 8 weeks, including three species of earthworms tested separately: the epigeicLumbricus rubellus, the anecicLumbricus terrestrisand the endogeicAllolobophora chlorotica. Our results show that X‐ray μCT analysis helps distinguish earthworm aggregates from non‐earthworm ones using (a) the relative volume of the components within aggregates and (b) the volumetric mass of aggregates and their global volume. In particular, the volume ratio of mineral grains within the aggregates is significantly different according to earthworm species. So, X‐ray μCT is a powerful and promising tool for studying the composition of earthworm casts and their formation. However, future research is needed to take into account the shapes and spatial distribution of the aggregates' components, in particular the different states of organic matter decomposition.

Highlights

Can earthworm belowground casts be differentiated from other soil aggregates using X‐ray μCT?

The use of X‐ray μCT for characterizing soil aggregates at a spatial resolution of a few microns.

A combination of X‐ray μCT variables discriminates earthworm casts from non‐earthworm aggregates.

X‐ray μCT, used alone, is relevant for defining species‐specific signatures of earthworm casts.
Conformational flexibility of coenzyme A and its impact on the post‐translational modification of acyl carrier proteins by 4′‐phosphopantetheinyl transferases
Authors: Nguyen Minh Chau , Saurel Olivier , Carivenc Coralie , Gavalda Sabine , Saitta Stéphane , Tran Mai Phuong , Milon Alain , Chalut Christian , Guilhot Christophe , Mourey Lionel , Pedelacq Jean‐Denis
Published: March 2020

One central question surrounding the biosynthesis of fatty acids and polyketide‐derived natural products is how the 4′‐phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase) interrogates the essential acyl carrier protein (ACP) domain to fulfill the initial activation step. The triggering factor of this study was the lack of structural information on PPTases at physiological pH, which could bias our comprehension of the mechanism of action of these important enzymes. Structural and functional studies on the family II PPTase PptAb of Mycobacterium abscessus show that pH has a profound effect on the coordination of metal ions and on the conformation of endogenously bound coenzyme A (CoA). The observed conformational flexibility of CoA at physiological pH is accompanied by a disordered 4′‐phosphopantetheine (Ppant) moiety. Finally, structural and dynamical information on an isolated mycobacterial ACP domain, in its apo form and in complex with the activator PptAb, suggests an alternate mechanism for the post‐translational modification of modular megasynthases.
Rapid changes in the ATG5‐ATG16L1 complex following nutrient deprivation measured using NanoLuc Binary Technology (NanoBIT)
Authors: Crowley Emily , Leung Euphemia , Reynisson Jóhannes , Richardson Alan
Published: March 2020

Autophagy plays a role in several human diseases, but each of the current methods to measure autophagy has significant drawbacks. ATG5 and ATG16L1 are regulators necessary for autophagy; therefore, drugs that inhibit the interaction of these proteins may be therapeutically useful. To evaluate the interaction of ATG5 and ATG16L1 in cells, their cDNAs were fused to the coding sequences of SmBIT and LgBIT, two components of NanoLuc luciferase. This generated a luminescent signal when SmBIT and LgBIT interacted to form a functional luciferase as a result of their colocalization that was brought about by the binding of ATG5 and ATG16L1. The assay measures the interaction in real time and can be used in microplate format to allow for multiple experimental conditions to be assessed. The interaction of ATG5 and ATG16L1 is not significantly altered by inhibition of lysosomal function, or inhibitors of Ulk1, Vps34 or mTORC1. However, there was a constitutive interaction of ATG5 and ATG16L1 and luminescence was stimulated within 3 min, by up to 500%, when the cells were deprived of nutrients. When the nutrients are returned, the complex returns to its basal status equally rapidly. Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate and CYM‐5541 partially repressed the effects of nutrient starvation. Furthermore, we identified a small‐molecule inhibitor that interferes with the interaction of ATG5 and ATG16L1 in cells. This assay provides a novel tool for researchers to measure autophagy and can be potentially applied to many cell types.

Database

Replicate data are available in Figshare database https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.11798946.
Plastic CTOD as fatigue crack growth characterising parameter in 2024‐T3 and 7050‐T6 aluminium alloys using DIC
Authors: Vasco‐Olmo José Manuel , Díaz Garrido Francisco Alberto , Antunes Fernando Ventura , James M.N.
Published: March 2020

The plastic range of crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) has been used for the experimental characterisation of fatigue crack growth for 2024‐T3 and 7050‐T6 aluminium alloys using digital image correlation (DIC). Analysis of a complete loading cycle allowed resolving the CTOD into elastic and plastic components. Fatigue tests were conducted on compact tension specimens with a thickness of 1 mm and a width of 20 mm at stress ratios of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5. The range of plastic CTOD could be related linearly to da/dN independent of stress ratio for both alloys. To facilitate accurate measurements of CTOD, a method was developed for correctly locating the crack tip and a sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the effect of measurement position behind the crack tip on the CTOD. The plastic range of CTOD was demonstrated to be a suitable alternate parameter to the stress intensity factor range for characterising fatigue crack propagation. A particularly innovative aspect of the work is that the paper describes a DIC‐based technique that the authors believe gives a reliable way to determine the appropriate position to measure CTOD.
Recreational anglers as citizen scientists can provide data to estimate population size of pike, Esox lucius
Authors: Karlsson Konrad , Kari Elina
Published: March 2020

Catch‐per‐unit‐effort is often used as an approximation of population size. However, for the management and conservation of populations, information about the number of individuals is fundamental. Pike, Esox lucius L., is a popular fish species for recreational anglers. In this study, data in the form of journal keeping by anglers were used: date; place; and photographs of the captured fish; pike were identified based on their natural markings in combination with length measurements. The data were analysed by spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models. Results showed that a small and densely vegetated lake (6.7 ha) in south‐eastern Sweden had a population size of 91 (±22 SE) pike ≥60 cm. On one occasion, 10 individuals were caught, that is 11.1% of the population, highlighting that angling may potentially have a substantial impact on the population size. Hopefully, this study can inspire angler–manager collaborations for conservation of fish stocks.
Vitrinite reflectance and consolidation characteristics of the post‐middle Miocene Forearc Basin in central and eastern Boso Peninsula, central Japan: Implications for basin subsidence
Authors: Kamiya Nana , Yamamoto Yuzuru , Zhang Feng , Lin Weiren
Published: March 2020

To understand the sedimentary development of the Boso Forearc Basin, central Japan, since ~ 3 Ma, we investigated paleothermal structure and consolidation trends in the central and eastern parts of the forearc basin through vitrinite reflectance measurements and consolidation tests. Vitrinite reflectance (Rm) was in the range 0.33 % to 0.61 % for the Miura Group in the central part of the forearc basin and 0.34 % to 0.41 % for the Miura and Kazusa Groups in the eastern. These values suggest a roughly uniform vitrinite reflectance for the Miura Group from the central to eastern parts. No significant vitrinite reflectance difference is observed across the ~ 3 Ma Kurotaki Unconformity in the eastern part of the basin. The consolidation yield stress (pc) was calculated as 27.5 MPa and 32.2 MPa for the Kiyosumi and Amatsu Formations of the Miura Group in the eastern part, respectively. Both the pc values are consistent quantitatively with represent the trend of the maximum overburden pressure estimated from the thickness and density of overlying sediments, and the difference in pc is expected by the maximum burial depths of the strata at the sampling localities. Values of pc in the eastern part of the basin increase with thickness of overlying sediment, showing no break across the Kurotaki Unconformity. Considering the eroded thickness of the Miura Group, the continuous trends in vitrinite reflectance and consolidation between the Miura and Kazusa Groups in the eastern part reflect the greater deposition of the eastern part of the Boso Forearc Basin since ~ 2.3 Ma.
Assessing zinc tolerance in two butterfly species: consequences for conservation in polluted environments
Authors: Shephard Alexander M. , Mitchell Timothy S. , Henry Sara B. , Oberhauser Karen S. , Kobiela Megan E. , Snell‐Rood Emilie C.
Published: March 2020

Zinc is a widespread pollutant released from industrial combustion, automobile residue, and mining. Zinc accumulates in soils and mobilises into plant tissue where it may be consumed to potentially toxic levels by leaf feeding insects, including developing pollinators.

While zinc tolerance thresholds have been previously assessed in insect pollinators, most observations are limited to model organisms and pest species. We lack understanding of zinc tolerance in insects of conservation concern.

We assess dietary zinc tolerance of developing caterpillars from wild populations of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), a species of conservation concern, whose caterpillars are commonly exposed to elevated dietary zinc exposure in milkweed plants along roadsides. We contrast monarch zinc tolerance with that of cabbage white butterfly caterpillars (Pieris rapae), a non‐native pest species. Tolerance was assessed by rearing caterpillars on artificial diets containing varying levels of zinc.

Zinc reduced monarch survival at levels as low as 344 mg kg−1 but positively impacted cabbage white survival at 227 and 738 mg kg−1. Cabbage whites also displayed prolonged development time, smaller adult body size, and slower growth rate, consistent with the possibility that zinc tolerance had fitness costs.

Our results support previous observations that heavy metal tolerance varies between species and highlight the importance of broadening our understanding of tolerance to insect species of conservation concern before drawing general conclusions about insect susceptibility to heavy metal pollution. Nonetheless, our results suggest that zinc pollution alone is unlikely a risk in developing roadside habitat for monarch butterflies.
Interpreting insect declines: seven challenges and a way forward
Authors: Didham Raphael K. , Basset Yves , Collins C. Matilda , Leather Simon R. , Littlewood Nick A. , Menz Myles H. M. , Müller Jörg , Packer Laurence , Saunders Manu E. , Schönrogge Karsten , Stewart Alan J. A. , Yanoviak Stephen P. , Hassall Christopher
Published: March 2020

Many insect species are under threat from the anthropogenic drivers of global change. There have been numerous well‐documented examples of insect population declines and extinctions in the scientific literature, but recent weaker studies making extreme claims of a global crisis have drawn widespread media coverage and brought unprecedented public attention. This spotlight might be a double‐edged sword if the veracity of alarmist insect decline statements do not stand up to close scrutiny.

We identify seven key challenges in drawing robust inference about insect population declines: establishment of the historical baseline, representativeness of site selection, robustness of time series trend estimation, mitigation of detection bias effects, and ability to account for potential artefacts of density dependence, phenological shifts and scale‐dependence in extrapolation from sample abundance to population‐level inference.

Insect population fluctuations are complex. Greater care is needed when evaluating evidence for population trends and in identifying drivers of those trends. We present guidelines for best‐practise approaches that avoid methodological errors, mitigate potential biases and produce more robust analyses of time series trends.

Despite many existing challenges and pitfalls, we present a forward‐looking prospectus for the future of insect population monitoring, highlighting opportunities for more creative exploitation of existing baseline data, technological advances in sampling and novel computational approaches. Entomologists cannot tackle these challenges alone, and it is only through collaboration with citizen scientists, other research scientists in many disciplines, and data analysts that the next generation of researchers will bridge the gap between little bugs and big data.
Long‐term monitoring reveals decreasing water beetle diversity, loss of specialists and community shifts over the past 28 years
Authors: Roth Nicolas , Zoder Sebastian , Zaman Assad Ali , Thorn Simon , Schmidl Jürgen
Published: March 2020

Lentic freshwater organisms are influenced by a multitude of factors, including geomorphology, hydrology, anthropogenic impacts and climate change. Organisms that depend on patchy resources such as water beetles may also be sensitive to anthropogenic habitat degradation, like pollution, eutrophication, water level or management alteration.

To assess composition and ecological trends in the water beetle communities of Central Europe, we sampled water beetles (Dytiscidae, Haliplidae, Noteridae) in 33 water bodies in Southern Germany from 1991 to 2018. We used manual, time‐standardised capture during three periods: between 1991 and 1995, 2007 and 2008, and 2017 and 2018.

During the 28‐year survey period, we captured a total of 81 species. We found annual declines in both species number (ca −1%) and abundance (ca −2%). Also, community composition showed significant changes over time. The significant impact of pH on the community composition suggests that the recorded changes through time partly reflect natural succession processes. However, a pronounced decline of beetle species belonging to the moor‐related beetle associations indicated that Central European water beetles are also threatened by non‐successional factors, including desiccation, increased nitrogen input and/or mineralisation, and the loss of specific habitats. This trend to physiographical homogenisation resulted in corresponding community composition shifts.

To effectively protect endangered species, conservation strategies need to be aimed at regularly creating new water bodies with mineralic bottom substratum, and maintenance of moor water bodies that represent late successional stages.
Group audits and earnings informativeness
Authors: Impink Johannes , Lyubimov Alexey , Prasad Ashna
Published: March 2020

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has cited investors as the main stakeholder group requesting greater disclosure about the involvement of auditors other than the group auditor. This study investigates the following: 1) whether (any) differences in investor perceived earnings quality of group audits are associated with the component auditor belonging to the same network as the group auditor and; 2) whether this association is affected by the location of the client. We find that earnings informativeness is lower for group audits conducted by audit firms related by a global network. However, this finding is pertinent only to non‐US‐domiciled companies. We also find that since the escalation of PCAOB scrutiny, the earnings informativeness of non‐U.S. companies has increased.
Processing of 0.55(Ba0.9Ca0.1)TiO3‐0.45Ba(Sn0.2Ti0.8)O3 lead‐free ceramics with high piezoelectricity
Authors: Bijalwan Vijay , Tofel Pavel , Spotz Zdeněk , Částková Klára , Sobola Dinara , Erhart Jiří , Maca Karel
Published: March 2020

We report a large piezoelectric constant (d33), 720 pC/N and converse piezoelectric constant (d33*), 2215 pm/V for 0.55(Ba0.9Ca0.1)TiO3‐0.45Ba(Sn0.2Ti0.8)O3 ceramics; the biggest value achieved for lead‐free piezoceramics so far. The ceramic powders were calcined between 1050°C‐1350°C and sintered at 1480°C. The best properties were obtained at a calcination temperature (CT) of 1350°C. The fitting combination of processing and microstructural parameters for example, initial powder particle size >2 µm, ceramics density ~95%, and grain size ~40 µm led to a formation of orthorhombic‐tetragonal‐pseudo‐cubic (O‐T‐PC) mixed phase boundary near room temperature, supported by Raman spectra, pointed to the extremely high piezoelectric activity. These conditions significantly increase piezoelectric constants, together with high relative permittivity (εr) >5000 and a low loss tangent (tan δ) of 0.029. In addition, the d33 value stabilizes in the range of 400‐500 pC/N for all samples calcined between 1050°C and 1250°C. The results entail that the (Ba,Ca)(Sn,Ti)O3 ceramics are strong contenders to be a substitute for lead‐based materials for room temperature applications.
The mediating role of pre‐operative patient readiness on surgical outcomes: A structural equation model analysis
Authors: Torres Gian Carlo S. , Relf Michael V. , Tuazon Josefina A.
Published: March 2020

Aims

To determine the mediating role of surgical readiness on patient characteristics (surgical risk, type of surgery, pre‐operative anxiety, and health literacy) and its influence on surgical outcomes (pain, postoperative complications, and surgical experience).

Design

Correlational, theory testing using structural equation modelling.

Methods

A total of 376 consecutively selected surgical patients from four tertiary hospitals were recruited and followed‐up 48–72 hr postoperatively from May–October 2017. Consenting respondents answered questionnaires measuring basic surgical information, health literacy, anxiety, surgical readiness, pain score, and surgical experience. Further, records review was conducted to identify occurrence of any postoperative complications and use of additional analgesics.

Results

A good fit and parsimonious model (χ2/df = 0.75, RMSEA = 0.00, GFI = 0.99, CFI = 1.00, PNFI = 0.50) highlighted the mediating effect of pre‐operative readiness between patient characteristics and surgical outcomes. The type of surgery (curative) influenced patient readiness, surgical complications, and use of additional postoperative analgesics. Higher health literacy negatively influenced patient readiness; can decrease the use of postoperative analgesics; and lessen postoperative pain. Further, pre‐operative anxiety decreased patient readiness and increased postoperative pain and negatively influenced the surgical experience.

Conclusion

Patient readiness is beyond the physiological aspect of pre‐operative preparation and it is influenced primarily by the mental and emotional state of a patient. Addressing issues such as anxiety and health literacy can improve pre‐operative readiness that can enhance pain management and surgical experience. Hence, the mediating role of readiness in improving surgical outcomes emphasizes the need to deliver a patient‐centred and individualized approach to patient preparation with a key focus on their readiness for surgery.

Impact

This study demonstrates the difference between preparing patients and promoting readiness for surgery. Surgical readiness requires patient‐centred approach in promoting a more engaged and confident patient who is capable to use appropriate health information and how it can lead to better surgical outcomes.
Student satisfaction with courses and instructors in a flipped classroom: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Strelan Peter , Osborn Amanda , Palmer Edward
Published: March 2020

The flipped classroom model challenges the way educators structure and implement their courses, and how students learn. Although there is burgeoning evidence for the effectiveness of flipped classrooms for improving student performance, student satisfaction is also an important consideration insofar as student evaluations can affect uptake of new education approaches. Yet we know little about the extent to which students are satisfied with the flipped model. To address this discrepancy, this article reports a world‐first meta‐analysis of student satisfaction with flipped classrooms and teachers relative to traditional teaching approaches across disciplines and education level (overall 53 studies; 8,429 students). Overall, the flipped classroom had a weak–moderate positive effect on student satisfaction with courses (k = 50; g = 0.36) and instructors (k = 26; g = 0.40). We also report moderating effects relating to discipline, education level, pre‐class testing, in‐class activities, group size, and sophistication of flipped designs.

Lay Description

What is already known about this topic

The flipped classroom model is now widely employed around the world

There is increasing evidence that it is associated with improved student performance, relative to traditional teaching approaches

Student satisfaction with teaching has implications for student motivation and performance; teacher‐related outcomes; and institution recruitment and funding

What this paper adds

Reports a world‐first meta‐analysis of effects of the flipped classroom model on student satisfaction, relative to traditional teaching approaches (overall 53 studies; 8,429 students)

The flipped classroom has a weak‐moderate positive effect on student satisfaction with courses (k = 50; g = 0.36) and instructors (k = 26; g = 0.40)

Even a classroom that is only ‘minimally’ flipped is associated with higher levels of student satisfaction, relative to traditional teaching models

Implications for practice and/or policy

Flipped classroom designs should be encouraged on both pedagogical and pragmatic grounds; in the case of the latter, students prefer a flipped classroom approach

Students are likely to respond positively to teachers and institutions who employ a flipped classroom approach