bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping with the milk scandal
Authors: Zeng Li , Zhou Lijie , Pan Po-Lin , Fowler Gil
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine crisis communication strategies used by four leading Chinese milk companies at various crisis stages to cope with the largest food safety crisis in China. Approaching the interplay between the situational crisis communication theory (Coombs, 2007) and the image restoration theory (Benoit, 1995), the study attempted to understand the importance of crisis management at various crisis stages by comparing crisis communication strategies used by surviving and thriving companies with those by the company that failed.

Design/methodology/approach

Dividing a crisis management process into three stages, a content analysis was conducted to analyze five major crisis communication strategies – evasion of responsibility, rebuilding, bolstering, endorsement of outside experts and government relations – used by Chinese milk companies at various crisis stages.

Findings

The study demonstrated that Sanlu, which went bankrupt as a result of the scandal, predominately took the Chinese crisis management approach. The other three companies that survived the scandal employed western crisis communication strategies, although with distinct Chinese characteristics. Specifically, all four companies employed similar strategies during the pre-crisis stage – keeping silent/covering-up. During the crisis stage, strategies varied dramatically as companies became involved – looking for government protection and apologizing, while survivors tended to adopt a widely used western strategy – bolstering at the post-crisis stage.

Practical implications

The examination of crisis communication strategies at various crisis stages may shed some light on how effectively Chinese companies and possibly international companies in China can manage future crises that share similar profiles as this milk scandal and further call for attention to scrutinize the social responsibility of corporate citizens in China.

Originality/value

This study would fill the vacancy in research by investigating crisis communication strategies used in the largest food safety crisis in China. The findings provide insight for understanding the current status of crisis communication strategies and management within a Chinese matrix of political, social and cultural factors.
The viable system model and its applications in higher education: an overview
Authors: Rezk Sahar Saeed , Gamal Shahinaz
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Viable system model (VSM) is a powerful tool mainly used to describe, solve and control systems’ complex problems autonomously. It enables systems to be flexible so that they can survive by rapidly responding and adapting their behaviors to any expected or even unexpected changes in the surrounding environment. This study aims to provide a literature review of the VSM as a conceptual framework for designing viable systems, and its applications in the field of higher education (HE).

Design/methodology/approach

The review is based on explaining “What is organizational cybernetics?”, clarifying the principles of the VSM as a rational model for designing viable organizations, discussing its drawbacks and the extended VSM, and then presenting a literature review of VSM applications in HE based on papers mainly published from 1993 to 2017.

Findings

Although there are many contributions provided by applying the VSM in HE, the previous developed models used Beer’s framework with its drawbacks without referring to some important factors neglected within it which are discussed in this review.

Originality/value

The study presents a summary of previous research on this topic and clarifies the essential issues needed to be addressed to design viable systems. Based on the gaps identified in the literature, some issues have been emphasized to be addressed in future research.
The combined influence of nonlinear thermal radiation and thermal stratification on the dynamics of micropolar fluid along a vertical surface
Authors: Koriko O.K. , Animasaun I.L. , Omowaye A.J. , Oreyeni T.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the problem of thermal destratification facing engineers and scientists during the motion of fluids which consist of rigid and randomly oriented particles suspended in a viscous medium under the influence of Lorentz force. This paper provides an insight into the non-linear transfer of thermal radiation within the boundary layer.

Design/methodology/approach

Similarity transformation and parameterization of the non-linear partial differential equation are carried out. The approximate analytical solution of the governing equation which models the free convective flow of strong and weak concentration of micro-elements in a micropolar fluid over a vertical surface is presented.

Findings

It is observed that the velocity and temperature distribution are decreasing properties of thermal stratification parameter St. Maximum local skin friction coefficients are ascertained at an epilimnion level (St=0) when the magnitude of thermal radiation is small. Thermal stratification parameter has no significant effect on the temperature distribution in the flow near a free stream.

Originality/value

The relationship between stratification of temperature and the transfer of thermal energy during the problem of thermal destratification facing engineers and scientist during the motion of fluids which consist of rigid and randomly oriented particles suspended in a viscous medium under the influence of Lorentz force is unravelled in this paper.
Relevance of urban green space for physical activity and health-related quality of life in older adults
Authors: Petersen Evi , Schoen Gerhard , Liedtke Gunnar , Zech Astrid
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Urban green space (UGS) shows to be a sustainable resource stimulating physical activity, health and quality of life in the general population. With regard to an aging European population, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between UGS, physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community-dwelling older adults.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional survey data were provided by a sample from Hamburg (Germany), consisting of 272 adults aged⩾65 years. Respondents answered questions regarding HRQoL (Short Form 12), physical activity (German-PAQ-50+) and exposure to UGS. The authors applied a linear regression to analyse the relationship between weekly duration of exposure to UGS and physical activity. While controlling for confounding factors, the authors used a multivariate linear regression model to detect effects on HRQoL.

Findings

A significant effect (adjusted R2: 4.3 per cent; p-value⩽0.001) was found for weekly duration of exposure to UGS and weekly physical activity. Multiple linear regression showed significant positive effects of weekly duration of exposure to UGS (p=0.010) and weekly time of physical activity (p=0.017) on HRQoL. Age, sex and feeling of satisfaction were identified as relevant confounding factors.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should continue to explore the indicators that mediate an increase of physical activity and HRQoL in the heterogeneous age band of older adults.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that community-dwelling older adults are likely to benefit from higher amounts of time in UGS since it is positively associated with both physical activity and HRQoL. Therefore, urban planners should explicitly consider the demands of community-dwelling older adults towards UGS.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine the relationship between UGS, physical activity and HRQoL in older adults.
Associations between maternal physical activity in early and late pregnancy and offspring birth size: remote federated individual level meta‐analysis from eight cohort studies
Authors: Pastorino S , Bishop T , Crozier SR , Granström C , Kordas K , Küpers LK , O'Brien EC , Polanska K , Sauder KA , Zafarmand MH , Wilson RC , Agyemang C , Burton PR , Cooper C , Corpeleijn E , Dabelea D , Hanke W , Inskip HM , McAuliffe FM , Olsen SF , Vrijkotte TG , Brage S , Kennedy A , O'Gorman D , Scherer P , Wijndaele K , Wareham NJ , Desoye G , Ong KK
Published: September 2018

Objective

Evidence on the impact of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in pregnancy on birth size is inconsistent. We aimed to examine the association between LTPA during early and late pregnancy and newborn anthropometric outcomes.

Design

Individual level meta‐analysis, which reduces heterogeneity across studies.

Setting

A consortium of eight population‐based studies (seven European and one US) comprising 72 694 participants.

Methods

Generalised linear models with consistent inclusion of confounders (gestational age, sex, parity, maternal age, education, ethnicity, BMI, smoking, and alcohol intake) were used to test associations between self‐reported LTPA at either early (8–18 weeks gestation) or late pregnancy (30+ weeks) and the outcomes. Results were pooled using random effects meta‐analyses.

Main outcome measures

Birth weight, large‐for‐gestational age (LGA), macrosomia, small‐for‐gestational age (SGA), % body fat, and ponderal index at birth.

Results

Late, but not early, gestation maternal moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), vigorous activity, and LTPA energy expenditure were modestly inversely associated with BW, LGA, macrosomia, and ponderal index, without heterogeneity (all: I2 = 0%). For each extra hour/week of MVPA, RR for LGA and macrosomia were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96, 0.98) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94, 0.98), respectively. Associations were only modestly reduced after additional adjustments for maternal BMI and gestational diabetes. No measure of LTPA was associated with risk for SGA.

Conclusions

Physical activity in late, but not early, pregnancy is consistently associated with modestly lower risk of LGA and macrosomia, but not SGA.

Tweetable abstract

In an individual participant meta‐analysis, late pregnancy moderate to vigorous physical activity modestly reduced birth size outcomes.
Treatment of the Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome with autologous in vitro cultured vaginal tissue: descriptive study of long‐term results and patient outcomes
Authors: Sabatucci I , Palaia I , Marchese C , Muzii L , Morte C Della , Giorgini M , Musella A , Ceccarelli S , Vescarelli E , Panici PB
Published: September 2018

Objective

Evaluating sexual function and quality of life (QoL) in patients treated with a modified Abbé–McIndoe technique using in vitro cultured autologous vaginal mucosa.

Design

Descriptive study.

Setting

Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome.

Population

From 2006 to 2016, 39 women affected by Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) underwent vaginoplasty at our centre using a modified Abbé–McIndoe technique with in vitro cultured autologous vaginal tissue.

Methods

For each patient, vaginal tissue was obtained by full‐thickness biopsy of the vaginal vestibule. Following enzymatic dissociation, cells were cultured for 2–3 weeks before the transplant.

Main outcome measures

Each patient completed two validated questionnaires to quantify sexual function and QoL: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), administered at 12, 36, and 60 months, and the Psychological General Well Being Index (PGWBI) administered at 0, 6, and 36 months after surgery.

Results

Twelve months after surgery, 29 patients were engaging in regular sexual activity. The FSFI test results showed a satisfactory sexual function compared to the general population, with median values of 25.85 (range 4.6–30.5) at 12 months, 27.2 (range 4.4–33.6) at 36 months, and 29.6 (range 23.9–33.6) at 60 months. The PGWBI questionnaire showed a median score of 420.5 (range 108–540) before surgery, and 459 (range 252–533) at the 60‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

Vaginoplasty performed with the use of autologous vaginal tissue, besides ensuring a long‐term satisfying sex life, helps in achieving an improvement in QoL that is maintained over time.

Tweetable abstract

Vaginoplasty using in vitro vaginal tissue ensures a satisfactory sexual function and improves quality of life.
Impact of acutely behavioural disturbed patients in the emergency department: A prospective observational study
Authors: Oliver Matthew , Adonopulos Aaron A , Haber Paul S , Dinh Michael M , Green Tim , Wand Tim , Vitte Alexandre , Chalkley Dane
Published: September 2018

Objective

The present study describes patients with acute behavioural disturbance presenting to the ED, the impact they have on the department and any complications that occur.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational study of adult patients (>17 years old) requiring parenteral sedation for acute behavioural disturbance over a 13 month period. Demographic data, mode of arrival, indication, drug type and dosing used for sedation were collected. Departmental data were recorded including the staff type and numbers involved and the condition of the department. The main outcomes were complications from sedative medication and injury sustained to patients or staff.

Results

Over the study period 173 patients met inclusion criteria, the majority (n = 104, 60%) were men with a mean age of 38.5 years (standard deviation 14.4); 51% of patients had more than one indication for sedation (n = 89), the commonest being mental health related plus drug intoxication (n = 30, 33.7%). Intoxication was frequently from either alcohol (n = 62, 47%) or methamphetamine (n = 41, 31%). The median number of staff involved was 10 (interquartile range 8–12). Staff members received an injury in 12% (n = 20) of sedations, with only 1% (n = 2) of patients receiving any physical injury; 12% (n = 20) had a minor complication from the sedation medication. No patient had any major complication (apnoea, intubation, arrhythmias or cardiac arrest).

Conclusion

Patients with acute behavioural disturbance often have a history of mental illnesses and are commonly intoxicated. These patients have impacts on healthcare resources and pose risks to staff safety, but significant complications to patients do not occur frequently.
Hypothalamus enlargement in mood disorders
Authors: Schindler S. , Schmidt L. , Stroske M. , Storch M. , Anwander A. , Trampel R. , Strauß M. , Hegerl U. , Geyer S. , Schönknecht P.
Published: September 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine, in vivo, whether the hypothalamus volume is reduced in patients with mood disorders.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study included 20 unmedicated (MDDu) and 20 medicated patients with major depressive disorder, 21 patients with bipolar disorder, and 23 controls. Twenty of the controls were matched to the MDDu. Seven Tesla, T1‐weighted magnetic resonance images were acquired and processed using methods specifically developed for high‐precision volumetry of the hypothalamus.

Results

An overall group difference was observed for the left hypothalamus volume corrected for intracranial volume. Planned contrasts identified that the left hypothalamus was approximately 5% larger in each patient group compared with the control group. A paired t‐test with the 20 matched pairs of MDDu and controls and without correction for covariates confirmed the larger left hypothalamus volume in MDDu.

Conclusions

Contrary to our expectations, the hypothalamus volume was increased in patients with uni‐ and bipolar affective disorders. The effect was left‐sided and independent of medication status or statistical correction for covariates. Supported by emerging evidence that the stress response may be related to structural and functional asymmetry in the brain, our finding suggests a crucial role of the hypothalamus in mood disorders.
A birch sublingual allergy immunotherapy tablet reduces rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms when exposed to birch and oak and induces IgG4 to allergens from all trees in the birch homologous group
Authors: Couroux Peter , Ipsen Henrik , Stage Brian Sonne , Damkjær Jakob Thomas , Steffensen Maria Abildgaard , Salapatek Anne Marie , Lund Kaare , Würtzen Peter Adler
Published: September 2018

Background

This randomized, double‐blind trial was conducted to determine the optimal dose for clinical efficacy of the SQ tree SLIT‐tablet. An environmental exposure chamber (EEC) was used to reduce variability of allergen exposure and allow investigation of symptom reduction towards different species from the birch homologous group in separate EEC sessions.

Methods

Eligible subjects (N = 219) were randomized to receive treatment with placebo or the SQ tree SLIT‐tablet (2, 7, or 12 DU) for 24 weeks. EEC pollen challenges were conducted outside the birch pollen season and included four birch and two oak EEC sessions. The primary efficacy endpoint was the average allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) total symptom score (TSS) after 24 weeks of treatment.

Results

There was a statistically significantly lower TSS during the 24‐week birch EEC session for 7 DU and 12 DU compared to placebo with relative differences of 24% (P = 0.03) and 25% (P = 0.02). For the 24‐week oak EEC session, there was a statistically significant difference for 12 DU (24%, P = 0.03). IgE and IgG4 measurements supported these findings and demonstrated cross‐reactivity to all other species within the birch homologous group. Treatment was well‐tolerated with the most frequently reported adverse reactions being the local reactions in the oral cavity of mild‐to‐moderate severity.

Conclusion

This trial demonstrates that the SQ tree SLIT‐tablet reduce ARC symptoms triggered by birch or oak pollen. The optimal dose for further development was 12 DU. Clinical and immunological findings suggest that the tablet may be used to treat allergies to all species within the birch homologous group.
Relationship between call rate per individual and genotyping accuracy of bovine single‐nucleotide polymorphism array using deoxyribonucleic acid of various qualities
Authors: Sasaki Shinji , Yoshinari Kanako , Uchiyama Katsuo , Takeda Masayuki , Kojima Takatoshi
Published: September 2018

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays are widely used for genetic and genomic analyses in cattle breeding. However, the relationship among sample genotyping efficiency (call rate per individual), accuracy of SNP genotypes, and DNA quality (integrity, concentration, and mixture of DNA, i.e., chimerism) remains unknown. We determined the effect of DNA quality on call rate per individual and accuracy of SNP genotypes using artificial DNA samples of various qualities. Integrity and concentration of DNA were less sensitive to call rate per individual and accuracy of genotyping in the SNP array. Chimerism strongly affected call rate per individual and accuracy of SNP genotypes. Artificial chimerism experiments showed that relative to unmixed DNA, the genotypic matching error (%) of mixed DNAs linearly increased with mix ratio, whereas the call rate per individual in some samples at 50% mix ratio was >0.95. However, individuals with higher chimerism were readily identified based on standard deviation of B‐allele frequency (BAF) and BAF distribution across the genome from SNP array data. Thus, we effectively managed the balance by maximizing genotyping accuracy and minimizing the number of samples for re‐genotyping by using quality control for combining call rate per individual with BAF.
Enterovirus infection during pregnancy is inversely associated with atopic disease in the offspring
Authors: Korhonen Laura , Seiskari Tapio , Lehtonen Jussi , Puustinen Leena , Surcel Heljä‐Marja , Haapala Anna‐Maija , Niemelä Onni , Virtanen Suvi M. , Honkanen Hanna , Karjalainen Mira , Ilonen Jorma , Veijola Riitta , Knip Mikael , Lönnrot Maria , Hyöty Heikki
Published: September 2018

Background

Prenatal environment has been shown to influence child's risk of atopic diseases. Laboratory‐confirmed data about the role of maternal infections during pregnancy is scarce.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the associations between serologically confirmed maternal infections during pregnancy and atopic disease in the offspring.

Methods

This was a nested case‐control study within a prospective birth cohort study. Altogether 202 atopic case children and 333 matched non‐atopic control children were included. Atopic outcome was defined as having an atopic disease and IgE sensitization by the age of 5 years. We analysed serologically acute enterovirus (EV), influenza virus A (IAV) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) infections during pregnancy, and mother's seropositivity against human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Helicobacter pylori.

Results

Maternal EV infection during pregnancy was inversely associated with atopic outcome in the offspring (odds ratio 0.43; 95% confidence interval: 0.23‐0.80, P = 0.008). Acute IAV or M. pneumoniae infections or seropositivity against CMV or Helicobacter pylori were not associated with the atopic outcome.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Our results suggest that maternal EV infections during pregnancy are inversely associated with atopic disease in the offspring. Our finding provides further support to the previous studies suggesting an important role of the in utero environment in the development of atopic diseases.
High MDR-1 expression by MAIT cells confers resistance to cytotoxic but not immunosuppressive MDR-1 substrates
Authors: Fergusson J R , Ussher J E , Kurioka A , Klenerman P , Walker L J
Published: September 2018

High expression of the ATP-binding cassette-multi-drug efflux protein 1 (MDR1) is a striking feature of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a prominent human innate-like T cell subset. We demonstrate significantly higher MDR1 expression by CD8 + CD161 ++ Vα7.2 + MAIT cells than the phenotypically and functionally related CD8 + CD161 ++ Vα7.2-subset and show MDR1 expression to be similarly high throughout MAIT CD4+, CD8+, double-negative (DN) and double-positive (DP) cell subsets. We demonstrate the MAIT cell-predominant CD8+CD161++ subset to uniquely and efficiently efflux the cytotoxic anthracycline daunorubicin, retain function on daunorubicin exposure and demonstrate MDR1-dependent protection from daunorubicin-induced apoptosis. By contrast, CD8+CD161++Vα7.2+ MAIT cells were not protected from the anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects of the immunosuppressive MDR1 substrates tacrolimus and mycophenoic acid, although function following MAIT cell-specific T cell receptor (TCR)-dependent and -independent stimulation was preserved on in-vitro exposure to these agents. Overall, our data further define MDR1 expression by CD161++ T and MAIT cells and demonstrate the potential for high MDR1 expression by MAIT cells to confer resistance to cytotoxic MDR1 substrates in vivo. As our understanding of the importance of MAIT cells in human immunity and immunopathology grows, this is an important observation for clinical contexts such as the treatment of malignancy, autoimmunity and post-transplant immunosuppression.
Evaluation of vitamin D status and its correlation with gonadal function in children at mini‐puberty
Authors: Kılınç Suna , Atay Enver , Ceran Ömer , Atay Zeynep
Published: September 2018

Context

The effects of Vitamin D on reproductive function in adults have gained interest. Studies have demonstrated some associations. Hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis is activated during the first 6 months of life, called as mini‐puberty. This HPG activation is important for future gonadal function. There are no data regarding the association of gonadal hormones and 25(OH)D levels at mini‐puberty. Demonstration of any association would form the basis for studies that will search for the effects of 25(OH)D on gonadal hormones at mini‐puberty.

Objective

To characterize the associations between 25(OH)D levels and gonadal hormones at mini‐puberty.

Design

Cross‐sectional cohort analysis.

Patient(s) or other participant(s)

A total of 180 (94 boys and 86 girls) healthy appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age neonates were included.

Main outcome measure(s)

25(OH)D, LH, FSH, total testosterone, oestradiol, AMH and inhibin B levels were measured at postnatal 30‐45 days. All infants were divided into three groups including vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL), vitamin D insufficiency (10‐20 ng/mL) and vitamin D sufficiency (>20 ng/mL). Correlations between vitamin D status and reproductive hormones were analysed.

Result(s)

Total testosterone level was higher (mean: 0.52 ± 0.32 vs 0.26 ± 0.2 ng/mL; P: 0.008) and inhibin B was lower in 25(OH)D deficient than sufficient girls (mean: 21.2 ± 15.71 vs 53.25 ± 47.25 pg/mL; P: 0.021).

Conclusion(s)

A modest effect of 25(OH)D was identified on total testosterone and inhibin B in girls at mini‐puberty. The 25(OH)D may have an effect on gonadal function during early life. Randomized controlled trials could clarify the importance of vitamin D on gonadal hormones at mini‐puberty.
Elevated 1‐hour post‐load plasma glucose identifies obese youth with abnormal glucose metabolism and an unfavourable inflammatory profile
Authors: Serbis Anastasios , Giapros Vasileios , Challa Anna , Chaliasos Nikolaos , Siomou Ekaterini
Published: September 2018

Context

Adults with plasma glucose levels at one hour (1h‐GL) ≥8.6 mmol/L during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and present an unfavourable cardiometabolic and inflammatory profile, but relevant data on children are scarce.

Objective

To investigate if elevated 1h‐GL during OGTT in obese children and adolescents is associated with insulin resistance and specific pro‐inflammatory biomarkers.

Research Design and Methods

The study group comprised 88 obese children who attended the Outpatient Pediatric Clinic of our Hospital between January and December 2016. Children were divided into two groups according to 1h‐GL during an OGTT: group 1 (n = 57) consisted of those with 1h‐GL <8.6 mmol/L and group 2 (n = 31) of those with 1h‐GL ≥8.6 mmol/L. Arterial blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) z‐scores were measured in all participants. Specific insulin resistance (IR) indices, that is HOMA‐IR, Matsuda index and Cederholm insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were calculated. Further, pro‐inflammatory biomarkers that have been correlated with obesity complications, namely adiponectin, leptin, visfatin and interleukin (IL)‐6 together with lipid levels were measured in all participants. Logistic regression analysis was used.

Results

Children in group 2 had higher insulin (15.5 ± 6.4 vs 10.9 ± 4.8 μU/mL), HOMA‐IR (3.41 ± 1.4 vs 2.34 ± 1.05) and lower Matsuda index [4.7 (3.1) vs 18.4 (17) median plus IQR] and Cederholm ISI (38 ± 6 vs 56 ± 11), than children in group 1 (all P < 0.001). They also had higher visfatin (15.4 ± 5.2 vs 10.1 ± 7 ng/mL), and IL‐6 [12.5 (6.7) vs 4.8 (4.4) pg/mL], and lower adiponectin (5.9 ± 3.4 vs 11.8 ± 4.7 μg/mL) than children in group 1 (all P < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that these differences between the two groups were independent of age, sex, Tanner stage, BMI and WC z‐scores.

Conclusions

In obese children, 1h‐GL ≥8.6 mmol/L during an OGTT is correlated with worsened IR, and an unfavourable metabolic and inflammatory profile. Thus, 1h‐GL could be used as an additional marker to identify obese children and adolescents at increased risk of developing obesity complications.
Do children's number words begin noisy?
Authors: Wagner Katie , Chu Junyi , Barner David
Published: September 2018

How do children acquire exact meanings for number words like three or forty‐seven? In recent years, a lively debate has probed the cognitive systems that support learning, with some arguing that an evolutionarily ancient “approximate number system” drives early number word meanings, and others arguing that learning is supported chiefly by representations of small sets of discrete individuals. This debate has centered around the findings generated by Wynn's (, ) Give‐a‐Number task, which she used to categorize children into discrete “knower level” stages. Early reports confirmed Wynn's analysis, and took these stages to support the “small sets” hypothesis. However, more recent studies have disputed this analysis, and have argued that Give‐a‐Number data reveal a strong role for approximate number representations. In the present study, we use previously collected Give‐a‐Number data to replicate the analyses of these past studies, and to show that differences between past studies are due to assumptions made in analyses, rather than to differences in data themselves. We also show how Give‐a‐Number data violate the assumptions of parametric tests used in past studies. Based on simple non‐parametric tests and model simulations, we conclude that (a) before children learn exact meanings for words like one, two, three, and four, they first acquire noisy preliminary meanings for these words, (b) there is no reliable evidence of preliminary meanings for larger meanings, and (c) Give‐a‐Number cannot be used to readily identify signatures of the approximate number system.
Enhancing the language development of toddlers in foster care by promoting foster parents’ sensitivity: Results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Raby Kenneth Lee , Freedman Emily , Yarger Heather A. , Lind Teresa , Dozier Mary
Published: September 2018

Young children in foster care are at increased risk for problematic language development, making early intervention a critical tool in enhancing these children's foundational language abilities. This study examined the efficacy of an early preventative intervention, Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐up for Toddlers (ABC‐T), in improving the receptive vocabulary abilities of toddlers placed in foster care. All the children had been removed from their biological parents’ care and placed into foster care. When children were between 24 and 36 months old, foster parents were contacted by research staff and consented to participate. Parents were randomly assigned using a random number generator to receive either ABC‐T (n = 45), which aimed to promote sensitive parenting for children who have experienced early adversity, or a control intervention (n = 43). Foster children's receptive vocabulary skills were assessed post‐intervention using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Third Edition, when children were between 36 and 60 months old. Children whose foster parents received ABC‐T demonstrated more advanced receptive vocabulary abilities than children whose foster parents received the control intervention. The positive effect of ABC‐T on foster children's receptive vocabulary was mediated by increases in foster parents’ sensitivity during parent–child interactions. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01261806.
Cognitive functioning and structural brain abnormalities in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mankovsky B. , Zherdova N. , van den Berg E. , Biessels G.‐J. , de Bresser J.
Published: September 2018

Aims

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with cognitive dysfunction, but the underlying structural brain correlates are uncertain. This study examined the association between cognitive functioning and structural brain abnormalities in people with long‐standing Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Ninety‐three people with Type 2 diabetes (age 62.3 ± 5.4 years, diabetes duration 9.7 ± 6.7 years; HbA1c65 ± 10 mmol/mol, 8.1 ± 1.3%) were included. Cognitive functioning was assessed by a test battery covering the domains memory, processing speed and executive functioning. Brain tissue volumes and white matter hyperintensity volumes were automatically determined onMRI. Linear regression analyses were performed adjusted for age, sex and education.

Results

In people with Type 2 diabetes, increased white matter hyperintensity volume was associated with decreased processing speed [regressionBcoefficient = −0.22 (−0.38 to −0.06),P = 0.009], but not with memory or executive function (P > 0.05). Brain tissue volumes were not significantly related to cognitive functioning (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

In people with long‐standing, less strictly controlled Type 2 diabetes, white matter hyperintensities volumes were associated with decreased processing speed. This suggests that cerebral small vessel disease is an underlying disease mechanism of cognitive dysfunction in these individuals.
Regulation of islet glucagon secretion: Beyond calcium
Authors: Hughes Jing W. , Ustione Alessandro , Lavagnino Zeno , Piston David W.
Published: September 2018

The islet of Langerhans plays a key role in glucose homeostasis through regulated secretion of the hormones insulin and glucagon. Islet research has focused on the insulin‐secreting β‐cells, even though aberrant glucagon secretion from α‐cells also contributes to the aetiology of diabetes. Despite its importance, the mechanisms controlling glucagon secretion remain controversial. Proper α‐cell function requires the islet milieu, where β‐ and δ‐cells drive and constrain α‐cell dynamics. The response of glucagon to glucose is similar between isolated islets and that measured in vivo, so it appears that the glucose dependence requires only islet‐intrinsic factors and not input from blood flow or the nervous system. Elevated intracellular free Ca2+ is needed for α‐cell exocytosis, but interpreting Ca2+ data is tricky since it is heterogeneous among α‐cells at all physiological glucose levels. Total Ca2+ activity in α‐cells increases slightly with glucose, so Ca2+may serve a permissive, rather than regulatory, role in glucagon secretion. On the other hand, cAMP is a more promising candidate for controlling glucagon secretion and is itself driven by paracrine signalling from β‐ and δ‐cells. Another pathway, juxtacrine signalling through the α‐cell EphA receptors, stimulated by β‐cell ephrin ligands, leads to a tonic inhibition of glucagon secretion. We discuss potential combinations of Ca2+, cAMP, paracrine and juxtacrine factors in the regulation of glucagon secretion, focusing on recent data in the literature that might unify the field towards a quantitative understanding of α‐cell function.
Role of ghrelin in pancreatic development and function
Authors: Napolitano Tiziana , Silvano Serena , Vieira Andhira , Balaji Shruti , Garrido‐Utrilla Anna , Friano Marika E. , Atlija Josipa , Collombat Patrick
Published: September 2018

Ghrelin is a gastric peptide with anabolic functions. It acutely stimulates growth hormone (GH) secretion from the anterior pituitary glands and modulates hypothalamic circuits that control food intake and energy expenditure. Besides its central activity, ghrelin is also involved in the regulation of pancreatic development and physiology. Particularly, several studies highlighted the ability of ghrelin to sustain β‐cell viability and proliferation. Furthermore, ghrelin seems to exert inhibitory effects on pancreatic acinar and endocrine secretory functions. Due to its pleiotropic activity on energy metabolism, ghrelin has become a topic of great interest for experimental research focused on type II diabetes and obesity. The aim of this review is to illustrate the complex and not fully understood interplay between ghrelin, pancreas and glucose homeostasis.
When one becomes many—Alternative splicing in β‐cell function and failure
Authors: Alvelos Maria Inês , Juan‐Mateu Jonàs , Colli Maikel Luis , Turatsinze Jean‐Valéry , Eizirik Décio L.
Published: September 2018

Pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction and death are determinant events in type 1 diabetes (T1D), but the molecular mechanisms behind β‐cell fate remain poorly understood. Alternative splicing is a post‐translational mechanism by which a single gene generates different mRNA and protein isoforms, expanding the transcriptome complexity and enhancing protein diversity. Neuron‐specific and certain serine/arginine‐rich RNA binding proteins (RBP) are enriched in β‐cells, playing crucial roles in the regulation of insulin secretion and β‐cell survival. Moreover, alternative exon networks, regulated by inflammation or diabetes susceptibility genes, control key pathways and processes for the correct function and survival of β‐cells. The challenge ahead of us is to understand the precise role of alternative splicing regulators and splice variants on β‐cell function, dysfunction and death and develop tools to modulate it.
tRNA modifications and islet function
Authors: Wei Fan‐Yan , Tomizawa Kazuhito
Published: September 2018

Efficient and accurate protein translation is essential to producing insulin in pancreatic β‐cells. Transfer RNA (tRNA) is known as the key component of the protein translational machinery. Interestingly, tRNA contains a wide variety of chemical modifications, which are posttranscriptionally catalysed by tRNA modifying enzymes. Recent advances in genome‐sequencing technology have unveiled a number of genetic variations that are associated with the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Some of these mutations are located in the genes of tRNA modifying enzymes. Using cellular and animal models, it has been showed that dysregulation of tRNA modification impairs protein translation in pancreatic β‐cells and leads to aberrant insulin production. In this review, we discuss the recent findings in the molecular functions of tRNA modifications and their involvement in the development of T2D.
Certified testosterone immunoassays for hyperandrogenaemia
Authors: Luque‐Ramírez Manuel , Jiménez‐Mendiguchia Lucía , García‐Cano Ana , Fernández‐Durán Elena , de Dios Rosa Verónica , Nattero‐Chávez Lia , Ortiz‐Flores Andrés E. , Escobar‐Morreale Héctor F.
Published: September 2018

Background

Testosterone (T) measurement in women is problematic leading to initiatives aiming to improve laboratory standardization of commercial assays. We assessed the impact on the clinical diagnosis of functional hyperandrogenic disorders of a total T immunoassay recently certified by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC).

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study including 263 consecutive adult premenopausal women presenting with functional ovarian hyperandrogenism—including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—and 73 nonhyperandrogenic female volunteers who served to define reference ranges. Total T was measured by a local routine direct radioimmunoassay and by a CDC‐certified immunochemiluminescence assay. The main outcome measures were total and calculated free T concentrations and percentage of patients with hyperandrogenaemia.

Results

Both assays showed a poor concordance for total and calculated free T measurements. Hence, 147 (56%) and 109 (41%) of women had hyperandrogenaemia with the routine and CDC‐certified assays, respectively [κ (95%CI): 0.538 (0.441‐0.634)]. Free T levels calculated from total T using both assays showed similar correlations with metabolic variables. Women showing hyperandrogenaemia by both methods had the worst metabolic profiles, yet women presenting with hyperandrogenaemia only when using the CDC‐certified assay did not show any significant difference compared to nonhyperandrogenic women in anthropometric or metabolic variables. Those women with hyperandrogenaemia only when using the routine assay were more obese and insulin resistant than normoandrogenaemic hirsute patients.

Conclusions

An isolated androgen measurement, even a very specific one, is unlikely to identify the hyperandrogenic milieu that characterizes patients with functional ovarian hyperandrogenism and PCOS.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN MOTIVATIONAL CROWDING OUT OF WORK PERFORMANCE
Authors: Benndorf Volker , Rau Holger A. , Sölch Christian
Published: September 2018

This paper shows that prior financial incentives induce a crowding‐out effect when incentives are discontinued. In our real‐effort experiment workers receive a piece rate before monetary incentives are substituted by a one‐time payment. In this case, workers' performance significantly drops when receiving the one‐time payment. The effect is driven by a fraction of men who reduce effort substantially, whereas women constantly perform well. We find that this motivational crowding‐out effect disappears when men do not have prior experience of a piece rate. In a series of control treatments, we discard several alternative explanations besides motivational crowding out. (JEL C91, J16, M54)
Seedling responses to decreased snow depend on canopy composition and small‐mammal herbivore presence
Authors: Guiden Peter W. , Connolly Brian M. , Orrock John L.
Published: September 2018

Winter is becoming warmer and shorter across the northern hemisphere, and reductions in snow depth can decrease tree seedling survival by exposing seedlings to harmful microclimates. Similarly, herbivory by small mammals can also limit the survival and distribution of woody plants, but it is unclear whether winter climate change will alter small‐mammal herbivory. Although small‐scale experiments show that snow removal can either increase or decrease both soil temperatures and herbivory, we currently lack snow‐removal experiments replicated across large spatial scales that are needed to understand the effect of reduced snow. To examine how winter herbivory and snow conditions influence seedling dynamics, we transplanted Acer saccharum and Tsuga canadensis seedlings across a 180 km latitudinal gradient in northern Wisconsin, where snow depth varied seven‐fold among sites. Seedlings were transplanted into one of two herbivory treatments (small‐mammal exclosure, small‐mammal access) and one of two late‐winter snow removal treatments (snow removed, snow unmanipulated). Snow removal increased soil freeze‐thaw frequency and cumulative growing degree‐days (GDD), but the magnitude of these effects depended on forest canopy composition. Acer saccharum survival decreased where snow was removed, but only at sites without conifers. Excluding small mammals increased A. saccharum survival at sites where the small‐mammal herbivore Myodes gapperi was present. Excluding small mammals also increased T. canadensis survival in plots with < 5 cm snow. Because variation in canopy composition and M. gapperi presence were important predictors of seedling survival across the snow‐depth gradient, these results reveal complexity in the ability to accurately predict patterns of winter seedling survival over large spatial scales. Global change scenarios that project future patterns of seedling recruitment may benefit from explicitly considering interactions between snow conditions and small‐mammal winter herbivory.
Severity of impacts of an introduced species corresponds with regional eco‐evolutionary experience
Authors: Davis Kimberley T. , Callaway Ragan M. , Fajardo Alex , Pauchard Aníbal , Nuñez Martin A. , Brooker Rob W. , Maxwell Bruce D. , Dimarco Romina D. , Peltzer Duane A. , Mason Bill , Ruotsalainen Seppo , McIntosh Anne C. S. , Pakeman Robin J. , Smith Alyssa Laney , Gundale Michael J.
Published: September 2018

Invasive plant impacts vary widely across introduced ranges. We tested the hypothesis that differences in the eco‐evolutionary experience of native communities with the invader correspond with the impacts of invasive species on native vegetation, with impacts increasing with ecological novelty. We compared plant species richness and composition beneathPinus contortato that in adjacent vegetation and otherP. contortastands across a network of sites in its native (Canada and USA) and non‐native (Argentina, Chile, Finland, New Zealand, Scotland, Sweden) ranges. At sites in North America and Europe, within the natural distribution of the genusPinus,P. contortawas not associated with decreases in diversity. In the Southern Hemisphere, where there are no native Pinaceae, plant communities beneathP. contortawere less diverse than in other regions and compared to uninvaded native vegetation. Effects on native vegetation were particularly pronounced whereP. contortawas a more novel life form and exhibited higher growth rates. Our results support the hypothesis that the eco‐evolutionary experience of the native vegetation, and thus the novelty of the invader, determines the magnitude of invader impacts on native communities. Understanding the eco‐evolutionary context of invasions will help to better understand and predict where invasion impacts will be greatest and to prioritize invasive species management.
Why we love bees and hate wasps
Authors: Sumner Seirian , Law Georgia , Cini Alessandro
Published: September 2018

1. Bees and wasps are important facets of natural capital to be valued by human societies: bees pollinate wild flowers and agricultural crops; wasps regulate arthropod populations, including insect vectors of human diseases and crop pests. Despite the importance of both taxa, bees are universally loved whilst wasps are universally despised. This study explores some of the reasons behind this.

2. Here data are presented from almost 750 members of the public on their perceptions of insects, including bees and wasps. In addition, an analysis is conducted of researcher effort on bees and wasps, using publication numbers of peer‐reviewed papers over the last 37 years, and unpublished conference proceedings at specialist international conferences over the last 16 years.

3. The results show that wasps are indeed universally disliked by the public and moreover are unpopular research taxa among researchers. Words used to describe wasps are emotive and negative, whilst those describing bees are functional and positive. A low level of interest in nature and a lack of knowledge (among the public) and research effort (among scientists) regarding the ecosystem services of wasps are likely to be at the root of the negative perception. Whilst the ecosystem services of bees are well understood by the public, those provided by wasps are poorly understood.

4. Positive action to promote research on wasps and to overhaul the public image of wasps via outreach and the media could help to reset the imbalance in appreciation of two of the world's most ecologically important taxa. Cultural shifts to a more positive attitude towards wasps could be pivotal in working with these facets of natural capital, rather than against them.
Down‐regulated SHARPIN may accelerate the development of atopic dermatitis through activating interleukin‐33/ST2 signalling
Authors: Tang Lingjie , Wang Jiaman , Zhu Jingna , Liang Yanhua
Published: September 2018

SHARPIN is an important component of the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC). Loss of function of SHARPIN results in eosinophilic inflammation in multiple organs including skin with Th2‐dominant cytokines and dysregulated development of lymphoid tissues in mice. The clinicopathological features are similar to atopic dermatitis (AD) in humans. In order to investigate the potential role of SHARPIN in the pathogenesis of AD, we performed genetic association study of the genotypes and haplotypes as well as SHARPIN's expression between AD cases and controls. We found three mutations (g.480G>A, g.4576A>G and g.5070C>T) in patient group, and significantly decreased expression in AD lesions, suggesting a primary role of SHARPIN during AD development. Lentivirus‐mediated in vitro assays identified that knockdown of SHARPIN can induce elevated expression of IL‐33 and its orphan receptor ST2, FLG and STAT3 and NF‐κB inactivation in HaCaT keratinocytes, which has been widely evidenced in regulating AD development. ST2 expression was highly induced in SHARPIN‐silenced HaCaT keratinocytes after the combined stimulation of IL‐4 and IL‐13. Our in vivo and in vitro findings implicated that SHARPIN may be a novel participant in the pathogenesis and/or new therapeutic target of AD.