bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutual Potentiation of Plant Immunity by Cell-surface and Intracellular Receptors
Authors: Ngou Bruno Pok Man , Ahn Hee-Kyung , Ding Pingtao , Jones Jonathan DG
Published: April 2020

The plant immune system involves cell-surface receptors that detect intercellular pathogen-derived molecules, and intracellular receptors that activate immunity upon detection of pathogen-secreted effectors that act inside the plant cell. Surface receptor-mediated immunity has been extensively studied but in authentic interactions between plants and microbial pathogens, its presence impedes study of intracellular receptor-mediated immunity alone. How these two immune pathways interact is poorly understood. Here, we reveal mutual potentiation between these two recognition-dependent defense pathways. Recognition by surface receptors activates multiple protein kinases and NADPH oxidases, whereas intracellular receptors primarily elevate abundance of these proteins. Reciprocally, the intracellular receptor-dependent hypersensitive cell death response is strongly enhanced by activation of surface receptors. Activation of either immune system alone is insufficient to provide effective resistance againstPseudomonas syringae. Thus, immune pathways activated by cell-surface and intracellular receptors mutually potentiate to activate strong defense that thwarts pathogens. By studying the activation of intracellular receptors in the absence of surface receptor-mediated immunity, we have dissected the relationship between the two distinct immune systems. These findings reshape our understanding of plant immunity and have broad implications for crop improvement.
Comparative secretome ofMagnaporthe oryzaeidentified proteins involved in virulence and cell wall integrity
Authors: Liu Ning , Qi Linlu , Huang Manna , Chen Deng , Yin Changfa , Zhang Yiying , Wang Xingbin , Yuan Guixin , Wang Rui-Jin , Yang Jun , Peng You-Liang , Lu Xunli
Published: April 2020

Plant fungal pathogens secrete numerous proteins into the apoplast at the plant–fungus contact sites to facilitate colonization. Only a few secreted proteins were functionally characterized inMagnaporthe oryzae, the fungal pathogen causing rice blast disease worldwide. ALG3 is an α-1, 3-mannosyltransferase function in N-glycan synthesis for secreted N-glycosylated proteins, and the Δalg3mutants show strong defects in cell wall integrity and fungal virulence, indicating a potential effect on the secretion of multiple proteins. In this study, we compared the secretome of wild type and Δalg3mutants, and identified 51 proteins that require ALG3 for proper secretion. These are predicted to be involved in metabolic processes, interspecies interactions, cell wall organization, and response to chemicals. The tested secreted proteins localized at the apoplast region surrounding the fungal infection hyphae. Moreover, theN-glycosylation of candidate proteins was significantly changed in the Δalg3mutant, leading to the reduction of protein secretion and abnormal protein localization. Furthermore, we tested the function of two genes, one is a previously reported M. oryzae geneInvertase 1(INV1) encoding a secreted invertase, and the other one is a gene encoding an Acid mammalian chinitase (AMCase). The fungal virulence was significantly reduced and the cell wall integrity was altered in the Δinv1and Δamcasemutant strains. Elucidation of the comparative secretome ofM. oryzaeimproves our understanding of the proteins that require ALG3 for secretion, and of their function in fungal virulence and cell wall integrity.
sTAM: An Online Tool for the Discovery of miRNA-set Level Disease Biomarkers
Authors: Shi Jiangcheng , Cui Qinghua
Published: April 2020

microRNAs (miRNAs) are one class of important small noncoding RNA molecules, which have shown their excellent ability as biomarkers of various diseases. However, current miRNA biomarkers including those comprised of multiple miRNAs work at a single-miRNA level but not at a miRNA set level. Given the rapidly accumulated miRNA omics data, it is believed that miRNA set level analysis could be an important supplement to the single miRNA level analysis. For doing so, here we presented a computational method for single-sample miRNA set enrichment analysis and developed the sTAM tool (http://mir.rnanut.net/stam). Moreover, we demonstrated the usefulness of sTAM scores in discovering miRNA-set level biomarkers through two case studies. We conducted pan-cancer analysis of the sTAM scores of “tumor suppressor miRNA set” on 15 types of cancers from TCGA and 14 types of cancers from GEO, finding that the scores show a good performance in distinguishing the cancers from the controls. Moreover, we revealed that the sTAM score of “brain development” miRNA set can effectively predict cerebrovascular disorder (CVD). Finally, we believe sTAM can be used in discovering disease-related biomarkers at a miRNA-set level.
Analysis of new nosological models from disease similarities using clustering
Authors: Santamaría Lucía Prieto , García del Valle Eduardo P. , García Gerardo Lagunes , Zanin Massimiliano , González Alejandro Rodríguez , Ruiz Ernestina Menasalvas , Gallardo Yuliana Pérez , Chan Gandhi Samuel Hernández
Published: April 2020

While classical disease nosology is based on phenotypical characteristics, the increasing availability of biological and molecular data is providing new understanding of diseases and their underlying relationships, that could lead to a more comprehensive paradigm for modern medicine. In the present work, similarities between diseases are used to study the generation of new possible disease nosologic models that include both phenotypical and biological information. To this aim, disease similarity is measured in terms of disease feature vectors, that stood for genes, proteins, metabolic pathways and PPIs in the case of biological similarity, and for symptoms in the case of phenotypical similarity. An improvement in similarity computation is proposed, considering weighted instead of Booleans feature vectors. Unsupervised learning methods were applied to these data, specifically, density-based DBSCAN clustering algorithm. As evaluation metricsilhouettecoefficient was chosen, even though the number of clusters and the number of outliers were also considered. As a results validation, a comparison with randomly distributed data was performed. Results suggest that weighted biological similarities based on proteins, and computed according to cosine index, may provide a good starting point to rearrange disease taxonomy and nosology.
The neutrophil antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin promotes Th17 differentiation
Authors: Minns Danielle , Smith Katie J , Alessandrini Virginia , Hardisty Gareth , Melrose Lauren , Jackson-Jones Lucy , MacDonald Andrew S. , Davidson Donald J , Findlay Emily Gwyer
Published: April 2020

The host defence peptide cathelicidin (LL-37 in humans, mCRAMP in mice) is released from neutrophils by de-granulation, NETosis and necrotic cell death; it has potent antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity as well as being a powerful immunomodulator. It is released in proximity to CD4+T cells during inflammatory and infectious disease but its impact on T cell phenotype is scarcely understood. Here we demonstrate that cathelicidin is a powerful Th17 potentiating factor which increases expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and the RORγt transcription factor, in a TGF-β1-dependent manner. We show that cathelicidin induces IL-17F production in particular, and that its induction of IL-17A+F+ double producing cells is dependent on AHR while its induction of IL-17F single producing cells is not. In the presence of TGF-β1, cathelicidin profoundly suppressed IL-2 and down-regulated T-bet, specifically directing T cells away from Th1 and into a Th17 phenotype. Strikingly, Th17, but not Th1 cells were protected from apoptotic death by cathelicidin, in the first example of a neutrophil-released mediator inducing survival of a T cell subset. Finally, we show that cathelicidin is released by neutrophils in mouse lymph nodes following inoculation of heat-killedSalmonella typhimuriumand that cathelicidin-deficient mice have suppressed Th17 responses during inflammation, but not at steady state. We propose that the release of cathelicidin by neutrophils is required for maximal Th17 differentiation and IL-17 production by CD4+T cells, and that this is one method by which early neutrophilia directs subsequent adaptive immune responses with some sophistication.
Sustainability reporting and bank performance after financial crisis
Authors: Buallay Amina , Fadel Sayed M. , Alajmi Jasim , Saudagaran Shahrokh
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between sustainability reporting and bank performance after financial crisis in developed and developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines 882 banks from developed and developing countries covering 11 years after the 2008 financial crisis. The independent variable is environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores. The dependent variables are return on assets, return on equity and Tobin’s Q. This study uses bank- and country-specific control variables to measure the relationship between sustainability reporting and bank performance.

Findings

The findings deduced from the empirical results demonstrate that ESG improves banks’ accounting and market-based performance in developed countries, supporting value creation theory. Using pooling regression and instrumental variable – generalized method of moments, this study finds that ESG weakens banks’ performance in developed and developing countries.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to investigate and compare the impact of sustainability reporting on banks’ performance in developed and developing countries. The study found similarities in the impact of sustainability reporting and the improvement of banks’ current and future performance.
Competitiveness of sharing economy companies in emerging markets
Authors: Maalouf Jamal T. , Abi Aad Amine , El Masri Karam
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the competitiveness of the sharing economy in emerging markets from the perspective of actual and potential consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

It is not surprising that most sharing economy businesses may not follow traditional competitiveness approaches. Consequently, their entry strategies and competitiveness methods might face modern, unique and unexpected challenges vis-à-vis securing sufficient consumer willingness to purchase goods and services.

Findings

A novel theoretical research model is developed which posits that people’s willingness to use the sharing economy is negatively related to liabilities of newness and positively related to consumer innovativeness and interpersonal trust. The relationship between cost and willingness to use is likely to vary on a case-by-case basis depending on the nature and extent of substitutes available or, in other words, the novelty or lack thereof embedded in the particular good or service. Other potential determinants are also best viewed as case-specific such as ethical/sustainability concerns, which vary as a function of target consumers’ preferences for ameliorating social and environmental externalities.

Originality/value

Sharing economy businesses have expanded to numerous countries around the world. There is growing evidence to suggest that this diffusion will most likely be maintained. The competitiveness of these businesses in emerging markets may depend on several variables but there is a dearth of literature in this domain which this paper seeks to address while concomitantly highlighting important avenues for future research.
Knowledge sharing: an innovative organizational approach to engage volunteers
Authors: Fait Monica , Sakka Georgia
Published: April 2020

Purpose

A profound managerial transformation approach is increasingly designed to unleash the energy and creativity of employees. The purpose of this paper is to observe as the organizations in this sector can use the knowledge sharing to derive maximum efficiency from such crucial volunteers, creating an environment suitable for stimulating the psychological well-being that is the basis of engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study proposes a model to account the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to exchange knowledge related to factors that stimulate volunteer's engagement.

Findings

The results of a survey of 301 volunteers operating in European organizations indicate that influencers of volunteers in a specific domain activated by knowledge sharing can act as sources of creation and can reinforce their identity, sense of belonging and trust in the organization.

Research limitations/implications

Despite results cannot be generalized because of the samples of convenience, exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the elements for which nonprofit organizations should activate a knowledge-sharing strategy so that engaged volunteers feel like cocreators of values and therefore act as true competitive assets.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the expansion of engagement studies through framing the motivations of volunteers in knowledge sharing as a process of social interaction that involves knowledge, experience and expertise and which is able to create an environment suitable to feeding the psychological well-being that is the basis of engagement.
Seasonal employee leadership in the hospitality industry: a scale development
Authors: Arasli Huseyin , Altinay Levent , Arici Hasan Evrim
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the model of seasonal employee leadership (SEL) in a service management process and to create a multi-dimensional scale to gauge this construct. This is because very recent qualitative research by Arasli and Arici (2019), which is the first stage of this scale, recommended a multi-dimensional SEL model for the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Making use of data gathered from 1,343 seasonal hotel employees, the authors established a new scale to examine the SEL model. Two separate data sets were collected; the first set was used to perform an exploratory factor analysis, while the second set was processed to confirm the initial factor results using a confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The results show that the measurement scale developed in this research provides considerable reliability, as well as convergent and discriminant validities. In particular, the findings confirmed a four-dimensional measurement scale of the SEL: seasonal leader’s qualities, core influence, operational influence and terminal influence.

Originality/value

The paper is the first attempt to develop a new scale which measures the SEL approach in the hospitality literature. Therefore, this study contributes to the current literature through developing and testing the four-dimensional SEL scale and shedding light on the importance of an industry-specific leadership in managing seasonal hotel employees effectively.
NCSS notable trade book lesson plan: Joan Procter, dragon doctor: the woman who loved reptiles
Authors: Swain Holly Hilboldt
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor describes the life of Joan Beauchamp Procter, renowned herpetologist, zoologist, Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum and designer of the London Zoo Reptile House. In this lesson, students reframe initial viewpoints of scientists that are not representative of a broad understanding of who scientists are and what being a scientist means. Exploring understandings and expanding their view of science to include varied areas of social sciences provokes deep discussions among students as they prepare to teach others. Using content area skills, artwork, writing, literacy and technology, students explore diverse people and fields of the sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

Students engage in collaborative efforts with peers to involve themselves with content knowledge and skills in the social studies, as they integrate other areas of the curriculum including science, art, writing, literacy, literature, technology, critical thinking, research skills and inquiry-based learning. Findings include students participating in meaningful learning individually and collectively through inquiry. As students learn with and from one another, they conceptualize their own ideas through their own work in exploring relevant resources. Students plan action to move learning outside the classroom in generating changes in museums and monuments to showcase broader cultural representation of scientists in their communities.

Findings

Students engage in inquiry learning using Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor as a key text. Students explore the text and related resources, while learning with one another about scientists. Students expand their content knowledge and apply critical thinking skills, noting similarities and differences in scientists, ultimately acknowledging that what scientists do through inquiry and exploration helps them identify as scientists. Varied fields and backgrounds of scientists are explored, and students examine cultural representation in museums commemorating scientists and scientific contributions. Students create action plans to consult with museums about these issues and curate exhibits, like Joan Procter, to share with others.

Originality/value

This lesson provides students multiple avenues to deepen learning while conceptualizing and formulating their own understandings. Further, students are required to use multiple skills in conveying their ideas for social change to reflect their new broader conceptualization of scientists and the many fields that science includes. Additionally, they have to understand the topics discussed fully in order to convey their research findings to another audience in their school or community as they create museum exhibits. Finally, while students learn, they begin to see themselves represented in fields through evident, inclusive demonstrations of contributions by diverse scientists.
Long‐term safety of brodalumab in Japanese patients with plaque psoriasis: An open‐label extension study
Authors: Yamaguchi Yukie , Takatsu Nobumichi , Ootaki Kenji , Nakagawa Hidemi
Published: April 2020

Brodalumab, an interleukin‐17 receptor A inhibitor, demonstrated rapid and robust efficacy with a favorable safety profile in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Here, we present data from a multicenter, open‐label extension study in patients with plaque psoriasis with/without psoriatic arthritis who completed 64 weeks of treatment with brodalumab (140 or 210 mg, every 2 weeks [Q2W]). Patients were enrolled to evaluate the long‐term safety and efficacy of a modified dose of brodalumab. Eligible patients were switched to a reduced dose of brodalumab (140 mg every 4 weeks on day 1) in the extension study; the dose and dosing interval were modified sequentially at the physician’s discretion (minimum 140 mg every 8 weeks and maximum 210 mg Q2W) until drug approval, after which all patients were switched to 210 mg Q2W for postmarketing surveillance. Of the 129 patients enrolled, 107 (82.9%) completed the 108‐week or more extension study. All patients had psoriasis that was well controlled with brodalumab treatment on day 1. Improvement in psoriasis‐related symptoms, evaluated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index, Dermatology Life Quality Index, Nail Psoriasis Severity Index, and American College of Rheumatology 20, 50 and 70, was maintained during the 108‐week extension study. Brodalumab treatment was well tolerated throughout, and no new safety signals were identified. The most commonly reported treatment‐related adverse event was nasopharyngitis, followed by influenza and oral candidiasis. No cases of serious candida infection or Crohn’s disease were observed in this study. Serious treatment‐related adverse events, such as appendicitis, brain abscess, bacterial meningitis, colon cancer, immunoglobulin A nephropathy and tubulointerstitial nephritis, were reported in one patient each. No anti‐brodalumab‐binding antibodies or brodalumab‐neutralizing antibodies were detected in any patient throughout the extension study. Overall, the long‐term efficacy and safety of brodalumab were demonstrated over 108 weeks.
A call to arms: Setting the framework for a code of practice for mosquito management in European wetlands
Authors: Martinou Angeliki F. , Schäfer Stephanie M. , Bueno Mari Rubén , Angelidou Ioanna , Erguler Kamil , Fawcett James , Ferraguti Martina , Foussadier Rémi , Gkotsi Trisevgeni V. , Martinos Christos F. , Schäfer Martina , Schaffner Francis , Peyton Jodey M. , Purse Bethan V. , Wright Denis J. , Roy Helen E.
Published: April 2020

Wetlands provide multiple services to human societies. Despite policies dedicated to their protection, current European policies do not address the need to balance mosquito management approaches to mitigate dis‐services to human health and well‐being while ensuring that wetland conservation goals are met.

Herein, we outline criteria for consideration when developing mosquito control programmes in European wetlands that will allow managers and public health authorities to adopt effective and ecologically sound approaches.

Synthesis and applications. The proposed code of practice provides practical advice to local authorities and those involved in mosquito control in order to design an integrated mosquito management strategy that aligns with current environmental legislation. Although this code of practice was developed by European experts, it is transferable to other geographical contexts, integrating the expertise and knowledge of local stakeholders and researchers from the fields of medical entomology, human and animal health and ecology.
Spatial drivers of composition and connectivity across endangered tropical dry forests
Authors: Balzotti Christopher S. , Asner Gregory P. , Adkins Edith D. , Parsons Elliott W.
Published: April 2020

Tropical dry forests are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. Rapid loss, degradation and fragmentation of these native ecosystems in a changing climate have driven a time‐sensitive need to improve our understanding and management of remaining dry forests.

We used advanced remote sensing technologies, combined with extensive field data and machine learning, to better understand how spatial drivers (e.g. climate, fire, human) of canopy species composition vary in importance and correlate with forest cover (total, native and non‐native), within an endangered Hawaiian tropical dry forest.

Past introductions of non‐native, drought‐tolerant tree species into this Hawaiian dry forest have created a new forest canopy composition and a loss of native forest biodiversity and connectivity at the landscape scale.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings help to spatially visualize the loss and transition of native Hawaiian forests and provide a new conservation planning tool. Conservation and restoration efforts can now be informed by spatial maps of canopy composition, connectivity and determinants of forest cover for the region. For example, our models identified a climatic transition zone between 800 and 1,000 m where native forests exist in high densities, and non‐native forests are not yet dominant. This area may be optimal for cost‐effective conservation and targeted management. Ecosystems are changing globally at unprecedented rates. The methods presented in this study provide a framework that can be adapted to monitor these changes around the world.
Real three‐dimensional approach vs two‐dimensional camera with and without real‐time near‐infrared imaging with indocyanine green for detection of endometriosis: A case‐control study
Authors: Vizzielli Giuseppe , Cosentino Francesco , Raimondo Diego , Turco Luigi C. , Vargiu Virginia , Iodice Raffaella , Mastronardi Manuela , Mabrouk Mohamed , Scambia Giovanni , Seracchioli Renato
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The complete surgical removal of endometriosis lesions is not always feasible because some implants may be very small or hidden. The use of intraoperative near‐infrared radiation (NIR) imaging after intravenous injection of indocyanine green (ICG) coupled with robotic technical advances, including three‐dimensional (3D) and high‐resolution vision, might improve detection rates.

Material and methods

This is a retrospective, multicenter case‐control study (Canadian Task Force classification II‐2) on medical records of women with endometriosis who underwent surgery at the Catholic University of Rome (Controls) and the University of Bologna (Cases) between January 2016 and March 2018. Surgical and post‐surgical data from the procedures were collected. We compared the visual detection rate of endometriotic lesions using near‐infrared radiation imaging after intravenous injection of indocyanine green (NIR‐ICG) in Real 3D (Cases) with the 2D Camera approach (Controls) in symptomatic women with pelvic endometriosis.

Results

Twenty cases were matched as closely as possible with 27 controls. The numbers of suspected lesions identified both with the white light and the NIR‐ICG approach were 116 and 70 in the Controls (2D) and Cases (3D), respectively. Among them, 16 of 116 controls (13.8%) and 12 of 70 cases (17.1%) were identified using only NIR‐ICG imaging and collected as occult lesions (P = .536). The overall NIR‐ICG lesion identification showed a positive predictive value of 97.8%, negative predictive value of 82.3%, sensitivity of 82.0%, and specificity of 97.9% for the Control group, and a positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 97.1%, sensitivity of 97.1%, and specificity of 100% for the Case group, confirming that NIR‐ICG imaging is a good diagnostic and screening test (P = .643 and P = .791, according to the Cohen κ tests, respectively for the laparoscopic and robotic groups).

Conclusions

The few differences observed did not seem to be clinically relevant, making the 2 procedures comparable in terms of the ability to visually detect endometriotic lesions. Further prospective trials are needed to confirm our results.
The Swedish National Pediatric Cataract Register (PECARE): incidence and onset of postoperative glaucoma
Authors: Nyström Alf , Haargaard Birgitte , Rosensvärd Annika , Tornqvist Kristina , Magnusson Gunilla
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The aim was to report cumulative incidence and time of onset of postoperative glaucoma in a paediatric early cataract surgery cohort.

Methods

Data were retrieved from the Pediatric Cataract Register (PECARE), a prospective register of Swedish cataract operations before 8 years of age. All eyes with surgery between January 2007 and December 2014 and a registered follow‐up were included. Cataracts caused by uveitis, trauma or coexisting congenital glaucoma were excluded. Glaucoma was defined as early onset if diagnosed within a year after surgery and late onset if diagnosed later.

Results

The study included 288 eyes in 207 children (106 girls), 81 with bilateral and 126 with unilateral cataracts, with a mean follow‐up of 3.31 ± 1.77 years. Of the 288, 168 (58.3%) had surgery before 3 months of age; most of these 92.3% (155/168) were defined as dense, 208 (72.2%) were below 1 year of age. Cumulative incidence of surgically treated glaucoma among individuals was 23.7% (49/207). Median time to glaucoma onset was 0.91 years (range: 0.05–4.97 years) for eyes. Early‐onset glaucoma was found in 98 % (63/64), and late onset in 2% (1/64).

Conclusion

In this paediatric cataract cohort, a majority of eyes had surgery before 3 months of age (58.3%). Secondary glaucoma‐onset peaked within the first postoperative year, with a cumulative incidence of 23.7%. Surgery performed after the first month of life, resulted in a lower glaucoma rate. Long‐term follow‐up will reveal whether the low rate of late‐onset glaucoma with early surgery will last, and if so, the consequences.
Urolithiasis in second‐generation immigrant children younger than 18 years of age in Sweden
Authors: Wändell Per , Carlsson Axel C. , Li Xinjun , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: April 2020

Aim

To compare incidence of urolithiasis in second‐generation immigrant children aged 0‐17 years to children of Swedish‐born parents.

Methods

A nationwide study of individuals residing in Sweden. Urolithiasis was defined as having at least one registered diagnosis of urolithiasis in the Swedish National Patient Register between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2015. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the relative risk (hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)) of incident urolithiasis compared to individuals with Swedish‐born parents. The models were stratified by sex and adjusted for age, co‐morbidities and sociodemographic status of parents.

Results

Totally, 1653 incident cases of urolithiasis were registered, 658 boys and 995 girls, with a mean annual incidence per 100 000 person‐years for children with Swedish‐born parents of 4.0 (95% CI 3.7‐4.3) in boys and 6.7 (95% CI 6.2‐7.2) in girls, and for children with foreign‐born parents of 5.3 (95% CI 5.1‐5.4) in boys and 7.2 (95% CI 6.9‐7.4) in girls. The fully adjusted HRs of urolithiasis in second‐generation immigrants were non‐significant, in boys (1.20, 95% CI 0.99‐1.46) and girls (0.95, 95% CI 0.80‐1.12).

Conclusion

The risk of urolithiasis in second‐generation immigrants was not significantly different from that of children with Swedish‐born parents.
Maternal use of nicotine products and breastfeeding 3 months postpartum
Authors: Nordhagen Live S. , Kreyberg Ina , Bains Karen Eline S. , Carlsen Kai‐Håkon , Glavin Kari , Skjerven Håvard O. , Småstuen Milada C. , Hilde Katarina , Nordlund Björn , Vettukattil Riyas , Hedlin Gunilla , Granum Berit , Jonassen Christine M. , Gudmundsdóttir Hrefna K. , Haugen Guttorm , Rehbinder Eva Maria , Söderhäll Cilla , Staff Anne Cathrine , Lødrup Carlsen Karin C. ,   PreventADALL study group
Published: April 2020

Aim

We aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with maternal use of nicotine products in relation to breastfeeding.

Methods

Nicotine use 3 months postpartum was determined in the Scandinavian PreventADALL mother‐child birth cohort study recruiting 1837 women from 2014 to 2016. Electronic questionnaires at 18 weeks pregnancy and 3 months postpartum provided information on snus use, smoking or other nicotine use, infant feeding and socio‐economic factors. The risk of nicotine use in relation to breastfeeding was analysed with logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 5.6% of women used snus (2.9%), smoked (2.7%) or both (n = 2) 3 months postpartum, while one used other nicotine products. Among the 1717 breastfeeding women, 95.1% reported no nicotine use, while 2.4% used snus, 2.5% smoked and one dual user. Compared to 3.7% nicotine use in exclusively breastfeeding women (n = 1242), the risk of nicotine use increased by partly (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.45‐3.52) and no breastfeeding (OR 4.58, 95% CI 2.57‐8.21). Nicotine use before (14.5% snus, 16.4% smoking) or in pregnancy (0.2% snus, 0.4% smoking) significantly increased the risk of using nicotine during breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Few breastfeeding women used snus or smoked 3 months postpartum, with increased risk by nicotine use before or during pregnancy.
Retrospective versus prospective score tests for genetic association with case‐control data
Authors: Liu Yukun , Li Pengfei , Song Lei , Yu Kai , Qin Jing
Published: April 2020

Since the seminal work of Prentice and Pyke, the prospective logistic likelihood has become the standard method of analysis for retrospectively collected case‐control data, in particular for testing the association between a single genetic marker and a disease outcome in genetic case‐control studies. In the study of multiple genetic markers with relatively small effects, especially those with rare variants, various aggregated approaches based on the same prospective likelihood have been developed to integrate subtle association evidence among all the markers considered. Many of the commonly used tests are derived from the prospective likelihood under a common‐random‐effect assumption, which assumes a common random effect for all subjects. We develop the locally most powerful aggregation test based on the retrospective likelihood under an independent‐random‐effect assumption, which allows the genetic effect to vary among subjects. In contrast to the fact that disease prevalence information cannot be used to improve efficiency for the estimation of odds ratio parameters in logistic regression models, we show that it can be utilized to enhance the testing power in genetic association studies. Extensive simulations demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method over the existing ones. A real genome‐wide association study is analyzed for illustration.
EARSHOT: A Minimal Neural Network Model of Incremental Human Speech Recognition
Authors: Magnuson James S. , You Heejo , Luthra Sahil , Li Monica , Nam Hosung , Escabí Monty , Brown Kevin , Allopenna Paul D. , Theodore Rachel M. , Monto Nicholas , Rueckl Jay G.
Published: April 2020

Despite the lack of invariance problem (the many‐to‐many mapping between acoustics and percepts), human listeners experience phonetic constancy and typically perceive what a speaker intends. Most models of human speech recognition (HSR) have side‐stepped this problem, working with abstract, idealized inputs and deferring the challenge of working with real speech. In contrast, carefully engineered deep learning networks allow robust, real‐world automatic speech recognition (ASR). However, the complexities of deep learning architectures and training regimens make it difficult to use them to provide direct insights into mechanisms that may support HSR. In this brief article, we report preliminary results from a two‐layer network that borrows one element from ASR, long short‐term memory nodes, which provide dynamic memory for a range of temporal spans. This allows the model to learn to map real speech from multiple talkers to semantic targets with high accuracy, with human‐like timecourse of lexical access and phonological competition. Internal representations emerge that resemble phonetically organized responses in human superior temporal gyrus, suggesting that the model develops a distributed phonological code despite no explicit training on phonetic or phonemic targets. The ability to work with real speech is a major advance for cognitive models of HSR.
Morphogenetic mechanisms forming the notochord rod: The turgor pressure‐sheath strength model
Authors: Yasuoka Yuuri
Published: April 2020

The notochord is a defining feature of chordates. During notochord formation in vertebrates and tunicates, notochord cells display dynamic morphogenetic movement, called convergent extension, in which cells intercalate and align at the dorsal midline. However, in cephalochordates, the most basal group of chordates, the notochord is formed without convergent extension. It is simply developed from mesodermal cells at the dorsal midline. This suggests that convergent extension movement of notochord cells is a secondarily acquired developmental attribute in the common ancestor of olfactores (vertebrates + tunicates), and that the chordate ancestor innovated the notochord upon a foundation of morphogenetic mechanisms independent of cell movement. Therefore, this review focuses on biological features specific to notochord cells, which have been well studied using clawed frogs, zebrafish, and tunicates. Attributes of notochord cells, such as vacuolation, membrane trafficking, extracellular matrix formation, and apoptosis, can be understood in terms of two properties: turgor pressure of vacuoles and strength of the notochord sheath. To maintain the straight rod‐like structure of the notochord, these parameters must be counterbalanced. In the future, the turgor pressure‐sheath strength model, proposed in this review, will be examined in light of quantitative molecular data and mathematical simulations, illuminating the evolutionary origin of the notochord.
Treason or Reason? Psychoanalytical Insights on Whistleblowing
Authors: Jalan Ishan
Published: April 2020

This paper critically examines and reviews the dominant and mainstream perspectives and literature on whistleblowing and offers a new approach to understanding this complex phenomenon using a psychoanalytical lens. Almost all studies on whistleblowing perceive it as an ethical, moral or altruistic act on the part of the whistleblower and overlook the whistleblower's subjectivity in question. This paper offers an in‐depth review of the literature to explore this and addresses the emergent but nascent discourses on whistleblower's subjectivity, offering an alternative perspective suggesting that not all whistleblowers may be prompted by moral compulsion or desire to speak truth to power. It suggests that underlying emotional and unconscious dynamics such as narcissism, in particular narcissistic rage, disillusionment and a sense of betrayal, can be possible factors in deciding to ‘blow the whistle’. Furthermore, the concept of psychological defences and defence mechanisms is discussed in depth and is used to illustrate the dynamics above. In doing so, this paper draws upon extant literatures to challenge and shift existing paradigms on normative whistleblowing literature, offering novel and significant theoretical contributions and an alternative strategic platform for new directions in research and practice.
Declines in non‐digital social interaction among Americans, 2003–2017
Authors: Twenge Jean M. , Spitzberg Brian H.
Published: April 2020

It is unclear whether Americans spent less time on non‐digital social interaction in the 2010s than in the 2000s. In the nationally representative American Time Use Survey administered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (n = 191,558), U.S. residents 15 years of age and older spent 10 to 11 fewer minutes a day in non‐digital social interaction during leisure time in 2017 compared to 2003, which translates to 67 fewer hours a year. The decline was primarily driven by adolescents and young adults ages from15 to 25, who spent between 21 and 23 fewer minutes per day on non‐digital social interaction in 2017 compared to 2003, or 140 fewer hours a year. Thus, American adolescents and young adults spent less time on non‐digital social interaction in the 2010s, with a less pronounced decline among those ages 26 and over.
Effect of fiber‐reinforcement on the strength of polymer materials for provisional restorations: An in vitro study
Authors: Psarri Christina , Kourtis Stefanos
Published: April 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different methods of fiber reinforcement (glass fibers preimpregnated, glass fibers nonpreimpregnated, and polyethylene fibers) on the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of poly‐methyl‐methacrylate resin (PMMA) and Bis‐Gma materials.

Materials and methods

A total of 60 specimens of autopolymerizing PMMA resin specimens were fabricated using a stainless steel matrix with dimensions of (37.5± 2) × (3 ± 0.1) × (3 ± 0.1) mm according to the standards of ISO 10477. The autopolymerizing resins used in this study were: (a) JET, (b) TRIM, (c) PROTEMP. The fibers used in this study were STICK (Glass fiber preimpregnated), POLYDENTIA (Glass fiber nonpreimpregnated), RIBBOND (Polyethylene fiber).

The specimens were tested by three‐point bending test and the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity were recorded. The data of each resin type were analyzed by analysis of variance using a significance level of 0.05 to determine the mean differences.

Results

The integration of reinforcing fibers in the mass of resins for provisional restorations increased both the flexural strength and the modulus of elasticity in all tested combinations compared to control groups. After the three‐point bending test, the specimens were not completely fractured and the parts remained together due to the fibers.

Conclusions

Fiber reinforcement is an effective method to increase mechanical properties of provisional restorative resins. Reinforcement with fibers enhances the flexural strength and the modulus of elasticity of the specimens compared to unreinforced (control) group.

Clinical significance

The reinforcement of resin materials used for provisional restorations with fibers can increase mechanical strength and may improve the clinical performance and the longevity of provisional restorations during their clinical function.
Characterization of Moringa oleifera leaf polysaccharides extracted by coupling ionic liquid separation system with ultrasound irradiation
Authors: Otu Phyllis Naa Yarley , Osae Richard , Abdullateef Mustapha Taiye , Cunshan Zhou , Xiaojie Yu , Azumah Bright Kojo
Published: April 2020

Replacement of organic solvents and short time for purification of polysaccharides has gained attention of researchers. Ionic liquid (IL) was optimally utilized to achieve the mentioned target. IL was coupled with ultrasound irradiation to obtain good yield of partially purified Moringa oleifera leaf polysaccharides. The yield of purified polysaccharides (75.11%) was close to the predicted (75.78%). Crude polysaccharides were found to be round group‐like shape while purified polysaccharides displayed compact flat thick‐slice shape under scanning electron microscopy. Using gas chromatography, galacturonic acid was detected as part of monosaccharide composition of crude polysaccharides. Functional groups associated with polysaccharides were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Using Congo red assay, polysaccharides were observed to be of nonhelical structure. The crude polysaccharide was more viscous in rheological property and had molecular weight of (304,700 g/mol). Using dynamic light scattering methodology, purified polysaccharides (24,370 g/mol) aggregated in water and possessed an excellent ABTS antiradical ability. Purification of polysaccharides using IL within a short time was feasible and presented useful characteristics needed in formulations by the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Practical application

Feasibility of using ionic liquid aqueous two‐phase system to separate biomolecules (amino acids, saccharides) within a short time has been established by researchers. Knowledge on this was applied in the separation of proteins from polysaccharides extracted from Moringa oleifera leaf. Knowledge of structure–function relations was thoroughly established for extracted and purified polysaccharides. Characteristics of polysaccharides discovered can be useful to the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Changes in Predictive Performance of a Frailty Index with Availability of Clinical Domains
Authors: Shi Sandra M. , McCarthy Ellen P. , Mitchell Susan , Kim Dae Hyun
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

Determine the effects of missing data in frailty identification and risk prediction.

DESIGN

Analysis of the National Health in Aging Trends Study.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

About 6206 older adults.

MEASUREMENTS

A 41‐variable frailty index (FI) was constructed with the following domains: comorbidities, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living, self‐reported physical limitations, physical performance, and neuropsychiatric tests. We evaluated discrimination after removing single and multiple domains, comparing C‐statistics for predicting 5‐year risk of mortality and 1‐year risks of disability and falls.

RESULTS

The full FI yielded a mean of .18 and C‐statistics of .72 (95% confidence interval, .70‐.74) for mortality, .80 (.77‐.82) for disability, and .66 (.64‐.68) for falls. Removal of any single domain shifted the FI distribution, resulting in a mean FI ranging from .13 (removing comorbidities) to .20 (removing ADLs) and frailty prevalence (FI ≥ .25) from 16.0% to 28.7%. Among robust participants models missing ADLs misclassified most often, (19% as pre‐frail). Among pre‐frail and frail participants missing comorbidities misclassified most often(69.2% from pre‐frail to robust, 24% from frail to pre‐frail, and 4.9% from frail to robust). Removal of any single domain minimally changed C‐statistics: mortality, .71‐.73; disability, .79‐.80; and falls, .64‐.66. Removing neuropsychiatric testing and physical performance yielded comparable C‐statistics of .70, .78, and .66 for mortality, ADLs, and falls, respectively. However, removal of three or four domains based on likely availability decreased C‐statistics for mortality (.69, .66),disability (.75, .70), and falls (.64, .63), respectively.

CONCLUSION

While FI discrimination is robust to missing information in any single domain, risk prediction is affected by absence of multiple domains. This work informs the application of FI as a clinical and research tool. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1771‐1777, 2020.
The Mediterranean in check: Biological invasions in a changing sea
Authors: Giangrande Adriana , Pierri Cataldo , Del Pasqua Michela , Gravili Cinzia , Gambi Maria Cristina , Gravina Maria Flavia
Published: April 2020

In recent decades, the high introduction rate of alien species (AS) has been mainly due to the increasingly widespread human movements, which often compromise natural barriers, facilitating the invasion of new geographic areas and environments. Being completely new in the recipient habitat, alien invasive species can often have strongly negative impacts on native communities, sometimes causing substantial and irreversible ecological and economic damage. Thus, AS have been branded as “negative” and are often targeted for eradication. However, an accurate assessment of ecological and economic impacts of alien taxa is still lacking in many species, and this is particularly true in marine environments. We focused on the Mediterranean Sea, a very important marine biodiversity “hot spot,” which is among the areas that have been most influenced by the arrival of non‐native species, a process also linked to global warming, leading to a deep transformation of this basin. We describe both negative and positive aspects of some well‐known introductions, assuming a different view of conservation. Biological invasions are, in fact, a fundamental and integral aspect of nature that has always been present in the history of life on Earth. Imagining that nature is static and needs to be restored to a particular state is not a reasonable way of looking at the processes of life. With this in mind, we argue that defining priorities in management and conservation is a prerogative that should not be based on the containment/eradication of one or another species, but on the conservation of those environmental conditions that are essential for the proper functioning of ecosystems. In other words, native versus non‐native species distinction cannot be the main guiding principle in conservation and restoration. For this reason, great attention must be paid to the containment of those human activities that cause greater pollution and rapid changes, and therefore threaten the habitats and biodiversity that we care about most.