bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Privacy calculus or heuristic cues? The dual process of privacy decision making on Chinese social media
Authors: Wang Le , Hu Hai-Hua , Yan Jie , Mei Maggie Qiuzhu
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the antecedents of self-disclosure intention on mobile social applications. This study integrates privacy calculus model and elaboration likelihood theory to reconcile the rational and heuristic views of privacy decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a “random dialing” sampling method, an empirical survey with 913 respondents was conducted. A series of regression models were employed to test the proposed relationships. Robust checks with sub-group analysis were conducted.

Findings

Self-disclosure intention develops along a dual route including the central route and the peripheral route. When the central route predominates, social media users form their attitudes toward self-disclosure based on a rational calculus of the privacy concern and perceived rewards. When the peripheral route predominates, users perform a more heuristic evaluation of relevant informational cues (information about privacy harms, the extent of information asymmetry between users and operators) and contextual cues (flow experience, privacy disclosure of friends). Peripheral cues moderate the relationships between central cues and self-disclosure intention.

Originality/value

This paper extends the Elaboration Likelihood Model by investigating the interaction between the central route and peripheral route. The results provide alternative explanations on the renowned “privacy paradox” phenomenon.
Quality deterioration of bananas in the post-harvest supply chain- an empirical study
Authors: Fernando Indika , Fei Jiangang , Stanley Roger , Enshaei Hossein , Eyles Alieta
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Quality deterioration in bananas along the supply chain (SC) due to cosmetic damage has been a persistent challenge in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the incidence of cosmetic defects in bananas across the post-harvest SC and determining the causes of the diminished fruit quality at the retail stores.

Design/methodology/approach

The study quantified the level of cosmetic damage in 243 cartons of Cavendish bananas across three post-harvest SCs in Australia from pack houses to retail stores and identified the risk factors for cosmetic defects.

Findings

The level of cosmetic damage progressively increased from pack house (1.3 per cent) to distribution centre (DC) (9.0 per cent) and retail (13.3 per cent) and was significantly influenced by package height and pallet positioning during transit. Abrasion damage in ripened bananas was influenced by the travel distance between DC and retail store. The study also revealed a range of risk factors contributing to the observed damage including weakened paperboard cartons due to high moisture absorption during the ripening process.

Research limitations/implications

This study only investigated damage incidence in three post-harvest banana SCs in Australia and the damage assessments were confined to packaged bananas.

Originality/value

This study assessed the quality of bananas along the entire post-harvest SC from farm gate to retail store. The study provided knowledge of the extent of the quality defects, when and where the damage occurred and demonstrated the underlying factors for damage along the SC. This will enable the development of practical interventions to improve the quality and minimize wastage of bananas in the retail markets.
Host plant phenology, insect outbreaks and herbivore communities – The importance of timing
Authors: Ekholm Adam , Tack Ayco J. M. , Pulkkinen Pertti , Roslin Tomas
Published: November 2019

Climate change may alter the dynamics of outbreak species by changing the phenological synchrony between herbivores and their host plants. As host plant phenology has a genotypic component that may interact with climate, infestation levels among genotypes might change accordingly. When the outbreaking herbivore is active early in the season, its infestation levels may also leave a detectable imprint on herbivores colonizing the plant later in the season.

In this study, we first investigated how the spring phenology and genotype of Quercus robur influenced the density of the spring‐active, outbreaking leaf miner Acrocercops brongniardellus. We then assessed how intraspecific density affected the performance of A. brongniardellus and how oak genotype and density of A. brongniardellus affected the insect herbivore community.

We found that Q. robur individuals of late spring phenology were more strongly infested by A. brongniardellus. Conspecific pupae on heavily infested oaks tended to be lighter, and fewer heterospecific insect herbivores colonized the oak later in the season. Beyond its effects through phenology, plant genotype left an imprint on herbivore species richness and on two insect herbivores.

Our results suggest a chain of knock‐on effects from plant phenology, through the outbreaking species to the insect herbivore community. Given the finding of how phenological synchrony between the outbreak species and its host plant influences infestation levels, a shift in synchrony may then change outbreak dynamics and cause cascading effects on the insect community.
Exploring the role of genetic diversity and relatedness in tree seedling growth and mortality: A multispecies study in a Bornean rainforest
Authors: Tito de Morais Claire , Kettle Chris J. , Philipson Christopher D. , Maycock Colin R. , Burslem David F. R. P. , Khoo Eyen , Ghazoul Jaboury
Published: November 2019

Where conspecific seedlings occur at high densities, density‐dependent processes tend to depress their performance and survival relative to co‐occurring heterospecifics. We extend this observation to within‐species genetic diversity and relatedness. We posit that seedling growth and survival increase where there is higher genetic diversity, and lower relatedness, among seedling populations, under the expectation that increased genetic dissimilarity among conspecific seedlings affords greater resistance to pathogens.

We used estimates of individual seedling genetic diversity (multilocus heterozygosity (sMLH)) and genetic relatedness among conspecific seedlings (pairwise kinship coefficients (LRI)), under high and low conspecific seedling density, coupled with censuses of seedling growth and mortality over 30 months to explore the role of genetic diversity and relatedness on growth and mortality of 1,485 seedlings of four dipterocarp species in an undisturbed Bornean tropical rainforest. We hypothesized that more genetically diverse and less related co‐occurring seedlings would display higher survival and growth rates.

In three of our four species, lower genetic diversity increased the probability of mortality over 30 months. We observed no effect of genetic diversity on relative growth rates. Contrary to our expectations, only one species showed a negative effect of increased relatedness on mortality. In two of the four species studied, seedlings that were more genetically related to neighbouring conspecific seedlings in the sample plot were less likely to die, but grew more slowly.

Synthesis. Our results confirm that genetic diversity and relatedness among seedlings shape survival probabilities differentially across species. In contrast, we found no differences in mortality and growth rates between plots with low and high seedling density. Our results suggest that a greater abundance of pollen donors could contribute to cohort seedling survival in some species, though not all, and the specific mechanisms by which genetic relatedness determines seedling demography remain uncertain. These results have conservation and management implications in view of changing patterns of gene flow in fragmented, exploited and degraded tropical rainforests, which might differentially influence natural regeneration among species.
Alien plants and flower visitors disrupt the seasonal dynamics of mutualistic networks
Authors: Arroyo‐Correa Blanca , Burkle Laura A. , Emer Carine
Published: November 2019

Alien species can drastically disrupt ecological processes such as those involving plant–pollinator interactions, performing central roles that may affect the structure of native pollination networks. However, most studies to date have focused on a single trophic level of alien species, evaluating either the impacts of an alien pollinator or an alien plant species, and have neglected their joint effects on the seasonal dynamics of mutualistic networks.

Here, we aim to fill this gap by investigating how alien plant and flower visitor (here used as a proxy for pollinator) species structure temporal networks, and how these species affect the beta‐diversity of interactions across a flowering season. Our study system is located in the South Island of New Zealand, where 68% of the sampled plant species and 14% of the flower visitor species that interact with them are alien.

Alien flower visitor species exhibited higher interaction degree, specialization and strength than their native counterparts, while alien plant species showed the opposite pattern. We found that invader complexes (in which alien species interact significantly more with each other than with native species) were established across the season, and interactions involving alien plant species were the main connectors of the temporal networks. Both alien plant and flower visitor species increased total interaction turnover through the flowering season by promoting interaction rewiring in the case of alien plants and by increasing species turnover in the case of alien flower visitors.

Synthesis. This study provides one of the first empirical reports of alien species shaping the seasonal dynamics of plant–flower visitor networks. We demonstrate that the presence of alien species may simultaneously lead to a homogenization of plant species composition and increase the diversity of plant–flower visitor interactions through a flowering season. Additionally, we highlight the importance of considering the role of different trophic levels when analysing the impact of alien species in plant–flower visitor communities. Overall, our findings suggest that management strategies should pay particular attention to the timescale at which interactions with alien species dissolve or form, and to the consequences and drivers of such seasonal dynamics.
A Bourdieusian approach to class‐related inequalities: the role of capitals and capital structure in the utilisation of healthcare services in later life
Authors: Paccoud Ivana , Nazroo James , Leist Anja
Published: November 2019

This paper draws on Bourdieu's theory of economic, social and cultural capital to understand the relative effect of the volume and the composition of these capitals on healthcare service use in later life. Based on data from the fifth wave of the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (n = 64,840), we first look at the contribution of each capital in the use of three healthcare services (general practitioner, dentist and hospital). Using cluster analysis, we then mobilise Bourdieu's concept of habitus to explain how the unequal distribution of material and non‐material capitals acquired in childhood lead to different levels of health and hospital care utilisation in later life. After controlling for demographic and health insurance variables, our results show that economic capital has the strongest individual association among the three capitals. However, the results of a cluster analysis used to distinguish between capital structures show that those with high non‐material capital and low material capital have higher levels of primary healthcare utilisation, and in turn lower levels of hospital use. Bourdieu's approach sheds light on the importance of capitals in all forms and structures to understand the class‐related mechanisms that contribute to different levels of healthcare use.
The Aboriginal Adjustment Movement in Colonial Victoria
Authors: Cahir Fred , Kerin Rani , Rippon Kylie
Published: November 2019

Whilst much has been written about Aboriginal religious syncretism in Australia, particularly about what has become known as the “Adjustment Movement” that occurred in Arnhem Land in the 1950s (see McIntosh 2004), there were several remarkable examples of spiritual adjustment by Aboriginal people a century earlier on the Victorian goldfields that hitherto have not been explored by historians. Building on Magowan's (2003) discussion of the connection between Christianity and the ancestral law of Aboriginal culture in northern Australia, this article will examine how Christian influences in colonial Victoria competed with, and conversely moulded, southern Kulin ancestral understanding. Several Kulin ceremonies — including the Myndee ceremony and the “Veinie Sacred Sunday Dance” — will be examined. These ceremonies were described by colonial officials (Joseph Panton, a Gold Commissioner, and William Thomas, the Aboriginal Guardian of Aborigines in Victoria) in the midst of a second wave of invasion and rupture for Victorian Aboriginal people — the first being the sheep herders in the 1830s, and the second being the gold rush which commenced in 1851. Serving as exemplars of what might be called the Victorian Aboriginal Adjustment Movement, these ceremonies demonstrate the extent to which Aboriginal people on the goldfields of Victoria engaged in a culturally congruent mode of Christianity.
Distribution of Chemical Phenotypes (Chemotypes) in European Agricultural Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Cultivars
Authors: Borroto Fernandez Eduviges , Peterseil Verena , Hackl Gerald , Menges Sonja , de Meijer Etienne , Staginnus Christina
Published: November 2019

In Europe, more than 50 approved cultivars of fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) are in agricultural production. Their content of psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is legally restricted to <0.2% (%w/w in the dry, mature inflorescences). Cannabis strains with much higher THC contents are also grown, illegally or under license for drug production. Differentiation between these two groups relies on biochemical quantification of cannabinoid contents in mature floral material. For nonflowering material or tissue devoid of cannabinoids, the genetic prediction of the chemical phenotype (chemotype) provides a suitable method of distinction. Three discrete chemotypes, depending on the ratio of THC and the noneuphoric cannabidiol (CBD), can be distinguished: a “THC‐predominant” type, a “CBD‐predominant” type, and an intermediate chemotype. We present a systematic genetic prediction of chemotypes of 62 agricultural hemp cultivars grown in Europe. The survey reveals the presence of up to 35% BT allele‐carrying individuals (representing either a THC‐predominant or an intermediate chemotype) in some cultivars—which is unexpected considering the legal THC limit of 0.2% THC. The fact that 100% of the seized drug‐type seeds in this study revealed at least one BT allele, reflects that plant breeding efforts have resulted in a fixation of the BT allele in recreational Cannabis. To guarantee a sincere forensic application based on a genetic chemotype prediction, we recommend not to classify material of unknown origin if the samples size is below nine genetically independent individuals.
Sequential ALK inhibitor treatment benefits patient with leptomeningeal metastasis harboring non‐EML4‐ALK rearrangements detected from cerebrospinal fluid: A case report
Authors: Li Zhaona , Li Pupu , Yan Bing , Gao Qiongqiong , Jiang Xiangli , Zhan Zhongli , Yan Qingna , Lizaso Analyn , Huang Chun
Published: November 2019

A 47‐year‐old female with ALK‐rearranged lung adenocarcinoma developed leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) after progression on first‐line crizotinib. Alectinib 300 mg was commenced and the patient achieved clinical and radiographic improvements. After nine months of alectinib 300 mg, she started to experience symptomatic LM. Two concurrent non‐EML4‐ALK rearrangements, LOC388942‐ALK and LINC00211‐ALK, were identified from the CSF but not from the plasma samples. With the primary lung lesions remaining stable, the alectinib dose was increased to 600 mg twice daily which alleviated the clinical symptoms of symptomatic LM. After 7.6 months of alectinib 600 mg, the patient again experienced CNS progression. With both CSF and plasma samples revealing no druggable mutations, the alectinib dose was re‐escalated to 900 mg twice daily, resulting in clinical benefits lasting for two months. Her therapy was then switched to lorlatinib which controlled the disease for 8.7 months until her demise. The LINC00211‐ALK fusion, which retains the ALK kinase domain, detected from the CSF was the mechanism of treatment efficacy in this patient. The central nervous system (CNS) has been increasingly recognized as a site of treatment failure in multiple cancers, including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our case demonstrated that alectinib dose‐escalation and lorlatinib overcame ALK inhibitor resistance in the CNS in an ALK‐positive LM patient. Furthermore, we provide the first clinical evidence of the efficacy of sequential ALK inhibitors in targeting LINC00211‐ALK in a patient with LM.
Shocks to food market systems: A network approach
Authors: Baffes John , Kshirsagar Varun
Published: November 2019

In order to better understand how cross‐border price shocks are transmitted to domestic food markets, we augment an error correction model with a network approach and apply it to Tanzania. We show the following. First, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city and port, is not a significant influence. Second, demand shocks emanate primarily from border markets that may serve as conduits for informal trade. Third, market linkages differ considerably across seasons and commodities. Fourth, prices in areas with high production potential are especially sensitive to systemic shocks. More broadly, we show that a network approach in conjunction with time series analysis can enhance our understanding of the origins and channels through which shocks are transmitted to food markets.
Rewriting China’s Recent History: Fluctuations in State Economic Control, 1949–1984
Authors: Zhang Yiying , Dong Xiaodan , Wen Tiejun
Published: November 2019

China's political and economic systems are often discussed in combination. It is generally believed that under the political system of centralization, the economic system had to be a state monopoly. This article challenges that view by providing an economic perspective. The period 1949–1984 is selected to explore the causes of successive periods of strengthening and weakening of the state's monopoly power over the economy. Scholars have generally assumed that the period of state monopoly originated from socialist ideology or the personal will of the leaders. But economic conditions severely limited the options available. After the new China was established, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) did not try to create a fully socialist economy in the short run. Instead, the CCP formulated a New Democracy platform that pragmatically allowed many types of enterprise to function side by side, including private industry, household ventures, and state‐owned enterprises. The original plan of the CCP was to allow private enterprise to develop in order to build up capital to rebuild the war‐damaged economy so that a strong foundation could be established for creating a socialist economy. But the Korean War from 1950 to 1953 and an influx of Soviet capital caused a shift from a mixed economy to state capitalism by 1956. From that point on, Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders had to change course again and again as fiscal crises limited available options. A reversal occurred in 1958 when the Soviets withdrew both their advisors and their capital subsidies, leaving the state capitalist system weakened. The crisis in the Chinese economy from 1959 to 1961 required decentralization of economic authority and efforts to promote rural capital formation. The next shift occurred after 1963 as the economy was organized to prepare for a possible military invasion. The required mobilization of industrial resources in remote regions of China inevitably reinforced state management of the economy. The final reversal occurred in the late 1970s, when imports of Western technology and equipment created another fiscal crisis for the central government, which then had to shift the burden of capital formation from the state to private entities. The reform of the rural household contract system, the adjustment of economic structures, and an increase in exports to gain foreign exchange all took place as part of “de‐monopolization” reforms. The reforms that occurred after 1979 were not an aberration or a radical break from the past. They were part of a pattern that evolved from 1949 to 1984, with fluctuations dependent on the weakening and strengthening status of state finances. The shifts that occurred during this period have either been ignored by observers, or they have been misinterpreted as being motivated by ideology. In fact, new policies were created to enable the government to adjust to changes in the internal and external environment.
Initial experience with Impella RP in a quaternary transplant center
Authors: Monteagudo‐Vela María , Simon Andre , Panoulas Vasileios
Published: November 2019

Right ventricular failure is one of the most common complications encountered after left ventricular assist device implantation and heart transplantation. It has been reported to have an incidence up to 30%. It increases morbidity and short‐term mortality. Impella RP is a small pump that can provide up to 4L/min of flow. We analyzed all the patients with right ventricular failure that were treated with Impella RP in our institution. The Impella RP was implanted percutaneously in the catheterization laboratory guided by fluoroscopy. Overall, 7 patients required the implantation of an Impella RP due to right ventricular failure: 2 after long‐term LVAD, 3 presented with acute right ventricular failure immediately after LVAD implantation, and 2 needed it after heart transplantation. Regarding complications, we report 2 patients with hemolysis. Hemodynamic parameters as well as end‐organ perfusion and inotropic requirements improved after the insertion of the Impella. Overall, 30‐day survival is 58%. Median time of support was 9 (5–19) days. RV failure is one of the most challenging complications after LVAD implantation and heart transplantation. The major challenge is the timing of implantation. The minimally invasive nature of the Impella RP facilitates de‐escalation of treatment and paves the road to recovery. Impella RP proved useful in facilitating ECMO wean. Used in a prompt manner alongside the ease of implantation and the minimal rate of complications, Impella RP seems to be an appropriate device to tackle RV failure providing enough flow to allow for recovery or escalation decision‐making.
Ca2+‐independent and voltage‐dependent exocytosis in mouse chromaffin cells
Authors: Moya‐Díaz José , Bayonés Lucas , Montenegro Mauricio , Cárdenas Ana M. , Koch Henner , Doi Atsushi , Marengo Fernando D.
Published: November 2019

Aim

It is widely accepted that the exocytosis of synaptic and secretory vesicles is triggered by Ca2+ entry through voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels. However, there is evidence of an alternative mode of exocytosis induced by membrane depolarization but lacking Ca2+ current and intracellular Ca2+ increase. In this work we investigated if such a mechanism contributes to secretory vesicle exocytosis in mouse chromaffin cells.

Methods

Exocytosis was evaluated by patch‐clamp membrane capacitance measurements, carbon fibre amperometry and TIRF. Cytosolic Ca2+ was estimated using epifluorescence microscopy and fluo‐8 (salt form).

Results

Cells stimulated by brief depolatizations in absence of extracellular Ca+2 show moderate but consistent exocytosis, even in presence of high cytosolic BAPTA concentration and pharmacological inhibition of Ca+2 release from intracellular stores. This exocytosis is tightly dependent on membrane potential, is inhibited by neurotoxin Bont‐B (cleaves the v‐SNARE synaptobrevin), is very fast (saturates with time constant <10 ms), it is followed by a fast endocytosis sensitive to the application of an anti‐dynamin monoclonal antibody, and recovers after depletion in <5 s. Finally, this exocytosis was inhibited by: (i) ω‐agatoxin IVA (blocks P/Q‐type Ca2+ channel gating), (ii) in cells from knock‐out P/Q‐type Ca2+ channel mice, and (iii) transfection of free synprint peptide (interferes in P/Q channel‐exocytic proteins association).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that Ca2+‐independent and voltage‐dependent exocytosis is present in chromaffin cells. This process is tightly coupled to membrane depolarization, and is able to support secretion during action potentials at low basal rates. P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels can operate as voltage sensors of this process.
Effect of parity number on the dry matter intake of dairy cows during the first week after calving
Authors: Reshalaitihan Maimaiti , Wynn Syaw , Teramura Makoto , Sato Tadashi , Hanada Masaaki
Published: November 2019

We investigated the effect of parity number on the dry matter intake (DMI) of cows during the first week after calving. Eighty‐three cows were evaluated from 14 days before to 7 days after calving. DMI and milk yield were measured for 7 days after calving, and the calving score was measured. Blood samples were collected throughout the experiment. The average DMI during the first week after calving was reduced in the first‐lactation heifers and high‐parity number cows. A quadratic relationship between the parity number and the DMI was observed. The first‐lactation heifers had lower prepartum serum total protein (TP) concentration and milk yield, higher prepartum serum nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration and calving score than the multiparous cows. The recovery rate of serum calcium (Ca) after calving was slow in the cows in the parity 6. The DMI was positively affected by the serum Ca concentration after calving, milk yield, and prepartum serum TP concentration and was negatively affected by the calving score and prepartum serum NEFA concentration. We conclude that the DMI immediately after calving tends to be lower in first‐lactation heifers and high‐parity number cows, but factors that reduce the DMI differ according to parity number.
The neuroprotective role of microglial cells against amyloid beta‐mediated toxicity in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures
Authors: Richter Maren , Vidovic Natascha , Biber Knut , Dolga Amalia , Culmsee Carsten , Dodel Richard
Published: November 2019

During Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression, microglial cells play complex roles and have potentially detrimental as well as beneficial effects. The use of appropriate model systems is essential for characterizing and understanding the roles of microglia in AD pathology. Here, we used organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) to investigate the impact of microglia on amyloid beta (Aβ)‐mediated toxicity. Neurons in OHSCs containing microglia were not vulnerable to cell death after 7 days of repeated treatment with Aβ1‐42 oligomer‐enriched preparations. However, when clodronate was used to remove microglia, treatment with Aβ1‐42 resulted in significant neuronal death. Further investigations indicated signs of endoplasmic reticulum stress and caspase activation after Aβ1‐42 challenge only when microglia were absent. Interestingly, microglia provided protection without displaying any classic signs of activation, such as an amoeboid morphology or the release of pro‐inflammatory mediators (e.g., IL‐6, TNF‐α, NO). Furthermore, depleting microglia or inhibiting microglial uptake mechanisms resulted in significant more Aβ deposition compared to that observed in OHSCs containing functional microglia, suggesting that microglia efficiently cleared Aβ. Because inhibiting microglial uptake increased neuronal cell death, the ability of microglia to engulf Aβ is thought to contribute to its protective properties. Our study argues for a beneficial role of functional ramified microglia whereby they act against the accumulation of neurotoxic forms of Aβ and support neuronal resilience in an in situ model of AD pathology.
Quantitative analysis of spectral Doppler clicks in assessment of aortic stenosis
Authors: White Brent , Wessel Sean , Zheng Weili , Gonzalez Daniel , Sovari Ali , Konda Sreenivas , Frazin Leon
Published: November 2019

Objectives

This study was performed to evaluate an additional echocardiographic spectral Doppler marker, which would identify severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Background

Echocardiography is most commonly utilized to assess AS and has been validated against invasive measurements. However, the data obtained are not always in agreement, leaving a conundrum regarding the true severity of AS and can lead to other diagnostic procedures. This highlights the importance of improved noninvasive diagnostic techniques.

Methods

Forty‐eight indeterminate cases of calcific AS that had been previously evaluated by both echocardiography and cardiac catheterization were included in the study, using cardiac catheterization as the gold standard for calculation of aortic valve area (AVA). The intensity of opening and closing of the aortic valve, represented by bright vertical deflections on the CW spectral waveform, was quantified using ImageJ software to generate pixel intensity histograms to create opening and closing click (OC and CC) ratios. These ratios were compared with echocardiographic variables and catheterization AVA.

Results

Thirty‐five patients were found to have severe AS and 13 patients were found to have nonsevere AS, as assessed by cardiac catheterization. CC ratio was found to be a significant predictor of severe AS with an OR 0.024 (95% CI: 0.002‐0.378, P = .0079). Adding CC to a model using standard echocardiographic parameters resulted in significant improvement in the C‐statistic (0.693 to 0.835, P = .0134).

Conclusions

An additional Doppler marker measuring the aortic valve CC ratio has been found to improve detection of severe AS.
Ermentrude's consecration (866): queen‐making rites and biblical templates for Carolingian fertility
Authors: Mistry Zubin
Published: November 2019

Ermentrude's consecration in 866 has long been interpreted as the quintessential example of queen‐making as fertility rite. More recent scholarship has illuminated how Carolingian queen‐making articulated richer definitions of queenship and reflected wider political roles of queens. This article re‐examines the significance of fertility at Ermentrude's consecration. Close analysis of the introductory address that survives alongside the liturgy for anointing and coronation shows that fertility was an unusually important theme at Ermentrude's consecration – but not simply the queen's fertility. By modelling royal fertility on biblical templates, the consecration communicated not only hopes of future children but also political messages about divine sanction of dynastic continuity and good kingship.
Charlemagne's peaches: a case of early medieval European ecological adaptation
Authors: Blan Noah
Published: November 2019

What happened to the many ‘Mediterranean’ fruits the Romans brought to north‐west Europe when the empire that supported their dissemination ended? Charlemagne's capitulary De villis called for the cultivation of various fruit trees, including peach (Prunus persica). That fruit hits the sweet spot between plants that were rare in early medieval northern Francia, like date palm, and those that were commonplace, like plum. Thus, the peach is an excellent proxy for Charlemagne's imperial and ecological aspirations. Using both written and archaeobotanical evidence for peaches in Francia, this article analyses how adapting exotic plants to northern climates served the purposes of early medieval rulers.
Why do stock repurchases change over time?
Authors: Hsu Yuan‐Teng , Huang Chia‐Wei
Published: November 2019

Recent studies have shown the time trends of firm stock repurchase behavior. We examine these time changes for stock repurchase through the lens of real activities earnings management. Managers appear more likely to manipulate earnings through stock repurchases since the passage of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX) in 2002. Furthermore, suspect firms that just missed analyst earnings per share forecasts have higher incentives to manipulate earnings through stock repurchases. The results are not driven by changes in corporate governance associated with the passage of SOX. Overall, our results suggest earnings management can be a significant determinant of the dynamics of stock repurchases.
Divorced Fathers' Perceptions of Parental Disclosures to Children
Authors: Kang Youngjin , Ganong Lawrence
Published: November 2019

Objective

To examine divorced fathers' views about the appropriateness of disclosures and explore their disclosure strategies.

Background

Parental disclosures are common occurrences in the context of divorce; they may be harmful or beneficial depending on what information is disclosed and how parents disclose to their children. However, relatively little is known about divorced fathers' perceptions of parental disclosures to children.

Method

In‐depth qualitative interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 20 divorced fathers who had children between 10 and 18 years of age. Data were analyzed by using a strategy called interpretive description, which borrows from other qualitative approaches while allowing researchers to pragmatically apply various techniques to their applied research questions.

Results

There generally was consensus among fathers about which subjects should and should not be shared with children. Fathers perceived their own disclosures to be more appropriate than similar disclosures made by others, including their coparents. Fathers used three primary approaches for managing how much information to disclose with their children: (a) transparency (i.e., being open as possible); (b) limiting (i.e., restricting verbal and nonverbal communications); and (c) concealment (i.e., completely hiding information from children).

Conclusion

How divorced fathers evaluate parental disclosures is important to guide their own disclosures and strategies.

Implication

To better understand parental disclosures after divorce, there needs to be more research on parental disclosures. Practitioners and parent educators should help divorced parents carefully evaluate their own disclosures to establish clear and healthy communication boundaries with their children and coparents.
When state‐level institutions cannot tell the whole story: An inquiry into municipal variations in quality of government
Authors: Erlingsson Gissur Ó. , Lundåsen Susanne Wallman
Published: November 2019

The lion's share of comparative research on corruption, good governance, and quality of government (QoG) has been cross‐country. However, a growing body of literature has begun to explore within‐country variations observed at the subnational level regarding corruption and social trust. The existence of such variations implies that state‐level institutions are not capable of telling the entire story and that quality of subnational‐level institutions might be important determinants of within‐country variations regarding, for instance, trust. This article delves into the Swedish case, an egalitarian country that scores high in international indices on lack of corruption and social trust; hence, a “least likely case” of subnational variations in both QoG and trust. Using two unique data sets, we find variations in both municipal QoG and social trust. In line with theory, we find that “local QoG” is associated with individual levels of community trust. This finding—in a low‐corrupt, high‐trust egalitarian society—strengthens the universality of the QoG‐perspective.
An Interview with Chris Skinner
Authors: Haziza David , Smith Paul A.
Published: November 2019

Chris Skinner was born in London on 12 March 1953. He completed a BA in mathematics in 1975 at the University of Cambridge. He then obtained an MSc degree in statistics from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 1976 and worked as an assistant statistician in the Central Statistical Office for 1 year. After working as a research assistant in LSE from 1977 to 1978, he joined the University of Southampton as a lecturer in 1978, where he earned a PhD in social statistics in 1982. He remained at the University of Southampton, where he became a senior lecturer in 1989 and professor of statistics in 1994. While serving as the head of his department from 1997 to 2000, he played a crucial role in the creation of an MSc programme in official statistics in 1999. In 2011, he returned to the LSE, where he currently holds the position of professor of statistics. Chris is the author of over 80 peer‐reviewed articles in statistical journals and the co‐editor of two influential books on the analysis of survey data. He made significant research contributions covering areas that include the analysis of survey data, inference in the presence of non‐response and measurement errors and statistical disclosure control. He served on several advisory committees, including the Statistical Methods Advisory Committee at Statistics Canada (from 2000 to 2011) and the National Statistics Methodology Advisory Committee in the United Kingdom (from 2001 to 2010). He has received numerous awards and honors for his outstanding contributions to survey sampling and social statistics. He is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association, Fellow of the British Academy and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. In 2009, he received the West Medal from the Royal Statistical Society for contributions to social statistics, and in 2010, he was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. In 2019, he also received the Waksberg award to recognize his contributions to survey methodology. The following conversation took place at LSE on 21 May 2019.
Occupational Achievements of Same‐Sex Couples in the United States by Gender and Race
Authors: del Río Coral , Alonso‐Villar Olga
Published: November 2019

This article offers a framework that allows for the simultaneous comparison of all sexual orientation–gender–race/ethnicity groups after controlling for characteristics. The analysis suggests that occupations matter in explaining earnings differences among groups. The article also displays the high magnitude of the gender wage gap in an intersectional framework. The sexual orientation wage premium of lesbians is quite small for blacks and much higher for Hispanics and Asians than for whites. For men, departing from the white heterosexual model involves a substantial punishment; the racial penalty is larger for heterosexuals whereas the sexual orientation penalty is greater for whites.
Effect of eHealth cardiac rehabilitation on health outcomes of coronary heart disease patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Su Jing Jing , Yu Doris Sau Fung , Paguio Jenniffer Torralba
Published: November 2019

Aims

To evaluate the effects of eHealth cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on health outcomes of coronary heart disease patients and to identify programme design, which may lead to more effective health benefits.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis following Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

Data sources

Medline, EMBASE, CLNAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails, PubMed and CNKI were searched over the period from 1806 to April 2019.

Review methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to examine the effect of eHealth CR on health outcomes of coronary heart disease patients. We used RevMan 5.3 for risk of bias assessment and meta‐analysis and GRADE software for generating findings.

Results

In all, 14 trials with 1,783 participants were included. eHealth CR has significantly promoted duration of physical activity, daily steps, quality of life (QoL) and re‐hospitalization. Using comparative analysis of programme design elements, including mode of delivery, intervention content, motivational strategies and social support, between the effective and ineffective eHealth CR, it was found that comprehensive empowerment strategies and follow‐up care by tele‐monitoring may be the crucial characteristics leading to more favourable treatment effect.

Conclusion

eHealth CR is effective in engaging patients in active lifestyle, improving QoL and reducing re‐hospitalization. Future research needs to test the effects of comprehensive CR programmes by incorporating empowerment strategies and tele‐monitoring as active components.

Impact

eHealth has been increasingly applied to increase accessibility and uptake of CR. Integrative evidence to indicate its effects on health outcomes is lacking. This review identified its positive effects on some behavioural, psychosocial and health service use outcomes. Together with insights about which programme design elements may positively shape the outcomes, this review informs the role and practice of cardiovascular nurses in promoting evidence‐based eHealth CR.
Evidence on the causal link between homocysteine and hypertension from a meta‐analysis of 40 173 individuals implementing Mendelian randomization
Authors: Fu Liwan , Li Ya‐nan , Luo Dongmei , Deng Shufang , Wu Baihui , Hu Yue‐Qing
Published: November 2019

Numerous researchers have investigated the associations among methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, homocysteine (Hcy) concentration, and hypertension. However, the results are controversial. Thus, a meta‐analysis implementing Mendelian randomization approach was conducted to examine the hypothesis that elevated Hcy concentration plausibly contributes to increased risk of hypertension. Based on several inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible studies were selected to explore the correlation between MTHFR C677T and hypertension risk, MTHFR C677T and Hcy concentration in hypertension, and Hcy concentration and hypertension, and they were evaluated by odds ratios (ORs), effect size (ES), and standard mean difference with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), respectively. Moreover, Mendelian randomization was implemented to evaluate the relationship between Hcy and hypertension. Consequently, 14 378 cases and 25 795 controls were involved in this study and the results showed that MTHFR C677T led to an elevated risk of hypertension (for T vs C: OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.17‐1.37; for TT vs CC: OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.30‐1.79). Additionally, in hypertensive subjects, the pooled Hcy concentration in individuals of TT genotype was 7.74 μmol/L (95% CI: 5.25‐10.23) greater than that in individuals of CC genotype. Moreover, the pooled Hcy concentration in hypertensive was 0.69 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.50‐0.87) greater than that in controls. The estimated causal OR associated with hypertension was 1.32 for 5 μmol/L Hcy increment. Via MTHFR C677T polymorphism, the findings in the present study demonstrated that there exists evidence on causal link between Hcy concentration and the risk of hypertension.
Cigarette smoke‐induced HMGB1 translocation and release contribute to migration and NF‐κB activation through inducing autophagy in lung macrophages
Authors: Le Yanqing , Wang Yanhong , Zhou Lu , Xiong Jing , Tian Jieyu , Yang Xia , Gai Xiaoyan , Sun Yongchang
Published: November 2019

High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) shows pro‐inflammatory activity in various inflammatory diseases and has been found up‐regulated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lung macrophages play an important role in airway inflammation and lung destruction in COPD, yet whether HMGB1 is involved in cigarette smoke (CS)‐induced lung macrophage dysfunction is unknown. We sought to evaluate the intracellular localization and release of HMGB1 in lung macrophages from COPD patients and CS‐exposed mice, and to investigate the role of HMGB1 in regulating autophagy in CS extract (CSE)‐treated lung macrophages (MH‐S cells). Our results showed that HMGB1 was highly expressed in lung tissues and sera of COPD patients and CS‐exposed mice, along with predominantly cytoplasmic exporting from nuclei in lung macrophages. In vitro experiments revealed that CSE promoted the expression, nucleocytoplasmic translocation and release of HMGB1 partly via the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Blockade of HMGB1 with chicken anti‐HMGB1 polyclonal antibody (anti‐HMGB1) or glycyrrhizin (Gly) attenuated the increase of LC3B‐II and Beclin1, migration and p65 phosphorylation, suggesting the involvement of HMGB1 in autophagy, migration and NF‐κB activation of lung macrophages. Hydroxychloroquine (CQ), an autophagy inhibitor, enhanced the increase of LC3B‐II but not Beclin1 in CSE or rHMGB1‐treated MH‐S cells, and inhibition of autophagy by CQ and 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) abrogated the migration and p65 phosphorylation of CSE‐treated cells. These results indicate that CS‐induced HMGB1 translocation and release contribute to migration and NF‐κB activation through inducing autophagy in lung macrophages, providing novel evidence for HMGB1 as a potential target of intervention in COPD.
Anemia prevalence and its impact on health‐related quality of life in Indian diabetic kidney disease patients: Evidence from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hussain Salman , Habib Anwar , Najmi Abul Kalam
Published: November 2019

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, predictors of anemia, and its impact on health‐related quality of life among diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients.

Methods

Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and had any stages of CKD (stages I to IV), based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were enrolled in the study. Anemia was defined using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and quality of life was assessed using the EQ‐5D scale. All the statistical analysis was performed using SAS v9.4.

Results

A total of 323 patients completed the study. The mean ± SD age of patients was 56 ± 11.25 years, and 51.7% were female. Mean duration of diabetes was 9.6 ± 4.57 years. A total of 227 (70.27%) had anemia as per the WHO criteria. Linear association was observed between the eGFR and hemoglobin. After controlling for the possible confounders in multivariate logistic regression analysis, older age (odds ratio [OR]: 2.46 [95% CI: 1.16 to 5.28], P = .021), diabetes duration (OR: 1.53 [95% CI: 1.04 to 2.25], P = .022), and CKD stage III (OR: 3.63 [95% CI: 0.99 to 13.32], P = .004) were found to be significantly associated with the anemia. Consistently lower EQ‐5D index values were observed for the anemic group.

Conclusion

This study reported a high prevalence of anemia and impaired quality of life among DKD patients. Routine screening of anemia can be the most preventive measure to deal with this burdening co‐morbid condition.