bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction optimisation, antioxidant activity and inhibition on α‐amylase and pancreatic lipase of polyphenols from the seeds of Syzygium cumini
Authors: Abdin Mohamed , Hamed Yahya Saud , Akhtar Hafiz Muhammad Saleem , Chen Dan , Mukhtar Shanza , Wan Peng , Riaz Asad , Zeng Xiaoxiong
Published: March 2019

The objectives of this study were to determine the optimal extraction conditions of polyphenols from Syzygium cumini seeds by response surface methodology and investigate their antioxidant activity and inhibition on α‐amylase and pancreatic lipase. As results, the optimal extraction conditions in the ultrasonic extraction process which maximised total polyphenols content, minimised the IC50 values of α‐amylase and pancreatic lipase were determined as follows: extraction time 60 min, ethanol concentration 63% and solvent/solid ratio 44 mL g−1. The main phenolic compounds in partially purified fraction of Syzygium cumini seeds were catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol, gallic, 5‐caffeoylquinic, caffeic and ferulic acids. In addition, the partially purified fraction inhibited 87.66 ± 5.55 and 86.61 ± 3.15% of α‐amylase and pancreatic lipase, respectively. The results suggested that Syzygium cumini seeds could be explored as a natural antioxidant and could be used as a source of highly antidiabetic and anti‐obesity bioactive compounds.
Determination of sensory thresholds of Mentha piperita L. essential oil in selected tropical fruit juices and efficacy of sensory accepted concentrations combined with mild heat to inactivate foodborne pathogens
Authors: de Carvalho Rayssa Julliane , de Souza Pedrosa Geany Targino , Chaves Maísa Gomes , de Sousa Janaina Maria Batista , de Souza Evandro Leite , Pagán Rafael , Magnani Marciane
Published: March 2019

This study determined the compromised acceptance threshold (CAT) and rejection threshold (RT) of Mentha piperita L. essential oil (MPEO) in cajá, guava and mango juices. The MPEO concentrations below the RT values were evaluated alone or combined with mild heat treatment (MHT; 54 °C) to inactivate ≥5‐log10 of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Enteritidis PT 4 in the same juices. The CAT of MPEO varied from 0.30 to 0.32 μL mL−1, while the RT was 1.34 or 1.36 μL mL−1 in the tested juices. Only concentrations of MPEO close, or higher than the RT caused ≥5‐log10 reductions in the tested pathogens in cajá, guava and mango juices. Combined with MHT, concentrations of MPEO below the RT reduced ≥5‐log10 of both pathogens in juices. These findings indicate that MPEO concentrations below the RT in combination with MHT is a feasible preservation technology to ensure the safety of tropical fruit juices.
Visual storytelling for improving the comprehension and utility in disseminating information systems research: Evidence from a quasi‐experiment
Authors: Mirkovski Kristijan , Gaskin James E. , Hull David M. , Lowry Paul Benjamin
Published: March 2019

Since the start of human civilisation, storytelling has served as an effective medium for disseminating important knowledge within families, communities, and organisations. We make a case for the use of visual storytelling, namely, video stories, to supplement traditional scholarly articles in the Information Systems (IS) discipline, thereby exploring its potential to improve actual and perceived comprehension, perceived utility, satisfaction as well as intentions to cite, share, and accept research. Drawing on cognitive learning theory, the cognitive theory of multimedia learning and the literature on deep processing, we develop our research model, which is based on the model by Jiang and Benbasat (2007). We test our model in experimental settings with 269 research‐oriented students and academics who were randomised into four conditions: (1) reading a text‐based article, (2) reading the script for a video about the article, (3) viewing the video story of the article, and (4) viewing the video story followed by reading the article. Results showed that the article's script was significantly perceived to be the least useful in disseminating research content. The video story and text‐based article were perceived to be equally useful, and supplementing the text‐based article with a video story was perceived to be the most useful. Moreover, the video story and text‐based article supplemented by a video story were of roughly equal effectiveness; yet, the video script was the most effective, and the text‐based article was least effective relative to other formats in disseminating scholarly knowledge. Last, we discuss how to further improve the design of video stories by referring to the critical narrative theory, which has the potential to significantly promote the dissemination of IS scholarly knowledge.
Correlates of alternative migratory strategies in western bluebirds
Authors: Dale C. A. , Nocera J. J. , Franks S. E. , Kyser T. K. , Ratcliffe L. M.
Published: March 2019

Partial migration occurs when only some animals in a population migrate. While evidence suggests that migratory strategies are partially controlled by genes, individual and environmental conditions which alter the cost‐benefit trade‐off of migration among individuals are also likely to play a role. Three hypotheses have been advanced to explain condition‐dependent partial migration: the arrival time, dominance and body size hypotheses. In this study, we asked whether these hypotheses explained differences in migratory strategy among individuals in a partially migratory population of western bluebirdsSialia mexicanabreeding in southern British Columbia, Canada. We used stable hydrogen isotope signatures in claw tissue to determine migratory strategy of individual bluebirds, and examined patterns of migration at both individual and population levels. The proportion of resident bluebirds varied significantly over the three years of the study, and across study sites. Several migrants switched to the resident strategy between years; however, we found no evidence of strategy switching in the opposite direction. Young birds were significantly more likely to be resident than older birds, a pattern which could arise if early arrival is particularly important for birds obtaining a territory for the first time. Furthermore, young females were the most likely of all sex–age classes to be resident, which may reflect a survival advantage of residency for young females. Finally, birds mated assortatively by migratory strategy and isotopic evidence suggests that members of a pair often wintered in the same place. Our results provided no support for the dominance or body size hypotheses, and only limited support for the arrival time hypothesis in bluebirds. However, taken together, we suggest that our findings indicate that social factors may influence migratory strategies in this system.
Do the high energy lifestyles of shorebirds result in high maximal metabolic rates? Basal and maximal metabolic rates in least and pectoral sandpipers during migration
Authors: Thomas Nathan E. , Swanson David L.
Published: March 2019

Shorebirds have high resting and field metabolic rates relative to many other bird groups, and this is posited to be related to their high‐energy lifestyle. Maximum metabolic outputs for cold or exercise are also often high for bird groups with energetically demanding lifestyles. Moreover, shorebirds demonstrate flexible basal and maximal metabolic rates, which vary with changing energy demands throughout the annual cycle. Consequently, shorebirds might be expected to have high maximum metabolic rates, especially during migration periods. We captured least Calidris minutilla and pectoral C. melanotos sandpipers during spring and fall migration in southeastern South Dakota and measured maximal exercise metabolic rate (MMR; least sandpipers only), summit metabolic rate (Msum, maximal cold‐induced metabolic rate) and basal metabolic rate (BMR, minimum maintenance metabolic rate) with open‐circuit respirometry. BMR for both least and pectoral sandpipers exceeded allometric predictions by 3–14%, similar to other shorebirds, but Msum and MMR for both species were either similar to or lower than allometric predictions, suggesting that the elevated BMR in shorebirds does not extend to maximal metabolic capacities. Old World shorebirds show the highest BMR during the annual cycle on the Arctic breeding grounds. Similarly, least sandpiper BMR during migration was lower than on the Arctic breeding grounds, but this was not the case for pectoral sandpipers, so our data only partially support the idea of similar seasonal patterns of BMR variation in New World and Old World shorebirds. We found no correlations of BMR with either Msum or MMR for either raw or mass‐independent data, suggesting that basal and maximum aerobic metabolic rates are modulated independently in these species.
Differences between temperate and tropical birds in seasonal acclimatization of thermoregulatory traits
Authors: Pollock Henry S. , Brawn Jeffrey D. , Agin Timothy J. , Cheviron Zachary A.
Published: March 2019

Phenotypic flexibility can be an important determinant of fitness in variable environments. The climatic variability hypothesis (CVH) predicts that phenotypic flexibility in thermoregulatory traits will be greater in temperate species than tropical species as a means of coping with increased temperature seasonality at higher latitudes. However, support for the CVH has been mixed, and recent studies suggest that tropical birds are capable of substantial phenotypic flexibility. To test the generality of the CVH, we used flow‐through respirometry to quantify seasonal acclimatization in thermoregulatory traits in suites of temperate (n = 6) and tropical (n = 41) birds. We used W/S ratios (winter/summer trait values) to quantify the direction and magnitude of seasonal change (W/S ratio of 1 means no seasonal change). Temperate species exhibited coordinated changes in thermoregulatory traits in winter, including large increases in thermoneutral zone (TNZ) breadth and reductions in heat loss below the lower limit of the TNZ. Conversely, tropical species exhibited idiosyncratic seasonal thermoregulatory responses, and mean W/S ratios were close to 1 for all traits, indicative of little seasonal change and consistent with predictions of the CVH. Nevertheless, mean W/S ratios did not differ significantly between temperate and tropical species for either Mb or BMR, demonstrating that tropical birds can also exhibit substantial thermoregulatory flexibility. Our results highlight the need for complementary acclimation experiments to determine if latitudinal differences in seasonal acclimatization are due to inherent differences in capacity for flexibility.
The impact of new guidelines on the prevalence of hypertension in children: A cross‐sectional evaluation
Authors: Condren Michelle , Carter Jessamyn , Mushtaq Nasir , Puckett Scott , Kezbers Krista , Sabet Samie , Morgan Danielle
Published: March 2019

Updated clinical practice guidelines for screening blood pressures in pediatric patients were published in 2017. They differ from the previous guideline, known as the Fourth Report, providing updated population normal values and blood pressure categorization. We hypothesized that the prevalence of abnormal blood pressure in children and adolescents would be higher using the new clinical practice guidelines. We present a cross‐sectional study of screening blood pressure values for children 3 to 18 years of age obtained during well‐child visits at a primary care clinic. All blood pressure values were categorized using both the Fourth Report and the Clinical Practice Guideline. A total of 2635 blood pressure measurements were extracted, and 2600 were eligible for analysis. Using the clinical practice guideline, the prevalence of hypertension increased to 17.85% compared to 9.5% per the Fourth Report (P < 0.0001). Of those patients classified as having a normal blood pressure by the Fourth Report, 12% changed to abnormal when applying the Clinical Practice Guideline. All subgroups had a significant increase in the prevalence of abnormal blood pressure. The most dramatic increase in the prevalence of stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension was seen in six patient subgroups: males, 3‐12 years of age, Hispanic ethnicity, race designated as other, normal weight, and overweight. Applying the new Clinical Practice Guideline increased the prevalence of elevated blood pressure and stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension in children and adolescents, requiring more follow‐up and intervention than previously expected for this patient population.
The Role of the EU Institutions in Establishing the European Stability Mechanism: Institutional Leadership under a Veil of Intergovernmentalism
Authors: Smeets Sandrino , Jaschke Alenka , Beach Derek
Published: March 2019

This article traces the role of the EU institutions in setting up the European stability mechanism (ESM). There have been many scholarly assessments but few empirical reconstructions of decision‐making on the intergovernmental ESM and its predecessor the European financial stability facility. The instruments clearly constituted a step away from supranational entrepreneurship and the Community method. However, we question the intergovernmentalist interpretation in terms of institutional competition and decline. Using a historical analogy of the Delors model(s), we identify two types of institutional leadership and show how the ESM was characterized, first by an uneasy combination and then a shift from political championship to the engineering type of leadership. Using two case studies, we trace the negotiations for increasing the size and scope of the ESM. The analyses show that this was a bottom‐up process in which the institutions laid out the tracks and provided the link between the control room (European Council) and ‘machine room’ (Eurogroup/Eurogroup Working Group/ Task Force on Coordinated Action) proceedings.
Signals to Their Parliaments? Governments’ Use of Votes and Policy Statements in the EU Council
Authors: Hagemann Sara , Bailer Stefanie , Herzog Alexander
Published: March 2019

Does parliamentary oversight of governments’ decisions in the international arena matter? This article finds that it does: governments with strong parliamentary oversight behave differently when negotiating policies at the EU level compared with governments with less powerful parliaments. Where parliaments have formal powers to oversee and restrict their government's positions we see a significantly higher use of opposing votes and formal policy statements by those governments. This behaviour intensifies depending on the governments' standing vis‐à‐vis other political parties at home. When governments are under pressure in their national parliaments they are more likely to go on record and take a stand against the majority in Brussels. These results make it clear that in EU legislative politics, governments not only consider their policy priorities and negotiation tactics with their European counterparts, but also make use of EU decision records to send signals to domestic audiences, including their national parliaments.
Influence of proper or reciprocating optimum torque reverse kinematics on cyclic fatigue of four single files
Authors: Pedullà Eugenio , Ambu Emanuele , Rovai Fabio , Chang Seok‐Woo , Campedelli Federico , Corsentino Giacomo , Rapisarda Silvia , La Rosa Giusy R. M. , Grandini Simone
Published: March 2019

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the resistance to cyclic fatigue of heat‐treated single files used in proper or in reciprocating optimum torque reverse motions.

Methods

Ninety‐six HyFlex electrical discharge machining (EDM), Reciproc R25 (Rec), WaveOne Primary (WO), and WaveOne Gold (WOG) Primary were used. Resistance to cyclic fatigue was determined by recording time to fracture in a stainless steel artificial canal. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis was performed. Data were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post‐hoc tests at 0.05.

Results

In both movements, HyFlex EDM showed higher time to fracture than other files (P < 0.0001). Rec showed higher time to fracture than WO (P < 0.0001), while WOG showed higher cyclic fatigue resistance than Rec and WO with both movements (P < 0.005).

Conclusions

Reciprocating optimum torque reverse motion improved significantly cyclic fatigue resistance of gold and controlled memory wire single files.
SURVEYING THE ECONOMICS OF PLURAL MODES OF ORGANIZATION
Authors: Raynaud Emmanuel , Schnaider Paula Sarita Bigio , Saes Maria Sylvia Macchione
Published: March 2019

Why do firms concomitantly rely on more than one organizational arrangement to procure/distribute a given input/product? In this paper, we systematically review and discuss the extensive path undergone by the literature exploring this issue: the so‐called plural forms. We address two main questions: how to explain the coexistence (and often the prevalence) of plural forms in many types of businesses? Are plural forms stable or a transitory phenomenon? We describe the most prominent motivations identified in the economics and management literature that drive firms to adopt plural forms and show that their vast majority are related to the mitigation of various types of agency/transaction costs. We also demonstrate that most of the available pieces of empirical evidence suggest the stability of plural forms over time. We conclude by demonstrating the path that has been trailed by the most recent developments.
Mangiferin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice through inhibiting TLR4/p65 and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway
Authors: Jia Li , Sun Ping , Gao Hui , Shen Jie , Gao Yuan , Meng Cheng , Fu Shidong , Yao Huijuan , Zhang Gong
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Investigating the antipulmonary fibrosis effect of mangiferin from Mangifera indica and the possible molecular mechanism.

Methods

In vivo, bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis experimental model was used for evaluating antipulmonary fibrosis effect of mangiferin. Histopathologic examination and collagen deposition were investigated by HE and Masson staining as well as detecting the content of hydroxyproline. The expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), TLR4 and p-P65 in lung tissue was analysed through immunofluorescence. Leucocytes and inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected by cell counting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro, TGF-β1-induced A549 epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) cell model was used for investigating the possible molecular mechanism. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was detected by DCFH-DA assay. Expression of all proteins was examined by Western blot.

Key findings

Oral administration of mangiferin could attenuate the severity of BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis through increasing the survival rate, improving histopathological lesion and body weight loss as well as decreasing pulmonary index visibly. Pulmonary hydroxyproline content, TGF-β1, and α-SMA levels were reduced significantly. The molecular mechanism of mangiferin for inhibiting pulmonary fibrosis is that it could obviously inhibit the occurrence of inflammation and the secretion of inflammatory cytokine through inhibiting activation of TLR4 and phosphorylation of p65. Meanwhile, EMT process was suppressed obviously by mangiferin through blocking the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and reducing MMP-9 expression. Besides, mangiferin could significantly inhibit the process of oxidant stress through downregulating the intracellular ROS generation.

Conclusions

Mangiferin attenuates BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice through inhibiting TLR4/p65 and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway.
ACVIM consensus statement on the treatment of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs
Authors: Swann James W. , Garden Oliver A. , Fellman Claire L. , Glanemann Barbara , Goggs Robert , LeVine Dana N. , Mackin Andrew J. , Whitley Nathaniel T.
Published: March 2019

Immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) causes severe anemia in dogs and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Treatment with various immunosuppressive and antithrombotic drugs has been described anecdotally and in previous studies, but little consensus exists among veterinarians as to the optimal regimen to employ and maintain after diagnosis of the disease. To address this inconsistency and provide evidence‐based guidelines for treatment of IMHA in dogs, we identified and extracted data from studies published in the veterinary literature. We developed a novel tool for evaluation of evidence quality, using it to assess study design, diagnostic criteria, explanation of treatment regimens, and validity of statistical methods. In combination with our clinical experience and comparable guidelines for humans afflicted with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, we used the conclusions of this process to make a set of clinical recommendations regarding treatment of IMHA in dogs, which we refined subsequently by conducting several iterations of Delphi review. Additionally, we considered emerging treatments for IMHA in dogs and highlighted areas deserving of future research. Comments were solicited from several professional bodies to maximize clinical applicability before the recommendations were submitted for publication. The resulting document is intended to provide clinical guidelines for management of IMHA in dogs. These guidelines should be implemented pragmatically, with consideration of animal, owner, and veterinary factors that may vary among cases.
Tropical monodominant forest resilience to climate change in Central Africa: A Gilbertiodendron dewevrei forest pollen record over the past 2,700 years
Authors: Tovar Carolina , Harris David J. , Breman Elinor , Brncic Terry , Willis Kathy J.
Published: March 2019

Question

The existence of monodominant forest in highly diverse tropical rainforest has been the subject of much debate. One hypothesis suggests that the combination of advantageous traits and long periods of low disturbance is key for this forest's persistence. Here we ask whether there is evidence for the long‐term presence of monodominant Gilbertiodendron forest in the absence of fire and climate change.

Location

Republic of Congo.

Methods

We extracted fossil pollen and macro‐charcoal from a sediment sequence collected in present‐day monodominant Gilbertiodendron forest stand that spans the last 2,700 years. Climatic changes were inferred using other published palaeoecological records from Central Africa. We also looked at Gilbertiodendron dewevrei's present‐day ecological tolerances.

Results

Gilbertiodendron pollen was found in every sample covering the last 2,700 years in similar percentages to present‐day soil surface samples. In addition, no statistically significant change in pollen composition was found during this time despite vegetation changes being documented in nearby mixed and swamp forest cores over the same time period. No evidence of fire was found for a period of 2,400 years. Only minimal burning occurred over the last 300 years in this monodominant stand. The analysis of ecological tolerances shows G. dewevrei has a broad niche for precipitation (1,300–2,460 mm).

Conclusions

Our pollen record is the first to describe the long‐term ecological history of an African monodominant forest. Our results show this monodominant stand existed over the past 2,700 years mostly in the absence of fire, providing support for the low disturbance hypothesis as an explanation for monodominance persistence. However, we show that the monodominant forest was continuous, at this site, despite climatic fluctuations in the immediate region. This combined with the broad tolerance of water requirements of the species suggests a potential resilience to future climate variability. However, additional pollen records from a wider area are needed to confirm this.
Mean field and n‐agent games for optimal investment under relative performance criteria
Authors: Lacker Daniel , Zariphopoulou Thaleia
Published: March 2019

We analyze a family of portfolio management problems under relative performance criteria, for fund managers having CARA or CRRA utilities and trading in a common investment horizon in log‐normal markets. We construct explicit constant equilibrium strategies for both the finite population games and the corresponding mean field games, which we show are unique in the class of constant equilibria. In the CARA case, competition drives agents to invest more in the risky asset than they would otherwise, while in the CRRA case competitive agents may over‐ or underinvest, depending on their levels of risk tolerance.
Fur seal microbiota are shaped by the social and physical environment, show mother–offspring similarities and are associated with host genetic quality
Authors: Grosser Stefanie , Sauer Jan , Paijmans Anneke J. , Caspers Barbara A. , Forcada Jaume , Wolf Jochen B. W. , Hoffman Joseph I.
Published: March 2019

Despite an increasing appreciation of the importance of host–microbe interactions in ecological and evolutionary processes, the factors shaping microbial communities in wild populations remain poorly understood. We therefore exploited a natural experiment provided by two adjacent Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) colonies of high and low social density and combined 16S rRNA metabarcoding with microsatellite profiling of mother–offspring pairs to investigate environmental and genetic influences on skin microbial communities. Seal‐associated bacterial communities differed profoundly between the two colonies, despite the host populations themselves being genetically undifferentiated. Consistent with the hypothesis that social stress depresses bacterial diversity, we found that microbial alpha diversity was significantly lower in the high‐density colony. Seals from one of the colonies that contained a stream also carried a subset of freshwater‐associated bacteria, indicative of an influence of the physical environment. Furthermore, mothers and their offspring shared similar microbial communities, in support of the notion that microbes may facilitate mother–offspring recognition. Finally, a significant negative association was found between bacterial diversity and heterozygosity, a measure of host genetic quality. Our study thus reveals a complex interplay between environmental and host genetic effects, while also providing empirical support for the leash model of host control, which posits that bacterial communities are driven not only by bottom‐up species interactions, but also by top‐down host regulation. Taken together, our findings have broad implications for understanding host–microbe interactions as well as prokaryotic diversity in general.
Unravelling the invasion history of the Asian tiger mosquito in Europe
Authors: Sherpa Stéphanie , Blum Michael G. B. , Capblancq Thibaut , Cumer Tristan , Rioux Delphine , Després Laurence
Published: March 2019

Multiple introductions are key features for the establishment and persistence of introduced species. However, little is known about the contribution of genetic admixture to the invasive potential of populations. To address this issue, we studied the recent invasion of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in Europe. Combining genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms and historical knowledge using an approximate Bayesian computation framework, we reconstruct the colonization routes and establish the demographic dynamics of invasion. The colonization of Europe involved at least three independent introductions in Albania, North Italy and Central Italy that subsequently acted as dispersal centres throughout Europe. We show that the topology of human transportation networks shaped demographic histories with North Italy and Central Italy being the main dispersal centres in Europe. Introduction modalities conditioned the levels of genetic diversity in invading populations, and genetically diverse and admixed populations promoted more secondary introductions and have spread farther than single‐source invasions. This genomic study provides further crucial insights into a general understanding of the role of genetic diversity promoted by modern trade in driving biological invasions.
Toxic myopathy with multiple deletions in mitochondrial DNA associated with long‐term use of oral anti‐viral drugs for hepatitis B: A case study
Authors: Fujii Takayuki , Takase Kei‐ichiro , Honda Hiroyuki , Kawamura Nobutoshi , Yamasaki Ryo , Urata Michiyo , Uchiumi Takeshi , Iwaki Toru , Kira Jun‐ichi
Published: March 2019

Oral nucleoside analogs (NAs) reduce hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication by inhibiting HBV DNA polymerase. However, NAs can also affect human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase, which can lead to mtDNA depletion (quantitative abnormality). Indeed, several mitochondrial myopathy cases have been reported in which a reduced mtDNA copy number was induced by oral NAs for hepatitis B. Herein, we report a case of toxic myopathy with multiple mtDNA deletions (qualitative abnormality) associated with long‐term use of NAs for hepatitis B. A 68‐year‐old woman, who underwent long‐term treatment with lamivudine and adefovir for chronic hepatitis B, developed proximal muscle weakness in the four extremities. Neurological examination showed mild proximal muscle weakness and atrophy in the four extremities. Upon admission to our hospital, her blood lactate/pyruvate ratio during an aerobic exercise test was elevated. Myogenic patterns were observed in lower limb muscles on electromyographic examination. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse atrophy of proximal muscles in the four extremities with no signal changes. A biopsy from the biceps brachii muscle showed an abnormally large variation in fiber size, scattered muscle fibers with decreased cytochrome c oxidase activity, and ragged‐red fibers. Analysis of mtDNA from skeletal muscle revealed no decrease in copy number but increased incidence of multiple deletions, including a deletion of 4977 base pairs (known as the common deletion) reflecting oxidative stress‐induced mtDNA damage. This case study indicates that long‐term oral antiviral therapy for hepatitis B can induce chronic oxidative damage to mtDNA resulting in qualitative mtDNA abnormalities and toxic myopathy.
Dyspigmented hypertrophic scars: Beyond skin color
Authors: Alkhalil Abdulnaser , Carney Bonnie C. , Travis Taryn E. , Muhie Seid , Miller Stacy Ann , Ramella‐Roman Jessica C. , Ghassemi Pehman , Hammamieh Rasha , Jett Marti , Moffatt Lauren T. , Shupp Jeffrey W.
Published: March 2019

Although pigment synthesis is well understood, relevant mechanisms of psychologically debilitating dyspigmentation in nascent tissue after cutaneous injuries are still unknown. Here, differences in genomic transcription of hyper‐ and hypopigmented tissue relative to uninjured skin were investigated using a red Duroc swine scar model. Transcription profiles differed based on pigmentation phenotypes with a trend of more upregulation or downregulation in hyper‐ or hypopigmented scars, respectively. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of significantly modulated genes in both pigmentation phenotypes showed pathways related to redox, metabolic, and inflammatory responses were more present in hypopigmented samples, while those related to stem cell development differentiation were found mainly in hyperpigmented samples. Cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions and inflammation responses were predicted (z‐score) active in hyperpigmented and inactive in hypopigmented. The proinflammatory high‐mobility group box 1 pathway showed the opposite trend. Analysis of differentially regulated mutually exclusive genes showed an extensive presence of metabolic, proinflammatory, and oxidative stress pathways in hypopigmented scars, while melanin synthesis, glycosaminoglycans biosynthesis, and cell differentiation pathways were predominant in hyperpigmented scar. Several potential therapeutic gene targets have been identified.
If I Were Kripke … Attributive Names and the Necessary A Posteriori
Authors: Strollo Andrea
Published: March 2019

According to Naming and Necessity, proper names usually work referentially as rigid designators. In this paper, I argue that proper names have also attributive uses that systematically emerge in particular contexts. Attributive uses are then exploited to show that simple identity claims (such as “Hesperus is Phosphorus”) are open to a double interpretation. The main aim of the paper is arguing that the impression that certain true identities are a posteriori is mostly due to one of the two readings, a reading according to which, however, the expressed truth is only contingently true.
The Dark Side of Morality: Group Polarization and Moral Epistemology
Authors: Arvan Marcus
Published: March 2019

This article argues that philosophers and laypeople commonly conceptualize moral truths or justified moral beliefs as discoverable through intuition, argument, or some other purely cognitive or affective process. It then contends that three empirically well‐supported theories all predict that this “Discovery Model” of morality plays a substantial role in causing social polarization. The same three theories are then used to argue that an alternative “Negotiation Model” of morality—according to which moral truths are not discovered but instead created by actively negotiating compromises—promises to reduce polarization by fostering a progressive willingness to “work across the aisle” to settle moral issues cooperatively. This article then examines potential methods for normatively evaluating polarization, arguing there are prima facie reasons to favor the Negotiation Model over the Discovery Model based on their hypothesized effects on polarization. Finally, I outline avenues for further empirical and philosophical research.
Supporting elder persons in rural Japanese communities through preventive home visits by nursing students: A qualitative descriptive analysis of students' reports
Authors: Iwasaki Riho , Hirai Kazuaki , Kageyama Takayuki , Satoh Tamae , Fukuda Hiromi , Kai Hiromi , Makino Kiwa , Magilvy Kathy , Murashima Sachiyo
Published: March 2019

This article describes the evaluation of an innovative nursing education curriculum project, preventive home visiting practice, which began full implementation in 2015, in terms of students' learning outcomes. For the purpose of learning how elder persons live in community, all the 327 undergraduate nursing students, from freshmen to seniors, provided monthly or bi‐monthly visits to home‐dwelling elderly persons aged 75 or above in their home over 1 year period, in order to provide support for their independent living and to learn from them. The students' reports submitted at the end of the first academic year were qualitatively analyzed to evaluate what they learned. They acquired multiple perspectives for understanding elder persons, including a variety of individual and environmental aspects of wellness, prevention, and community life. They also acknowledged the importance of team practice through working and collaborating with different grade levels and generations. Overall, the observed learning contents were useful for future nursing education with elder persons and facilitating critical changes in nursing education systems to address the problems of aged society.
Clubroot disease in Latin America: distribution and management strategies
Authors: Botero A. , García C. , Gossen B. D. , Strelkov S. E. , Todd C. D. , Bonham‐Smith P. C. , Pérez‐López E.
Published: March 2019

Clubroot caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae is an important disease of cruciferous crops worldwide. In Latin America (from Mexico to Chile, including the Caribbean), most of the area in cruciferous crops is devoted to oilseed rape (Brassica napus; c. 230 600 ha) in Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina, while cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts (40 900 ha) are cropped intensively on small acreages across the region. Although clubroot is present in most Latin American countries, there have been very few studies of P. brassicae. Clubroot research in Latin America has focused mainly on adapting disease management strategies developed in temperate climates to tropical climates, including liming, biological control and genetic resistance. This review summarizes the management strategies used in Latin America to reduce the impact of clubroot, including novel strategies when compared with temperate regions, such as a crop rotation with aromatic plant species and the use of biological control with Trichoderma spp. Latin America has unique characteristics relative to temperate countries such as high humidity, warm temperatures and acidic soil that impact the interaction between P. brassicae and its plant hosts, so more research is required.
Modelling electron transfer in photosystem I: limits and perspectives
Authors: Santabarbara Stefano , Casazza Anna Paola , Hastings Gary
Published: March 2019

Uncovering the parameters underlying the electron transfer (ET) in photosynthetic reaction centres is of importance for understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning their functionality. The reductive nature of most cofactors involved in photosynthetic ET makes the direct estimation of their properties difficult. Photosystem I (PSI) operates in a highly reducing regime, making the assessment of cofactor properties even more difficult. Kinetic modelling coupled to a non‐adiabatic description of ET is a useful approach in overcoming this hindrance. Here we review the theory and modelling approaches that have been used in assessing parameters associated with ET reactions in PSI, with particular attention to ET reactions involving the phylloquinones and the iron–sulphur clusters. In most modelling studies, the goal is to estimate the driving force of ET, which is usually associated with the cofactor midpoint potentials. The driving force is sensitive to many factors, which define the ET rate, i.e. the reorganisation energy, the coupling with nuclear modes and the electronic matrix elements, which are explored and discussed here. The importance of an inclusive modelling of both forward and reverse ET processes is discussed and highlighted. It is shown that although estimates are indeed sensitive to the exact parameter sets employed in the modelling, a general consensus is still attained, pointing to a scenario where is weakly endergonic/exergonic, respectively. It is emphasised that to further refine those estimates, it will require a joint effort between computational modelling and more wide‐ranging experimental studies.
A modest proposal for restoration ecology
Authors: Brick Cameron
Published: March 2019

Restoration ecology struggles to mitigate human‐caused ecological damage. Non‐native species are a particular challenge. This article describes two restoration attempts following introduced species in California and then makes a radical culling proposal. Environmental regulations, legal protections, and restoration projects are necessary to preserve ecosystem services, but such policies are often unpopular. Restorers often struggle when public opinion opposes evidence‐based practice, and this occurs particularly when the interventions involve killing mammals. Therefore, restoration efforts may benefit from more attention to how individuals perceive the acceptability of environmental policies and how to communicate policy options effectively for individuals to make informed decisions. Restoration ecology can follow the recent shift of medicine away from imperatives and toward informed patient choice. Restoration projects may benefit from recent advances in psychology and communication that help individuals make policy decisions that align with their personal values.
Time‐Varying Risk Measurement for Ship Collision Prevention
Authors: Huang Yamin , van Gelder P. H. A. J. M.
Published: March 2019

We propose an innovative time‐varying collision risk (TCR) measurement for ship collision prevention in this article. The proposed measurement considers the level of danger of the approaching ships and the capability of a ship to prevent collisions. We define the TCR as the probability of the overlap of ships’ positions in the future, given the uncertainty of maneuvers. Two sets are identified: (1) the velocity obstacle set as the maneuvers of the own ship that lead to collisions with target ships, and (2) the reachable velocity set as the maneuvers that the own ship can reach regarding its maneuverability. We then measure the TCR as the time‐dependent percentage of overlap between these two sets. Several scenarios are presented to illustrate how the proposed measurement identifies the time‐varying risk levels, and how the approach can be used as an intuitively understandable tool for collision avoidance.
Merleau‐Ponty’s Reading of Kant’s Transcendental Idealism
Authors: Somers‐Hall Henry
Published: March 2019

The aim of this paper is to explore Merleau‐Ponty’s ambivalent relationship with Kant’s transcendental philosophy. I begin by looking at several points of convergence between Kant and Merleau‐Ponty, focusing on the affinities between Kant’s account of transcendental realism and Merleau‐Ponty’s notion of objective thought. I then show how Merleau‐Ponty’s analysis of Kant’s paradox of asymmetrical objects points to a parallel in Kant’s thought to Merleau‐Ponty’s thesis of the primacy of perception. In the second part of the paper, I show why Merleau‐Ponty believes that, despite the promise of Kant’s thought, he fails to adequately escape from objective thought. After presenting the central claims of the transcendental deduction, I piece together Merleau‐Ponty’s criticism of it by answering three questions: For Merleau‐Ponty, how do we encounter the world prior to reflection? How is experience constituted? And what leads Kant to mischaracterise experience in his own transcendental philosophy?
Kant on Ethical Institutions
Authors: DiCenso James J.
Published: March 2019

This paper analyzes the ethical‐political dilemma in Kant’s work, sometimes expressed through the metaphor of the “crooked wood of humanity.” Kant separates external and internal freedom and the types of legislation each form of freedom requires (coercive and noncoercive). Yet, he also argues that corrupt political institutions adversely affect individual ethical development, and, reciprocally, corrupt inner dispositions of a populace adversely affect the establishment of just political institutions. I argue that a major way in which Kant addresses this vicious circle is through ethical institutions, that is, noncoercive public resources for articulating and disseminating the principles of the moral law. I discuss the idea of an ethico‐civil society or ethical community formulated in theReligionas an ideal model for ethical institutions mediating the ethical and the legal‐political in a noncoercive, progressive manner.
Freedom as (Self‐)Expression: Natality and the Temporality of Action in Merleau‐Ponty and Arendt
Authors: McMahon Laura
Published: March 2019

This paper draws on the philosophies of Maurice Merleau‐Ponty and Hannah Arendt in order to explore the nature of free action. Part one outlines three familiar ways in which we often understand the nature of freedom. Part two argues that these common understandings of freedom are rooted in impoverished conceptions of time and subjectivity. Part three engages with Arendt’s conception of natality alongside Merleau‐Ponty’s conception of expression in order to argue that the freely acting self draws in improvisational manners on the resources of a shared past in order to open unprecedented spaces of meaning for the future, and in so doing at once discovers and institutes herself as the self that she is. Part four draws on an example of anti‐oppressive political action in order to argue that free action not only has the power to inaugurate new spaces of shared meaning for the future, but also to change the sens of the shared past. By the same token, free action is vulnerable in its ontological status and ethical meanings to the events and judgments of the future. Part five argues with both Merleau‐Ponty and Arendt that ethical‐political actors can do no better than to cultivate a political virtù while facing up to the inherently transgressive dimensions of free action in a shared historical world.
Theory of mind as a mechanism linking mother–toddler relationship quality and child–friend interaction during the preschool years
Authors: McElwain Nancy L. , Ravindran Niyantri , Emery Helen T. , Swartz Rebecca
Published: March 2019

Children's relationships with parents and peers have been examined as predictors and outcomes, respectively, of theory of mind (ToM). Yet, these two lines of inquiry have remained largely distinct. The current study bridges this gap. Mother–child coordinated interaction and attachment security (continuous rating) were assessed at 2.8 years (N = 128 dyads), ToM was assessed at 3.3, 4.8, and 5.4 years, and child–friend interaction was observed at 4.8 and 5.4 years. Controlling for child expressive language ability at 2.8 years, mother–child coordinated interaction predicted more complex child–friend play and less child–friend conflict via more advanced ToM. No indirect effects from attachment security to friendship quality via ToM emerged. Attachment group status (secure vs. insecure), however, moderated ToM‐friendship associations, such that (a) more advanced ToM predicted more socially complex play with friends, and (b) more conflict with friends predicted more advanced ToM, but only for children classified as secure.