bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do individual liquor permit systems help Indigenous communities to manage alcohol?
Authors: d'Abbs Peter , Crundall Ian
Published: October 2019

Introduction and Aims

Liquor permits were once used throughout Scandinavia and North America for managing alcohol, but largely disappeared in the late 20th century. Today, they are used in some Indigenous communities in Nunavut, Canada and the Northern Territory, Australia. This paper examines the extent to which liquor permits: (i) contribute to reducing alcohol‐related harms in Indigenous communities; and (ii) offer a viable mechanism for managing alcohol in Indigenous communities.

Design and Methods

The study draws on published and unpublished international literature on liquor permit systems in Indigenous communities, and on field visits to northern territory (NT) communities.

Results

Apart from one anecdotal report, the study found no evidence that liquor permit systems in Nunavut communities have reduced alcohol‐related problems. In the NT, they have reduced alcohol‐related harms in some communities. However, management of liquor permit systems generates significant administrative demands in communities.

Discussion and Conclusions

Effectiveness of liquor permit systems is a product of five factors: permits themselves; agencies and procedures for issuing and managing permits; agencies and procedures for supplying liquor; enforcement of permit conditions, and the presence of other agencies—legal and illegal—affecting supply and consumption of liquor. Liquor permits continue to be valued by some Indigenous communities for managing alcohol. This study suggests that they can do so provided: (i) agencies administering permits have adequate support; (ii) controls over non‐legal purchasing and consumption of liquor are effective, and (iii) the permit system is viewed in the community as legitimate, equitable and transparent.
Deceptive pollination of Calanthe by skippers that commonly act as nectar thieves
Authors: Luo Huolin , Liang Yuelong , Xiao Hanwen , Liu Nannan , Chen Yanru , Wang Wu , Tang Jiang , Xiong Dongjin , Yang Boyun , Ren Zongxin
Published: October 2019

Flowers have developed different strategies to attract pollinators through visual or olfactory signals. Most flowers offer pollinators a reward (e.g. nectar and pollen) for the pollination service. However, one‐third of Orchidaceae have been shown not to provide a reward. Calanthe are terrestrial orchids distributed throughout China, Nepal, Japan and tropical Asia. Despite its high diversity, the pollination biology of Calanthe remains largely unknown, even though it is an important aspect of plant conservation. In the study, through field surveying, there were three Hesperiidae butterflies pollinating two species of Calanthe and the pollination behavior differed between the two species of Calanthe, which might lead to different fruit setting rates. There was no nectar in the flowers of the two species, indicating deceptive pollination. Using a glass cylinder experiment, it was deduced that the two species of Calanthe were most likely to attract pollinators by generalized food deception. Interestingly, Hesperiidae butterflies were traditionally thought to be nectar thieves and generally do not transmit pollinia. However, our findings showed that, in this case, the thieves were deceived by the plants and pollinated them for free.
Comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Systemic Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial (SOPHO‐CBT/ST)
Authors: Hunger Christina , Hilzinger Rebecca , Klewinghaus Laura , Deusser Laura , Sander Anja , Mander Johannes , Bents Hinrich , Ditzen Beate , Schweitzer Jochen
Published: October 2019

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to pilot the newly developed manualized and monitored systemic therapy (ST) for social anxiety disorder (SAD), as compared to manualized and monitored cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We conducted a prospective multicenter, assessor‐blind pilot RCT on 38 outpatients (ICD F40.1; Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID); Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, LSAS‐SR >30). The primary outcome was level of social anxiety (LSAS‐SR) at the end of treatment. A total of 252 persons were screened, and 38 patients were randomized and started therapy (CBT: 20 patients; ST: 18 patients; age: M = 36 years, SD = 14). Within‐group, simple‐effect intent‐to‐treat analyses (ITT) showed significant reduction in LSAS‐SR (CBT:d = 1.04; ST:d = 1.67), while ITT mixed‐design ANOVA demonstrated the advantage of ST (d = 0.81). Per‐protocol analyses supported these results. Remission based on reliable change indices also demonstrated significant difference (LSAS‐SR: 15% in CBT; 39% in ST;h: 0.550), supported by blind diagnosticians’ ratings of those who completed therapy (SCID; 45% in CBT, 78% in ST,p = .083). No adverse events were reported. CBT and ST both reduced social anxiety, supporting patient improvement with the newly developed ST for SAD; this has yet to be verified in a subsequent confirmatory RCT.
Helicobacter pylori inhibits GKN1 expression via the CagA/p‐ERK/AUF1 pathway
Authors: Guo Yanlei , Zhang Ting , Shi Yanyan , Zhang Jing , Li Mingyu , Lu Fengmin , Zhang Jing , Chen Xiangmei , Ding Shigang
Published: October 2019

Background

Recent studies have shown that gastrokine 1 (GKN1), an important tumor suppressor gene, is downregulated in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infected gastric mucosa and gastric cancer. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the potential mechanism of H. pylori‐induced GKN1 downregulation.

Materials and methods

GKN1 and AU‐rich element RNA‐binding factor 1 (AUF1) expressions were assessed by quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blot, or immunohistochemistry in H. pylori‐infected tissues and H. pylori co‐cultured cell lines. The regulation of AUF1 on GKN1 was determined by RNA pulldown assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, mRNA turnover, and luciferase activity assays. The involvement of phosphorylated extra‐cellular signal‐regulated kinase (p‐ERK) or CagA in H. pylori‐induced AUF1 expression was verified using p‐ERK inhibitor or CagA knockout H. pylori. In addition, the cell proliferation and migration capacities of AUF1‐knockdown cells were investigated.

Results

GKN1 expression progressively decreased from H. pylori‐infected gastritis to gastric cancer tissues. H. pylori co‐culture also induced significant GKN1 reduction in GES‐1 and BGC‐823 cells. Besides, the mRNA level of GKN1 and AUF1 in human gastric mucosa showed negative correlation significantly. AUF1 knockdown resulted in upregulation of GKN1 expression and promoted GKN1 mRNA decay by binding the 3′ untranslated region of GKN1 mRNA H. pylori‐induced AUF1 expression was associated with p‐ERK activation and CagA. Furthermore, knockdown of AUF1 significantly inhibited cell viability, migration ability, and arrested fewer cells in S‐phase.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated that H. pylori infection downregulated GKN1 expression via the CagA/p‐ERK/AUF1 pathway. AUF1 promoted gastric cancer at least partly through downregulating GKN1, which presented a novel potential target for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Local release of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors after a successful revascularisation procedure
Authors: Grande Raffaele , Brachini Gioia , Sterpetti Antonio V. , Borrelli Valeria , Serra Raffaele , Pugliese Francesco , D'Ermo Giuseppe , Tartaglia Elvira , Rubino Paolo , Mingoli Andrea , Sapienza Paolo
Published: October 2019

An altered balance between metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may influence the healing process of a minor amputation following a successful vein graft. To speed up this process, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and advanced moist wound dressing have been proposed. We determined the systemic and local release of MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐9, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique and their influences in the healing process in 26 patients who underwent minor amputation after a successful revascularisation procedure. Twelve patients (group 1) were medicated with NPWT and 14 (group 2) with advanced moist wound dressing. Plasma samples were collected on the morning of surgery and thereafter at 1, 3, and 5 months; exudates were collected 3 days after surgery when amputation was performed and thereafter at 1, 3, and 5 months. Fifteen age‐matched healthy male volunteers served as controls. All wounds healed in 5 ± 0.5 months. Follow‐up plasma and local release of MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, and ‐9 were overall significantly lower when compared with the preoperative levels, while those of TIMP‐1 and ‐2 were significantly higher with no differences among the groups. Despite no differences in the healing process being observed among the two types of medications, at 1 month the local release of MMP‐2 and ‐9 was significantly lower (P = .013 and .047, respectively) and that of TIMP‐1 was significantly higher (P = .042) in group 1 as compared to group 2. A correct and aggressive local approach to the wound is able to promote the healing of the lesion stimulating the extracellular matrix turnover with local MMP/TIMP adequate balance and favouring the creation of granulation tissue. However, a successful restoration of an adequate blood flow remains the key point of a durable and rapid wound healing.
Viscosity of glass‐forming melt at the bottom of high‐level waste melter‐feed cold caps: Effects of temperature and incorporation of solid components
Authors: Lee Seung Min , McCarthy Benjamin P. , Hrma Pavel , Chun Jaehun , Pokorny Richard , Klouzek Jaroslav , Kruger Albert A.
Published: October 2019

During the final stages of conversion of melter feed (glass batch) to molten glass, the glass‐forming melt becomes a continuous liquid phase that encapsulates dissolving solid particles and gas bubbles that produce primary foam at the bottom of the cold cap (the reacting melter feed in an electric glass‐melting furnace). The glass‐forming melt viscosity plays a dominant role in primary foam formation, stability, and eventual collapse, thus affecting the rate of melting (the glass production rate per cold‐cap area). We have traced the glass‐forming melt viscosity during the final stages of feed‐to‐glass conversion as it changes in response to changing temperature and composition (resulting from dissolving solid particles). For this study, we used high‐level waste melter feeds—taking advantage of the large amount of data available to us—and a variety of experimental techniques (feed expansion test, evolved gas analysis, thermogravimetric analyzer‐differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and viscometer). Starting with a relatively low value at the moment when the melt connects, melt viscosity reached maximum within the primary foam layer and then decreased to its final melter operating temperature value. At the cold‐cap bottom—the boundary between the primary foam layer and the thermal boundary layer—where physicochemical reactions of a melter feed influence the driving force of the heat transfer from the melt to the cold cap, the melt viscosity affects the rate of melting predominantly through its effect on the temperature at which primary foam is collapsing.
Effect of high‐energy mechanical milling on the medium‐range ordering in glassy As‐Se
Authors: Shpotyuk Yaroslav , Demchenko Pavlo , Bujňáková Zdenka , Baláž Peter , Boussard‐Pledel Catherine , Bureau Bruno , Shpotyuk Oleh
Published: October 2019

Effect of high‐energy mechanical milling on glassy AsxSe100 − x (5 ≤ x ≤ 75) is recognized with X‐ray powder diffraction analysis applied to their diffuse halos ascribed to intermediate—and extended‐range structural ordering, which are revealed respectively in the first sharp diffraction peak (FSDP) and principal diffraction peak (PDP). Straightforward interpretation of the results is developed within modified microcrystalline approach, treating diffuse halos as superposition of broadened Bragg‐diffraction reflexes from remnants of inter‐planar correlations, supplemented by inter‐atomic Ehrenfest‐diffraction reflexes from most prominent inter‐atomic and inter‐molecular correlations between cage‐like molecules (such As4Se4 and/or As4Se3). Milling is shown to be ineffective in glassy arsenoselenides near Se (x < 20), while causing increase in the FSDP width for glasses with 20 ≤ x ≤ 40 due to destroyed inter‐planar ordering. Remnants of cage‐like molecules in over‐stoichiometric As‐rich AsxSe100 − x glasses (40 ≤ x ≤ 75) disappear under milling, promoting formation of higher polymerized structural network. This milling‐driven reamorphization results in a drastic increase in the FSDP position and fragmentation impact on the correlation length of the FSDP‐responsible entities. Breakdown in intermediate‐range ordering in these glasses is accompanied by changes in their extended‐range ordering revealed in high‐angular shift and broadening of the PDP. This effect is concomitant with the disappearance of distant inter‐atomic correlations between quasi‐crystalline planes in the milled arsenoselenide glasses at a cost of prolonged correlations dominating in their extended‐range ordering.
Role of various alcohol washing media in obtaining a remarkable texture for La2Ce2O7 powders and ceramics
Authors: Kumar Kundan , Srivastava Saurabh , Chowdhury Anirban
Published: October 2019

La2Ce2O7 has not been explored much for application purposes due to several material and/or process issues; the concerns involve phase, compositional purity, modest thermal conductivity, poor sintered density etc. Through this work, we demonstrate a panacea for all such issues via a simple process modification, viz., treatments with alcohol washing and ultrasonication for the synthesis of La2Ce2O7 nanopowders. Dense ceramics (>97%) along with absolute phase and compositional purity were obtained via pressureless conventional sintering at 1400°C; the sintered ceramic also depicted a high (111) texture (Lotgering factor ~0.9). The root cause of this texture was traced to an “oriented attachment”‐type growth mechanism of the La2Ce2O7 nanocrystals that gets extended in micron scale leading to the formation of an organized and uniform rice flake‐type microstructure. The ionic conductivity data of the La2Ce2O7 ceramics showed significant improvement (in orders of magnitude) for the ethanol‐washed sample. This work has been presented as a case study to acknowledge the additional benefit (of obtaining a homogeneous microstructure via “oriented aggregation”) of ethanol and ultrasonication treatment for a ceramic system leading to multiple advantages, viz., full densification at low temperature, high texture etc.
LncRNA NKILA integrates RXFP1/AKT and NF‐κB signalling to regulate osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhang Ying , Cao Xiangyang , Li Peifeng , Fan Yanan , Zhang Leilei , Ma Xianghao , Sun Ruibo , Liu Youwen , Li Wuyin
Published: October 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are previously found to have potential capacity to differentiate into osteocytes when exposed to specific stimuli. However, the detailed molecular mechanism during this progress remains largely unknown. In the current study, we characterized the lncRNA NKILA as a crucial positive regulator for osteogenesis of MSCs. NKILA attenuation significantly inhibits the calcium deposition and alkaline phosphatase activity of MSCs. More interestingly, we defined that NKILA is functionally involved in the regulation of RXFP1/PI3K‐AKT and NF‐κB signalling. Knockdown of NKILA dramatically down‐regulates the expression of RXFP1 and then reduces the activity of AKT, a downstream regulator of RXFP1 signalling which is widely accepted as an activator of osteogenesis. Moreover, we identify NF‐κB as another critical regulator implicated in NKILA‐mediated osteogenic differentiation. Inhibition of NF‐κB can induce the expression of RUNX2, a master transcription factor of osteogenesis, in a HDAC2‐mediated deacetylation manner. Thus, this study illustrates the regulatory function of NKILA in osteogenesis through distinct signalling pathways, therefore providing a new insight into searching for new molecular targets for bone tissue repair and regeneration.
p53‐dependent transcriptional suppression of BAG3 protects cells against metabolic stress via facilitation of p53 accumulation
Authors: Wang Jia‐Mei , Liu Bao‐Qin , Du Zhen‐Xian , Li Chao , Sun Jia , Yan Jing , Jiang Jing‐Yi , Wang Hua‐Qin
Published: October 2019

Solid tumour frequently undergoes metabolic stress during tumour development because of inadequate blood supply and the high nutrient expenditure. p53 is activated by glucose limitation and maintains cell survival via triggering metabolic checkpoint. However, the exact downstream contributors are not completely identified. BAG3 is a cochaperone with multiple cellular functions and is implicated in metabolic reprogramming of pancreatic cancer cells. The current study demonstrated that glucose limitation transcriptionally suppressed BAG3 expression in a p53‐dependent manner. Importantly, hinderance of its down‐regulation compromised cellular adaptation to metabolic stress triggered by glucose insufficiency, supporting that BAG3 might be one of p53 downstream contributors for cellular adaptation to metabolic stress. Our data showed that ectopic BAG3 expression suppressed p53 accumulation via direct interaction under metabolic stress. Thereby, the current study highlights the significance of p53‐mediated BAG3 suppression in cellular adaptation to metabolic stress via facilitating p53 accumulation.
Advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: real world data of patient profiles and treatment patterns
Authors: Amaral T. , Osewold M. , Presser D. , Meiwes A. , Garbe C. , Leiter U.
Published: October 2019

Background

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common types of cancer in the Caucasian population, with an increasing incidence. cSCC is mostly a local invasive disease that can be treated surgically in the majority of the cases. However, in the case of advanced cSCC (acSCC), a multimodality approach also involving systemic therapies needs to be considered.

Methods

One hundred and ninety‐five patients diagnosed with acSCC (stages III and IV) treated in our centre between 2011 and 2018 were included. Patient and tumour characteristics along with treatment patterns were documented and analyzed. Descriptive analysis was performed and survival rates were estimated according to Kaplan‐Meier and compared with the Log‐rank test. Follow‐up was defined as the time between diagnosis of advanced disease and last contact or death. All causes of death were considered as events.

Results

The median follow‐up was 21 months [IQR = (10.0; 21.0)]. The median age at time of advanced disease diagnosis was 78 years [IQR = (72; 84)], with 40.5% of the patients in stage III and 59.5% in stage IV. One hundred and forty‐five patients had resectable tumours. In this group the median overall survival (mOS) was 59 months (95% CI: 28.2–89.8), significantly higher than the mOS in patients with inoperable tumour [n = 50; mOS: 19 months (96% CI: 7–31, P <0.0001)]. Patients receiving immunotherapy (n = 20) showed a statistically significant better survival compared to those treated with other systemic therapies (n = 37; mOS not reached vs. mOS: 22 months (95% CI: 6.5–43.5), P = 0.034). For patients without systemic therapy, a combination of surgery and radiotherapy provided better outcomes compared to radiotherapy alone or best supportive care (P <0.001).

Conclusion

Surgical complete resection should be the first therapeutic option for patients with acSCC. For patients with inoperable tumour, first‐line immunotherapy should be preferably considered.
Optimum condition of conventional bleaching process for bleached shellac
Authors: Saengsod Suthep , Limmatvapirat Sontaya , Luangtana‐anan Manee
Published: October 2019

Bleached shellac has attracted wide interest in many industries. Since bleaching using sodium hypochlorite is a vigorous process, it can possess a high impact on physicochemical properties causing the unstable bleached‐shellac. An investigation into optimum conditions of the bleaching process was, therefore, required to achieve sufficient whiteness, good mechanical properties, and the stable bleached‐shellac. The studied conditions were variations in solvents, volume, and time of bleaching. Studied parameters, such as color change, acid value, insoluble solid, polarity, water vapor permeability coefficient, mechanical properties, chemical structure, and crystallinity, were detected. The physicochemical properties depended on the bleaching conditions but no effect on the chemical and amorphous structures of shellac. With the proper control of bleaching process, the simple, and conventional method can be applied in bleaching. The optimum condition was the use of sodium carbonate as a solvent, 20‐ml sodium hypochlorite, and 2‐hr bleaching time.

Practical applications

Shellac has long been used as an edible coating for extending product quality. Although shellac possesses an outstanding property in moisture protection, the dark color causes an unpleasant for applying in food and pharmaceutical industries. The bleaching process using sodium hypochlorite is commonly used to whiten the shellac. Due to the vigorous redox reaction of process, extreme changes in properties of shellac were obtained. The aim was to explore the optimum condition of bleaching process. The studied conditions were, solvent used, amount, and time of bleaching process. With a careful control of process, not only provided a high degree of whiten shellac but also obtained good physicochemical properties of bleached shellac. This study could be of help in adding the value of natural polymer without the use of high temperature and power consumption compared with other methods. The bleached shellac can then be used in wider applications.
Prevalence and Knowledge of Potential Interactions Between Over‐the‐Counter Products and Apixaban
Authors: Tarn Derjung M. , Barrientos Maureen , Wang Angel Y. , Ramaprasad Abhijit , Fang Margaret C. , Schwartz Janice B.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Direct‐acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as apixaban, are the most commonly prescribed anticoagulants, with advantages in that they do not require routine monitoring. However, less frequent contact with healthcare professionals may contribute to poor patient knowledge about potential interactions between over‐the‐counter (OTC) products and DOACs.

OBJECTIVE

Determine the prevalence of use of OTC products (OTC medications and dietary supplements) with potentially serious apixaban interactions and assess patient knowledge of potential interactions.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional survey.

SETTING

Academic‐affiliated outpatient medical practices in northern and southern California.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 791 English‐ or Spanish‐speaking patients prescribed apixaban.

MEASUREMENTS

Use and knowledge of OTC medications and dietary supplements with potentially serious apixaban interactions.

RESULTS

Almost all respondents (n = 771; 97.5%) reported OTC product use. Of respondents, 33% (n = 266) took at least one OTC product with potentially serious apixaban interactions daily/most days and 53 (6.7%) took multiple products (mean = 2.6 [SD = 2.6]). Aspirin was taken daily by 116 (14.7%; of which 75 [64.7%] also consumed other potentially interacting OTC products), and some days/as needed by an additional 82 (10.4%). Ibuprofen and naproxen were taken daily/most days by 14 (1.8%) and occasionally by 225 (28.5%). Dietary supplements with potentially serious interactions were taken daily/most days by 160 (20.2%). Approximately 66% of respondents were either uncertain or incorrect about the potential for increased bleeding from combining nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and apixaban. Less knowledge about OTC products with potentially serious interactions was associated with greater OTC product use (odds ratio = 0.54; 95% confidence interval = 0.35‐0.85).

CONCLUSION

Significant numbers of patients take OTC products (particularly dietary supplements) with potentially serious interactions with the DOAC apixaban and appear to lack knowledge about potentially harmful interactions. Interventions are needed to educate patients and healthcare providers about potential dangers of taking interacting OTC products in combination with apixaban, and data are needed on outcomes associated with concomitant apixaban–OTC product use. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:155–162, 2019
Concordance of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, second and third editions
Authors: Farmer C. , Adedipe D. , Bal V. H. , Chlebowski C. , Thurm A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Because of its centrality in the conceptualization of intellectual disability, reliable and valid measurement of adaptive behaviour is important to both research and clinical practice. The manual of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, recently released in its third edition, provides limited reliability information obtained from a sample composed primarily of typically developing individuals. The goal of this study was to evaluate the concordance of the Vineland‐3 with the Vineland‐II in a sample more similar in ability level to those in which the Vineland is commonly used.

Methods

Both editions of the Vineland Interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 106 parents/caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental disability, participating at two neurodevelopmental disorder research clinics. Administrations were up to 7 days apart, but most (90%) were simultaneous. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) (95% confidence interval) and mean differences (95% confidence interval) were calculated for domain standard scores and subdomain v‐scale scores.

Results

Domain‐level CCC ranged from 0.78 [0.70, 0.84] (Communication) to 0.86 [0.76, 0.92] (Motor). Subdomain CCC ranged from 0.71 [0.62, 0.78] (Receptive Language) to 0.91 [0.85, 0.95] (Fine Motor). Vineland‐3 scores were lower than Vineland‐II scores; 77% of participants had lower Adaptive Behavior Composite scores on the Vineland‐3 than on the Vineland‐II. For the subdomains, the magnitude of this difference depended upon the level of adaptive behaviour. For Communication, the domain with the lowest CCC, the mean difference ranged from −13.70 [−8.03, −19.35] for a Vineland‐II score or 85 to a difference of −19.18 [−12.28, −26.87] for a Vineland‐II score of 40.

Discussion

Amongst individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Vineland‐3 produces lower scores than the Vineland‐II, and these clinically significant differences tend to be larger for individuals with lower levels of ability. Thus, care must be taken in interpreting scores from the Vineland‐3 relative to those obtained from the previous edition.
Palmoplantar depigmentation in Macaca fascicularis following Blaschko linear pattern
Authors: Bouzon Aline Crespo , Meireles Bárbara Cristina Da Silva , Souza Igo Vieira , Dias Fabiano Venancio , Goldschmidt Beatriz
Published: October 2019

Hypomelanosis of Ito is a rare neurocutaneous syndrome, characterized by streaks and swirls of hypopigmentation arranged in a Blaschkoid pattern. Other associated anomalies are observed. We report a case of a male cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) who presented the characteristic of hypomelanosis of Ito with palmoplantar involvement and polythelia.
Effects of a foliar fertilizer containing boron on the development of Sclerotinia stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) on canola (Brassica napus L.) leaves
Authors: Ni Li , Punja Zamir K.
Published: October 2019

Sclerotinia stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Lib. De Bary) is one of the most destructive fungal diseases on canola (Brassica napus L.). The effect of a foliar fertilizer containing 3% boron (Active Flower™ [AF]) in reducing disease severity was evaluated. AF at 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 ml/100 ml was first tested for growth inhibition of S. sclerotiorum in potato dextrose broth. Growth was reduced at 0.5 ml/100 ml by around 90%. Boric acid (BA), an important component of AF, was tested against fungal growth at 10 ml/L, and no significant effect (p = .05) was found. Foliar applications of AF and AF formulation that did not contain boron at 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 ml/100 ml were made weekly to canola ‘Westar’ grown under greenhouse conditions. Treatments were also made with BA at 10 ml/L to canola plants. After four applications, AF at 0.5 ml/100 ml and BA at 10 ml/L enhanced boron levels in leaves by fivefold and threefold, respectively, compared with the control. Lesion size of S. sclerotiorum on detached leaves was significantly (p < .05) reduced by AF at 0.5 ml/100 ml, but lesion size was not reduced on AFWB‐treated leaves. Experiments were repeated twice with the same results. Levels of phenolic compounds in leaves treated with 0.5 ml/100 ml AF were enhanced by twofold compared with the control. There were no significant differences in lignin, peroxidase (POD) or polyphenoloxidase (PPO) between the control and AF treatments. These results suggest that enhanced boron levels in canola leaves were associated with a suppressive effect on disease due to S. sclerotiorum.
Toward a Contingent Model of Mirroring Between Product and Organization: A Knowledge Management Perspective
Authors: Leo Ezekiel
Published: October 2019

Much of the contemporary modularity literature subscribes to the idea that increased product modularity is associated with advantageous increase in organizational modularity. Known as the “mirroring hypothesis,” this proposed relationship states that the structure of a product development organization and the architecture of the product being developed would “mirror” each other. This correspondence suggests that product modularity can be a substitute for overt organizational coordination mechanisms, thereby increasing the efficiency of product development. However, empirical research to date provides inconsistent support for the hypothesis and the extant literature has yet to converge on a systematic explanation for the inconsistent findings. Moreover, important conceptual inconsistencies still remain in the extant literature, which impede cumulative knowledge development. As the first step toward reconciliation, this conceptual paper puts forth a contingent model of mirroring between product and organization, based on the systematic examination of the requisite architectural knowledge that enables product and organizational modularity. The resulting contingent model clearly articulates the knowledge prerequisite of mirroring and its underpinning causal mechanism. Based on the contingent model, a set of propositions are derived to explain and predict when the mirroring relationship will hold and when it will not. This paper thus contributes to the literature by helping to resolve persistent conceptual inconsistencies and reconcile conflicting empirical findings. In addition, explicating the knowledge prerequisite for mirroring places boundary conditions on product modularity as an effective substitute for overt exercise of managerial coordination, which helps us gain a deeper understanding of modularity as a design strategy and how complex innovations can be organized, and provides a basis for more nuanced prescriptions for practitioners to assess the relationships between their product and organization design.
Perseverance, faith and stoicism: a qualitative study of medical student perspectives on managing fatigue
Authors: Taylor Taryn S , Raynard Alexandra L , Lingard Lorelei
Published: October 2019

Context

Fatigue risk management (FRM) strategies offer a potential solution to the widespread problem of fatigued trainees in the clinical workplace. These strategies assume a shared perception that fatigue is hazardous. Despite the growing body of evidence suggesting that fatigue leads to burnout and medical errors, previous research suggests that residents perceive fatigue as a personal, surmountable burden rather than an occupational hazard. Before we can implement FRM, we need a better understanding of when and how such problematic notions of fatigue are adopted by medical trainees. Thus, we sought to explore how third‐year medical students understand and manage the workplace fatigue they experience during their first year of clinical rotations.

Methods

A total of 22 third‐year medical students participated in semi‐structured interviews exploring their perspectives of workplace fatigue. Data collection and analysis occurred iteratively in keeping with constructivist grounded theory methodology and were informed by theoretical sampling to sufficiency.

Results

Our participants described unprecedented levels of sleep deprivation combined with uncertainty and confusion that led to significant fatigue during training. Drawing on their workplace experience, trainees believed that fatigue posed three distinct threats, which evoked different coping strategies: (i) threat to personal health, managed by perseverance; (ii) threat to patients, managed by faith in the system, and (iii) threat to professional reputation, managed by stoicism.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight how senior medical students grapple with fatigue, as they understand it, within a training context in which they are expected to deny the impact of their fatigue on patients and themselves. Despite empirical evidence to the contrary, the prevailing assumption amongst our participants is that an ability to withstand sleep deprivation without impairment will develop naturally over time. Efforts to implement FRM strategies will need to address this assumption if these strategies are to be successfully taken up and effective.
Playing mathematics
Authors: Wertheim Margaret
Published: October 2019

We are used to thinking of mathematics as a symbolic activity. Here I argue that it may also be seen as a performative one. Making an analogy with music, I draw attention to the ways in which mathematics may not only be written down but also played out.
The cost of complexity in forecasts of population abundances is reduced but not eliminated by borrowing information across space using a hierarchical approach
Authors: Chevalier Mathieu , Knape Jonas
Published: October 2019

Anticipating ecological changes is paramount if we are to manage biodiversity and the services they provide to humanity. When forecasting population abundances, studies have shown that simple statistical models often have better forecast performance than complex models. These studies have evaluated forecasts of models fitted separately to data from single sites (single‐site approach). Here, we aim to contrast the forecast performance and forecast horizon between a single‐site approach and a hierarchical multi‐site approach where a single model is fitted to data from multiple‐sites, and to investigate how they vary with model complexity. We used 5273 population time series on 84 species from the Swedish breeding bird survey program, and found that simple models on average had better forecast performance and forecast horizon than complex models for both the single‐ and the multi‐site approach. However, the cost of complexity was considerably reduced under the multi‐site approach, while the proportion of species for which complex models had better forecast performance than simple models was also much larger than under the single‐site approach. This suggests that the multi‐site approach is useful for inclusion of more detailed processes which may benefit forecasts for some species and which are of importance for managers. Still, our results are in line with some previous studies suggesting that it is surprisingly difficult to construct complex models that, on average, beat trivial baseline forecasts.
Resource conversion: a generalizable mechanism for resource‐mediated positive species interactions
Authors: Lam Weng Ngai , Chisholm Ryan A.
Published: October 2019

Positive species interactions are ubiquitous in natural communities, but the mechanisms through which they operate are poorly understood. One proposed mechanism is resource conversion – the conversion by a benefactor species of a resource from a resource state that is inaccessible to a potential beneficiary species into a resource state that is accessible. Such conversion often occurs as a byproduct of resource consumption, and sometimes in exchange for non‐resource benefits to the benefactor species. At least five known classes of interactions, including both facilitative and mutualistic ones, may be classified as resource conversion interactions. We formulated a generalizable mathematical model for resource conversion interactions and examined two model variants that represent processing chain and nurse plant interactions. We examined the conditions under which these conformed to the stress‐gradient hypothesis (SGH), which predicts increased interaction benefits in more stressful environments. These yielded four key insights: 1) resource conversion interactions can be positive (towards the resource recipient) only when facilitator‐mediated resource conversion is more efficient than the baseline, spontaneous, facilitator‐independent resource conversion; 2) the sign of resource conversion interaction outcomes never switches (e.g. from net positive to net negative) with changing levels of resource availability, when all other parameters are kept constant; 3) processing chain interactions at equilibrium can never be positive in a manner that conforms to the SGH; 4) nurse plant interactions can be positive and conform to the SGH, although the manner in which they do depends largely on how resource stress is defined, and the environmental supply rate of surface soil moisture. The first two insights are likely to be generalizable across all resource conversion interactions. The general agreement of the model with empirical studies suggest that resource conversion is the mechanism underlying the aforementioned interactions, and an ecologically meaningful way of classifying these previously unassociated positive species interactions.
Coevolution by different functional mechanisms modulates the structure and dynamics of antagonistic and mutualistic networks
Authors: de Andreazzi Cecilia Siliansky , Astegiano Julia , Guimarães Paulo R.
Published: October 2019

A central problem in the study of species interactions is to understand the underlying ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that shape and are shaped by trait evolution in interacting assemblages. The patterns of interaction among species (i.e. network structure) provide the pathways for evolution and coevolution, which are modulated by how traits affect individual fitness (i.e. functional mechanisms). Functional mechanisms, in turn, also affect the likelihood of an ecological interaction, shaping the structure of interaction networks. Here, we build adaptive network models to explore the potential role of coevolution by two functional mechanisms, trait matching and exploitation barrier, in driving trait evolution and the structure of interaction networks. We use these models to explore how different scenarios of coevolution and functional mechanisms reproduce the empirical network patterns observed in antagonistic and mutualistic interactions and affect trait evolution. Scenarios assuming coevolutionary feedback with a strong effect of functional mechanism better reproduce the empirical structure of networks. Antagonistic and mutualistic networks, however, are better explained by different functional mechanisms and the structure of antagonisms is better reproduced than that of mutualisms. Scenarios assuming coevolution by strong trait matching between interacting partners better explain the structure of antagonistic networks, whereas those assuming strong barrier effects better reproduce the structure of mutualistic networks. The dynamics resulting from the feedback between strong functional mechanisms and coevolution favor the stability of antagonisms and mutualisms. Selection favoring trait matching reduces temporal trait fluctuation and the magnitude of arms races in antagonisms, whereas selection due to exploitation barriers reduces temporal trait fluctuations in mutualisms. Our results indicate that coevolutionary models better reproduce the network structure of antagonisms than those of mutualisms and that different functional mechanisms may favor the persistence of antagonistic and mutualistic interacting assemblages.
Nonosmotic secretion of arginine vasopressin and salt loss in hyponatremia in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Miura Kenichiro , Harita Yutaka , Takahashi Naoto , Tsurumi Haruko , Yasudo Hiroki , Isojima Tsuyoshi , Hirata Yoichiro , Inuzuka Ryo , Takizawa Keiichi , Toyofuku Etsushi , Nishimoto Hajime , Takamizawa Masaru , Ando Taro , Sugawa Masahiro , Yanagisawa Atsuhiro , Inatomi Jun , Nogimori Yoshitsugu , Kinumaki Akiko , Namai Yoshiyuki , Hattori Motoshi , Oka Akira
Published: October 2019

Background

The precise mechanism of hyponatremia in Kawasaki disease (KD) remains elusive because assessment of volume status based on serial changes in body weight is lacking in previous reports.

Methods

Seventeen patients who were diagnosed with KD and hyponatremia (serum sodium levels <135 mmol/L) were analyzed. Volume status was assessed based on serial changes in body weight. Plasma arginine vasopressin (ADH), urine electrolytes, and serum cytokine levels were measured on diagnosis of hyponatremia. An increase in body weight by >3% was defined as hypervolemia and a decrease in body weight by >3% was defined as hypovolemia.

Results

The volume status was hypervolemic in three patients (18%), euvolemic in 14 (82%), and hypovolemic in none (0%). Five (29%) patients were diagnosed with “syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone” (SIADH) and no patients were diagnosed with hypotonic dehydration. The contribution of decreased total exchangeable cations (salt loss) to hyponatremia (5.9% [interquartile range, 4.3%, 6.7%]) was significantly larger than that of increased total body water (−0.7% [−1.8%, 3.1%]) (P = 0.004). Serum interleukin‐6 levels were elevated in all of the nine patients who were evaluated. Among the 12 (71%) patients who did not meet the criteria of SIADH and hypotonic dehydration, plasma ADH levels were inappropriately high in ten patients. These patients were also characterized by euvolemic or hypervolemic hyponatremia and salt loss, which might be compatible with a diagnosis of SIADH.

Conclusions

Our study shows that hyponatremia in KD is euvolemic or hypervolemic and is associated with nonosmotic secretion of ADH and salt loss in the majority of patients.
Crowdsourced analysis of factors and misconceptions associated with parental willingness to donate their child's organs
Authors: Jones Amy H. , Jacobs Marni B. , October Tessie W.
Published: October 2019

We evaluated factors associated with a parental willingness to donate their child's organs. A twenty‐one‐question survey was administered to US parents with at least one child to measure organ donation acceptability and brain death beliefs using an online crowdsourcing medium, Amazon's Mechanical Turk Prime. We collected 425 surveys; 76% were willing to donate their own and 65% willing to donate their child's organs. Parents who agreed brain death was synonymous with death (47%) were 2.37 times more willing to donate. Compared with White respondents, Black (OR 5.27, CI 2.81, 9.88) and Hispanic (OR 2.24, CI 1.06‐4.75) participants were more likely to believe doctors “steal organs from patients” and “declare someone dead based on their skin color” (OR 4.97, CI 2.65‐9.32; OR 2.19, CI 1.01‐4.72, respectively). Lower income participants were also more likely to believe doctors “steal organs from patients,” OR 0.81 (95% CI 0.68‐0.96 for increasing income) and “declare someone dead based on how much money they have,” OR 0.80 (95% CI 0.67‐0.96 for increasing income). Confusion surrounding brain death and skepticism (particularly among racial and ethnic minorities and lower socioeconomic groups) toward doctors' motivations for donation contribute to lack of parental willingness to donate.
Combined association of BTEX and material hardship on ADHD‐suggestive behaviours among a nationally representative sample of US children
Authors: Dellefratte Kayla , Stingone Jeanette A. , Claudio Luz
Published: October 2019

Background

Previous research shows that environmental and social factors contribute to the development of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Objective

To determine the relationship between early‐life exposure to common ambient air pollutants (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, also known as BTEX), household material hardship (a measure of socio‐economic status), and ADHD‐suggestive behaviours in kindergarten‐age children.

Methods

Pollutant exposure estimated from the 2002 National Air Toxics Assessment at each child's residential ZIP code at enrolment was linked to the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Birth Cohort (n = 4650). Material hardship was assigned as a composite score of access to food, health care, and housing. Kindergarten teachers rated children's behaviours and activity in the classroom using a five‐point Likert scale. Children with summary scores in the bottom decile were classified as displaying ADHD‐suggestive behaviours. Logistic regression models were constructed to estimate the association between both BTEX exposure and material hardship on ADHD‐suggestive behaviours.

Results

The odds of displaying ADHD‐suggestive behaviours were greater in children with combined high‐level exposure to BTEX and in those experiencing material hardship (odds ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12, 2.11, and OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.25, 3.59, respectively), adjusting for covariates. These associations were stronger when restricting the study population to urban areas. There was no evidence of interaction between early life BTEX exposure and material hardship, although the effects of BTEX exposure were slightly greater in magnitude among those with higher material hardship scores.

Conclusions

Children exposed to air toxics, material hardship, or both early in life are more likely to display signs of ADHD‐suggestive behaviours as assessed by their kindergarten teachers. The associations between exposures to air pollution and to socio‐economic hardship were observed in all children but were particularly strong in those living in urban areas.
Searching for the true religion: the Church History of the Magdeburg Centuries between critical methods and confessional polemics
Authors: Bollbuck Harald
Published: October 2019

The Magdeburg Centuries (1559–74) constituted the first attempt at a comprehensive Lutheran church history. Written as a collaborative project and starting its account in the Apostolic age, the Centuries aimed also to describe the theological changes of their own century, although the printed version extended only to the thirteenth century. In its development, the project was closely connected to the so‐called Chancery of God, a propaganda office of strict Lutheran theologians in Magdeburg which worked against the emperor, the Catholic Church and confessional opponents in Wittenberg. Written during a time of political threats, the work was driven by apocalyptic thinking and a certain scepticism about authorities. The search for historical testimonies of religious truth, the critical methods of a humanist education, the deconstruction of myths, and the writing for specific confessional goals intermingled and informed the compilation of excerpts from historical sources. The authors of the Magdeburg Centuries used these different techniques according to their needs.