bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nature and rationality of conversion
Authors: Faulkner Paul
Published: August 2019

We can differ in our beliefs, values, interests, goals, preferences, and moral psychologies. How we see things can be different. But in none of these respects is our thinking fixed. Beliefs, values, preferences, moral psychology, and so on can change. And sometimes, the change can be significant enough to warrant talk of a conversion. The aim of this paper is then to investigate the nature and rationality of conversion. What is it to undergo a conversion? What practical or epistemic justification can be given of conversion?
Determination of soil properties using thermogravimetry under laboratory conditions
Authors: Kučerík Jiří , Svatoň Karel , Malý Stanislav , Brtnický Martin , Doležalová‐Weismannová Helena , Demyan Michael S. , Siewert Christian , Tokarski David
Published: August 2019

Analysis of soil properties and soil organic matter dynamics requires the use of reliable and rapid analytical techniques. Included in such applicable techniques is thermogravimetry (TG) which, typically, measures mass losses of soil heated during a temperature ramping. Previous work revealed relationships between mass losses of 10°C intervals (TG indicators) and total organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and clay content, and relationships between mass losses of larger temperature intervals (TG fractions) and interactions between SOC, TN and clay. However, widespread application of these relationships is hampered by the requirement to equilibrate soils at 76% relative humidity (RH) prior to and during TG measurements. In this study we tested whether the relationships between mass losses and soil properties can be observed at 43% RH by analyzing 37 mostly arable and grassland soils. It was found that at 43% RH the same TG indicators correlated significantly with soil properties as at 76% RH, but the correlations with TN and clay contents were observed at lower temperatures. New equations were developed for rapid analysis of soil properties using TG indicators and for determination of TG fractions at 43% RH. The results indicated that for routine application of these TG approaches in soil science, it is necessary to include an RH parameter that accounts for potential shifts in diagnostic temperatures when modelling the relationships between TG data and soil properties.

Highlights

Thermogravimetry data correlate with soil organic carbon, nitrogen and clay at 43% RH.

Clay and nitrogen correlated at lower temperature compared to 76% RH.

New equations applicable at laboratory conditions were developed.

Wider use of TG requires including information on ambient moisture.
Short‐term (5 years) impact of conservation agriculture on soil physical properties and organic carbon in a rice–wheat rotation in the Indo‐Gangetic plains of Bihar
Authors: Mondal Surajit , Poonia Shis P. , Mishra Janki S. , Bhatt Bhagwati P. , Karnena Koteswara Rao , Saurabh Kirti , Kumar Rakesh , Chakraborty Debashis
Published: August 2019

Short‐term (5 years) impact of tillage and residue management practices on physical properties and organic carbon (OC) of a silty clay soil was evaluated in a rice–wheat rotation in the Indo‐Gangetic Plains of Bihar. The experiment had three conservation agriculture (CA) practices: one full (direct‐seeded rice (DSR)–no‐tilled wheat (NTW)–no‐tilled mung bean (NTMB); fCA) and two partial (puddled transplanted rice (PTR)–NTW–conventionally tilled mung bean (CTMB); pCA1 and unpuddled transplanted rice (UPTPR)–conventionally tilled potato+maize (CTP + M)–NTMB; pCA2), which were evaluated against full conventional practice (puddled transplanted rice (PTR)–conventionally tilled wheat (CTW); TA). Subsurface compaction reduced and soil aggregation improved under both full and partial CA. Macro‐ and water‐stable aggregates increased to a large extent (26 and 11%, respectively) in full CA and to a lesser extent in partial CA, mostly due to increase in coarse macroaggregate (2–8 mm) contents in the 0–10 and 10–20‐cm depth soil layers. Steady‐state infiltration rate nearly doubled under full CA, with larger pore volume recorded in 10–20 and 20–30‐cm depth soil layers. The CA increased OC associated with all size fractions of aggregates in the surface soil layer (0–10 cm), but a higher amount of C was associated with macroaggregates, indicating relative stabilization of OC in the soil under CA. Change in bulk soil OC was larger in the 0–10‐cm depth soil layer in favour of CA, which also had an 11% increase in OC stock in the 0–30‐cm depth soil layer. Improvement in soil physical condition did not effectively translate into increased rice or wheat yields, but the system productivity increased largely.

Highlights

Conservation agriculture (CA) resulted in 11–12% higher macro‐aggregation compared to conventional practice (CT).

Macro‐ and total pores reduced in the 0–10 cm depth soil layer but increased in the 10–20 cm depth soil layer under CA.

CA resulted in 27–35% higher aggregate‐associated OC content and 11% increase in OC stock at 0–30 cm.

Full/partial CA improved soil physical condition and the productivity of rice–wheat systems in the Indo‐Gangetic Plains.
Epilepsy Journey: A proof of concept trial of a Web‐based executive functioning intervention for adolescents with epilepsy
Authors: Modi Avani C. , Mara Constance A. , Schmidt Matthew , Smith Aimee W. , Turnier Luke , Glaser Noah , Wade Shari L.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To examine the preliminary feasibility and acceptability of a Web‐based program, Epilepsy Journey, to improve executive function behaviors in adolescents with epilepsy.

Methods

We conducted a proof of concept single‐arm pilot trial of Epilepsy Journey with 31 adolescents (average age = 15.3 ± 1.3 years) who had an epilepsy diagnosis and executive function (EF) deficits on the caregiver‐report version of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Epilepsy Journey coupled a gamified problem‐solving website comprised of 10 learning modules targeting EF deficits (eg, working memory, organization, problem‐solving) with Skype sessions with a trained therapist. Outcomes included feasibility (attrition, sessions completed) and acceptability (satisfaction ratings). Exploratory analyses examined changes in caregiver‐, self‐, and teacher‐reported BRIEF scores from baseline to posttreatment and at 2‐ and 5‐month follow‐ups.

Results

Seventy‐nine percent of participants completed the program. Satisfaction was high, with 97% of caregivers and adolescents rating the program as helpful and indicating they would recommend it to others. Caregivers and adolescents reported global improvements on the BRIEF, with caregivers reporting significant improvements on all BRIEF subscales. EF symptoms rebounded slightly between the 2‐ and 5‐month follow‐ups for some of the self‐ and caregiver‐reported BRIEF scales. Notably, clinically meaningful improvements (eg, clinical/subclinical to normative levels) were reported for several caregiver‐reported BRIEF subscales, including the Global Executive Composite (62% to 33‐34%) and Metacognitive Index (74% to 41‐42%) from baseline to 2‐ and 5‐month follow‐up.

Significance

Findings suggest that a Web‐based problem‐solving intervention tailored to EF deficits for adolescents with epilepsy is both feasible and acceptable and may contribute to improvements in EF behaviors across domains.
Fairness matters when responding to disasters: An experimental study of government legitimacy
Authors: Mazepus Honorata , van Leeuwen Florian
Published: August 2019

Governments worldwide are regularly faced with severe weather conditions and disasters caused by natural hazards. Does the way in which governments respond to disasters affect their legitimacy? The current study investigated how evaluations of authorities were influenced by four aspects of a governmental response to a hypothetical disaster. In a survey experiment participants read a scenario in which a government distributed aid in the aftermath of a flooding. Data were collected from the Netherlands, France, Poland, Ukraine, and Russia (N = 2,677). Results showed that the government was seen as more legitimate when it was described as distributing resources fairly, following fair procedures, and providing a material benefit to the participant. However, in contrast to predictions derived from system‐justification theory, results showed that outcome dependence was associated with reduced legitimacy. These findings suggest that response policies that address both instrumental and fairness concerns might help maintain positive evaluations of governments.
Paediatric reference intervals for common coagulation assays in Chinese children as performed on the STA‐R coagulation analyzer
Authors: Liu Junjie , Dai Yanpeng , Yuan Enwu , Li Yushan , Wang Quanxian , Wang Linkai , Su Yanhua
Published: August 2019

Introduction

In order to correctly manage the paediatric patients affected with haemostatic disorders, age‐appropriate reference intervals should be used. The purpose of this study was to establish age‐specific reference intervals for prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and fibrinogen (Fg).

Methods

In this study, a total of 34 234 apparently healthy children and adolescents aged 0‐15 years were chosen as reference individuals. PT, TT, aPTT and Fg were performed on the STA‐R coagulation analyzer. Outliers were eliminated using the Dixon D/R ratio rule. Partitioning by age was achieved using Harris and Boyd's standard normal deviate test. The lower (2.5th percentiles) and upper (97.5 percentiles) reference intervals were established using the nonparametric method.

Results

Compared with the adult group, the median time of PT was significantly different in the groups consisting of children aged 0‐15 days, 15 days‐1 month, 1‐6 months and 11‐15 years. The median time of APTT and TT was significantly prolonged in all paediatric age groups than in the adult group (P < .05). Compared with the adult group, the median values of Fg were significantly different in the groups consisting of children aged 0‐15 days and 2‐15 years. Our results showed that all coagulation assays required partitioning by age.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that results of coagulation assays are highly dependent on age, and that age‐specific reference intervals must be used to ensure proper evaluation of paediatric coagulation assays.
Gender and governance of global value chains: Promoting the rights of women workers
Authors: BARRIENTOS Stephanie , BIANCHI Lara , BERMAN Cindy
Published: August 2019

Private governance channelled through social compliance programmes and gender initiatives of multinational companies have had limited impact in tackling gender discrimination in global value chains (GVCs). The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) provide a public–private governance framework to address human rights globally, including gender equality. This article considers whether the UNGPs can provide a more effective governance framework for addressing women workers’ rights in GVCs. It argues that interlayered forms of governance (involving public, private and social actors) are critical in addressing gender discrimination in GVCs and advancing a gendered approach to human rights due diligence.
Toxins of toxin/antitoxin systems are inactivated primarily through promoter mutations
Authors: Fernandez-Garcia L. , Kim J.-S. , Tomas M. , Wood T.K.
Published: August 2019

Aims

Given the extreme toxicity of some of the toxins of toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, we were curious how the cell silences toxins, if the antitoxin is inactivated or independent toxins are obtained via horizontal gene transfer.

Methods and Results

Growth curves of Escherichia coli K12 BW25113 harbouring plasmid pCA24N to produce RalR, MqsR, GhoT or Hha toxins, showed toxin inactivation after 3 h. Sequencing plasmids from these cultures revealed toxin inactivation occurred primarily due to consistent deletions in the promoter. The lack of mutation in the structural genes was corroborated by a bioinformatics analysis of 1000 E. coli genomes which showed both conservation and little variability in the four toxin genes. For those strains that lacked a mutation in the plasmid, single nucleotide polymorphism analysis was performed to identify that chromosomal mutations iraM and mhpR inactivate the toxins GhoT and MqsR/GhoT respectively.

Conclusion

We find that the RalR (type I), MqsR (type II), GhoT (type V) and Hha (type VII) toxins are inactivated primarily by a mutation that inactivates the toxin promoter or via the chromosomal mutations iraM and mhpR.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study demonstrates toxins of TA systems may be inactivated by mutations that primarily affect the toxin gene promoter instead of the toxin structural gene.
Catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes with low intraprocedural burden guided exclusively by pace‐mapping
Authors: Shirai Yasuhiro , Liang Jackson J. , Santangeli Pasquale , Supple Gregory E. , Riley Michael P. , Garcia Fermin C. , Lin David , Dixit Sanjay , Callans David J. , Marchlinski Francis E. , Frankel David S. , Schaller Robert D.
Published: August 2019

Background

Catheter ablation (CA) of idiopathic premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) is typically guided by both activation and pace‐mapping, with ablation ideally delivered at the site of the earliest local activation. However, activation mapping requires sufficient intraprocedural quantity of PVCs. This study aimed to investigate the outcome of CA of infrequent PVCs guided exclusively by pace‐mapping.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all patients undergoing CA of idiopathic PVCs between 2014 and 2017.

Results

Among 327 patients, 24 (7.3%) had low intraprocedural PVC burden despite isoproterenol, including two patients with zero PVCs, rendering activation mapping impractical/impossible. All 24 had a history of symptomatic PVCs. During ablation, a median of 27 (17‐55) pace‐maps were performed, with best median PASO score of 97 (96‐98)%. A median of 12 (8.75‐18.75) radiofrequency (RF) lesions were delivered with 11.4 (8.5‐17.6) minutes of total RF time. Clinical success, defined as more than 80% reduction in the burden of previously frequent PVCs and/or absence of symptoms as well as any documented clinical PVCs among those with infrequent or exercise‐induced PVCs, was achieved in 19 (79%) patients over 9.2 (2.0‐15.0) months of follow‐up.

Conclusions

When activation mapping cannot be performed due to inadequate intraprocedural PVC burden, detailed pace‐mapping can frequently identify the precise arrhythmia site of origin, thereby guiding successful CA.
Measuring strengths and weaknesses in dimensional psychiatry
Authors: Alexander Lindsay M. , Salum Giovanni A. , Swanson James M. , Milham Michael P.
Published: August 2019

Background

The Extended Strengths and Weaknesses Assessment of Normal Behavior (E‐SWAN) reconceptualizes each diagnostic criterion for selected DSM‐5 disorders as a behavior, which can range from high (strengths) to low (weaknesses). Initial development focused on Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Major Depression, and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.

Methods

Data were collected from 523 participants (ages 6–17). Parents completed each of the four E‐SWAN scales and traditional unidirectional scales addressing the same disorders. Distributional properties, Item Response Theory Analysis (IRT), and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess and compare the performance of E‐SWAN and traditional scales.

Results

In contrast to the traditional scales, which exhibited truncated distributions, all four E‐SWAN scales had symmetric distributions. IRT analyses indicate the E‐SWAN subscales provided reliable information about respondents throughout the population distribution; traditional scales only provided reliable information about respondents at the high end of the distribution. Predictive value for DSM‐5 diagnoses was comparable to prior scales.

Conclusions

E‐SWAN bidirectional scales can capture the full spectrum of the population distribution of behavior underlying DSM disorders. The additional information provided can better inform examination of inter‐individual variation in population studies, as well as facilitate the identification of factors related to resiliency in clinical samples.
Poor agreement between the automated risk assessment of a smartphone application for skin cancer detection and the rating by dermatologists
Authors: Chung Y. , van der Sande A.A.J. , de Roos K.P. , Bekkenk M.W. , de Haas E.R.M. , Kelleners‐Smeets N.W.J. , Kukutsch N.A.
Published: August 2019

Background

Several smartphone applications (app) with an automated risk assessment claim to be able to detect skin cancer at an early stage. Various studies that have evaluated these apps showed mainly poor performance. However, all studies were done in patients and lesions were mainly selected by a specialist.

Objectives

To investigate the performance of the automated risk assessment of an app by comparing its assessment to that of a dermatologist in lesions selected by the participants.

Methods

Participants of a National Skin Cancer Day were enrolled in a multicentre study. Skin lesions indicated by the participants were analysed by the automated risk assessment of the app prior to blinded rating by the dermatologist. The ratings of the automated risk assessment were compared to the assessment and diagnosis of the dermatologist. Due to the setting of the Skin Cancer Day, lesions were not verified by histopathology.

Results

We included 125 participants (199 lesions). The app was not able to analyse 90 cases (45%) of which nine BCC, four atypical naevi and one lentigo maligna. Thirty lesions (67%) with a high and 21 with a medium risk (70%) rating by the app were diagnosed as benign naevi or seborrhoeic keratoses. The interobserver agreement between the ratings of the automated risk assessment and the dermatologist was poor (weighted kappa = 0.02; 95% CI −0.08‐0.12; P = 0.74).

Conclusions

The rating of the automated risk assessment was poor. Further investigations about the diagnostic accuracy in real‐life situations are needed to provide consumers with reliable information about this healthcare application.
Do two measures of frailty identify the same people? An age‐gender comparison
Authors: Gordon Susan , Grimmer Karen , Baker Nicky
Published: August 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Most frailty assessments have been developed for people aged over 65 years. However, there is growing evidence that frailty is detectable in younger people. This paper tests the hypothesis that the Fried frailty phenotype and the CFS categories identify the same people in age‐gender subgroups in community‐dwelling 40 to 75‐year‐olds.

Method

Participants were recruited via comprehensive community‐sampling strategies. They self‐reported frailty using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and frailty was also estimated using the Fried phenotype (self‐reported unintended weight loss, exhaustion and low regular exercise; observed slow gait speed and poor grip strength). CFS and Fried scores were compared overall, and for age‐gender subgroups (40‐49 years, 50‐59 years, 60‐69 years, and 70‐75 years). Spearman rho and differences in mean integer Fried scores were calculated across CFS categories using ANOVA. Correlations were determined between Fried categories of not‐frail, pre‐frail, and frail and ranked CFS categories, using ranked scores (tau‐c) and Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel (C‐M‐H) tests.

Results

Of 656 participants (67% female; mean age 59.9 years, SD 10.6), Fried phenotype classified 59.2% not frail, 39.0% pre‐frail, and 1.8% frail, with no gender or age differences. CFS data were missing for 25 participants, with N = 631 reporting categories of very well (24.6%), well (44.6%), managing well (21.9%), vulnerable (6.3%), mildly frail (0.5%), and moderately frail (0.2%). Overall, the mean Fried frailty scores increased incrementally and significantly across ranked CFS categories (P < .01), with weak linear correlation (rho = 0.09). There were variable correlations in age‐gender groups, with the best correlation found for women aged 50 years or older, and men aged 60 to 69 years.

Conclusion

Frailty assessments using the two assessments became more consistent, as age increased. Pre‐frailty was identified by both assessments in all age‐gender groups. The validity of self‐reported CFS, and of pre‐frailty criteria relevant to people younger than 65 years, needs investigation.
Modelling factors of urinary incontinence in institutional older adults with dementia
Authors: Li Hui‐Chi , Chen Kuei‐Min , Hsu Hui‐Fen
Published: August 2019

Aims and Objectives

This study applied structural equation modelling to explore the relationships among agitated behaviours, depression, cognitive function and activities of daily living, as well as associations between these factors and urinary incontinence).

Background

A high prevalence of urinary incontinence is found among institutional older adults with dementia. People with urinary incontinence suffer from increased financial burden and social isolation and experience reduced quality of life.

Design

Cross‐sectional correlational research. The study complied with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement.

Methods

In total, 226 older adults with dementia were recruited through convenience sampling at 15 long‐term care facilities in southern Taiwan. The urinary incontinence frequency, agitated behaviours, depression, cognitive function and activities of daily living were evaluated using bladder records, the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory, the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, the Mini‐Mental State Examination and the Barthel Index, respectively.

Results

Activities of daily living performance was found to be significantly associated with urinary incontinence; however, age, cognitive function, depression and agitated behaviours were not significantly related to urinary incontinence. Age did not have effects on any of the variables tested in this model, whereas activities of daily living performance was significantly associated with cognitive function and depression. Results further showed that cognitive function and depression were mediators between activities of daily living and agitated behaviours.

Conclusion

Enhanced activities of daily living independency directly reduced urinary incontinence, improved cognitive function, decreased degrees of depression and indirectly reduced agitated behaviours.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings could serve as a valuable reference for long‐term care facilities in providing effective urinary incontinence care and prevention to older adults with dementia.
Nutrient depletion may trigger the Yersinia pestis OmpR‐EnvZ regulatory system to promote flea‐borne plague transmission
Authors: Bontemps‐Gallo Sébastien , Fernandez Marion , Dewitte Amélie , Raphaël Etienne , Gherardini Frank C. , Elizabeth Pradel , Koch Lionel , Biot Fabrice , Reboul Angéline , Sebbane Florent
Published: August 2019

The flea’s lumen gut is a poorly documented environment where the agent of flea‐borne plague, Yersinia pestis, must replicate to produce a transmissible infection. Here, we report that both the acidic pH and osmolarity of the lumen’s contents display simple harmonic oscillations with different periods. Since an acidic pH and osmolarity are two of three known stimuli of the OmpR‐EnvZ two‐component system in bacteria, we investigated the role and function of this Y. pestis system in fleas. By monitoring the in vivo expression pattern of three OmpR‐EnvZ‐regulated genes, we concluded that the flea gut environment triggers OmpR‐EnvZ. This activation was not, however, correlated with changes in pH and osmolarity but matched the pattern of nutrient depletion (the third known stimulus for OmpR‐EnvZ). Lastly, we found that the OmpR‐EnvZ and the OmpF porin are needed to produce the biofilm that ultimately obstructs the flea’s gut and thus hastens the flea‐borne transmission of plague. Taken as a whole, our data suggest that the flea gut is a complex, fluctuating environment in which Y. pestis senses nutrient depletion via OmpR‐EnvZ. Once activated, the latter triggers a molecular program (including at least OmpF) that produces the biofilm required for efficient plague transmission.
Environment‐dependent introgression from Quercus dentata to a coastal ecotype of Quercus mongolica var. crispula in northern Japan
Authors: Nagamitsu Teruyoshi , Uchiyama Kentaro , Izuno Ayako , Shimizu Hajime , Nakanishi Atsushi
Published: August 2019

Introgression from one species in a specific environment to another may facilitate colonization of the environment by the recipient species. However, such environment‐dependent introgression has been clarified in limited plant taxa.

In northern Japan, there are two interfertile oak species: Quercus dentata (Qd) in coastal areas and Q. mongolica var. crispula (Qc) in inland areas. However, at higher latitudes where Qd is rare, a coastal Qc ecotype with Qd‐like traits is distributed in the coastal areas. We distinguished inland Qc, coastal Qc, and coastal Qd populations based on genome‐wide genotypes and multitrait phenotypes and verified introgression from coastal Qd to coastal Qc using reduced library sequencing.

Genotypes and phenotypes differed among the populations, and coastal Qc was intermediate between inland Qc and coastal Qd. The ABBA–BABA test showed introgression from coastal Qd to coastal Qc. In coastal Qc, we found various stages of introgression after the first generation of backcross but detected no genomic regions where introgression was enhanced.

Overall, we show evidence for introgression from a coastal species to an ecotype of an inland species, which has colonized the coastal environment. It remains unclear whether introgressed alleles are selected in the coastal environment.
Manufacturer Strategy on Service Provision in Competitive Channels
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Cai Gangshu (George) , Ingene Charles A. , Zhang Jihong
Published: August 2019

A manufacturer commonly distributes through a set of retailers who are authorized to sell its product; demand‐enhancing services may also be provided by the manufacturer. These services may be granted to all authorized retailers ( uniform service provision) or to a favored few authorized retailers ( differential service provision). To determine when a manufacturer does—or does not—bestow equal service levels, we develop a model of one manufacturer selling through two competing retailers. We find manufacturer optimality to entail uniform service at some parametric values, while differential service is optimal at other values. Counterintuitively, with differential service, the recipient of lower service may be better off than it would be with higher service. Equally surprisingly, there are conditions for which the high‐service retailer prefers its rival to also receive a high level of service—but only if its rival is sufficiently small. While the three channel members often have different service‐provision preferences, there are also parametric values that place them in harmony with either differential or uniform service provision. Retailers sharing the cost of manufacturer‐provided service need not lessen firms’ preference confliction over the preferred service provision but can improve channel efficiency when the cost‐sharing rate is relatively low. We also investigate the effect of retailer‐provided services and the impact of service asymmetry level.
Optimal Selling Policies for Farmer Cooperatives
Authors: Shi Jim (Junmin) , Zhao Yao , Kiwanuka Rose B. Karimi , Chang Jasmine (Aichih)
Published: August 2019

Sustainability and long‐term prosperity are chronic challenges in the agriculture sector of many countries. To address such challenges, farmer cooperatives are formed as an innovative approach to improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers around the world. Inspired by real‐life practice in the Kenya coffee industry, we study a class of stochastic and dynamic inventory models for storable agricultural products with random exogenous supply and price. For a variety of cost functions relevant in practice, we characterize the optimal selling policies to maximize the farmer cooperatives’ expected profit. We show that for concave inventory holding cost, the sell‐all‐or‐retain‐all ( r,  R) (or sell‐all‐or‐retain‐all R) policies are optimal with (without) the fixed selling cost; for convex holding cost, the sell‐down‐to ( S,  s) (or sell‐down‐to s) policies are optimal with (without) the fixed selling cost. For the special case of linear holding cost, the optimal policy is a cut‐off price policy and we derive closed‐form expressions for the optimal policy and the optimal total discounted profit. We discuss the model extensions to include general stochastic harvest and price processes, selling/storage capacity limits, price‐dependent random demand with a spot market, and the flexibility of procurement from other producers, and then perform a numerical study to quantify the impact of the optimal solutions. Reconciling the theory with practice, useful insights and guidelines are provided to help farmer cooperatives make strategic selling decisions.
Foreign direct investment subsidy in a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with heterogeneous firms
Authors: Wu Yen‐Chen , Chen Shikuan , Chang Ming‐Jen
Published: August 2019

This study analyzes the macroeconomic impacts of subsidies to attract multinational corporations when firms are determining whether to enter or how to serve foreign markets. We show that a small FDI subsidy scheme induces consumption gains and delivers short‐term welfare improvement for the FDI host country if firms differ in productivity. However, the subsidy generates a new problem and results in the wealth reallocation effect, leading to welfare deterioration for the host country in the long run. Moreover, we find that a subsidy program induces a welfare improvement for the host country if it is offered to all domestic producers instead of foreign producers only in the host country.
“Let's Call Ourselves the Super Elite”: Using the Collective Behavior Tradition to Analyze Trump's America
Authors: Fuist Todd Nicholas , Williams Rhys H.
Published: August 2019

The mid‐twentieth century “collective behavior” school asserted that (1) collective behavior—the actions of crowds, movements, and other gatherings—had distinct dynamics; (2) such action was often “nonrational,” or not governed by cost‐benefit calculation; and (3) collective behavior could pose a threat to liberal democracy because of these features. While this tradition fell out of scholarly favor, the 2016 election has given us empirical reasons to revisit some elements of collective behavior approaches. We argue for three key orienting concerns, drawn from this tradition, to understand the current political era. First is a focus on authoritarianism and populism, particularly among those who feel disaffected and isolated from political institutions, pared of psychologistic determinism and geared more sensitively to their manifestations as a political style. Second is a focus on racialized resentment, strain, and perceptions of status decline, especially in how such feelings are activated when people are confronted with disruptions to their lives. Third is an analysis of “emergent norms” and the extent to which political actors produce normative understandings of contextually appropriate action that are distinct from traditional political behavior. We elaborate on these themes, apply them to examples from current politics, and suggest ways to incorporate them into contemporary sociological research.
Re‐sensitization of desensitized histamine H1 receptors in the human skin takes more than 18 hours
Authors: Malm Lars
Published: August 2019

Background

It is known since the time of testing histamine on pieces of guinea pig's jejunum that histamine receptors can develop insensitivity. The aim was to find evidence for desensitization of histamine H1 receptors in the human skin in vivo and, if found, to study the time for such receptors to regain normal sensitivity.

Materials and Methods

A skin prick test with histamine (10 mg mL–1) was set in areas where a large histamine wheal was evoked 2, 6, 18, 24 or 72 hours earlier. A skin prick test with histamine (10 mg mL–1) was also set in an area where an allergen wheal was evoked 2 or 6 hours earlier. Heights, diameters and areas were measured on photographs of side views of plaster casts of the evoked skin elevations.

Results

Histamine wheals, called test wheals, in areas where large histamine wheals were evoked 2, 6 or 18 hours earlier, were smaller than histamine wheals, called initial wheals, in earlier non‐stimulated areas. Test wheals from the 18 hours experiment were smaller than test wheals from the 72 hours experiment. Test wheals evoked in areas where allergen wheals were evoked 2 or 6 hours earlier were smaller than corresponding initial wheals.

Conclusion

Histamine‐evoked wheals and IgE‐mediated allergic wheals reduce the sensitivity of histamine H1 receptors in the human skin. It takes between 18 and 72 hours to restore the sensitivity. Similarities between the development of histamine wheals in the human skin and histaminergic migraine with aura are discussed.
The Effect of Human Values on Party Identification and Ideology for Black and White Partisans
Authors: Defenderfer Jessy
Published: August 2019

Objective

Recent research on core political values and moral foundations suggests our understanding of underlying values by race is underdeveloped. We know that Democrats prefer equality and Republicans prefer social order, but we know little as to whether these differences remain constant between blacks and whites. I utilize social psychological measures, not confounding core political values, to examine these differences.

Methods

Conducting an original survey, I utilize the Schwartz Portrait Values to examine the effect of values on party identification and ideology by race.

Results

I find that black Americans, relatively speaking, prioritize self‐transcendence values more so than whites; white Americans give more priority to values of conservation; and black Americans give more priority to values of self‐enhancement as compared to conservation. Further, the contribution of self‐transcendence values to Democratic Party identification is similar for both races, but conservation values lead to a Republican identification for white Americans, while self‐enhancement does so for black Americans.

Conclusion

This research contributes to the scarce literature on the human value structures of black Americans. The well‐established premise that Republicans prefer social order holds for white Americans, but for black Republicans, values of self‐enhancement undergird their party identification.
The role of follicular T helper cells in the humoral alloimmune response after clinical organ transplantation
Authors: van Besouw Nicole M. , Mendoza Rojas Aleixandra , Baan Carla C.
Published: August 2019

Over the past decade, antibody‐mediated or humoral rejection in combination with development of de novo donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) has been recognized as a distinct and common cause of transplant dysfunction and is responsible for one‐third of the failed allografts. Detailed knowledge of the mechanisms that initiate and maintain B‐cell driven antidonor reactivity is required to prevent and better treat this antidonor response in organ transplant patients. Over the past few years, it became evident that this response largely depends on the actions of both T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and the controlling counterparts, the T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells. In this overview paper, we review the latest insights on the functions of circulating (c)Tfh cells, their subsets Tfh1, Tfh2 and Tfh17 cells, IL‐21 and Tfr cells in antibody mediated rejection (ABMR). This may offer new insights in the process to reduce de novo DSA secretion resulting in a decline in the incidence of ABMR. In addition, monitoring these cell populations could be helpful for the development of biomarkers identifying patients at risk for ABMR and provide novel therapeutic drug targets to treat ABMR.
Conformable Fractional Partial Differentiation on n-Dimensional Time Scales
Authors: Yazıcı Gözütok Nazlı , Gözütok Uğur
Published: August 2019

In this study, the notion of a conformable partial differentiation of order alpha on time scales is introduced. Some properties of this new concept are given and relation between the conformable partial differentiation on time scales and the classical partial delta differentiation is revealed.
Non‐invasive prediction of genotype positive–phenotype negative in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by 3D modern shape analysis
Authors: Piras Paolo , Torromeo Concetta , Evangelista Antonietta , Esposito Giuseppe , Nardinocchi Paola , Teresi Luciano , Madeo Andrea , Re Federica , Chialastri Claudia , Schiariti Michele , Varano Valerio , Puddu Paolo Emilio
Published: August 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Can impaired deformational indicators for genotype positive for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in subjects that do not exhibit a left‐ventricular wall hypertrophy condition (G+LVH−) be determined using non‐invasive 3D echocardiography?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Using 3D‐STE and modern shape analysis, peculiar deformational impairments can be detected in G+LVH− subjects that can be classified with good accuracy. Moreover, the patterns of impairment are located mainly on the apical region in agreement with other evidence coming from previous biomechanical investigations.

We propose a non‐invasive procedure for predicting genotype positive for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in subjects that do not exhibit a left‐ventricular wall hypertrophy condition (G+LVH−); the procedure is based on the enhanced analysis of medical imaging from 3D speckle tracking echocardiography (3D‐STE). 3D‐STE, due to its low quality images, has not been used so far to detect effectively the G+LVH− condition. Here, we post‐processed echocardiographic images exploiting the tools of modern shape analysis, and we studied the motion of the left ventricle (LV) during an entire cycle. We enrolled 82 controls, 21 HCM patients and 11 G+LVH− subjects. We followed two steps: (i) we selected the most impaired regions of the LV by analysing its strains; and (ii) we used shape analysis on these regions to classify the subjects. The G+LVH− subjects showed different trajectories and deformational attributes. We found high classification performance in terms of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (∼90), sensitivity (∼78) and specificity (∼79). Our results showed that (i) G+LVH− subjects present important deformational impairments relative to healthy controls and (ii) modern shape analysis can efficiently predict genotype by means of a non‐invasive and inexpensive technique such as 3D‐STE.
Coverage-dependent crystalline domain structures of a tetracene thin film on H/Si(001)
Authors: Tersigni Andrew , Qin Xiao-Rong
Published: August 2019

Atomic force microscopy, transverse shear microscopy, and friction force microscopy have been used to study coverage-dependent crystalline domain structures of a tetracene film on a hydrogen-passivated Si (001)-2 × 1 surface. Though submonolayer fractals present some nonepitaxial domains, the coalesced first monolayer, which possesses a partial commensurate registration with the substrate lattice, shows two lattice domains (major domains) orthogonally oriented with each other. The second-layer lattice exhibits 90° azimuthal rotation from the first-layer lattice, and the third and subsequent layers show a commensurate registration with their respective underlayers. The major-domain boundaries are not the preferable nucleation sites, indicating a potential energy barrier at the boundary. Meanwhile, the domain structure rigidity increases with the layer height until it saturates on the fourth layer, where the bulklike structure emerges with the formation of two (molecular tilting) subdomains in a major domain. The authors conclude that the structural-phase transition can take place locally wherever the fourth molecular layer emerges, and significant bulklike crystallization occurs at a nominal coverage of ∼3–4 ML.
Effect of age on envelope regularity discrimination
Authors: Moore Brian C. J. , Vinay
Published: August 2019

The ability to discriminate irregular from regular amplitude modulation was compared for young and older adults with audiometric thresholds within the normal range for frequencies from 250 to 8000 Hz, using the “envelope regularity discrimination” (ERD) test. The amount of irregularity was parametrically varied and quantified by an “irregularity index.” The carrier frequency was 2000 Hz, the modulation rate was 8 Hz, and the baseline modulation index was 0.3. Stimuli were presented both at 80 dB sound pressure level (SPL) and at 20 dB sensation level (SL) in the presence of a threshold-equalizing noise. There was a significant effect of level, performance being better at 80 dB SPL than at 20 dB SL. There was also a significant effect of age, performance being worse for the older subjects. There was no significant interaction of level and age. The thresholds for the ERD test were not significantly correlated with absolute thresholds at the test carrier frequency of 2000 Hz, for either group, or for the two groups combined. The worse envelope regularity discrimination for the older group may be related to the age-related synaptopathy that has been established from recent studies of human temporal bones.
Growth Dynamics and Survival of
Liberibacter crescens
BT-1, an Important Model Organism for the Citrus Huanglongbing Pathogen “
Candidatus
Liberibacter asiaticus”
Authors: Sena-Vélez Marta , Holland Sean D. , Aggarwal Manu , Cogan Nick G. , Jain Mukesh , Gabriel Dean W. , Jones Kathryn M.
Published: August 2019

Liberibacter crescens
is a bacterium that is closely related to plant pathogens that have caused billions of dollars in crop losses in recent years. Particularly devastating are citrus losses due to citrus greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing, which is caused by “
Candidatus
Liberibacter asiaticus” and carried by the Asian citrus psyllid.
L. crescens
is the only close relative of “
Ca
. Liberibacter asiaticus” that can currently be grown in culture, and it therefore serves as an important model organism for the growth, genetic manipulation, and biological control of the pathogenic species. Here, we show that one of the greatest limitations to
L. crescens
growth is the sharp increase in alkaline conditions it produces as a consequence of consumption of its preferred nutrient source. In addition to new information about
L. crescens
growth and metabolism, we provide new guidelines for culture conditions that improve the survival and yield of
L. crescens
.
Molecular Basis and Ecological Relevance of
Caulobacter
Cell Filamentation in Freshwater Habitats
Authors: Heinrich Kristina , Leslie David J. , Morlock Michaela , Bertilsson Stefan , Jonas Kristina
Published: August 2019

Many bacteria drastically change their cell size and morphology in response to changing environmental conditions. Here, we demonstrate that the freshwater bacterium
Caulobacter crescentus
and related species transform into filamentous cells in response to conditions that commonly occur in their natural habitat as a result of algal blooms during the warm summer months. These filamentous cells may be better able to scavenge nutrients when they grow in biofilms and to escape from protist predation during planktonic growth. Our findings suggest that seasonal changes and variations in the microbial composition of the natural habitat can have profound impact on the cell biology of individual organisms. Furthermore, our work highlights that bacteria exist in morphological and physiological states in nature that can strongly differ from those commonly studied in the laboratory.
Phenomenological study exploring ethics in prehospital research from the paramedic’s perspective: experiences from the Paramedic-2 trial in a UK ambulance service
Authors: Charlton Karl , Franklin John , McNaughton Rebekah
Published: August 2019

Objectives

We set out to investigate paramedics’ views of ethics and research, drawing on experiences from Paramedic-2, a randomised controlled trial comparing epinephrine and placebo in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

An interpretative phenomenological approach was adopted. A purposive sample of paramedics (n=6) from North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust were invited to a semi-structured, in-depth interview.

Results

Three superordinate themes emerged: (1) morality, (2) emotion and (3) equipoise. Some viewed Paramedic-2 as an opportunity to improve OHCA outcomes for the many, viewing participation as a moral obligation; others viewed the study as unethical, equating participation with immoral behaviour. Morality was a motivator to drive individual action. Positive and negative emotions were exhibited by the paramedics involved reflecting the wider view each paramedic held about trial participation. Those morally driven to participate in Paramedic-2 discussed their pride in being associated with the trial, while those who found participation unethical, discussed feelings of guilt and regret. Individual experience and perceptions of epinephrine guided each paramedic’s willingness to accept or reject equipoise. Some questioned the role of epinephrine in OHCA; others believed withholding epinephrine was synonymous to denying patient care.

Conclusion

A paucity of evidence exists to support any beneficial role of epinephrine in OHCA. Despite this, some paramedics were reluctant to participate in Paramedic-2 and relied on their personal perceptions and experiences of epinephrine to guide their decision regarding participation. Failure to acknowledge the importance of individual perspectives may jeopardise the success of future out-of-hospital trials.
Update on lactose malabsorption and intolerance: pathogenesis, diagnosis and clinical management
Authors: Misselwitz Benjamin , Butter Matthias , Verbeke Kristin , Fox Mark R
Published: August 2019

Lactose is the main source of calories in milk, an essential nutriedigestion, patients with visceral hypersensitivity nt in infancy and a key part of the diet in populations that maintain the ability to digest this disaccharide in adulthood. Lactase deficiency (LD) is the failure to express the enzyme that hydrolyses lactose into galactose and glucose in the small intestine. The genetic mechanism of lactase persistence in adult Caucasians is mediated by a single C→T nucleotide polymorphism at the LCTbo −13’910 locus on chromosome-2. Lactose malabsorption (LM) refers to any cause of failure to digest and/or absorb lactose in the small intestine. This includes primary genetic and also secondary LD due to infection or other conditions that affect the mucosal integrity of the small bowel. Lactose intolerance (LI) is defined as the onset of abdominal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhoea after lactose ingestion by an individual with LM. The likelihood of LI depends on the lactose dose, lactase expression and the intestinal microbiome. Independent of lactose digestion, patients with visceral hypersensitivity associated with anxiety or the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are at increased risk of the condition. Diagnostic investigations available to diagnose LM and LI include genetic, endoscopic and physiological tests. The association between self-reported LI, objective findings and clinical outcome of dietary intervention is variable. Treatment of LI can include low-lactose diet, lactase supplementation and, potentially, colonic adaptation by prebiotics. The clinical outcome of these treatments is modest, because lactose is just one of a number of poorly absorbed carbohydrates which can cause symptoms by similar mechanisms.