bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 1 equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT1) regulates sex‐specific ethanol drinking during disruption of circadian rhythms
Authors: Jia Yun‐Fang , Vadnie Chelsea A. , Ho Ada Man‐Choi , Peyton Lee , Veldic Marin , Wininger Katheryn , Matveyenko Aleksey , Choi Doo‐Sup
Published: July 2019

Disruptions in circadian rhythms are risk factors for excessive alcohol drinking. The ethanol‐sensitive adenosine equilibrative nucleoside transporter type 1 (ENT1, slc29a1) regulates ethanol‐related behaviors, sleep, and entrainment of circadian rhythms. However, the mechanism underlying the increased ethanol consumption in ENT1 knockout (KO) mice in constant light (LL) and whether there are sex differences in ethanol consumption in ENT1 mice are less studied. Here, we investigated the effects of loss of ENT1, LL, and sex on ethanol drinking using two‐bottle choice. In addition, we monitored the locomotor activity rhythms. We found that LL increased ethanol drinking and reduced accumbal ENT1 expression and adenosine levels in male but not female mice, compared with control mice. Interestingly, only LL‐exposed male, not female, ENT1 KO mice exhibited higher ethanol drinking and a longer circadian period with a higher amplitude compared with wild‐type (WT) mice. Furthermore, viral‐mediated rescue of ENT1 expression in the NAc of ENT1 KO mice reduced ethanol drinking, demonstrating a possible causal link between ENT1 expression and ethanol drinking in males. Together, our findings indicate that deficiency of ENT1 expression contributes to excessive ethanol drinking in a sex‐dependent manner.
Difficulty levels of extracted human teeth used for pre‐clinical training in endodontics in an Australian dental school
Authors: Decurcio Daniel A. , Lim Eeling , Nagendrababu Venkateshbabu , Estrela Carlos , Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to determine the difficulty level of extracted teeth treated by undergraduate students for pre‐clinical endodontic training. Two independent observers assessed a consecutive sample of 1000 periapical radiographs of extracted teeth used in endodontic pre‐clinical training. Chi‐square test was used to evaluate the adjustment of the distribution, and inter‐ and intra‐examiner agreement were calculated. Minimal, moderate and high difficulty teeth represented 23.1%, 52.1% and 24.8%, respectively. The presence of curvature was the most common grading factor, with ‘moderate curvature’ reported in 28.7%, and ‘extreme curvature’ reported in 15.6% of the sample. A difference in the distribution of frequencies was found, favouring the moderate category (P < 0.001). The inter‐ and intra‐examiner strength of agreement were 0.78 and 0.86, respectively. More than 50% of the teeth were categorised as moderate complexity. Almost one‐quarter of the total sample, in particular molars, was classified as high complexity, thus unsuitable for undergraduate pre‐clinical training.
The molecular structure and imprinting status of the IPW (imprinted gene in the Prader‐Willi syndrome region) gene in cattle
Authors: Chen W. , Xu D. , Ma C. , Zhang C. , Li J. , Zhang W. , Zhao G. , Li S.
Published: July 2019

IPW (imprinted gene in the Prader‐Willi syndrome region), a long non‐coding RNA, is a paternally expressed gene in the PWS/AS imprinted domain on human chromosome 15 and mouse chromosome 7. Disruption of the PWS/AS region is associated with three neurogenic disorders in humans. In this study, we identified the bovine homolog of the IPW gene; multiple transcripts obtained by RT‐PCR and RACE showed a complex and tissue‐specific expression pattern of IPW in the brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, spleen and skeletal muscle. An informative single nucleotide polymorphism (rs133341090) in the long exon H was identified by sequencing the genomic DNA, and mono‐allelic expression of IPW was confirmed by sequencing the cDNAs of heterozygous individuals, indicating that IPW may be imprinted in cattle. The protein‐coding potential of IPW transcripts was assessed using coding potential calculator (cpc) software, which showed a negative score. In addition, sequencing analysis also indicated multiple small open reading frames in the bovine IPW transcript, but none of the ATGs was consistent with Kozak consensus. Taken together, the IPW transcripts are most likely long non‐coding RNAs.
Attitude toward rehabilitation as a key predictor for adopting alternative identities in deradicalization programs: An investigation of terrorist detainees’ profiles
Authors: Milla Mirra Noor , Hudiyana Joevarian , Arifin Haykal Hafizul
Published: July 2019

Several studies have shed light on factors that contribute to radicalization. However, fewer studies have addressed the factors that contribute to deradicalization, especially with terrorist detainees as participants. The present study investigates the role of attitudes toward rehabilitation in deradicalization programs, and its role in predicting the outcome for these programs. We hypothesized that when terrorist detainees adopt alternative identities (identities alternative to their jihadist identity), their support for jihad as war will be lessened, even when they still hold jihadist ideology as their source of significance. To test this hypothesis, we obtained 89 interview profiles of actual terrorist detainees across 35 Indonesian prisons. We found that lesser support for jihad as war was predicted by a more positive attitude toward the deradicalization program, and this was mediated by the adoption of alternative identities. Further, the effect of the mediator on support for jihad as war was neither weakened nor strengthened by perceived significance of jihadist ideology. These findings suggest that even when a person possesses a strong ideological commitment to jihad, this may not manifest into violence when they adopt alternative identities and goals. These results were interpreted and discussed through goal systems theory and the multifinality account of radical behavior.
Different endotypes and phenotypes drive the heterogeneity in severe asthma
Authors: McDowell P. Jane , Heaney Liam G.
Published: July 2019

The identification of sputum eosinophilia indicating corticosteroid responsiveness in subjects with severe asthma heralded the beginning of phenotyping asthmatic subjects based on airways inflammation. Since then, the heterogeneity of severe asthma has been explored and the importance of immunobiology has come sharply into focus with the identification of the key type‐2 cytokine pathways driving eosinophilic inflammation. The development of molecules targeting these type‐2 pathways has transformed severe asthma treatment, but necessitates robust clinical evaluation, biomarker profiling and assessment of comorbid factors to identify subjects most likely to benefit from these therapies. It has also become clear that targeting these pathways does not eradicate asthma symptoms and exacerbation risk; further work is needed to clarify underlying non‐type‐2 mechanisms in severe asthma pathways and possible therapeutic targets. This review addresses progress to date in clinical assessment and management of severe asthma and some of the challenges and unmet needs in severe asthma to achieve the goal of delivering individualized patient care.
Impaired memory B‐cell development and antibody maturation with a skewing toward IgE in patients with STAT3 hyper‐IgE syndrome
Authors: van de Veen Willem , Krätz Carolin E. , McKenzie Craig I. , Aui Pei M. , Neumann Jens , van Noesel Carel J. M. , Wirz Oliver F. , Hagl Beate , Kröner Carolin , Spielberger Benedikt D. , Akdis Cezmi A. , van Zelm Menno C. , Akdis Mübeccel , Renner Ellen D.
Published: July 2019

Background

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 hyper‐IgE syndrome (STAT3‐HIES) is caused by heterozygous mutations in the STAT3 gene and is associated with eczema, elevated serum IgE, and recurrent infections resembling severe atopic dermatitis, while clinically relevant specific IgE is almost absent.

Methods

To investigate the impact of STAT3 signaling on B‐cell responses, we assessed lymph node and bone marrow, blood B and plasma cell subsets, somatic hypermutations in Ig genes, and in vitro proliferation and antibody production in STAT3‐HIES patients and healthy controls.

Results

Lymph nodes of STAT3‐HIES patients showed normal germinal center architecture and CD138+ plasma cells residing in the paracortex, which expressed IgE, IgG, and IgM but not IgA. IgE+ plasma cells were abundantly present in STAT3‐HIES bone marrow. Proliferation of naive B cells upon stimulation with CD40L and IL‐4 was similar in patients and controls, while patient cells showed reduced responses to IL‐21. IgE, IgG1, IgG3 and IgA1 transcripts showed reduced somatic hypermutations. Peripheral blood IgE+ memory B‐cell frequencies were increased in STAT3‐HIES, while other memory B‐cell frequencies except for IgG4+ cells were decreased.

Conclusions

Despite impaired STAT3 signaling, STAT3‐HIES patients can mount in vivo T‐cell–dependent B‐cell responses, while circulating memory B cells, except for those expressing IgG4 and IgE, were reduced. Reduced molecular maturation demonstrated the critical need of STAT3 signaling for optimal affinity maturation and B‐cell differentiation, supporting the need for immunoglobulin substitution therapy and explaining the high IgE serum level in the majority with absent allergic symptoms.
Evidence for the induction of Th2 inflammation by group 2 innate lymphoid cells in response to prostaglandin D2 and cysteinyl leukotrienes in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Tojima Ichiro , Matsumoto Koji , Kikuoka Hirotaka , Hara Shiori , Yamamoto Sayuri , Shimizu Shino , Kouzaki Hideaki , Shimizu Takeshi
Published: July 2019

Background

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play important roles in allergic inflammation. However, their roles in the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis (AR) are poorly understood.

Objective

Prevalence of ILC2s in the inferior nasal turbinate (INT) tissues and the activating mechanisms of ILC2s were examined in patients with house dust mite (HDM)‐induced AR.

Methods

Eighteen patients with HDM‐induced AR and 13 control subjects were recruited. Fresh INT tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analysed using flow cytometry. Nasal lavage fluids (NLF) were collected at 10 minutes after the nasal provocation test (NPT) with HDM disc, and released mediators were measured by ELISA. Sorted ILC2s were cultured and stimulated with mediators associated with AR.

Results

The prevalence of ILC2s was significantly increased in nasal mucosa of patients with HDM‐induced AR, and it was positively correlated with the number of infiltrating eosinophils. ILC2s in the INT tissues expressed a prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) receptor, chemoattractant receptor‐homologous molecule‐expressed TH2 cells (CRTH2) and a cysteinyl leukotriene (cysLTs) receptor, CysLT1. After NPT, the number of eosinophils and concentrations of PGD2 and cysLTs were significantly increased in the NLF from AR patients. PGD2 and cysLTs significantly induced IL‐5 production from cultured PBMC‐derived ILC2s dose‐dependently. PGD2‐induced and cysLTs‐induced productions of IL‐5 and IL‐13 from ILC2s were completely inhibited by ramatroban, a dual CRTH2 and thromboxane receptor antagonist, and montelukast, a CysLT1 antagonist, respectively.

Conclusions

PGD2‐CRTH2 and cysLTs‐CysLT1 axes may activate tissue‐resident ILC2s to produce Th2 cytokines, IL‐5 and IL‐13, leading to the development of allergic inflammation in AR.
Task shifting of intraocular injections from physicians to nurses: a randomized single‐masked noninferiority study
Authors: Bolme Stine , Morken Tora Sund , Follestad Turid , Sørensen Torben Lykke , Austeng Dordi
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To test if task shifting of intraocular injections to nurses in a real‐world setting can result in similar visual function outcome with equal safety profile.

Method

All patients with either age‐related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion or diabetic macular oedema remitted to intraocular injections at a tertiary ophthalmology department in Norway between March 2015 and May 2017, were asked to participate. The participants were randomized to either nurse‐ or physician‐administered intraocular injections of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor. The primary outcome measure was change in best‐corrected visual acuity from baseline to 1‐year follow‐up. The mean difference in the primary outcome between the groups was analysed by a noninferiority test with a margin of three letters in disfavour of the nurse group. Adverse events were recorded.

Results

Three hundred and forty‐two patients entered the study. Two hundred and fifty‐nine completed the 1‐year follow‐up and were included in the study sample for the analysis of the primary outcome. Nurse‐administered intraocular injections were noninferior to physician‐administered injections with 0.7 and 1.6 letters gained, respectively (95% CI of the mean difference, −2.9 to 1.0; p = 0.019, one‐sided t‐test). Two thousand and seventy‐seven injections and three ocular adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion

Task shifting of intraocular injections to nurses can be performed without increased risk to visual function. Such a task shift can alleviate the burden of performing intraocular injections in ophthalmology departments. To our knowledge, this is the first RCT on task shifting of a surgical procedure from physicians to nurses in a high‐income country.
Diagnosis of intravascular large B cell lymphoma: novel insights into clinicopathological features from 42 patients at a single institution over 20 years
Authors: Matsue Kosei , Abe Yoshiaki , Narita Kentaro , Kobayashi Hiroki , Kitadate Akihiro , Takeuchi Masami , Miura Daisuke , Takeuchi Kengo
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to clarify the comprehensive clinical, laboratory, pathological and imaging features of intravascular large B‐cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) using data on 42 IVLBCL patients diagnosed at our hospital over the past 20 years. The majority of patients were diagnosed via random skin biopsy (29/42, 69·0%) followed by bone marrow biopsy alone (8/42, 19·0%). Characteristic features included persistent fever (41/42, 97·6%), decreased performance status (≥2) (100%), hypoxaemia (32/40, 80·0%), impaired consciousness (19/42, 45·2%), hypoalbuminemia (42/42, 100%) and extreme elevation of lactate dehydrogenase and soluble interleukin 2 receptor levels. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal findings in 32/37 patients (86·4%). Hyperintense lesion in the pons was a peculiar finding that was unrelated to the neurological deficits. Positron emission tomography‐computed tomography revealed a high incidence of bone marrow (26/34, 76·5%), spleen (19/34, 55·9%) and adrenal gland (9/34, 26·5%) involvement. Neurolymphomatosis was noted in 6 patients during the course of the disease. About 60% of IVLBCL patients in whom in vivo diagnosis was possible survived more than 5 years with combination chemotherapy. Our observations provide additional insight into the diagnosis of IVLBCL and indicate that early disease recognition via random skin biopsy combined with imaging, enables in vivo diagnosis of the disease and improved survival for many patients.
A review of neurocognitive functioning of children with sex chromosome trisomies: Identifying targets for early intervention
Authors: Urbanus Evelien , van Rijn Sophie , Swaab Hanna
Published: July 2019

Sex chromosome trisomies (SCT) are among the most common chromosomal duplications in humans. Due to recent technological advances in non‐invasive screening, SCT can already be detected during pregnancy. This calls for more knowledge about the development of (young) children with SCT. This review focused on neurocognitive functioning of children with SCT between 0 and 18 years, on domains of global intellectual functioning, language, executive functioning, and social cognition, in order to identify targets that could benefit from early treatment.

Online databases were used to identify peer‐reviewed scientific articles using specific search terms. In total 18 studies were included. When applicable, effect sizes were calculated to indicate clinical significance.

Results of the reviewed studies show that although traditionally, the focus has been on language and intelligence (IQ) in this population, recent studies suggest that executive functioning and social cognition may also be significantly affected already in childhood.

These findings suggest that neuropsychological screening of children diagnosed with SCT should be extended, to also include executive functioning and social cognition. Knowledge about these neurocognitive risks is important to improve clinical care and help identify targets for early support and intervention programs to accommodate for the needs of individuals with SCT.
Assessment tool for visual perception deficits in cerebral visual impairment: reliability and validity
Authors: Vancleef Kathleen , Janssens Eva , Petré Yasmine , Wagemans Johan , Ortibus Els
Published: July 2019

Aim

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Children's Visual Impairment Test for 3‐ to 6‐year‐olds (CVIT 3–6).

Method

Reliability was assessed via test–retest correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in typically developing children, children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI), intellectual impairment, and simulated impaired vision (validation groups n=59, mean developmental age=4y 10mo, 27 females, 32 males). Internal validity was evaluated with a confirmatory factor analysis on the normative sample (n=301, median age=4y 8mo, SD=9.7mo, 148 females, 153 males). External validity was assessed by correlating performance on CVIT 3–6 with L94, the Beery‐Buktenica Developmental Test of Visuo‐Motor Integration (Beery‐VMI), the Freiburg Vision Test, the revised Snijders‐Oomen Nonverbal Intelligence Test for children between 2 years 6 months and 7‐years‐old (SON‐R 2.5–7), and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) questionnaire and by comparing performance between validation groups.

Results

We observed very good test–retest reliability (r=0.82, p<0.001, ICC=0.80) and confirmed the hypothesized factor structure (comparative fit index=1; Tucker‐Lewis index=1.045). We found high correlations with tests with a strong visual perception component (L94: r=0.74, p<0.001; SON‐R 2.5–7: r=0.37, p=0.01) and low correlations with other tests (Beery‐VMI: r=0.25, p=0.09; SRS: r=0–0.26, p=0.09). Lowest scores were observed for children with CVI compared to the other validation groups (F[3,44]=5.1, p=0.003).

Interpretation

CVIT 3–6 is grounded in knowledge of visual perception. The tool specifically measures CVI‐related visual perception deficits and is not mediated by intellectual abilities or low visual acuity.

What the paper adds

Evidence for good test–retest reliability of the Children's Visual Impairment Test for 3‐ to 6‐year‐olds (CVIT 3–6).

Factor structure of normative data reflects CVIT 3–6's foundations in vision science.

CVIT 3–6 specifically measures visual perception impairments.

CVIT 3–6 performance is not influenced by intelligence or low visual acuity.
How does historical trauma affect political participation? Evidence from the send‐down movement in China
Authors: Shi Xinzheng , Zhang Ming‐ang
Published: July 2019

Taking advantage of China's send‐down movement as a natural experiment, we investigate how experiencing a political movement during adolescence affects political participation decades later. Using data from the China Family Panel Survey and the regression discontinuity design, we find that the send‐down experience significantly reduces individuals’ political participation, measured by their participation in community committee elections, time spent on community service activities and how much they care about public news. Further analysis suggests that the send‐down experience negatively affects political participation through poorer mental health and less trust in local government.
The PRIAMO study: active sexual life is associated with better motor and non‐motor outcomes in men with early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Picillo M. , Palladino R. , Erro R. , Colosimo C. , Marconi R. , Antonini A. , Barone P. ,   the PRIAMO study group
Published: July 2019

Background and purpose

Data suggest a relationship between sexual dysfunction, mainly erectile dysfunction in men, and worse disease progression in Parkinson's disease (PD). There is scant evidence on the correlates of sexual activity in PD patients. By involving a subgroup of 355 patients from the PRIAMO (Parkinson Disease Non Motor Symptoms) study, the present 24‐month longitudinal prospective analysis aims to demonstrate that the presence of active sexual life is associated with disease progression in early PD.

Methods and results

Multivariable mixed‐effect logistic regression models showed that gastrointestinal symptoms [odds ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39–0.82, P = 0.003] and apathy (odds ratio 0.42, 95% CI 0.29–0.63, P < 0.001) were less likely to be associated with sexual activity in men. Analysis also demonstrated that sexual activity in men was associated with lower motor disability (coefficient −2.881, 95% CI −4.732 to −1.030, P = 0.002), better quality of life (coefficient −24.196, 95% CI −44.884 to −3.508, P = 0.022; coefficient 0.083, 95% CI 0.023–0.143, P = 0.006) and lower depression scores (coefficient −1.245, 95% CI −2.104 to −0.387, P = 0.004). No association was shown in women.

Conclusions

This is the first prospective longitudinal study involving a large cohort of PD patients suggesting that sexual activity is associated with lower motor and non‐motor disability as well as with better quality of life in men. These findings should prompt movement disorders specialists to periodically inquiry about their patients’ sexual life.
Spontaneous quantity discrimination in crickets
Authors: Gatto Elia , Carlesso Daniele
Published: July 2019

Recent studies have reported that the ability to discriminate among quantities is not a prerogative of vertebrates. Ants, bees, and spiders can solve tasks in which they are required to discriminate between groups of objects. Although many studies regarding numerical cognition on invertebrates proposed a proto‐counting system, more control experiments for non‐numerical variables are necessary to confirm this hypothesis. Here, we developed a new method to investigate quantity discrimination abilities in invertebrates. We investigated the spontaneous choice of a cricket, Acheta domesticus. We exploited its natural shelter‐seeking behavior by presenting sets of geometrical shapes that simulated potential shelters. In a dichotomous choice between sets of geometrical black shapes differing in number of items, the majority of crickets chose the set containing the larger numerosity up to 2 versus 3 items. Control experiments suggested that crickets discriminated between sets consisting of different numbers of items by attending to continuous variables (i.e., convex hull and cumulative surface area) rather than by attending to numerosity. Secondly, when discriminating between single geometrical shapes, crickets attend to the width but not to the height of the stimuli.
Progressive failure monitoring and analysis in aluminium by in situ nondestructive evaluation
Authors: Wisner Brian J. , Potstada Philipp , Perumal Vignesh I. , Baxevanakis Konstantinos P. , Sause Markus G. R. , Kontsos Antonios
Published: July 2019

Damage initiation and progression in precipitate hardened alloys are typically linked to the failure of second phase particles that result from the precipitation process. These particles have been shown to be stress concentrators and crack starters as a result of both particle debonding and fracture. In this investigation, a precipitate hardened aluminium alloy (Al 2024‐T3) is loaded monotonically to investigate the role the particles have in the progressive failure process. The damage process was monitored continuously by combining the acoustic emission method either with in situ scanning electron microscopy or X‐ray microcomputed tomography to obtain both surface and volume microstructural information. Particles were observed to fracture only in the elastic regime of the material response, while void growth at locations predominantly near particles were found to be associated with progressive failure in the plastic region of the macroscopic response. Experimental findings were validated by fracture simulations at the scale of particle‐matrix interface.
Rare‐earth titanate melt structure and glass formation
Authors: Alderman Oliver L. G. , Benmore Chris J. , Tamalonis Anthony , Weber Rick
Published: July 2019

The structure of rare‐earth titanate melts and glasses of composition 17RE2O3.83TiO2 have been investigated in situ by aerodynamic levitation with laser heating. Ti K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy reveals an effect of RE cation size on mean Ti‐O coordination numbers (nTiO), which increase from ∼4.8(2) in glass‐forming La titanate to ∼5.1(2) in non‐glass‐forming Sc titanate liquids. We suggest that the associated increase in OTi3 triclusters in melts bearing smaller RE cations tends to inhibit glass formation. Both XANES and high‐energy X‐ray diffraction indicate increases in nTiO as the liquids supercool and vitrify. Results are discussed in the context of alkali and alkaline‐earth titanate glasses, extending the observed dependence of nTiO on structural basicity (modifier content divided by potential) to trivalent modifiers and the molten state. We suggest that the most stable titanate glasses form close to compositions where, on average, two oxygen anions bond to each titanium, allowing a continuous, disordered Ti‐O network of bridging oxygen (OTi2), or with equal numbers of OTi3 triclusters and OTi1 non‐bridging oxygen in charge‐balance. We report on new glasses formed from praseodymium, europium, and gadolinium titanate melts, the latter being the smallest rare‐earth for which binary titanate glasses have been obtained.
Scalp ulcers – differential diagnoses that should be sought!
Authors: Shavit Eran , Alkallabi Mona , Alavi Afsaneh
Published: July 2019

Background

Ulceration of the scalp is an uncommon clinical presentation, and it may be caused by myriads of cutaneous etiologies such as infections, inflammatory disorders, and malignancies. We sought to reveal the underlying etiology of scalp ulcers referred to our tertiary wound healing clinic; we would also like to propose a classification for scalp ulcerations.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in an academic tertiary wound healing clinic between January 2015 and June 2018. The study was approved by the Women’s College Hospital Institutional Research Ethics Board. We have also conducted a review of the literature to recognize the major causes of scalp ulceration reported in the literature.

Results

We have identified a total number of 15 patients with scalp ulceration. Twelve patients with atypical scalp ulcers underwent a skin biopsy. A malignancy rate of 73% (11/15) was diagnosed histologically. The review of the literature showed 237 articles. After screening the title and the abstracts, we have selected 41 case reports for the full text review.

Conclusion

Scalp ulcers are uncommon but important. Our sample study indicates the high frequency of malignant etiologies presenting as scalp ulcers. These results emphasize not only the need for clinicians to be on the watch for the possibility of this option but rather highlights the need for early biopsy to prevent further complications. We hope that our paper helps to shed some light on this topic and guide clinicians on how to approach scalp ulceration.
Low‐temperature sintering of single‐phase, high‐entropy carbide ceramics
Authors: Feng Lun , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Gregory E.
Published: July 2019

Dense (Hf, Zr, Ti, Ta, Nb)C high‐entropy ceramics were produced by hot pressing (HP) of carbide powders synthesized by carbothermal reduction (CTR). The relative density increased from 95% to 99.3% as the HP temperature increased from 1750°C to 1900°C. Nominally phase pure ceramics with the rock salt structure had grain sizes ranging from 0.6 µm to 1.2 µm. The mixed carbide powders were synthesized by high‐energy ball milling (HEBM) followed by CTR at 1600°C, which resulted in an average particle size of ~100 nm and an oxygen content of 0.8 wt%. Low sintering temperature, high relative densities, and fine grain sizes were achieved through the use of synthesized powders. These are the first reported results for low‐temperature densification and fine microstructure of high‐entropy carbide ceramics.
The Economic Significance of Long‐Term Plans
Authors: Kotsantonis Sakis , Rehnberg Christina , Serafeim George , Ward Bronagh , Tomlinson Brian
Published: July 2019

The authors summarize the findings of their event study of the capital market reactions to an inaugural set of 17 CEO presentations of their ‘long‐term plans’ to institutional investors. The findings show that, although sell‐side analysts appear unresponsive to such plans, both trading volumes and stock prices exhibit significant abnormal reactions to the presentations, providing suggestive evidence that the communication of such plans conveys ‘value‐relevant’ information to investors with longer time horizons. Although based on an admittedly small sample, these findings shed light on the promise of long‐term plans and have been corroborated by analysis of the market response to the presentations of 10 more companies since the study was conducted.

The authors also provide the outlines of a ‘content framework’ designed to help companies put together effective corporate plans and other long‐term disclosures. The framework is organized around nine main ‘themes,’ including policies governing capital allocation, corporate governance, and human capital development, as well as the statement of corporate purpose. After applying this framework to the 17 CEO presentations, the authors find that the more specific and forward‐looking the information disclosed in these long‐term plans, the more positive the capital market reaction.
Four Things No One Will Tell You About ESG Data
Authors: Kotsantonis Sakis , Serafeim George
Published: July 2019

As the ESG finance field and the use of ESG data in investment decision‐making continue to grow, the authors seek to shed light on several important aspects of ESG measurement and data. This article is intended to provide a useful guide for the rapidly rising number of people entering the field. The authors focus on the following:

The sheer variety, and inconsistency, of the data and measures, and of how companies report them. Listing more than 20 different ways companies report their employee health and safety data, the authors show how such inconsistencies lead to significantly different results when looking at the same group of companies.

‘Benchmarking,’ or how data providers define companies' peer groups, can be crucial in determining the performance ranking of a company. The lack of transparency among data providers about peer group components and observed ranges for ESG metrics creates market‐wide inconsistencies and undermines their reliability.

The differences in the imputation methods used by ESG researchers and analysts to deal with vast ‘data gaps’ that span ranges of companies and time periods for different ESG metrics can cause large ‘disagreements’ among the providers, with different gap‐filling approaches leading to big discrepancies.

The disagreements among ESG data providers are not only large, but actually increase with the quantity of publicly available information. Citing a recent study showing that companies that provide more ESG disclosure tend to have more variation in their ESG ratings, the authors interpret this finding as clear evidence of the need for ‘a clearer understanding of what different ESG metrics might tell us and how they might best be institutionalized for assessing corporate performance.’

What can be done to address these problems with ESG data? Companies should ‘take control of the ESG data narrative’ by proactively shaping disclosure instead of being overwhelmed by survey requests. To that end, companies should ‘customize’ their metrics to some extent, while at the same time seeking to self‐regulate by reaching agreement with industry peers on a ‘reasonable baseline’ of standardized ESG metrics designed to achieve comparability. Investors are urged to push for more meaningful ESG disclosure by narrowing the demand for ESG data into somewhat more standardized, but still manageable metrics. Stock exchanges should consider issuing—and perhaps even mandating—guidelines for ESG disclosures designed in collaboration with companies, investors, and regulators. And data providers should come to agreement on best practices and become as transparent as possible about their methodologies and the reliability of their data.
How Board Oversight Can Drive Climate and Sustainability Performance
Authors: Ramani Veena , Ward Bronagh
Published: July 2019

The authors present persuasive evidence that board leadership is essential for solving critical sustainability issues like climate change. As fiduciaries to investors and stewards of a company's performance and success, corporate directors have a critical role to play in providing oversight of material risks to corporate strategy and performance, especially those posed by climate change.

Drawing upon a report by Ceres and KKS Advisors, the authors show that perhaps most important among best practices for companies intent on establishing effective board governance are the creation of formal board mandates for sustainability, the recruitment of directors with sustainability expertise, and the linking of executive pay to sustainability performance. The authors' study also provides compelling evidence that when companies put in place such governance features, their sustainability performance improves notably. The international banking group BNP Paribas and the electric utility Iberdrola are held up as illustrations of governance systems that are likely to be effective in helping companies respond to climate change.
An Investor Perspective on the Black Box of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Fernando Chitru S. , Uysal Vahap B. , Abeysekera Amal P.
Published: July 2019

In summarizing the findings of their recent study, the authors report findings that suggest that not all socially responsible corporate policies are likely to have the same effect on a company's ownership and value. Using environmental policy as their proxy for CSR activities, the authors classify corporate environmental practices into two categories: (1) actions that reduce the likelihood of harmful outcomes by reducing the corporate exposure to environmental risk; and (2) actions that enhance companies' perceived ‘greenness’ through investments that go beyond both legal requirements and any conceivable risk management rationale.

Although both groups of environmental practices are likely to be viewed as socially beneficial, corporate expenditures that reduce a firm's environmental risk exposure are more likely to benefit shareholders by limiting the risk of losses arising from environmental accidents, lawsuits, and fines—and possibly thereby reducing the firm's cost of capital. By contrast, corporate expenditures that enhance the firm's perceived greenness by going beyond legal requirements and risk management rationales could actually reduce shareholder value.

Consistent with this hypothesis, the authors find that institutional investors tend to own smaller than average percentages of both companies the authors identify as ‘toxic’ and make limited efforts to manage their environmental risk, and companies they label ‘green’ with low environmental risk exposure but relatively high CSR spending on the environment. At the same time, such investors hold larger‐than‐average positions in ‘neutral’ companies with relatively low, or effectively managed, environmental risk exposures and limited investment in ‘greenness’ programs. The authors also find that both toxic and green companies have lower (Tobin's Q) valuations than neutral companies, and that otherwise toxic companies that effectively manage their environmental risk exposures have higher valuations.
Dispersal kernels may be scalable: Implications from a plant pathogen
Authors: Farber Daniel H. , De Leenheer Patrick , Mundt Christopher C.
Published: July 2019

Aim

Understanding how spatial scale of study affects observed dispersal patterns can provide insights to spatiotemporal population dynamics, particularly in systems with significant long‐distance dispersal (LDD). We aimed to investigate the dispersal gradients of two rusts of wheat with spores of similar size, mass and shape, over multiple spatial scales. We hypothesized that a single dispersal kernel could fit the dispersal from all spatial scales well, and that it would be possible to obtain similar results in spatiotemporal increase of disease when modelling based on differing scales.

Location

Central Oregon and St. Croix Island.

Taxa

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, Triticum aestivum.

Methods

We compared empirically derived primary disease gradients of cereal rust across three spatial scales: local (inoculum source and sampling unit = 0.0254 m, spatial extent = 1.52 m) field‐wide (inoculum source = 1.52 m, sampling unit = 0.305 m and spatial extent = 91.4 m) and regional (inoculum source and sampling unit = 152 m, spatial extent = 10.5 km). We then examined whether disease spread in spatially explicit simulations depended upon the scale at which data were collected by constructing a compartmental time‐step model.

Results

The three data sets could be fit well by a single power law dispersal kernel. Simulating epidemic spread at different spatial resolutions resulted in similar patterns of spatiotemporal spread. Dispersal kernel data obtained at one spatial scale can be used to represent spatiotemporal disease spread at a larger spatial scale.

Main Conclusions

Organisms spread by aerially dispersed small propagules that exhibit LDD may follow similar dispersal patterns over a several hundred‐ or thousand‐fold expanse of spatial scale. Given that the primary mechanisms driving aerial dispersal remains constant, it may be possible to extrapolate across scales when empirical data are unavailable at a scale of interest.
Is catchment geodiversity a useful surrogate of aquatic plant species richness?
Authors: Toivanen Maija , Hjort Jan , Heino Jani , Tukiainen Helena , Aroviita Jukka , Alahuhta Janne
Published: July 2019

Aim

Conserving freshwater biodiversity in a rapidly changing world requires updated planning schemes and research efforts. Geodiversity – the diversity of Earth surface forms, materials and processes – and biodiversity are interlinked at a fundamental level. This relationship is being considered in a growing number of studies, yet research from freshwater environments is scarce. We used geodiversity (rock‐type, soil‐type and geomorphological richness), local and climatic variables to explore whether geodiversity can be used as a surrogate for aquatic plant species richness in lakes and rivers.

Location

Finland.

Taxon

Aquatic plants.

Methods

We compared geodiversity variables (measured within 1‐km2 grid cells) to well‐studied local (e.g. area, alkalinity) and climate (e.g. growing degree‐days) variables, and examined the patterns between habitat types (lakes and rivers) and among all taxa and major functional groups (helophytes and hydrophytes). We modelled lake (n = 145) and river (n = 146) plant species richness with generalized linear models, and further partitioned variation to measure the independent and shared contributions of the geodiversity, climate and local environmental variable groups. As a complementary analysis, and to identify single important variables explaining variation in aquatic plant species richness, we utilized boosted regression trees.

Results

We found a positive relationship between aquatic plant species richness and catchment geodiversity variation with recurring patterns across two different freshwater habitat types and two aquatic plant functional groups. Higher variation in geodiversity (measured at landscape scale) supported higher freshwater biodiversity (measured at the local scale) of lakes and rivers.

Main conclusions

Geodiversity can be a useful addition to biodiversity modelling, and it should be considered in conservation schemes and monitoring efforts, further supporting the principle of conserving nature's stage. Yet, differences between habitats and functional groups suggest that more habitat‐specific approaches and multiple biodiversity measures should be considered. Our study is an important signpost guiding further studies on the biodiversity–geodiversity relationship in freshwater ecosystems.
Cancer has overtaken cardiovascular disease as the commonest cause of death in Scottish type 2 diabetes patients: A population‐based study (The Ayrshire Diabetes Follow‐up Cohort study)
Authors: Collier Andrew , Meney Carron , Hair Mario , Cameron Lyall , Boyle James G
Published: July 2019

Aims/Introduction

The increased mortality risk associated with diabetes is well established. The aim of the present study was to determine the causes of death of people with type 2 diabetes in Ayrshire and Arran, Scotland, between 2009 and 2014, and compare them with the national mortality rates.

Materials and Methods

The primary causes of death were collated. The causes of death were clustered into nine categories: heart disease, stroke, infection, renal failure, respiratory disorders, cancer, mental health, decompensated diabetes and other. The total rates were compared with national rates using the standardized mortality ratio (SMR), and then individually with heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and cancer.

Results

There were 2116 deaths with the SMR, and 145 of those were caused by type 2 diabetes (n = 16,643; 95% confidence interval 139–152; P < 0.01). The SMR was >100 in all age bands, particularly in the younger age bands (P < 0.01). The SMR was consistently higher for women (P < 0.01). The SMR for heart disease was significantly >100 for both sexes in all age bands <65 years (P < 0.05). There was no difference in mortality causes related to the duration of diabetes. The most common cause of death was cancer (27.8%), followed by heart disease (24.1%). The SMR for cancer deaths was significantly elevated in women (120, 95% CI 104–137; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study confirmed increased mortality risk in type 2 diabetes patients, and suggests that where cardiovascular risk factors are being treated aggressively, cancer takes on a greater importance in the cause of death. Should greater consideration now be given for cancer as a complication of diabetes?
Rating and capital structure: How do the signs affect the speed of adjustment?
Authors: Samaniego‐Medina Reyes , di Pietro Filippo
Published: July 2019

Standard and Poor's ratings can be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (−) sign to show the relative standing within each major rating category. In this paper, we analyze the influence of these signs on the speed of leverage adjustment for listed European companies in the 2004–2014 period. Our results indicate that (a) when a qualification is accompanied by a minus sign, it adjusts more slowly than qualifications either with a plus sign or without a sign; (b) when a rating has a plus sign, the adjustment is slower than when it has no sign; and (c) when a qualification is BBB‐, the speed of its leverage adjustment is close to zero. These results suggest that companies with signs in their ratings decrease their speed of adjustment to the target leverage ratio. In addition, such companies are especially concerned about a credit rating downgrade when it implies a possible loss of the degree of investment (BBB‐).
The physiological role of α‐synuclein and its relationship to Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sulzer David , Edwards Robert H.
Published: July 2019

The protein α‐synuclein has a central role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this review, we discuss recent results concerning its primary function, which appears to be on cell membranes. The pre‐synaptic location of synuclein has suggested a role in neurotransmitter release and it apparently associates with synaptic vesicles because of their high curvature. Indeed, synuclein over‐expression inhibits synaptic vesicle exocytosis. However, loss of synuclein has not yet been shown to have a major effect on synaptic transmission. Consistent with work showing that synuclein can promote as well as sense membrane curvature, recent analysis of synuclein triple knockout mice now shows that synuclein accelerates dilation of the exocytic fusion pore. This form of regulation affects primarily the release of slowly discharged lumenal cargo such as neural peptides, but presumably also contributes to maintenance of the release site.

image

This article is part of the Special Issue “Synuclein”.
Randomized, controlled, crossover trial of prevention of antibiotic‐induced gastrointestinal signs using a synbiotic mixture in healthy research dogs
Authors: Whittemore Jacqueline C. , Moyers Tamberlyn D. , Price Joshua M.
Published: July 2019

Background

Synbiotics decrease antibiotic‐associated gastrointestinal signs (AAGS) in cats, but data supporting synbiotic use to ameliorate AAGS in dogs are lacking.

Objectives

To determine if administration of synbiotics mitigates AAGS in dogs.

Animals

Twenty‐two healthy research dogs.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, 2‐way, 2‐period, crossover study with an 8‐week washout period. Each period included a 1‐week baseline and 3‐week treatment phase. Dogs received enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg PO q24h) and metronidazole (12.5 mg/kg PO q12h), followed 1 hour later by a bacterial/yeast synbiotic combination or placebo. Food intake, vomiting, and fecal score were compared using repeated‐measures crossover analyses, with P < .05 considered significant.

Results

Hyporexia, vomiting, and diarrhea occurred in 41% (95% confidence interval [CI], 21‐64), 77% (95% CI, 55‐92), and 100% (95% CI, 85‐100) of dogs, respectively, during the first treatment period. Derangements in food intake were smaller in both periods for dogs receiving synbiotics (F‐value, 5.1; P = .04) with treatment‐by‐period interactions (F‐value, 6.0; P = .02). Days of vomiting differed over time (F‐value, 4.7; P = .006). Fecal scores increased over time (F‐value, 33.5; P < .001), were lower during period 2 (F‐value, 14.5; P = .001), and had treatment‐by‐period effects (F‐value, 4.8; P = .04).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Enrofloxacin/metronidazole administration is associated with a high frequency of AAGS. Synbiotic administration decreases food intake derangements. The presence of milder AAGS in period 2 suggests that clinical effects of synbiotics persist >9 weeks after discontinuation, mitigating AAGS in dogs being treated with antibiotics followed by placebo.
Marker‐assisted breeding for improvement of anaerobic germination in japonica rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Kim Suk‐Man , Kim Choon‐Song , Jeong Ji‐Ung , Reinke Russell F. , Jeong Jong‐Min
Published: July 2019

Direct seeding is increasingly being practiced in rice cultivation areas because it saves labour and reduces cost of production and management. In this study, four japonica‐type breeding lines were developed from a cross of a japonica cultivar and an AG‐tolerant donor, KHO, using marker‐assisted selection. Validation of the target genes AG1 and AG2 in the selected lines was examined by PCR analysis and the background recovery rate by the recurrent parent was confirmed by genotyping using a 6K SNP chip. Compared to the recurrent, the survival rates of the selected lines were improved in a range from 33% to 115% in three conditions; in particular, the survival rate was increased in more than twice that of the recurrent parent under the hypoxic condition. The main agronomic trait, yield and quality‐related traits were similar to those of the recurrent parent. The use of these lines will contribute to the expansion of the cultivation area due to the proven economic benefits of direct seeding in Korea.