bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of ecdysteroid biosynthesis in the pond wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata
Authors: Yang Z.‐M. , Yu N. , Wang S.‐J. , Korai S. K. , Liu Z.‐W.
Published: November 2020

Ecdysteroids, as the key growth hormones, regulate moulting, metamorphosis and reproduction in arthropods. Ecdysteroid biosynthesis is catalysed by a series of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP450s) encoded by Halloween genes, including spook (spo), phantom (phm), disembodied (dib), shadow (sad) and shade (shd). The ecdysteroid biosynthesis in insects is clear with 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) as the main ecdysteroid. However, the information on the major ecdysteroids in arachnids is limited. In this study, Halloween genes spo, dib, sad and shd, but not phm, were identified in the pond wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata. Phylogenetic analysis grouped arachnid and insect Halloween gene products into two CYP450 clades, the CYP2 clan (spo and phm) and the mitochondrial clan (dib, sad, and shd). In P. pseudoannulata, the temporal expression profile of the four Halloween genes in concurrence with spiderling moulting with steady increase in the course of the 2nd instar followed by a rapid dropdown once moulting was completed. Spatially, the four Halloween genes were highly expressed in spiderling abdomen and in the ovaries of female adults. In parallel, ponasterone A (PA), but not 20E, was detected by LC–MS/MS analysis in P. pseudoannulata, and it was demonstrated as a functional ecdysteroid in the spider by accelerating of moulting with PA addition. The present study revealed the different ecdysteroid biosynthesis pathways in spiders and insects.
Effect of donor age on adult unrelated donor haemopoietic cell transplant outcome: the Australian experience
Authors: Nivison‐Smith Ian , Bajel Ashish , Dodds Anthony J. , Gottlieb David , Hamad Nada , Kennedy Glen , Kerridge Ian , Ma David D. F. , Milliken Samuel , Moore John , Purtill Duncan , Szer Jeff
Published: November 2020

Background

Results have been varied regarding the effect of donor age on the outcome of unrelated donor haemopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Aims

To determine the influence of donor age on adult unrelated donor HCT outcome in Australia.

Methods

Patients were included in the study if they were aged 16 years or above and underwent first allogeneic unrelated donor HCT in Australia for the indications of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) between the years of 2001 and 2014 inclusive. The main outcome measure was overall survival (OS), which was tested against independent variables using univariate Kaplan–Meier methods and multivariate Cox regression.

Results

A total of 1158 unrelated donor HCT were represented in the data. Cumulative incidences of engraftment, transplant related mortality (TRM), acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD), chronic GvHD and relapse were not significantly affected by donor age. OS probability at 5 years post‐transplant was 48.3%. In multivariate analysis of OS, year of transplant 2001–2007, recipient age 40 years or greater, poor risk disease, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) match less than 6/6 and poor performance status at transplant (Karnofsky scale) were independently significant adverse OS risk factors. Donor age was not a significant risk factor for OS in univariate or multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

The conclusion from this study was that donor age (up to 59 years) did not influence post‐transplant outcome among adult unrelated donor HCT performed in Australia for haematologic malignancies.
Zoledronate promotes inflammatory cytokine expression in human CD14‐positive monocytes among peripheral mononuclear cells in the presence of γδ T cells
Authors: Takimoto Reiko , Suzawa Tetsuo , Yamada Atsushi , Sasa Kiyohito , Miyamoto Yoichi , Yoshimura Kentaro , Sasama Yuji , Tanaka Motohiro , Kinoshita Mitsuhiro , Ikezaki Kaori , Ichikawa Makoto , Yamamoto Matsuo , Shirota Tatsuo , Kamijo Ryutaro
Published: November 2020

Bisphosphonates distributed to bone exert toxic effects specifically towards osteoclasts. On the other hand, intravenous administration of a nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonate (N‐BP) such as zoledronate induces acute‐phase reactions (APRs), including influenza‐like fever 1 day later, indicating an interaction with immunocompetent cells circulating blood. Although it has been reported that activation of γδ T cells is pivotal to induce an APR following treatment with zoledronate, downstream events, including the production of inflammatory cytokines after activation of γδ T cells, remain obscure. We investigated the effects of zoledronate on inflammatory cytokine expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. While zoledronate induced mRNA expressions of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) in PBMC, depletion of γδ T cells abolished that zoledronate‐induced expression of those cytokines, indicating the necessity of γδ T cells for expression induction by zoledronate. However, which types of cells were responsible for the production of those cytokines in blood remained unclear. As it is generally accepted that monocytes and macrophages are primary sources of inflammatory cytokines, CD14+ cells from PBMC were exposed to zoledronate in the presence of PBMC, which resulted in induced expression of mRNAs for IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IFN‐γ, but not for TNF‐α. These results indicate that CD14+ cells are responsible, at least in part, for the production of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IFN‐γ in blood exposed to zoledronate. This suggests that CD14+ cells play an essential role in the occurrence of APRs following N‐BP administration.
Tailoring carboxyl tubular carbon nanofibers/MnO2 composites for high‐performance lithium‐ion battery anodes
Authors: Huyan Yu , Chen Junjie , Yang Ke , Zhang Qiuyu , Zhang Baoliang
Published: November 2020

Three kinds of novel carboxyl modification tubular carbon nanofibers (CMTCFs) and MnO2 composites materials (CMTCFs/MnO2) are prepared by combining hyper‐crosslinking, liquid phase oxidation and hydrothermal technology. The complex morphology and crystal phase of MnO2 in CMTCFs/MnO2 are effectively regulated by adjusting the hydrothermal reaction time. The δ‐MnO2 nanosheet‐wrapped CMTCFs (CMTCFs@MNS) are used as anode and compared with the other two CMTCFs/MnO2. Electrochemical analysis shows that CMTCFs@MNS electrode exhibits a large reversible capacity of 1497.1 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 1000 mA g−1 and a long cycling reversible capacity of 400.8 mAh g−1 can be maintained after 1000 cycles at 10 000 mA g−1. CMTCFs@MNS manifests an average reversible capacity of 256.32 mAh g−1 at 10 000 mA g−1 after twelve changes in current density. In addition, the structural superiority of CMTCFs@MNS electrode is clarified by characterizing the microscopic morphology and crystal phase of the electrode after electrochemical performance test.
Low‐fire processing and microwave dielectric properties of LB glass‐doped Ba3.75Nd9.5Ti17.5(Cr0.5Nb0.5)0.5O54 ceramic
Authors: Xiong Zhe , Tang Bin , Zhang Xing , Yang Chengtao , Fang Zixuan , Zhang Shuren
Published: November 2020

The effects of LB glass on the sintering behavior, structure, and dielectric properties for the Ba3.75Nd9.5Ti17.5(Cr0.5Nb0.5)0.5O54 (BNTCN) ceramic were investigated. The results showed that the LB glass, as an effective sintering aid, successfully lowered the sintering temperature of BNTCN ceramic by formation of the liquid phase. Furthermore, the change of the structure and decrease in grain size had influences on the electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and microwave dielectric properties for the BNTCN ceramics doped LB glass. Finally, the excellent microwave dielectric properties with εr = 73.4, Q × f = 5277 GHz, and τf = +7.1 ppm/°C were obtained for samples sintered at 950°C when x = 5, indicating the BNTCN ceramic doped with 5 wt% LB glass is a promoting LTCC material.
Mean and visit‐to‐visit variability of glycated hemoglobin, and the risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yoo Jee Hee , Kang Mira , Kim Gyuri , Hur Kyu Yeon , Kim Jae Hyeon , Sinn Dong Hyun , Jin Sang‐Man
Published: November 2020

Aims/Introduction

We aimed to determine whether mean and visit‐to‐visit glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) variability independently increase the incidence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) across the diabetic continuum from normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to established diabetes.

Materials and Methods

In a longitudinal cohort study, 21,123 participants underwent five or more annual health screening checkups. Participants were categorized into diabetes (n = 1,635), prediabetes (n = 6,650) and NGT (n = 12,838) groups. Mean, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation data on HbA1c were obtained from three consecutive measurements. The associations between those data and incident NAFLD were analyzed using Cox regressions.

Results

Over a median follow‐up period of 57 months, 3,860 (18.3%) participants developed NAFLD. The risk of NAFLD increased continuously, with the mean HbA1c beginning at 4.9%, even in the NGT group. We found a significant association between increasing HbA1c variability and incident NAFLD (coefficient of variation, adjusted hazard ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.29; standard deviation, adjusted hazard ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.36) in the diabetes group, but not in the NGT or prediabetes group. Consistent findings were observed when NAFLD patients with a low possibility of fibrosis were excluded. The association between the coefficient of variation of HbA1c and incident NAFLD in the diabetes group was significant only in those with an increasing trend of post‐baseline HbA1c (adjusted hazard ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.52).

Conclusions

Increased mean HbA1c levels elevated the risk of incident NAFLD, even with NGT. Increases in visit‐to‐visit variability of HbA1c independently elevated the risk of incident NAFLD, but only in the diabetes group.
Normal parathyroid hormone and non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sun Shengnan , Wang Yahao , Ma Wenru , Cheng Bingfei , Dong Bingzi , Zhao Yuhang , Hu Jianxia , Zhou Yue , Huang Yajing , Wei Fanxiang , Wang Yangang
Published: November 2020

Aims/Introduction

To investigate the associations between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

Data were collected from 2,322 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in hospital between 2017 and 2019. The odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval related to the quartiles of PTH were obtained by logistic regression analysis after adjusting the potential confounding variation.

Results

The patients were stratified into quartiles (Q1–Q4) based on the PTH levels, with the cut‐off limits of ≤23.74, 23.74–29.47, 29.47–37.30 and >37.30 pg/mL in men, and ≤24.47, 24.47–31.22, 31.22–39.49 and >39.49 pg/mL in women. The first quartile (Q1) represents the lowest quartile and the fourth quartile (Q4) is the highest. According to the quartiles (Q1–Q4), the prevalence rate of NPDR in patients showed a significantly decreasing trend (37.9%, 36.3%, 34.0% vs 24.0% in men; 43.2%, 40.5%, 31.1% vs 26.2% in women, both P < 0.05). Independent of age, diabetes duration and other metabolic factors, multivariate logistic regression showed that participants in Q4 had a lower OR of NPDR than those in Q1 (OR 0.443, 95% confidence interval 0.300–0.654, P < 0.001 for men; OR 0.428, 95% confidence interval 0.283–0.646, P < 0.001 for women).

Conclusions

Low serum PTH levels were significantly associated with complications of NPDR in inpatients. Its causality remains to be further studied.
Effect of cytosol viscosity on the flow behavior of red blood cell suspensions in microvessels
Authors: Chien Wei , Gompper Gerhard , Fedosov Dmitry A.
Published: November 2020

Objective

The flow behavior of blood is strongly affected by red blood cell (RBC) properties, such as the viscosity ratio C between cytosol and suspending medium, which can significantly be altered in several pathologies (e.g. sickle‐cell disease, malaria). The main objective of this study is to understand the effect of C on macroscopic blood flow properties such as flow resistance in microvessels, and to link it to the deformation and dynamics of single RBCs.

Methods

We employ mesoscopic hydrodynamic simulations to investigate flow properties of RBC suspensions with different cytosol viscosities for various flow conditions in cylindrical microchannels.

Results

Starting from a dispersed cell configuration which approximates RBC dispersion at vessel bifurcations in the microvasculature, we find that the flow convergence and development of RBC‐free layer (RBC‐FL) depend only weakly on C, and require a convergence length in the range of 25D–50D, where D is channel diameter. In vessels with , the final resistance of developed flow is nearly the same for C = 5 and C = 1, while for , the flow resistance for C = 5 is about 10% larger than for C = 1. The similarities and differences in flow resistance can be explained by viscosity‐dependent RBC‐FL thicknesses, which are associated with the viscosity‐dependent dynamics of single RBCs.

Conclusions

The weak effect on the flow resistance and RBC‐FL explains why RBCs can contain a high concentration of hemoglobin for efficient oxygen delivery, without a pronounced increase in the flow resistance. Furthermore, our results suggest that significant alterations in microvascular flow in various pathologies are likely not due to mere changes in cytosolic viscosity.
The JA‐responsive MYC2‐BADH‐like transcriptional regulatory module in Poncirus trifoliata contributes to cold tolerance by modulation of glycine betaine biosynthesis
Authors: Ming Ruhong , Zhang Yang , Wang Yue , Khan Madiha , Dahro Bachar , Liu Ji‐Hong
Published: November 2020

Glycine betaine (GB) is known to accumulate in plants exposed to cold, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and associated regulatory network remain unclear.

Here, we demonstrated that PtrMYC2 of Poncirus trifoliata integrates the jasmonic acid (JA) signal to modulate cold‐induced GB accumulation by directly regulating PtrBADH‐l, a betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH)‐like gene.

PtrBADH‐l was identified based on transcriptome and expression analysis in P. trifoliata. Overexpression and VIGS (virus‐induced gene silencing)‐mediated knockdown showed that PtrBADH‐l plays a positive role in cold tolerance and GB synthesis. Yeast one‐hybrid library screening using PtrBADH‐l promoter as baits unraveled PtrMYC2 as an interacting candidate. PtrMYC2 was confirmed to directly bind to two G‐box cis‐acting elements within PtrBADH‐l promoter and acts as a transcriptional activator. In addition, PtrMYC2 functions positively in cold tolerance through modulation of GB synthesis by regulating PtrBADH‐l expression. Interestingly, we found that GB accumulation under cold stress was JA‐dependent and that PtrMYC2 orchestrates JA‐mediated PtrBADH‐l upregulation and GB accumulation.

This study sheds new light on the roles of MYC2 homolog in modulating GB synthesis. In particular, we propose a transcriptional regulatory module PtrMYC2‐PtrBADH‐l to advance the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the GB accumulation under cold stress.
Uncoupling root hair formation and defence activation from growth inhibition in response to damage‐associated Pep peptides in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Okada Kentaro , Kubota Yuki , Hirase Taishi , Otani Koichi , Goh Tatsuaki , Hiruma Kei , Saijo Yusuke
Published: November 2020

In Arabidopsis thaliana, PROPEPs and their derived elicitor‐active Pep epitopes provide damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which trigger defence responses through cell‐surface receptors PEPR1 and PEPR2. In addition, Pep peptides induce root growth inhibition and root hair formation, however their relationships and coordinating mechanisms are poorly understood.

Here, we reveal that Pep1‐mediated root hair formation requires PEPR‐associated kinases BAK1/BKK1 and BIK1/PBL1, ethylene, auxin and root hair differentiation regulators, in addition to PEPR2.

Our analysis on 69 accessions unravels intraspecies variations in Pep1‐induced root hair formation and growth inhibition. The absence of a positive correlation between the two traits suggests their separate regulation and diversification in natural populations of A. thaliana.

Restricted PEPR2 expression to certain root tissues is sufficient to induce root hair formation and growth inhibition in response to Pep1, indicating the capacity of non‐cell‐autonomous receptor signalling in different root tissues. Of particular note, root hair cell‐specific PEPR2 expression uncouples defence activation from root growth inhibition and root hair formation, suggesting a unique property of root hairs in root defence activation following Pep1 recognition.
Estimating Flood Risk Impact on Farmland Values Using Boundary Discontinuity: Evidence from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Authors: Wang Haoying
Published: November 2020

A major consequence of climate change is the growing precipitation variability around many parts of the world leading to increased occurrences of floods. While there has been a rich literature on flood risk in the urban context, flood risk in the agricultural sector has been understudied. The goal of this study is to estimate the impact of flood risk on farmland values in a watershed with active agricultural activities. The novelty of the study is to use the spatial boundary discontinuities along floodplains as a way to control unobserved spatial heterogeneities in a regression analysis framework. Using parcel‐level data from Lancaster County (Pennsylvania, USA), we show that cropland is more vulnerable to potential flood risk compared to noncrop farmland. Specifically, cropland parcels on average experience a 13% (or $3,895/acre in 2015 USD, with the 95% confidence interval being [$510, $7352]) value reduction if exposed to a 1% or higher annual chance of flooding. The flood risk impact on noncrop farmland is statistically insignificant. The difference between cropland and noncrop farmland in valuing the potential flood risk implies different flood preparedness and risk management strategies. Based on the empirical findings, policy implications for flood insurance, agricultural water management, land‐use practice, and other flood mitigation strategies are explored.
Parental structuring during shared chores and the development of helping across the second year
Authors: Kärtner Joscha , Giner Torréns Marta , Schuhmacher Nils
Published: November 2020

This lab‐based longitudinal study examines whether parental structuring (i.e., encouragement, modeling, and praise) has effects on helping behavior across developmental time, across recipients or both. Based on behavioral data assessed at 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 months (N = 38 dyads), the main findings are that, first, when analyzing the effects of parental structuring on toddlers' helping across developmental time (helping the parent 3 months later), we found a positive effect of modeling at 12 months and of praise at 15 months. Second, when analyzing the effect of parental structuring on toddlers' helping across recipients, there were positive cross‐sectional associations of both caregivers' encouragement and praise during parent–child interactions with helping the experimenter between 12 and 18 months. Third, when applying the strictest criterion, namely an effect of parental structuring that generalizes across both developmental time and recipients, we found that modeling at 18 months had an effect on toddlers' helping toward an experimenter at 21 months. Overall, this study demonstrates how important it is to explicate the assumptions under consideration when drawing conclusions about the socialization of early prosocial behavior. Together with recent studies, an emerging picture further consolidates, namely that parental encouragement, modeling, and praise contribute to prosocial development in important ways.
Phosphorus desorption and isotope exchange kinetics in agricultural soils
Authors: Braun Sabina , McLaren Timothy I. , Frossard Emmanuel , Tuyishime J. R. Marius , Börjesson Gunnar , Gustafsson Jon Petter
Published: November 2020

To improve phosphorus (P) fertilization and environmental assessments, a better understanding of release kinetics of solid‐phase P to soil solution is needed. In this study, Fe (hydr)oxide‐coated filter papers (Fh papers), isotopic exchange kinetics (IEK) and chemical extractions were used to assess the sizes of fast and slowly desorbing P pools in the soils of six long‐term Swedish field experiments. The P desorption data from the Fh‐paper extraction of soil (20 days of continual P removal) were fitted with the Lookman two‐compartment desorption model, which estimates the pools of fast (Q1) and slowly (Q2) desorbing P, and their desorption rates k1 and k2. The amounts of isotope‐exchangeable P (E) were calculated (E1min to E>3 months) and compared with Q1 and Q2. The strongest relationship was found between E1 min and Q1 (r2 = .87, p < .01). There was also an inverse relationship between the IEK parameter n (the rate of exchange) and k1 (r2 = .52, p < .01) and k2 (r2 = .52, p < .01), suggesting that a soil with a high value of n desorbs less P per time unit. The relationships between these results show that they deliver similar information, but both methods are hard to implement in routine analysis. However, Olsen‐extractable P was similar in magnitude to Q1 (P‐Olsen = 1.1 × Q1 + 2.3, r2 = .96), n and k1 were related to P‐Olsen/P‐CaCl2, while k2 was related to P‐oxalate/P‐Olsen. Therefore, these extractions can be used to estimate the sizes and desorption rates of the different P pools, which could be important for assessments of plant availability and leaching.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*30:154 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Zhong Xian‐xin , Quan Zhan‐rou , Zeng Xue‐hui , Zhang Chun‐lei , Wu Wang‐da
Published: November 2020

A*30:154 differs from A*30:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at codon 39 in exon 2 from C to A.
L2 German Learners' Perceptions and Use of an Online Semantic Frame‐Based Dictionary
Authors: Lorenz Alexander , Crane Cori , Benjamin John , Boas Hans
Published: November 2020

To know a word receptively and productively, second language (L2) learners must have knowledge of a word's form, meaning, and use, including grammatical functions and collocational patterns (Nation, 2001). Frame semantics (Fillmore, 1982) provides a useful model to help L2 learners deepen their lexical knowledge. A functional and construction grammar developed to explain form‐function pairings, the model views “frame” as a meaningful linguistic structuring device evoked by sets of related lexical items. These diverse lexical units exist along a continuum, theorized in Construction Grammar, from individual to multi‐word to abstract schematic constructions. Building on recent studies that explore frame semantics' potential for L2 vocabulary acquisition (e.g., Atzler, 2011; Boas & Dux, 2013; Boas, Dux, & Ziem, 2016), this study investigated how beginning and intermediate L2 learners of German (N=65) perceive and report interacting with a frame‐based dictionary, the German Frame‐Semantic Online Lexicon (G‐FOL). Discussion centers on the affordances G‐FOL offers in learning mulitfaceted aspects of vocabulary knowledge, which textbooks often fail to address (Neary‐Sundquist, 2015). The study provides teachers, program directors, and designers of frame‐based dictionaries with valuable information about the perceived usefulness of frame semantics for L2 learners across instructional levels.
Europe Fluvial: Multilingual Cultural Studies On‐Site
Authors: Miller Matthew D.
Published: November 2020

This article details recent efforts to develop the undergraduate German curriculum with a focus on innovations in on‐site linguistic and cultural‐historical learning. Amid challenges stemming from the shifting functions of higher education, the changing profiles of student interests, and the evolving contours of our field, 21st‐century German Studies in the U.S. increasingly finds itself in a mixed position of duress and opportunity. To continue to assert the value and relevance of our undertaking, we will likely do well to pursue German Studies' global turn. Without forfeiting the critical backbone of the discipline or our commitment to language acquisition and the emancipatory potentials of Bildung, we can articulate our areas of inquiry capaciously, for example, elaborate Germanophone Studies within a landscape of multilingual and multinational humanities as well as demonstrate German Studies' sensitivity and responsiveness to students' orientations, interests, and needs. Highlighting such efforts with regard to curricular innovation and on‐site learning, “Europe Fluvial” presents reflections on a cocurricular trip with students of French and German to the upper Rhine region as a case study of what multilingual European cultural studies can accomplish.
Histone H3K27 dimethylation landscapes contribute to genome stability and genetic recombination during wheat polyploidization
Authors: Liu Yanfeng , Yuan Jingya , Jia Guanghong , Ye Wenxue , Jeffrey Chen Z. , Song Qingxin
Published: November 2020

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is an allohexaploid that was formed via two allopolyploidization events. Growing evidence suggests histone modifications are involved in the response to ‘genomic shock’ and environmental adaptation during polyploid formation and evolution. However, the role of histone modifications, especially histone H3 lysine‐27 dimethylation (H3K27me2), in genome evolution remains elusive. Here we analyzed H3K27me2 and H3K27me3 profiles in hexaploid wheat and its tetraploid and diploid relatives. Although H3K27me3 levels were relatively stable among wheat species with different ploidy levels, H3K27me2 intensities increased concurrent with increased ploidy levels, and H3K27me2 peaks were colocalized with massively amplified DTC transposons (CACTA family) in euchromatin, which may silence euchromatic transposons to maintain genome stability during polyploid wheat evolution. Consistently, the distribution of H3K27me2 is mutually exclusive with another repressive histone mark, H3K9me2, that mainly silences transposons in heterochromatic regions. Remarkably, the regions with low H3K27me2 levels (named H3K27me2 valleys) were associated with the formation of DNA double‐strand breaks in genomes of wheat, maize (Zea mays) and Arabidopsis. Our results provide a comprehensive view of H3K27me2 and H3K27me3 distributions during wheat evolution, which support roles for H3K27me2 in silencing euchromatic transposons to maintain genome stability and in modifying genetic recombination landscapes. These genomic insights may empower breeding improvement of crops.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: November 2020

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 6 Abootaleb Shirvani, Texas Tech University, USAAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelDilshodjon Rakhmonov, Tashkent State University of Economics, UzbekistanDjebali Nesrine, University of Jendouba, TunisiaHichem Maraghni, University of Taibah, TunisiaIulia Lupu, Victor Slavescu” Centre for Financial and Monetary Research, Romanian Academy, RomaniaMarco Muscettola, Independent Researcher-Credit Risk Manager, ItalyOlena Sokolovska, St. Petersburg State University, UkraineOltiana Muharremi Pelari, Stonehill College in Ma, USARajeev Rana, APB Govt. P.G. College, IndiaRamona Orastean, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, RomaniaRichard Nguyen, Alliant International University, USAShahram Fattahi, Razi University, IranSteven V. Cates, Purdue University-Global, USASzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, GuatemalaVictoria Cociug, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Moldova      Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Practice of adoption in Aotearoa before the 1881 Adoption of Children Act
Authors: Newman Erica
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION: With the arrival of Europeans in Aotearoa New Zealand came a familial kinship structure and ideas of caring and nurturing children different from that of indigenous Māori society. Europeans brought with them a practice of adoption, a concept that differed from the indigenous kinship practice of whāngai. This led to misunderstandings between the two cultures about care arrangements, particularly when a Māori child was left with a European couple. Even the reasons why Māori engaged in this type of arrangement was often not fully understood by Europeans. For Māori, these arrangements were usually temporary, while Europeans considered them to be permanent. Hence, we have the beginning of the challenges that contributed to the creation of the 1881 Adoption of Infants Act, a first within the British Empire.APPROACH: This article begins with a description of the Māori practice of whāngai and the European practice of adoption preceding the 1881 act, highlighting the key differences between each—the most significant difference being the European idea of permanent and the Māori idea of temporary care arrangements.
Introduction to the three viewpoints on “The most important thing I learned in practice”
Authors: Eketone Anaru
Published: November 2020

Introduction
Pervasive RNA Secondary Structure in the Genomes of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Coronaviruses
Authors: Simmonds P.
Published: November 2020

The detection and characterization of large-scale RNA secondary structure in the genome of SARS-CoV-2 indicate an extraordinary and unsuspected degree of genome structural organization; this could be effectively visualized through a newly developed contour plotting method that displays positions, structural features, and conservation of RNA secondary structure between related viruses. Such RNA structure imposes a substantial evolutionary cost; paired sites showed greater restriction in diversity and represent a substantial additional constraint in reconstructing its molecular epidemiology. Its biological relevance arises from previously documented associations between possession of structured genomes and persistence, as documented for HCV and several other RNA viruses infecting humans and mammals. Shared properties potentially conferred by large-scale structure in SARS-CoV-2 include increasing evidence for prolonged infections and induced immune dysfunction that prevents development of protective immunity. The findings provide an additional element to cellular interactions that potentially influences the natural history of SARS-CoV-2, its pathogenicity, and its transmission.
A Genital Infection-Attenuated Chlamydia muridarum Mutant Infects the Gastrointestinal Tract and Protects against Genital Tract Challenge
Authors: Morrison Sandra G. , Giebel Amanda M. , Toh Evelyn , Banerjee Arkaprabha , Nelson David E. , Morrison Richard P.
Published: November 2020

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the United States. Most chlamydia genital infections resolve without serious consequences; however, untreated infection in women can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Antibiotics are very effective in treating chlamydia, but most genital infections in both men and women are asymptomatic and go undiagnosed. Therefore, there is a critical need for an effective vaccine. In this work, we show that a mutant chlamydia strain, having substantially reduced virulence for genital infection, colonizes the gastrointestinal tract and produces robust immunity to genital challenge with fully virulent wild-type chlamydia. These results are an important advance in understanding chlamydial virulence and provide compelling evidence that safe and effective live-attenuated chlamydia vaccines may be feasible.
Focused fluid flow and methane venting along the Queen Charlotte fault, offshore Alaska (USA) and British Columbia (Canada)
Authors: Prouty Nancy G. , Brothers Daniel S. , Kluesner Jared W. , Barrie J. Vaughn , Andrews Brian D. , Lauer Rachel M. , Greene H. Gary , Conrad James E. , Lorenson Thomas D. , Law Michael D. , Sahy Diana , Conway Kim , McGann Mary L. , Dartnell Peter
Published: November 2020

Fluid seepage along obliquely deforming plate boundaries can be an important indicator of crustal permeability and influence on fault-zone mechanics and hydrocarbon migration. The ∼850-km-long Queen Charlotte fault (QCF) is the dominant structure along the right-lateral transform boundary that separates the Pacific and North American tectonic plates offshore southeastern Alaska (USA) and western British Columbia (Canada). Indications for fluid seepage along the QCF margin include gas bubbles originating from the seafloor and imaged in the water column, chemosynthetic communities, precipitates of authigenic carbonates, mud volcanoes, and changes in the acoustic character of seismic reflection data. Cold seeps sampled in this study preferentially occur along the crests of ridgelines associated with uplift and folding and between submarine canyons that incise the continental slope strata. With carbonate stable carbon isotope (δ13C) values ranging from −46‰ to −3‰, there is evidence of both microbial and thermal degradation of organic matter of continental-margin sediments along the QCF. Both active and dormant venting on ridge crests indicate that the development of anticlines is a key feature along the QCF that facilitates both trapping and focused fluid flow. Geochemical analyses of methane-derived authigenic carbonates are evidence of fluid seepage along the QCF since the Last Glacial Maximum. These cold seeps sustain vibrant chemosynthetic communities such as clams and bacterial mats, providing further evidence of venting of reduced chemical fluids such as methane and sulfide along the QCF.
Challenges of a simplified opt-out consent process in a neonatal randomised controlled trial: qualitative study of parents’ and health professionals’ views and experiences
Authors: McLeish Jenny , Alderdice Fiona , Robberts Helen , Cole Christina , Dorling Jon , Gale Chris
Published: November 2020

Background

More effective recruitment strategies like alternative approaches to consent are needed to facilitate adequately powered trials. Witholding Enteral feeds Around Transfusion was a multicentre, randomised, pilot trial that compared withholding and continuing feeds around transfusion. The primary clinical outcome was necrotising enterocolitis. The trial used simplified opt-out consent with concise parent information and no consent form.

Objective

To explore the views and experiences of parents and health professionals on the acceptability and feasibility of opt-out consent in randomised comparative effectiveness trials.

Methods

A qualitative, descriptive interview-based study nested within a randomised trial. Semistructured interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Setting

Eleven neonatal units in England.

Participants

Eleven parents and ten health professionals with experience of simplified consent.

Results

Five themes emerged: ‘opt-out consent operationalised as verbal opt-in consent’, ‘opt-out consent normalises participation while preserving parental choice’, ‘opt-out consent as an ongoing process of informed choice’, ‘consent without a consent form’ and ‘choosing to opt out of a comparative effectiveness trial’, with two subthemes: ‘wanting “normal care”’ and ‘a belief that feeding is better’.

Conclusion

Introducing a novel form of consent proved challenging in practice. The principle of a simplified, opt-out approach to consent was generally considered feasible and acceptable by health professionals for a neonatal comparative effectiveness trial. The priority for parents was having the right to decide about trial participation, and they did not see opt-out consent as undermining this. Describing a study as ‘opt-out’ can help to normalise participation and emphasise that parents can withdraw consent.
Perceptions of non-successful families attending a weight-management clinic
Authors: Cox Jennifer S , Searle Aidan J , Hinton Elanor C , Giri Dinesh , Shield Julian P H
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study seeks to understand family’s perceptions of their care at a paediatric weight management service, with a view to informing service improvement.

Design

A qualitative service review conducted via semistructured interviews with parents (n=11) and children (n=3) who attended the clinic. The recruitment was open to all, but those who were not succeeding in their weight-loss goals self-selected to participate. Self-Determination Theory was used as a framework to explore families’ experiences of the clinic.

Setting

Recruitment occurred during clinical appointments and interviews were conducted over the phone in the days following the appointments.

Patients

The service sees paediatric patients with a body mass index >99th percentile, with comorbidities or safeguarding concerns.

Interventions

The clinic’s service includes appointments typically every 2 months, with a multidisciplinary team including consultant endocrinologists, a dietician, a clinical psychologist, a social worker and a clinical nurse specialist.

Main outcome measures

Families’ feedback on the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) clinic, and their perceptions of how improvements could be made.

Results

Families perceive a lack of autonomy, competency and feel a lack of connectivity both in their lives broadly and within their experience at the clinic.

Conclusions

Interventions in families struggling with weight improvements should see the clinical team placing more emphasis on working alongside parents to develop young people’s sense of self-determination. Expectations must be set that success originates from changes outside of clinical appointments and that the clinical team is in place to support the family’s development of sustainable, self-determined lifestyle habits.
Paediatric poisoning exposures in schools: reports to Australia’s largest poisons centre
Authors: Ly Jennifer , Brown Jared A , Buckley Nicholas A , Cairns Rose
Published: November 2020

Objective

To describe poisoning exposures occurring at school in a large sample of Australian children.

Design

A population-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Cases reported to the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (NSWPIC), Australia’s largest poisons information centre, taking 50% of the nation’s poisoning calls.

Patients

Poisoning exposures occurring in children and adolescents while at school were included, over a 4.5-year period (January 2014 to June 2018).

Main outcome measures

Time trends in poisonings, demographics, exposure characteristics, substances involved, disposition.

Results

There were 1751 calls relating to exposures at school made to NSWPIC. Most calls concerned accidental exposures (60.8%, n=1064), followed by deliberate self-poisonings (self-harm, 12.3%, n=216). Over a quarter of cases were hospitalised (n=468), where the call originated from hospital or patients referred to hospital by NSWPIC. Disposition varied by exposure type, and hospitalisation was highest with deliberate self-poisonings (92.6%, n=200), recreational exposures (57.1%, n=12) and other intentional exposures (32.6%, n=45). The median age was 12 (IQR 8–15 years), and 54.7% were male (n=958). The most common pharmaceutical exposures were to paracetamol (n=100), methylphenidate (n=78) and ibuprofen (n=53), with the majority being deliberate self-poisonings. Copper sulfate was responsible for 55 science class cases, 45% of which were hospitalised. Cases may be increasing, with 81.3 (±8.2) calls per quarter, 2014–2016, and 129.3 (±24.3) calls per quarter, 2017–2018.

Conclusions

Poisoning exposures occurring at school are common, with disposition and substances involved varying considerably by exposure reason. The relatively high number of referrals to hospital highlights the need for investigation into preventative measures.
Outcomes at five to eight years of age for children with Hirschsprung’s disease
Authors: Allin Benjamin Saul Raywood , Opondo Charles , Bradnock Timothy John , Kenny Simon Edward , Kurinczuk Jennifer J , Walker Gregor M , Knight Marian ,   NETS2HD collaboration
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study describes core outcomes of Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) in a UK-wide cohort of primary school-aged children.

Design

A prospective cohort study conducted from 1 October 2010 to 30 September 2012. Outcomes data were collected from parents and clinicians when children were 5–8 years of age, and combined with data collected at birth, and 28 days and 1 year post diagnosis.

Setting

All 28 UK and Irish paediatric surgical centres.

Participants

Children with histologically proven HD diagnosed at <6 months of age.

Main outcome measures

NETS1HD core outcomes.

Results

Data were returned for 239 (78%) of 305 children. Twelve children (5%) died prior to 5 years of age.

Of the 227 surviving children, 30 (13%) had a stoma and 21 (9%) were incontinent of urine. Of the 197 children without a stoma, 155 (79%) maintained bowel movements without enemas/washouts, while 124 (63%) reported faecal incontinence. Of the 214 surviving children who had undergone a pull-through operation, 95 (44%) underwent ≥1 unplanned reoperation. 89 unplanned reoperations (27%) were major/complex.

Of the 83 children with returned PedsQL scores, 37 (49%) had quality of life scores, and 31 (42%) had psychological well-being scores, that were ≥1 SD lower than the reference population mean for children without HD.

Conclusion

This study gives a realistic picture of population outcomes of HD in primary school-aged children in the UK/Ireland. The high rates of faecal incontinence, unplanned procedures and low quality of life scores are sobering. Ensuring clinicians address the bladder, bowel and psychological problems experienced by children should be a priority.
Serum microRNA as indicators of Wolfram syndrome’s progression in neuroimaging studies
Authors: Zmyslowska Agnieszka , Stanczak Marcin , Nowicka Zuzanna , Waszczykowska Arleta , Baranska Dobromila , Fendler Wojciech , Borowiec Maciej , Młynarski Wojciech
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Patients with the ultra-rare Wolfram syndrome (WFS) develop insulin-dependent diabetes and progressive neurodegeneration. The aim of the study was to quantify microRNAs (miRNAs) in sera from patients with WFS, correlate their expression with neurological imaging over time and compare miRNA levels with those observed in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Research design and methods

We quantified miRNA expression (Qiagen, Germany) in two groups of patients: with WFS at study entry (n=14) and after 2 years of follow-up and in 15 glycated hemoglobin-matched (p=0.72) patients with T1DM.

Results

We observed dynamic changes in the expression of multiple miRNAs in patients with WFS parallel to disease progression and in comparison to the T1DM patients group. Among miRNAs that differed between baseline and follow-up WFS samples, the level of 5 increased over time (miR-375, miR-30d-5p, miR-30e-30, miR-145-5p and miR-193a-5p) and was inversely correlated with macular average thickness, while the expression of 2 (let-7g-5p and miR-22-3p) decreased and was directly correlated with neuroimaging indicators of neurodegeneration.

Conclusions

Our findings show for the first time that serum miRNAs can be used as easily accessible indicators of disease progression in patients with WFS, potentially facilitating clinical trials on mitigating neurodegeneration.
Sikh religion and palliative care
Authors: Landa Amarjodh Singh , Grewal Bhajneek Kaur , Singh Rajinder
Published: November 2020

Over time, end of life care has been heavily influenced by the systems of religion, ethics and spirituality. The Sikh religion was started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1469. It has a unique philosophical understanding of life, death and God which can be relevant to commonly encountered clinical scenarios. Concepts such as ‘Ik-Oankar’, Hukam (God’s will), ego and karma all influence how practising Sikhs respond to situations in everyday life. Understanding the spiritual underpinnings of the Sikh religion is therefore important for clinicians caring for this group of patients. This article will explore the fundamental concepts of the Sikh religion and how these apply to common scenarios encountered within palliative care.
First report of fatal tick pyaemia caused by heavy infestation with the red sheep tick, Haemaphysalis punctata and co‐infection with Babesia and Theileria species
Authors: Macrelli Michele , Phipps Paul , McGinley Liz , Medlock Jolyon , Johnson Nicholas
Published: November 2020

Tick pyaemia is a disease of sheep characterised by the development of internal abscesses caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The disease is normally triggered by infestation with Ixodes ricinus and can be exacerbated by co‐infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Here the authors report the finding of tick pyaemia in a sheep flock suffering from high mortality caused by severe infestation with the red sheep tick, Haemaphysalis punctata. Tick pyaemia was confirmed by gross identification of internal abscesses in two lambs and isolation of S aureus from these lesions, with concurrent identification of H punctata ticks on the carcases. Additionally, Babesia motasi and Theileria luwenshuni were detected by pan‐piroplasm PCR in the blood of infested animals including the two sent for postmortem examination.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum was not detected. These findings suggest that infestation with H punctata is capable of inducing tick pyaemia in lambs and that this may be exacerbated by coinfection with piroplasms.
Rheological evaluation of asphalt cement derived from Alberta’s oil sand bitumen at different distillation temperatures
Authors: Bala Nura , Ghasemirad Amirhossein , Hashemian Leila
Published: November 2020

In this study, high, intermediate, and low-temperature properties of two crude oil asphalts and three different oil sand bitumens from Alberta’s oil sands distilled at distillation temperatures of 400 °C, 430 °C, and 460 °C were evaluated. High and intermediate temperature properties, of the asphalt binders at different distillation temperatures were studied using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) through performance grading (PG) test. Low-temperature properties and performance grading were evaluated using a bending beam rheometer (BBR). The DSR high-temperature analysis indicated that oil sand bitumens distilled at high temperatures have significantly higher stiffness and are able to satisfy the Superpave PG binder performance specifications, particularly with respect to rutting resistance. BBR low-temperature resistance shows that, irrespective of the asphalt source, oil sand bitumens distilled at lower temperatures are more resistant to cracking at low temperatures. The overall results indicate that oil sand bitumens are thus suitable to be used for both asphalt pavements requiring low and high-temperature resistance.
AAC Lorlie maple pea
Authors: Bing Deng-Jin , Beauchesne Don , McLaren Debra
Published: November 2020

AAC Lorlie is a maple pea variety developed at Lacombe Research and Development Centre of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. It has large seeds with a 1000-seed weight of 236–269 g. The seed coat colour of AAC Lorlie has mottled brown patterns on a light sage background and cotyledon colour of AAC Lorlie is yellow. The variety reaches maturity 100–101 d after seeding. It has a pre-harvesting lodging score of 5.4–6.6 on a 0–9 scale. The variety is resistant to powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe pisi Syd.