bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of producing DNA gyrase from a syntheticgyrBAoperon inSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium
Authors: Pozdeev German , Mogre Aalap , Dorman Charles J
Published: December 2020

DNA gyrase is an essential type II topoisomerase that is composed of two subunits, GyrA and GyrB and has an A2B2structure. Although both subunits are required in equal proportions to form DNA gyrase, thegyrAandgyrBgenes that encode them inSalmonella(and in many other bacteria) are at widely separated locations on the chromosome, are under separate transcriptional control and are present in different copy numbers in rapidly growing bacteria (gyrAis near the terminus of chromosome replication whilegyrBis near the origin). We generated a syntheticgyrBAoperon at theoriC-proximal location ofgyrBto test the significance of the gyrase gene position forSalmonellaphysiology. Producing gyrase from an operon did not alter growth kinetics, cell morphology, competitive fitness index, or sensitivity to some gyrase-inhibiting antibiotics. However, the operon strain had altered DNA supercoiling set points, its SPI-2 virulence genes were expressed at a reduced level and its survival was reduced in macrophage. ThegyrBgene could not be deleted from itsoriC-proximal location, even in agyrBmerodiploid strain. We discuss the physiological significance of the differentgyrAandgyrBgene arrangements found naturally inSalmonellaand other bacteria.
Co-creation of a food marketing offer by final purchasers in the context of their lifestyles
Authors: Baruk Agnieszka Izabela
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This article is theoretical and empirical in nature. Its purpose is to determine whether a lifestyle resulting from a particular personality type is significant for elements of a food marketing offer, which final purchasers would like to co-create with offerors.

Design/methodology/approach

A cognitive-critical analysis of the world literature on the subject was used to prepare the theoretical section. The results of the analysis indicate a cognitive and research gap in analyzing the above aspects. In order to reduce the gap, empirical studies were conducted in which a questionnaire was used to gather primary data. The data were subjected to quantitative analysis using statistical analysis including exploratory factor analysis, Pearson chi-square independence test, V-Cramer coefficient analysis, Kruskal–Wallis test and cluster analysis.

Findings

The results of the statistical analysis allowed three research hypotheses to be verified. It was found that there is dependence between respondents' lifestyles and elements of a marketing offer which they would like to co-create with offerors. It was also found that a lifestyle is a feature differentiating both material and non-material elements of a marketing offer which respondents would like to co-create with offerors. Such dependence was identified for, respectively, a material product, service and brand, regardless of whether these considered a company or a product. Thus, research hypotheses were proved to be valid for respondents.

Research limitations/implications

The results obtained from the research have a cognitive and applicability value. They contribute to the theory, including marketing and customer behavior. They can also facilitate the shaping of good mutual relationships between offerors and final purchasers as important partners cooperating in the process of creating marketing values.

Originality/value

The originality of the approach presented is confirmed by the fact that until now elements of a marketing offer which purchasers would like to co-create with offerors have not been analyzed in the context of a lifestyle either in theory or in practice.
Non‐technical skills for emergency incident management teams: A literature review
Authors: Hayes Peter , Bearman Chris , Butler Philip , Owen Christine
Published: December 2020

Every year, incident management teams (IMTs) coordinate the response to hundreds of emergency events across Australasia. Larger scale emergencies such as a storms, floods, wildfires, oil spills and chemical explosions can place a lot of pressure on an IMT. Non‐technical skills play a central role in the performance of these teams. This article reviewed the broader non‐technical skills (NTS) literature before focusing on the NTS required for emergency management. It was found that most NTS frameworks share four to five common skill categories, although there were greater differences at the element and behavioural marker level. A variety of issues were identified in the literature that highlight that emergency management is very different from other domains where NTS systems have been developed. The literature on NTS in conjunction with this set of issues was used to develop a proposed NTS framework for emergency IMTs. This framework comprises 7 skill categories (i.e. communication, coordination, cooperation, decision‐making, situation awareness, leadership and coping, stress and fatigue management). The 7 skills can be further delineated into 16 elements and 44 behavioural markers. The framework provides a prototype that can form the basis for further research in this area.
Soil chemistry dynamics of Sus scrofa carcasses with and without delayed Diptera colonization
Authors: Heo Chong C. , Tomberlin Jeffery K. , Aitkenhead‐Peterson Jacqueline A.
Published: December 2020

Under normal circumstances, insects such as blow flies will oviposit and larvae will colonize a carcass as soon as possible. However, insect colonization on a carcass may be delayed due to the effects of wrapping, shallow burial, addition of lime derivatives to mitigate scavenging and odor, or extreme weather. The impacts of delayed insect colonization on carcass decomposition and its subsequent effect on soil chemistry profiles have not been examined to date. The objectives of this study were to determine soil chemistry dynamics associated with porcine carcasses experiencing delayed insect colonization for 7‐day or 14‐day. Soil chemistry profiles such as ammonium‐N (NH4‐N), orthophosphate‐P (PO4‐P), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were significantly different among treatments: insect inclusion (immediate access of blow fly colonization on porcine carcasses), 7‐day insect exclusion and 14‐day insect exclusion (blow fly access was delayed up to 7‐day and 14‐day). Furthermore, significant differences of soil chemical profiles were detected between days of decomposition and soil regions. Soil moisture, NH4‐N, PO4‐P, and DOC were significantly higher when insects were excluded from the porcine carcass suggesting loss of tissue from larval feeding reduced the mass of nutrients entering the soil. This study provides useful information for forensic science in cases where insect colonization is delayed for a period of time postmortem and soil chemistry in the cadaver decomposition island is considered for estimating postmortem interval.
Identification of determinants of pollen donor fecundity using the hierarchical neighborhood model
Authors: Chybicki Igor J. , Oleksa Andrzej , Dering Monika
Published: December 2020

Individual differences in male reproductive success drive genetic drift and natural selection, altering genetic variation and phenotypic trait distributions in future generations. Therefore, identifying the determinants of reproductive success is important for understanding the ecology and evolution of plants. Here, based on the spatially explicit mating model (the neighborhood model), we develop a hierarchical probability model that links co‐dominant genotypes of offspring and candidate parents with phenotypic determinants of male reproductive success. The model accounts for pollen dispersal, genotyping errors as well as individual variation in selfing, pollen immigration, and differentiation of immigrant pollen pools. Unlike the classic neighborhood model approach, our approach is specially designed to account for excessive variation (overdispersion) in male fecundity. We implemented a Bayesian estimation method (the Windows computer program available at: https://www.ukw.edu.pl/pracownicy/plik/igor_chybicki/1806/) that, among others, allows for selecting phenotypic variables important for male fecundity and assessing the fraction of variance in fecundity (R2) explained by selected variables. Simulations showed that our method outperforms both the classic neighborhood model and the two‐step approach, where fecundities and the effects of phenotypic variables are estimated separately. The analysis of two data examples showed that in wind‐pollinated trees, male fecundity depends on both the amount of produced pollen and the ability to pollen spread. However, despite that the tree size was positively correlated with male fecundity, it explained only a fraction of the total variance in fecundity, indicating the presence of additional factors. Finally, case studies highlighted the importance of accounting for pollen dispersal in the estimation of fecundity determinants.
Ore‐forming Fluid and Metallogenic Mechanism of Wolframite–Quartz Vein‐type Tungsten Deposits in South China
Authors: NI Pei , LI Wensheng , PAN Junyi
Published: December 2020

South China is endowed with copious wolframite–quartz vein‐type W deposits that provide a significant contribution to the world's tungsten production. Mineralization is spatially associated with highly evolved granites, which have been interpreted as products of ancient crustal anatexis. Ore veins are mainly hosted in low‐grade metamorphosed quartz sandstone, slate and granitic rocks. The ore minerals mainly comprise wolframite, cassiterite, scheelite and pyrite, with minor molybdenite, arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite. Typical steeply dipping veins can be divided into five zones from top to the bottom, namely: (I) thread, (II) veinlet, (III) moderate vein, (IV) thick vein, and (V) thin out zones. In general, three types of fluid inclusions at room temperature are commonly recognized in wolframite and/or quartz from these veins: two‐phase liquid‐rich (type L), two‐phase CO2‐bearing (type CB), and CO2‐rich (type C). Comparative microthermometry performed on fluid inclusions hosted in wolframite and associated quartz indicates that most wolframite was not co‐precipitated with the coexisting quartz. Detailed petrographic observation and cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging on coexisting wolframite and quartz of the Yaogangxian deposit, show repeated precipitation of quartz, wolframite, and muscovite, suggesting a more complex fluid process forming these veins. Previous studies of H‐O isotopes and fluid inclusions suggested that the main ore‐forming fluids forming the wolframite–quartz vein‐type deposits had a magmatic source, whereas an unresolved debate is centered on whether mantle material supplemented the ore‐forming fluids. The variable CO2 contents in the ore‐forming fluids also implies that CO2 might have had a positive effect on ore formation. Fluid inclusion studies indicate that wolframite was most likely deposited during cooling from an initial H2O + NaCl ± CO2 magmatic fluid. In addition, fluid‐phase separation and/or mixing with sedimentary fluid might also have played an important role in promoting wolframite deposition. We speculate that these processes determine the precipitation of W to varying degrees whereas the leading mechanistic cause remains an open question. Comprehensive studies on spatial variation of fluid inclusions show that both the steeply and gently dipping veins are consistent with the “five floors” model that may have broader applications to exploration of wolframite–quartz vein‐type deposits. Recent quantitative analysis of wolframite‐ and quartz‐hosted fluid inclusions by laser ablation inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometry shows enhanced advantages in revealing fluid evolution, tracing the fluid source and dissecting the ore precipitation process. Further studies on wolframite–quartz vein‐type W deposits to bring a deeper understanding on ore‐forming fluids and the metallogenic mechanism involved.
Rectifying the Neoproterozoic Stratigraphic Framework of Eastern Jiangnan Orogen, Southeast China
Authors: YU Xinqi , LIU Junlai , CHEN Ziwei , HU Jun , ZENG Yan , LIU Xiu , LIU Mengyan , HE Yu , MENG Linghui , WANG Zishen
Published: December 2020

Studies on the metamorphic and related magmatic rocks within the Jiangnan Orogen, southern China, are important to understand the formation and evolution of this Neoproterozoic orogen because they can provide evidence for revealing the tectonic evolution of the South China Block. Following on from earlier attempts at stratigraphic correlation and creating a framework for the low‐grade metamorphosed basement, new first‐hand information on the composition and deformation of the East Jiangnan Orogen basement indicates that the sedimentary rocks in the north are composed of the sequential Shangxi Group (Gp) and the overlying Likou Gp, with a clear regional unconformity in between. The Likou Gp includes the Zhentou Formation (Fm.) and the Dengjia Fm., with the previously named Puling Fm. only basalt interbeds within the Dengjia Fm. The Xucun granodiorite pluton of ∼830 Ma intrudes the Shangxi Gp, thereby resulting in a 100 m‐wide hornfels zone within the wall rocks, indicating that the formation of the group occurred earlier than that of the pluton. By contrast, the southern metamorphic rocks of the Xikou Gp and the overlying Jingtan Fm. are flaky, disordered, and strongly deformed. The Jingtan Fm. is roughly equivalent to the Heshangzhen Gp and includes the Zhoujiacun conglomerates in the lower part and a rhyolite in the upper part with interbedded basalt. This assessment of Neoproterozoic stratigraphic sequences and magmatic rocks in the east of the Jiangnan Orogen differs from and rectifies previous studies, emphasizing that explanation of analytical results, particularly geochronology, should be consistent with facts gathered in the field.
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Uraniferous Sandstones in Fault Zone, Wadi El Sahu Area, Southwestern Sinai, Egypt: Implications for Provenance, Weathering and Tectonic Setting
Authors: SALLAM Osama R. , MIRA Hamed I. , TOHAMY Amira M. El , ABBAS Abd Elhadi A.
Published: December 2020

Paleozoic rocks in the Wadi El Sahu area are affected by many major faults in different directions. A reverse fault trending NE‐SW is exposed for about 300 m of its length as it cuts through the Abu Hamata and Adedia formations on the south side of Wadi El Sahu. A secondary ascending hydrothermal solution carrying heavy metals and radioactive minerals passed through the fault plain and the surrounding fractures, forming mineralized and radioactive zone. The mineralized zone thickness ranges from 60 cm to 200 cm along the fault plain. These rocks were analyzed radiometrically using a portable gamma‐ray spectrometer, chemically by employing ICP‐ES and ICP‐MS, as well as mineralogically by both binocular and Environmental Scanning Electron microscope. Gold content was also determined by fire assay. REE and U contents reached up to 2682 and 1216 ppm, respectively. Mineralogical investigations indicated the presence of uraninite, torbernite, autunite, sklodowskite, kasolite as uranium minerals, thorite as a thorium mineral, monazite, allanite and xenotime as REE‐bearing minerals, zircon and columbite as accessory minerals, gold and nickel as precious and base metals, in addition to cassiterite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite and chrysocolla. High REE and U contents are attributed to the circulation of epigenetic U and REE‐bearing hydrothermal solutions along the fault plain and its surrounding fractures. Hydrothermal alteration processes could then be confirmed by the presence of the M‐type tetrad effect in the REE‐patterns of the ferruginous sandstone. The non‐chondritic ratio of Nb/Ta, Zr/Hf and Y/Ho in the studied sandstone may be attributed to the tetrad effect. The Ce and Eu anomaly with unusual REE‐patterns was represented by the presence of conjugated M‐W tetrad effects, indicating either the dual effect of hydrothermal solutions or groundwater with seawater. The results clarify that the tetrad‐effects could be used as evidence for the environment of deposition and as an indication for gold mineralization.
Experiences of underrepresented faculty in pediatric emergency medicine
Authors: Nfonoyim Bianca , Martin Ashley , Ellison Angela , Wright Joseph L. , Johnson Tiffani J.
Published: December 2020

Objective

The aim of this study is to elucidate the unique challenges faced by pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine (URiM).

Methods

This study is a subanalysis of data from 18 URiM faculty from a sample of 51 semistructured key informant interviews with PEM faculty in the top NIH‐funded pediatric departments and highest‐volume pediatric EDs in the country. Faculty are from eight hospitals representing a spectrum of geographic locations including the northeastern, midwestern, western, and southern regions of the country.

Results

Of 18 study participants, the majority were Black (72.2%) and female (83.3%). Three main thematic categories were identified: challenges related to race, support systems, and suggested strategies to improve diversity and inclusion in PEM. A common race‐related experience was microaggressions from colleagues and patients. Additionally, when attempting to lead and assert themselves, URiM women in particular were perceived as “angry” and “intimidating” in a way that non‐URiM peers were not. As a result of these negative experiences, participants described the need to go above and beyond to prove themselves. Such pressure produced stress and feelings of isolation. Participants combatted these stressors through resilience strategies such as formal mentorship and peer and family support. Participants indicated the need to increase diversity and create more inclusive work environments, which would benefit both URiM physician wellness and the diverse patients they serve.

Conclusion

Those URiM in PEM face subtle racial discrimination at an institutional, peer, and patient level. The stress caused by this discrimination may further contribute to physician burnout in PEM. While URiMs adopt individual resilience strategies, their unique challenges suggest the need for departmental and institutional efforts to promote greater diversity and inclusion for physician wellness, retention, and quality patient care.
Construction and internal validation of a prediction nomogram for acquired premature ejaculation (APE) in PE patients
Authors: Zhang Lei , Dun Xinlong , Hou Guangdong , Zheng Yu , Ju Dongen , Meng Ping , Liu Fei , Yuan Jiarui , Jin Long , Jiang Tao , Gao Ming , Yuan Jianlin
Published: December 2020

Background

A predictive model for acquired premature ejaculation (APE) in PE patients has not yet been established.

Objectives

This study was aimed at determining which factors were independently associated with the possibility of predicting APE in PE patients, and whether an effective pre‐treatment nomogram for predicting their individual chances of being APE in PE patients can be developed.

Materials and methods

We analyzed the medical histories of 915 PE patients diagnosed at Xijing Hospital (Xi'an, China) and Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital (Xi'an, China) between May 2019 and May 2020. The diagnostic nomogram was developed using a multivariate logistic regression model by integrating selected significant variables determined through univariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to measure the predictive accuracy of the nomogram and its constituted variables, and calibrations were performed by making a comparison of nomogram‐predicted probability with actual rate of APE.

Results

The independent predictors for APE that were identified include Age, Intra‐vaginal Ejaculation Latency Time (IELT), Frequency of sexual desire (FSD), and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire‐Revised Short Scale for Chinese (psychoticism) [EPQ‐RSC(P)] scores. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was 0.782 (95% CI: 0.723–0.841). Also, excellent agreement was demonstrated between the nomogram‐predicted probability and the actual rate of APE.

Discussion and conclusion

We identified 4 independent predictors for APE and demonstrated the potential significant differences in psychoticism between LPE and APE patients. This was the first internally validated predictive APE nomogram where good discrimination and calibration were applied, and it offers a promising role in clinical practice. More studies are necessary for verification of its universal applicability.
Less obesity but higher inequalities in Portuguese children: Trends of childhood obesity between 2002–2016
Authors: Rodrigues Daniela , Muc Magdalena , Machado‐Rodrigues Aristides M. , Padez Cristina
Published: December 2020

Aim

To observe the trends of overweight and obesity among Portuguese children from 2002 to 2016, before and during the years of the economic crisis, and compare these trends according to family's socio‐economic position (SEP).

Methods

Prevalence rates were calculated using data from six studies providing comparable estimates from 2002, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2016 for children aged 6–10‐years living in the Portuguese Midlands (n = 7192; 50.2% girls). Height and weight were objectively measured; children and family characteristics were collected by standard questionnaires. A logistic regression was used to test the association between variables.

Results

Between 2002 and 2016, there was a decrease in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, which reached a statistical significance for girls. The prevalence of overweight, including obesity, was high (low‐SEP = 30.5%; high‐SEP = 20.5%) and a widening of socio‐economic inequalities was found. Socio‐economically disadvantaged children had more than 2 times the odds of having obesity than children from higher‐SEP, even after adjusting for sex, physical activity and screen‐time.

Conclusion

While a decrease in overall rates of overweight and obesity was observed from 2002 to 2016, the social inequalities have been widened which suggest the need for public efforts to promote healthy weight at a population level, especially in lower socio‐economic classes.
Spatial working memory in young adolescents with different childhood trajectories of internalizing, conduct and hyperactivity/inattention problems
Authors: Kuang Ye , Flouri Eirini
Published: December 2020

Background

In children, internalizing and externalizing problems impact on learning. However, there is limited research on the specific impact of such problems on spatial working memory (SWM), strongly related to cognitive ability and children’s learning.

Aims

We explored distinct trajectories of internalizing problems and externalizing problems (conduct problems and hyperactivity/inattention) in a large general‐population sample of children followed from age 3 to age 11 years. We then assessed their role in SWM performance at age 11 years.

Sample

Data were drawn from the UK’s Millennium Cohort Study. Our analytic sample was children with data on SWM at age 11 years (N = 12,589).

Methods

There were two stages of data analysis. Trajectory group membership was firstly estimated by group‐based trajectory modelling for internalizing problems, conduct problems, and hyperactivity/inattention at ages 3–11 years. Multiple regression then assessed the relationship between SWM at age 11 years and trajectory group membership after accounting for confounders.

Results

Trajectories of internalizing, conduct, and hyperactivity/inattention symptoms across ages 3 to 11 years were related to SWM at age 11 years, even after controlling for confounding variables. For each of the three symptom domains, poor SWM was most consistently found in children with chronically high levels of symptoms.

Conclusions

In general, atypical patterns of internalizing problems, conduct problems, and hyperactivity/inattention in childhood were related to poorer SWM in early adolescence.
Gestational diabetes mellitus by maternal country of birth and length of residence in immigrant women in Norway
Authors: Strandberg Ragnhild B. , Iversen Marjolein M. , Jenum Anne K. , Sørbye Linn Marie , Vik Eline S. , Schytt Erica , Aasheim Vigdis , Nilsen Roy M.
Published: December 2020

Aims

Immigrant women are at higher risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) than non‐immigrant women. This study described the prevalence of GDM in immigrant women by maternal country of birth and examined the associations between immigrants’ length of residence in Norway and GDM.

Methods

This Norwegian national population‐based study included 192,892 pregnancies to immigrant and 1,116,954 pregnancies to non‐immigrant women giving birth during the period 1990–2013. Associations were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression models, adjusted for year of delivery, maternal age, marital status, health region, parity, education and income.

Results

The prevalence and adjusted OR [CI] for GDM were substantially higher in immigrant women from Bangladesh (7.4%, OR 8.38 [5.41, 12.97]), Sri Lanka (6.3%, OR 7.60 [6.71, 8.60]), Pakistan (4.3%, OR 5.47 [4.90, 6.11]), India (4.4%, OR 5.18 [4.30, 6.24]) and Morocco (4.3%, OR 4.35 [3.63, 5.20]) compared to non‐immigrants (prevalence 0.8%). Overall, GDM prevalence increased from 1.3% (OR 1.25 [1.14, 1.36]) to 3.3% (OR 2.55 [2.39, 2.71]) after 9 years of residence in immigrants compared to non‐immigrant women. This association was particularly strong for women from South Asia.

Conclusions

Gestational diabetes mellitus prevalence varied substantially between countries of maternal birth and was particularly high in immigrants from Asian countries. GDM appeared to increase with longer length of residence in certain immigrant groups.
Cluster headache: state of the art of pharmacological treatments and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Courault Pierre , Demarquay Geneviève , Zimmer Luc , Lancelot Sophie
Published: December 2020

Cluster headache (CH) is the most common form of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia. Current treatments have several limitations, and new drugs are required. This article first briefly reviews present acute and preventive treatments in CH, their mechanism of action and limitations, then describes the state of the art in recent clinical drug trials since 2015, and ends with a critique of trials in the CH field. Research is limited by lack of knowledge of pathophysiology and lack of animal models. In the past 5 years, no brand‐new treatment has emerged, but promising drugs, such as CGRP(R) antibodies, are under study. According to the literature and guidelines, clinicians and researchers should be aware of many limitations in study protocols: concomitant medication, patient sample size, patients’ protocol compliance, and study designs that tend to restrict patient recruitment.
Re‐thinking urban infrastructures as spaces of learning
Authors: Tuitjer Leonie , Müller Anna‐Lisa
Published: December 2020

Research on urban infrastructure has advanced to the forefront of human geography inquiry in the last two decades. Among other topics, geographers have looked into the privatization and neo‐liberal splintering of urban infrastructures; the failings of infrastructures and the power relations revealed within these failings; the political ecology of infrastructural provisions; the specific infrastructural challenges of cities within the so‐called Global South; and the entanglements of everyday experiences, affects and emotions with infrastructures. Yet, little attention has been drawn to the ways in which infrastructures need to be learned to fulfil their role of smoothly providing people with diverse services. Given the increasing spatial mobility of populations (e.g., as refugees, migrants, expatriates, and tourists), as well as the accelerating pace of infrastructural change (e.g., in the name of Smart City developments) however, it has become more salient than ever to open‐up urban infrastructural research more explicitly towards critical inquiries of learning. Thus, this paper proposes to re‐think urban infrastructures not only as socio‐material configurations, but more specifically as important spaces for learning.
Physiological effects of cutting on Secale cereale L. seedlings under freeze–thaw and alkaline salt stress
Authors: Zhang Mengyu , Bao Guozhang , Yan Bairu , Chang Yixin , Tang Wenyi , Qu Yan , Guo Jiancai
Published: December 2020

Secale cereale L. (rye) as an overwinter forage usually harvested in the autumn, widely grows in the northeastern China, where the temperature varies widely from day to night. In this area, the crop is confronted with not only freeze–thaw stress, but also the soil salinization. In this study, the rye seedlings under alkaline salt (AS) stress were subjected to both cutting treatment (CT) after growing for 7 days and freeze–thaw (FT) stress（10/−5°C) after 6 days regrowth. The changes of soluble protein (SP), malondialdehyde (MDA), relative water content (RWC), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in seedlings were studied to analyze the physiological effects of FT and AS stress with CT. The results indicated, under the combined stress, the enzyme activity and RWC decreased and the soluble protein and MDA content increased. Cutting treatment led to the accumulated of MDA, increase of enzyme activity and decrease of RWC in seedlings. The finding from the study indicates that the CT could aggravate the membrane peroxidation under the combined stress of FT and AS and enhance the osmotic adjustment ability of rye and activated the antioxidant enzyme system. The rye having been cut is more sensitive to the compound stress.
Composite effects of temperature increase and snow cover change on litter decomposition and microbial community in cool‐temperate grassland
Authors: Yoshitake Shinpei , Suminokura Nobuhiko , Ohtsuka Toshiyuki , Koizumi Hiroshi
Published: December 2020

We aimed to clarify the individual and interactive effects of temperature increase during snow‐free seasons and snow depth change (increase/decrease) on litter decomposition and microbial community in cool‐temperate semi‐natural grassland. We conducted a 2‐year in situ composite warming experiment comprising temperature increase (ca. 2°C) using infrared heaters during snow‐free seasons and manual snow depth manipulation (±50% in snow depth) in Japanese grassland. Changes in litter mass remaining and litter carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio) were assessed by litter bag methods. Microbial biomass and community structure were determined by phospholipid fatty acid analysis. Litter decomposition constant (k) was low in the plots with temperature increase during snow‐free seasons (0.56) and with less snow cover (0.57), but combining these two treatments resulted in acceleration of decomposition (k = 0.70); probably, decreased decomposition in the cold climate of early spring resulting from advanced snow melting was compensated for by higher temperature. Differences in mass loss among the treatments were well explained by litter C/N, microbial biomass and microbial community structure. The plots with a high mass loss showed lower litter C/N ratio, larger microbial biomass and different microbial community structure comparing to the plots with low mass loss. Our results showed the complex responses of litter decomposition to summer and winter climate change and combination of less snow cover and summer warming seemed to accelerate the decomposition in cool‐temperate semi‐natural grassland.
Measurements of immature platelet fraction and inflammatory markers in atrial fibrillation patients ‐ Does persistency or ablation affect results?
Authors: Perelshtein Brezinov Olga , Sevylia Ziv , Rahkovich Michael , Kakzanov Yana , Yahud Ella , Fortis Lior , Kogan Yonatan , Asher Elad , Lev Eli , Laish‐Farkash Avishag
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with platelet hyperactivity and a higher proportion of immature platelets. We aimed to examine whether immature platelet fraction (IPF) and inflammatory markers differ between AF types and whether they are affected by ablation.

Methods

A prospective study included patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter (AFL). We excluded patients with hematologic, inflammatory, or acute coronary states. Blood samples for IPF, white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were collected at baseline, within one‐hour postablation in those undergoing ablations, and the day after ablation. IPF was measured by an autoanalyzer (Sysmex 2100 XE).

Results

One hundred and four patients were included (paroxysmal AF‐63, persistent AF‐36, AF and AFL‐7, AFL alone‐5), (Mean age 67.7 ± 12.8 years, 54.8% male, CHA2D2‐VASC2 3.2 ± 1.8). Seventy‐two patients underwent ablation (cryoballoon AF ablation‐60, AFL radiofrequency ablation‐5, both‐7). There was no difference between paroxysmal and persistent AF regarding baseline markers. There was a significant change in the following parameters after ablation: WBC (baseline 6.9 ± 2.0, 1‐h post 8.0 ± 2.4, and 1‐day post 9.0 ± 2.8 ×109/L), NLR (2.9 ± 2.2, 3.0 ± 2.4, 4.2 ± 2.9, respectively), and CRP (3.6 ± 3.7, 3.6 ± 3.5, 12.4 ± 9.0 mg/L, respectively) (P < .05 for all). However, there were no differences in immature platelet count (8.6 ± 4.8, 8.5 ± 4.9, 8.4 ± 5.2 ×109/L) or IPF (4.6 ± 3.2, 4.7 ± 3.3, 4.9 ± 3.6%) from baseline to postablation (p = NS).

Conclusions

AF persistency does not affect IPF and inflammation. In patients undergoing cryoablation of AF, there is a postablation inflammatory process; however, platelet activation is probably not affected.
No obvious transcriptome‐wide signature of indirect selection in termites
Authors: Harrison Mark C. , Chernyshova Anna M. , Thompson Graham J.
Published: December 2020

The evolution of sterile helper castes in social insects implies selection on genes that underlie variation in this nonreproductive phenotype. These focal genes confer no direct fitness and are presumed to evolve through indirect fitness effects on the helper's reproducing relatives. This separation of a gene's phenotypic effect on one caste and its fitness effect on another suggests that genes for this and other forms of reproductive altruism are buffered from selection and will thus evolve closer to the neutral rate than genes directly selected for selfish reproduction. We test this hypothesis by comparing the strength of selection at loci associated in their expression with reproductive versus sterile castes in termites. Specifically, we gather caste‐biased gene expression data from four termite transcriptomes and measure the globaldN/dSratio across gene sets and phylogenetic lineages. We find that the majority of examined orthologous gene groups show patterns of nucleotide substitution that are consistent with strong purifying selection and display little evidence for distinct signatures of direct versus indirect selection in reproductive and sterile castes. For one particular species (Reticulitermes flavipes), the strength of purifying selection is relaxed in a reproductive nymph‐biased gene set, which opposes the nearly neutral idea. In other species, the synonymous rate (dS) alone was often found to be the highest in the sterile worker caste, suggesting a more subtle signature of indirect selection or an altogether different relationship between caste‐biased expression and rates of molecular evolution.
Maximizing Participant and Staff Safety During Assessment of Physical Function in the COVID‐19 Era
Authors: Storer Thomas W. , Latham Nancy K. , Bhasin Shalender
Published: December 2020

Physical performance measures, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPXT), are widely used in geriatric practice and aging research. Theoretically, research participants and study personnel could get infected in the closed environment of the exercise laboratory by contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person, by breathing virus‐laden aerosols, or by touching fomites. Older adults are at increased risk of developing more severe disease and of dying from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. This special article offers guidance—informed by a synthesis of scientific data and recommendations of the CDC and WHO—on procedures that can be implemented in exercise laboratories to minimize risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 and other respiratory infections. Most tests of physical function (e.g., gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery) are not aerosol‐generating and are associated with only a small increase in minute ventilation; in contrast, CPXT markedly increases minute ventilation and is potentially aerosol‐generating. Researchers should evaluate the benefit‐to‐risk ratio of information gained from the laboratory assessment versus the risk of SARS‐CoV2 infection. Risk mitigation strategies described here fall into four categories: personal hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment; standardized screening; reconfiguration of laboratory space; and optimization of laboratory ventilation. The proposed safety measures are not intended to replace institutional policy, state, or federal guidelines; they may not apply to all settings and are expected to evolve as more definitive information becomes available. These practical measures to maximize protection against SARS‐CoV2 infection can help maximize participant and staff safety, reduce anxiety, and facilitate protocol adherence, and study integrity.
Imaging Cerebral Glucose Metabolism during Dual‐Task Walking in Patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Szturm Tony , Beheshti Iman , Mahana Bhuvan , Hobson Douglas E , Goertzen Andrew , Ko Ji Hyun
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Gait impairment is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). Natural walking involves more cognitive demand than treadmill walking or in‐laboratory walking tests because patients have to actively work on navigation and top‐down cognitive control which taxes cognitive reserve in the prefrontal cortex. To mimic the prefrontal engagement occurring with natural walking in a controlled and safe environment, dual‐task (DT) treadmill walking has been developed. In this study, we tested the feasibility of imaging DT walking‐related changes in brain glucose metabolism in patients with PD.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with PD were scanned with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography. Five patients performed DT walking, and 10 patients were rested during the FDG uptake period. First, the images were contrasted between the groups. Second, the walking‐related brain glucose metabolism was inspected at the individual level.

RESULTS

Consistently increased glucose metabolism was identified in DT walking versus rest in the primary visual/sensorimotor areas, thalamus, superior colliculus, and cerebellum. In individual level analysis, patients with less progressed disease (n = 3) showed prefrontal activity during DT walking while patients with more progressed disease (n = 2) did not.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the feasibility of imaging glucose metabolism during DT walking in patients with PD. We also report that during DT walking, there is a lesser degree of prefrontal engagement in the patients with more progressed disease compared to those with less progressed disease, implying increased degrees of frontal dysfunction with PD progression.
The Development of Representation in American Political Institutions
Authors: Butcher Jordan , Gooch Aric Dale
Published: December 2020

At the forefront of American democracy lies the representative. There has been ample debate over congressional representation and how members of Congress are to act in response to their constituents. We take on the task of assessing the path to congressional representation by analyzing eight institutional dimensions of representation during the founding. We uncover why term limits, recall, annual terms, small constituencies, and the right of instruction were rejected under the Constitution after they had been so highly regarded a short time earlier. The Federalists sought to promote their view of good representation through institutional design, rejecting prior views of representation used in state governments. Instead, the Constitution was designed to encourage representatives to serve according to their own judgment as trustees. This analysis contributes to our understanding of how institutions were created to shape representation and provides insight into the development of the electoral connection.
Cultural Factors in HIV Risk Among Gay/Bisexual Men in Hungary: A Rapid Assessment Study
Authors: Feldman Douglas A. , Ketonen Irene
Published: December 2020

This article examines the sexual culture of gay men in Budapest, Hungary, based on research in 2011. HIV prevalence in Hungary is relatively low, compared with the United States, Western Europe, and parts of Eastern Europe (where injecting drug use is common, elevating the HIV rate). This preliminary, qualitative study of 21 gay and bisexual men, examines their social and sexual culture (their norms and values) in order to explain their low HIV prevalence rate. This low rate is particularly interesting because Hungarian homophobia and inconsistent condom use among gay and bisexual men are cultural factors that would appear to raise the HIV rate. Cultural and subcultural differences are important in understanding Hungarian gay male behavior, for example, the emphasis on romance and monogamy as an ideal, the importance of one's personal reputation, a perceived lack of a strong gay community, a failure to use condoms when in love, and infrequent HIV testing. The anthropological concept of romantic love plays a decisive role in sexual decision‐making among same‐sex couples. As Nanda indicates, “Romantic love [like marriage] also appears to be universal, but it is not the basis of marriage in most societies…. Romantic love as a basis for marriage has over time, become more widespread across cultures. This phenomenon is integrated in different societies in different ways, depending on local contexts and global connections.” Despite widespread reluctance to use condoms while “in love,” there is also an accurate knowledge of safer sex among gay men in Hungary. One possible solution to this seemingly contradictory situation, not available at the time of the study, is to promote the use of preexposure prophylaxis (or PrEP). PrEP is a daily pill shown to be even more effective than condom use. [sexual culture, HIV prevalence, AIDS risk, Hungary, gay and bisexual men]
Perineural invasion, lactate dehydrogenase, globulin, and serum sodium predicting occult metastasis in oral cancer
Authors: Jin Wanyong , Zhu Mo , Zheng Yang , Wu Yuanyuan , Ding Xu , Wu Heming , Ye Jinhai , Wu Yunong , Zhu Zaiou , Song Xiaomeng
Published: December 2020

Objective

This study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict the neck occult metastasis in early (T1‐T2 cN0) oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and Methods

The nomogram was developed in a training cohort of 336 early OSCC patients and was validated in a validation cohort including 88 patients. Independent predictors were calculated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

In univariate logistical regression analysis, gender, perineural invasion (PNI), blood vessel invasion, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, aspartate aminotransferase, prealbumin, globulin (GLO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum sodium (NA), and serum chloride were significant associated with neck occult metastasis. Multivariate logistical regression analysis identified PNI (p < .001), LDH (p = .003), GLO (p = .019), and NA (p = .020) as independent predictors of neck occult metastasis. Cut‐off values for LDH, GLO, and NA obtained from AUC were 142.5, 26.35, and 139.5, respectively. The nomogram based on PNI and categorical GLO, LDH, and NA exhibited a strong discrimination, with a C‐indexes of 0.748 (95%CI = 0.688 to 0.810) in the training cohort and 0.751 (95%CI = 0.639 to 0.863) in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

A nomogram based on PNI, LDH, GLO, and NA for predicting the risk of neck lymph nodes occult metastasis in OSCC could help surgeons with therapy decision‐making.
Preventing adverse reactions in pediatric transfusions using washed platelet concentrate
Authors: Yanagisawa Ryu
Published: December 2020

Blood transfusion is an important form of supportive care in children; however, transfusion‐associated adverse reactions (TARs) are a problem. As with adults, allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) and febrile non‐hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) are major TARs, and the frequency of ATRs caused by platelet concentrate (PC) tends to be particularly high. The plasma component of the blood product is thought to be a major factor in the onset of TARs such as ATR and FNHTR. By contrast, in children, age, underlying disease, and number of blood transfusions may be relevant patient‐related factors. Although acetaminophen or diphenhydramine may be used prophylactically to prevent TARs, there is no clear evidence of their effectiveness. Volume‐reduced PC is used to prevent TARs; however, it may be difficult to maintain the quality of platelets. Plasma‐replaced PC stored with platelet additive solution raises the concern that TARs cannot be completely prevented by residual plasma. Washed PC removes most of the plasma, so it can effectively prevent ATR and FNHTR. The recent development of platelet additive solution [M‐sol, bicarbonate Ringer’s solution supplemented with acid‐citrate‐dextrose formula A (BRS‐A)]

in Japan has enabled the maintenance of the quality of platelets for long periods. The clinical use of washed PC in Japan has therefore progressed. Washed PC with M‐sol or BRS‐A for pediatric patients can effectively prevent TARs without diminishing the transfusion effect. The supply of washed PC has begun from the Japanese Red Cross Society, and it has become possible to use washed PC at all medical institutions in Japan.
Is It Possible for Registered Nurses and Physicians to Combine Research and Clinical Work to Facilitate Evidence‐Based Practice?
Authors: Orton Marie‐Louise , Nilsen Per , Nelson Follin Nina , Dannapfel Petra
Published: December 2020

Background

Evidence‐based patient care requires clinicians to make decisions based on the best available evidence and researchers to provide new scientific knowledge. Clinician‐scientists (i.e., registered nurses [RNs] and physicians with a PhD) make important contributions to health care; yet, their roles are not fully understood, supported, or recognized by healthcare leaders. Only a few studies have addressed the factors that enable RNs and physicians to simultaneously pursue both clinical work and research after earning a PhD.

Aim

To explore what factors have a bearing on the ability of RNs and physicians to pursue research and clinical work simultaneously after earning a PhD.

Methods

The study used a qualitative design based on open‐ended, in‐depth interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.

Results

Analysis of the data yielded a broad range of factors that RNs and physicians perceived to either facilitate or hinder continued research while simultaneously undertaking clinical work. Most of the perceived barriers were due to factors external to the individual. Several factors applied to both professions yet differed in impact. Factors mentioned as fundamental to continued research were financial support and allocated time for research. Maintenance of a good relationship with academia and support from management were also considered to be important. In addition, personal factors, such as motivation to pursue a research career after obtaining a PhD, were influential.

Linking Evidence to Action

A supportive infrastructure is important for enabling clinician‐scientists to pursue research after earning a PhD. Creating favorable conditions for RNs and physicians to combine research with clinical work can facilitate evidence‐based practice. This information can be used for interventions aimed at improving the conditions for clinician‐scientists.