bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MVO optimized hybrid FOFPID-LQG controller for load frequency control of an AC micro-grid system
Authors: Mishra Sonalika , Patel Suchismita , Prusty Ramesh Chandra , Panda Sidhartha
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to implement a maiden methodology for load frequency control of an AC multi micro-grid (MG) by using hybrid fractional order fuzzy PID (FOFPID) controller and linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG).

Design/methodology/approach

The multi MG system considered is consisting of photovoltaic, wind turbine and a synchronous generator. Different energy storage devices i.e. battery energy storage system and flywheel energy storage system are also integrated to the system. The renewable energy sources suffer from uncertainty and fluctuation from their nominal values, which results in fluctuation of system frequency. Inspired by this difficulty in MG control, this research paper proposes a hybridized FOFPID and LQG controller under random and stochastic environments. Again to confer viability of proposed controller its performances are compared with PID, fuzzy PID and fuzzy PID-LQG controllers. A comparative study among all implemented techniques i.e. proposed multi-verse optimization (MVO) algorithm, particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm has been done to justify the supremacy of MVO algorithm. To check the robustness of the controller sensitivity analysis is done.

Findings

The merged concept of fractional calculus and state feedback theory is found to be efficient. The designed controller is found to be capable of rejecting the effect of disturbances present in the system.

Originality/value

From the study, the authors observed that the proposed hybrid FOPID and LQG controller is robust hence, there is no need to reset the controller parameters with a large change in network parameters.
Our need for certainty in an uncertain world: the difference between special education and inclusion?
Authors: Rix Jonathan
Published: July 2020

Despite decades of effort to achieve inclusive education systems, the emphasis on special education persists. This article explores the contradictory impulses that underpin these two concepts and considers whether they can be brought together. It does this through the development of two models; a model of certainty and a ‘model of uncertainty’. These models seek to represent and create a platform for thinking about the emergence and perpetuation of these two contradictory impulses and how these contradictions are experienced and might be resolved.
Effects of banana powder (Musa acuminata Colla) on the composition of human fecal microbiota and metabolic output using in vitro fermentation
Authors: Tian Dan‐Dan , Xu Xiao‐Qing , Peng Qing , Zhang Yu‐Wei , Zhang Peng‐Bo , Qiao Yu , Shi Bo
Published: July 2020

Bananas are rich in indigestible carbohydrates and are considered potential whole‐fruit prebiotics. To investigate banana‐induced changes in the composition of the human gut microbiota and the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), ripe banana (Musa acuminata Colla, Degrees Brix: 22.6 ± 0.2° Bé), from Hainan, China, was powdered and fermented in vitro for 24 hr with the feces of six Chinese donors. The degradation of banana polysaccharides was observed in all six fecal samples. During in vitro fecal fermentation, banana polysaccharides were gradually degraded up to approximately 80%. The production of SCFAs was also measured. The addition of banana powder increased the concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate, with the production of acetate being higher than that of propionate and butyrate. Changes in the human gut microbiota were assessed using high‐throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. The results indicated that banana powder significantly altered bacterial diversity, increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides, while maintaining the proportion of Bifidobacterium in the feces. At the same time, banana powder also increased the proportion of Lactobacillus; however, a significant difference was not observed. In summary, banana powder can be utilized by specific bacteria in human intestines, providing data support for the study of the effects of banana powder on the human intestinal health.

Practical Application

In this study, in vitro batch fermentation was used to evaluate the effect of banana powder on the human intestinal microbial community, and the metabolized products of banana powder were determined. Our study showed that banana powder improved the human intestinal microbial flora and promoted the growth of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides and could produce beneficial SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate). This study provided a theoretical basis for the use of banana powder as a potential prebiotic in production applications and our daily diet.
The effects of ketamine on typical and atypical depressive symptoms
Authors: Park L. T. , Luckenbaugh D. A. , Pennybaker S. J. , Hopkins M. A. , Henter I. D. , Lener M. S. , Kadriu B. , Ballard E. D. , Zarate C. A.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Ketamine's effects on different dimensions of depressive symptomatology, including typical/melancholic and atypical depression, remain largely unknown. This study examined the effects of a single intravenous dose of ketamine on general depressive symptoms (measured using the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), typical/melancholic symptoms (measured using the MADRS5), and atypical symptoms (measured using the Scale for Atypical Symptoms (SAS)).

Methods

Data from 68 participants with treatment‐resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar depression were pooled from three separate, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover studies investigating ketamine's efficacy in depression. MDD participants were unmedicated; bipolar participants received therapeutic‐dose lithium or valproate. Clinical symptoms were collected preinfusion and up to 14 days postinfusion. Effect sizes were calculated for days 1 and 3 postinfusion. The primary measures of interest for this exploratory analysis were total MADRS, MADRS5, and SAS scores. Individual symptoms were also analyzed in an exploratory manner.

Results

Scores improved significantly at Day 1 postinfusion (MADRS: Cohen's d = 0.64; MADRS5: Cohen's d = 0.61; SAS: Cohen's d = 0.41) and continued to be significantly improved over placebo at Day 3 (MADRS: Cohen's d = 0.49; MADRS5: Cohen's d = 0.43; SAS: Cohen's d = 0.39). Effect sizes were greater for typical/melancholic than atypical symptoms at Day 1 postinfusion.

Conclusion

Ketamine appears to effectively treat both the typical/melancholic and atypical symptoms of depression, but may have early preferential effects for the former.
Efficacy of proton pump inhibitor therapy for eosinophilic oesophagitis in 630 patients: results from the EoE connect registry
Authors: Laserna‐Mendieta Emilio J. , Casabona Sergio , Guagnozzi Danila , Savarino Edoardo , Perelló Antonia , Guardiola‐Arévalo Antonio , Barrio Jesús , Pérez‐Martínez Isabel , Lund Krarup Anne , Alcedo Javier , de la Riva Susana , Rey‐Iborra Esther , Santander Cecilio , Arias Ángel , Lucendo Alfredo J. ,   the EUREOS EoE CONNECT Research group
Published: July 2020

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most commonly used first‐line therapy for patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE). However, many aspects related to PPIs in EoE are still unknown.

Aims

To assess the effectiveness of PPI therapy for EoE in real‐world practice.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study collected data on PPI efficacy from the multicentre EoE CONNECT database. Clinical remission was defined as a decrease of ≥50% in dysphagia symptom score; histological remission was defined as a peak eosinophil count below 15 eosinophils per high‐power field. Factors associated with effectiveness of PPI therapy were identified by binary logistic regression multivariate analyses.

Results

Overall, 630 patients (76 children) received PPI as initial therapy (n = 600) or after failure to respond to other therapies (n = 30). PPI therapy achieved eosinophil density below 15 eosinophils per high‐power field in 48.8% and a decreased symptom score in 71.0% of patients. More EoE patients with an inflammatory rather than stricturing phenotype accomplished clinico‐histological remission after PPI therapy (OR 3.7; 95% CI, 1.4‐9.5); as well as those who prolonged treatment length from 8 to 12 weeks (OR 2.7; 95% CI, 1.3‐5.3). After achieving clinico‐histological remission of EoE, PPI dosage reduction was effectively maintained in 69.9% of patients, but tended to be less effective among those with a stricturing phenotype.

Conclusions

Inflammatory EoE phenotype and treatment duration up to 12 weeks correlated with greater chance for inducing remission of EoE. A stricturing phenotype decreased response rates to PPI therapy both initially and in the long term.
Chemical composition of small fragments of metals from Castillo de Huarmey (Peru): Chemical analysis in the micro‐area using FE‐SEM‐EDS, FE‐EMPA and XRD
Authors: Kałaska M. , Syczewski M. , Kotowski J. , Giersz M.
Published: July 2020

Small metal fragments were found in the tomb of the Wari culture elite (Castillo de Huarmey, Peru). These objects were subjected to chemical analysis using a scanning electron microscope with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and field emission (FE‐SEM‐EDS), an electron microprobe analyser with field emission (FE‐EMPA) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Chemical composition analysis showed that four different alloys were used to make copper objects. Two different alloys were found in silver alloys. A comparative analysis was made of the artefacts of other cultures from the Middle Horizon Period. They differ in their chemical composition.
Factors promoting the use of virtual worlds in educational settings
Authors: Shonfeld Miri , Greenstein Yoram
Published: July 2020

This paper focuses on student attitudes about using a virtual world (VW) learning platform. VWs allow students to meet via avatars and experience events that simulate real social experiences. It can also enhance student motivation, learning and collaboration. However, studies have reported that many students and teachers find VW difficult to use, and thus, do not adopt it. The current study sought to examine preservice teachers' experiences in VW in a multiple‐college course. The aims of the study were to focus on the possible difficulties and supporting factors affecting the present use of VW and identify factors affecting the future use of VW. Ninety‐nine Jewish and Arab students from eight teachers' colleges in Israel who participated in a VW learning experience completed an online questionnaire, which included items relating to their experience with computer games, difficulties and level of satisfaction with the course. Computer‐game experience, cultural background, technical difficulties and satisfaction with class management predicted the intention to use VW in the future. Possible practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Waging Class Struggle With Plants: Intra‐class differentiation and greening labor in a public housing project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Burdick John
Published: July 2020

Intra‐class differentiation needs to be brought back into the analysis of gentrification. In this article I argue that in the context of gentrifying pressures, greenspaces are an important site of struggle between segments of the working class. By paying attention to how different clusters of low‐income residents in a housing project in Rio de Janeiro deploy plants, we gain insight into differently‐situated working‐class life projects, and into how neoliberal capital exacerbates competition between them. Through the lens of greening labor we discover a working class that includes not just victims of the forces of gentrification, but active resistors and savvy collaborators with those forces.
Plant virus infection modifies plant pigment and manipulates the host preference behavior of an insect vector
Authors: Moeini Pedram , Afsharifar Alireza , Homayoonzadeh Mohammad , Hopkins Richard J.
Published: July 2020

Insect‐borne plant viruses may modify the phenotype of their host plants and thus influence the responses of insect vectors. When a plant virus modifies host preference behavior of a vector, it can be expected to influence the rate of virus transmission. In this study, we examined the effect of Maize Iranian mosaic virus (MIMV) infection on host preference behavior of the nymphs and adults of its vector, the small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus Fallén (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), feeding on barley plants (Hordeum vulgare L., Poaceae). We found that both viruliferous nymphs and adults significantly preferred healthy plants, whereas non‐viruliferous planthoppers preferred virus‐infected barley. Further investigations revealed significant reductions in the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of infected barley leaves. Based on these results, a possible association between insect host preferences and the pigment contents of the plants was observed. In summary, we suggest that host preference of L. striatellus could be affected by the propagative plant virus, possibly through association of this modification with some phenotypic traits of infected plants. These effects may have a critical impact on MIMV transmission rate, with significant implications for the development of virus epidemics.
Establishment, spread, and impact of an invasive planthopper on its invasive host plant: Prokelisia marginata (Homoptera: Delphacidae) exploiting Spartina anglica (Poales: Poaceae) in Britain
Authors: Harkin Claire , Stewart Alan J. A.
Published: July 2020

1. Since its recent arrival in Britain, the planthopper Prokelisia marginata has spread widely around saltmarshes on the east and south coast of England and south Wales, feeding on Common Cordgrass, Spartina anglica, itself an invasive non‐native species.

2. Results suggest that P. marginata populations in Britain benefit from a degree of natural enemy release. No evidence of parasitism was found in over 71 000 eggs, nymphs, and adults inspected. The only potential natural enemy control was suggested by a positive correlation between the densities of planthoppers and generalist spiders.

3. Experimental exposure under both glasshouse and field conditions to typical field densities of planthoppers resulted in significant negative effects on a number of host plant performance metrics.

4. Spartina anglica is important for stabilising estuarine sediments and has been deliberately planted for this purpose in the past. Its weakening as a result of heavy planthopper herbivory could have serious consequences for the long‐term stability of Britain's vulnerable saltmarsh habitats.
Screening potential pests of Nordic coniferous forests associated with trade in ornamental plants
Authors: Marinova‐Todorova M. , Björklund N. , Boberg J. , Flø D. , Tuomola J. , Wendell M. , Hannunen S.
Published: July 2020

Plant pests moved along with the trade in ornamental plants could pose a threat to forests. In this study plant pests potentially associated with this pathway were screened to identify pests that could pose a high risk to the coniferous forests of Finland, Sweden and Norway. Specifically, the aim was to find pests that potentially could fulfil the criteria to become regulated as quarantine pests. EPPO’s commodity study approach, which includes several screening steps, was used to identify the pests that are most likely to become significant pests of Picea abies or Pinus sylvestris. From an initial list of 1062 pests, 65 pests were identified and ranked using the FinnPRIO model, resulting in a top list of 14 pests, namely Chionaspis pinifoliae, Coleosporium asterum s.l., Cytospora kunzei, Dactylonectria macrodidyma, Gnathotrichus retusus, Heterobasidion irregulare, Lambdina fiscellaria, Orgyia leucostigma, Orthotomicus erosus, Pseudocoremia suavis, Tetropium gracilicorne, Toumeyella parvicornis, Truncatella hartigii and Xylosandrus germanus. The rankings of the pests, together with the collected information, can be used to prioritize pests and pathways for further assessment.
Towards Europeanisation through the proportionality test? The impact of free movement law on medical professional discipline
Authors: van Leeuwen Barend
Published: July 2020

Medical doctors can exercise their free movement rights to escape the control of professional regulation at the national level. This “darker side” of free movement of doctors has received a lot of attention. This article will show that the free movement provisions play an increasingly important role in medical disciplinary cases. The application of free movement law can make a positive contribution to the protection of patient safety. However, disciplinary tribunals are unfamiliar with the structure of arguments based on the free movement provisions. While the case law on free movement of patients has encouraged a process of internationalisation of medical standards, free movement of doctors has not yet led to a similar process of Europeanisation of medical professional rules. Nevertheless, the proportionality test requires that disciplinary tribunals engage in a process of comparison between their own rules and the rules in other Member States.
Integrating the microbiome into the barrier theory of cancer
Authors: Swain Ewald Holly A. , Ewald Paul W.
Published: July 2020

The barrier theory of cancer integrates environmental, genetic, and infectious contributions to oncogenesis into a single framework. The full spectrum of symbiotic influences on oncogenesis, however, still needs to be brought into this framework, particularly for symbionts that are classified as commensals or mutualists. This paper contributes to this goal by presenting evidence that these symbionts may improve the effectiveness of immunological defenses against cancer and by drawing attention to the interactions between parasitic and mutualistic microbes in relation to oncogenesis. Although integration of protective symbionts with the barrier theory encompasses a variety of interactions, we highlight one particular aspect: effects of symbionts on the host’s ability to attack tumor cells through the relaxation of immune checkpoints.
Landscape resistance mediates native fish species distribution shifts and vulnerability to climate change in riverscapes
Authors: LeMoine Michael T. , Eby Lisa A. , Clancy Chris G. , Nyce Leslie G. , Jakober Michael J. , Isaak Dan J.
Published: July 2020

A broader understanding of how landscape resistance influences climate change vulnerability for many species is needed, as is an understanding of how barriers to dispersal may impact vulnerability. Freshwater biodiversity is at particular risk, but previous studies have focused on popular cold‐water fishes (e.g., salmon, trout, and char) with relatively large body sizes and mobility. Those fishes may be able to track habitat change more adeptly than less mobile species. Smaller, less mobile fishes are rarely represented in studies demonstrating effects of climate change, but depending on their thermal tolerance, they may be particularly vulnerable to environmental change. By revisiting 280 sites over a 20 year interval throughout a warming riverscape, we described changes in occupancy (i.e., site extirpation and colonization probabilities) and assessed the environmental conditions associated with those changes for four fishes spanning a range of body sizes, thermal and habitat preferences. Two larger‐bodied trout species exhibited small changes in site occupancy, with bull trout experiencing a 9.2% (95% CI = 8.3%–10.1%) reduction, mostly in warmer stream reaches, and westslope cutthroat trout experiencing a nonsignificant 1% increase. The small‐bodied cool water slimy sculpin was originally distributed broadly throughout the network and experienced a 48.0% (95% CI = 42.0%–54.0%) reduction in site occupancy with declines common in warmer stream reaches and areas subject to wildfire disturbances. The small‐bodied comparatively warmer water longnose dace primarily occupied larger streams and increased its occurrence in the lower portions of connected tributaries during the study period. Distribution shifts for sculpin and dace were significantly constrained by barriers, which included anthropogenic water diversions, natural step‐pools and cascades in steeper upstream reaches. Our results suggest that aquatic communities exhibit a range of responses to climate change, and that improving passage and fluvial connectivity will be important climate adaptation tactics for conserving aquatic biodiversity.
Evaluating the Utility of Principal Component Analysis on EDS X‐Ray Maps to Determine Bulk Mineralogy
Authors: Spaleta Karen J. , Hayes Sarah M. , Newberry Rainer J. , Piatak Nadine M.
Published: July 2020

Due to advances in EDS technology, electron microscopy techniques have become an important tool to determine the relative abundance of mineral phases. However, few studies have directly compared EDS X‐ray mineralogy with traditional techniques for assessing bulk mineralogy and elemental composition. We show that analysing a limited area (~ 0.5–3.2 mm2) of fine‐grained metal extraction samples using EDS X‐ray principal component analysis phase mapping yields results that agree within 10% with more traditional techniques for mineral phases present at greater than 5% m/m. Electron beam sensitive minerals, such as the carbonates, have poor correlations between EDS and X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) and/or WD‐XRF. Likewise, poor correlations between methods can be expected for particles that are smaller than the interaction volume of the electron beam (~ 1.5 µm); this strongly affected the phyllosilicates. One strength of EDS phase mapping is that it can identify phases present below the detection limit of powder XRD (< 1%). Our results demonstrate that EDS phase mapping is sufficient to estimate bulk sample mineralogy. If polished thin sections have been prepared, this approach may save time and/or money relative to the more traditional approaches of preparing separate subsamples for XRD and/or WD‐XRF.
The association between minority racial/ethnic groups and travel mode choices
Authors: Yum Seungil
Published: July 2020

This study highlights the association between minority racial/ethnic groups and travel mode choices according to a multitude of neighborhood characteristics, travel modes, and purposes in the Delaware Valley region. This study finds that minority racial/ethnic groups show different travel mode choices than whites. For instance, Blacks and Hispanics are less inclined to walk/bike, whereas whites prefer to use household carpool in high density areas when they go home. This study also highlights that minority racial/ethnic groups choose different travel modes according to travel purposes. For instance, blacks in ethnic neighborhoods are less inclined to use household carpool, whereas Asians are more apt to use it for the purpose of home. The results show that urban planners should design transportation policies for minority groups based on race/ethnicity, neighborhood characteristics, and travel purposes.
Physical comorbidities in private psychiatric inpatients: Prevalence and its association with quality of life and functional impairment
Authors: Nadjidai Sarah E. , Kusljic Snezana , Dowling Nathan L. , Magennis Jennifer , Stokes Lisa , Ng Chee H. , Daniel Catherine
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the association between physical health conditions and quality of life and functioning in private psychiatric inpatients. We sought to determine whether quality of life and functioning was poorer in individuals with physical comorbidity compared to those without. A quantitative correlational descriptive design was utilized. Seventy patients were included in sequential order within a week of admission to hospital. Participants completed the SF‐36 survey, and the corresponding hospital records were audited. The STROBE guidelines were followed in the reporting of this research. The study found that 64.3% (45/70) of participants had one or more comorbid physical health conditions, primarily cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, endocrine and medically unexplained conditions or syndromes. Chronic pain was experienced by 40% (28/70) of participants, and 47.6% (33/70) were found to be overweight or obese. Tobacco smoking and obesity were risk factors associated with physical comorbidity (P = 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively). Quality of life and functioning were poorer in those with physical health conditions, particularly in the SF‐36 domains of bodily pain, physical functioning and general health (P < 0.001, P = 0.003 and P = 0.005, respectively). Physical health conditions were largely prevalent, and quality of life and functioning were poorer in those with physical comorbidities. The implementation of clinical guidelines for the monitoring of physical health has been proposed as well as a dedicated physical health nursing role. Continuation of integrative programmes focusing on both physical and mental health may also benefit patients in this setting.
The lady with the lamp: Amid the COVID‐19 haze
Authors: Xiao Yingqi , Jiang Xiaolian
Published: July 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic is currently the dominant public health topic across every nation. The world of health care is shrouded in the haze of the COVID‐19 pandemic and is experiencing unprecedented patient loads arising from this complicated and unfamiliar viral disease. No one was prepared for this. Unsurprisingly, there are shortages of supplies and equipment, treatment space and people with the skills to respond to the containment, treatment and prevention of COVID‐19. Nurses are at the front line of every nation’s response, trying to provide assessment, protection, treatment and prevention as being part of the overwhelming care demand that is occurring. Across every nation, the ongoing policy implications of the pandemic should be considered, as well as for those pandemics in the future. This includes, but is not limited to, investing in emergency systems and nurses, health research, and preparing for, managing and researching nursing practice.
Effect of peramivir on respiratory symptom improvement in patients with influenza virus infection and pre‐existing chronic respiratory disease: Findings of a randomized, open‐label study
Authors: Kato Motokazu , Saisho Yutaka , Tanaka Hiroshi , Bando Takuma
Published: July 2020

Background

The efficacy of neuraminidase inhibitors on improvement of respiratory symptoms triggered by influenza in patients with pre‐existing chronic respiratory diseases is unknown.

Methods

This 2‐week, randomized, open‐label study evaluated intravenous peramivir 600 mg on two consecutive days (peramivir‐repeat), peramivir 300 mg single dose (peramivir‐single), and oral oseltamivir 75 mg twice daily for 5 days in patients with confirmed influenza and chronic respiratory diseases. Patients recorded symptom scores daily. The primary endpoint of cumulative area of time vs symptoms (CATVS) was expressed as an index value of area under the curve vs time of the total score of cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion from baseline to 2 weeks.

Results

Of 214 randomized patients, 209 (56% female, 77% aged <65 years, 94% outpatients, 91% bronchial asthma, 62% influenza A) received ≥1 dose of study drug. Mean (standard deviation) CATVS was similar for peramivir‐repeat (782.78 [487.17]) vs peramivir‐single (717.35 [347.55]; P = .4371), and for peramivir‐repeat vs oseltamivir (856.34 [404.99]; P = 1.00). However, CATVS was significantly shorter for peramivir‐single vs oseltamivir, with an estimated treatment difference (TD) of −145.07 (95% confidence interval: −284.57, −5.56; P = .0416). In subgroup analyses, CATVS was significantly shorter for peramivir‐single vs oseltamivir among patients with influenza A (TD: −206.31 [−383.86, −28.76]; P = .0231), bronchial asthma (TD: −156.57 [−300.22, −12.92]; P = .0328), baseline respiratory severity score <5 (TD: −265.32 [−470.42, −60.21]; P = .0120), and age <65 (TD: −184.30 [−345.08, −23.52]; P = .0249).

Conclusions

In patients with chronic respiratory diseases, peramivir‐single was not significantly different from peramivir‐repeat and was more effective than oseltamivir at alleviating respiratory symptoms.
Isoliquiritigenin ameliorates caerulein‐induced chronic pancreatitis by inhibiting the activation of PSCs and pancreatic infiltration of macrophages
Authors: Wang Li‐Juan , He Lin , Hao Lu , Guo Hong‐Lei , Zeng Xiang‐Peng , Bi Ya‐Wei , Lu Guo‐Tao , Li Zhao‐Shen , Hu Liang‐Hao
Published: July 2020

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by persistent inflammation of the pancreas that results in progressive loss of the endocrine and exocrine compartment owing to atrophy and/or replacement with fibrotic tissue. Currently, the clinical therapeutic scheme of CP is mainly symptomatic treatment including pancreatic enzyme replacement, glycaemic control and nutritional support therapy, lacking of specific therapeutic drugs for prevention and suppression of inflammation and fibrosis aggravating in CP. Here, we investigated the effect of isoliquiritigenin (ILG), a chalcone‐type dietary compound derived from licorice, on pancreatic fibrosis and inflammation in a model of caerulein‐induced murine CP, and the results indicated that ILG notably alleviated pancreatic fibrosis and infiltration of macrophages. Further in vitro studies in human pancreatic stellate cells (hPSCs) showed that ILG exerted significant inhibition on the proliferation and activation of hPSCs, which may be due to negative regulation of the ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 activities. Moreover, ILG significantly restrained the M1 polarization of macrophages (RAW 264.7) via attenuation of the NF‐κB signalling pathway, whereas the M2 polarization was hardly affected. These findings indicated that ILG might be a potential anti‐inflammatory and anti‐fibrotic therapeutic agent for CP.
Zinc finger protein 91 loss induces cardiac hypertrophy through adenosine A1 receptor down‐regulation under pressure overload status
Authors: Wu Xiangqi , You Wei , Wu Zhiming , Ye Fei , Chen Shaoliang
Published: July 2020

The function of zfp91 is mainly studied in vitro, but there is no study in vivo. Accumulative data suggest that zfp91 may be an important gene to regulate all aspects of human response. However, there are no data to date about the function of zfp91 on cardiac homeostasis. Thus, we aimed to observe the role of zfp91 gene in mouse cardiomyocytes on myocardial homeostasis and related mechanisms under pressure overload. In the study, zfp91 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in TAC‐operated WT mice as compared with controls. Genetic ablation of zfp91 dramatically led to pathological cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy after transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Adenosine A1 receptor (Adora1) mRNA and protein expressions were significantly down‐regulated in the heart of zfp91‐deletion mice with TAC. Zfp91 overexpression reversed isoproterenol‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, which was abolished by selective Adora1 antagonist. Dual‐luciferase reporter and ChIP‐qPCR assays indicated that zfp91 acted on Adora1 promoter through its binding site. Last, Adora1 agonist rescued heart dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy in zfp91 loss mice after TAC. Zfp91 may transcriptionally regulate Adora1 expression in the heart, which mainly maintained cardiac homeostasis under pressure overload status. It will provide a new approach to treat cardiac hypertrophy.
European S1 guidelines on the management of lichen planus: a cooperation of the European Dermatology Forum with the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
Authors: Ioannides D. , Vakirlis E. , Kemeny L. , Marinovic B. , Massone C. , Murphy R. , Nast A. , Ronnevig J. , Ruzicka T. , Cooper S.M. , Trüeb R.M. , Pujol Vallverdú R.M. , Wolf R. , Neumann M.
Published: July 2020

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory and immune‐mediated disease that affects the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes. Although there is a broad clinical spectrum of lichen planus manifestations, the skin and oral cavity remain the major sites of involvement. A group of European dermatologists with a long‐standing interest and expertise in lichen planus has sought to define therapeutic guidelines for the management of patients with LP. The clinical features, diagnosis and possible medications that clinicians can use, in order to control the disease, will be reviewed in this manuscript. The revised final version of the lichen planus guideline was passed on to the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) for a final consensus with the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV).
Skin exposome science in practice : current evidence on hair biomonitoring and future perspectives
Authors: Appenzeller B.M.R. , Chadeau‐Hyam M. , Aguilar L.
Published: July 2020

The skin exposome, defined as the totality of environmental exposures from conception to death that can induce or modify various skin conditions, compiles environmental, lifestyle and psychosocial exposures, as well as the resulting internal biological and physiological responses to these exposures. Biomonitoring can be used to obtain information on the internal dose of pollutants. The concentration of biomarkers in body fluids is highly variable over time due to differential elimination kinetics of chemicals, whereas they accumulate in hair. Hair analysis thus provides information on cumulative exposure over a longer period of time, and so can be used for assessing chronic exposure to pollutants. Studies on hair samples collected from 204 women living in two cities in China with different levels of pollution demonstrated that hair damage and the skin microbiome are biomarkers of a polluted city and long‐term exposure to pollution and UV can increase signs of facial ageing. Adopting an exposome approach to skin health requires assessing multiple exposures and biological consequences, possibly in relation to longitudinally followed‐up health outcomes. Leveraging “omics” data (e.g. metabolomics, proteomics, genomics and microbiome) and big data analytics, in particular multivariate analysis, will help to further understand the impact of pollution on skin and the combined effects with other exposome factors, including solar radiation and other environmental exposures.
Commentary to “Clinical characteristics including cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in adolescents with psoriasis” by C Blegvad et al
Authors: Ståhle M.
Published: July 2020

Linked article: C. Blegvad et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 1516–1523. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16229.
Melatonin: A master regulator of plant development and stress responses
Authors: Sun Chengliang , Liu Lijuan , Wang Luxuan , Li Baohai , Jin Chongwei , Lin Xianyong
Published: July 2020

Melatonin is a pleiotropic molecule with multiple functions in plants. Since the discovery of melatonin in plants, numerous studies have provided insight into the biosynthesis, catabolism, and physiological and biochemical functions of this important molecule. Here, we describe the biosynthesis of melatonin from tryptophan, as well as its various degradation pathways in plants. The identification of a putative melatonin receptor in plants has led to the hypothesis that melatonin is a hormone involved in regulating plant growth, aerial organ development, root morphology, and the floral transition. The universal antioxidant activity of melatonin and its role in preserving chlorophyll might explain its anti‐senescence capacity in aging leaves. An impressive amount of research has focused on the role of melatonin in modulating postharvest fruit ripening by regulating the expression of ethylene‐related genes. Recent evidence also indicated that melatonin functions in the plant's response to biotic stress, cooperating with other phytohormones and well‐known molecules such as reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. Finally, great progress has been made towards understanding how melatonin alleviates the effects of various abiotic stresses, including salt, drought, extreme temperature, and heavy metal stress. Given its diverse roles, we propose that melatonin is a master regulator in plants.
Value‐based medicine, a compass to guide healthcare decisions in the COVID‐19 aftermath
Authors: Strazzabosco Mario
Published: July 2020

The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemics has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives among the elderly, the patients with chronic conditions and among underserved communities and people in social distress. In addition, the measures that succeeded in containing the epidemic created a profound economic crisis, which real dimension is still unclear. It is clear, however, that most healthcare systems were unprepared. Years of cost containments had eroded the ability of the healthcare sector to cope with the surge in cases. This editorial contends that rebuilding the healthcare systems will require forward thinking, a data‐driven approach and avoidance of reactive decision making. The editorial proposes the Value Based Medicine approach as a way to avoid the errors of the past and to align decision making in healthcare with patient health and quality of life (Value). This is an approach that is gaining traction in several systems. It needs a built‐in capability to collect and analyse outcome and costing data. Today the necessary informatic and computational capabilities are widely available.
Greenspace with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of epidemiological studies up to 2020
Authors: Luo Ya‐Na , Huang Wen‐Zhong , Liu Xiao‐Xuan , Markevych Iana , Bloom Michael S. , Zhao Tianyu , Heinrich Joachim , Yang Bo‐Yi , Dong Guang‐Hui
Published: July 2020

Several reviews have been conducted to assess the association between greenspace and overweight or obesity, but the conclusions were inconsistent. However, an updated comprehensive review and meta‐analysis is warranted, because several high‐quality papers have been published more recently. The objectives of this study are to systematically and quantitatively assess the evidence for a link between greenspace with overweight/obesity and to make specific recommendations for further research. We searched three English language databases, four Chinese language databases and the reference lists of previously published reviews for epidemiological studies on greenspace and overweight/obesity published before January 2020. We developed inclusion criteria, screened the literature and extracted key data from selected papers. We assessed methodological quality and risk of bias, and we graded the credibility of the pooled evidence. We also performed sensitivity analyses. Fifty‐seven records met our inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Most studies were cross‐sectional designs (81%) and were from developed nations (88%). More than half (55%) of the included studies found beneficial associations between greenspace and overweight/obesity in overall or subpopulations. Our meta‐analytical results showed that greater normalized difference vegetation index was associated with lower odds of overweight/obesity in a statistically significant fashion (odds ratio [OR]: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84, 0.91) but not residential proximity to greenspace (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.00), proportion of greenspace (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.85, 1.08) or number of parks in an area (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.01). However, we detected high between‐study heterogeneity in two of the four meta‐analyses, which reduced the credibility of the pooled evidence. Current evidence indicates that there might be an association between greater access to greenspace and lower odds of overweight/obesity. However, additional high‐quality studies are needed to more definitively assess the evidence for a causal association.
RE‐IMAGINING NAVAN FORT: NEW LIGHT ON THE EVOLUTION OF A MAJOR CEREMONIAL CENTRE IN NORTHERN EUROPE
Authors: O'Driscoll James , Gleeson Patrick , Noble Gordon
Published: July 2020

This article presents major discoveries from a new campaign of large‐scale multi‐method geophysical surveying, focused on Navan Fort and its environs. Alongside a re‐appraisal of excavated evidence, it offers a new model for the evolution of Navan. The large earthwork now known as Navan Fort sits alongside other iconic monuments such as Tara, Rathcroghan, Knockaulin and Cashel as one of Ireland’s so‐called provincial centres. Historical texts imply that these Iron Age complexes became enduring symbols of power for early medieval societies, and royal centres for overkings. These references, alongside the incredible scale of these landscapes, have encouraged intensive research, but only recently has non‐invasive survey begun adding new data and facilitating new interpretations. Prior to the present study, discussion of Navan Fort was limited to the results of small‐scale but iconic excavations. These new discoveries significantly change understandings, adding spectacular new monumental phases, and facilitating re‐assessment of Navan’s role within both later prehistoric and medieval society, as well as of the nature of ceremonial landscapes and their role in developing sacral kingship in northern Europe.
Phosphorylation influences water and ion channel function of AtPIP2;1
Authors: Qiu Jiaen , McGaughey Samantha A. , Groszmann Michael , Tyerman Stephen D. , Byrt Caitlin S.
Published: July 2020

The phosphorylation state of two serine residues within the C‐terminal domain of AtPIP2;1 (S280, S283) regulates its plasma membrane localization in response to salt and osmotic stress. Here, we investigated whether the phosphorylation state of S280 and S283 also influence AtPIP2;1 facilitated water and cation transport. A series of single and double S280 and S283 phosphomimic and phosphonull AtPIP2;1 mutants were tested in heterologous systems. In Xenopus laevis oocytes, phosphomimic mutants AtPIP2;1 S280D, S283D, and S280D/S283D had significantly greater ion conductance for Na+ and K+, whereas the S280A single phosphonull mutant had greater water permeability. We observed a phosphorylation‐dependent inverse relationship between AtPIP2;1 water and ion transport with a 10‐fold change in both. The results revealed that phosphorylation of S280 and S283 influences the preferential facilitation of ion or water transport by AtPIP2;1. The results also hint that other regulatory sites play roles that are yet to be elucidated. Expression of the AtPIP2;1 phosphorylation mutants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae confirmed that phosphorylation influences plasma membrane localization, and revealed higher Na+ accumulation for S280A and S283D mutants. Collectively, the results show that phosphorylation in the C‐terminal domain of AtPIP2;1 influences its subcellular localization and cation transport capacity.
Divisions of regulatory labor, institutional closure, and structural secrecy in new regulatory states: The case of neglected liquidity risks in market‐based banking
Authors: Wansleben Leon
Published: July 2020

Monetary policy and financial regulation have been regarded one of the paradigmatic domains where states can reap the benefits of delegating clearly delineated and unequivocal policy tasks to specialized technocrats. This article discusses the negative side‐effects and unintended consequences of particular ways to partition such tasks. The separation between monetary policy formulation, central banks' money market management, and financial supervision has weakened policy makers' capacities to address risks associated with banks' active liability management and to mitigate pro‐cyclical dynamics in money markets. These adverse effects derive from the neglect of liquidity as a regulatory problem in formal task descriptions; from the obstacles to positive coordination between specialized technocrats in the self‐contained domains of monetary policy formulation, implementation, and prudential regulation; and from a dissociation between formal responsibilities, which lie with regulators, and the resources residing in money market divisions – market expertise and influence over counterparties – that are critical to influence bank behavior. I explore these mechanisms with an in‐depth case study of British monetary and financial governance between 1970 and 2007. I posit that we can generalize the respective mechanisms to explore unintended effects of ‘agencification’ and to contribute to a broader re‐assessment of those organizing principles that have guided the construction of ‘new regulatory states’.
Robust estimation for discrete‐time state space models
Authors: Aeberhard William H. , Cantoni Eva , Field Chris , Künsch Hans R. , Mills Flemming Joanna , Xu Ximing
Published: July 2020

State space models (SSMs) are now ubiquitous in many fields and increasingly complicated with observed and unobserved variables often interacting in nonlinear fashions. The crucial task of validating model assumptions thus becomes difficult, particularly since some assumptions are formulated about unobserved states and thus cannot be checked with data. Motivated by the complex SSMs used for the assessment of fish stocks, we introduce a robust estimation method for SSMs. We prove the Fisher consistency of our estimator and propose an implementation based on automatic differentiation and the Laplace approximation of integrals which yields fast computations. Simulation studies demonstrate that our robust procedure performs well both with and without deviations from model assumptions. Applying it to the stock assessment model for pollock in the North Sea highlights the ability of our procedure to identify years with atypical observations.
Business cycle duration dependence and foreign recessions
Authors: de Bondt Gabe , Vermeulen Philip
Published: July 2020

This study revisits business cycle duration dependence in G7 countries by controlling for foreign recessions, defined as the number of other G7 countries in a recession. Estimates from regime switching logit models show that the monthly likelihood of ending an expansion roughly doubles for every extra G7 country in recession, but the end of foreign recessions do not affect the ending of recessions. They also show that recessions are duration dependent in all G7 countries, but expansions only in the United States and Germany. The economic importance of foreign recessions and duration in driving business cycle phase changes vary across countries.
Suppurative otitis media in Angola: clinical and demographic features
Authors: Filipe Matuba , Karppinen Mariia , Kuatoko Palmira , Reimer Åke , Riesbeck Kristian , Pelkonen Tuula
Published: July 2020

Objective

To describe the demographics and clinical findings in patients with otorrhoea in Angola.

Methods

A total of 411 patients with otorrhoea presenting in the ear, nose and throat clinic in Luanda and healthcare centres in other Angolan provinces underwent interview and clinical examination. We describe the demographics and clinical characteristics of the patients.

Results

The majority (64%) of patients were children <15 years (age ranged from 1 month to 77 years; median age 10.9 years) while 31% were children <5 years. In 83% of the patients, otorrhoea had lasted >14 days at the time of the examination indicating chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), which was confirmed with otoscopy in 72% of patients. Acute otitis media occurred in 16% of patients and was more common in children than in adults (22% vs. 10%; P = 0.007). Median duration of otorrhoea was >12 months. Earache (67%), fever (20%), dizziness (17%), nausea and/or vomiting (6%) were the main symptoms. Adult patients reported noticing hearing impairment (HI) more often than the parents of child patients (72% vs. 50%; P < 0.0001). Reported HI correlated with otorrhoea duration (P < 0.0001), presence of earache, dizziness, and measles or meningitis in history. The level of education in the family did not correlate with symptom duration.

Conclusions

Otorrhoea is mainly due to CSOM and affects patients long‐term in Angola. Otorrhoea duration is the strongest predictor of HI. Education on OM and its treatment is needed to prevent HI.
Active microrheology of a bulk metallic glass
Authors: Yu Ji Woong , Rahbari S. H. E. , Kawasaki Takeshi , Park Hyunggyu , Lee Won Bo
Published: July 2020

A probe particle driven into a supercooled liquid reveals the structural properties of the host medium.