bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Middle and Late Holocene altitudinal distribution limit changes of Fagus crenata forest, Mt. Kurikoma, Japan indicated by stomatal evidence
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Momohara Arata , Wakamatsu Nobuhiko , Omori Takayuki , Yoneda Minoru , Yang Mo
Published: August 2020

This study proposes a new method to detect changes of altitudinal distribution limit of a plant species based on the stomatal analysis of fossilized leaves. We use the Holocene fossil leaves of Fagus crenata (Japanese beech), a dominant deciduous tree in the cool temperate zone, from different horizons in a peat bog in Mt. Kurikoma, north Japan. Results of palaeo‐CO2 concentration reconstructed from the stomatal analysis indicate palaeo‐CO2 fluctuation between 317 and 352 ppmv during the Middle–Late Holocene, which was more variable and higher than Greenland and Antarctic ice‐core records. This result is possibly influenced by the oceanic CO2 uptake, which increased with the strengthening of the Tsushima Warm Current during the Middle Holocene. The stomatal index (SI) variation range of fossil Fagus crenata leaves in the Middle Holocene was higher than that of the modern population at a given altitude, indicating transportation of leaves from an altitude higher than the site of fossil deposition. A decreasing trend of the SI variation range between 5000 and 2500 cal. a BP can possibly be attributed to the downward shift of the upper distribution limit of Fagus crenata from an altitude higher than or similar to the present limit to the area surrounding the fossil deposition site. This downward shift of the upper distribution limit of Fagus crenata was simultaneous with temperature and humidity decreases and correlated with the decreasing East Asian Summer Monsoon intensity and a cooling event around 4000 cal. a BP.
Induced pluripotent stem cells as a platform to understand patient‐specific responses to opioids and anaesthetics
Authors: Obal Detlef , Wu Joseph C.
Published: August 2020

Recent advances in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology may provide unprecedented opportunities to study patient‐specific responses to anaesthetics and opioids. In this review, we will (1) examine the advantages and limitations of iPSC technology, (2) summarize studies using iPSCs that have contributed to our current understanding of anaesthetics and opioid action on the cardiovascular system and central nervous system (CNS), and (3) describe how iPSC technology can be used to further develop personalized analgesic and sedative pharmacotherapies with reduced or minimal detrimental cardiovascular effects.
Humanitarian (in)security: risk management in complex settings
Authors: Guidero Amanda
Published: August 2020

Attacks against humanitarian aid workers have received increasing attention in the media, particularly high‐profile incidents such as those against the hospitals of Médecins Sans Frontières in Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen. Concurrently, scholarly research has given rise to a number of articles, white papers, and books on humanitarian insecurity. Most of this work centres on external threats, neglecting the internal mechanisms that humanitarian organisations use to mitigate security situations. This paper builds on the existing literature by focusing on the decision‐making processes of humanitarian organisations, drawing on data collected from 16 security managers or advisers. The findings reveal that several factors contribute to contextual uncertainty and complexity, including recipient perceptions, local government actions, the behaviour of other non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) in the area, logistical issues, risk variance within a single location, and organisational mandate. Furthermore, the results indicate that NGOs utilise a combination of decision‐making processes to determine how to manage security in high‐risk environments.
COVID‐19 outbreak: The impact of stress on seizures in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Huang Shanshan , Wu Chunmei , Jia Yuchao , Li Guo , Zhu Zhou , Lu Kai , Yang Yuyan , Wang Furong , Zhu Suiqiang
Published: August 2020

Objective

Stress is a known trigger for seizures in patients with epilepsy (PWE). However, the association between stress and seizures has not been thoroughly investigated. In December 2019, an outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) occurred in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, causing tremendous collateral stress. This study was designed to evaluate the influence of the COVID‐19 outbreak on seizures in PWE in the most severely affected area, Wuhan, and its surrounding cities.

Methods

In this single‐center, cross‐sectional study, PWE were surveyed via online questionnaires between February 23 and March 5, 2020. Collected data included demographic information, epilepsy‐related characteristics (seizure type, frequency, antiepileptic drugs [AEDs], and medication management), direct and perceived threat of COVID‐19, and changes in seizures during the outbreak. Psychological comorbidities were evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire–9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7 items, and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify precipitants for seizure exacerbation.

Results

We received 362 completed questionnaires after excluding 12 duplicates (response rate = 63.51%). A total of 31 (8.56%) patients had increased seizures during the outbreak. Exposure history to COVID‐19 (P = .001), uncontrolled seizure after AED therapy (P = .020), seizure frequency of two or more times per month before the outbreak (P = .005), change of AED regimen during the outbreak (AED reduction, withdrawal, replacement, skipping altogether; P = .002), and worry about the adverse effect of the outbreak on overall seizure‐related issues (severity = moderate to critical; P = .038) were risk factors for increased seizures.

Significance

A minority of PWE experienced seizure exacerbation during the outbreak of COVID‐19. Stress, uncontrolled seizures, and inappropriate change in AED regimen were associated with increased seizures. Based on these findings, stress might be an independent precipitant for triggering seizures in some PWE.
Resistance and praxis in the making of feminist solidarity: A conversation with Cynthia Enloe
Authors: Prasad Ajnesh , Zulfiqar Ghazal
Published: August 2020

Ajnesh Prasad and Ghazal Zulfiqar had the opportunity to interview Professor Cynthia Enloe — feminist, social justice activist and the plenary speaker for the Critical Management Studies division at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management. The contents of the interview are presented in this article. The interview is based on an initial set of preliminary questions that Ajnesh and Ghazal posed to Cynthia over multiple email exchanges between 22 May and 3 June 2020 as well as a nearly three‐hour interview on 9 June 2020, which was recorded and transcribed into verbatim text. As the three individuals involved were located in different parts of the world during the ongoing global pandemic — Cynthia was in Boston (United States), Ajnesh was in Victoria (Canada) and Ghazal was in Lahore (Pakistan) — the interview was organized virtually using Zoom. The thought‐provoking interview covers a wide range of topics, from current debates over race and COVID‐19 to feminist solidarity‐building among culturally disparate communities to the potential of management and organization studies scholars to mobilize their research and teaching in efforts to transform current configurations of gendered social relations.
The use of pullulan coatings with propolis extract to extend the shelf life of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) fruit
Authors: Pobiega Katarzyna , Igielska Małgorzata , Włodarczyk Piotr , Gniewosz Małgorzata
Published: August 2020

Consuming fresh blueberries has many health benefits due to the extremely high level of phytonutrients. During storage, the berries spoil due to microbial contamination. The aim of the work was to investigate the effect of pullulan coating containing 5% and 10% propolis extract on reducing the number of bacteria and mould and on the physicochemical properties of coated blueberries during storage. The results showed that the count of microorganisms was reduced by 3–4.5 logarithmic cycle after 21 days (16°C, RH of 58–63%). It was also found that coatings delayed blueberry ripening as well as decreased weight loss. During storage, minor increase were found in titratable acidity values and no change the total soluble solid values in blueberries covered with pullulan coating containing propolis extract in comparison with the uncoated ones. Thus, the pullulan coating with propolis extract has the potential as microbiological protection for blueberry fruit.
Development and validation of a web‐based version of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile – Preschool version
Authors: He Songlin , Wang Jinhua
Published: August 2020

Background

The Child Oral Health Impact Profile – Preschool version (COHIP‐PS) is the first validated questionnaire designed to assess the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children with varying oral health‐related conditions.

Aim

To cross‐culturally adapt the original version of COHIP‐PS into Chinese and to assess the psychometric properties of a web‐based version of the COHIP‐PS (eCOHIP‐PS/C).

Design

The eCOHIP‐PS/C was first created using current guidelines. Then, the eCOHIP‐PS/C was administered to caregivers having children 2‐5 years old. The reliability of the eCOHIP‐PS/C was estimated using Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Cross‐cultural validity and convergent validity were also investigated.

Results

The study included 260 children (mean age 4.3 years). Cronbach's alpha of eCOHIP‐PS/C was 0.903 and the ICC of the scale was 0.862. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated that a four‐component model was the best solution for the eCOHIP‐PS/C. The fit indices were as follows: χ2/df = 2.176, TLI = 0.942, CFI = 0.946, GFI = 0.927, and RMSEA = 0.075. In addition, a good relationship was found between the eCOHIP‐PS/C and the global oral health question.

Conclusion

The eCOHIP‐PS/C is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the OHRQoL among Chinese preschool children.
Conflict in nursing studies: A bibliometric analysis of the top 100 cited papers
Authors: Kantek Filiz , Yesilbas Hande
Published: August 2020

Aim

This study aimed to identify and investigate the main characteristics of the top 100 most cited studies on conflict in published in nursing category in the Web of Science database using bibliometric and social network analysis methods.

Design

A retrospective bibliometric analysis was used.

Methods

The study data were obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) database. The top 100 studies with the highest number of citations were included in the study. The study data were analysed with Excel and SPSS and they were visualized with VOSviewer.

Results

It was concluded that the studies in the research were published in 38 different journals between 1974–2019 and they were conducted by 245 different authors from 24 different countries. It was further reported that the Journal of Advanced Nursing was the most productive journal and the USA was the most productive country. The most commonly used keywords were “nurse,” “conflict,” “nursing,” “job satisfaction,” “work‐family conflict” and “ethical conflict.”

Conclusion

The issue of conflict is a growing field of scientific study for nursing researchers. The quality of researches will be certainly enhanced in future with the studies published in journals with high impact factors.

Impact

The research of the top 100 most cited paper is a new and innovative bibliometric approach to understand nursing literature. There is very little information about the development, structure and characteristics of the existing mass of knowledge on conflict in nursing studies. The study findings establish a basis of information for planning further studies and providing guidance. In addition, this study provides researchers, scientific journals, institutions and countries with an opportunity to assess and compare their own performance in conflict literature in nursing studies. However, the fact that the most cited studies in the field of conflict in nursing is in demand by journals with high impact factor is a source of motivation for researchers studying in this field.
Computer‐mediated feedback for L2 learners: Challenges versus affordances
Authors: Bahari Akbar
Published: August 2020

This paper reviews the theoretical and pedagogical affordances and challenges highlighted in studies on correcting second language (L2) learners' errors via computer‐mediated feedback (CMF) in blended and distance learning. The study aimed at understanding and conveying the reported challenges and affordances of CMF to inform the computer‐assisted language learning practitioners. To this end, 97 peer‐reviewed articles published from 2012 to 2020 that discussed CMF with respect to receptive and productive language skills were systematically reviewed. The collected data were tabularized in terms of receptive and productive skills. To visualize the results, the obtained data were arranged in four hierarchical database formats with respect to four language skills. The implications of the study are twofold. Pedagogically, teachers are informed useful affordances that can be used to give feedback during teaching. Theoretically, researchers are informed about challenges that require further investigation.
Prognostic significance of body mass index‐adjusted criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Afify Hesham , Lee Ho Lim , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Singleton Matthew J.
Published: August 2020

Electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG‐LVH) is associated with both cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality. Obesity attenuates the sensitivity of several ECG‐LVH criteria, so body mass index (BMI) adjusted criteria have been developed. However, the prognostic significance of BMI‐adjusted ECG‐LVH criteria is not known. This analysis included 7812 participants (59.8 ± 13.4 years, 53% women, 50% non‐Hispanic‐whites) from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The Cornell criteria (R in aVL + S in V3 ≥ 2800 µV in men or ≥2200 µV in women) and Sokolow‐Lyon criteria (S in V1 + R in V5 or R in V6 ≥ 3500 µV) criteria were used for LVH. To account for the effects of obesity, the BMI‐adjusted Cornell criteria (product of R in aVL + S in V3 and BMI > 60 400 µV kg m−2) and the BMI‐adjusted Sokolow‐Lyon criteria (add 400 µV if overweight, add 800 µV if obese) were used. Compared to traditional ECG‐LVH criteria, more participants met criteria for ECG‐LVH with BMI‐adjusted Cornell voltage (9.9% vs 2.9%) and BMI‐adjusted Sokolow‐Lyon (13.1% vs 6.4%) criteria. In multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, the BMI‐adjusted Sokolow‐Lyon criteria performed no better than traditional criteria (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06‐1.32 for all‐cause, HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.17‐1.62 for cardiovascular mortality) and the BMI‐adjusted Cornell voltage criteria attenuated the association with all‐cause (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03‐1.32) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.13‐1.60). Despite potential improvements in the detection of LVH using BMI‐adjusted ECG‐LVH criteria, adjusting for BMI may result in the loss of prognostic information.
How does competition among lodging sharing platforms affect welfare and profits?
Authors: Gal‐Or Esther
Published: August 2020

We investigate the likely effect on prices, consumer surplus, and profits of intensified competition among peer‐to‐peer lodging platforms. We find that intensified competition in the sharing economy may give rise to some surprising results. For instance, intensified competition may allow platforms to charge higher fees from peer suppliers and lead, therefore, to a decline in consumer surplus. Only if the market of professional hoteliers is highly competitive, intensified competition among platforms leads to the traditional outcome that the entry of more platforms leads to lower fees charged from consumers and to enhanced consumer surplus. We also find that platforms may actually earn higher profits when there is intensified competition among professional hoteliers. In addition, while intensified competition among professional hoteliers leads to a decline in the fees that platforms can charge customers, it may actually result in higher lodging prices. We explain these counterintuitive results by the dual role that the lodging price plays in affecting the welfare of individuals active in the sharing economy. While a higher price has an adverse effect on the welfare of demanders of lodging it benefits peer suppliers of lodging because a higher lodging price raises the compensation they receive when offering lodging capacity to a platform.
Effects of the herbal medicine Rikkunshito, for functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ko Seok‐Jae , Park Jiseon , Kim Min‐ji , Kim Jinsung , Park Jae‐Woo
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is characterized by chronic and unexplained indigestion at upper abdomen. Because of unsatisfactory effect of conventional treatments, demand is growing for complementary and alternative medicine. Rikkunshito (RKT) is a herbal medicine, which has been widely used for FD in Asia; however, the evidence is lacking. We carried out systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect and safety of RKT in the treatment of FD.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched in April 2019, including PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. All eligible studies should be randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RKT or combination therapy (RKT and western medicine) group to western medicine group. The primary outcome measure was the total clinical efficacy rate (TCE). The secondary outcomes were total dyspepsia symptom scale, gastric emptying rate, gastrin, motilin, recurrence 6 months after treatment, and Hamilton depression rating scale.

Results

Fifty‐two RCTs with 5475 patients were involved in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. Compared with western medicine, RKT showed significant better result, with higher TCE (relative risk = 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 1.25, P < 0.001). RKT presented higher reduction of total dyspepsia symptom scale, more improved gastric emptying rate, and lower recurrence 6 months after treatment compared with western medicine. However, there was no significant difference in Hamilton depression rating scale between RKT and western medicine group. Combination therapy brought significant symptom improvement with TCE compared with western medicine alone.

Conclusions

Rikkunshito and combination therapy might be considered an effective alternative treatment for FD. Further rigorously designed and high‐quality RCTs are needed.
The Impact of Shared Decision‐Making in Perinatal Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Megregian Michele , Emeis Cathy , Nieuwenhuijze Marianne
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Shared decision‐making is considered to be a key aspect of woman‐centered care and a strategy to improve communication, respect, and satisfaction. This scoping review identified studies that used a shared decision‐making support strategy as the primary intervention in the context of perinatal care.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS databases was completed for English‐language studies conducted from January 2000 through November 2019 that examined the impact of a shared decision‐making support strategy on a perinatal decision (such as choice of mode of birth after prior cesarean birth). Studies that only examined the use of a decision aid were excluded. Nine studies met inclusion criteria and were examined for the nature of the shared decision‐making intervention as well as outcome measures such as decisional evaluation, including decisional conflict, decisional regret, and certainty.

Results

The 9 included studies were heterogeneous with regard to shared decision‐making interventions and measured outcomes and were performed in different countries and in a variety of perinatal situations, such as women facing the choice of mode of birth after prior cesarean birth. The impact of a shared decision‐making intervention on women's perception of shared decision‐making and on their experiences of the decision‐making process were mixed. There may be a decrease in decisional conflict and regret related to feeling informed, but no change in decisional certainty.

Discussion

Despite the call to increase the use of shared decision‐making in perinatal care, there are few studies that have examined the effects of a shared decision‐making support strategy. Further studies that include antepartum and intrapartum settings, which include common perinatal decisions such as induction of labor, are needed. In addition, clear guidance and strategies for successfully integrating shared decision‐making and practice recommendations would help women and health care providers navigate these complex decisions.
High prevalence of elevated serum liver enzymes in Chinese children suggests metabolic syndrome as a common risk factor
Authors: Wang Jinling , Qu Hui‐Qi , Huang Ke , Wu Wei , Wang Chunlin , Liang Li , Gong Chunxiu , Xiong Feng , Luo Feihong , Liu Geli , Chen Shaoke , Tian Lifeng , Hakonarson Hakon , Fu Junfen
Published: August 2020

Aim

This study investigated the pattern of liver enzymes in a large cohort of Chinese children and adolescents, including 16 383 individuals aged 4–18 years old recruited at six medical centres in China.

Methods

Clinical data were collected including weight, height, blood pressure, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and fasting lipid panel. We used an unsupervised machine learning algorithm, the K‐means clustering method, to identify different patterns of increased liver enzymes.

Results

Six clusters of elevated enzymes patterns were identified. The most common in 2.18% (325) of youth was elevated transaminases in the absence of features of metabolic syndrome(MetS), and they were thinner, and more likely to be from urban areas. The second cluster, with 1.47% (n = 220) youth had the most notable MetS features. They were older, obese and had central obesity, higher BP, triglycerides cholesterol and lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Cluster 3 (0.6%, N = 90) had mild MetS, and cluster 4 (0.06%, N = 9), 5 (0.03%, N = 5) and 6 (0.007%, N = 1) were not related to MetS.

Conclusions

We identified two distinct groups of children with both increased liver enzymes and MetS features in this population sample of Chinese children. One of the two groups had increased liver enzymes as the predominant clinical features at a younger age, suggesting genetic susceptibility to the condition. Further work to understand the increased MetS risk in cluster 2 is warranted.
SARS‐CoV‐2 in human milk is inactivated by Holder pasteurisation but not cold storage
Authors: Walker Gregory J , Clifford Vanessa , Bansal Nidhi , Stella Alberto O , Turville Stuart , Stelzer‐Braid Sacha , Klein Laura D , Rawlinson William
Published: August 2020

Aim

As the COVID‐19 pandemic evolves, human milk banks world‐wide continue to provide donor human milk to vulnerable infants who lack access to mother's own milk. Under these circumstances, ensuring the safety of donor human milk is paramount, as the risk of vertical transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 is not fully understood. Here, we investigate the inactivation of SARS‐CoV‐2 in human milk by pasteurisation and the stability of SARS‐CoV‐2 in human milk under cold storage.

Methods

SARS‐CoV‐2 was experimentally inoculated into human milk samples from healthy donors or into a control medium. Triplicates of each sample were layered onto uninfected cells after Holder pasteurisation (63°C for 30 min), heating to 56°C for 30 min, or after 48 h of storage at 4°C or −30°C. Infectious titres of virus were determined at 72 h post‐infection by endpoint titration.

Results

Following heating to 63°C or 56°C for 30 min, replication competent (i.e. live) SARS‐CoV‐2 was undetected in both human milk and the control medium. Cold storage of SARS‐CoV‐2 in human milk (either at 4°C or −30°C) did not significantly impact infectious viral load over a 48 h period.

Conclusion

SARS‐CoV‐2 is effectively inactivated by Holder pasteurisation, suggesting that existing milk bank processes will effectively mitigate the risk of transmission of SARS‐COV‐2 to vulnerable infants through pasteurised donor human milk. The demonstrated stability of SARS‐CoV‐2 in refrigerated or frozen human milk may assist in the development of guidelines around safe expressing and storing of milk from COVID‐19 infected mothers.
Developing protocols for in‐water morphometric measurements of cetaceans using stereo‐videogrammetry
Authors: Hillcoat Suzanne K. , Curnock Matthew I. , Gardiner Naomi M. , Birtles R. Alastair
Published: August 2020

Morphometry underpins the basic knowledge of any organism's population demographics and dynamics. Such understanding enables the investigation of trends with important conservation implications including monitoring the health of individuals and changes in population dynamics over time. By detecting declines in health prior to the onset of significant mortality, monitoring of body condition can potentially allow time for a management response to avert population decline. We trialed the use of a diver‐operated stereo‐video (SDOV) system for making morphometric measurements of dwarf minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata subsp.), a small oceanic rorqual, in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The SDOV system produced 68% more precise replicate total body length measurements than a single‐camera system, while both systems achieved a mean error below 0.5%. The increased precision offered by a SDOV system is desirable for longitudinal monitoring of growth rates and body condition. Optimal application of this method relied on adherence to protocols for both data collection and analysis beyond those dictated by the equipment user manuals. We provide recommendations for these field and analytical protocols, which may be suitable for use with other cetaceans when in‐water access is available.
Multiculturalism and nationalism: Models of belonging to diverse political community
Authors: Chin Clayton
Published: August 2020

Nationalism and multiculturalism seem to have opposed approaches to cultural diversity. However, recent calls for a “multicultural national identity” suggest the need for more nuances on this relation. This paper responds to these calls, and to some initial doubts, providing an account of political community, nationalism and multiculturalism conducive to fuller theorization of a multicultural form of national identity. To do this, it conceptualizes nationalism, liberalism and multiculturalism in terms of the concept of political belonging. It argues that, understood as modes of belonging, nationalism and multiculturalism are not incompatible, and indeed, the latter is a reconstruction of the symbolic terms of social unity of the former. Specifically, multiculturalism entails a form of national belonging that makes cultural difference a constitutive part of national unity, opening possibilities of diverse political community. Key to understanding this is distinguishing between general and specific valuations of diversity within multiculturalism. The paper further argues that a multicultural national identity is a viable alternative to existing models of national identity, offering both a different set of normative prescriptions and an alternative understanding of existing national identity in liberal‐democratic states.
Mortality of marine mussels Mytilus edulis and M. galloprovincialis: systematic literature review of risk factors and recommendations for future research
Authors: Lupo Coralie , Bougeard Stéphanie , Le Bihan Véronique , Blin Jean Louis , Allain Gwenhael , Azéma Patrick , Benoit Fabienne , Béchemin Christian , Bernard Ismaël , Blachier Philippe , Brieau Léa , Danion Morgane , Garcia Aurélie , Gervasoni Erika , Glize Philippe , Lainé Audrey , Lapègue Sylvie , Mablouké Cécile , Poirier Laurence , Raymond Jean Christophe , Treilles Michael , Chauvin Claire , Le Bouquin Sophie
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to summarise the literature reporting the risk factors for mortality in the mussel species Mytilus edulis and Mytilus galloprovincialis in order to identify potential science‐based solutions to prevent or mitigate mussel mortality outbreaks. We followed the PRISMA methodology: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. The studied corpus of 91 publications (114 studies) was highly heterogeneous with respect to the methodological approaches used to define or estimate mussel mortality and the related putative risk factors. Results showed that the mortality risk of both mussel species M. edulis and M. galloprovincialis varied across the seasons, increased with an elevated seawater temperature above a thermal threshold of 20 and 24°C, respectively, decreased by protecting mussels from predation, and was associated with the presence of pathogens in M. edulis. For M. galloprovincialis, using mussel spat from the same area where the farming is carried out and farming them together with another mussel species appears to reduce the mortality risk. However, for M. edulis, this could be achieved by using pure crosses and in particular mussel spat having a selected genotype. For wild bed conservation, sand accumulation and anthropogenic sedimentation should be minimised. Our analysis showed that current approaches to this research topic are limited and are unlikely to yield actionable evidence to identify mussel mortality prevention or mitigation strategies. Therefore, recommendations are offered to increase the ability of future eco‐epidemiological research to identify multiple exposures associated with mussel mortality, underpinned by standardised efforts and cooperative initiatives.
Indel variants within the PRL and GHR genes associated with sheep litter size
Authors: Akhatayeva Zhanerke , Mao Cui , Jiang Fugui , Pan Chuanying , Lin Chunjian , Hao Kunjie , Lan Tianxin , Chen Hong , Zhang Qingfeng , Lan Xianyong
Published: August 2020

Growth hormone and prolactin belong to the class of peptide hormones that have a wide range of regulatory functions. In this study, polymorphisms of growth hormone receptor (GHR) and prolactin (PRL) genes were analysed as candidate genes, which are responsible for the litter size in Australian White (AUW) sheep. According to the statistical analyses results, the polymorphism information content (PIC) values of the PRL‐P1‐ins‐23 bp, GHR‐P2‐del‐23 bp and GHR‐P8‐del‐23 bp were 0.371, 0.366 and 0.375, respectively, which indicates the high genetic polymorphism in AUW sheep. Moreover, all indel loci are not conformed to the HWE (p < .05). Further, our findings revealed that the PRL‐P1‐ins‐23 bp polymorphism in the ovine PRL gene was significantly related to the first parity litter size (p = .001) and the DD genotype displaying the highest genotypic mean. Meanwhile, the GHR‐P2‐del‐23 bp and GHR‐P8‐23 bp indels in the ovine GHR gene were significantly correlated with first parity litter size (p < .05), and the individuals with the genotype II showed significantly higher litter size than others. Collectively, these results demonstrated that our findings could be useful for future sheep breeding strategies based on the molecular‐assisted selection (MAS).
Transfer of stress from the 2004Mw9.2 Sumatra subduction earthquake promoted widespread seismicity and large strike‐slip events in the Wharton Basin
Authors: Guo Laiyin , Lin Jian , Zhang Fan , Zhou Zhiyuan
Published: August 2020

The 2004Mw9.2 Sumatra and 2012Mw8.6 Wharton Basin (WB) earthquakes provide the unprecedented opportunity to investigate stress transfer from a megathrust earthquake to the subducting plate. Comprehensive analyses of this study revealed that the 2004 earthquake excited widespread seismicity in the WB, especially in regions of calculated stress increase greater than 0.3 bars. The 2004 earthquake stressed all three rupture planes of the 2012Mw8.6 strike‐slip mainshock and the largestMw8.2 aftershock with mean values of Coulomb stress between 0.3 and 2.1 bars. For the 77Mw ≥ 4 regional events since 2012, at least one nodal plane for 95% of the events, and both nodal planes for 72% of the events experienced stress increase due to the 2004 earthquake. Results of the analyses also revealed that the regional stress directions in the WB may have controlled the sub‐fault orientations of the 2012Mw8.6 strike‐slip earthquake.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates from 33 thoroughbred horses with arytenoid chondropathy (2005‐2019)
Authors: Johnston Georgina C. A. , Lumsden Jonathan M.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To describe the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates cultured from surgical specimens of infected arytenoid cartilage and granulomas.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Animals

Thirty‐three thoroughbred horses.

Methods

Hospital records were retrieved for all horses admitted to a referral hospital for arytenoid chondropathy surgery that had samples submitted for culture and sensitivity between 2005 and 2019. Descriptive analyses were performed.

Results

In total, 56 bacterial isolates were obtained. Gram‐positive bacteria (58%), Gram‐negative bacteria (54%), and anaerobes (33%) were cultured from samples. Fifty‐eight percent of horses had multiple bacteria isolated.Streptococcusspp were the most common (32%), followed byEnterobacteriaceae(13%). Bacterial isolates were sensitive to ceftiofur (83%), followed by ampicillin (64%), tetracycline (48%), enrofloxacin (45%), trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (41%), and gentamicin (18%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was present in 44% of bacterial isolates.

Conclusion

A wide variety of bacteria was cultured, providing evidence that secondary opportunistic infection by common respiratory bacteria is likely a factor in arytenoid chondropathy. Multidrug resistance was higher than what has been previously reported in equine respiratory samples. Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole had low effectiveness.

Clinical significance

Because culture and sensitivity testing is not available in the diagnosis of mild to moderate arytenoid chondropathy, the information from this study may allow for more targeted broad‐spectrum antimicrobial treatment to limit disease progression when the disease is first identified. The antimicrobial susceptibilities and MDR found in this study emphasize the importance of following current antimicrobial guidelines and highlight the requirement for surgical intervention rather than continued medical treatment in cases that do not resolve with initial antimicrobial therapy.
Positive Mental Health and Self‐Care in Patients with Chronic Physical Health Problems: Implications for Evidence‐based Practice
Authors: Puig Llobet Montserrat , Sánchez Ortega MªAurelia , Lluch‐Canut MªTeresa , Moreno‐Arroyo MªCarmen , Hidalgo Blanco Miguel Àngel , Roldán‐Merino Juan
Published: August 2020

Background

The capacity for self‐care and positive mental health (PMH) has an influence on well‐being and on one’s approach to chronic illness.

Purpose

The aim was to determine the level of PMH and self‐care agency as well as the relations among sociodemographic variables, PMH, and the level of self‐care among patients with chronic physical health problems. We also examined correlations between PMH and self‐care agency.

Methods

A descriptive, cross‐sectional correlational study was conducted with a sample of 209 patients at a primary care center. The instruments used were the Positive Mental Health Questionnaire and the Appraisal of Self‐Care Agency scale. The STROBE statement was used.

Results

Significant differences were found in the PMH factors in relation to sociodemographic variables and health conditions. Suffering one or more chronic diseases was associated negatively, and significantly, with the capacity for self‐care. The four most prevalent chronic health problems in the sample were hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and diabetes mellitus.

Linking Evidence to Action

In people with chronic physical health problems, there is a positive relationship between PMH and self‐care capacity. An increase in the possibility of caring for oneself saw an increase in PMH; conversely, an increase in PMH brought with it an increased capacity for self‐care as well. Therefore, if actions are taken to increase PMH, the capacity for self‐care will also increase.
Rapid quantitative imaging of high intensity ultrasonic pressure fields
Authors: Luo Huiwen , Kusunose Jiro , Pinton Gianmarco , Caskey Charles F. , Grissom William A.
Published: August 2020

High intensity focused ultrasound (FUS) is a noninvasive technique for treatment of tissues that can lie deep within the body. There is a need for methods to rapidly and quantitatively map FUS pressure beams for quality assurance and accelerate development of FUS systems and techniques. However, conventional ultrasound pressure beam mapping instruments, including hydrophones and optical techniques, are slow, not portable, and expensive, and most cannot map beams at actual therapeutic pressure levels. Here, a rapid projection imaging method to quantitatively map FUS pressure beams based on continuous-wave background-oriented schlieren (CW-BOS) imaging is reported. The method requires only a water tank, a background pattern, and a camera and uses a multi-layer deep neural network to reconstruct two-dimensional root-mean-square (RMS) projected pressure maps that resolve the ultrasound propagation dimension and one lateral dimension. In this work, the method was applied to collect beam maps over a 3 × 1 cm2 field-of-view with 0.425 mm resolution for focal pressures up to 9 MPa. Results at two frequencies and comparisons to hydrophone measurements show that CW-BOS imaging produces high-resolution quantitative RMS projected FUS pressure maps in under 10 s, the technique is linear and robust to beam rotations and translations, and it can map aberrated beams.
Traveling and standing waves mediate pattern formation in cellular protrusions
Authors: Bhattacharya Sayak , Banerjee Tatsat , Miao Yuchuan , Zhan Huiwang , Devreotes Peter N. , Iglesias Pablo A.
Published: August 2020

Excitable waves evolve into standing patterns and lead to the various dynamic and static protrusions seen in migrating cells.
Nonreciprocal surface acoustic wave propagation via magneto-rotation coupling
Authors: Xu Mingran , Yamamoto Kei , Puebla Jorge , Baumgaertl Korbinian , Rana Bivas , Miura Katsuya , Takahashi Hiromasa , Grundler Dirk , Maekawa Sadamichi , Otani Yoshichika
Published: August 2020

Coupling of surface acoustic waves with anisotropic magnets demonstrates 100% nonreciprocity.
Sub–turn-on exciton quenching due to molecular orientation and polarization in organic light-emitting devices
Authors: Bangsund John S. , Van Sambeek Jack R. , Concannon Nolan M. , Holmes Russell J.
Published: August 2020

Spontaneous orientation polarization in OLEDs reduces efficiency but can be eliminated by heating during film deposition.
Structure of the sodium-dependent phosphate transporter reveals insights into human solute carrier SLC20
Authors: Tsai Jia-Yin , Chu Chen-Hsi , Lin Min-Guan , Chou Ying-Hsuan , Hong Ruei-Yi , Yen Cheng-Yi , Hsiao Chwan-Deng , Sun Yuh-Ju
Published: August 2020

This study presents structure and function of the sodium-dependent phosphate transporter,
Tm
PiT-Pi/Na.
A versatile genetic control system in mammalian cells and mice responsive to clinically licensed sodium ferulate
Authors: Wang Yidan , Liao Shuyong , Guan Ningzi , Liu Yuanxiao , Dong Kaili , Weber Wilfried , Ye Haifeng
Published: August 2020

A synthetic switch shows tunable transgene expression, regulatable genome engineering, and programmable biocomputation in mammals.
A numerical characterization workflow for assessing the strength and failure modes of heterogeneous oil sands
Authors: Zhang Bo , Chalaturnyk Rick , Boisvert Jeff
Published: August 2020

Understanding the strength and failure modes of overburdens and reservoirs is a critical component in safety assessments for oil sands surface mining and in situ thermal recovery operations. Currently, assumptions of homogeneity are often made for the geomechanical properties of oil sands in conventional slope stability analyses and reservoir simulation. The purpose of this work is to propose a numerical characterization workflow that helps predict the failure mode and shear strength of heterogeneous oil sands interbedded with shale beddings during thermal recovery. Heterogeneous models are generated through sequential indicator simulation with a calibrated constitutive model and geomechanical parameters for each lithology. Numerical simulations with boundary conditions reflecting in situ stress changes are conducted to study the impact of shale beddings on stress–strain response, failure modes, and shear strength of the sheared zone. The results show that shear failures of the weaker shale beddings play a significant role in the elastoplastic behavior and reduced shear strength of heterogeneous oil sands. The shear band and weak plane failures are found to be closely related to the volume fraction, variogram range ratio, and inclinations of shale beddings. The proposed numerical workflow allows for quantitative investigations of geomechanical response for rock mass with complex lithological heterogeneities.
Scalar field in a uniformly rotating frame in the time-dislocation space–time
Authors: Bakke K. , Bezerra V. B. , Vitória R. L. L.
Published: August 2020

We analyze the relativistic quantum effects induced by the topology associated with a time-dislocation space–time and produced by the angular velocity associated with a rotating reference frame, on a scalar field. The parameters related to the torsion of the dislocation and to the angular velocity of the rotating reference frame impose lower and upper limits of the radial coordinate. At these limiting values of the radial coordinate, boundary conditions are assumed, in order to determine the energy levels. We show that in this scenario, two interesting physical phenomena arise, namely, the Sagnac-like and the Aharonov–Bohm-like effects.
Eigenvalues of the non-backtracking operator detached from the bulk
Authors: Coste Simon , Zhu Yizhe
Published: August 2020

We describe the non-backtracking spectrum of a stochastic block model with connection probabilities [Formula: see text]. In this regime we answer a question posed in [L. Dall’Amico, R. Couillet and N. Tremblay, Revisiting the Bethe–Hessian: Improved community detection in sparse heterogeneous graphs, in Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems (2019), pp. 4039–4049] regarding the existence of a real eigenvalue “inside” the bulk, close to the location [Formula: see text]. We also introduce a variant of the Bauer–Fike theorem well suited for perturbations of quadratic eigenvalue problems, which could be of independent interest.
Emodin Alleviates Hydrogen Peroxide‐Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress via Mitochondrial Dysfunction by Inhibiting the PI3K/mTOR/GSK3β Pathway in Neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y Cells
Authors: Li Rui , Liu Wenzhou , Ou Li , Gao Feng , Li Min , Wang Liping , Wei Peifeng , Miao Feng
Published: August 2020

Emodin is an active monomer extracted from rhubarb root, which has many biological functions, including anti‐inflammation, antioxidation, anticancer, and neuroprotection. However, the protective effect of emodin on nerve injury needs to be further elucidated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of emodin on the neuroprotection and the special molecular mechanism. Here, the protective activity of emodin inhibiting H2O2‐induced apoptosis and neuroinflammation as well as its molecular mechanisms was examined using human neuroblastoma cells (SH‐SY5Y cells). The results showed that emodin significantly enhanced cell viability, reduced cell apoptosis and LDH release. Simultaneously, emodin downregulated H2O2‐induced inflammatory factors, including IL‐6, NO, and TNF‐α, and alleviated H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in SH‐SY5Y cells. In addition, emodin inhibited the activation of the PI3K/mTOR/GSK3β signaling pathway. What is more, the PI3K/mTOR/GSK3β pathway participated in the protective mechanism of emodin on H2O2‐induced cell damage. Collectively, it suggests that emodin alleviates H2O2‐induced apoptosis and neuroinflammation potentially by regulating the PI3K/mTOR/GSK3β signaling pathway.
On the Price Dynamics of a Two-Dimensional Financial Market Model with Entry Levels
Authors: Gu En-Guo
Published: August 2020

This paper aims to extend the model developed by Tramontana et al. By adding trend followers who pay attention to the most recent observed price trend, we formulate a financial market model driven by a new two-dimensional discontinuous piecewise linear (PWL) map with three branches. The dynamic behavior of the mapping system is studied in two cases according to different trend followers’ expectation of the stock price. The existence and stability conditions of periodic attractors and other bounded attractors are derived by using qualitative and quantitative methods, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation. When trend followers are neutral on the stock market, we present that the basin of locally attracting fixed points can be determined by the preimages of two borderlines. We also prove that one of its surprising features is that model simulations may appear to be chaotic, although only regular dynamics can emerge. When trend followers are bullish or bearish on the stock market, we present the existence conditions of attracting coexistence fixed point, globally and locally attracting fixed point, and periodic and other bounded attractors. The transversal homoclinic theory of flip saddle periodic point is applied to prove the existence of chaotic attractor. We also give the calculation methods of border collision bifurcation (BCB) curves. This paper advances our knowledge of discontinuous PWL systems and reveals the endogenous evolution of bubbles and crashes and excessive volatility in financial markets from a new perspective with new methods.
Seismic Performance of Masonry Walls Built with New Type of Fired Shale Hollow Blocks
Authors: Wu Jian , Zeng Liangcheng , Wang Bo
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the cyclic loading test results of a new type of fired shale hollow block masonry walls. Six specimens were designed including two specimens without reinforcements (bare walls) and four specimens constrained by structural columns (reinforced walls). The influences of aspect ratio, vertical compressive stress, and structural column on the seismic performance of the specimens were investigated. The failure mode, bearing capacity, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation of specimens were analyzed. The results showed that the crack patterns of specimens changed from the horizontal straight shape (bare walls) to “X” shape (reinforced walls), and the corresponding bearing capacity, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation of the specimens were improved. With the increase of the vertical compressive stress, the ductility and the secant stiffness of the specimens increased. Moreover, with the decrease of aspect ratio, the bearing capacity and secant stiffness of the masonry walls increased, while the energy dissipation capacity decreased. This paper confirms that fired shale hollow block walls could meet the seismic requirements through appropriate design, which could promote the application of this new type of block in civil engineering.