bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of grasslands in pest suppressive landscapes: how green are my pastures?
Authors: Nagy Rebecca K , Bell Lindsay W , Schellhorn Nancy A , Zalucki Myron P
Published: April 2020

Grasslands are valuable non‐crop habitats in the world's agricultural regions, providing more than simply forage for grazing domestic and wild animals. They provide refuge and resources that support high levels of arthropod biodiversity, most importantly for natural enemies that provide vital biological control services to the surrounding cropped landscape. Ideally, farmers could manage and manipulate grasslands to boost their biocontrol services, although to achieve this, knowledge of the ecological function of these habitats is essential. Unfortunately, grasslands are often bundled together with other habitat types, such as scrubland and forest, under the label ‘non‐crop habitats’, and little is known about the contribution that these specific habitats make towards landscape pest suppression. While recent research has been investigating the importance of other non‐crop habitat such as native vegetation remnants, the contribution that grassland habitats may make towards landscape pest suppression remains a significant knowledge gap in biocontrol research. Here, the current understanding of grassland habitats as biological control service providers in the world's mixed farming systems is reviewed. Limited research into whether grassland habitats support natural enemies, and thus contribute biological control services to the adjacent surrounding cropped landscape, has returned inconclusive, even conflicting, results. Potential explanations for this inconsistency are explored, including the lack of studies, inadequate estimates of predator impact and the variety of different grassland habitat types studied, including their diversity in composition and management practices. Conclusions drawn from these studies are discussed, and suggestions for management are recommended, including increasing grassland floristic diversity, limiting intensive management practices and implementing weed control. Future research directions are proposed, along with the need to develop a universal grassland classification system for research, management and conservation purposes, using grassland type, floristic diversity and management practices as key axes for classification.
Dietary supplementation with a novel l‐carnitine multi‐micronutrient in idiopathic male subfertility involving oligo‐, astheno‐, teratozoospermia: A randomized clinical study
Authors: Kopets Roman , Kuibida Ivan , Chernyavska Iryna , Cherepanyn Vasyl , Mazo Roman , Fedevych Vitaliy , Gerasymov Sergiy
Published: April 2020

Objective

To study the influence of a multi‐component nutrient dietary supplement on sperm parameters and pregnancy rates in idiopathic male infertility (IMI) with oligo‐, astheno‐, and teratozoospermia.

Design

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, prospective, parallel arms (1:1 allocation ratio), multi‐center clinical trial.

Settings

Eight urology/reproductive health clinical centers located in Ukraine.

Patients

Eighty‐three males aged 21‐50 years with IMI and at least 1 of 3 abnormal values: total sperm concentration < 15 million/ml or/and spermatozoa progressive motility < 32% or/and forms with normal morphology < 4%.

Intervention(s)

Patients were randomly allocated verum test dietary supplement (TDS) containing l‐carnitine/acetyl‐l‐carnitine, l‐arginine, glutathione, co‐enzyme Q10, zinc, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, selenium, or placebo 1 time daily for 6 months.

Main Outcome(s)

The primary outcome measure was the percentage of normal spermiograms (concentration ≥ 15 million/ml and ≥ 32% of spermatozoa with progressive motility and ≥ 4% of normal forms) at month 0, 2, and 4. The percentage of pregnancies served the secondary outcome endpoint. Differences between the groups were assessed in z‐test for proportions.

Results

All males finished the study. At month 4, 29/42 (69.0%) males in the verum and 9/41 (22.0%) had normal spermiograms (P < .001). The percentage of spontaneous pregnancies in the verum group was greater than in the placebo group (10/42, 23.8% vs. 2/41, 4.9%, respectively, P = .017). There were no reportable supplement‐associated adverse events.

Conclusion

Specific multi‐nutrient combination l‐carnitine/l‐acetyl‐carnitine, l‐arginine, glutathione, co‐enzyme‐Q, zinc, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, and selenium can improve sperm quality in males with IMI and increase pregnancy rates.
Unconscious Goal Pursuit in Real‐Life Organizations: Commentary on Chen, Latham, Piccolo, and Itzchakov (2020)
Authors: Bargh John A.
Published: April 2020

The research reviewed in Chen et al.’s (this issue) meta‐analysis shows that a person’s goal pursuits and motivational states can be induced by external means, or ‘primes’, and then operate in much the same way as if the person made a conscious intention to pursue that goal. Previous demonstrations of this phenomena in psychology laboratories are now extended to real life organizations and settings and shown to produce even stronger effects than before. The research reviewed also further demonstrates the close similarity between unconscious and conscious goal operation, belying the Freudian idea of a separate unconscious mind. Implications for the ethicality of influencing employees without their awareness are discussed.
Current pharmacological treatments for COVID‐19: What's next?
Authors: Scavone Cristina , Brusco Simona , Bertini Michele , Sportiello Liberata , Rafaniello Concetta , Zoccoli Alice , Berrino Liberato , Racagni Giorgio , Rossi Francesco , Capuano Annalisa
Published: April 2020

Since December 2019 SARS‐Cov‐2 was found responsible for the disease COVID‐19, which has spread worldwide. No specific therapies/vaccines are yet available for the treatment of COVID‐19. Drug repositioning may offer a strategy and a number of drugs have been repurposed, including lopinavir/ritonavir, remdesivir, favipiravir and tocilizumab. This paper describes the main pharmacological properties of such drugs administered to patients with COVID‐19, focusing on their antiviral, immune‐modulatory and/or anti‐inflammatory actions. Where available, data from clinical trials involving patients with COVID‐19 are reported. Preliminary clinical trials seem to support their benefit. However, such drugs in COVID‐19 patients have peculiar safety profiles. Thus, adequate clinical trials are necessary for these compounds. Nevertheless, while waiting for effective preventive measures i.e. vaccines, many clinical trials on drugs belonging to different therapeutic classes are currently underway. Their results will help us in defining the best way to treat COVID‐19 and reducing its symptoms and complications.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on The Pharmacology of COVID‐19. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.21/issuetoc
Influence of low‐level laser therapy on implant stability in implants placed in fresh extraction sockets: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lobato Renan Pablo Bittencourt , Kinalski Mateus de Azevedo , Martins Thiago Marchi , Agostini Bernardo Antonio , Bergoli Cesar Dalmolin , dos Santos Mateus Bertolini Fernandes
Published: April 2020

Background

Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has been suggested to improve primary stability at the early stages of osseointegration in animal models. However, there is still scarce evidence about its influence on implant stability in humans.

Purpose

To assess the influence of LLLT on implant stability in implants placed in fresh extraction sockets.

Material and methods

A randomized controlled trial was designed according to the SPIRIT guidelines and is reported following the CONSORT. Patients were randomly allocated according to control or LLLT groups. LLLT consisted in the application of GaAlAs laser (808 nm, avg. power density: 50 mW, circular spot diameter and area: 0.71 cm/0.4cm2) applied in six points in contact mode with peri‐implant soft tissue (1.23 minutes in each point of application; dose per point 11 J) before bone perforation and after suturing. The total dose resulted in 66 J per application moment. This LLLT protocol was applied only in the dental implant placement session. Implant stability was by ISQ at implant placement (T0) and the abutment selection (Ta). Digital radiographs for T0 and Ta were used to assess the distance between the implant platform and alveolar bone crest, in millimeters. T‐test and Shapiro‐Wilk test were used to analyze data between groups using the implant as a unit of analysis.

Results

Fifty implants were placed in 44 patients. The insertion torque ranged from 15 to 60 N.cm (mean 35.64 ± 13.34). Two implants of the LLLT and one of the control groups were lost to follow‐up and one implant of the control group failed to osseointegrate (4.3%). ISQ at T0 ranged from 17 to 79 (mean 59.33 ± 13.05) and from 40 to 89 (mean 66.46 SD ± 11.56) at Ta. No differences were observed when comparing the groups with ISQ difference (P = .433) or radiographical peri‐implant alterations (P = .261).

Conclusions

LLLT did not influence implant stability in implants placed in fresh extraction sockets when assessed at healing abutment installation.
Modeling leaf senescence of deciduous tree species in Europe
Authors: Liu Qiang , Piao Shilong , Campioli Matteo , Gao Mengdi , Fu Yongshuo H. , Wang Kai , He Yue , Li Xiangyi , Janssens Ivan A.
Published: April 2020

Autumnal leaf senescence signals the end of photosynthetic activities in temperate deciduous trees and consequently exerts a strong control on various ecological processes. Predicting leaf senescence dates (LSD) with high accuracy is thus a prerequisite for better understanding the climate–ecosystem interactions. However, modeling LSD at large spatial and temporal scales is challenging. In this study, first, we used 19972 site‐year records (848 sites and four deciduous tree species) from the PAN European Phenology network to calibrate and evaluate six leaf senescence models during the period 1980–2013. Second, we extended the spatial analysis by repeating the procedure across Europe using satellite‐derived end of growing season and a forest map. Overall, we found that models that considered photoperiod and temperature interactions outperformed models using simple temperature or photoperiod thresholds for Betula pendula, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur. On the contrary, no model displayed reasonable predictions for Aesculus hippocastanum. This inter‐model comparison indicates that, contrary to expectation, photoperiod does not significantly modulate the accumulation of cooling degree days (CDD). On the other hand, considering the carryover effect of leaf unfolding date could promote the models’ predictability. The CDD models generally matched the observed LSD at species level and its interannual variation, but were limited in explaining the inter‐site variations, indicating that other environmental cues need to be considered in future model development. The discrepancies remaining between model simulations and observations highlight the need of manipulation studies to elucidate the mechanisms behind the leaf senescence process and to make current models more realistic.
Elite professionals in transnational tax governance
Authors: CHRISTENSEN RASMUS CORLIN
Published: April 2020

Since the global financial crisis, international corporate taxation has risen to the top of the global political agenda, as political leaders have called for collective action to shore up corporate tax systems. However, high‐level political initiative alone does not create new international corporate tax rules. Rather, these transnational governance processes are centrally driven by elite tax professionals competing for prestige and influence. In this article, I investigate this competition in the case of one crucial post‐crisis reform – the OECD/G20 Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project. I argue that hierarchies of prestige and influence for elite professionals in transnational tax governance are based on strategic combinations of career resources in issue‐specific ‘linked ecologies'. In particular, I detail the expertise and network positioning of elite professionals, and discuss how these resources were mobilized in competitions for professional authority, which in turn shaped the transnational policy process. Evidence is drawn from qualitative interviews and career analysis.
Host CD8α+ and CD103+ dendritic cells prime transplant antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells via cross‐dressing
Authors: Li Bin , Lu Chunni , Oveissi Sara , Song Jing , Xiao Kun , Zanker Damien , Duan Mubin , Chen Jianxin , Xu Huji , Zou Quanming , Wu Chao , Yewdell Jonathan W , Chen Weisan
Published: April 2020

The participation of dendritic cells (DCs) in CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated allograft rejection is a long‐standing question of great clinical relevance for tissue transplantation. Here, we show that Batf3−/− mice demonstrate delayed allo‐skin graft rejection and are deficient in priming allo‐specific CD8+ T cells. Batf3−/− mouse priming is restored by transferring either purified CD8α+ or CD103+ DCs, demonstrating the critical role of these cells in alloreactivity. Using Db‐restricted antiviral F5 transgenic T‐cell receptor T cells, which we demonstrate are alloreactive with H‐2Kd, we show that cross‐dressing of CD8α+ and CD103+ primes CD8+ T‐cell or allo‐specific responses in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest novel strategies for moderating tissue rejection based on interfering with DC cross‐dressing or subsequent interaction with T cells.
Risk stratification in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy and ventricular arrhythmias based on quantification of intramural delayed enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ghannam Michael , Siontis Konstantinos C. , Cochet Hubert , Jais Pierre , Juhoor Mehdi , Attili Anil , Sharaf‐Dabbagh Ghaith , Latchamsetty Rakesh , Jongnarangsin Krit , Morady Fred , Bogun Frank
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Intramural scarring is a risk factor for sudden cardiac death. The objective of this study was to determine the value of scar quantification for risk stratification in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) undergoing ablation procedures for ventricular arrhythmias (VA).

Methods and Results

Cardiac late gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was performed in patients with NICM referred for ablation of premature ventricular complexes or ventricular tachycardia (VT). Only patients with intramural delayed enhancement were included. Scar volume was measured and correlated with immediate and long‐term outcomes. Receiver operator curves, Wilcoxon signed‐rank testing, and logistic regression were used to compare patient characteristics. The study consisted of 99 patients (74 males, mean age: 59.6 [54.0‐68.1] years, ejection fraction [EF]: 46.0 [35.0‐60.0]%). Patients without clinical VT or inducible VT had smaller total and core scar size compared to patients with a history of VT or inducible VT (total scar 1.12 [0.74‐1.79] cm3 vs 7.45 [4.16‐12.21] cm3, P < .001). A total scar volume of greater than or equal to 2.78 cm3 was associated with inducibility of VT (AUC 0.94, 95% CI [0.89‐0.98], sensitivity 85%, specificity 90%). Scar volume was associated with VT inducibility independent of a prior history of VT or the preprocedure EF (adjusted OR 1.67 [1.24‐2.24]/cm3, P < .01).

Conclusion

Quantification of scar size in patients with intramural scarring is useful for risk stratification in patients with NICM and VA independent of the EF or a prior history of VT. Scar characteristics of patients without a history of VT who have inducible VT are similar to patients with a history of VT.
Can doctors be taught virtue?
Authors: Lefkowitz Ariel , Meitar Dafna , Kuper Ayelet
Published: April 2020

Medical schools and residency programs have become very adept at teaching medical students and residents an enormous amount of information. However, it is much less clear whether they are effective at fostering virtuous qualities like empathy or professionalism in trainees. This would come as no surprise to Plato, who famously argued in the Meno that virtue cannot be taught. This pedagogical challenge threatens to stymie medical educators, who increasingly recognize the importance of professionalism, compassion, and empathy in the practice of good medicine. As medical educators, we are motivated to demonstrate that virtue is teachable and to find a way to do so, as this is how we will be able to improve the conduct of physicians and the quality of their care of patients. As such, we address the question of the teachability of virtue in the realm of medicine, analysing Plato's contradictory analyses in the Meno and Protagoras, and drawing upon modern neuroscience to turn an empirical lens on the question. We explore the ways in which Noddings' Ethic of Care may offer a way forward for medical educators keen to foster virtue in trainees. We conclude by demonstrating how, by harnessing the power of caring relationships, the principles of Noddings' Ethic of Care have already been applied to medical education at a university in Israel.
Modeling the interactions among Salmonella enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Chen Yuanmei , Wang Xiang , Zhang Xibin , Xu Dongpo , Zhang Wenmin , Qiu Jingxuan , Liu Qing , Dong Qingli
Published: April 2020

This paper was to investigate the interactions among Salmonella enteritidis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at four combinations of initial concentration. Firstly, fitting the growth curves to obtain growth parameters—lag time (λ), maximal growth rate (
μmax), initial concentration (N0), and maximum population density (Nmax) for each strain in monocultures or cocultures. Then interactions among S. enteritidis, P. aeruginosa, and L. plantarum in cocultures at four combinations of initial concentration were quantified by the Lotka–Volterra model with six interaction coefficients. Results indicated that there were no interactions between S. enteritidis and P. aeruginosa; S. enteritidis and P. aeruginosa had an inhibitory effect on L. plantarum, but L. plantarum had no effects on another two. Besides, the higher the initial concentrations of S. enteritidis or P. aeruginosa, the lower the growth potential of L. plantarum. This study provided more accurate predictions for the growth of bacteria under actual food contamination conditions.
Autophagy in plants: Physiological roles and post‐translational regulation
Authors: Qi Hua , Xia Fan‐Nv , Xiao Shi
Published: April 2020

In eukaryotes, autophagy helps maintain cellular homeostasis by degrading and recycling cytoplasmic materials via a tightly regulated pathway. Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made towards understanding the physiological functions and molecular regulation of autophagy in plant cells. Increasing evidence indicates that autophagy is essential for plant responses to several developmental and environmental cues, functioning in diverse processes such as senescence, male fertility, root meristem maintenance, responses to nutrient starvation, and biotic and abiotic stress. Recent studies have demonstrated that, similar to nonplant systems, the modulation of core proteins in the plant autophagy machinery by posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, lipidation, S‐sulfhydration, S‐nitrosylation, and acetylation is widely involved in the initiation and progression of autophagy. Here, we provide an overview of the physiological roles and posttranslational regulation of autophagy in plants.
Melatonin protects against thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection through SIRT1‐dependent regulation of oxidative stress and vascular smooth muscle cell loss
Authors: Xia Lin , Sun Chang , Zhu Hanzhao , Zhai Mengen , Zhang Liyun , Jiang Liqing , Hou Peng , Li Junfeng , Li Kaifeng , Liu Zhenhua , Li Buying , Wang Xiaowu , Yi Wei , Liang Hongliang , Jin Zhenxiao , Yang Jian , Yi Dinghua , Liu Jincheng , Yu Shiqiang , Duan Weixun
Published: April 2020

Melatonin functions as an endogenous protective molecule in multiple vascular diseases, whereas its effects on thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) and underlying mechanisms have not been reported. In this study, TAAD mouse model was successfully induced by β‐aminopropionitrile fumarate (BAPN). We found that melatonin treatment remarkably prevented the deterioration of TAAD, evidenced by decreased incidence, ameliorated aneurysmal dilation and vascular stiffness, improved aortic morphology, and inhibited elastin degradation, macrophage infiltration, and matrix metalloproteinase expression. Moreover, melatonin blunted oxidative stress damage and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) loss. Notably, BAPN induced a decrease in SIRT1 expression and activity of mouse aorta, whereas melatonin treatment reversed it. Further mechanistic study demonstrated that blocking SIRT1 signaling partially inhibited these beneficial effects of melatonin on TAAD. Additionally, the melatonin receptor was involved in this phenomenon. Our study is the first to report that melatonin exerts therapeutic effects against TAAD by reducing oxidative stress and VSMC loss via activation of SIRT1 signaling in a receptor‐dependent manner, thus suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for TAAD.
Clustering of designers based on building information modeling event logs
Authors: Pan Yue , Zhang Limao , Skibniewski Miroslaw J.
Published: April 2020

A network‐enabled event log mining approach is proposed for a deep understanding of the Building Information Modeling (BIM)‐based collaborative design work. It proposes a novel algorithm termednode2vec‐GMMcombining a graph embedding algorithm named node2vec and a clustering method named Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to cluster designers within a network into several subgroups, and then makes cluster analysis. Its superiority lies in the efficient feature learning ability to preserve network structure and the powerful clustering ability to tackle uncertainty and visualize results, which can directly return the cluster embedding. As a case study, a directional network with 68 nodes (designers) and 436 ties (design task transmissions) is constructed based on retrieved data from 4GB real BIM event logs. The node2vec learns and projects the network feature representation into a 128‐dimensional vector, which is learned by GMM to discover three possible clusters owning 15, 26, and 27 closely linked designers. Analysis of each cluster is performed from node importance measurement and link prediction to identify information spreading and designers’ roles within clusters. Our new algorithmnode2vec‐GMMis proven to better improve clustering quality than other state‐of‐the‐art methods by at least 6.0% Adjusted Rand Index and 13.4% Adjusted Mutual Information. Overall, the designer clustering process provides managers with data‐driven support in both monitoring the whole course of the BIM‐based design and making reliable decisions to increase collaboration opportunities.
Work, ICT and travel in multinational corporations: the synthetic work mobility situation
Authors: Faulconbridge James , Jones Ian , Marsden Greg , Anable Jillian
Published: April 2020

Theorising the relationships between information communication technology (ICT), travel and work continues to preoccupy researchers interested in multinational corporations (MNCs). One motivation is the desire to understand ways of reducing demand for and the negative consequences of business travel. Existing studies offer, however, little in the way of theoretical explanation of why situations that require travel arise in the first instance and how they might be avoided. To address this shortcoming, this paper analyses two case study engineering consultancy MNCs to develop a novel sociomaterial perspective on the role of travel and ICTs. It introduces the concept of the synthetic work mobility situation which highlights the way ICT and travel exert agency that constitutes ways of working and the organisational form of MNCs. The concept also recasts questions about ways of reducing demand for travel as questions about ways of reconstituting the sociomaterial organisation of the MNC.
Effect of bariatric surgery on circulating FGF‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ryan Paul M. , Hayward Nathaniel E. , Sless Ryan T. , Garwood Philip , Rahmani Jamal
Published: April 2020

Fibroblast growth factor‐19 (FGF‐19) is a gut hormone which interacts with metabolism and is depleted in obesity. There is some indication that the hormone undergoes a resurgence following bariatric surgery (BS), an effect which may contribute to the beneficial outcomes of such procedures. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to synthesize the available literature on FGF‐19 levels before and after BS. MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched, and the effect of different surgical procedures and degrees of body mass index (BMI) reduction on FGF‐19 levels was assessed by DerSimonian and Laird random‐effects model in meta‐analysis and dose–response analyses. This meta‐analysis, which included 474 patients from 25 arms undergoing one of five BS procedures, revealed a significant increase in the levels of circulating FGF‐19 following all‐type BS. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal‐jejunal bypass liner and Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass all significantly increased circulating FGF‐19 levels from baseline. However, gastric banding failed to achieve the same, and in fact, biliopancreatic diversion was associated with decreased circulating FGF‐19. Finally, an inverse association between FGF‐19 and the degree of BMI‐reduction post‐operatively was noted. FGF‐19 is increased by BS and may represent a pharmaceutical target in efforts to reproduce the beneficial effects of BS in a medical setting.
SCN5A mutation identified in a patient with short‐coupled variant of torsades de pointes
Authors: Sonoda Keiko , Ohno Seiko , Shimizu Yukiko , Kaitani Kazuaki , Makiyama Takeru , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Horie Minoru
Published: April 2020

Background

Short‐coupled variant of torsades de pointes (scTdP) is a disease characterized by TdP without QT prolongation, which is initiated by extremely short‐coupled ventricular extra‐systoles. Its genetic background remains rarely unveiled.

Objective

We aimed to identify genetic variations in patients with scTdP and to analyze the functional change of the mutant Na+ channel identified in a scTdP patient.

Methods and results

We performed genetic analysis for inherited arrhythmia‐related 45 genes using next‐generation sequencer (MiSeq, Illumina) among seven consecutive scTdP patients. We identified an SCN5A mutation R800H in a 38‐year‐old male who suffered ventricular fibrillation during dinner and was resuscitated. Two months later, he lost his consciousness at work. His Holter electrocardiogram showed scTdP. He had no family history of sudden cardiac death or heart disease. Functional analysis of the SCN5A‐R800H channels showed a significantly shortened recovery time from inactivation. Peak sodium current densities in SCN5A‐R800H were larger than those in wild type but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

We identified an SCN5A mutation in a scTdP patient and confirmed that the mutant channel caused the shortness of recovery time from inactivation. SCN5A might be a candidate gene for scTdP.
Plant growth‐promoting endophytic bacteria augment growth and salinity tolerance in rice plants
Authors: Khan M. A. , Asaf S. , Khan A. L. , Adhikari A. , Jan R. , Ali S. , Imran M. , Kim K.‐M. , Lee I.‐J.
Published: April 2020

Salt stress negatively affects growth and development of plants. However, it is hypothesized that plant growth‐promoting endophytic bacteria can greatly alleviate the adverse effects of salinity and can promote growth and development of plants. In the present research, we aimed to isolate endophytic bacteria from halotolerant plants and evaluate their capacity for promoting crop plant growth.

The bacterial endophytes were isolated from selected plants inhabiting sand dunes at Pohang beach, screened for plant growth‐promoting traits and applied to rice seedlings under salt stress (NaCl; 150 mm).

Out of 59 endophytic bacterial isolates, only six isolates, i.e. Curtobacterium oceanosedimentum SAK1, Curtobacterium luteum SAK2, Enterobacter ludwigii SAK5, Bacillus cereus SA1, Micrococcus yunnanensis SA2, Enterobacter tabaci SA3, resulted in a significant increase in the growth of Waito‐C rice. The cultural filtrates of bacterial endophytes were tested for phytohormones, including indole‐3‐acetic acid, gibberellins and organic acids. Inoculation of the selected strains considerably reduced the amount of endogenous ABA in rice plants under NaCl stress, however, they increased GSH and sugar content. Similarly, these strains augmented the expression of flavin monooxygenase (OsYUCCA1) and auxin efflux carrier (OsPIN1) genes under salt stress.

In conclusion, the pragmatic application of the above selected bacterial strains alleviated the adverse effects of NaCl stress and enhanced rice growth attributes by producing various phytohormones.
Facial affect recognition moderates the relation between autonomic nervous system reactivity and aggression during dyadic conflict
Authors: Godfrey Donald A. , Babcock Julia C.
Published: April 2020

Researchers examining physiological factors of emotion have identified differential patterns of physiological reactivity among intimate partner violence perpetrators during interpersonal conflict. Although it is unclear what mechanisms are influencing these distinct physiological patterns, research suggests that perpetrators’ ability to decode emotions may be involved. The current study examined how the relation between an individual's physiological reactivity and their aggression during conflict with an intimate partner is influenced by the affect they are exposed to and their affect recognition ability. Sixty‐seven heterosexual couples completed self‐report measures and participated in a conflict discussion while physiological measures were recorded. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) was indexed by Skin Conductance Level (SCL) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) by Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA). Aggressive affect was coded from video. Additionally, men were administered a facial affect recognition task. Results indicated that observed aggression during the conflict discussion was associated with RSA and SCL suppression, but only for men with moderate to high affect recognition ability. Additionally, the interaction effects between physiological reactivity and affect recognition on male aggression was conditional on their partner exhibiting at least moderate levels of aggressive affect. Findings from our study suggest that the relation between autonomic nervous system reactivity during conflict and aggression toward an intimate partner is conditional on men's ability to decode the facial affect of their partner. For individuals who were able to decode aggressive affect from their partner, aggression was associated with decreased parasympathetic and SNS activation.
LGBTQ+ Civil Rights: Local Government Efforts in a Volatile Era
Authors: Elias Nicole M.
Published: April 2020

LGBTQ+ issues at the local level pose some of the most pressing civil rights challenges in the current U.S. context. This analysis provides insight into what is taking place in major municipalities and how these efforts can be improved to bolster equity and civil rights for LGBTQ+ populations. At a time when identity, language, and public sector values are inherently intertwined and constantly changing, the following question is ripe for analysis: how are major U.S. municipalities addressing the civil rights needs of the LGBTQ+ population? To answer this question, an analysis of government websites from the top 10 U.S. cities by population is conducted, examining the policies, programs, and services that municipalities offer LGBTQ+ residents and the language used to frame these policies, programs, and services as expressions of power, representations of identity, and the website presentation itself.

Evidence for Practice

Municipalities should adopt comprehensive policies, programs, and services to promote LGBTQ+ civil rights that take into account the varied needs of their diverse populations.

The language used in LGBTQ+ policies, programs, and services should be carefully considered, because language has the potential to build inclusion and trust among administrators and LGBTQ+ residents.

Municipalities should not only develop more inclusive LGBTQ+ policies, programs, and services but also work to improve their accessibility and web presence so that knowledge of these efforts is readily available to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Authentic Interpretation
Authors: Endicott Timothy
Published: April 2020

I approach the identification of the principles of legal interpretation through a discussion of an important but largely forgotten strand in our legal heritage: the idea (and at some points in English law, the rule) that the interpretation of legislation is to be done by the lawmaker. The idea that authentic interpretation is interpretation by the lawmaker united the Roman emperors Constantine and Justinian with Bracton, Aquinas, King James I of England, Hobbes, and Bentham. Already in the early 17th century, a new modern approach was emerging in England. The modern approach separates the interpretive power from the legislative power, and allocates the interpretive power to an independent court. I argue that there are some cogent, general considerations in favour of the modern approach. But it is worth identifying the elements of good sense that made it seem that the interpretive power ought to be reserved for the lawmaker. And it is worth identifying the drawbacks in the modern approach; I argue that they are highly relevant to the complex question of how judges ought to interpret legislation.
Effects of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and Fc gamma receptor polymorphisms on BK virus nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Moon Jungyeon , Chang Youngil , Shah Tariq , Min David I.
Published: April 2020

Background

BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) is a major complication in kidney transplant patients. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy against persistent BKVN and to evaluate the association between persistent BKVN and Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Methods

A total of 86 patients out of 279 kidney recipients with BKVN were investigated in a single‐center retrospective study. The majority of 86 patients were Hispanic and Asian (69.8% and 17.4%). Patients were treated with adjunctive IVIG or standard therapy (controls). Subgroup analysis was performed between IVIG responders and non‐responders. BK virus copy number and serum creatinine (SCr) were measured to evaluate the impact of IVIG. We analyzed the association between the response to IVIG and genotype at FcγR3A (rs396991) and FcγR2A (rs1801274) SNPs.

Results

Viral load in IVIG non‐responders was significantly higher than in responders at the time of diagnosis (219 271.8 vs 29 816.3 copies/mL, P = .015) and after 6 months of IVIG use (12 789.5 vs 1369.5 copies/mL, P < .001). However, analyses SNP of FcγR2A (OR = 0.807, CI = 0.435‐1.496 P = .495) and FcγR3A (OR = 0.997, CI = 0.505‐1.970, P = .993) SNPs showed no significant differences between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

IVIG appears to lower BK DNA viral load significantly in patients with persistent BKVN. However, no associations were identified between BKVN and FcγR2A or FcγR3A SNPs.
Effects of Reflective Practice on Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Stress, Anxiety and Competency: An Integrative Review
Authors: Contreras Jorgie Ann , Edwards‐Maddox Shermel , Hall Amanda , Lee Mikyoung Angela
Published: April 2020

Background

Reflective practice affects all levels of nursing, including students, as well as practicing nurses. Self‐reflective practice is a widespread concept in nursing; however, few empirical studies have demonstrated the possible effects of such a practice. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to identify evidence of the effects of self‐reflective practice on baccalaureate‐level nursing students, especially stress.

Methods

The literature search was conducted utilizing CINAHL and PubMed databases. The inclusion criteria were studies published between 2013 and 2018, articles that were peer‐reviewed, written in English, and focused on nursing education of baccalaureate programs only. A total of 15 articles were reviewed.

Results

There is limited but growing evidence to suggest self‐reflective practices have positive effects on baccalaureate‐level nursing students. The self‐reflective practices decreased stress and anxiety and increased learning, competency, and self‐awareness of nursing practice. While written reflections were most commonly used in the studies, other forms of reflection, such as verbal and photography, were effective as well.

Linking Evidence to Action

Nursing students can benefit from incorporating reflection into the didactic and clinical settings. Nursing faculty are encouraged to integrate reflection into the nursing curriculum. Nurses within the first year of practice could benefit from using reflective practice as well. Experienced nurses and nurse managers can encourage and mentor novice nurses on the use and benefits of reflective practice.
KIR channel activation links local vasodilatation with muscle fibre recruitment during exercise in humans
Authors: Terwoord Janée D. , Hearon Christopher M. , Racine Matthew L. , Ketelhut Nathaniel B. , Luckasen Gary J. , Richards Jennifer C. , Dinenno Frank A.
Published: April 2020

Key points

During exercise, blood flow to working skeletal muscle increases in parallel with contractile activity such that oxygen delivery is sufficient to meet metabolic demand.

K+ released from active skeletal muscle fibres could facilitate vasodilatation in proportion to the degree of muscle fibre recruitment. Once released, K+ stimulates inwardly rectifying K+ (KIR) channels on the vasculature to elicit an increase in blood flow.

In the present study, we demonstrate that KIR channels mediate the rapid vasodilatory response to an increase in exercise intensity. We also show that KIR channels augment vasodilatation during exercise which demands greater muscle fibre recruitment independent of the total amount of work performed.

These results suggest that K+ plays a key role in coupling the magnitude of vasodilatation to the degree of contractile activity. Ultimately, the findings from this study help us understand the signalling mechanisms that regulate muscle blood flow in humans.

Blood flow to active skeletal muscle is augmented with greater muscle fibre recruitment. We tested whether activation of inwardly rectifying potassium (KIR) channels underlies vasodilatation with elevated muscle fibre recruitment when work rate is increased (Protocol 1) or held constant (Protocol 2). We assessed forearm vascular conductance (FVC) during rhythmic handgrip exercise under control conditions and during local inhibition of KIR channels (intra‐arterial BaCl2). In Protocol 1, healthy volunteers performed mild handgrip exercise for 3 min, then transitioned to moderate intensity for 30 s. BaCl2 eliminated vasodilatation during the first contraction at the moderate workload (ΔFVC, BaCl2: −1 ± 17 vs. control: 30 ± 28 ml min−1 100 mmHg−1; n = 9; P = 0.004) and attenuated the 30 s area under the curve by 56 ± 14% (n = 9; P < 0.0001). In Protocol 2, participants performed two exercise bouts in which muscle fibre recruitment was manipulated while total contractile work was held constant via reciprocal changes in contraction frequency: (1) low fibre recruitment, with contractions at 12.5% maximal voluntary contraction once every 4 s and (2) high fibre recruitment, with contractions at 25% maximal voluntary contraction once every 8 s. Under control conditions, steady‐state FVC was augmented in high vs. low fibre recruitment (211 ± 90 vs. 166 ± 73 ml min−1⋅100 mmHg−1; n = 10; P = 0.0006), whereas BaCl2 abolished the difference between high and low fibre recruitment (134 ± 59 vs. 134 ± 63 ml min−1 100 mmHg−1; n = 10; P = 0.85). These findings demonstrate that KIR channel activation is a key mechanism linking local vasodilatation with muscle fibre recruitment during exercise.
Ketamine anaesthesia induces gain enhancement via recurrent excitation in granular input layers of the auditory cortex
Authors: Deane Katrina E. , Brunk Michael G. K. , Curran Andrew W. , Zempeltzi Marina M. , Ma Jing , Lin Xiao , Abela Francesca , Aksit Sümeyra , Deliano Matthias , Ohl Frank W. , Happel Max F. K.
Published: April 2020

Key points

Ketamine is a common anaesthetic agent used in research and more recently as medication in treatment of depression. It has known effects on inhibition of interneurons and cortical stimulus‐locked responses, but the underlying functional network mechanisms are still elusive.

Analysing population activity across all layers within the auditory cortex, we found that doses of this anaesthetic induce a stronger activation and stimulus‐locked response to pure‐tone stimuli.

This cortical response is driven by gain enhancement of thalamocortical input processing selectively within granular layers due to an increased recurrent excitation.

Time–frequency analysis indicates a higher broadband magnitude response and prolonged phase coherence in granular layers, possibly pointing to disinhibition of this recurrent excitation.

These results further the understanding of ketamine's functional mechanisms, which will improve the ability to interpret physiological studies moving from anaesthetized to awake paradigms and may lead to the development of better ketamine‐based depression treatments with lower side effects.

Ketamine is commonly used as an anaesthetic agent and has more recently gained attention as an antidepressant. It has been linked to increased stimulus‐locked excitability, inhibition of interneurons and modulation of intrinsic neuronal oscillations. However, the functional network mechanisms are still elusive. A better understanding of these anaesthetic network effects may improve upon previous interpretations of seminal studies conducted under anaesthesia and have widespread relevance for neuroscience with awake and anaesthetized subjects as well as in medicine. Here, we investigated the effects of anaesthetic doses of ketamine (15 mg kg−1 h−1i.p.) on the network activity after pure‐tone stimulation within the auditory cortex of male Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). We used laminar current source density (CSD) analysis and subsequent layer‐specific continuous wavelet analysis to investigate spatiotemporal response dynamics on cortical columnar processing in awake and ketamine‐anaesthetized animals. We found thalamocortical input processing within granular layers III/IV to be significantly increased under ketamine. This layer‐dependent gain enhancement under ketamine was not due to changes in cross‐trial phase coherence but was rather attributed to a broadband increase in magnitude reflecting an increase in recurrent excitation. A time–frequency analysis was indicative of a prolonged period of stimulus‐induced excitation possibly due to a reduced coupling of excitation and inhibition in granular input circuits – in line with the common hypothesis of cortical disinhibition via suppression of GABAergic interneurons.
Radwaste Management Activities in Lithuania in Relation With Preparation for Decommissioning of Ignalina NPP Unit 1
Authors: Poskas Povilas , Adomaitis Jonas E.
Published: April 2020

This paper describes the situation of solid and liquid radwaste management at Ignalina NPP and changes during the last few years. It also highlights the plans for implementation of new radioactive waste management system with advanced radwaste treatment and conditioning technologies, new storage and disposal facilities, retrieval, characterisation, and conditioning of the historical waste. These activities are very much stimulated by the decision to shutdown the Ignalina NPP Unit 1.
Decontamination of Waste Waters With Centrifuges: Engineering, Fabrication, Shop-Testing and Delivery of Liquid Radwaste Systems for Korea
Authors: Lewitz Jan-Christian , Anderssohn H. , Reinsdorff P.
Published: April 2020

Liquid Radwaste Systems (LRS) are designed to remove undissolved solids out of fuel pool water, sump water and laundry waste water and to fill those solids dewatered into drums. An essential requirement was the removal of 0.1 μm particles. After fabrication the modularized systems have been prepared in Germany for internal and for shop performance testing. Within this testing the specified guarantee values for the separation of solids, especialy the removal of 0.1 μm particles were met. The erection was finished at Younggwang (YGN) NPP Units 5&6 in spring 2001 and the start up including preoperational test took place in summer 2001.
The Electrochemical Modelling of Irradiated UO2 Surface Reactions in Groundwater Solutions
Authors: Wegen Detlef H. , Bottomley Paul D. W. , Glatz Jean-Paul
Published: April 2020

Electrochemical measurements (potential monitoring, impedance measurement and slow cyclic voltammetry) have been used to monitor the surface reactions of spent fuel under storage conditions. The analysis was aided by equivalent circuit modelling of the interface. The potential of the spent fuel rose rapidly at first, and then more slowly, reaching domains of oxidative dissolution. The sharp potential drops observed were shown by the impedance modelling to be due to cracking in the fuel to the electrode base. The corrosion rates ranged from 0.03–0.2 mg/(m2.d) and were similiar with those estimated by a potential correlation method.
Long Term Modelling of Spent Fuel Oxidation/Dissolution Under Repository Conditions
Authors: Merino Juan , Cera Esther , Bruno Jordi , Eriksen Trygve , Quiñones Javier , Martínez-Esparza Aurora
Published: April 2020

A model to study the stability of the spent fuel under repository conditions has been developed. The fuel-water interface is a dynamic redox system, where oxidising conditions due to the radiolysis of water can lead to the release of the uranium and the radionuclides embedded in the fuel matrix. Both kinetic and thermodynamic processes have been taken into account. Special attention is given to the unit rate of matrix oxidation/dissolution, which has been the subject of a specific radiolytic model. The findings of this work have important implications for the applicability of solubility limits in establishing source term models.