bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide DNA polymorphisms in four Actinidia arguta genotypes based on whole-genome re-sequencing
Authors: Lin Miaomiao , Fang Jinbao , Hu Chungen , Qi Xiujuan , Sun Shihang , Chen Jinyong , Sun Leiming , Zhong Yunpeng
Published: July 2019

Among the genus Actinidia, Actinidia arguta possesses the strongest cold resistance and produces fresh fruit with an intense flavor. To investigate genomic variation that may contribute to variation in phenotypic traits, we performed whole-genome re-sequencing of four A. arguta genotypes originating from different regions in China and identified the polymorphisms using InDel markers. In total, 4,710,650, 4,787,750, 4,646,026, and 4,590,616 SNPs and 1,481,002, 1,534,198, 1,471,304, and 1,425,393 InDels were detected in the ‘Ruby-3’, ‘Yongfeng male’, ‘Kuilv male’, and ‘Hongbei male’ genomes, respectively, compared with the reference genome sequence of ‘Hongyang’. A subset of 120 InDels were selected for re-sequencing validation. Additionally, genes related to non-synonymous SNPs and InDels in coding domain sequences were screened for functional analysis. The analysis of GO and KEGG showed that genes involved in cellular responses to water deprivation, sucrose transport, decreased oxygen levels and plant hormone signal transduction were significantly enriched in A. arguta. The results of this study provide insight into the genomic variation of kiwifruit and can inform future research on molecular breeding to improve cold resistance in kiwifruit.
Synthesis, crystal structures, photoluminescence, electrochemistry and DFT study of aluminium(III) and gallium(III) complexes containing a novel tetradentate Schiff base ligand
Authors: Truscott James Charles , Conradie Jeanet , Swart Hendrik C. , Duvenhage Mart-Marie , Visser Hendrik Gideon
Published: July 2019

Single crystals of the aluminium and gallium complexes of 6,6′-{(1E,1′E)-[1,2-phenylenebis(azanylylidene)]bis(methanylylidene)}bis(2-methoxyphenol), namely diaqua(6,6′-{(1E,1′E)-[1,2-phenylenebis(azanylylidene)]bis(methanylylidene)}bis(2-methoxyphenolato)-κ4O1,N,N′,O1′)aluminium(III) nitrate ethanol monosolvate, [Al(C22H18N2O4)(H2O)2]NO3·C2H5OH,1, and diaqua(6,6′-{(1E,1′E)-[1,2-phenylenebis(azanylylidene)]bis(methanylylidene)}bis(2-methoxyphenolato)-κ4O1,N,N′,O1′)gallium(III) nitrate ethanol monosolvate, [Ga(C22H18N2O4)(H2O)2]NO3·C2H5OH,2, were obtained after successful synthesis in ethanol. Both complexes crystallized in the triclinic space groupP\overline{1}, with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. In both structures, in one of the independent molecules the tetradentate ligand is almost planar while in the other independent molecule the ligand shows significant distortions from planarity, as illustrated by the largest distance from the plane constructed through the central metal atom and theO,N,N′,O′-coordinating atoms of the ligand in1of 1.155 (3) Å and a distance of 1.1707 (3) Å in2. The possible reason for this is that there are various strong π-interactions in the structures. This was confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, as were the other crystallographic data. DFT was also used to predict the outcome of cyclic voltammetry experiments. Ligand oxidation is more stabilized in the gallium complex. Solid-state photoluminescence gave an 80 nm red-shifted spectrum for the gallium complex, whereas the aluminium complex maintains the ligand curve with a smaller red shift of 40 nm.
A novel tetraphenylethylene derivative: 4-methyl-N-[3-(1,2,2-triphenylethenyl)phenyl]benzenesulfonamide with aggregation-induced emission
Authors: Jia Lei , Zhang Jun , Du Lin
Published: July 2019

The novel tetraphenylethylene derivative 4-methyl-N-[3-(1,2,2-triphenylethenyl)phenyl]benzenesulfonamide (abbreviated as MTBF), C33H27NO2S, was synthesized successfully and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, high-resolution mass spectroscopy and 1H NMR spectroscopy. MTBF crystallizes in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P21/c. In the crystal structure, the MTBF molecules are connected into a one-dimensional band and then a two-dimensional sheet by hydrogen bonds of the N—H...O and C—H...O types. The sheets are further linked to produce a three-dimensional network via C—H...π interactions. The molecules aggregate via these intermolecular forces, which restrain the intramolecular motions (RIM) and decrease the energy loss in the aggregation state, so as to open the radiative channels, and thus MTBF exhibits excellent fluorescence by aggregation-induced emission (AIE) enhancement.
Industry 4.0: defining the research agenda
Authors: Erro-Garcés Amaya
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Industry 4.0 implies that global challenges exist within the manufacturing sector. Both theoretical and empirical research has been developed to support these transformations and assist companies in the process of changing. The purpose of this paper is to gather previous articles through an updated review and defines a research agenda for future investigation based on the most recent studies published in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

Key articles on the subject are analysed. The articles were published in 39 journals from which 107 papers dating from 2005 to 2018 have been selected.

Findings

The main findings imply the definition of a research agenda where: a common terminology should be created; the levels of implementation of Industry 4.0 should be defined; the stages of the development of Industry 4.0 should be identified; a lean approach for this industry is defined and the implications of Industry 4.0 in either a sustainable or circular economy should be understood; the consequences of human resources should be analysed; and the effects of the smart factory in the organisation are the areas identified and studied in the mentioned research agenda.

Research limitations/implications

This review has some limitations. First, a number of grey literature, such as reports from non-governmental organisations and front-line practitioners’ reflections, were not included. Second, only research studies in English and Spanish were reviewed.

Practical implications

This review helps practitioners in their implementation of Industry 4.0. Moreover, the identified future research areas may help to define priorities in this implementation.

Originality/value

After examining previous research, this paper proposes a research agenda covering issues about Industry 4.0. This research agenda should guide future investigations in the smart industry.
Exploring the role of repertoire in library cataloging
Authors: Clarke Rachel Ivy , Dobreski Brian
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Library work is increasingly being explored from the perspective of design. Still, little work has actively explored specific aspects of design as they relate to library cataloging. The purpose of this paper is to dive deeper into the relationship between library cataloging and design by exploring a specific aspect of design – the concept of repertoire, or the use of previous experiences and bodies of knowledge during current work.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine catalogers’ use of repertoire, this paper employed a juxtaposition of field observations of professional library catalogers’ work processes with elements of “think-aloud” protocols.

Findings

The researchers identified three major types of repertory knowledge that were demonstrated by catalogers: internally embedded repertory knowledge; externally embedded repertory knowledge; and seeking out new knowledge using other sources. Additionally, certain trends were noted concerning which repertory knowledge was utilized for which particular task. Determining subject and genre headings were noted for relying quite extensively on internal repertoire such as personal knowledge and institutional knowledge, along with external sources, such as personal notes and local examples.

Originality/value

This paper adds to a growing body of work calling for design approaches in libraries and related information settings, and breaks ground by applying the previously unexplored concept of repertoire to librarianship, specifically library cataloging, which offers a new perspective on cataloger’s judgement.
The public’s trust and information brokers in health care, public health and research
Authors: Platt Jodyn , Raj Minakshi , Kardia Sharon L.R.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Nations such as the USA are investing in technologies such as electronic health records in order to collect, store and transfer information across boundaries of health care, public health and research. Health information brokers such as health care providers, public health departments and university researchers function as “access points” to manage relationships between the public and the health system. The relationship between the public and health information brokers is influenced by trust; and this relationship may predict the trust that the public has in the health system as a whole, which has implications for public trust in the system, and consequently, legitimacy of involved institutions, under circumstances of health information data sharing in the future. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors aimed to examine characteristics of trustors (i.e. the public) that predict trust in health information brokers; and further, to identify the factors that influence trust in brokers that also predict system trust. The authors developed a survey that was administered to US respondents in 2014 using GfK’s nationally representative sample, with a final sample of 1,011 participants and conducted ordinary least squares regression for data analyses.

Findings

Results suggest that health care providers are the most trusted information brokers of those examined. Beliefs about medical deceptive behavior were negatively associated with trust in each of the information brokers examined; however, psychosocial factors were significantly associated with trust in brokers, suggesting that individual attitudes and beliefs are influential on trust in brokers. Positive views of information sharing and the expectation of benefits of information sharing for health outcomes and health care quality are associated with system trust.

Originality/value

This study suggests that demonstrating the benefits and value of information sharing could be beneficial for building public trust in the health system; however, trust in brokers of information are variable across the public; that is, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs are associated with the level of trust different individuals have in various health information brokers – suggesting that the need for a personalized approach to building trust.
Asset sales, recourse and investor reactions to initial securitizations
Authors: Higgins Eric J. , Mason Joseph R. , Mordel Adi E.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Both accounting and regulatory treatments classify securitizations as a “sale” of assets, therefore allowing the issuer to remove the assets from their books. The purpose of this paper is to present conjectural evidence of recourse activity and bankruptcy treatment that undermine the fundamental concept of true sale.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use investor reactions to firm’s first securitizations to isolate investors’ views of the potential risk transfer.

Findings

Investor reactions to firms’ first securitization announcements suggest that investors, themselves, think of the effects of securitizations as more like a financing than an asset sale. Firms securitizing for the first time exhibit negative short-term equity returns and negative long-term operating performance, reactions more similar to financings than asset sales. Additional analysis shows that securitization is also associated with increased systematic risk, suggesting that the rapid growth fueled by securitization is similar to increasing leverage. The effect is more pronounced for banks than non-banks.

Originality/value

This is the first study to have used firms' first securitizations to analyze the nature of risk transfer in securitizations. The results show that off-balance-sheet treatment for securitizations may be inappropriate, given investor perceptions of the nature of potential contingent liabilities.
The socio-cultural dynamics of development: part 2 the cultural basis of political evolution
Authors: Yolles Maurice
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Agency development is inherently a process of institutional evolution. The purpose of this part 2 (of a 3 part) paper is to explore development in the political context, producing a cultural model of political development as institutional evolution, explaining how political groups may come to power culturally. This requires a detailed examination of culture and cultural change, and a study of strategic political frames that define political groups seeking support for political power from agents in a political sphere. During cultural instabilities or social crises, frames may become cynical and embrace liquid persuasion and hence populism.

Design/methodology/approach

A cultural model for political development is created involving three variables (emotional climate, cultural order and compliance). This enables cultural comparison of different political groups. Strategic political frames are examined to understand how those vying for agency power may attract support from agents in the activity system. Liquid frames are also explored to understand the cynical nature of populism and its contribution to institutional devolution.

Findings

A political development theory result that identifies the conditions under which formal political groups can promote frames that may attract support from agents from who they require support to gain agency power status. A model is produced for political development. It explains populism as a thin ideology with a collectivist orientation that uses liquid framing, and it introduces its individualist counterpart, political synergism.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of this research is that it will allow empirical methods to be used that potentially enable political outcomes in complex political environments to be anticipated, given additional appropriate measurement criteria.

Originality/value

Linking agency and institutional theory to explain the process of development is new, as is its application to the political development process in a political landscape. As part of this linkage, it has been shown how Bauman’s concept of liquidity relates to Sorokin’s ideas of socio-cultural change.
European transport industry deregulation
Authors: Koliousis Ioannis , Cao Dongmei , Koliousis Panagiotis
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of deregulation on the European transport industry in the form of privatization, on the managerial efficiency of a panel of deregulated transport companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research examines a data set of 25 deregulated transport companies from a sample of 12 EU nations from 1988 to 2015. Some studies have analyzed deregulation by using non-parametric models. However, only a limited number of studies focus on the impact of deregulation on the managerial efficiency. This study answers two questions: whether deregulation, in the form of privatization, in the transport sector has any effect on the managerial efficiency, on the profitability and on the investment decisions of the firm, and whether this premise is robust enough across the European transport industry. This study formulates a multivariate regression framework utilizing data from major privatized European transport companies. The final panel includes 25 companies, from 12 EU - Member States for the period 1988-2015, equaling 375 firm-year observations based on a rigorous selection methodology.

Findings

The study confirms that transport companies, post-privatization, are more efficient regarding operating efficiency and profitability. The authors find no evidence that deregulation improves investment efficiency.

Social implications

The study addresses the regulators’ dilemma, whether to deregulate, by focusing on analyzing the improvement of the managerial efficiency.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the transport industry management literature in three ways. First, the authors update the literature of the economic theory of regulation with an empirical examination which covers the latest years across the EU Member States. Second, the authors introduce a comparison of the effects of deregulation on different components of the managerial efficiency, namely, investment, profitability and operating efficiency of the incumbents in the EU transport industry. Third, they examine deregulation by using two approaches: a traditional one where deregulation is a dummy variable assessing the overall effect on incumbents’ efficiency performance; and a novel approach where the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s deregulation index is used to measure the regulation intensity, accounting also for industry-wide impact assessment. This two-sided approach increases the robustness of the results.
Senescence in nature: New insights from a long‐term seabird study
Authors: Barbraud Christophe
Published: July 2019

In Focus: Tompkins, E. M., & Anderson, D. J. (2019). Sex‐specific patterns of senescencein Nazca boobies linked to mating system. Journal of Animal Ecology, 88, 986‐1000. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12944. Sex‐specific differences in senescence and environmental impacts on senescence in both sexes remain poorly understood. Tompkins and Anderson (2019) studied senescence in survival (hereafter called actuarial senescence) and in reproduction (hereafter called reproductive senescence) in Nazca boobies using 33 years of individual‐based capture–recapture data. Senescence patterns (life‐history traits, ages at onset, senescence rates) differed between sexes and were affected by environmental conditions (food availability) faced by individuals during their younger ages. Patterns of sex differences in senescence may result from the mating dynamics due to the population's male‐biased sex ratio.
Phenotypic but not genotypic selection for earlier flowering in a perennial herb
Authors: Fogelström Elsa , Ehrlén Johan
Published: July 2019

Timing of reproduction affects the outcome of interactions between plants and their pollinators, grazers and seed predators, as well as with their local abiotic environment. In seasonal environments, phenotypic selection has often been shown to favour early flowering. Yet, we still know little about the agents driving selection in natural populations and whether observed phenotypic selection corresponds to genotypic selection—a prerequisite for evolutionary change.

In this study, we experimentally assessed phenotypic and genotypic selection for flowering time in a natural population of the perennial herbLathyrus vernus.We transplanted sibling individuals, obtained through controlled crosses, to their source population and found net phenotypic selection for earlier flowering in the field.

Despite a higher susceptibility to roe deer grazing, early‐flowering plants had higher fruit set and more seeds per fruit than late‐flowering plants. We found no support for genotypic selection on flowering time, and heritability for first flowering day was very low.

Synthesis.Our results suggest that commonly observed patterns of higher fitness in early‐flowering plants do not always correspond to selection on genotypic values and are thus not necessarily expected to result in evolutionary change even if the relationship between flowering time and fitness is causal. This finding should be important to understand how species phenology might respond to changing environmental conditions.
Perspectives on biodiversity informatics for ecology
Authors: Osawa Takeshi
Published: July 2019

Biodiversity informatics is the application of informatics techniques to ecology and biodiversity sciences. The premise is utilizing natural history collections/data, such as specimens and biodiversity observations, with information and communication technology. During the past two decades, biodiversity informatics has improved dramatically and has been applied increasingly in ecology science. In this paper, I review biodiversity informatics for ecology with a particular focus on the treatment of data. First, I discuss the traditional perspective of data collection and its usage in the ecological community. Then, I provide an overview of the trajectory of changing perspectives of data treatment relative to developing biodiversity informatics (i.e., the infiltration of the data reuse and sharing concepts). Specifically, I discuss the significance of data reuse, which offers numerous benefits for research, and data sharing with their supporting mechanisms and case studies. Finally, I discuss potential future developments in biodiversity informatics relative to the field of ecology.
Erigeron canadensis affects the taxonomic and functional diversity of plant communities in two climate zones in the North of China
Authors: Wu Bingde , Zhang Huanshi , Jiang Kun , Zhou Jiawei , Wang Congyan
Published: July 2019

Plant communities across multiple climate zones are at risk of invasive species. Understanding the effects of invasive alien species on both the taxonomic and functional diversities of plant communities in different climate zones enables insight into the mechanisms underlying successful invasions. This study investigated the effects of Erigeron canadensis at different degrees of invasion on both the plant taxonomic and functional diversities in the Chinese zones of Jinan (warm temperate climate) and Zhenjiang (north subtropical climate). A high degree of E. canadensis invasion resulted in a stronger decrease of plant diversity compared to a light degree of E. canadensis invasion. This may be because E. canadensis invasion can lead to a decrease in the number of native species via competition and subsequent local extinction. A high degree of E. canadensis invasion increased the Rao's quadratic entropy of plant height and ground cover. This may be because both the plant height and ground cover of E. canadensis and natives increased with increasing degree of E. canadensis invasion. The number of plant species in plant communities was lower in Jinan than in Zhenjiang. This is presumably because E. canadensis grows better in Jinan than in Zhenjiang and therefore, rare species are more likely to go extinct there. A small number of functional diversity indices of Jinan plant communities were higher than those of Zhenjiang. This may be due to the higher value of functional traits of E. canadensis in Jinan.
From Reagan to Trump: The Origins of US Neoliberal Protectionism
Authors: Wraight Tom
Published: July 2019

Donald Trump is often seen as a radical departure from the neoliberalism that has shaped recent American history and, at first glance, nowhere does this seem truer than on trade. Trump’s support for protectionism certainly seems to depart from neoliberalism, which we are used to thinking of as involving unqualified support for free trade. But should this really be seen as a departure? This paper argues that, instead, Trump’s trade policy should be seen a kind of ‘neoliberal protectionism’, which seeks to use the coercive power of the state to force other nations to conform to a market‐based economic logic. The origins of this neoliberal protectionism can be traced back to the 1980s when debates about foreign industrial policies first caused the United States to adopt a more aggressive approach to trade. From this perspective, Trump’s trade policy represents not a rejection of neoliberalism but an extreme articulation of it.
Adaptive Peacemaking in Protracted Conflicts: IGAD Mediation in the Second Sudanese Civil War
Authors: Butler Michael J.
Published: July 2019

The dynamic quality of protracted intra‐state conflicts is a factor that complicates and sometimes confounds the efforts of peacemakers. Building on this insight, and given the prevalence of conflicts of this type in the contemporary international system, this paper takes up a central question: how can peacemakers adapt to changing dynamics along the parameters of a protracted intra‐state conflict in order to cultivate effective resolution of the conflict? Inspired by the theme of this special issue on new diplomacy in new conflicts, this paper draws on and modifies the concepts of ‘adaptive peacemaking’ and ‘adaptive peacebuilding’ (de Coning, 2018; Okulski, 2017) in order to provide a heuristic device for evaluating peacemaking efforts within protracted intra‐state conflicts. In that vein, this paper examines third‐party mediation within the setting of the second Sudanese civil war through the lens of a modified adaptive peacemaking approach. The resulting analysis allows for a conceptual and empirical assessment of the prospects as well as the perils of ‘adaptive peacemaking’ within the context of protracted civil wars.
The simulation extrapolation technique meets ecology and evolution: A general and intuitive method to account for measurement error
Authors: Ponzi Erica , Keller Lukas F. , Muff Stefanie
Published: July 2019

Measurement error and other forms of uncertainty are commonplace in ecology and evolution, and may bias estimates of parameters of interest. Although a variety of approaches to obtain unbiased estimators are available, these usually require the formulation of an explicit (parametric) model for the error‐prone variable and a latent model for the unobserved (latent) error‐free variable. In practice, this is often difficult.

We propose to generalize the simulation extrapolation (SIMEX) technique, a heuristic approach to correct for measurement error, to situations where it is difficult to explicitly formulate an error model or latent model for a variable of interest. We illustrate the idea with the example of error in pedigrees. Pedigree error causes error in estimates of inbreeding coefficients and the relatedness matrix, thus biasing estimates of inbreeding depression or heritability. Instead of formulating error models for inbreeding coefficients or the relatedness matrix, we directly apply the SIMEX idea to the pedigree. The initially known error proportion in the pedigree is progressively increased, all models are refitted, and the observed trend in the quantities of interest is extrapolated back to a hypothetical error‐free pedigree to obtain bias‐corrected estimates. We tested this pedigree‐SIMEX (PSIMEX) method with simulated pedigrees and with data from a free‐living population of song sparrows.

The simulation study indicates that the PSIMEX estimator is almost unbiased for inbreeding depression and heritability, and that it has a much lower mean squared error (MSE) than the naive estimator. In the application to the song sparrows, the error‐corrected results could be validated against the actual values thanks to the availability of both an error‐prone and an error‐free pedigree. The results indicate that bias andMSEare reduced by PSIMEX. For easy accessibility of the method, we provide theR‐packagePSIMEX.

By transferring the SIMEX philosophy to error in pedigrees, we have illustrated how this heuristic approach can be generalized to situations where explicit error models are difficult to formulate. Thanks to the simplicity of the idea, many other error problems in ecology and evolution might be amenable to SIMEX‐like error correction methods.
Optimizing sampling of flying insects using a modified window trap
Authors: Knuff Anna K. , Winiger Nathalie , Klein Alexandra‐Maria , Segelbacher Gernot , Staab Michael
Published: July 2019

Insect populations are globally declining but standardized long‐term data to evaluate trends and consequences are largely missing. One difficulty among many is the rather narrow taxonomic cover of most conventional trap types, which makes the use of several complementary collection methods necessary to achieve comprehensive coverage. To avoid the effort associated with operating multiple traps, we demonstrate how to modify window traps in a simple and standardizable way to capture a wider range of flying insect taxa.

While a typical window trap only has a collection unit below the windows, we added an additional collection unit on top of the windows. We tested this modified trap design in 135 study plots in a temperate forest over 5 months and compared trap catches between top and bottom collection units.

The top collection unit captured considerably more individuals of Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Neuroptera, Auchenorrhyncha and Thysanoptera than the bottom collection unit. In contrast, there were more individuals of Coleoptera, Heteroptera, Sternorrhyncha and Psocoptera in the bottom collection unit. Both collection units captured a highly distinct insect community and patterns were consistent throughout the season.

These modified traps are suitable for collecting a broader range of flying insects compared to conventional window traps. The additional top unit is fast and easy to build and the traps require little maintenance while operating in the field. These characteristics make modified window traps with top and bottom collection units a promising tool for standardized and replicable biodiversity studies covering a broad range of insect taxa.
Intraoperative methadone for postoperative pain after laparoscopic hysterectomy: Protocol for a randomised, double‐blind trial
Authors: Friesgaard Kristian D. , Brix Lone D. , Kristensen Christina B. , Rian Omar , Nikolajsen Lone
Published: July 2019

Background

Hysterectomy is often carried out as same‐day surgery. Treatment of postoperative pain is, therefore, of utmost importance to ensure timely discharge from hospital. Methadone has several desirable pharmacological features, including a long elimination half‐life. Theoretically, a single intraoperative dose could provide long‐lasting pain relief.

Methods

This is a single‐centre, investigator‐initiated, randomised, double‐blind study. Two‐hundred and fifty women, scheduled to undergo hysterectomy at Horsens Region Hospital, Denmark, are randomized to receive methadone (0.2 mg/kg) or morphine (0.2 mg/kg) intraoperatively, 60 minutes before extubation. Primary outcomes are opioid consumption at 6 and 24 hours. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity at rest and during coughing at 1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 hours; patient satisfaction at 3 and 24 hours, postoperative nausea and vomiting at 6, 24 and 72 hours, adverse events in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) and time until readiness for discharge. Another outcome is persistent abdominal pain after 4 months.

Conclusions

The study outlined in this protocol will provide important information about the use of methadone in same‐day hysterectomy patients. The results will presumably be applicable to other types of surgery involving visceral pain.
Implications of climate change on the habitat shifts of tropical lizards
Authors: Piantoni Carla , Curcio Felipe F. , Ibargüengoytía Nora R. , Navas Carlos A.
Published: July 2019

The effect of temperature on the distributions of ectothermic vertebrates is well documented. Despite the increase of 6°C expected in the next 60 years in South America, numerous vertebrates are still considered as ‘Least Concern’ species by the IUCN due to their large distribution, insufficient widespread threats and insignificant population decline. One example is the lizard Tropidurus torquatus (Squamata: Tropiduridae), commonly found thermoregulating in anthropic environments throughout the Brazilian Cerrado, but restricted to gallery forests in the equator‐ward localities. The urban areas in this warmer region have been colonised by other closely related congeners (e.g. Tropidurus oreadicus). This study aimed to understand this divergence of habitat selection by these tropirudids that may explain some of the species responses to past and future climate warming. We collected body temperatures (Tb), micro‐environmental temperatures (Ta) and operative (Te) temperatures in four sites along a latitudinal gradient: a pole‐ward and two central sites where T. torquatus inhabit urban areas and one equator‐ward site where T. torquatus and T. oreadicus occur in the gallery forest and in urban microhabitats, respectively. All three populations of T. torquatus present similar Tb (35.5–36°C) and shared microhabitats with a similar Ta (34–37.3°C). The Te in the equator‐ward urban site was considerably higher than in the gallery forest. Tropidurus oreadicus Tb was 38.2 °C (30.1–41.3°C) and was active at a Ta of 30.5–42.3°C. The overlap between the genus Tb, Ta and Te highlights a decrease in the hours of activity that lizards would experience under climate warming. The reduction of hours of activity together with the devastation of natural habitats represents threats and an alarming scenario especially for the equator‐ward populations.
The Well‐Ordered Society under Crisis: A Formal Analysis of Public Reason vs. Convergence Discourse
Authors: Chung Hun
Published: July 2019

A well‐ordered society faces a crisis whenever a sufficient number of noncompliers enter into the political system. This has the potential to destabilize liberal democratic political order. This article provides a formal analysis of two competing solutions to the problem of political stability offered in the public reason liberalism literature—namely, using public reason or using convergence discourse to restore liberal democratic political order in the well‐ordered society. The formal analyses offered in this article show that using public reason fails completely, and using convergent discourse, although doing better, has its own critical limitations that have not been previously recognized properly.
Maximum entropy extreme‐value seasonal adjustment
Authors: McElroy Tucker , Penny Richard
Published: July 2019

Some economic series in small economies exhibit meagre (i.e. non‐positive) values, as well as seasonal extremes. For example, agricultural variables in countries with a distinct growing season may exhibit both of these features. Multiplicative seasonal adjustment typically utilises a logarithmic transformation, but the meagre values make this impossible, while the extremes engender huge distortions that render seasonal adjustments unacceptable. To account for these features, we propose a new method of extreme‐value adjustment based on the maximum entropy principle, which results in replacement of the meagre values and extremes by optimal projections that utilise information from the available time series dynamics. This facilitates multiplicative seasonal adjustment. The method is illustrated in the New Zealand agricultural series.
R package rjmcmc: reversible jump MCMC using post‐processing
Authors: Gelling Nicholas , Schofield Matthew R. , Barker Richard J.
Published: July 2019

The rjmcmc package for R implements the post‐processing reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm of Barker & Link. MCMC output from each of the models is used to estimate posterior model probabilities and Bayes factors. Automatic differentiation is used to simplify implementation. The package is demonstrated on two examples.
2 Neighborhood to National Network: Pyramid Settlements of Giza
Authors: Lehner Mark
Published: July 2019

A twenty‐hectare swath of Old Kingdom 4th Dynasty settlement that central authorities laid out at the low, southeastern base of the Giza Plateau as housing and infrastructure for building pyramids shows distinct components that reflect how they mobilized labor into collective action for building on a colossal scale through already existing social bonds and home‐based fellowships from districts, villages and neighborhoods. Correlation between this architectural footprint, builders’ graffiti, and recently discovered papyrus day logs with district signs suggests links to larger national networks. Ensconced alongside the major Nile port of its time, community members served in both ships’ crews and work gangs with links to broader interregional networks. It is possible that immigrants from source countries who specialized in procurement and transport of exotic products contributed to ethnic diversity in the distinct components of “downtown Egypt.” Brought together in a central settlement much larger and denser than any at home, each occupant experienced an exponential increase in social interactions. But we see hints that, as authorities multiplied social clusters for collective action and established procurement networks of broad spatial range, they preserved home‐based fellowships. It may have been true for downtown Egypt at the pyramids that, regardless of a city's size, everyone lived in villages and neighborhoods.
Notch signaling suppresses CD14+ monocytes cells activity in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Hong , Wang Han , Zhang Dong‐Na , Zhu Guang‐Ze
Published: July 2019

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection always leads to chronic hepatitis via dysregulation of host immunity. Notch signaling also modulates the response of monocytes/macrophages. Thus, we aimed to investigate the regulatory role of Notch signaling to CD14+ monocytes. Forty patients with chronic hepatitis C and twenty normal controls (NC) were enrolled. CD14+ monocytes and CD4+ T cells were purified from peripheral bloods. Notch receptors' mRNA expression in CD14+ monocytes was semi‐quantified by real‐time PCR. Cytokine production by CD14+ monocytes in response to γ‐secretase inhibitor (GSI) was investigated by ELISA. GSI‐induced CD14+ monocytes activity to HCV clearance in Huh7.5 cells and to CD4+ T cell differentiation was also assessed in direct and indirect contact co‐culture system. Notch1 mRNA relative level was approximately 10‐fold elevated in CD14+ monocytes from chronic hepatitis C patients when compared with NC. GSI stimulation resulted in enhanced cytokines production by CD14+ monocytes from chronic hepatitis C patients. GSI‐stimulated CD14+ monocytes from chronic hepatitis C patients induced suppression of HCV RNA replication in both direct and indirect contact co‐culture system of CD14+ monocytes and HCVcc‐infected Huh7.5 cells, and this process was accompanied by elevation of interferon‐γ production but not increased target cell death. Moreover, GSI stimulation also enhanced CD14+ monocytes‐induced Th1 and Th17 cells activation, and this process required direct cell‐to‐cell contact. Effective antiviral therapy down‐regulated Notch1 mRNA expression and promoted cytokine production by CD14+ monocytes from chronic hepatitis C. Current data revealed an important immunoregulatory property of Notch signaling to CD14+ monocytes in chronic HCV infection.
Sample size determination in bioequivalence studies using statistical assurance
Authors: Ring A. , Lang B. , Kazaroho C. , Labes D. , Schall R. , Schütz H.
Published: July 2019

Aims

Bioequivalence (BE) trials aim to demonstrate that the 90% confidence interval of the T/R‐ratio of the pharmacokinetic metrics between two formulations (test [T] and reference [R]) of a drug is fully included in the acceptance interval [0.80, 1.25]. Traditionally, the sample size of BE trials is based on a power calculation based on the intrasubject variability coefficient of variation (CV) and the T/R‐ratio of the metrics. Since the exact value of the T/R‐ratio is not known prior to the trial, it is often assumed that the difference between the treatments does not exceed 5%. Hence, uncertainty about the T/R‐ratio is expressed by using a fixed value for the sample size calculation. We propose to characterise the uncertainty about the T/R‐ratio by a (normal) distribution for the log(T/R‐ratio), with an assumed mean of  log θ = 0.00 (i.e. θ = 1.00) and a standard deviation σu, which quantifies the uncertainty. Evaluating this distribution leads to the statistical assurance of the BE trial.

Methods

The assurance of a clinical trial can be derived by integrating the power over the distribution of the input parameters, in this case, the assumed distribution of the log(T/R)‐ratio. Because it is an average power, the assurance can be interpreted as a measure of the probability of success that does not depend on a specific assumed value for the log(T/R)‐ratio. The relationship between power and assurance will be analysed by comparing the numerical outcomes.

Results

Using the assurance concept, values of the standard deviation for the distribution of potential log(T/R)‐ratios can be chosen to reflect the magnitude of uncertainty. For most practical cases (i.e. when 0.95 ≤ θ ≤ 1.05), the sample size is not, or only slightly, changed when σ = |log(θ)|.

Conclusion

The advantage of deriving the assurance for BE trials is that uncertainty is directly expressed as a parameter of variability.
A novel and potent brain penetrant inhibitor of extracellular vesicle release
Authors: Rojas Camilo , Sala Michal , Thomas Ajit G. , Datta Chaudhuri Amrita , Yoo Seung‐Wan , Li Zhigang , Dash Ranjeet P. , Rais Rana , Haughey Norman J. , Nencka Radim , Slusher Barbara
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are constitutively shed from cells and released by various stimuli. Their protein and RNA cargo are modified by the stimulus, and in disease conditions can carry pathological cargo involved in disease progression. Neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) is a major regulator in at least one of several independent routes of EV biogenesis, and its inhibition is a promising new therapeutic approach for neurological disorders. Unfortunately, known inhibitors exhibit μM potency, poor physicochemical properties, and/or limited brain penetration. Here, we sought to identify a drug‐like inhibitor of nSMase2.

Experimental Approach

We conducted a human nSMase2 high throughput screen (>365,000 compounds). Selected hits were optimized focusing on potency, selectivity, metabolic stability, pharmacokinetics, and ability to inhibit EV release in vitro and in vivo.

Key Results

We identified phenyl(R)‐(1‐(3‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐2,6‐dimethylimidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazin‐8‐yl)pyrrolidin‐3‐yl)‐carbamate (PDDC), a potent (pIC50 = 6.57) and selective non‐competitive inhibitor of nSMase2. PDDC was metabolically stable, with excellent oral bioavailability (%F = 88) and brain penetration (AUCbrain/AUCplasma = 0.60). PDDC dose‐dependently (pEC50 = 5.5) inhibited release of astrocyte‐derived extracellular vesicles (ADEV). In an in vivo inflammatory brain injury model, PDDC robustly inhibited ADEV release and the associated peripheral immunological response. A closely related inactive PDDC analogue was ineffective.

Conclusion and Implications

PDDC is a structurally novel, potent, orally available, and brain penetrant inhibitor of nSMase2. PDDC inhibited release of ADEVs in tissue culture and in vivo. PDDC is actively being tested in animal models of neurological disease and, along with closely related analogues, is being considered for clinical translation.
Parental empowerment in paediatric rehabilitation: Exploring the role of a digital tool to help parents prepare for consultation with a physician
Authors: Alsem Mattijs W. , Verhoef Marjolein , Braakman Jessica , van Meeteren Karen M. , Siebes Renate C. , Jongmans Marian J. , Visser‐Meily Johanna M.A. , Ketelaar Marjolijn ,   The WWW, roadmap study group
Published: July 2019

Background

To explore experiences of parents of children with disabilities using the WWW, roadmap, a tool to support them in exploring needs, finding information, and asking questions of professionals and to explore differences between parents who had used the WWW‐roadmap to prepare for consultation with their rehabilitation physician and parents who had not.

Methods

In a sequential cohort study, we included 128 parents; 54 used the WWW‐roadmap prior to consultation and 74 received care‐as‐usual. Both groups completed questionnaires after consultation, assessing empowerment, self‐efficacy, parent and physician satisfaction, family centredness of care, and experiences using the tool. Additionally, 13 parents were interviewed.

Results

Parents who used the WWW‐roadmap looked up more information on the Internet. No other differences between parents and physicians were found. In the interviews, parents said that the WWW‐roadmap was a useful tool for looking up information, exploring and asking questions, and maintaining a comprehensive picture.

Conclusion

Using the WWW‐roadmap prior to consultation did not improve self‐efficacy, satisfaction, or family centredness of care. Findings suggest positive experiences regarding factors determining empowerment, creating conditions for a more equal parent–physician relationship.

The WWW‐roadmap is useful for parents to explore their needs and find information, but more is needed to support empowerment in consultations.
By 4.5 Months, Linguistic Experience Already Affects Infants’ Talker Processing Abilities
Authors: Fecher Natalie , Johnson Elizabeth K.
Published: July 2019

Contemporary models of adult speech perception acknowledge that the processing of linguistic and nonlinguistic aspects of the speech signal are interdependent. But when in development does this interdependence first emerge? In the adult literature, one way to demonstrate this relationship has been to examine how language experience affects talker identification. Thus, in this study, 4‐ to 5‐month‐old infants (N = 96) were tested on their ability to tell apart talkers in a familiar language (English) compared to unfamiliar languages (Polish or Spanish). Infants readily distinguished between talkers in the familiar language but not in the unfamiliar languages, supporting the hypothesis that the integrated processing of linguistic and nonlinguistic information in speech is early emerging and robust.
Outcomes following stoma formation in patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Cooper E. A. , Bonne Lee B. , Muhlmann M.
Published: July 2019

Aim

The formation of a diverting stoma of the bowel in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) is a useful option in managing problems associated with prolonged bowel care, pressure ulcers and neurogenic bowel. This descriptive study examines surgical outcomes and the effect on an individual's health‐related quality of life (HrQoL) in this complex group of patients.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected in all patients with SCI who underwent a diverting stoma at Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, between January 2013 and January 2018 via a self‐report questionnaire developed specifically for the study.

Results

Forty‐three individuals were identified of whom 26 responded. 73% were men with a mean age of 45 years. The reasons for stoma formation included sacral pressure ulcer (50%), prolonged bowel care (35%), faecal incontinence (19%), constipation (8%), autonomic dysreflexia (8%), carer difficulties (8%) and haemorrhoids (4%). 76% of patients reported an improvement in HrQoL with 72% scoring their satisfaction with a stoma ≥ 8/10.

Conclusion

While stoma formation is often seen as a treatment of last resort, our study has shown that it is an effective management option for a number of conditions post‐SCI. It can improve HrQoL and has a high level of satisfaction amongst patients. Ideally, patients who could potentially benefit from a stoma should be identified early and receive appropriate education and counselling to help facilitate informed and timely decision‐making and reduce adverse bowel related impact on quality of life and adjustment post‐SCI.