bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of GABA-ergic (propofol) and non-GABA-ergic (dexmedetomidine) sedation on visual and motor cortical oscillations, using magnetoencephalography
Authors: Saxena Neeraj , Shaw Alexander D. , Richmond Lewys , Babic Adele , Singh Krish D. , Hall Judith E. , Wise Richard G. , Muthukumaraswamy Suresh D.
Published: March 2020

Background

Understanding the effects of anaesthetic drugs on cortical oscillations can help to elucidate the mechanistic link between receptor physiology and their clinical effects. Propofol produces divergent effects on visual cortical activity: increasing induced gamma-band responses (GBR) while decreasing stimulus-onset-evoked responses)1. Dexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenergic agonist, differs from GABA-ergic sedatives both mechanistically and clinically as it allows easy arousability from deeper sedation with less cognitive side-effects. Here we use magnetoencephalography (MEG) to characterize and compare the effects of GABAergic (propofol) and non-GABA-ergic (dexmedetomidine) sedation, on visual and motor cortical oscillations.

Methods

Sixteen male participants received target-controlled infusions of propofol and dexmedetomidine, producing mild-sedation, in a placebo-controlled, cross-over study. MEG data was collected during a combined visual and motor task.

Results

The key findings were that propofol significantly enhanced visual stimulus induced GBR (44% increase in amplitude) while dexmedetomidine decreased it (40%). Propofol also decreased the amplitudes of the M100 (27%) and M150 (52%) evoked responses, whilst dexmedetomidine had no effect on these. During the motor task, neither drug had any significant effect on motor GBR or movement related beta de-synchronisation (MRBD). However, dexmedetomidine increased (92%) post-movement beta synchronisation/rebound (PMBR) power while propofol reduced it (70%).

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine and propofol, at equi-sedative doses, have contrasting effects on visual stimulus induced GBR, visual evoked responses and PMBR. These findings provide a mechanistic link between the known receptor physiology of these sedative drugs and their known clinical effects and may be used to explore mechanisms of other anaesthetic drugs on human consciousness.
First complete genome sequences ofStreptococcus pyogenesNCTC 8198Tand CCUG 4207T, the type strain of the type species of the genusStreptococcus: 100% match in length and sequence identity between PacBio solo and Illumina plus Oxford Nanopore hybrid assemblies
Authors: Salvà-Serra Francisco , Jaén-Luchoro Daniel , Jakobsson Hedvig E. , Gonzales-Siles Lucia , Karlsson Roger , Busquets Antonio , Gomila Margarita , Bennasar-Figueras Antonio , Russell Julie E. , Fazal Mohammed Abbas , Alexander Sarah , Moore Edward R. B.
Published: March 2020

We present the first complete, closed genome sequences ofStreptococcus pyogenesstrains NCTC 8198Tand CCUG 4207T, the type strain of the type species of the genusStreptococcusand an important human pathogen that causes a wide range of infectious diseases.S. pyogenesNCTC 8198Tand CCUG 4207Tare derived from deposit of the same strain at two different culture collections. NCTC 8198Twas sequenced, using a PacBio platform; the genome sequence was assembledde novo, using HGAP. CCUG 4207Twas sequenced and ade novohybrid assembly was generated, using SPAdes, combining Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequence reads. Both strategies, yielded closed genome sequences of 1,914,862 bp, identical in length and sequence identity. Combining short-read Illumina and long-read Oxford Nanopore sequence data circumvented the expected error rate of the nanopore sequencing technology, producing a genome sequence indistinguishable to the one determined with PacBio. Sequence analyses revealed five prophage regions, a CRISPR-Cas system, numerous virulence factors and no relevant antibiotic resistance genes.

These two complete genome sequences of the type strain ofS. pyogeneswill effectively serve as valuable taxonomic and genomic references for infectious disease diagnostics, as well as references for future studies and applications within the genusStreptococcus.
Establishment ofEtv5gene knockout mice as a recipient model for spermatogonial stem cell transplantation
Authors: Zhang Xianyu , Zhao Xin , Li Guoling , Zhang Mao , Xing Pingping , Li Zicong , Chen Bin , Yang Huaqiang , Wu Zhenfang
Published: March 2020

Transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is an alternative reproductive method to achieve conservation and production of elite animals in livestock production. Creating a recipient animal without endogenous germ cells is important for effective SSC transplantation. However, natural mutants with depletion of SSCs are difficult to obtain, and drug ablation of endogenous germ cells is arduous to perform for practical use. In this study, we used mouse models to study the preparation of recipients with congenital germ cell ablation. We knocked out (KO) Ets-variant gene 5 (Etv5) in mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The testicular weight ofEtv5-/-mice was significantly lower than that of wild-type (WT) mice. The germ cell layer of the seminiferous tubules gradually receded with age inEtv5-/-mice. At 12 weeks of age, the tubules ofEtv5-/-mice lacked germ cells (Sertoli cell-only syndrome), and sperm were completely absent in the epididymis. We subsequently transplanted allogeneic SSCs with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) into 3-(immature) or 7-week-old (mature)Etv5-/-mice. Restoration of germ cell layers in the seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis was observed in all immature testes but not in mature adult testes at 2 months post-transplantation. The presence of heterologous genesEtv5andEGFPin recipient testicular tissue and epididymal sperm by PCR indicated that sperm originated from the transplanted donor cells. Our study demonstrates that, althoughEtv5-/-mice could accommodate and support foreign germ cell transplantation, this process occurs in a quite low efficiency to support a full spermatogenesis of transplanted SSCs. However, usingEtv5-/-mice as a recipient model for SSC transplantation is feasible, and still needs further investigation to establish an optimized transplantation process.
AIRBP: Accurate identification of RNA-binding proteins using machine learning techniques
Authors: Mishra Avdesh , Khanal Reecha , Hoque Md Tamjidul
Published: March 2020

Motivation

Identification of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that bind to ribonucleic acid molecules, is an important problem in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. It becomes indispensable to identify RBPs as they play crucial roles in post-transcriptional control of RNAs and RNA metabolism as well as have diverse roles in various biological processes such as splicing, mRNA stabilization, mRNA localization, and translation, RNA synthesis, folding-unfolding, modification, processing, and degradation. The existing experimental techniques for identifying RBPs are time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, identifying RBPs directly from the sequence using computational methods can be useful to efficiently annotate RBPs and assist the experimental design. In this work, we present a method, called AIRBP, which is designed using an advanced machine learning technique, called stacking, to effectively predict RBPs by utilizing features extracted from evolutionary information, physiochemical properties, and disordered properties. Moreover, our method, AIRBP is trained on the useful feature-subset identified by the evolutionary algorithm (EA).

Results

The results show that AIRBP attains Accuracy (ACC), F1-score, and MCC of 95.38%, 0.917, and 0.885, respectively, based on the benchmark dataset, using 10-fold cross-validation (CV). Further evaluation of AIRBP on independent test set reveals that it achieves ACC, F1-score, and MCC of 93.04%, 0.943, and 0.855, for Human test set; 91.60%, 0.942 and 0.789 for S. cerevisiae test set; and 91.67%, 0.953 and 0.594 for A. thaliana test set, respectively. These results indicate that AIRBP outperforms the current state-of-the-art method. Therefore, the proposed top-performing AIRBP can be useful for accurate identification and annotation of RBPs directly from the sequence and help gain valuable insight to treat critical diseases.

Availability

Code-data is available here:http://cs.uno.edu/~tamjid/Software/AIRBP/code_data.zip
Simultaneous mental updating in physical space and number space
Authors: Makin Alexis D.J. , Baurès Robin , Cremoux Sylvain , Chauhan Tushar
Published: March 2020

People can track moving objects after they disappear or become occluded. For instance, they can estimate the position of a car after it goes behind a truck. People can also track through feature space after occlusion. For instance, they can estimate the current number on a hidden stopwatch. Previous work has suggest that a common rate control module paces mental updating in both physical space and number-space. We tested this by comparing single and dual task conditions. On every trial, participants observed a moving target-counter travel clockwise round a circular track. In the then disappeared for 2, 4, 6 or 8 seconds, and beep sounded. In the single task blocks, participants either estimated the final position or the final number. In the dual task block, they estimated final position and final number. Performance was very similar in single and dual task blocks. This suggests people can extrapolate through physical space and number space simultaneously. This is a challenge to the common rate control model, which implies there should be some dual task interference. We conclude that if a common rate controller exists, it is capable of pacing simultaneous mental simulations in different dimensions.
Observation of the Transport and Removal of Lipofuscin from the Mouse Myocardium using Transmission Electron Microscope
Authors: Wang Lei , Xiao Chang-Yi , Li Jia-Hua , Tang Gui-Cheng , Xiao Shuo-Shuang
Published: March 2020

This study was performed to investigate whether the lipofuscin formed within cardiomyocytes can be excluded by the myocardial tissue. We have provided indicators that can be used for future studies on anti-aging interventions.

In the present study, the heart of a 5-month-old BALB/c mouse was obtained for resin embedding and ultra-thin sectioning. The specimens were observed under a Hitach 7500 transmission electron microscope, and the images were acquired using an XR401 side-insertion device.

Lipofuscin granules are found abundantly in myocardial cells. Cardiomyocytes can excrete lipofuscin granules into the myocardial interstitium using capsule-like protrusions that are formed on the sarcolemma. These granules enter the myocardial interstitium and can be de-aggregated to form “membrane-like garbage”, which can pass from the myocardial stroma into the lumen of the vessel through its walls in the form of soluble fine particles through diffusion or endocytosis of capillaries. Smaller lipofuscin granules can pass through the walls of the vessels and enter the blood vessel lumen through the active transport function of the capillary endothelial cells. When the extended cytoplasmic end of macrophages and fibroblasts fuse with the endothelial cells, the lipofuscin granules or clumps found in the cells of the myocardial interstitium are transported to the capillary walls, and then, they are released into the lumen of the blood vessel by the endothelial cells.

The myocardial tissues of mice have the ability to eliminate the lipofuscin produced in the cardiomyocytes into the myocardial blood circulation. Although there are several mechanisms through which the myocardial tissues release lipofuscin into the bloodstream, it is mainly carried out in the form of small, fine, soluble, continuous transport.
Cytotoxic Activity of CD4 T Cells During the Early Stage of Autoimmune Neuroinflammation
Authors: Pradella Fernando , Boldrini Vinicius O. , Marques Ana Maria , Morais Guilherme A. D. , Francelin Carolina , Cocenza Rani S. , Lima Vitor C. , Bonora Maurilio , Brunetti Natalia S. , Campos Bruna B. , Fonseca Evelise S. M. , Rocha-Parise Michelle , Stella Carla R. V. , Damasceno Alfredo , von Glehn Felipe , Longhini Ana Leda F. , Santos Leonilda M. B. , Farias Alessandro S.
Published: March 2020

Pathogenic CD4+ T cells are capable of initiating neuroinflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the precise effector mechanism of these autoaggressive CD4+ T cells is not entirely elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that pathogenic CD4+ T cells, upon autoantigen stimulation, developed a cytotoxic phenotype at the onset of EAE. The cytotoxic activity of pathogenic CD4+ T cells was sufficient to explain the initial myelin lesion. Consistently, CD4+ T cells of peripheral blood (PBMCs) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients present an enhancement of the cytotoxic profile in comparison with healthy control (HC). Moreover, cytotoxic CD4+ T cells (CD4-CTLs) are restrained in the PBMCs of Natalizumab-treated RRMS patients. Mechanistically, autoaggressive CD4-CTLs matched the majority of the molecular pathways of effector CD8+ T cells. Altogether, our findings point to potential new targets for monitoring MS diagnosis, treatment, and the development of novel therapeutic avenues.
Cell wall remodeling and vesicle trafficking mediate the root clock in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wachsman Guy , Zhang Jingyuan , Moreno-Risueno Miguel A. , Anderson Charles T. , Benfey Philip N.
Published: March 2020

In Arabidopsis, lateral roots initiate along the primary root in a process preceded by periodic gene expression, a phenomenon known as the root clock. Many genes involved in lateral root initiation have been identified. However, very little is known about the structural changes underlying the initiation process nor about how root clock function is regulated. In genetic screens, we identified the vesicle trafficking regulators, GNOM and its suppressor, AGD3, as critical to root clock function. We show that GNOM is required for the proper distribution of pectin, a mediator of intercellular adhesion, and that pectin esterification state is essential for a functional root clock. We found that in sites of lateral root primordia emergence, both esterified and de-esterified pectin are differentially distributed. Using a reverse genetic approach, we identified significant enrichment of GO terms associated with pectin modifying enzymes in the oscillation zone were the root clock is established. In agreement with a recent study on the function of pectin in pavement cell morphogenesis, our results indicate that the balance between esterified and de-esterified pectin is essential for proper root clock function and the subsequent initiation of lateral root primordia.
Structure variations within RSi2 and R
2
TSi3 silicides. Part I. Structure overview
Authors: Nentwich M. , Zschornak M. , Sonntag M. , Gumeniuk R. , Gemming S. , Leisegang T. , Meyer D. C.
Published: March 2020

Here, structural parameters of various structure reports on RSi2 and R
2
TSi3 compounds [where R is an alkaline earth metal, a rare earth metal (i.e. an element of the Sc group or a lathanide), or an actinide and T is a transition metal] are summarized. The parameters comprising composition, lattice parameters a and c, ratio c/a, formula unit per unit cell and structure type are tabulated. The relationships between the underlying structure types are presented within a group–subgroup scheme (Bärnighausen diagram). Additionally, unexpectedly missing compounds within the R
2
TSi3 compounds were examined with density functional theory and compounds that are promising candidates for synthesis are listed. Furthermore, a correlation was detected between the orthorhombic AlB2-like lattices of, for example, Ca2AgSi3 and the divalence of R and the monovalence of T. Finally, a potential tetragonal structure with ordered Si/T sites is proposed.
Fixing “bad” capitalism: why CSR and pro-good initiatives may not be enough
Authors: Giuliani Elisa , Nieri Federica
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a short commentary on the negative consequences of contemporary global capitalism on society. Despite the economic growth experienced across the world over the past century, the so-called grand challenges which include, for instance, rising inequality, global warming, modern slavery and child labor, are becoming endemic phenomena also in high income countries. The authors invite further research to come up with radical ideas to fix “bad” capitalism.

Design/methodology/approach

The proliferation of negative business conducts has led international business scholars to propose new ways to address sustainability grand challenges. The articles in this special issue on which the authors were invited to comment, Holmström Lind, Kang, Ljung and Forsgren; Lashitew and van Tulder; Zagelmeyer, are contributing to this agenda. The authors contextualise these articles in the current scholarly discussion on the social role of Multinational Enterprises (MNEs).

Findings

Despite all the calls for business to be more responsible and despite the steps taken by MNEs through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies, this is not enough to address contemporary grand challenges with any degree of seriousness.

Originality/value

The authors invite further research to propose new attempts to fix “bad” capitalism that also involve a rethinking of the way companies reward corporate elites and redistribute their gains.
Understanding the determinants of festival attendee spending: the role of cultural capital
Authors: Báez-Montenegro Andrea , Devesa María
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore which factors determine visitor spending at a cultural festival, focusing particularly on cultural capital variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study is the Valdivia International Film Festival. Data from a survey conducted amongst a representative sample of attendees at the festival is used and ordinary least square (OLS) and Tobit regression models are applied.

Findings

Six of the variables included from the model prove statistically significant: gender, age, place of residence, participation in other activities at the festival, and “leisure and sharing” motivation.

Practical implications

Festival organisers should draw up a programme and prepare activities that are balanced so as to attract local film lovers, but that should also appeal to outside visitors, who would see the festival as an opportunity to enjoy a wider tourist experience, all of which would have a broader economic impact on the city.

Originality/value

Understanding which factors determine spending leads to an improvement in the event's viability and ensures its future sustainability. This study adds to the growing literature establishing a sound theoretical corpus on the topic.
Prioritization of financial performance determinants in Indian SMEs
Authors: Vyas Vishal , Jain Priyanka
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to quantify and prioritize the financial performance (FP) determinants in Indian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Analytic hierarchy process, a multi-criteria decision-making tool, was used. Experts were allowed to express the opinion regarding the relative importance of each factor and sub-factors by making pairwise comparisons through a structured questionnaire based on a nine-point scale.

Findings

Market orientation (0.4529) was perceived as the most important FP determinant followed by the entrepreneurial orientation (0.3382) and corporate social responsibility (0.2089) in SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

This study can be considered as a pilot study because it is confined to Indian SMEs. Future research studies can incorporate the opinion or insights of other stakeholders and may target the SMEs situated in different geographical areas.

Practical implications

The inferences drawn in this study would clarify the conceptual and contextual applicability of competitive strategies in SMEs. Indeed, proposed hierarchy and developed framework would guide the SMEs in strategic planning. Moreover, it would help in repositioning and alignment of core strategies duly with business objectives.

Originality/value

The study represents the foremost step and a unique effort in the area of development of hypothetical model (a hierarchal model) with the framework considered to prioritize the FP determinants in SMEs.
Internal marketing, service quality and perceived customer satisfaction
Authors: De Bruin Leigh , Roberts-Lombard Mornay , De Meyer-Heydenrych Christine
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the extent to which internal marketing influences employees’ perceived ability to deliver service quality in the Islamic banking industry in Oman. Additionally, the influence of perceived service quality on perceived customer satisfaction is established.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was obtained from retail banking branch employees at the customer front line of Islamic banks in Oman using electronic and person-administered surveys, and 272 responses were deemed suitable for data analysis. The measurement and structural models were measured through structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings show that internal promotion, internal process and internal purpose are enablers of employees’ perceived ability to deliver service quality in the Islamic banking industry of Oman. In addition, service quality was found to have a strong positive influence on perceived customer satisfaction in Islamic banks.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates that internal product, internal price, internal promotion, internal process and internal purpose are influencers of service quality, and the latter has a direct relationship with perceived customer satisfaction in Islamic banking.

Practical implications

The findings can guide the Islamic banking sector in Oman on how internal marketing can foster service quality, ultimately leading to positive perceived customer satisfaction experiences.

Originality/value

The internal marketing mix model is predominately a Western model, which has been tested primarily in mature Western markets. This study reflects on ten internal marketing mix elements, which have been tested for the enablement of service quality and perceived customer satisfaction in Oman.
Financial information in the context of anti-money laundering
Authors: Pavlidis George
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine three important interrelated issues that arise in the context of financial investigations: the access of law enforcement agencies to centralised bank account registries that have been set up in several jurisdictions; the exchange of financial information between financial intelligence units (FIUs) that function in different jurisdictions; and the exchange of financial information between FIUs and law enforcement bodies. Through the adoption of Directive 2019/1153, the European Union (EU) has attempted to achieve a paradigm shift in these three areas, but many challenges remain, from the interconnection of registries to the implementation of adequate data protection safeguards.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on primary sources of law, legal scholarship, reports and open source data to analyse the changes that Directive 2019/1153 has brought about in conducting financial investigations in the area of anti-money laundering (AML) and the counter-financing of terrorism (CFT).

Findings

The new Directive 2019/1153 constitutes an international model for broadening the access of law enforcement agencies to financial information and facilitating information exchanges between FIUs and law enforcement agencies. Nevertheless, many challenges have still to be addressed, such as the interconnection of centralised registries and the implementation of adequate safeguards.

Originality/value

This is a comprehensive study examining the new EU framework for access to financial information and information exchanges between FIUs and law enforcement agencies, which can be used as a model for international cooperation in the areas of AML/CFT.
Development of the critical success decision criteria for an equitable order sharing in an extended enterprise
Authors: Taifa Ismail W.R. , Hayes Steve G. , Stalker Iain Duncan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study identifies and ranks the appropriate critical success decision criteria (CSDC) for the bulk order distribution (sharing) amongst multiple manufacturers (suppliers) working as an extended enterprise (EE).

Design/methodology/approach

The study deploys a qualitative approach to generate the appropriate decision criteria. The balanced scorecard and Pareto's chart (using Minitab®version 18) were used for gathering and analysing the pertinent criteria.

Findings

The process of evaluating and selecting the right manufacturers is essential. Manufacturer (supplier) selection is no longer decided solely based on cost/price criterion; currently, the quality and delivery criteria prevail. Additional incorporated criteria include price/cost, technical capability, production facilities and capacity, customer satisfaction and impression, geographical location, management and organisation, financial position, environmental concern, performance history, repair service, information technology and communication systems, procedural compliance, labour relation record, reputation, flexibility or diversification, attitude, operating controls, business desire, packaging ability, past business records, trust and loyalty, training aids, complaint handling service, warranties and claim policies, reciprocal arrangements, research and development and innovation, modern slavery concern, sustainable capability, collaborative/partnership and responsiveness. The study proposed a conceptual framework of an EE alongside how manufacturers working as a single virtual entity can consider the supply chain operations reference (SCOR®) model.

Research limitations/implications

The identified CSDC are suitable for order allocation to domestic manufacturers. The deployed approaches could be extended to the mixed and quantitative approaches for increasing the generalisability.

Originality/value

The study establishes the pertinent CSDC that are important to execute equitable order distribution to manufacturers in an EE framework.
Another chemolithotrophic metabolism missing in nature: sulfur comproportionation
Authors: Amend Jan P. , Aronson Heidi S. , Macalady Jennifer , LaRowe Douglas E.
Published: March 2020

Chemotrophic microorganisms gain energy for cellular functions by catalyzing oxidation–reduction (redox) reactions that are out of equilibrium. Calculations of the Gibbs energy (
ΔG
r) can identify whether a reaction is thermodynamically favourable and quantify the accompanying energy yield at the temperature, pressure and chemical composition in the system of interest. Based on carefully calculated values of
ΔG
r, we predict a novel microbial metabolism – sulfur comproportionation (3H2S + + 2H+ ⇌ 4S0 + 4H2O). We show that at elevated concentrations of sulfide and sulfate in acidic environments over a broad temperature range, this putative metabolism can be exergonic (
ΔG
r<0), yielding ~30–50 kJ mol−1. We suggest that this may be sufficient energy to support a chemolithotrophic metabolism currently missing from the literature. Other versions of this metabolism, comproportionation to thiosulfate (H2S + ⇌ + H2O) and to sulfite (H2S + 3 ⇌ 4 + 2H+), are only moderately exergonic or endergonic even at ideal geochemical conditions. Natural and impacted environments, including sulfidic karst systems, shallow‐sea hydrothermal vents, sites of acid mine drainage, and acid–sulfate crater lakes, may be ideal hunting grounds for finding microbial sulfur comproportionators.
Droughts and farms’ financial performance: a farm‐level study in New Zealand
Authors: Pourzand Farnaz , Noy Ilan , Sağlam Yiğit
Published: March 2020

We quantify the impacts of droughts in New Zealand on the profitability of dairy, sheep and beef farms using a comprehensive administrative database of all farms in New Zealand. For dairy farms, we found that drought events have positive impacts on dairy farms’ revenue and profit in the year of the drought. This effect is most likely attributable to drought‐induced increases in the export price of milk solids, as New Zealand is the market maker in this global market and almost all domestic dairy production is exported. All of these quantified impacts, however, are not very large, suggesting that, at this point in time, droughts have a fairly moderate impact on New Zealand dairy and sheep–beef businesses.
Health technology identities and self. Patients’ appropriation of an assistive device for self‐management of chronic illness
Authors: Wienroth Matthias , Lund Holm Thomsen Louise , Høstgaard Anna Marie
Published: March 2020

In recent years, assistive technologies have gained acceptance as tools for supporting chronically ill patients in achieving improvements in physical activity. However, various healthcare and sociological studies show contradicting results regarding the physical and social impact of using such devices. This paper explores real‐time user appropriation of an assistive monitoring/tracking device, the pedometer, in a healthcare intervention, with a particular focus on the technology identities users attribute to the pedometer. The study site was a rehabilitation programme at a local Danish health centre supporting patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As part of this empirical study, six focus‐group interviews were conducted with patients before and after they used pedometers. The analysis of respondents’ accounts shows that monitoring devices become part of users’ complex socio‐technical ensembles in which the use of the device and its tracking of activity is constantly negotiated through experimentation with type and frequency of use; interpretation of knowledge and experience gained via the device; and negotiation of expectations, wellbeing, and the value of quantified knowledge for the management of chronic illness. On the basis of these findings the paper brings together and advances sociological scholarship on chronic illness, embodiment, the quantified self and technology adoption.
Association of a national insurer's reference‐based pricing program and choice of imaging facility, spending, and utilization
Authors: Sinaiko Anna D. , Mehrotra Ateev
Published: March 2020

Objective

To examine the association of a national insurer's reference‐based pricing (RBP), program for outpatient advanced imaging—a benefit design to encourage patients to choose lower‐price facilities.

Data Source/Study Setting

Administrative and medical claims data for three self‐insured employers that introduced RBP and a comparison group without RBP.

Study Design

Difference‐in‐difference comparison of pre‐RBP (2014) and post‐RBP (2015‐6) care between intervention and comparison groups.

Data Collection/Extraction Method

We identified 137 680 imaging procedures (4602 intervention group; 133 078 comparison group) in 2014‐2016.

Principal Findings

In the first post‐RBP year (2015), there was no change in choice of facility; by the second year, RBP‐exposed enrollees were 21.9 pp (95% CI: 18.5, 25.3) more likely to choose a lower‐priced facility and net prices were $101.05 (95% CI: −$130.65, −$71.46), a difference of 8.1 percent lower. RBP was associated with higher patient out‐of‐pocket spending in the first post‐RBP year ($31.82; 95% CI: $10.91, $52.73). There was no change in utilization, and higher‐priced providers did not lower prices in the postperiod. Net savings represented 0.3 percent of outpatient spending.

Conclusions

Reference‐based pricing for advanced imaging was associated with a shift to lower‐priced facilities, but net impact on outpatient spending was modest. Patients paid increased out‐of‐pocket costs, though the amount declined after the first year of the program.
Burnout is the canary in the coalmine; the solution is not stronger canaries
Authors: Douros George
Published: March 2020

Strategies to increase personal wellness and resilience are being increasingly promoted by organisations as a response to occupational burnout. Thought leaders in burnout research believe that this approach is unlikely to be effective as it does not address the underlying causes of burnout which is poor workplace design.
Freezing of edible flowers: Effect on microbial and antioxidant quality during storage
Authors: Fernandes Luana , Casal Susana , Pereira José Alberto , Pereira Ermelinda Lopes , Saraiva Jorge A. , Ramalhosa Elsa
Published: March 2020

Edible flowers are a new gourmet product; however, they are not always available all years. Thus, it is essential to find out technologies to guarantee this product for a longer time. Flowers of four species (borage [Borago officinalis], heartsease [Viola tricolor], kalanchoe [Kalanchoe blossfeldiana], and dandelion [Taraxacum officinale]) were subjected to freezing (in their natural form and in ice cubes) and analyzed in terms of visual appearance, the content of flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, phenolics, antioxidant activity (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power), and microbial quality after storage for 1 and 3 months. Flowers in ice cubes showed similar appearance to fresh ones during the 3 months of storage, whereas frozen flowers were only equivalent up to 1 month with the exception of kalanchoe. Even though flowers in ice cubes showed good appearance after 3 months of storage, they had the lowest values of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. On the contrary, when frozen, the content of bioactive compounds maintained or even increased up to 1 month of storage compared to fresh flowers, except for borage. Furthermore, in both freezing treatments, the microorganisms’ counts decreased or maintained when compared to fresh samples, except in dandelion. In general, both treatments may allow keeping the flowers after their flowering times.

Practical Application

The market of edible flowers is increasing, although they are a very perishable product with short shelf‐life. Edible flowers are stored in the cold (frozen or in ice cubes); however, the effect on the bioactive compounds and microbial quality that this treatment may have on borage (Borago officinalis), heartsease (Viola tricolor), kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flowers is unknown. So, the present study was conducted to increase the knowledge about the changes that freezing treatments may have in different edible flowers. The results of the present study underline that each flower has different behavior at frozen and ice cubes storage. However, freezing flowers maintain/increase the contents of bioactive compounds, while ice cubes not. Both treatments are effective in protecting flowers from microorganism growth. So, suggesting that both freezing treatments can be used as a preservative method and may allow keeping the flowers after their flowering times.
Application of monoclonal antibodies in quantifying fungal growth dynamics during aerobic spoilage of silage
Authors: Le Cocq Kate , Brown Bethany , Hodgson Christopher J. , McFadzean Jamie , Horrocks Claire A. , Lee Michael R. F. , Davies David R.
Published: March 2020

Proliferation of filamentous fungi following ingress of oxygen to silage is an important cause of dry matter losses, resulting in significant waste. In addition, the production of mycotoxins by some filamentous fungi poses a risk to animal health through mycotoxicosis. Quantitative assessment of fungal growth in silage, through measurement of ergosterol content, colony‐forming units or temperature increase is limiting in representing fungal growth dynamics during aerobic spoilage due to being deficient in either representing fungal biomass or being able to identify specific genera. Here, we conducted a controlled environment aerobic exposure experiment to test the efficacy of a monoclonal antibody‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the proliferation of fungal biomass in six silage samples. We compared this to temperature which has been traditionally deployed in such experiments and on‐farm to detect aerobic deterioration. In addition, we quantified ergosterol, a second marker of fungal biomass. After 8 days post‐aerobic exposure, the ergosterol and ELISA methods indicated an increase in fungal biomass in one of the samples with a temperature increase observed after 16 days. A comparison of the methods with Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a positive association between temperature and ergosterol and both markers of fungal biomass. This work indicates that the technology has potential to be used as an indicator of microbial degradation in preserved forage. Consequently, if it developed as an on‐farm technique, this could inform forage management decisions made by farmers, with the goal of decreasing dry matter losses, improving resource and nutrient efficiency and reducing risks to animal health.
The Utility of Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma Enhanced Physical Examination in Children With Blunt Torso Trauma
Authors: Kornblith Aaron E. , Graf Jahanara , Addo Newton , Newton Christopher , Callcut Rachael , Grupp‐Phelan Jacqueline , Jaffe David M.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Computed tomography (CT), the reference standard for diagnosis of intraabdominal injury (IAI), carries risk including ionizing radiation. CT‐sparing clinical decision rules for children have relied heavily on physical examination, but they did not include focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST), which has emerged into widespread use during the past decade. We sought to determine the independent associations of physical examination, laboratory studies, and FAST with identification of IAI in children and to compare the test characteristics of these diagnostic variables. We hypothesized that FAST may add incremental utility to a physical examination alone to more accurately identify children who could forgo CT scan.

Methods

We reviewed a large trauma database of all children with blunt torso trauma presenting to a freestanding pediatric emergency department during a 20‐month period. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association of FAST, physical examination, and selected laboratory data with IAI in children, and we compared the test characteristics of these variables.

Results

Among 354 children, 50 (14%) had IAI. Positive FAST (odds ratio [OR] = 14.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.5 to 30.8) and positive physical examination (OR = 15.2, 95% CI = 7.7 to 31.7) were identified as independent predictors for IAI. Physical examination and FAST each had sensitivities of 74% (95% CI = 60% to 85%). Combining FAST and physical examination as FAST‐enhanced physical examination (exFAST) improved sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) over either test alone (sensitivity = 88%, 95% CI = 76% to 96%) and NPV of 97.3% (95% CI = 94.5% to 98.7%).

Conclusions

In children, FAST and physical examinations each predicted the identification of IAI. However, the combination of the two (exFAST) had greater sensitivity and NPV than either physical examination or FAST alone. This supports the use of exFAST in refining clinical predication rules in children with blunt torso trauma.
Assessing effects of oxytocin on alcohol consumption in socially housed prairie voles using radio frequency tracking
Authors: Walcott Andre T. , Ryabinin Andrey E.
Published: March 2020

Alcohol use disorder affects millions of people each year. Currently approved pharmacotherapies have limited success in treating this disorder. Evidence suggests that this lack of success is partly due to how these pharmacotherapies are tested in preclinical settings. The vast majority of preclinical studies assessing the effects of pharmacotherapies on alcohol or drug self‐administration are done in individually housed animals. However, it is known that alcohol and drug intake are heavily influenced by social settings. Here, we adapted radio frequency tracking technology to determine the effects of oxytocin, a potential therapy for alcohol use disorder, on alcohol consumption in socially housed male and female prairie voles. Voluntary alcohol consumption in these animals resulted in high daily alcohol intakes, blood ethanol concentrations that are considered intoxicating, and central changes in FosB immunoreactivity, indicative of changes in neural activity. Prairie voles that received oxytocin temporarily reduced alcohol consumption but not alcohol preference, compared with control prairie voles regardless whether their cagemates received a similar treatment or not. Our results demonstrate that oxytocin can decrease consummatory behaviors in the presence of peers that are not receiving this treatment, and therefore, its potential use in clinical trials is warranted. Moreover, effectiveness of other pharmacotherapies in preclinical studies can be tested in mixed‐treatment socially housed animals similarly to clinical studies in humans.
An artificial bird nest experiment in urban environments: Lessons from a school‐based citizen science programme
Authors: Gracanin Ana , Roger Erin , Katsis Andrew C. , O’Loughlin Luke S. , Emery Nathan J. , Ocock Joanne F. , O’Hanlon James C.
Published: March 2020

Maintaining suitable vegetation within urban environments is crucial for wildlife conservation in the face of anthropogenic habitat change. Here, we report on a citizen science project, involving students from seven schools across south‐eastern Australia, that investigated the effectiveness of urban vegetation as habitat for bird nests. The ‘nest concealment hypothesis’ posits that vegetation should obscure the nest from predator detection, thus reducing the likelihood of predation. To test this, participating school‐aged citizen scientists constructed artificial nests, which were placed in garden trees within school grounds and monitored for signs of predation. We found no evidence to support the nest concealment hypothesis, with no relationship between the density of vegetation immediately surrounding a nest and its likelihood of predation (binomial model:

 = 1.714, P = 0.190). It was observed that 80% of the nests experienced predation. This aligns with mounting evidence suggesting that other factors, such as olfaction and adult defence, may be more important factors in the protection of bird nests. It is important to note that artificial nests are unreliable, and therefore, the veracity of the overall conclusions is limited. However, in conducting this experiment, we demonstrate the suitability of this method as a school‐based citizen science activity. This study exemplifies that field‐based experiments can used to engage future generations with conservation science.
New evidence of unexpectedly high animal density and diet diversity will benefit the conservation of the Critically Endangered western ringtail possum
Authors: Mathieson Temika J. , Close Paul G. , Van Helden Bronte E. , Speldewinde Peter C. , Comer Sarah J.
Published: March 2020

A comprehensive and contemporary understanding of habitat and resource requirements has been critical to the conservation of multiple taxa and ecosystems globally. Until recently, much of the ecological knowledge that contributes to conservation priorities and strategies for the Critically Endangered western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) was largely derived from decades‐old observations in peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) and marri‐jarrah (Corymbia calophylla and Eucalyptus marginanta) woodlands in the northern parts of the species range. These observations do not account for more recent evidence of their flexible use of habitat resources in other regions of its range. This may represent a significant conservation opportunity for the species through the identification of additional habitats that warrant protection. In a region where knowledge of their ecology is scarce, we used scat analysis and quantitative spotlighting to determine the diet and density of western ringtail possums in three vegetation types: peppermint, sheoak (Allocasuarina fraseriana) and marri‐eucalypt (C. calophylla, E. marginanta and Eucalyptus staerii) woodlands. Given the species’ reported dependence on peppermint woodlands and dominant canopy species for food sources, we hypothesised that western ringtail possums would be most abundant in this habitat type and that their diet would comprise the foliage of few (≤2 species) canopy species. We found western ringtail possums consumed a higher diversity of plant species than expected (8–14), exhibited dietary preference for non‐dominant canopy species and were present in all sampled vegetation types at substantially higher densities than previously recorded for the region (as high as 17 possums ha−1). Our results confirm (i) the western ringtail possum is flexible in its use of habitat resources and (ii) the significant conservation value of sheoak and marri‐eucalypt woodlands in the southernmost portion of its distribution.
Application of a microdosed cocktail of 3 oral factor Xa inhibitors to study drug–drug interactions with different perpetrator drugs
Authors: Mikus Gerd , Foerster Kathrin I. , Schaumaeker Marlene , Lehmann Marie‐Louise , Burhenne Jürgen , Haefeli Walter E.
Published: March 2020

Aims

Using 3 different perpetrators the impact of voriconazole, cobicistat and rifampicin (single dose), we evaluated the suitability of a microdose cocktail of factor Xa inhibitors (FXaI; rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban; 100 μg in total) to study drug–drug interactions.

Methods

Three cohorts of 6 healthy volunteers received 2 treatments with microdoses of rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban alone and with coadministration of 1 of the perpetrators. Plasma and urine concentrations of microdosed apixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban were quantified using a validated ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with a lower limit of quantification of 2.5 pg/mL.

Results

Voriconazole caused only a minor interaction with apixaban and rivaroxaban, none with edoxaban. Cobicistat significantly increased exposure of all 3 FXaI with area under the plasma concentration–time curve ratios of 1.67 (apixaban), 1.74 (edoxaban) and 2.0 (rivaroxaban). A single dose of rifampicin decreased the volume of distribution and elimination half‐life of all 3 FXaI.

Conclusions

The microdosed FXaI cocktail approach is able to generate drug interaction data and can help elucidating the mechanism involved in the clearance of the different victim drugs. This is a safe approach to concurrently study drug–drug interactions with a drug class. (EudraCT 2016–003024‐23).
Multiple directorships in emerging countries: Fiduciary duties at stake?
Authors: Latif Bilal , Voordeckers Wim , Lambrechts Frank , Hendriks Walter
Published: March 2020

This study investigates the effect of multiple directorships on firm performance, using a database of non‐financial firms listed on the Pakistan stock exchange. Prior literature provides inconsistent evidence on the relationship between multiple directorships and firm performance in an emerging country context, which may be the result of overlooking both the large differences in institutional environments among emerging countries and the dynamic endogenous relationships between board variables and firm performance. We aim to contribute to this academic debate by focusing on directorship appointments to multiple boards in a weak institutional context. Corporate governance practices, such as boards with outside directors exercising their fiduciary duties, are crucial for effective governance in weak institutional environments. However, serving in multiple directorships is expected to compromise the execution of director duties. Using a dynamic system Generalized Method of Moments model, our findings show, indeed, a negative effect of multiple directorships on firm performance in a weak institutional environment. Building on the premise that corporate governance is conditional in nature, we also tested the moderating influence of firm size on this relationship, but we did not find supporting evidence in a dynamic model setting. Our results have important practical implications for policy makers as well as firms.