bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐Modification of the Ethene Bridge in the Rational Design of Photochromic Diarylethenes
Authors: Lvov Andrey G. , Yokoyama Yasushi , Shirinian Valerii Z.
Published: May 2019

Fine‐tuning of the molecular structure of organic bistable compounds to improve their photochromic performance or to introduce additional functions remains an important issue in the development of photoresponsive materials. Diarylethenes bearing heterocyclic moieties belong to the most intensively studied class of organic photochromes due to their excellent photochemical properties. A huge number of diarylethenes have been synthesized so far. Analysis of the literature data shows that there are very worthy examples of diarylethenes developed by the Irie and Feringa groups, which can be the common starting material for a number of diarylethenes functionalized in hetaryl moieties. We refer to these structures as photochromic diarylethene precursors. These diarylethenes have proved to be very useful in the construction of functional molecules with desired properties. On the other hand, in our groups, we have elaborated on diarylethene precursors with modifiable ethene bridges. In this review, we have collected examples of such structures and their chemical modifications, leading to the improvement or fine‐tuning of photochromic switching.
Study of biogas slurry concentrated by reverse osmosis system: characteristics, optimization, and mechanism
Authors: Zheng Tianxiang , Qiu Zonglian , Dai Qizhou , Chen Jianmeng
Published: May 2019

Biogas slurry, also called liquid digestate, refers to the liquid part of the anaerobic digestate produced from the anaerobic digestion process, which is an environmental pollution source if it is discharged without proper treatment. To recover the nutrients in the biogas slurry, a membrane system was designed to concentrate in the work. The effects of pretreatment technology including gravity settling and ultrafiltration process were studied via analyzing the chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH3‐N), total nitrogen (TN), and conductivity. Reverse osmosis was applied in the biogas slurry concentration. The performance of reverse osmosis membrane used in the concentration process was studied by analyzing the permeate and concentrate (retentate), the volume reduction factor, and the concentration factor. The suitable parameters were selected as 20.0‐25.0°C for influent temperature, 0.8‐1.0Mpa for operating pressure, and 6.0‐8.0 for influent pH. Furthermore, the feasible concentration factor was evaluated as 4. The economic, environmental, and social benefits could be gained if (concentrated) biogas slurry was used as an alternative to chemical fertilizers.

Practitioner points

Reverse osmosis system was established for biogas slurry concentrating.

The operational factors were optimized on biogas slurry concentrating and separation.

The biogas slurry separation mechanism was discussed.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of PTSD: study design and rationale for phase 3 trials based on pooled analysis of six phase 2 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mithoefer Michael C. , Feduccia Allison A. , Jerome Lisa , Mithoefer Anne , Wagner Mark , Walsh Zach , Hamilton Scott , Yazar-Klosinski Berra , Emerson Amy , Doblin Rick
Published: May 2019

Background

Posttraumatic stress disorder is a prevalent mental health condition with substantial impact on daily functioning that lacks sufficient treatment options. Here we evaluate six phase 2 trials in a pooled analysis to determine the study design for phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.

Methods

Six randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials at five study sites were conducted from April 2004 to February 2017. Active doses of MDMA (75–125 mg, n = 72) or placebo/control doses (0–40 mg, n = 31) were administered to individuals with PTSD during manualized psychotherapy sessions in two or three 8-h sessions spaced a month apart. Three non-drug 90-min therapy sessions preceded the first MDMA exposure, and three to four followed each experimental session.

Results

After two blinded experimental sessions, the active group had significantly greater reductions in CAPS-IV total scores from baseline than the control group [MMRM estimated mean difference (SE) between groups − 22.0 (5.17), P < 0.001]. The between-group Cohen’s d effect size was 0.8, indicating a large treatment effect. After two experimental sessions, more participants in the active group (54.2%) did not meet CAPS-IV PTSD diagnostic criteria than the control group (22.6%). Depression symptom improvement on the BDI-II was greatest for the active group compared to the control group, although only trended towards significant group differences [MMRM, estimated mean difference (SE) between groups − 6.0 (3.03), P = 0.053]. All doses of MDMA were well tolerated, with some expected reactions occurring at greater frequency for the active MDMA group during experimental sessions and the 7 days following.

Conclusions

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy was efficacious and well tolerated in a large sample of adults with PTSD. These studies supported expansion into phase 3 trials and led to FDA granting Breakthrough Therapy designation for this promising treatment.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00090064, NCT00353938, NCT01958593, NCT01211405, NCT01689740, NCT01793610.
Peritoneal Flap Hernioplasty for Reconstruction of Large Ventral Hernias: Long‐Term Outcome in 251 Patients
Authors: Nielsen Michael Festersen , de Beaux Andrew , Tulloh Bruce
Published: May 2019

Background

Repair of large ventral hernias is challenging when primary fascial closure cannot be achieved. The peritoneal flap hernioplasty, a modification of the Rives‐Stoppa retromuscular mesh repair, addresses this problem by using the hernial sac to bridge the fascial gap and isolate the mesh from both the intraperitoneal contents and the subcutaneous space. It is applicable to both midline and transverse hernias. We report the results from our institution using this repair based on a retrospective review of 251 cases.

Methods

Patients undergoing peritoneal flap hernioplasty repair from January 1, 2010–December 31, 2014 were identified from the Lothian Surgical Audit system, a prospectively maintained computer database of all surgical procedures in the Edinburgh region of southeast Scotland. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, location of the hernia and surgical treatment were obtained from the hospital case‐notes. Follow‐up consisted of a clinical consultation 3 months postoperatively and a retrospective review of patient files completed December 2018. Patients presenting signs of complications were assessed during a clinical review.

Results

Two hundred and fifty‐one patients underwent incisional hernia repair, 68.1% in the midline and 31.9% arising through transverse incisions. Forty‐three of these (17%) were recurrences referred from other centers. Mean BMI was 32.1 kg/m2 (range 20–59.4 kg/m2). Mean defect width was 9.2 ± 4.2 cm (range 2.5–24.2 cm). Mean mesh size was 752 cm2 (range 150–1760 cm2). Some form of abdominoplasty was performed in 59% of cases. Mean postoperative stay was 6.3 days (range 1–33 days). Mean follow‐up time was 75 months (range 44–104 months). Fifty‐three patients (21.1%) developed postoperative complications. Three (1.2%) developed superficial skin necrosis and 27 (10.8%) a superficial wound infection, but none developed deep mesh infection. Twelve (4.8%) developed symptomatic seroma and 11 (4.4%) a hematoma requiring surgical intervention. Seven (2.8%) patients developed recurrence within the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Peritoneal flap hernioplasty is an excellent and versatile method for reconstruction of large ventral hernias arising in both midline and transverse incisions. The technique is safe and associated with few complications and a very low recurrence rate.
Prophylactic Pancreatectomies Carry Prohibitive Mortality at Low‐Volume Centers: A California Cancer Registry Study
Authors: Callahan Ann Falor , Ituarte Philip H. G. , Goldstein Leanne , Warner Susanne G. , Woo Yanghee , Singh Gagandeep , Fong Yuman , Melstrom Laleh G.
Published: May 2019

Background

Pancreatectomy for malignancy is associated with improved outcomes when performed at high‐volume centers. The goal of this study was to assess pancreatectomy outcomes for premalignant cystic lesions as a function of hospital volume.

Methods

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) was queried for all pancreatectomies performed in California from 2003 to 2011. Cases were stratified, separating benign versus malignant disease. Hospitals were categorized as low‐volume (≤25 pancreatectomies/year; LV) or high‐volume (>25; HV) centers. Perioperative morbidity, mortality, and length of stay were compared in HV vs. LV centers.

Results

There were 7554 pancreatectomies performed in 201 hospitals during the study period, where 5652 (75%) procedures were performed for malignancy, 338 (4%) for chronic pancreatitis, and 1564 (21%) for benign/premalignant cysts. The majority of pancreatectomies for cystic disease were performed at LV centers (65%). There were no significant differences in length of stay (7 vs. 8 days; p = 0.6) or 90‐day readmission rates (12.8% vs. 12.9%; p = 1.0) in HV versus LV centers. However, there were higher surgical (46.2% LV vs. 41.1% HV, p = 0.05) and medical (13.3% LV vs. 9.2% HV; p = 0.017) complications at LV centers. Most importantly, there was a fourfold higher in‐hospital mortality at LV centers (2.36% vs. 0.55%; p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Pancreatic resection for benign lesions at HV hospitals is associated with significantly lower morbidity and mortality, suggesting that when feasible, patients should seek care at high‐volume centers for these semi‐elective surgeries.
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Natural Outcome of Vocal Fold Paresis in 920 Thyroid Operations with Routine Pre‐ and Postoperative Laryngoscopic Evaluation
Authors: Heikkinen Maria , Mäkinen Kimmo , Penttilä Elina , Qvarnström Mari , Kemppainen Tatu , Löppönen Heikki , Kärkkäinen Jussi M.
Published: May 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and spontaneous recovery rate of vocal fold paresis (VFP) with routine laryngoscopy before and after thyroid surgery.

Methods

All consecutive patients undergoing primary or redo thyroid surgery between years 2011–2016 were prospectively registered in an electronic database, and scheduled for pre‐ and postoperative laryngoscopic vocal fold inspection by otolaryngologists independently of the surgical team.

Results

A total of 920 thyroid operations with 1296 nerves at risk were performed in 866 patients. Pre‐ and postoperative laryngoscopy was done in 95% and 98%, respectively. Preoperative VFP was detected in 24 (2.8%) patients. New postoperative VFP was found in 53 of 920 operations (5.8%) and in 55 of 1296 nerves at risk (4.2%). After 12 months, 14 had recovered full vocal fold function and eight had near‐complete recovery. VFP was permanent after 29 operations (3.2%); two patients were lost to follow‐up with uncertain outcome. Of the 1296 nerves at risk, injury was permanent in 30 (2.3%). In multivariate analysis, patients operated for recurrent goiter had nearly nine times higher risk of new VFP (23% rate), whereas patients with malignant histology had three times higher risk of postoperative VFP (up to 22% rate).

Conclusion

VFP continues to be a serious complication of thyroid surgery, especially in operations for redo goiter and thyroid malignancy. The incidence of VFP may be underestimated unless laryngoscopic examinations are performed routinely.
The Real and the Ideal: Essays on International Relations in Honor of Richard H. Ullman. Edited by Anthony Lake and David Ochmanek. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2001. 320p. $45.00.
Authors: Elman Miriam Fendius
Published: May 2019

This collection of essays celebrates more than four decades of international relations research by the distinguished scholar and practitioner Richard H. Ullman. The book demonstrates the dilemma faced by the organizers of a Festschrift for a prolific author with wide-ranging interests: Should the chapters focus on, and collectively do justice to, one topic alone; or should the book take a wide-ranging approach that is more representative of the broad spectrum of subjects analyzed by the honoree? The editors of this volume have some success in following both routes simultaneously, albeit with some necessary trade-offs.
The International Politics of East Africa. By Robert Pinkney. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2001. 242p. $74.95 cloth, $24.95 paper.
Authors: Welch Claude
Published: May 2019

Robert Pinkney, a respected British Africanist, takes on an ambitious task: examining the interaction of three Anglophone states (Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania) with the international community since independence, but primarily since the end of the Cold War opened up new avenues for mutual influence.
Competing for Capital: Europe and North America in a Global Era. By Kenneth P. Thomas. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2000. 333p. $65.00.
Authors: Watson Alison M. S.
Published: May 2019

Much has been written over the years about the impact of increasing levels of capital mobility both on national governments and on the international economic system as a whole. Owners of capital can now “shop” among a variety of economies for the investment climate that suits their needs most—lower inflation, better interest rates, less restrictive labor policies, and so on. In this sense, the increase in capital mobility over the last few decades has meant that investors (particularly large investors) are no longer restricted to searching for investment opportunities in their domestic economy. Thus, domestic economic policy must increasingly accommodate the needs of the international marketplace.
The Outsider: Prejudice and Politics in Italy. By Paul M. Sniderman, Pierangelo Peri, Rui J. P. de Figueiredo, Jr., and Thomas Piazza. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2000. 218p. $29.95.
Authors: Koff Harlan
Published: May 2019

The Outsider is a study of prejudicial attitudes toward migrants in Italy. The book contributes to the study of public reactions to non-European Union immigration because it statistically analyzes opinions that are usually addressed descriptively. Moreover, the work correctly studies the interaction between individual and social responses to migration. However, the overall contribution of this book to the comparative literature on xenophobia in Europe is limited by serious theoretical and methodological flaws.
The Origins of Nonliberal Capitalism: Germany and Japan in Comparison. Edited by Wolfgang Streeck and Kozo Yamamura. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2001. 304p. $45.00 cloth.
Authors: Deeg Richard
Published: May 2019

Motivated originally by a concern for the future of the German and Japanese economic models, the authors in this volume actually probe the origins and evolution of these two varieties of nonliberal capitalism. German and Japanese capitalism is nonliberal in that the economies of these countries are more socially and politically regulated than are their Anglo-American counterparts. Markets are also more “embedded” to the degree that economic transactions are also constrained to serve noneconomic objectives, such as social cohesion, or are supported by noneconomic social ties. Embeddedness, it is argued, creates higher levels of “committed labor” and “patient capital” and thus a long-term focus (and cooperation based on loyalty and trust) in economic relations among actors. One of the more intriguing findings of the volume is that formally, very different institutions generate functionally equivalent outcomes and systemic logics across the two cases.
CODES, S-STRUCTURES, AND EXCEPTIONAL LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: CUNHA ISABEL , ELDUQUE ALBERTO
Published: May 2019

The exceptional simple Lie algebras of types E7 and E8 are endowed with optimal
$\mathsf{SL}_2^n$
-structures, and are thus described in terms of the corresponding coordinate algebras. These are nonassociative algebras which much resemble the so-called code algebras.
Improving soil carbon pool, soil fertility and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in low-fertile tropical Alfisols by combining fertilizers with slow-decomposing organic amendments
Authors: Chathurika J. A. S. , Kumaragamage D. , Indraratne S. P. , Dandeniya W. S.
Published: May 2019

Amendment of recalcitrant organic materials with high carbon/nitrogen (C/N)-ratio may improve and maintain soil labile C for a longer period, thus enhancing the productivity of soils with low fertility; however, immobilization of N may affect the plant growth negatively. To reduce the negative impacts, recalcitrant organic materials can be pre-incubated with N-rich sources or applied in combination with fertilizers. The current study evaluated sawdust biochar (BC) and pre-incubated cattle manure–sawdust mixture (CS) amendments with synthetic fertilizers in improving soil carbon pool, soil fertility and maize (Zea mays L.) yield on a tropical Alfisol. Four treatments: control, site-specific fertilizer (SSF), site-specific fertilizer with sawdust biochar (BC + SSF) or pre-incubated cattle manure-sawdust mixture (CS + SSF), were evaluated for two seasons with maize. The residual effect was evaluated in the third season. During the year of active C application, lability index, C management index and potentially mineralizable N were significantly greater in CS + SSF than BC + SSF treatment. However, the same indices measured in the third season with no further application of amendments were significantly greater in BC + SSF than in CS + SSF treatment, indicating an increase in more recalcitrant C pool with BC amendment. Application of organic amendments improved soil fertility parameters compared with the application of fertilizer alone. Maize yield was significantly increased by fertilizer, with or without organic amendments; with significantly greater yield in BC + SSF than other treatments. Results suggest that soil amendment with BC had greater potential to improve the soil carbon pool and maintain labile carbon for a longer period than a pre-incubated CS.
One-year all-cause mortality for 338 patients admitted with epistaxis in a large tertiary ENT centre
Authors: Corr M J , Tikka T , Douglas C M , Marshall J
Published: May 2019

Objective

Epistaxis is the most common ENT emergency. This study aimed to assess one-year mortality rates in patients admitted to a large teaching hospital.

Method

This study was a retrospective case note analysis of all patients admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow with epistaxis over a 12-month period.

Results

The one-year overall mortality for a patient admitted with epistaxis was 9.8 per cent. The patients who died were older (mean age 77.2 vs 68.8 years; p = 0.002), had a higher Cumulative Illness Rating Scale-Geriatric score (9.9 vs 6.7; p < 0.001) and had a higher performance status score (2 or higher vs less than 2; p < 0.001). Other risk factors were a low admission haemoglobin level (less than 128 g/dl vs 128 g/dl or higher; p = 0.025), abnormal coagulation (p = 0.004), low albumin (less than 36 g/l vs more than 36 g/l; p < 0.001) and longer length of stay (p = 0.046).

Conclusion

There are a number of risk factors associated with increased mortality after admission with epistaxis. This information could help with risk stratification of patients at admission and enable the appropriate patient support to be arranged.
Chaotic neurons and analog computation
Authors: Aihara Kazuyuki , Kyung Ryeu Jun
Published: May 2019

Chaotic dynamics can be related to analog computation. A possibility of electronically implementing the chaos-driven contracting system in the target article is explored with an analog electronic circuit with inevitable noise from the viewpoint of analog computation with chaotic neurons.
Editorial commentary
Authors: Harnad Stevan
Published: May 2019

Let us simplify the problem of “consciousness” or “visual consciousness”: Seeing is feeling. The difference between an optical transducer/effector that merely interacts with optical input, and a conscious system that sees, is that there is something it feels like for that conscious system to see, and that system feels that feeling. All talk about “internal representations” and internal or external difference registration or detection, and so on, is beside the point. The point is that what is seen is felt, not merely registered, processed, and acted upon. To explain consciousness in terms of sensorimotor action, one has to explain why and how any of that processing is felt; otherwise one is merely giving an optokinetic explanation of I/O (Input/Ouput) capacities (and of whether those capacities are actually or optimally generated by sensorimotor contingency processors, analog representations, symbolic representations, or other forms of internal structure/process), not of the fact that they are felt. Nor will it do to say “qualia are illusions.” Qualia are feelings. Am I under the illusion that I am seeing (i.e., feeling) something right now? What is the truth then? That I am not feeling, but merely acting? No, I'm afraid Descartes had it right. Certain things are not open to doubt. They either need to be explained, or passed over in silence, in favor of the unfelt correlated functions that we can explain (Harnad 1995; 2000; 2001).
Perceptual filling-in and the resonant binding of distributed cortical representations
Authors: Vladusich Tony
Published: May 2019

Pessoa et al. (1998a) summarize a wide body of data suggesting that perceptual filling-in phenomena can be attributed to neural filling-in processes. However, they reject, on philosophical grounds, the hypothesis that filled-in representations in the brain are the immediate substrate of visual percepts. It is proposed in this commentary that resonant binding between distributed cortical areas may instead be the crucial ingredient for conscious visual percepts, and that filling-in processes may facilitate the interactions between behaving organisms and object surfaces. These suggestions circumvent some of the philosophical problems associated with the idea of localized visual representations.
Multiple and variant time scales in dynamic information processing
Authors: Dinse Hubert R.
Published: May 2019

Single cell receptive field dynamics characterized by highly complicated spatio-temporal activity distributions observable during sensory information processing transforms into much simpler spatio-temporal activity pattern at a population level, indicating a qualitative transformational step of time-variant processing from microscopic to mesoscopic levels. As these dynamics are subject to significant modifications during learning, dynamic information processing is in a permanent state of use-dependent fluctuations.
Chaotic itinerancy needs embodied cognition to explain memory dynamics
Authors: Ikegami Takashi , Tani Jun
Published: May 2019

Memory dynamics need both stable and unstable properties simultaneously. Hence memory dynamics cannot be simulated by chaotic itinerant dynamics alone, with no real world correspondence. Memory dynamics are constrained by both semantics and causalities in the embodied cognition.
The noise of chaos
Authors: Kowalik Zbigniew J.
Published: May 2019

When theoreticians talk about noise, they frequently forget about the idealization coupled with this term. Another implicit and rarely mentioned assumption is that the tools of mathematics used are idealizations, too. Though some of Tsuda's ideas are similar to mine (e.g., we both believe that nonlinearity is one of the main reasons why the brain works the way it does; Kowalik et al. 1996), some critical remarks are in order.
The CHREST model of active perception and its role in problem solving
Authors: Lane Peter C. R. , Cheng Peter C-H. , Gobet Fernand
Published: May 2019

We discuss the relation of the Theory of Event Coding (TEC) to a computational model of expert perception, CHREST, based on the chunking theory. TEC's status as a verbal theory leaves several questions unanswerable, such as the precise nature of internal representations used, or the degree of learning required to obtain a particular level of competence: CHREST may help answer such questions.
Network stabilization on unstable manifolds: Computing with middle layer transients
Authors: Mandell Arnold J. , Selz Karen A.
Published: May 2019

Studies have failed to yield definitive evidence for the existence and/or role of well-defined chaotic attractors in real brain systems. Tsuda's transients stabilized on unstable manifolds of unstable fixed points using mechanisms similar to Ott's algorithmic “control of chaos” are demonstrable. Grebogi's order in preserving “strange nonchaotic” attractor with fractal dimension but Lyapounov is suggested for neural network tasks dependent on sequence.
A theory of representation to complement TEC
Authors: Millikan Ruth Garrett
Published: May 2019

The target article can be strengthened by supplementing it with a better theory of mental representation. Given such a theory, there is reason to suppose that, first, even the most primitive representations are mostly of distal affairs; second, the most primitive representations also turn out to be directed two ways at once, both stating facts and directing action.
The role of feedforward control in motor planning
Authors: Olivetti Belardinelli Marta , Basso Demis
Published: May 2019

In dynamical systems models feedforward is needed to guide planning and to process unknown and unpredictable events. Feedforward could help Theory of Event Coding (TEC) integrate control processes and could model human performance in action planning in a more flexible and powerful way.
Does functionalism really deal with the phenomenal side of experience?
Authors: Manzotti Riccardo , Sandini Giulio
Published: May 2019

Sensory motor contingencies belong to a functionalistic framework. Functionalism does not explain why and how objective functional relations produce phenomenal experience. O'Regan & Noë (O&N) as well as other functionalists do not propose a new ontology that could support the first person subjective phenomenal side of experience.
How are events represented?
Authors: Wolters Gezinus , Raffone Antonino
Published: May 2019

We note two important problems in the Theory of Event Coding. First, because the representational format of features and events is unspecified, the theory is difficult to test. Second, the theory lacks a mechanism for the integration of features into an event code when the features are shared by different events. Possible ways of solving these problems are suggested.
Dreaming and the place of consciousness in nature
Authors: Revonsuo Antti
Published: May 2019

The research program defended by O'Regan & Noë (O&N) cannot give any plausible explanation for the fact that during REM-sleep the brain regularly generates subjective experiences (dreams) where visual phenomenology is especially prominent. This internal experience is almost invariably organized in the form of “being-in-the-world.” Dreaming presents a serious unaccountable anomaly for the sensorimotor research program and reveals that some of its fundamental assumptions about the nature of consciousness are questionable.
Change blindness, Gibson, and the sensorimotor theory of vision
Authors: Scholl Brian J. , Simons Daniel J.
Published: May 2019

We suggest that the sensorimotor “theory” of vision is really an unstructured collection of separate ideas, and that much of the evidence cited in its favor at best supports only a subset of these ideas. As an example, we note that work on change blindness does not “vindicate” (or even speak to) much of the sensorimotor framework. Moreover, the ideas themselves are not always internally consistent. Finally, the proposed framework draws on ideas initially espoused by James Gibson, but does little to differentiate itself from those earlier views. For even part of this framework to become testable, it must specify which sources of evidence can support or contradict each of the component hypotheses.
Investing in French Overseas Companies: A Bad Deal? The Liquidation Processes of Companies Operating on the West Coast of Africa and in India (1664–1719)
Authors: Heijmans Elisabeth
Published: May 2019

Although French chartered companies operating on the west coast of Africa and in India followed a similar model of organization, their liquidation processes differed depending of the area of their monopoly. As well as exploring the reasons for the distinction between these two regions of exclusive trade, this article demonstrates that the differing liquidation processes negatively impacted company shareholders in the two regions. Taking the perspective of shareholders farther, it explores the case of a specific investor and the informal economic profits he benefitted from. This approach contributes to deepening our understanding of the French early modern companies’ bankruptcies by examining informal aspects that would not be readily visible from an exclusively institutional point of view.
The Rise and Fall of a Lisbon Family Business, 1710–1773: The Case of the House of Torres
Authors: Salvado João Paulo
Published: May 2019

By weaving the political economy of the Portuguese empire into business history, this article highlights the role of metropolitan and colonial tax farming in the rise and fall of an elite that dominated the business scene in both mainland Portugal and colonial Brazil between roughly 1730 and 1760. It takes the Torres family business as a case study and argues that, while tax farming undoubtedly represented an opportunity to accumulate private wealth, it was also a risky business. Adding to the irregularity of fiscal income, tax farming imposed strict rules on tax farmers, deriving from the legal framework for public finance, while the Crown's policy of seeking to maximize revenue through competitive bidding also increased the risks to which they were exposed. While being highly concentrated on tax farming in Portugal and the South Atlantic empire allowed the Torres family business to amass extraordinary wealth, it also proportionately increased the firm's exposure to those risks, which were then further compounded by a succession problem that eventually led to its demise.
Embryonic-endometrial interactions during early pregnancy in the cow
Authors: Robinson R.S. , Mann G.E. , Lamming G.E. , Wathes D.C.
Published: May 2019

In the cow, the embryo during the first three weeks of pregnancy is free living in the uterine lumen and is dependent on the maternal glandular secretions for its nutritional support. If the environment is appropriate, the embryo will develop sufficiently to prevent luteolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of factors involved in embryonic-endometrial interactions during early pregnancy. Uterine horn sections were collected from 17 pregnant (PREG), 9 inseminated but no embryo present and 10 uninseminated cyclic control cows on days 12, 14, 16 and 18 after natural oestrus. The latter two groups were combined to form a single non-pregnant (NP) group. Trophoblast sections were also collected from the day 14, 16 and 18 embryos. The mRNA for interferon tau (IFNτ), oxytocin receptor (OTR), oestrogen receptor a (ER), prostaglandin G/H synthase -2 (PGHS-2), insulin-like growth factor (IGF) -I and IGF binding protein -1 (IGFBP-1) was determined by in situ hybridisation using 45 mer oligonucleotide probes end-labelled with35 S. The optical density (OD) readings were measured from the resulting autoradiographs. The expression of IFNτ mRNA in the trophodectoderm did not vary with embryo age. The expression of OTR mRNA in the luminal epithelium was first detectable on day 14 in 2 out of 5 NP cows and increased thereafter. Conversely, OTR mRNA was undetectable in all PREG cows except for one day 18 cow. In the NP cows, the first significant increase in ER mRNA concentrations in the luminal epithelium was observed on day 16. The pregnancy had no effect on ER mRNA concentrations in the luminal epithelium on days 12 and 14, but was significantly reduced on day 16 and was undetectable by day 18. On day 18, PGHS-2 mRNA was detectable in the luminal epithelium of all cows, but was unaffected by pregnancy status. The expression of IGF-I mRNA in the subepithelial stroma was maintained from days 12 to 18, but was reduced in the day 18 NP cows. IGFBP-1 mRNA concentrations in the luminal epithelium peaked on day 14 in both NP and PREG cows. Thereafter, concentrations declined in the NP group but were maintained in the PREG animals. In conclusion, the suppression of OTR mRNA expression by the embryo does not appear to require the prior suppression of ER mRNA. The continued expression of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 mRNA is likely to play an important role in the establishment of early pregnancy in the cow.
Effect of peri-parturient Monensin supplementation on endocrine and metabolic adaptation to early lactation as well as on postpartum reproduction in dairy cows calving in different body conditions
Authors: Kulcsar M. , Huszenicza Gy. , Korodi P. , Ribiczei-Szabo P. , Bartyik J. , Katai L. , Schmidt J. , Janosi Sz. , Dieleman S. , Nikolic J. A. , Kormanek L. , Rudas P. , Samanc H. , Ivanov I.
Published: May 2019

The consequences of peri-parturient Monensin administration were studied in two dairy herds in ≥ 2 parity HF cows (1) calving in moderate body condition (score, BCS: 3.25-3.75) and producing ≥8500 kg FCM in the previous lactation (Herd K), as well as (2) in those being overfed before calving (BCS: ≥3.75), but producing less milk (5-8000 kg FCM) (Herd S). In both herds on days 249-256 of gestation half of the cows received an intraruminal constant release capsule of Monensin (Rumensin® capsule, ELANCO) (Monensin-K and Monensin-S cows), the others remained untreated controls (Control-K and Control-S cows). Blood samples were taken on day 1-3 after calving and again 4 times with 7 days intervals to assay certain hormones and metabolites. On days 1-3 and again on days 28-35 also the ACTH induced Cortisol response and TRH induced T4/T3 responses were determined. The resumption of ovarian cyclicity was followed by milk progesterone profiles. In the first 10 weeks after calving the milk production of Monensin-K cows (n=13) did not differ from that of Control-K cows (n=14). The cows lost their body weight continuously in the first 10 weeks of lactation in Herd S, whereas only in the first 5 weeks in Herd K. Monensin only slightly influenced the degree of weight loss (on both farms), and the circulating leptin level (determined only in Herd S). Significantly lower insulin, IGF-1, T4, T3, glucose and cholesterol levels as well as less elevated βOH-butyrate and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations were seen in Control-S (n=13) than in Monensin-S (n=ll) cows, first of all in the first two weeks after calving. These ionophor-related differences were less obvious or disappeared in Herd-K. Monensin shortened the postpartum acyclic and anestrous periods as well as the calving to re-conception interval but this effect was significant only in the Herd S.
Copper responsive infertility in British cattle: the use of a blood caeruloplasmin to copper ratio in determining a requirement for copper supplementation
Authors: Kendall N. R. , Illingworth D. V. , Telfer S. B.
Published: May 2019

Signs of clinical copper deficiency in ruminant animals include infertility. Blood copper concentrations alone are not an adequate indicator of copper status, as they take no account of the thiomolybdate challenge to the animal. The use of the ratio of caeruloplasmin activity to plasma copper concentration should provide a better indicator of molybdenum induced copper problems. The objectives of this study were to obtain veterinary feedback on the University of Leeds Trace Element Laboratory's (ULTEL) assessment of copper status and responses to any recommended supplementation. Blood samples from 713 female cattle from 114 herds were assessed for copper status, including plasma copper concentrations, serum caeruloplasmin activities and the ratio between the caeruloplasmin and plasma copper (CP/PlCu ratio). On the basis of only plasma copper analysis 95.0 % of the cattle were classified as being of normal copper status using Veterinary Laboratory Agency reference ranges. However, when the CP/PlCu ratio was also considered only 35.6 % of the cattle would be classed as having normal copper status. Appropriate copper supplementation would be required by 30.7 % of the cattle and a further 27.8 % could also benefit from additional copper. Veterinary responses to a questionnaire (80 % returned) indicated that infertility was a major problem in their clients’ herds. Where copper supplementation was recommended and administered an increase infertility was observed. In herds showing poor or lack ofoestrous behaviour/ later embryo loss (signs of clinical copper deficiency), 91.7 % reported that these signs were reduced by copper supplementation. The relevance of the CP/PlCu ratio as a diagnostic aid in the identification of copper responsive infertility has been supported by the responses of the veterinary surgeons.
Maternal influence on oocyte collection and embryo development after transvaginal puncture and in vitro fertilisation in dairy cows
Authors: Chastant-Maillard S. , Quinton H. , Douar C. , Marchal J. , Richard C. , Heyman Y. , Renard J.P.
Published: May 2019

The aim of the study was to evaluate differences between cows in the “quality” of their oocytes defined as their ability to support embryonic development. Ten cows from the same herd, all primiparous and non-pregnant were submitted for oocyte collection by Ovum-Pick Up (OPU). The oocytes were matured in vitro and fertilised with semen from the same bull. In vitro embryo development, both quantitatively (percentages showing cleavage and forming blastocysts) and qualitatively (differential cell counting in blastocysts) was determined at the blastocyst stage (Day 7). The number of oocytes collected, the number of blastocysts obtained and the blastocyst formation rate varied between cows (P<0.001). The mean percentage of inner cell mass cells tended to higher for embryos derived from one cow. These results provide evidence that the quality of the oocytes was influenced by their maternal origin. Follicular growth also varied between cows.
A meta-analysis of studies of the effect of GnRH 11-14 days after insemination on pregnancy rates in cattle
Authors: Peters A R , Martinez T , Cook A J C
Published: May 2019

The aim of the study was to conduct a meta-analysis of published data on the effect of GnRH analogues given between 11 and 14 days after first insemination, on pregnancy rates of cattle, to ascertain if a consolidated estimate of treatment response could be determined. The results of 18 studies from 13 published papers were analysed. Odds ratios calculated for each study were found to be heterogeneous, i.e. there was significant variation in treatment response among studies, between 0 and 22% improvement in pregnancy rate. Logistic regression analysis showed that five variables affected the outcome of the model, viz., herd type (beef or dairy), age of animal (cow or heifer), oestrus synchronisation and method and time of pregnancy diagnosis. However when all variables were included only 6/13 of the publications could be analysed (2,541 /10,833 animals).
The effects of acute nutritional restriction on LH and oestradiol concentrations, follicle dynamics and fertility in heifers
Authors: Mackey D.R. , Roche J.F. , Sreenan J.M. , Diskin M.G.
Published: May 2019

The effects of acute nutritional change on endocrine and ovarian parameters were studied in two experiments. In both experiments, cyclic beef heifers fed a diet of 1.2 times maintenance (1.2 M) were synchronised using an intravaginal progesterone releasing device which was removed after 8 days. In Experiment 1, heifers were randomly allocated to a diet of either 0.4, 1.2 or 2.0 M one day before progesterone withdrawal. The dominant follicle present at progesterone withdrawal (synchronised DF) failed to ovulate in 2/8 heifers fed 0.4 M, and both growth rate (P<0.05) and maximum diameter (P<0.05) of the first new follicular wave was less than in heifers fed either 1.2 or 2.0 M. There was no effect of diet on LH pulse characteristics at emergence, selection or dominance phases of the first follicle wave of the next cycle (P>0.10). Due to anovulation of the synchronised DF in Experiment 1, a further experiment was conducted (Experiment 2) to examine pro-oestrus oestradiol and LH concentrations at both ovulation of the synchronised DF and prostaglandin-induced ovulation of the first DF of the next cycle (when insemination was performed). All heifers had a pro-oestrus increase in the concentration of oestradiol following progesterone withdrawal, but 2 heifers fed 0.4 M did not have an LH surge and did not ovulate. The first DF after the synchronised DF failed to ovulate in 12/20 heifers fed 0.4 M (P<0.05), always preceded by absence of a pro-oestrus increase in oestradiol and an LH surge. Where heifers ovulated, there was no effect of diet on conception rate. We conclude that acute nutritional restriction of beef heifers caused an immediate suppression in the growth rate and maximum diameter of dominant follicles, but this occurred without any suppression effect on LH pulse characteristics. Restriction to 0.4 M induced anovulation in 60% of heifers within 14 days and this was preceded by the absence of an LH surge. Where ovulation did occur, acute NEB in the final stages of follicle maturation did not appear to affect pregnancy rate.
Comparison of growth and reproduction performance of dairy (Holstein-Friesian) and beef (Belgian Blue) replacement heifers in farms with both types of cattle
Authors: de Behr V. , Gérard O. , Hornick J.L. , Dufrasne I. , Istasse L.
Published: May 2019

In Belgium, both dairy and beef cattle are managed intensively. Three commercial farms owning both a Belgian Blue —double muscled type- suckler beef herd and a Holstein-Friesian dairy herd were surveyed between 1994 and 1998. The aim of the study was to compare growth and reproduction performances of both breeds in a similar farm environment. The replacement heifers of both breeds were kept together until advanced pregnancy. Reproduction data were collected monthly from heifers older than fourteen months. The live weight of the replacement heifers was recorded quarterly until 20 months of age. Breed influenced the growth of replacement heifers at 6, 9 and 12 months (P < 0.001). The growth rate of Belgian Blue heifers was reduced after the age of one year and the live weight difference between breeds was not significant anymore. Belgian Blue heifers were always heavier than Holstein-Friesian heifers. Successfully bred heifers had a greater growth rate than non successfully bred heifers within the Belgian Blue breed. This was significant for the weight at 6 months (P < 0.05) and at 12 months (P < 0.05). Such an effect was not detected for the Holstein-Friesian breed (P > 0.05). Weight was not a limiting factor for fecundity of the Holstein-Friesian heifers. Management policies other than growth performance explained the difference between optimal fecundity and the fecundity index met in this study. Non successfully bred Belgian Blue heifers were lighter than successfully bred animals. Unsufficient weight performance had an impact on fecundity in that breed.
The influence of early familial adversity on adolescent risk behaviors and mental health: Stability and transition in family adversity profiles in a cohort sample
Authors: Wadman Ruth , Hiller Rachel M. , St Clair Michelle C.
Published: May 2019

Although familial adversity is associated with poorer outcomes in childhood and adulthood, little research has looked at the influence of stability or transition between distinct familial adversity subgroups or the impact in adolescence. Using data from the 9-month, 3-, 5-, and 14-year time waves of the Millennium Cohort Study (n > 18,000), we used latent class analysis to identify distinct classes of early familial adversity (marital instability/conflict, “suboptimal” parenting, economic disadvantage, and parental mental health problems) and the impact of these adversity classes on adolescent (a) mental health (including self-harm), (b) risk taking, (c) criminality, and (d) victimization. Four profiles were identified largely differing on economic hardship, family composition, and parental conflict. Across the first three time points, 72% of the sample remained stable, with the remainder transitioning between classes. Adolescents in the higher risk groups (particularly categorized by economic hardship or high parental conflict) had poorer outcomes in adolescence. Transitioning to a higher adversity group at any time in the first 5 years was associated with poorer outcomes but was particularly pronounced when the transition occurred when the child was under 3 years. These findings demonstrate the broad consequences of early familial adversity and the need for targeted early support for at-risk families.
Activating the Research Methods Curriculum: A Blended Flipped Classroom
Authors: van der Zwan Natascha , Afonso Alexandre
Published: May 2019

The blended flipped classroom is a partially online, partially offline course to teach social science research methods. Online, students watch video lectures, do readings, and complete short exercises to acquire basic knowledge of research methodologies and academic skills. Being set up modularly, the online environment offers flexibility regarding not only when to study but also what to study: students choose the methods they find useful for their thesis project. They then apply these methods and skills in a series of face-to-face workshops, which incorporate several forms of active learning, such as small-group work, mini-games, and in-class writing. Although more demanding than a traditional lecture course, the blended flipped classroom has had a positive effect on student performance in the research methods course as well as in subsequent thesis projects.
Valuing Agricultural Mortgage-Backed Securities
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey R. , Brinch Brian M.
Published: May 2019

A model to value Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) agricultural mortgage-backed securities (AMBS) is developed and numerically solved. The results suggest prepayment penalties currently being used by Farmer Mac reduce yields on AMBS considerably. Even with prepayment penalties, it can be advantageous for profit maximizing mortgagors to optimally prepay or even default on agricultural mortgages. The model is used to quantify prepayment and default risk by valuing the embedded options in the mortgages. Monte Carlo simulation is also used to determine the probability of optimal prepayment given the term structure assumption used to develop the model.
The Use of Biophysical and Expected Payoff Probability Simulation Modeling in The Economic Assessment of Brush Management Alternatives
Authors: Schumann Keith D. , Conner J. Richard , Richardson James W. , Stuth Jerry W. , Hamilton Wayne T. , Drawe D. Lynn
Published: May 2019

Woody plant encroachment restricts forage production and capacity to produce grazing livestock. Biophysical plant growth simulation and economic simulation were used to evaluate a prescribed burning range management technique. Modeling systems incorporated management practices and costs, historical climate data, vegetation and soil inventories, livestock production data, and historical regional livestock prices. The process compared baseline non-treatment return estimates to expected change in livestock returns resulting from prescribed burning. Stochastic analyses of production and price variability produced estimates of greater net returns resulting from use of prescribed burning relative to the baseline.