bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of tunneling: Evidence from master limited partnership formations
Authors: Mandell Aaron J.
Published: July 2021

Shareholders of publicly traded subsidiaries are potentially susceptible to expropriation (tunneling) by parent companies (Atanasov et al., 2010). A recent study suggests that this is particularly true among US master limited partnerships (MLPs), where there is often a substantial divergence between the control rights and cash‐flow rights of parent firms, through their general partner interests (Atanassov & Mandell, 2018). Although the negative impact of tunneling on controlled firms is documented in the literature, little is known about the valuation consequences of tunneling for shareholders of parent corporations. Changes to the MLP agency environment over the prior two decades—namely, the allowance of modifications to a fiduciary duty under Delaware law and the introduction of incentive distribution rights—have likely increased the incentive and opportunity for tunneling and provide a rich setting for addressing this question. I examine the effects of changing tunneling incentives on stock returns of parent corporations announcing the formation of MLPs and document significantly higher announcement period returns for MLP formations after these changes, amounting to roughly $188 million of additional value for shareholders of forming corporations, on average. Considered in concert with additional testing, this suggests that parent corporation shareholders benefit from the increased ability to tunnel MLP assets.
Multiple dimensions of bird beta diversity support that mountains are higher in the tropics
Authors: Montaño‐Centellas Flavia , Loiselle Bette A. , McCain Christy
Published: July 2021

Aim

We examine latitudinal effects of breeding bird taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional β‐diversity (Tβ, Pβ and Fβ, respectively) along elevational gradients to test predictions derived from Janzen's (The American Naturalist 101:233–249, 1967) classic ideas that tropical mountains represent stronger dispersal barriers than temperate mountains.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Birds.

Methods

Using a global dataset from 46 mountains, we examine latitudinal patterns of Tβ, Pβ and Fβ, and their components: βrich and βrepl. For each mountain and each dimension of diversity, we calculated (a) total β‐diversity, (b) the steepness of distance decay patterns and (c) within‐mountain variability in pairwise β‐diversity and regressed each one of these response variables against absolute latitude. We predicted that tropical montane biotas would have (a) overall higher Tβ, Pβ and Fβ, (b) faster distance decay patterns and (c) higher within‐mountain variability in pairwise β‐diversity. Furthermore, we expected the richness component βrich to be more important in temperate mountains, and the replacement component βrepl in tropical mountains.

Results

Latitude had a negative effect on total β‐diversity for all dimensions of diversity. Similarly, metrics of Tβ and Pβ mostly agree with our expectations, whereas Fβ showed contrasting results with steeper distance decay curves and higher within‐mountain variability in temperate mountains. Overall, βrich was a more important component at high elevations in the tropics and across elevations in temperate mountains, and βrepl was more important in tropical low and mid‐elevations.

Main Conclusions

Our findings are consistent with tropical mountain assemblages containing species with narrow elevational distributions, low dispersal ability and potentially high allopatric speciation, resulting in high β‐diversity across elevations. Contrasting results for Fβ indicate high niche packing in tropical assemblages, with most changes in functional diversity among assemblages involving species redundant in trait space.
Habitat use and nursery evaluation for the longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) using vertebral microchemistry
Authors: Feitosa Leonardo M. , Queiroz Aristóteles P.N. , Labonne Maylis , Dressler Valderi L. , Lessa Rosangela P.
Published: July 2021

Here, we use vertebral microchemistry to investigate the habitat use patterns of the longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus in the northern and northeastern regions of Brazil, and to evaluate the existence of potential nurseries of the species. Samples were collected in Maranhão, Rio Grande do Norte and Pernambuco states between 2008 and 2019. Trace element concentrations of Ba:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca and Sr:Ca in vertebrae were determined through laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We used one‐step permutational ANOVAs to evaluate multi and single‐element differences in element:Ca ratios among life stages and sexes across and within sites. Element signatures differed among all sites for both single and multi‐element settings. However, there were few differences among life stages within sites, except for Mn:Ca between life stages for Maranhão state, and between sexes for Sr:Ca for both Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte, and Ba:Ca for Rio Grande do Norte. Furthermore, all multi and single‐element analyses across locations were significant and highlight the strong differences by sites. We also performed a nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis, which demonstrated the strong differences for samples from Rio Grande do Norte and the other two sites. By analysing the lifetime transects of each sample, we observed that there was little variation in all element:Ca ratios within sites. Therefore, we argue that the longnose stingray likely does not display extensive habitat use shifts and fulfils much of its life cycle within each area. Finally, we obtained no evidence of nurseries for any site and suggest this is likely a pattern across the species distribution. Future studies investigating habitat use with samples from larger specimens (disc width > 90 cm, >15 years) are needed to better understand the species habitat use patterns across all size ranges.
Design and development of an automated soy chaap making machine
Authors: Mathangi Raja Sekhar , Mangaraj Shukadev
Published: July 2021

Soy chaap is a novel textured soy protein, gaining popularity as the best plant‐based protein. Presently, few entrepreneurs are practicing manual techniques to prepare soy chaap using non‐scientific and inappropriate food standards. So far, no machine is available in the public domain for producing quality soy chaap. Therefore, an automated soy chaap making machine was designed and developed, which works based on the principle of simultaneous pulling, rotation, and longitudinal movement of the skewer. It consists of a gluten extractor, dough sheeter cum cutter, and soy chaap wrapping machine. The gluten extractor comprises two helical screws that develop the dough and separates the gluten. The dough sheeter cum cutter is fabricated to transform the dough into the sheet of a dimension required for the wrapping on the next machine. Finally, the soy chaap wrapping machine is used to wrap the sheet on the skewer to develop soy chaap, which is operated by a microcontroller. The developed machine was tested, and the capacity of the machine was found 5 kg/hr (89% efficiency). The energy requirement per hour for producing soy chaap in frozen and canned form was 2.632 and 3.824 kWh, respectively. The machine's total cost was 3,895.45 USD having the cost of production for frozen and canned chaap was found to be 1.35 and 1.75 USD per kg. The developed machine would be a boon for the micro, small, and medium enterprises and others to produce quality soy chaap while getting a better economic return.

Practical Applications

The present work can extend the utilization of the soybean in developing a novel product. It produces high‐quality soy chaap with high capacity by reducing dependency on inefficient and unhygienic manual methods. This machine development lays a pavement in setting up the micro, small, and medium enterprises and creates employment opportunities.
Identification of the apple spoilage causative fungi and prediction of the spoilage degree using electronic nose
Authors: Guo Zhiming , Guo Chuang , Sun Li , Zuo Min , Chen Quansheng , El‐Seedi Hesham R. , Zou Xiaobo
Published: July 2021

Apple is resistant to storage, but it is susceptible to fungal infection during transportation and storage, resulting in serious losses after harvest. A convenient and nondestructive monitoring method for fungi‐inoculated apples was proposed in this research. Four dominant spoilage fungi, including Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Alternaria alternata, were inoculated on apple samples. The volatile information of samples with different degrees of spoilage was obtained by gas sensors. The pattern recognition methods were compared to classify the fungi and degrees of spoilage. Back propagation‐artificial neural networks (BP‐ANN) had the best identification model result with the highest recognition rates of 95.62 and 99.58% for fungi and spoilage degrees, respectively. The variable selection methods were employed, and variables of the gas sensors data for the prediction of apple spoilage area were optimized. The best prediction models of Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Alternaria alternata were 0.854, 0.939, 0.909, and 0.918, respectively. The results show that the gas sensors can be used as a nondestructive technique in apple fungi infection evaluation. This proposed fruit spoilage detection technology is expected to provide a reference for the early detection of apple spoilage to promote food quality and safety inspection.

Practical Applications

This research used gas sensors to identify the four main spoilage fungi of apples and predicted the spoilage degree of apples using established prediction models. The apple spoilage detection method adopted in this research provides a reference for the early detection of fruit spoilage, which is helpful for apple storage and reduces the economic loss caused by corruption. It is an important measure to help ensure the economic benefits of apple and provide consumers with a large number of high‐quality apple products.
Mortality, sepsis, and organ failure in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis vary by type of infection
Authors: Atteberry Preston , Biederman Benjamin , Jesudian Arun , Lucero Catherine , Brown Robert S. , Verna Elizabeth , Sundaram Vinay , Fortune Brett , Rosenblatt Russell
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim

Infection is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in cirrhosis, but presumably, not all infections carry the same risk of mortality. We compared outcomes of different sites of infection in a nationally representative sample of inpatients with cirrhosis.

Methods

We queried the Nationwide Readmissions Database for patients with cirrhosis from 2011 to 2014. Cirrhosis and infection diagnoses were identified by previously used algorithms of ICD‐9 codes. The following infections were compared: urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, cellulitis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes included sepsis, any organ failure, multiple organ failures, and 30‐day readmission. Outcomes were analyzed using logistic regression and included a priori covariates.

Results

A total of 1 798 830 weighted index admissions were identified. Infection was present in 29.2% overall—including UTI (13.7%), pneumonia (8.9%), cellulitis (5.2%), CDI (2.8%), and SBP (2.0%). Mortality was significantly higher in pneumonia (19.6%), SBP (18.6%), and CDI (17.4%) compared with cellulitis (7.6%) and UTI (11.8%). Sepsis, any, and multiple organ failures were most commonly seen in pneumonia, SBP, and CDI. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that pneumonia had the highest associated mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.73, confidence interval [CI] 2.68–2.80) and multiple organ failures (OR 3.59, CI 3.50–3.68). Significantly increased 30‐day readmission was seen only with SBP (24.9%).

Conclusions

Outcomes of inpatients with cirrhosis vary significantly depending on the type of infection. The severity and epidemiology of infection in cirrhosis appears to be shifting with pneumonia, not SBP, having the highest prevalence of multiple organ failures and inpatient mortality.
Modeling intervertebral articulation: The rotule à doigt mechanical joint (RAD) in birds and mammals
Authors: Abourachid Anick , Gagnier Benoît , Furet Matthieu , Cornette Raphael , Delapre Arnaud , Hackert Remi , Wenger Philippe
Published: July 2021

The vertebrate skeleton is composed of articulated bones. Most of the articulations are classically described using mechanical joints, except the intervertebral joint. The aim of this study was to identify a joint model with the same mechanical features as the cervical joints. On the neck vertebrae, six articular surfaces participate in the joint: the cranial part of the centrum and the facets of the two prezygapophyses of a vertebra articulate on the caudal part of the centrum and the two articular facets of the postzygapophyses of the previous vertebra. We used the intervertebral joints of the birds neck to identify the mechanical joint representing intervertebral linkage. This link was described in the literature as a joint allowing two or three rotations and no translation. These features correspond to the rotule à doigt (RAD) joint, a ball and socket joint with a pin. We compared the RAD joint to the postaxial intervertebral joints of the avian neck and found it a suitable model to determine the geometrical features involved in the joint mobility. The difference in the angles of virtual axes linking the geometrical center of the centrum to the zygapophysis surfaces determines the mean dorsoventral flexion of the joint. It also helps to limit longitudinal rotation. The orientation of the zygapophysis surfaces determines the range of motion in both dorsoventral and lateral flexion. The overall system prevents dislocation. The model was validated on 13 joints of a vulture neck and 11 joints of a swallow neck and on one joint (C6–C7) in each of three mammal species: the wolf (Canis lupus), mole (Talpa europaea), and human (Homo sapiens). The RAD mechanical joint was found in all vertebral articulations. This validation of the model on different species shows that the RAD intervertebral joint model makes it possible to extract the parameters that guide and limit the mobility of the cervical spine from the complex shape of the vertebrae and to compare them in interspecific studies.
Causal mediation analysis in economics: Objectives, assumptions, models
Authors: Celli Viviana
Published: July 2021

Mediation analysis aims at identifying and evaluating the mechanisms through which treatment affects an outcome. The goal is to disentangle the total treatment effect into two components: the indirect effect that occurs due to one or more intermediate variables, known as mediators, and the direct effect that captures all other possible explanations for why a treatment works. This paper reviews the methodological advancements in the literature on causal mediation in economics, specifically quasi‐experimental designs. I define the parameters of interest, the main assumptions and the identification strategies under the counterfactual approach, and present the Instrumental Variables (IV), Difference‐in‐Differences (DID), and Synthetic Control (SC) methods.
Healthcare systems and professionals are key to improving health literacy in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Dinh Ha T. T. , Nguyen Nguyet T. , Bonner Ann
Published: July 2021

Background

Comorbidity is prevalent in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and this status burdens one's health literacy skills to understand about their health, make decisions, and to adhere with treatment.

Objectives

To examine health literacy in people with CKD and comorbidities.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted between November 2018 and April 2019.

Participants

Convenience sampling recruited 367 adults with CKD and at least one comorbid disease.

Measurements

Data were collected using the 9‐domain Health Literacy Questionnaire. Demographic and clinical characteristics were also collected. Charlson Comorbidity Index calculated comorbidity status. Parametric tests were used to distinguish health literacy between various groups.

Results

Participants' average age was 58.8 years, 54.7% had CKD Grade 5, 72.5% had a severe comorbidity index (≥6), and nearly 40% were on haemodialysis. Lower health literacy proportions were found in domains related to Healthcare providers' support (58.3%) and Appraisal of health information (38.4%). Lower levels of education, income, or living in rural areas were each significantly more likely to contribute to lower health literacy levels (range 4–7 domains). Greater comorbidity severity was also significantly associated with lower health literacy in two domains.

Conclusion

People with CKD had difficulties in various health literacy domains primarily related to communication and critical appraisal. These domains can be improved by healthcare professionals and changes in hospital policies. Due to frequent contact with patients in kidney services, renal clinicians have a crucial role in ensuring greater communication occurs as this will better assist patients to understand their healthcare needs.
High body mass index and sleep problems during pregnancy: A meta‐analysis and meta‐regression of observational studies
Authors: Lau Ying , Cheng Ling Jie , Chee Daniel Guang Hui , Zhao Menglu , Wong Sai Ho , Wong Suei Nee , Tan Kian Lee
Published: July 2021

Despite the well‐established correlation of weight and sleeping problems, little is known about the nature of the association. The present study examined whether pregnant women with high body mass index have a risk of developing sleep problems, and identified any covariates that affect this relationship. We systematically searched electronic databases, specialized journals, various clinical trial registries, grey literature databases and the reference list of the identified studies. All observational studies were obtained from inception until 9 August 2020. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was adopted to assess the quality of studies. Stata software was used to conduct meta‐analysis and meta‐regression. Forty‐six observational studies involving 2,240,804 participants across 16 countries were included. Quality assessment scores ranged from 4 to 10 (median = 6). Meta‐analyses revealed that the risk of sleep apnea, habitual snoring, short sleep duration and poor sleep quality is increased in pregnant women with high body mass index, but not for daytime sleepiness, insomnia or restless legs syndrome. Subgroup differences were detected on body mass index between different regions, nature of population, year of publication, age group and study quality. Random‐effects meta‐regression analyses showed that year and quality of publication were covariates on the relationships between pre‐pregnant body mass index and sleep apnea risk. Our review shows that sleep apnea, habitual snoring, short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are important concerns for pregnant women with high body mass index. Developing screening and targeted interventions is recommended to promote efficacious perinatal care.
When I say … privilege
Authors: Cleland Jennifer , Razack Saleem
Published: July 2021

In the latest instalment of “When I Say…” Cleland and Razack argue it is time for medical education to acknowledge its complicit participation in socially constructed privilege and systemic inequalities and commit to change.
Urban ideals and rural realities: Physiotherapists navigating paradox in overlapping roles
Authors: Playford Denese
Published: July 2021

Though rural practice may appear to contravene the ethical principle of “confidentiality”, Playford argues that “breaches” can actually preserve the ancient Aristotelian ethic of “the highest good”.
Genome‐wide analysis of butterfly bush (Buddleja alternifolia) in three uplands provides insights into biogeography, demography and speciation
Authors: Ma Yong‐Peng , Wariss Hafiz Muhammad , Liao Rong‐Li , Zhang Ren‐Gang , Yun Quan‐Zheng , Olmstead Richard G. , Chau John H. , Milne Richard I. , Van de Peer Yves , Sun Wei‐Bang
Published: July 2021

Understanding processes that generate and maintain large disjunctions within plant species can provide valuable insights into plant diversity and speciation. The butterfly bushBuddleja alternifoliahas an unusual disjunct distribution, occurring in the Himalaya, Hengduan Mountains (HDM) and the Loess Plateau (LP) in China.

We generated a high‐quality, chromosome‐level genome assembly ofB. alternifolia, the first within the family Scrophulariaceae. Whole‐genome re‐sequencing data from 48 populations plus morphological and petal colour reflectance data covering its full distribution range were collected.

Three distinct genetic lineages ofB. alternifoliawere uncovered, corresponding to Himalayan, HDM and LP populations, with the last also differentiated morphologically and phenologically, indicating occurrence of allopatric speciation likely to be facilitated by geographic isolation and divergent adaptation to distinct ecological niches. Moreover, speciation with gene flow between populations from either side of a mountain barrier could be under way within LP. The current disjunctions withinB. alternifoliamight result from vicariance of a once widespread distribution, followed by several past contraction and expansion events, possibly linked to climate fluctuations promoted by the Kunlun–Yellow river tectonic movement. Several adaptive genes are likely to be either uniformly or diversely selected among regions, providing a footprint of local adaptations.

These findings provide new insights into plant biogeography, adaptation and different processes of allopatric speciation.
The distinctive flagellar proteome of Euglena gracilis illuminates the complexities of protistan flagella adaptation
Authors: Hammond Michael , Zoltner Martin , Garrigan Jack , Butterfield Erin , Varga Vladimir , Lukeš Julius , Field Mark C.
Published: July 2021

The eukaryotic flagellum/cilium is a prominent organelle with conserved structure and diverse functions. Euglena gracilis, a photosynthetic and highly adaptable protist, employs its flagella for both locomotion and environmental sensing.

Using proteomics of isolated E. gracilis flagella we identify nearly 1700 protein groups, which challenges previous estimates of the protein complexity of motile eukaryotic flagella.

We not only identified several unexpected similarities shared with mammalian flagella, including an entire glycolytic pathway and proteasome, but also document a vast array of flagella‐based signal transduction components that coordinate gravitaxis and phototactic motility. By contrast, the pellicle was found to consist of > 900 protein groups, containing additional structural and signalling components.

Our data identify significant adaptations within the E. gracilis flagellum, many of which are clearly linked to the highly flexible lifestyle.
Repeated extreme heatwaves result in higher leaf thermal tolerances and greater safety margins
Authors: Ahrens Collin W. , Challis Anthea , Byrne Margaret , Leigh Andrea , Nicotra Adrienne B. , Tissue David , Rymer Paul
Published: July 2021

The frequency and severity of heatwave events are increasing, exposing species to conditions beyond their physiological limits. Species respond to heatwaves in different ways, however it remains unclear if plants have the adaptive capacity to successfully respond to hotter and more frequent heatwaves.

We exposed eight tree populations from two climate regions grown under cool and warm temperatures to repeated heatwave events of moderate (40°C) and extreme (46°C) severity to assess adaptive capacity to heatwaves.

Leaf damage and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) were significantly impacted by heatwave severity and growth temperatures, respectively; populations from a warm‐origin avoided damage under moderate heatwaves compared to those from a cool‐origin, indicating a degree of local adaptation. We found that plasticity to heatwave severity and repeated heatwaves contributed to enhanced thermal tolerance and lower leaf temperatures, leading to greater thermal safety margins (thermal tolerance minus leaf temperature) in a second heatwave.

Notably, while we show that adaptation and physiological plasticity are important factors affecting plant adaptive capacity to thermal stress, plasticity of thermal tolerances and thermal safety margins provides the opportunity for trees to persist among fluctuating heatwave exposures.
Pop‐up publics: Temporary publicness at the Auckland Night Markets
Authors: Klein Mitchell , Cox Bethany , Tuck Kelsie , Baker Tom , Jones Ryan , Schloffel‐Armstrong Salene
Published: July 2021

The increasing significance of temporary urban initiatives—like community gardens, markets, festivals and artistic ventures—raises questions about their role in the public life and “publicness” of cities. In dialogue with normative and alternative literature on public space, we examine how temporary urbanism is implicated in the production of publicness. Through examining the Auckland Night Markets in New Zealand, we discuss how these events produce publicness through (a) the people that attend them and their experiences, (b) control practices and (c) their spatial configuration. Our discussion lends support to emerging accounts of public space and publicness as pluralistic and dynamic.
Association of phthalate exposure and airway dysfunction with mediation by serum periostin
Authors: Baek Hey Sung , Won Ha Young , Kim Ju Hee , Ha Eun Kyo , Jee Hye Mi , Shin Youn Ho , Kim Mi‐Ae , Han Man Yong
Published: July 2021

Background

Phthalates can cause respiratory and immunological disorders. However, little is known about the role of serum periostin and YKL‐40 levels in mediating the effects of phthalates. We investigated the mediating role of these biomarkers in the relationship between phthalates and airway dysfunction.

Methods

A total of 487 children (aged 10–12 years old) were examined. Four high‐molecular‐weight phthalate (HMWP) [Σ4HMWP] metabolites and 3 low‐molecular‐weight phthalate (LMWP) [Σ3LMWP] metabolites in urine samples were measured. Serum periostin and YKL‐40 levels were measured. Airway function was measured using impulse oscillometry. A mediation model was used to quantify the mediating effects of periostin and YKL‐40 on airway dysfunction.

Results

After adjustment for height, gender, BMI z‐score, aeroallergen sensitization, secondary smoking, and vitamin D level, the level of urinary Σ3LMWP metabolites was significantly associated with respiratory system resistance at 5 Hz (Rrs5; adjusted β: 0.020, 95% CI: 0.005–0.034; p = .010). The levels of urinary Σ4HMWP and Σ3LMWP metabolites were significantly associated with periostin level, but not with YKL‐40 level. In addition, the periostin level was associated with Rrs5 (adjusted β: 0.048, 95% CI: 0.015–0.081; p = .005) and Rrs20‐5 (adjusted β: 0.040, 95% CI: 0.011–0.069; p = .007). Serum periostin level had a significant effect in mediating the relationship between Σ3LMWP and Rrs5 (13.9%, 95% CI: 10.7–77.0; p < .001).

Conclusion

Exposure to LMWPs was significantly associated with airway dysfunction, and this effect was partially attributable to increased serum periostin level.
Ideology and the Foreign Policy of Barack Obama: A Liberal‐Realist Approach to International Affairs
Authors: O'Connor Brendon , Cooper Danny
Published: July 2021

When Barack Obama was elected president, many commentators predicted a reversal of the ideologically charged foreign policy of George W. Bush. As the years unfolded, descriptions of President Obama's foreign policy diverged significantly. However, whatever label was applied, many scholars and commentators were quick to emphasize President Obama's pragmatism and prudence. In our article, we question this interpretation, arguing that it does not do justice to the role of ideology in the conduct of foreign policy during Obama's presidency. We make the case for seeing ideology as an ever‐present influence on the conduct of American foreign policy, as all presidents draw on ideologies. In Obama's case, we label his foreign policy “liberal‐realist” due to its reliance on a combination of liberal and realist ideas.
The emotion‐elicited late positive potential is stable across five testing sessions
Authors: Weinberg Anna , Correa Kelly A. , Stevens Elizabeth S. , Shankman Stewart A.
Published: July 2021

Many studies have examined associations between neural and behavioral markers of attention to emotion and individual differences in affective functioning. However, the majority of these studies are cross‐sectional, and examine associations between brain, behavior, and individual differences at one or two time‐points, limiting our understanding of the extent to which these neural responses reflect trait‐like patterns of attention. The present study used the Emotional Interrupt paradigm, and examined the stability and trajectory of behavioral (i.e., reaction time to targets following task‐irrelevant appetitive, neutral, and aversive images), and neural responses to images (i.e., the late positive potential or LPP), across five sessions separated by one week in 86 individuals. Additionally, we examined the extent to which the LPP and behavioral measures were sensitive to naturally occurring daily fluctuations in positive and negative affect. Results indicate that, though the magnitude of the conditional LPP waveforms decreased over time, the degree of emotional modulation (i.e., differentiation of emotional from neutral) did not; in fact, differentiation of appetitive from neutral increased over time. Behavioral responses were similarly stable across sessions. Additionally, we largely did not observe significant effects of state positive and negative affect on the LPP or behavior over time. Finally, the LPP elicited by appetitive images significantly predicted reaction time to targets following these images. These data suggest that neural and behavioral markers of attention to motivationally salient cues may be trait‐like in nature, and may be helpful in future studies seeking to identify markers of vulnerability for diverse forms of psychopathology.
Development of cod farming in Norway: Past and current biological and market status and future prospects and directions
Authors: Puvanendran Velmurugu , Mortensen Atle , Johansen Lill‐Heidi , Kettunen Anne , Hansen Øyvind J. , Henriksen Edgar , Heide Morten
Published: July 2021

Atlantic cod is a historically abundant species in the North Atlantic region and has contributed to the prosperity of many nations. But a decline in stocks in the last century has prompted to initiate commercial farming of cod in captive conditions. Several approaches have been employed ranging from stock enhancement, capture‐based aquaculture and intensive cod farming. However, except for the enhancement efforts which were carried out for almost a century, efforts on other methods were intermittent coinciding with lower quotas. Intensive farming was attempted in Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Iceland and Faroe Islands in the 2000s. But it was carried out hastily to cash in the demand for cod in the market even though there were many biological knowledge gaps that are required for a successful aquaculture venture. The reasons for the failure of commercial farming in Norway during the 2000s were not only because of limited knowledge of the biology of cod but also the economic meltdown in Europe in 2008. Cod farming came to a halt; however, the Norwegian National Cod Breeding Program (NCBP) initiated in 2003 continued to operate and produced a fifth generation of a domesticated cod in 2019. Efforts to fill the gaps and the selective breeding for better growth and disease resistance within NCBP have improved the quality of the juveniles produced. We will discuss the past efforts and reasons for failure in farming of cod, how the current situation looks and the future direction in terms of cod biology, political atmosphere and market.
We can do better in COPD: Time for action to preserve body composition
Authors: Wood Lisa G.
Published: July 2021

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Modelling High-Dimensional Categorical Data using Nonconvex Fusion Penalties
Authors: Stokell Benjamin G. , Shah Rajen D. , Tibshirani Ryan J.
Published: July 2021

We propose a method for estimation in high-dimensional linear models with nominal categorical data. Our estimator, called SCOPE, fuses levels together by making their corresponding coefficients exactly equal. This is achieved using the minimax concave penalty on differences between the order statistics of the coefficients for a categorical variable, thereby clustering the coefficients. We provide an algorithm for exact and efficient computation of the global minimum of the resulting nonconvex objective in the case with a single variable with potentially many levels, and use this within a block coordinate descent procedure in the multivariate case. We show that an oracle least squares solution that exploits the unknown level fusions is a limit point of the coordinate descent with high probability, provided the true levels have a certain minimum separation; these conditions are known to be minimal in the univariate case. We demonstrate the favourable performance of SCOPE across a range of real and simulated datasets. An R package CatReg implementing SCOPE for linear models and also a version for logistic regression is available on CRAN.
Parents’ strategies and advice for creating a positive sleep situation in the family
Authors: Gustafsson Silje , Jacobzon Anna , Lindberg Birgitta , Engström Åsa
Published: July 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the experience‐based knowledge of parents of children aged 0–3 years for creating a positive sleep situation in the family.

Design

This study has a qualitative design. Data were collected using an online survey and analysed using the critical incident technique.

Methods

The study participants were recruited through an announcement posted in parenting groups on a social media platform in September 2018. A total of 93 parents answered the questionnaire; 76 of the parents matched the study's selection criteria, and their responses were included in the analysis.

Results

The results are presented from the two main questions in the survey: “Strategies for creating a positive sleep situation” and “Advice to new parents regarding sleep”. Having routines and reading the child's signals were important strategies, as were creating good conditions for sleep and making sure the child was well‐fed and content at bedtime. Winding down and giving the child closeness and touch was described as important, and some parents would co‐sleep to soothe the child quickly and create a sense of security and belonging. Parents’ most frequent advice to other parents was to accept the situation and to let go of the idea that the child should sleep without waking up in a separate bed or room.

Conclusion

Personal preferences and needs are likely to vary among individuals, and it is important that nurses tailor sleep advice in accordance with families’ preferences and needs, taking individual variations and views into account.
Discovery of a large axillary artery vascular malformation during the evaluation of a patient with hemodialysis access‐induced distal ischemia: Implications on pathophysiology and management
Authors: Evans Andrew , Nguyen Binh , Nassar George
Published: July 2021

A patient with a 6‐year‐old left upper arm brachial cephalic AVF presented with symptoms of hemodialysis access‐induced distal ischemia (HAIDI). Physical exam findings showed a well‐developed AVF, but compression of the AVF aggravated arm pain and induced diffuse erythema of the left upper extremity. Angiographic evaluation disclosed the presence of a large axillary artery vascular malformation (AVM) as well as distal forearm hypo‐perfusion. We elected to publish this case report to describe the interesting physical exam findings related to the AVM, and discuss HAIDI treatment options that are peculiar to this case. We also highlight the importance of thorough vascular evaluation prior to AV access creation as well as during the investigation of the cause of HAIDI.
Satisfaction with online teaching of medical statistics during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A survey by the Education Committee of the Italian Society of Medical Statistics and Clinical Epidemiology
Authors: Rota Matteo , Peveri Giulia , Fanelli Margherita , Torelli Lucio , Rocchi Marco BL , Specchia Claudia
Published: July 2021

On May 2020, after 2 months of online teaching with no face‐to‐face lectures, the Education Committee of the Italian scientific Society of Medical Statistics and Clinical Epidemiology conceived an online survey to assess satisfaction of Italian academics of medical statistics with online teaching and remote exams. This survey highlighted teachers' perceptions as well as opportunities and limitations of online teaching of medical statistics, biostatistics, and epidemiology. Although 61% of Italian academics of medical statistics declared to be favorable to provide online teaching of medical statistics, biostatistics, and epidemiology in the future, we recognize that distance education cannot substitute the unique value of teaching and knowledge exchange that could only be transmitted through a personal interaction between students and teachers. These indications may be useful to improve the quality of the teaching process in the future.
The Ultimate Tool: The Body, Planning of Physical Actions, and the Role of Mental Imagery in Choosing Motor Acts
Authors: Rosenbaum David A.
Published: July 2021

The ultimate tool, it could be said, is the brain and body. Therefore, a way to understand tool use is to study the brain's control of the body. A more manageable aim is to use the tools of cognitive science to explore the planning of physical actions. Here, I focus on two kinds of physical acts which directly or indirectly involve tool use: producing finger‐press sequences, and walking and reaching for objects. The main question is how people make choices between finger‐press sequences, and how people make choices between walk‐and‐reach sequences. Are the choices made with reference to motor imagery, in which case the longer the sequences are the longer it takes to choose between them, or are shortcuts taken which rely on distinctive features of the alternatives? The reviewed experiments favor the latter alternative. The general view of action planning emerging from this work is one in which action features are highlighted and held in memory, not just to choose between potential actions but also to control the unfolding of long actions over time. Speculations are offered about tool use.
Developmental Trajectories in the Understanding of Everyday Uncertainty Terms
Authors: Meder Björn , Mayrhofer Ralf , Ruggeri Azzurra
Published: July 2021

Dealing with uncertainty and different degrees of frequency and probability is critical in many everyday activities. However, relevant information does not always come in the form of numerical estimates or direct experiences, but is instead obtained through qualitative, rather vague verbal terms (e.g., “the virus often causes coughing” or “the train is likely to be delayed”). Investigating how people interpret and utilize different natural language expressions of frequency and probability is therefore crucial to understand reasoning and behavior in real‐world situations. While there is considerable work exploring how adults understand everyday uncertainty phrases, very little is known about how children interpret them and how their understanding develops with age. We take a developmental and computational perspective to address this issue and examine how 4‐ to 14‐year‐old children and adults interpret different terms. Each participant provided numerical estimates for 14 expressions, comprising both frequency and probability phrases. In total we obtained 2856 quantitative judgments, including 2240 judgments from children. Our findings demonstrate that adult‐like intuitions about the interpretation of everyday uncertainty terms emerge fairly early in development, with the quantitative estimates of children converging to those of adults from around 9 years on. We also demonstrate how the vagueness of verbal terms can be represented through probability distributions, which provides additional leverage for tracking developmental shifts through cognitive modeling techniques. Taken together, our findings provide key insights into the developmental trajectories underlying the understanding of everyday uncertainty terms, and open up novel methodological pathways to formally model the vagueness of probability and frequency phrases, which are abundant in our everyday life and activities.
Perceptions on acceptability and reported consumption of marijuana by blood donors prior to donation in the recreational use state of Colorado, USA
Authors: Annen Kyle , DomBourian Melkon G.
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives

Blood donor opinions and behaviours regarding marijuana use are not well known nor is the potential impact to the blood supply. We sought to assess opinions and frequency of marijuana use in proximity to blood donation via a survey of blood donors at a hospital‐based blood collection site in a state where recreational marijuana use has been legal since 2012.

Materials and Methods

Blood donors at least 18 years of age who donated between 2014 and 2019 were surveyed electronically, with all responses kept anonymous to encourage engagement and accurate reporting.

Results

Overall response rate was 8.03% (12,186 surveys sent with 979 responses). Of responding donors, 23.5% indicated that they felt that consuming various forms of marijuana was acceptable prior to blood donation. Marijuana use <72 h prior to blood donation was reported in all demographic groups surveyed except age 18–24 years. Of donors who reported daily marijuana use, 47.4% indicated >20 donations and 52.6% indicated apheresis platelet donation.

Conclusion

Nearly one quarter of responding blood donors feel that marijuana use is acceptable prior to blood donation, and nearly every demographic group surveyed indicated use of marijuana <72 h prior to donation. These results suggest the need for additional research to determine if marijuana‐related metabolites in collected blood products negatively impact recipients, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. These results may inform whether changes in donor screening or testing for marijuana use are warranted.
Interventions to Support Adolescents With Cancer in Decision‐Making: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wu Li‐Min , Huang I‐Chin , Su Hsiu‐Lan , Lee Shu‐Li
Published: July 2021

Background

Adolescents have autonomous views and participatory rights. There is increasing support for involving adolescents with cancer in the healthcare decision‐making process.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to synthesize current knowledge to identify major components and outcomes of interventions to enhance shared decision‐making (SDM) by adolescents with cancer during and after treatment.

Methods

Six electronic databases (PubMed, CINHAL, MEDLINE, Cochrane, EBSCO, and Web of Science) were searched from their inceptions to February 2020. Eligibility criteria were intervention studies, studies of interventions to support adolescents with cancer involved in SDM, and studies of patients diagnosed with cancer between 10 and 18 years of age. Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted by using a standardized data extraction form. Quality appraisal was based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results

Of 331 citations, five studies with a total of 648 participants aged between 13 and 21 years met inclusion criteria. Interventions included structured sessions held one to three times per week. SDM engagement strategies incorporated weekly assignments, live action videos, brochures, Five Wishes© advance directives, and follow‐up counseling. Treatment preference congruence in adolescent and parent dyads was higher in intervention groups. Meta‐analysis was performed on two studies and demonstrated statistically significant improvements in decision quality at 6 months (z = 3.37, p = .001; 95% CI = .174–.657) and 12 months (z = 3.17, p = .002; 95% CI = .150–.633) after SDM interventions in adolescent cancer survivors. No adverse events among patients were found, although anxiety scores increased in families in an intervention group.

Linking Evidence to Action

This review identified essential components of SDM interventions. Our findings may guide the future design of interventions to support high‐quality decision‐making by adolescents with cancer. Coaching can educate adolescent cancer survivors on quality decision‐making methods and can improve the quality of consequent decisions. More research is needed to determine outcomes of SDM interventions.
ACONSILIENCE OF EQUAL REGARD: STEPHEN JAY GOULD ON THE RELATION OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION
Authors: McGrath Alister E.
Published: July 2021

This article offers a fresh assessment of the views of the American paleontologist and evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould on the relation of science and religion. Gould is best known for his celebrated notion of “nonoverlapping magisteria,” which is often seen in somewhat negative terms as inhibiting dialogue. However, as a result of his critique of the unificationist approach to knowledge developed in Edward O. Wilson'sConsilience, Gould later made increased use of the more positive notion of a “consilience of equal regard,” which recognized the porous nature of disciplinary divides and the propriety of interdisciplinary dialogue. Gould's final views on the relation of science and religion, set out inThe Hedgehog, the Fox, and the Magister's Pox, published after his death, affirms the distinctiveness and autonomy of science and religion on the one hand, while encouraging their constructive dialogue and productive interaction on the other. This should now be seen as Gould's definitive statement on this question.