bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone microarchitecture, bone mineral density and bone turnover in association with glycemia and insulin action in women with prior gestational diabetes
Authors: Kubihal Suraj , Gupta Yashdeep , Goyal Alpesh , Kalaivani Mani , Tandon Nikhil
Published: November 2021

Objective

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to comprehensively assess bone health in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus, including bone microarchitecture (TBS), bone mineral density (BMD, DXA) and bone turnover (osteocalcin).

Design, Patients and Measurements

Study participants underwent a detailed anthropometric, biochemical and hormone assessment, including insulin and osteocalcin measurement. BMD was measured at lumbar spine, femur neck and total hip using DXA and TBS derived from lumbar spine DXA images using TBS iNsight software.

Results

A total of 240 women (mean age: 33.3 ± 5.0 years; median postpartum duration: 34 [interquartile range 13.0–54.5] months were evaluated. At the current visit, 115 (47.9%) and 36 (15%) women had prediabetes and diabetes, respectively. Women with dysglycemia (diabetes/prediabetes) had a higher BMD at all three sites, compared to those with normoglycemia; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Women with dysglycemia had a significantly lower TBS (1.32 ± 0.09 vs. 1.35 ± 0.09; p = .038). In the fully adjusted model, the odds ratio for association between diabetes and low TBS was 2.92 (95% confidence interval: 1.20, 7.08; p = .018). Women with dysglycemia had significantly lower serum osteocalcin levels (18.6 ± 8.5 ng/ml vs. 21.5 ± 9.7 ng/ml; p = .018). HOMA‐IR (r = −.285, p < .001) was negatively correlated, while Matsuda index (r = .274, p < .001) and disposition index (r = .159, p = .016) were positively correlated with serum osteocalcin levels.

Conclusions

Bone health is affected early in the natural history of diabetes and is associated with an overall low bone turnover state.
Involvement of homeobox transcription factor Mohawk in palatogenesis
Authors: Adachi Yuka , Higuchi Aina , Wakai Eri , Shiromizu Takashi , Koiwa Junko , Nishimura Yuhei
Published: November 2021

Palatogenesis is affected by many factors, including gene polymorphisms and exposure to toxic chemicals during sensitive developmental periods. Cleft palate is one of the most common congenital anomalies, and ongoing efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying palatogenesis are providing useful insights to reduce the risk of this disorder. To identify novel potential regulators of palatogenesis, we analyzed public transcriptome datasets from a mouse model of cleft palate caused by selective deletion of transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) receptor type 2 in cranial neural crest cells. We identified the homeobox transcription factor Mohawk (Mkx) as a gene downregulated in the maxilla of TGFβ knockout mice compared with wild‐type mice. To examine the role of mkx in palatogenesis, we used CRISPR/Cas9 editing to generate zebrafish with impaired expression of mkxa and mkxb, the zebrafish homologs of Mkx. We found that mkx crispants expressed reduced levels of gli1, a critical transcription factor in the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway that plays an important role in the regulation of palatogenesis. Furthermore, we found that mkxa−/− zebrafish were more susceptible than mkxa+/+ zebrafish to the deleterious effects of cyclopamine, an inhibitor of SHH signaling, on upper jaw development. These results suggest that Mkx may be involved in palatogenesis regulated by TGFβ and SHH signaling, and that impairment in Mkx function may be related to the etiology of cleft palate.
Baby’s first family: Unmarried mothers’ conceptions of their newborns’ family members
Authors: Helin Vaula , Castrén Anna‐Maija , Töttö Pertti
Published: November 2021

We investigate Finnish unmarried mothers’ (n = 195) subjective understanding of their newborns’ families. In contrast to studies focusing on the mother's household or union status, we asked the mothers who they felt to belong to their baby's family. Latent class analysis detected four family types, varying in their inclusion of baby's father, siblings, wider kin group and parents’ friends. Most of the mothers subsumed extra‐household relationships in their baby's family, although one in four mothers limited the family to their household members. The results indicate notable differences in the newborns’ relational contexts, which may turn into differences in children's social resources.
Utility of SOX11 for the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas on cytological preparations
Authors: Dinarvand Peyman , Wang Wei‐Lien , Roy‐Chowdhuri Sinchita
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) on fine needle aspiration specimens can be challenging because of morphological overlap with other pancreatic neoplasms, including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (PanNET). SRY‐related high‐mobility group box 11 (SOX11) is a recently described sensitive and specific marker for SPN diagnosis. However, SOX11 immunocytochemistry on cytological smears has not been reported. We evaluated the utility of SOX11 for diagnosis of SPN on cytological preparations.

Methods

SOX11 immunocytochemistry was performed on Papanicolaou‐stained smears and/or corresponding cell blocks from aspirates of 7 SPN and 10 PanNET cases identified between 2005 and 2020. Findings were compared with those for beta‐catenin, a frequently used diagnostic marker for SPN.

Results

Six smears and 6 cell blocks from SPN cases and 8 smears and 10 cell blocks from PanNET cases were available for immunostaining. For SPN, nuclear staining for SOX11 was seen in 6 of 6 (100%) smears and 5 of 6 (83%) cell blocks, with equivocal staining in 1 cell block. In contrast, 7 of 8 (88%) smears and 9 of 10 (90%) cell blocks were negative for SOX11 for PanNet, with equivocal staining seen in 1 case. Beta‐catenin immunocytochemistry showed nuclear staining in 6 of 7 (86%) SPN cases and no staining in all 10 (100%) PanNET cases.

Conclusions

SOX11 detected by immunocytochemistry can serve as a useful diagnostic marker for SPN, in addition to beta catenin, and can be performed on cytological smears in cases without a cell block preparation.
Double‐scope method is helpful to rescue a retrieval thread attached to a stent caught on the duodenoscope forceps elevator
Authors: Matsumoto Kengo , Nakamatsu Dai , Nishida Tsutomu
Published: November 2021

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The reward positivity shows increased amplitude and decreased latency with increasing age in early childhood
Authors: Hennefield Laura , Gilbert Kirsten , Whalen Diana , Giorio Cristal , Camacho Laura E. Quiñones , Kelly Danielle , Fleuchaus Ethan , Barch Deanna M. , Luby Joan L. , Hajcak Greg
Published: November 2021

The reward positivity (RewP) is a widely studied measure of neural response to rewards, yet little is known about normative developmental characteristics of the RewP during early childhood. The present study utilized a pooled community sample of 309 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children who participated in the Doors guessing game to examine the latency and amplitude of the RewP. Peak detection of the gain‐loss difference waveform was conducted for electrodes Fz, Cz, Pz, Oz and the mean activity in a 100 ms window centered around this peak was analyzed. There was a significant decrease in RewP latency (RewP was earlier) and increase in RewP amplitude (RewP magnitude was larger) with advancing age in this cross‐sectional analysis. Further, these were independent effects, as both RewP latency and RewP amplitude were uniquely associated with children's age. Moreover, our results indicate that the RewP latency in 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds falls outside the 250–350 ms window typically used to quantify the RewP (RewP latency in our sample = 381 ms; SD = 60.15). The internal consistency for latency (.64) and amplitude (.27) of the RewP were characterized by moderate to low reliability, consistent with previous work on the reliability of difference scores. Overall, results demonstrate RewP differences in both timing and amplitude across age in early childhood, and suggest that both amplitude and latency of the RewP might function as individual difference measures of reward processing. These findings are discussed in the context of methodological considerations and the development of reward processing across early childhood.
A pilot study of new approaches to exploring illness trajectories and patterns of comorbidity in major mental disorders
Authors: Scott Jan , Vorspan Florence , Loftus Josephine , Bellivier Frank , Etain Bruno
Published: November 2021

Aims

We explored lifetime comorbidities in clinical subsamples with a diagnosis of Psychosis (N = 143), bipolar (BD = 511), and unipolar disorders (UP = 861).

Methods

We analyzed trajectories and patterns of comorbidities using novel metrics, namely bubble plots and density of antecedent events per year of illness exposure per individual.

Results

Age at onset (AAO) of most comorbidities was similar to epidemiological studies, but cumulative rates were higher in clinical cases. There were some between group differences in patterns or burden of comorbidities, for example, Psychosis showed the earliest AAO of any mental disorder; UP showed the latest AAO of the index diagnosis. The relative risk of multimorbidity was lower in UP compared with other diagnoses, however, the goodness of fit for the illness trajectory path was lowest for BD.

Conclusions

Bubble plots offer a useful representation of timing, sequence, cumulative probability and of comorbidities, the added value of reporting density measures was less obvious.
Differential contributions between objective and subjective psychosis‐like experiences to suicidal ideation in college students
Authors: Ma Hong‐Xia , Zhao Jie , Lin Iun‐An , Zhang Xiu‐Jun , Li Zhan‐Jiang , Wang Chuan‐Yue , Zhou Fu‐Chun , Verma Swapna
Published: November 2021

Aim

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence rate of objective and subjective psychosis‐like experiences (PLEs) in non‐help‐seeking college students and to explore their differential contributions to suicidal ideation.

Methods

First‐year college students were recruited and surveyed with the Chinese version of the 16‐item Prodromal Questionnaire (CPQ‐16), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ‐SF), Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), General Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7) and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI). The Structured Interview of Psychosis‐Risk Syndromes (SIPS) was conducted in individuals with a CPQ‐16 score of 9 or higher.

Results

Data were available for 8367 students. Three hundred and seventy of them scored 9 or higher on the CPQ‐16, suggesting potential PLEs (4.42%). Among them, 194 agreed to the SIPS screening. The PLEs were confirmed in 103 individuals who scored 1–5 on any positive symptom scales of the SIPS (objective PLEs, oPLEs). For the remaining 91 individuals, their PLEs were not confirmed by the SIPS and thus were categorized as individuals with subjective PLEs (sPLEs). In univariate logistic regression, oPLEs was associated with a two times risk of suicidal ideation compared to sPLEs (OR = 1.971, p = .029). In multivariate logistic regression when non‐PLE status was set as a reference, oPLEs significantly predicted suicidal ideation (OR = 3.441, p = .011), while the sPLEs (OR = 2.277, p = .091) was no longer a significant predictor after controlling for PHQ‐9, GAD‐7 and CPQ‐SF scores.

Conclusions

OPLEs and sPLEs have differential contributions to suicidal ideation. OPLEs seems to be associated with a higher risk of suicidal ideation and is independent of other psychopathology.
The analgesic effect of electroencephalographic neurofeedback for people with chronic pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hesam‐Shariati Negin , Chang Wei‐Ju , Wewege Michael A. , McAuley James H. , Booth Andrew , Trost Zina , Lin Chin‐Teng , Newton‐John Toby , Gustin Sylvia M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Electroencephalographic (EEG) neurofeedback has been utilized to regulate abnormal brain activity associated with chronic pain.

Methods

In this systematic review, we synthesized the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of EEG neurofeedback on chronic pain using random effects meta‐analyses. Additionally, we performed a narrative review to explore the results of non‐randomized studies. The quality of included studies was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tools, and the GRADE system was used to rate the certainty of evidence.

Results

Ten RCTs and 13 non‐randomized studies were included. The primary meta‐analysis on nine eligible RCTs indicated that although there is low confidence, EEG neurofeedback may have a clinically meaningful effect on pain intensity in short‐term. Removing the studies with high risk of bias from the primary meta‐analysis resulted in moderate confidence that there remained a clinically meaningful effect on pain intensity. We could not draw any conclusion from the findings of non‐randomized studies, as they were mostly non‐comparative trials or explorative case series. However, the extracted data indicated that the neurofeedback protocols in both RCTs and non‐randomized studies mainly involved the conventional EEG neurofeedback approach, which targeted reinforcing either alpha or sensorimotor rhythms and suppressing theta and/or beta bands on one brain region at a time. A posthoc analysis of RCTs utilizing the conventional approach resulted in a clinically meaningful effect estimate for pain intensity.

Conclusion

Although there is promising evidence on the analgesic effect of EEG neurofeedback, further studies with larger sample sizes and higher quality of evidence are required.
Local knowledge, social identity and conflicts around traditional marine salmon fisheries – A case from Mid‐Norway
Authors: Dyrset Guri , Margaryan Lusine , Stensland Stian
Published: November 2021

Natural and cultural diversity is gaining wider global recognition as the key to sustainable development. This article looks at the challenges of conserving marine biocultural diversity by investigating the unique heritage of marine salmon fisheries through a case study of a small group of marine fisheries in Norway, still fishing for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. Tight relationships between declining natural resources and daily struggles to keep cultural heritage alive are highlighted through theoretical perspectives of social identity and local ecological knowledge. The theoretical lens of social identity contributes to better understanding tensions between scientific and local knowledge by bringing forward social categorisation, polarisation and power relations as drivers of conflicts. Involvement of local communities and respect for their cultural heritage, knowledge and practices can assist in more effective management and governance of multifunctional biocultural landscapes, and contribute to their resilience and adaptability.
Bycatch of brown trout Salmo trutta in a commercial gillnet fishery targeting whitefish Coregonus lavaretus
Authors: Kuhn Jesper A. , Berg Søren , Støttrup Josianne G.
Published: November 2021

The brown trout, Salmo trutta L., population in River Skjern, a major tributary stream to the Danish lagoon Ringkøbing Fjord, is reduced despite various efforts towards its recovery. This study investigated if bycatch of migratory trout in the commercial whitefish, Coregonus lavaretus L., fishery in the lagoon might be a significant cause. Experimental surveys were carried out to examine bycatch levels using different fishing protocols and gear types. Data were also collected through an observer fishery, questionnaires and from a database on local fisheries statistics. Trout occurred as bycatch in low numbers in the observer fishery (mean of 0.2 trout per km gillnet). The whitefish fishing protocols examined in the experimental surveys revealed a significantly lower bycatch of trout when fishing with sinking gillnets than floating gillnets. However, few fishers use floating gillnets in the present‐day fishery. The other fishing practices examined revealed no alternatives that would reduce trout bycatch markedly. The results indicated that the whitefish fishery in the lagoon is not the major reason for the lack of recovery of the trout population in River Skjern.
NLRC5 enhances autophagy via inactivation of AKT/mTOR pathway and ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Ba Bayinsilema , Mayila Abudoukelimu , Guo Yankai , Xu Jie , Xing Shifeng , Cao GuiQiu
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor family CARD domain containing 5 (NLRC5) in cardiac hypertrophy, and to explore the mechanism implicated in this effect Cardiac hypertrophy was induced in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes using 1 μM of angiotensin II (Ang II) for 12, 24 and 48 h. Overexpression of NLRC5 was induced in H9C2 cells, and the NLRC5 + Ang II–treated cells were exposed to SC9 and 3‑methyladenine (3MA). An immunofluorescence assay was used for α‐actinin staining, and quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was performed for NLRC5, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) determination. Western blot analysis was applied to measure the levels of NLRC5, microtubule‐associated protein 1A/1B‐light chain 3 type I (LC3I), LC3II, sequestosome 1 (p62), protein kinase B (AKT), phosphorylated Akt (pAKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and phosphorylated mTOR (pmTOR). The level of NLRC5 was significantly decreased after Ang II treatment in cardiomyocytes, but the levels of ANP and BNP were increased. Overexpression of NLRC5 reduced the cell size, downregulated the levels of ANP and BNP, increased LC3II / LC3I, but decreased p62 in Ang II–induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In addition, the results from Western blot showed that overexpression of NLRC5 distinctly decreased the ratios of pAKT/AKT and pmTOR/mTOR in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. SC79 and 3MA significantly downregulated the ratio of LC3I/LC3II but increased the level of p62 in NLRC5 + Ang II–treated cells. These results provide a possible novel therapeutic strategy for cardiac hypertrophy that might be useful in a clinical setting.
Information asymmetry and capital structure: Evidence from the Chinese stock market
Authors: Ho Kung‐Cheng , Gong Yujing
Published: November 2021

Using a unique data set of information ratings (IRs) for firms listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2001 to 2018, we examine the impact of information asymmetry on capital structure decisions in China. We determine that firms with higher IRs have fewer debt issuances and lower leverage. This negative relationship is consistent for firms listed on the Main Board, Small and Medium‐sized Enterprise (SME) board and Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) board. We further decompose IR into accounting‐associated and nonaccounting‐associated components and find that both are negatively correlated with leverage. Additional analyses reveal that for firms listed on the SME and GEM boards, the nonaccounting‐associated component exhibits a stronger relationship with leverage than does the accounting‐associated component. Our results suggest that information asymmetry is instrumental in capital‐structure decision‐making.
Modulation of magnetoelectric coupling through systematically engineered spin canting in nickel–zinc ferrite
Authors: Cho Jae‐Hyeon , Kim Yu Jin , Kim Su Hwan , Lee Young‐Jin , Choi Jun‐Yong , Hwang Geon‐Tae , Ryu Jungho , Kwak Sang Kyu , Jo Wook
Published: November 2021

A nickel–zinc ferrite system, which is one of the well‐known versatile soft‐ferromagnetic oxides, was investigated in terms of magnetoelectric (ME) coupling at room temperature. Herein, we demonstrated that spin canting is manipulated through a composition‐induced structural transition from an inverse to a normal spinel structure, leading to modulation in the ME coupling. The ME coefficient was maximized at 60 at.% Zn substitution with a value of 0.1 mV/(Oe·cm), denoting ∼70% enhancement compared to that of the pure nickel ferrite. It was revealed that the interspin angle is enhanced along the octahedral site at up to ∼60 at.% Zn substitution, consistent with the composition level at the culmination of the ME coupling, evidenced by X‐ray diffraction profiles and magnetic hysteresis loops combined with density functional theory calculations. Given that this approach is based on a tractable fabrication method, this study is expected to be widely used in modulation of the ME coupling in spinel‐structured oxides.
Structural, vibrational, thermal, and magnetic properties of mullite‐type NdMnTiO5 ceramic
Authors: Ghosh Kowsik , Murshed M. Mangir , Frederichs Thomas , Muniraju Naveen K. C. , Gesing Thorsten M.
Published: November 2021

Mullite‐type RMn2O5 (R = Y, rare‐earth element) ceramics are of ongoing research attention because of their interesting crystal‐chemical and magnetic properties. We report nuclear and magnetic structures of NdMnTiO5 together with its spectroscopic, thermogravimetric, and magnetic properties. The polycrystalline sample is prepared by solid‐state synthesis and characterized from neutron and X‐ray powder diffraction data Rietveld refinements. NdMnTiO5 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbam with metric parameter a  =  755.20(1) pm, b  =  869.91(1) pm, c  =  582.42(1) pm, and V  =  382.62(1) 106 pm3. The Mn3+ and Ti4+ cations are observed to be located in the octahedral and pyramidal sites, respectively. The vibrational features in these polyhedral sites are characterized by Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopes. The higher decomposition temperature of NdMnTiO5, compared to other RMn2O5 phases, is explained in terms of the higher bond strength of Ti‐O bonds than those of Mn‐O bonds. Temperature‐dependent DC magnetic susceptibility suggests a paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic phase transition at 43(1) K. Inverse susceptibility in the paramagnetic region above 120 K follows the Curie‐Weiss law, resulting in a magnetic moment of 6.33(1) μB per formula unit. Neutron diffraction data collected at 7.5 K reveal that the magnetic moments of Nd3+ and Mn3+ in NdMnTiO5 are incommensurately ordered with a propagation vector k = (0, 0.238, 0.117).
Anoplophora glabripennis: Host choice, oviposition and performance of new hatched larvae on ‘resistant’ poplar species
Authors: Yan Shi‐Yao , Zhang Ge , Liu Jian‐Feng , Su Zhi , Wei Jian‐Rong
Published: November 2021

Forests in north‐western China are comprised mainly of poplar trees, predominantly Populus alba var. pyramidalis (PAP). Both Populus deltoides cl. Beikang (PDB) and PAP are attacked by the Asian long‐horned beetle (ALB), but vary in their resistance to attack. To investigate performance of ALB on PDB and PAP, we evaluated: host‐locating time, feeding and oviposition; and larval survival rate and weight in single‐choice and two‐choice bioassays; and undertook a field single‐choice test. Results showed that there was no significant difference in the time that female ALB took to locate PDB and PAP in a cage bioassay, but males located PDB faster than PAP. Although not statistically significant, the mean weight of frass produced by adults feeding on PDB was less than on PAP in both the two‐choice and single‐choice experiments. The mean numbers of oviposition notch grooves on PDB and PAP in the single‐choice experiment were similar, but there were more oviposition notch grooves on PDB than on PAP in the two‐choice experiment. Survival rates of young larvae on PDB were significantly lower than on PAP. The average weights of larvae on PAP were significantly higher than on PDB in both two‐choice and single‐choice experiments. In the field experiment, mean numbers of oviposition notch grooves were significantly higher on PDB than on PAP, but mean weights and survival rates of larvae were significantly lower on PDB than on PAP, which suggested that PDB attracted ALB oviposition but showed strong resistant to developing ALB offspring. In conclusion, although PDB was more attractive for oviposition by ALB, it was still more resistant than PAP, providing a useful reference for selection of resistant varieties.
Price Dispersion and the Costs of Inflation
Authors: HAHN VOLKER
Published: November 2021

The new Keynesian literature typically makes the assumption that firms always have to satisfy demand, which is at odds with profit‐maximizing behavior under Calvo pricing when long‐run inflation is positive. Our model, which relaxes this assumption, predicts that inflation causes a substantially smaller loss in effective aggregate productivity compared to a benchmark model without the possibility of rationing. Moreover, under positive inflation, firms choose smaller markups over marginal costs in our model than in the benchmark model. As a result, our analysis suggests that the standard new Keynesian model may exaggerate the welfare costs of inflation.
Parents' friends and families in neonatal intensive care units: A cross‐national qualitative study on staff perceptions and experiences
Authors: Flacking Renée , Haslund‐Thomsen Helle , Jónsdóttir Rakel , Poropudas Sini , Axelin Anna
Published: November 2021

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to explore staff attitudes and experiences of parents' friends and families' social presence and involvement in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Background

In NICUs, parents need emotional and practical support during infant hospitalisation. Friends and families of parents may constitute the most significant providers in this support, but few studies are available on when and how these ‘important others’ can be present and involved.

Design

This qualitative descriptive study was based in the philosophical tenets of naturalistic inquiry.

Methods

Seven focus groups were conducted where 67 staff from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden participated. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study was reported following the COREQ guidelines and checklist.

Results

The overarching theme showed that ‘important others’ were an unaddressed group of potential supporters in the periphery. The five identified themes described how staff recognised ‘important others’ as the parents' territory, but that ‘important others'’ presence and involvement needed to be negotiated with staff. Although the staff regarded ‘important others’ as necessary for parents' emotional, practical and social support, they felt less obligated to support them as part of their work remit. The staff also felt that inclusion of ‘important others’ was an essential step forward in achieving family centred care.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that ‘important others'’ involvement was primarily guided by proactive parents and unit care culture rather than by staff's formal written guidelines or guidance. Single‐family rooms seemed to enhance the presence and involvement of ‘important others’.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is a need for more staff resources to enable and support the participation of ‘important others’. Parents need to be included during the development of policies to provide their experiences. Finally, more research is needed on what parents wish from their ‘important others’.
Atypical sensory functions and eating behaviors among adults on the autism spectrum: One‐on‐one interviews
Authors: Singh Asmita , Seo Han‐Seok
Published: November 2021

Atypical eating behaviors such as food selectivity, limited intake, and specific mealtime requirements are common among individuals on the autism spectrum. This study aimed at achieving a better understanding of how atypical eating behaviors might be associated with specific sensory functions and consumption environments, through firsthand accounts of autistic individuals. A total of 23 autistic adults participated in one‐on‐one interviews related to sensory experiences in general, sensory experiences during eating or drinking, and eating behavior and food preference. While the results revealed that reactivities to sensory inputs vary among autistic individuals, certain patterns were recognized; for example, most participants mentioned high sensitivity to sound cues both in general and in eating‐related experiences. Sensory cues reflecting qualities of sourness, bitterness, or spiciness were also considered to be highly intense, leading to dislike of food or beverage items with such cues. Atypical sensitivities in each modality were found to affect food choice and preference in autistic individuals. In conclusion, this study provides empirical evidence of atypical sensory perception and eating behavior among autistic adults.

Practical Applications

Autism has become increasingly prevalent around the world, with 1 in 54 children so diagnosed in the United States. Feeding issues related to this disorder that might affect nutritional adequacy are among the major concerns of parents with autistic children. Parents also report stress and disruption of daily family activities related to such feeding issues, leading to conflicts, disrupted routines, and degraded social life of family members. Moreover, as the children grow up their eating behavior can hinder both their social life and their degree of independence. Identifying key factors related to sensory sensitivities and their influences on food choice and preference would be a first step in understanding how food‐related experiences can be perceived by autistic individuals. The results of this study will be helpful for autistic people who want to relieve their feeding issues and to know that their food‐related experiences may be shared by others on the spectrum. In addition, the results can inform autistic individuals' family members, educators, product developers, and sensory professionals, who want to develop strategies to improve the eating experiences of autistic people.
A comparison of continuous and intermittent EEG recordings in geese: How much data are needed to reliably estimate sleep–wake patterns?
Authors: van Hasselt Sjoerd J. , Verhulst Simon , Piersma Theunis , Rattenborg Niels C. , Meerlo Peter
Published: November 2021

Recent technological advancements allow researchers to measure electrophysiological parameters of animals, such as sleep, in remote locations by using miniature dataloggers. Yet, continuous recording of sleep might be constrained by the memory and battery capacity of the recording devices. These limitations can be alleviated by recording intermittently instead of continuously, distributing the limited recording capacity over a longer period. We assessed how reduced sampling of sleep recordings affected measurement precision of NREM sleep, REM sleep, and Wake. We analysed a dataset on sleep in barnacle geese that we resampled following 12 different recording schemes, with data collected for 1 min per 5 min up to 1 min per 60 min in steps of 5 min. Recording 1 min in 5 min still yielded precise estimates of hourly sleep–wake values (correlations of 0.9) while potentially extending the total recording period by a factor of 5. The correlation strength gradually decreased to 0.5 when recording 1 min per 60 min. For hourly values of Wake and NREM sleep, the correlation strength in winter was higher compared with summer, reflecting more fragmented sleep in summer. Interestingly for hourly values of REM sleep, correlations were unaffected by season. Estimates of total 24 h sleep–wake values were similar for all intermittent recording schedules compared to the continuous recording. These data indicate that there is a large safe range in which researchers can periodically record sleep. Increasing the sample size while maintaining precision can substantially increase the statistical power, and is therefore recommended whenever the total recording time is limited.
Estimation and inference in adaptive learning models with slowly decreasing gains
Authors: Mayer Alexander
Published: November 2021

An asymptotic theory for estimation and inference in adaptive learning models with strong mixing regressors and martingale difference innovations is developed. The maintained polynomial gain specification provides a unified framework which permits slow convergence of agents' beliefs and contains recursive least squares as a prominent special case. Reminiscent of the classical literature on co‐integration, an asymptotic equivalence between two approaches to estimation of long‐run equilibrium and short‐run dynamics is established. Notwithstanding potential threats to inference arising from non‐standard convergence rates and a singular variance–covariance matrix, hypotheses about single, as well as joint restrictions remain testable. Monte Carlo evidence confirms the accuracy of the asymptotic theory in finite samples.
Protection of geographical indications and cross‐border trade: A survey of legal and regulatory frameworks in East Africa
Authors: Mwakaje Saudin J.
Published: November 2021

Geographical indications (GIs), one of a subset of intellectual property rights (IPR), have recently assumed significant role in regulating variety of sectoral policies and national and regional, and international levels. Its relevance makes it one of the critical agenda in areas such as agriculture and international trade. Internationally, the articulation of GIs under TRIPs Agreement remains unclear and leaves policy and regulatory space for each country to choose their own path. The Continental Strategy for Geographical Indications in Africa—2018–2023 has introduced a new dimension about GIs. Legal instruments governing the East African Community (EAC) proffer a harmonized policy and regulatory framework for IPR as one of the means to attain the regional objectives. However, laws governing GIs in the partner states of EAC vary in terms of the nature and scope of protection and the underlying regulatory structures, resulting into heterogeneity in GIs protection in each country. Amid this regulatory dilemma, this paper examines the GIs laws in EAC by bringing to the fore the obtaining substantive and procedural differences amongst the partner states to EAC. The paper, among others, proposes a centralized regional approach for GIs protection to attain EAC's objective.
Towards a best‐practices guide for camera trapping: assessing differences among camera trap models and settings under field conditions
Authors: Palencia P. , Vicente J. , Soriguer R. C. , Acevedo P.
Published: November 2021

Camera trapping is a widely used tool in wildlife research and conservation, and a plethora of makes and models of camera traps have emerged. However, insufficient attention has been paid to testing their performance, particularly under field conditions. In this study, we have comparatively tested five of the most frequently used makes of camera trap (Bushnell, KeepGuard, Ltl Acorn, Reconyx and Scoutguard) to identify the key factors behind their probability of detection (i.e. the probability that the camera successfully capturing a usable photograph of an animal passing through the field of view) and trigger speed (i.e. the time delay between the instant at which a motion is detected, and the time at which the picture is taken). We used 45 cameras (nine devices of each make) with infrared flash in a field experiment in which a continuous remote video was used in parallel (as a gold‐standard) to discover the animals that entered the camera trap detection zone. The period (day/night), distance between animals and cameras, model, species, deployment height and activation sensitivity were significantly related to the probability of detection. This probability was lower during the night than during the day. There was a greater probability of detecting a given species when the cameras were set at its shoulder height. The interaction between species and the distance between the animals and the cameras significantly affected the trigger speed, meaning that the closer the animals that entered the detection zone, the higher the trigger speed, with substantial differences among species. This was probably related by movement speed. In conclusion, this study shows differences in the performance of camera trap models and settings, signifying that caution is required when making direct comparisons among results obtained in different experiments, or when designing new ones. These results provide empirical guidelines for best practices in camera trapping and highlight the relevance of field experiments for testing the performance of the camera traps.
Gaps in the implementation and uptake of maternal nutrition interventions in antenatal care services in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and India
Authors: Sanghvi Tina , Nguyen Phuong H. , Tharaney Manisha , Ghosh Sebanti , Escobar‐Alegria Jessica , Mahmud Zeba , Walissa Tamirat , Zafimanjaka Maurice , Kim Sunny
Published: November 2021

Antenatal care (ANC) is the largest health platform globally for delivering maternal nutrition interventions (MNIs) to pregnant women. Yet, large missed opportunities remain in nutrition service delivery. This paper examines how well evidence‐based MNIs were incorporated in national policies and programs in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and India. We compared the nutrition content of ANC protocols against global recommendations. We used survey data to elucidate the coverage of micronutrient supplementation, weight gain monitoring, dietary and breastfeeding counselling. We reviewed literature, formative research and program assessments to identify barriers and enabling factors of service provision and maternal nutrition practices. Nutrition information in national policies and protocols was often fragmented, incomplete and did not consistently follow global recommendations. Nationally representative data on MNIs in ANC was inadequate, except for iron and folic acid supplementation. Coverage data from subnational surveys showed similar patterns of strengths and weaknesses. MNI coverage was consistently lower than ANC coverage with the lowest coverage of weight gain monitoring and variable coverage of dietary and breastfeeding counselling. Key common factors associated with coverage were micronutrient supply disruptions; suboptimal counselling on maternal diet, weight gain, and breastfeeding; and limited or no record keeping. Adherence of women to micronutrient supplementation and dietary recommendations was low and associated with late and too few ANC contacts, poor maternal knowledge and self‐efficacy, and insufficient family and community support. Models of comprehensive nutrition protocols and health systems that deliver maternal nutrition services in ANC are urgently needed along with national data systems to track progress.
The China Model and Its Detractors in Iran
Authors: Akbarzadeh Shahram , Pargoo Mahmoud
Published: November 2021

In the last decade, China's rapid economic growth has become a hot topic for politicians and intellectuals in Iran. Iranian views on China and its development model are ambiguous and contradictory, despite exponential growth in trade between the two countries. Three broad views have emerged in Iran about the Chinese way of progress. The pragmatic moderates advocate rapid economic development while keeping tight political control, which is broadly known as the China model. Two other political factions have ambivalent views on China. Hardliners focus on the Islamic‐Iranian Model of Progress but also admire some aspects of China's policies, especially its opposition to unilateralism in international affairs. Political reforms and social freedom are central to reformists’ views. On this ground, reformists are uncomfortable with the China model. During the Covid‐19 pandemic, China's aid diplomacy in Iran and critical remarks by an Iranian health authority about China provided a pretext for a more open debate about Sino–Iranian relations, in general, and the China model, in particular. The range of views expressed on the matter confirms our assessment that there is a wide gap between political camps in relation to the applicability of the China model to Iran.
Shii‐Kurd Relations in Post‐2003 Iraq: Visions of Nationalism
Authors: Machlis Elisheva
Published: November 2021

Regime change in Iraq provided a new opportunity for Shiis and Kurds to create a new power‐sharing system. These two persecuted communities embraced a democratic‐federal system based on a combined civic and ethnocultural model. Analyzing this new alliance, this article argues that there were prominent forces within both communities that did not uphold an essentialist sense of identity, thus providing a basis for mutual recognition, as reflected in the new constitution. However, while in theory there was room for mitigating sectarian and ethnic boundaries, in practice, the differences assumed a much larger place, as reflected in the power struggle between Baghdad and Erbil. The process of unifying Iraq lacked an in‐depth debate over the place of diverse national narratives, together with an effort toward people‐to‐people contact. Concurrently, the struggle against the jihadists enhanced Shii‐Kurdish interdependency, while the battle of Kirkuk led to greater pragmatism. Post‐2003 Iraq provides a challenging case of democratization and regime change, due to the need for a delicate balancing act between power and multiple visions of religion and ethnic identity while contemplating multiple visions of nationalism.
How Russia Exploited Nationalism in Turkey to Expand Its Influence in Syria
Authors: Özpek Burak Bilgehan
Published: November 2021

After the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) lost its parliamentary majority in the June 2015 national elections, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sparked the re‐emergence of nationalism and changed the course of Turkish politics. This was a vulgar, populist version of nationalism based on pillars such as a militaristic approach toward the Kurdish question, anti‐Americanism, conspiracy theories, and a refusal to accept universal norms. With the help of this nationalism, Erdoğan managed to stop the decline of the AKP and further consolidate his power. Russia has been the primary beneficiary of rising nationalism in Turkey. President Vladimir Putin has been able to manipulate the irrationality at the heart of Erdoğan's populist nationalism. First, the withdrawal of Turkish‐backed rebel groups has enabled the government of Bashar al‐Assad to establish authority over Aleppo in Syria's north. Second, Turkey has accepted guardianship over Idlib, an isolation camp designed to ensure that jihadist groups do not pose a threat to the Assad regime. Third, Russia has expanded its sphere of influence to the west of the Euphrates by setting up bases in Manbij, Raqqa, Haseke, and Kobane. Fourth, Russia received $2.5 billion in cash for its sale of S‐400 air defense systems to Turkey. Finally, Turkey's shifting foreign‐policy axis has jeopardized the harmony among NATO members. This picture shows that nationalism not only helps governments to rally people around the same flag; it is also an opportunity to maximize other states’ foreign‐policy goals.
The Effects of Textually Enhanced Captions on Written Elicited Imitation in L2 Grammar
Authors: GARCÍA–AMAYA LORENZO , CINTRÓN–VALENTÍN MYRNA C.
Published: November 2021

As second language (L2) research adapts to the dynamics of multimodal instruction, researchers are exploring the role of captioning and textual enhancement (TE) on learner development. The present experiment assesses the differential effects of textually enhanced captions on learners’ elicited imitation of L2 Spanish grammar. Twenty‐eight English‐speaking intermediate L2 Spanish learners saw 3 videos that focused on gustar‐type verbs, the preterite–imperfect contrast, or the subjunctive. Each video included 3 conditions: sentences without captions (NC); sentences with target verbs highlighted entirely (TE1); or sentences with highlighting on inflectional morphemes (TE2). Using a novel written elicited imitation task, we uncovered consistent positive effects of both TE conditions compared to NC, with an added advantage of TE2 for the subjunctive. The findings demonstrate that (a) TE with captions contributes to increased L2 accuracy, (b) the elicited imitation of some grammatical structures is more conducive to enhancement than others, and (c) there is space for future investigation into the factors that mediate the effectiveness of multimodal interventions.
The asymmetric impact of oil price shocks on economic uncertainty: evidence from the asymmetric NARDL model
Authors: Aimer Nagmi , Lusta Abdulmula
Published: November 2021

The aim of this article is to investigate the asymmetric effects of the oil price on economic policy uncertainty for the period from January 1997 to May 2021 using a non‐linear autoregressive distributed lag approach. The results of the bounds test indicate that there is a long‐run equilibrium relationship between the economic uncertainty index and oil price. Furthermore, we conclude that the long‐run equilibrium relationship is a usual logical relationship and not a degraded relationship. The results of the asymmetric effects in the short and long term also showed that the positive and negative shocks to oil prices have an asymmetric effect on the EPU index. In addition, the negative shock may have a greater absolute effect in the long run. Our results are important to both investors interested in the oil market, as well as for policymakers.
Financial statement timeliness and bond‐price dispersion in the municipal market
Authors: Abbas Yulianti
Published: November 2021

Disclosure regulations in the municipal market have incurred an interesting policy debate. Many believe that the regulations are good but that they do not go far enough. Prior studies found that after the establishment of electronic municipal market access (EMMA), market efficiency has increased. This study aims to further investigate how EMMA disclosure exactly removes information asymmetry and improves price formation in the municipal markets. Our analysis indicates a significant lack of financial statement timeliness even after EMMA's establishment. To measure timeliness, we use information staleness (total information delay) that we segregate into filing delay and postfiling delay. We find that the closer the financial statement filing to the issuance of a new bond (postfiling delay), the lower the bond‐price dispersion. The association holds only if the bonds are traded by both small and large investors, confirming the notion that disparate access to information causes information asymmetry in the municipal market. Regulatory efforts to improve the timeliness of financial information will thus reduce the information asymmetry, enhancing the municipal market efficiency.
“We Will Not Go to the Trenches!”1 the “fusillés pour l’exemple,” Military Disobedience, and Soldiers’ Right to Life
Authors: Mégret Frédéric , Vagliano Raphael
Published: November 2021

To what extent are soldiers required to accept grave dangers and what might be the implications of their disobedience to orders for a culture of peace? In recent years, soldiers’ rights have come under renewed interest as a result of certain judicial decisions that recognize their right to life, even in combat situations. This article traces this sensitivity to an historical precedent that has heretofore attracted little attention in the English‐speaking literature: the decade‐long effort to rehabilitate the “fusillés pour l’exemple,” French soldiers who were executed for disobedience during World War I. After providing an overview of the context, history, and reasoning of two leading French judicial decisions on those who disobeyed for refusing to engage in attacks they felt would lead to a certain and pointless death, we evaluate the extent to which these decisions presage recent human rights developments and what ongoing lessons they hold for a pacifist sensitivity at the intersection of human rights and the deployment of the military.
Characterization of the novel alleles: HLA‐A*01:305, HLA‐B*58:120, HLA‐C*04:428Q and HLA‐C*05:01:56
Authors: Kalser Julia , Hobel‐Kleisch Claudia , Weinberger Johannes , Jungbauer Christof , Mayr Wolfgang R.
Published: November 2021

Four new HLA class I alleles were characterized by next‐generation sequencing and haplotypes determined.