bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of anin vitroExperimental Model for Investigating the Effect of Matrix Stiffness on Epithelial Barrier Permeability
Authors: Roy Neilloy , Turner-Brannen Emily , West Adrian R
Published: November 2019

Epithelial cells are well-known to be modulated by extracellular mechanical factors including substrate stiffness. However, the effect of substrate stiffness on an epithelial cell’s principal function –creating an effective barrier to protect the underlying tissue – cannot be directly measured using existing experimental techniques. We developed a strategy involving ethylenediamine aminolysis and glutaraldehyde crosslinking to chemically graft polyacrylamide hydrogels with tunable stiffness to PET Transwell membranes. Grafting success was evaluated using spectroscopic methods, scrape tests, and extended incubation in culture. By assessing apical to basolateral transfer of fluorescent tracers, we demonstrated that our model is permeable to biologically relevant molecules and usable for direct measurement of barrier function by calculating paracellular permeability.

We found that BEAS-2B epithelial cells form a more effective barrier on stiff substrates, likely attributable to increased cell spreading. We also observed barrier impairment after treatment with transforming growth factor beta, indicating loss of cell-cell junctions, validating our model’s ability to detect biologically relevant stimuli. Thus, we have created an experimental model that allows explicit measurement of epithelial barrier function for cells grown on different substrate stiffnesses. This model will be a valuable tool to study mechanical regulation of epithelial and endothelial barrier function in health and disease.
Profiling the effects of rifaximin on the healthy human colonic microbiota using a chemostat model
Authors: Moura Ines B. , Buckley Anthony M. , Ewin Duncan , Clark Emma , Mitra Suparna , Wilcox Mark H. , Chilton Caroline H.
Published: November 2019

Rifaximin is a low solubility antibiotic with activity against a wide range of bacterial pathogens. It accumulates in the intestine and is suitable for prolonged use. Three chemostat models (A, B and C) were used to investigate the effects of three rifaximin formulations (α, β and κ, respectively) on the gut microbiome. Bacterial populations were monitored by bacterial culture and 16S rRNA gene amplicon (16S) sequencing. Limited disruption of bacterial populations was observed for rifaximin α, β and κ. All formulations caused declines in total spores (∼2 log10 cfu ml-1), Enterococcus spp. (∼2 log10 cfu ml-1 in models A and C, and ∼1 log10 cfu ml-1 in model B), and Bacteroides spp. populations (∼3 log10 cfu ml-1 in models A and C, and ∼4 log10 cfu ml-1 in model B). Bacterial populations fully recovered during antibiotic dosing in model C, and before the end of the experiment in models A and B. According to the taxonomic analysis, prior to rifaximin exposure, Bifidobacteriaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Acidaminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Rikenellaceae families represented >92% of the total relative abundance, in all models. Within these families, 15 bacterial genera represented >99% of the overall relative abundance. Overall, the 16S sequencing and culture data showed similar variations in the bacterial populations studied. Among the three formulations, rifaximin κ appeared to have the least disruptive effect on the colonic microbiota, with culture populations showing recovery in a shorter period and the taxonomic analysis revealing the least global variation in relative abundance of prevalent groups.
A technology roadmap study on omni-channel library
Authors: Yu Hueiju , Chang Yu-Ting , Chu Chih-Ying
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to: check both of the product and technical items and propose a technology classification framework with a roadmap for omni-channel library; draw the technical association diagram and maturation of the time of developing the omni-channel library; predict the trends of omni-channel library development architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

The method to carry out this study were secondary data analysis and experts’ interviews. The data were collected 80 cases of omni-channel and academic literature, then identified and drawn as a technology roadmap. Furthermore, smart technology experts and researchers were interviewed to not only examine and define the technical association diagram but also predict the market and technology maturation time and predict the trends of omni-channel library.

Findings

Owing to the continuous improvement of smart technologies, technology channels of delivering digital content have been changed. Content providers will confront numerous challenges in the future. There are several literature and practice findings in this paper. In addition to building a roadmap, technical association diagram and maturation time for omni-channel library, based on market integration and product value, this paper proposes an omni-channel library development architecture.

Originality/value

The results of this study can be used as practical applications in developing library channel integration strategy. In addition, this study provides insights into future studies in the field of digital content channel.
Exploring the wine sector in the Nashik district of India
Authors: Kansara Surendra
Published: November 2019

Purpose

In India, Nashik District of Maharashtra State is a major Indian wine-producing region. This study aims to critically explore multiple aspects of an area and bring to the forefront of various sociological or educational variables (Kerlinger, 1973). The variables can help in the generation of the conjectures and premises.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodologically, to explore the wine sector in the Nashik District of India total 304 number of wine products and its pricing along with a total 26 number of wineries attributes has evaluated by collecting details of different product attributes of wine products and retail pricing. These were regressed with backward integration to arrive at the characteristics that govern wine prices. Concerning their motivation for wine tourism, a survey of 197 visitors conducted. Seven winery owners/ officials were interviewed that includes the Coordinator of the Wineries association. The interview schedule included open-ended questions. Thus, providing more in-depth insight into the wine sector in the Nashik District of India.

Findings

An investigation of the wine industry in the Nashik district of India suggests the potential for combined effects between wineries, local communities and the economy by discovering the sociological or educational variables associated with the considered geographic region.

Research limitations/implications

The research is the field study aimed at discovering the relations or interactions among sociological or educational variables. There can be variables beyond the considered variables affecting the wine product mix and pricing, wine tourism motivation factors and the factors responsible for the economic development of the region.

Originality/value

The empirical research throws light on an unexplored wine-producing region and its potential impact on livelihood. The exploratory study discovers the interactions among educational variables, as asserted by Kerlinger (1973). It can also help in the generation of premises about the wine sector from the area.
Aggression in Iranian adolescent girls: role of depressive mood, dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome
Authors: Rezaei Sajjad
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Aggression is a destructive experience in terms of social and public health. The purpose of this paper is to determine the role of depressive mood, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in adolescent girls’ aggression.

Design/methodology/approach

In a cross-sectional study, 510 girl students were selected by multistage cluster sampling from Lahijan and Sangar high schools (Northern Iran) in the 2017–2018 academic year, and each of them responded to the short version of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13), Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool and Ahvaz Aggression Inventory. Data were analyzed by point-biserial and Pearson’s correlation coefficients, univariate analysis of covariance in the form of 2 × 3 factorial design and Hochberg’s GT2 post hoc test.

Findings

The questionnaires of 475 students were returned correctly (survey validity=93 percent). The results of ANCOVA after adjustment for confounding variables such as age and physical illness history revealed that the existence of main effect for depressive mood (F=31.50, df=1, p<0.0001) and PMS and PMDD diagnoses (F=11.39, df=2, p<0.0001) were associated with increased aggression. However, there was no significant interaction effect on aggression levels (p>0.05). Additionally, post hoc tests revealed no significant differences between the diagnosis of PMS and PMDD in terms of aggression (p>0.05).

Research limitations/implications

The present study has some limitations. Depressive mood and diagnoses of PMS and PMDD were defined through relying on the self-report data and cut points suggested by the questionnaires. Obviously, change of measurement tools or even cut points reduces the results reliability and repeatability. Furthermore, the research plan does not allow us to infer causal relations and does not provide information about the direction of the relationship between depression symptoms, PMS and PMDD diagnoses, and aggression. Finally, the present study is relied on high schools’ data, and the results cannot be generalized to other adolescent girls.

Originality/value

Despite the limitations of this study, its findings offer new insights into the factors influencing the perpetration of aggression in Iranian adolescent girls. Depressed adolescent girls and those receiving a PMS or PMDD diagnosis are more likely to develop aggression. These findings can be used in high schools to design educational and health-based interventions in order to reduce and prevent anger and resentment in adolescent girls.
Business models in facilities management value chains
Authors: Jensen Per Anker
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to identify typical sourcing strategies and business models in facilities management (FM) and map archetypes of value chains with complementary sourcing strategies and value chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on literature and case studies from previous research. Theoretically, the paper takes a generic value chain as a starting point together with the recent ISO standard on sourcing process and a business model framework. A conceptual framework is developed and typical sourcing strategies and business models for FM are investigated. Archetypical value chains are established by a combination of sourcing strategies and business models.

Findings

The paper identifies eight archetypes of FM value chains divided in three groups according to whether the core business organisation occupies rented facilities and owned facilities or has facilities operation as a core business like serviced office providers, etc.

Practical implications

The results can be used on a general level by everybody who need to get an overview and understanding of the complex structure of the FM sector. Furthermore, the results can help all parties involved in the FM value chain to get a clearer understanding of their position in the chain and help them develop their sourcing strategies and/or business model, depending on their type of organisation.

Originality/value

While there is a huge amount of literature on sourcing in FM, there has only been limited research on business models and value chains in FM. The paper is original in combining an investigation of sourcing strategies, business models and value chains in FM.
Systematic study on key factors influencing establish automobile electronics industry clustering
Authors: Wei Nai-Chieh , Hsu Hsiang-Chen , Chao I-Ming , Yang Ai-Ling
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the trends of global automobile industry toward energy saving and smart application. The automobile industry has its own special supply, safety and reliability system. It combined with the legislations that progressive safety driving leads to increase automobile electronic (AE) facilities and enlarges the proportion of the electronic control for vehicles. Based on matured communication and semiconductor industries in Taiwan, the government assists these hi-tech industries in entering the AE domain by clustering relevant enterprises with assembly supply chains. Flagship IC packaging and LCD panels enterprises are located in the Kaohsiung Industrial Park which possesses advantages for the clustering of AE industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a systematic investigation on establishing AE industry cluster in Kaohsiung Industry Park (KIP) is presented. First, 42 electrical and electronics enterprises are site visited and interviewed for operation and management preferential demands. Second, problems encountered in enterprises’ operation are identified through expert weight method. Third, the main factors involved in the operational management are then analyzed based on five flagship enterprises in KIP. The integration of industrial–university–government resources and assistance is demonstrated. Finally, the establishment of an innovative talents cultivation model is illustrated.

Findings

The developed systematic talent program is proposed to resolve the urgent demands in recruiting talents, operational costs and new products development.

Originality/value

This paper satisfies needs of research enterprise management. The establishment of an innovative talents cultivation model is illustrated.
Rapid Appraisal for Agricultural Land Utilization in the erosion and landslide vulnerable mountainous areas of Kulonprogo Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Juhadi Juhadi , Banowati Eva , Sanjoto Tjaturahono Budi , Nugraha Satya Budi
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the land utilization in the erosion and landslide vulnerable mountainous region using the Rapid Appraisal for Agricultural Land Utilization (RApALU) model.

Design/methodology/approach

A multidimensional RApALU model is used for sustainable agriculture land utilization.

Findings

Ecological dimension was less sustainable, whereas socio-economic, socio-cultural, and eco-technological dimensions were comparatively more sustainable. It was found from the analysis that 9 out of 21 attributes have sensitive effect on the sustainability index and status.

Practical implications

One of the implications of this research is that this model could be used to quickly measure the arrangement of an area that is experiencing environmental problems so that the land use planning process could be done more effectively and efficiently. The parameters used in each variable could be chosen by the researchers themselves according to location. As far as known by the researcher, the methods used have not been well integrated, they are still separated, for example, only physical problems, and social problems have not been measured properly. This model is not perfect yet, and it could be developed further because environmental problems are very complex and could be different from one location to another.

Originality/value

RApALU analysis can be used as preliminary analysis to comprehend general and overall description on the status of the sustainability index of land utilization for agriculture in hilly mountainous regions. The study confirmed that RApALU analysis can help determine the status of the sustainability of land utilization in intricate areas. This technique was able to comprehensively identify important factors affecting sustainability status of various dimensions.
Human resource management challenges facing franchise businesses
Authors: Zolfagharian Mohammadali , Naderi Iman
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the current understanding of human resource management (HRM) challenges facing franchise businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative investigation, including eight in-depth interviews and 66 semi-structured interviews with various franchise stakeholders as well as 42 participant observations, was conducted in North America to answer the research questions.

Findings

Six major conclusions emerged from the conceptual and empirical work. The findings, for instance, reveal that human resources in franchise businesses lacks in motivation and skills, and franchisees’ distance from the ideal mix of autonomy and risk-aversion determines psychological and financial distress in the system.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that when firms choose the franchising path as a means of leapfrogging resource constraints, they will experience new and more challenging HRM complications for several reasons. Therefore, decision-makers at both franchisor and franchisee firms need to address these new HRM challenges proactively by recognizing their possibility and emergence and by engaging in cooperative learning with one another.

Originality/value

While HRM practices can “make or break” franchise systems, some important research questions still remain unanswered in this context. In an attempt to narrow this gap, and using a qualitative approach, this work identifies and classifies the key HRM challenges facing the franchise industry. Based on the finding, a conceptual model is proposed and discussed.
What happens during flight to safety: Evidence from public and private real estate markets
Authors: Boudry Walter I. , Connolly Robert A. , Steiner Eva
Published: November 2019

Little is known about the performance of public and private real estate investments during and after flight to safety (FTS). We document that public real estate securities offer a partial hedge during FTS events. In addition, periods with multiple FTS events forecast slower economic growth, resulting in weaker long‐run investment performance of real estate assets. Following FTS, the probability of a drop in real estate cash flows increases by up to 20%, with quarterly cash flow growth rates declining by as much as 27%. Private market real estate price appreciation over the four quarters following FTS is nearly wiped out.
Application of targeted exome and whole‐exome sequencing for Chinese families with Stargardt disease
Authors: Dan Handong , Huang Xin , Xing Yiqiao , Shen Yin
Published: November 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate pathogenic variants and molecular etiologies of Stargardt disease (STGD) in a cohort of Chinese families.

Materials and Methods

A cohort of 12 unrelated STGD families diagnosed on the basis of clinical manifestations underwent analysis by targeted exome or whole‐exome sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis, Sanger sequencing, and cosegregation analysis of available family members were used to validate sequencing data and confirm the presence of disease‐causing genes.

Results

Using targeted exome and whole‐exome sequencing, we found that eight families had disease‐causing variants in the ABCA4 gene, one family had only one heterozygous variant in the ABCA4 gene, and the remaining three families have not been identified with any disease‐causing variants for STGD. We identified 15 variants in the ABCA4 gene; of these, five variants have not been previously described for STGD.

Conclusion

The findings in this study expand the data regarding the frequency and spectrum of variants in the ABCA4 gene, thus potentially enriching our understanding of the molecular basis of STGD. Moreover, they constitute clues for future STGD diagnosis and therapy.
Pregnancy favors circulating IL‐21–secreting TFH‐like cell recovery in ARV‐treated HIV‐1–infected women
Authors: Kasahara Taissa M. , Monteiro Clarice , Hygino Joana , Cafasso Marcos O. S. D. , Oyamada Hugo A. A. , Andrade Regis M. , Ferreira Orlando , Leite Simone , Silva Vander G. , Gupta Sudhir , Bento Cleonice A. M.
Published: November 2019

Problem

Pregnancy appears to favor maternal antibody production. In contrast, by damaging follicular helper T cells (TFH), HIV‐1 infection compromises protective humoural immune response. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the frequency of different TFH‐like cells in HIV‐infected pregnant women (PW) before and after antiretroviral (ARV) therapy.

Method of study

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells, CD4+ T and B cells, were obtained from asymptomatic HIV‐1–infected non‐PW and PW just before and after ARV therapy. In some experiments, healthy HIV‐1–negative PW were also tested. The frequency of different TFH‐like cell subsets was determined by flow cytometry. The plasma titers of IgG anti‐tetanus toxoid (TT), anti‐HBsAg, and anti‐gp41 were determined by ELISA. The in vitro production of total IgG, IL‐21, and hormones (estrogen and progesterone) was quantified also by ELISA.

Results

Our results demonstrate that antiretroviral (ARV) therapy was more efficient in elevating the percentage of circulating IL‐21–secreting TFH cells in HIV‐1–infected pregnant women (PW) than in non‐pregnant patients (nPW). Moreover, in co‐culture systems, CD4+ T cells from ART‐treated PW were more efficient in assisting B cells to produce IgG production. The in vivo anti‐HBsAg IgG titers after ARV therapy were also significantly higher in PW, and their levels were directly associated with both IL‐21+TFH frequency and plasma concentration of estrogen.

Conclusion

In summary, our results suggest that pregnancy favors the recovery of TFH‐like cells after ARV therapy in HIV‐1–infected women, which could help these mothers to protect their newborns from infectious diseases by transferring IgG across the placenta.
Interpellating the state
Authors: KURTOVIĆ LARISA
Published: November 2019

No longer the sole purview of comedians, satire is increasingly used by activists as a tool of political intervention. During a protest campaign in postwar Bosnia and Herzegovina, activists used the satirical frame of a fake confession as a form of an “inverse interpellation” to provoke a response from the disinterested and dysfunctional postwar state authorities. This unusual series of events involved an unpopular prime minister, incriminating graffiti, and citizens who were hailing the police in an ironic key, showing how some forms of leftist political activism may be based on a desire to restore, rather than oppose, an overarching governing authority. [interpellation, satire, activism, postsocialism, the state, Bosnia and Herzegovina]
Suspected hereditary cervicothoracic vertebral subluxation with cervical myopathy in Poll Merino sheep
Authors: Cronin N , Loukopoulos P , Brown D , O'Rourke BA , Morrice G , Windsor PA
Published: November 2019

Background

Cervicothoracic vertebral subluxation in sheep presents as a postural and locomotor disorder, and has been described in several breeds in Australia and overseas. Cervical myopathy may also be present in these cases.

Case report

A New South Wales sheep producer reported a postural and locomotor disorder with a low prevalence in his Poll Merino stud flock, affecting neonate, weaner and adult sheep. Animals with postural abnormalities, variable degrees of ataxia and proprioceptive deficits involving both fore and hind limbs were described. Abnormalities of the cervicothoracic vertebral column were identified grossly during necropsy, with misalignment and consequent narrowing of the posterior cervical spinal canal. Lesions ranging from pallor (cellular degeneration) to white streaky lesions with pinpoint haemorrhage (necrosis) were identified in the cervicothoracic paravertebral musculature of affected animals. Boney abnormalities were further characterised by imaging studies. Pedigree analysis of the very extensive breeding and disease incident records available for this flock suggested that the disease was inherited. A similar case recognised in a separate New South Wales Poll Merino flock is also described.

Conclusion

This report describes an entity of cervicothoracic vertebral subluxation in two Poll Merino sheep flocks, with cervical myopathy also identified in one, with preliminary evidence in the primary case that there is likely to be a hereditary basis. The two cases outlined in this report resemble the findings of several historical investigations into ovine flock postural disorders in Australia and beyond.
Understanding volume–outcome relationships in nephrectomy and cystectomy for cancer: evidence from the UK Getting it Right First Time programme
Authors: Gray William K. , Day Jamie , Briggs Tim W. R. , Harrison Simon
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To investigate volume–outcome relationships in nephrectomy and cystectomy for cancer.

Materials and Methods

Data were extracted from the UK Hospital Episodes Statistics database, which records data on all National Health Service (NHS) hospital admissions in the England. Data were included for a 5‐year period (April 2013–March 2018 inclusive) and data on emergency and paediatric admissions were excluded. Data were extracted on the NHS trust and surgeon undertaking the procedure, the surgical technique used (open, laparoscopic or robot‐assisted) and length of hospital stay during the procedure. This dataset was supplemented by data on mortality from the UK Office for National Statistics. A number of volume thresholds and volume measures were investigated. Multilevel modelling was used to adjust for hierarchy and confounding factors.

Results

Data were available for 18 107 nephrectomy and 6762 cystectomy procedures for cancer. There was little evidence of trust or surgeon volume influencing readmission rates or mortality. There was some evidence of shorter length of hospital stay for high‐volume surgeons, although the volume measure and threshold used were important.

Conclusions

We found little evidence that further centralization of nephrectomy or cystectomy for cancer surgery will improve the patient outcomes investigated. It may be that length of stay can be optimized though training and support for lower‐volume centres, rather than further centralization.
Assessment of a soil fertility index using visible and near‐infrared spectroscopy in the rice paddy region of southern China
Authors: Yang Meihua , Mouazen Abdul , Zhao Xiaomin , Guo Xi
Published: November 2019

The soil fertility index (SFI) is an indicator that is commonly used to evaluate the soil fertility in the rice paddy regions of China. However, calculating an SFI requires the laboratory measurement of multiple soil properties, which adds to the costs and complexity of conventional methods. Visible and near‐infrared (vis–NIR, 400–2,500 nm) spectra might offer opportunities to cost‐effectively and rapidly assess soil properties and the SFI. In this study, we evaluated soil fertility properties and their derived SFIs for paddy fields in southern China using vis–NIR spectra with the partial least‐squares regression model. The results showed very good prediction accuracy of vis–NIR spectroscopy for soil organic matter, clay and sand contents, with the former two having an apparent spectral response in the near‐infrared range. A good predictive ability was obtained for total nitrogen, silt, available nitrogen and total potassium. In contrast, the prediction accuracy was only moderate for cation exchange capacity and available phosphorus, and it was poor for the pH, total phosphorus and available potassium without apparent spectral responses. A bootstrapped partial least squares regression model predicted the SFI directly from the vis–NIR spectra accurately (R2 of 0.80 and ratio of performance to interquartile range of 3.12), whereas SFI computed from vis–NIR estimates of the individual indicators was less accurate. This shows that vis–NIR spectroscopy can improve the efficiency of soil fertility assessments within the cultivated paddy rice regions of southern China.

Highlights

Soil fertility index (SFI) can be predicted directly with spectroscopy.

Prediction accuracy of vis–NIR spectroscopy was good for SOM, TN and clay.

SFI estimated directly from vis–NIR spectra was superior to SFI calculated from predicted individual indicator.

Successful prediction of SFI from vis–NIR spectra can be attributed to the high significance of SOM and TN.
Weight reduction and possible implications for the rehabilitation of horses with ambulatory difficulties
Authors: Steinke S. L. , Carmalt J. L. , Montgomery J. B.
Published: November 2019

Equine musculoskeletal injuries, or other causes of reduced movement, can have a poor prognosis partially due to the secondary complications that may develop during recovery or rehabilitation. These can include supporting limb laminitis due to excessive weightbearing on healthy limbs and also problems associated with ventilation or perfusion due to prolonged recumbency. The risk of these complications is reported to increase with increasing body weight. While many methods have been attempted to reduce load and prevent complications, there is no current standard practice when managing horses with ambulatory difficulties. One critical consideration with load reduction devices is maintaining sufficient mobility to allow for blood flow and the prevention of muscle wasting. One of the most challenging obstacles with any weight reduction method or device is preventing pressure sores/ulcers or other tissue trauma because load is redistributed away from the limbs and onto regions of the body unaccustomed to weightbearing. Reported methods to aid in recovery and rehabilitation include rescue slings, forced recumbency, flotation tanks, water treadmills and aquatic therapy. While these methods have been successful in some horses, significant complications have also been reported. If too much weight is removed, muscle wasting or osteopenia occurs; conversely, if insufficient weight is lifted blood flow is hindered. The optimal load reduction is not known because each individual horse will have different requirements depending on the severity of the injury. The goal would be to restore normal weight distribution on the noninjured limbs, while supporting the weight that would normally be placed on the injured limb.
The neurogenetics of sexually dimorphic behaviors from a postdevelopmental perspective
Authors: Leitner Nicole , Ben‐Shahar Yehuda
Published: November 2019

Most sexually reproducing animal species are characterized by two morphologically and behaviorally distinct sexes. The genetic, molecular and cellular processes that produce sexual dimorphisms are phylogenetically diverse, though in most cases they are thought to occur early in development. In some species, however, sexual dimorphisms are manifested after development is complete, suggesting the intriguing hypothesis that sex, more generally, might be considered a continuous trait that is influenced by both developmental and postdevelopmental processes. Here, we explore how biological sex is defined at the genetic, neuronal and behavioral levels, its effects on neuronal development and function, and how it might lead to sexually dimorphic behavioral traits in health and disease. We also propose a unifying framework for understanding neuronal and behavioral sexual dimorphisms in the context of both developmental and postdevelopmental, physiological timescales. Together, these two temporally separate processes might drive sex‐specific neuronal functions in sexually mature adults, particularly as it pertains to behavior in health and disease.
Factors associated with changes of care needs level in disabled older adults receiving home medical care: Prospective observational study by Osaka Home Care Registry (OHCARE)
Authors: Yamamoto Mariko , Kabayama Mai , Koujiya Eriko , Huang Ya , Akiyama Masako , Higami Yoko , Kodama Kana , Nakamura Toshinori , Hirotani Atsushi , Fukuda Toshio , Tamatani Michio , Okuda Yoshinari , Ikushima Masashi , Baba Yoshichika , Nagano Masahiro , Rakugi Hiromi , Kamide Kei
Published: November 2019

Aim

To clarify factors associated with changes in care needs level and mortality among disabled older people receiving home medical care over a period of 2.5 years.

Methods

The study included 179 participants, aged ≥65 years, receiving home medical care, who consented to join the Osaka Home Care Registry study. The main outcome was changes in the care needs level of participants eligible for the long‐term care insurance system. We investigated the association of changes in care needs level with basic characteristics and care‐receiving status.

Results

At the 2.5‐year follow up, 20.0% of participants showed deteriorated levels, and 41.8% of participants died. In multiple logistic regression, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.21; P = 0.051) and bone joint diseases (OR 0.34, CI 0.09–1.22; P = 0.098) were possible risks associated with deterioration of the care needs level. Male sex (OR 3.28, CI 0.91–11.74; P = 0.068) was a possible risk factor for mortality, and lower serum albumin (OR 0.22, CI 0.07–0.73) was a significant risk factor for mortality.

Conclusions

We clarified the different factors associated with deterioration of the care needs level and mortality among disabled older people. Old age and bone joint diseases might be predictive factors for the further deterioration of independence of physical activity, and a low serum albumin level is considered to be strongly associated with increased mortality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1198–1205.
Sources and uses of knowledge in a dynamic network technology
Authors: Bostian Moriah , Daraio Cinzia , Grosskopf Shawna , Ruocco Giancarlo , Weber William L.
Published: November 2019

We estimate a dynamic network technology where new knowledge in the form of publications in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is an intermediate product. Knowledge is produced in the first stage of production and is used in the second stage of production to produce a final output of real consumption, which equals gross domestic product minus investment spending on physical capital minus research and development expenditures. Knowledge also spills over between producers as it becomes disseminated. The two stages of production are linked between periods as investments in research capital and physical capital enhance future production possibilities. Our model combines several theories of production: dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) and two‐stage network DEA. Using pooled data on 53 countries during 1999–2012, the model estimates indicate that dynamic efficiency averages about 70%. Countries could increase final consumption by about 25% via greater technical efficiency in production and by another 5% via an optimal intertemporal reallocation of investment spending.
Democracy and Collective Identity in the EU and the USA
Authors: McNamara Kathleen R. , Musgrave Paul
Published: November 2019

Core state powers continue moving to the centre of the European polity, yet a sense of collective identity among EU citizens remains fragile. We argue that participatory democracy at the European level is a missing element that might create a more robust collective identity in Europe. We examine the history of polity formation in the early American case to probe the link between collective identity and practices of democratic participation, focusing on contestation about the 1789 US Constitution and the creation of pan‐US political parties in the early 19th century. Everyday democratic practices helped both to represent and to constitute the nationalization of politics in the early USA, as it moved from being a de facto international organization to a unified polity. This suggests that practices of democracy may likewise help to generate a more robust collective political identity in the EU. The historical record makes clear, however, that these processes are often exclusionary, uncertain, and far from unidirectional.
Don't Mention the War! Second World War Remembrance and Support for European Cooperation
Authors: De Vries Catherine E.
Published: November 2019

The notion that through increased state cooperation and dependency, national divisions can be overcome and peace can be secured, is at the core of European integration. Political elites often refer to the devastations of the Second World War (WWII) as a way to convey the added value of European cooperation today. Do references to the devastations of WWII enhance public support for European cooperation today? By presenting evidence from survey experiments conducted in the six largest member states (France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the Great Britain) in July 2017, this study suggest that they do, albeit only when it comes to financial assistance for other member states in dire economic need. References to the devastations of WWII do not make respondents more willing to support free movement of people or the establishment of a European army. These findings suggest that reminding people of the devastations of WWII triggers a largely transactional response among the public: a willingness to provide financial support, but nothing more. This evidence suggests that securing public support for free movement of people or European security cooperation through historical rhetoric might be difficult to achieve.
Participation of Implementing Agencies in European Administrative Networks
Authors: Polman Daniel
Published: November 2019

European administrative networks are an important part of the functioning of the EU, mainly because of their role in bridging the gap between policy implementation knowledge and the policy‐making activities of the European Commission. However, the extent to which implementing agencies actually participate in these networks, and which conditions explain network participation, have not yet been investigated. This article fills this gap by studying the conditions under which implementing agencies are expected to make more use of European administrative networks. Therefore, we turn to the participation of domestic implementing agencies in an administrative network during the common agricultural policy's post‐2013 reform. Relying on a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, this case indicates that longer EU membership, in combination with a large staff and domestic implementation issues, contributes to more active participation of implementing agencies in administrative networks.
Practising Populism: How Right‐wing Populists Negotiate Political Competence
Authors: Futák‐Campbell Beatrix , Schwieter Christian
Published: November 2019

This article introduces a new way to consider right‐wing populism in Western Europe through practice theory. While historically, right‐wing populist parties have not been seen as one homogenous movement, their populist practices constitute a transnational challenge to the European political establishment. Building on practice theory, we contribute to the question of how these parties negotiate political competence through transnational practices on three levels: claiming competence by establishing a domain, community building and practising competence. These levels are explored through three sites of populist practices: Russia, the European Parliament and rallies by the Patriotic Europeans against the Islamization of the Occident (Pegida). Among these sites we consider the French Front National, the Dutch Partij van de Vrijheid, the Austrian Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs and the German Alternative für Deutschland. We argue that in order to understand contemporary right‐wing populism better we ought to not only to consider what it is, but how it is practised.
Nomogram for prediction of lymph node metastasis in patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Min Byung‐Hoon , Yang Jung Wook , Min Yang Won , Baek Sun‐Young , Kim Seonwoo , Kim Hong Kwan , Choi Yong Soo , Shim Young Mog , Choi Yoon‐La , Zo Jae Ill
Published: November 2019

Background and Aim

Knowledge of lymph node metastasis (LNM) status is crucial to determine whether patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) can be cured with endoscopic resection alone, without the need for additional esophagectomy. The present study aimed to identify predictive factors and develop a prediction model for LNM in patients with superficial ESCC.

Methods

Clinicopathologic data from 501 patients with superficial ESCC treated with radical esophagectomy were reviewed. Stepwise logistic regression analysis determined the predictors of LNM. Using these predictors, a nomogram for predicting the risk of LNM was constructed and internally validated using a bootstrap resampling method.

Results

LNM rates of tumors invading the lamina propria, muscularis mucosa, and SM1 layers were 3.7%, 15.5%, and 40.7%, respectively. Deep tumor invasion depth, moderately or poorly differentiated histology, and lymphovascular invasion were independent predictors of LNM. ESCC with muscularis mucosa and SM1 invasion had odds ratios of 3.635 and 11.834, respectively, compared with that for ESCC confined to the lamina propria. Large tumor size (>2.0 cm) and presence of tumor budding showed borderline significance for LNM prediction. These five variables were incorporated into a nomogram. A constructed nomogram showed good calibration and good discrimination with an area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (area under the curve [AUC]) of 0.812. After bootstrapping, AUC was 0.811.

Conclusions

We developed a nomogram that can facilitate individualized prediction of risk of LNM in patients with superficial ESCC. This model can aid in decision‐making for the need for additional esophagectomy after endoscopic resection for superficial ESCC.
Complex Patients and Quality of Care in Medicare Advantage
Authors: DuGoff Eva H. , Boyd Cynthia , Anderson Gerard
Published: November 2019

OBJECTIVES

New federal policies aim to focus Medicare Advantage (MA) plans on the needs of individuals with complex health conditions. Our objective was to examine enrollment patterns of MA beneficiaries with complex needs and the association of enrollment patterns with MA plan performance.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

The 2015 Medicare Health Outcome Survey baseline survey.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 273 336 MA beneficiaries enrolled in 467 MA plans who lived in the community.

MEASUREMENTS

Complex patients included individuals 65 years and older with multiple self‐reported chronic conditions and functional limitations and all patients with disabilities younger than 65 years. Outcomes included 27 performance measures reported under the 5‐Star Part C Star Rating. Linear probability regression was used to examine the association of concentration of complex patients and performance measures.

RESULTS

Most complex patients were enrolled in general MA plans. Concentration of complex patients ranged from 25.9% in MA contracts in the lowest quintile to 68.9% in the top quintile. MA contract performance scores generally decreased as the concentration of complex patients increased. After adjusting for contract and enrollee characteristics, MA contracts with more complex patients performed less well on half of the Part C performance measures including patient experience, preventive care, and chronic care measures.

CONCLUSION

MA contracts with a high concentration of complex patients have lower performance scores on more than half of Part C measures. Further study is needed to understand whether these performance measures are capturing the delivery of poor care, deficiencies in the health plan's care systems, or whether some measures may not be appropriate for complex patients. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:395–402, 2020
Effects of exogenous amylase on the in vitro digestion kinetics of whole‐crop maize silages made from flint or dent grain type at different phenological stages grown in tropical condition
Authors: Silva Abias Santos , Pereira Luiz Gustavo Ribeiro , Pedreira Márcio dos Santos , Machado Fernanda Samarini , Campos Mariana Magalhães , Cortinhas Cristina Simões , Acedo Tiago Sabella , dos Santos Rafael Dantas , Rodrigues João Paulo Pacheco , Maurício Rogério Martins , Tomich Thierry Ribeiro
Published: November 2019

The effect of exogenous amylase on the in vitro rumen digestion kinetics of whole‐crop maize silage made from dent (RB9004) or flint grain type (RB9308) was evaluated at different phenological stages: soft dough (SOD), early dent (EAD), ½ milkline (½M) and ¾ milkline (¾M). Forage was harvested from 70 to 110 days after sowing. Two rumen‐cannulated cows receiving or not exogenous amylase (0.7 g/kg dry matter—DM, provided to achieve 396 kilo Novo units of amylase activity/kg of TMR DM) were used as donor of ruminal fluid. The in vitro gas production kinetics was evaluated according to a dual‐pool logistic model. The chemical composition and gas production kinetics were affected by the hybrid and phenological stages. The flint hybrid had lower range for chemical analysis among physiological stages. Harvesting at ½M and ¾M improved DM content, bromatological composition and silage quality parameters compared to dent or flint types. Amylase (i) increased methane (CH4) production and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in ½M stage, (ii) improved digestion kinetics by reducing lag time and increasing total gas production and fermentation rates of non‐fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and fibrous carbohydrates (FC), and (iii) increased extent and fermentation rate of NFC and increased fermentation rate of FC fraction in whole‐crop maize silages produced from dent or flint types in all phenological stages. Harvesting between ½M and ¾M is the best phenological stage to improve chemical composition and silage quality parameters. Exogenous amylase showed improvements on fibre digestion of silages at ½M and ¾M phenological stages in both grain types of corn.
Deer keds on wild ungulates in northern Italy, with a taxonomic key for the identification of Lipoptena spp. of Europe
Authors: Salvetti M. , Bianchi A. , Marangi M. , Barlaam A. , Giacomelli S. , Bertoletti I. , Roy L. , Giangaspero A.
Published: November 2019

Deer keds (Lipoptena spp.) are blood‐sucking ectoparasites of domestic and wild animals, and also accidentally of humans. In Europe, five Lipoptena spp. have been recorded, although the lack of specific taxonomic keys has often led to mistaken identification or to missing data. The present study aimed to develop an identification key of the European species and also to identify Lipoptena spp. found on wild ungulates in northern Italy. In total, 390 hippoboscids were collected from Rupicapra rupicapra, Capreolus capreolus, Cervus elaphus and Ovis aries musimon in an Alpine area of Italy. After morphological identification, 140 specimens were subjected to phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (CO1) and nuclear (CAD) gene sequences. Despite the expected presence of slight morphological variations, all specimens examined were identified both microscopically and molecularly as Lipoptena cervi (100% identity for both CO1 and CAD genes). The massive increase in wild ungulate populations can favour the possibility of detecting other species of Lipoptena. The identification keys proposed in the present study may help with monitoring the presence of Lipoptena species, particularly in European countries where this ectoparasite is neglected and for which various data (from diffusion to control methods) are still missing.
Why boron is an essential element for vascular plants
Authors: González‐Fontes Agustín
Published: November 2019

See also the Commentary on this article by McGrath, 226: 1225–1227.
The status of boron as an essential element for vascular plants
Authors: Lewis David H.
Published: November 2019

See also the Commentary on this article by McGrath, 226: 1238–1239.