bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnic Differences in Functional Limitations by Age Across the Adult Life Course
Authors: Williams Emily D , Cox Anna , Cooper Rachel
Published: November 2019

Background

Despite compelling evidence from the United States of ethnic inequalities in physical functioning and ethnic differences in risk factors for poor physical functioning, very little is known about ethnic differences in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the life stage at which these ethnic differentials are first observed has not been examined.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data from Wave 1 of the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS), we compared self-reported physical functioning among 35,816 White British, 4,450 South Asian and 2,512 African Caribbean men and women across different stages of adulthood (young adulthood, early middle age, late middle age, older age). Regression analyses examined ethnic differences in functional limitations, with adjustment for socioeconomic and clinical covariates. Ethnicity by sex and ethnicity by age-group interactions were examined, and subgroup heterogeneity was explored.

Results

Compared with White British adults over the age of 60, older South Asian men and women reported higher odds of functional limitations (odds ratio [OR] 2.77 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 2.00–3.89] and OR 3.99 [2.61–6.10], respectively); these ethnic differentials were observed as early as young adulthood. Young African Caribbean men had lower odds of functional limitations than White British men (OR 0.56 [0.34–0.94]), yet African Caribbean women reported higher odds of functional limitations in older age (OR 1.84 [1.21–2.79]).

Conclusions

There is an elevated risk of functional limitations relating to ethnicity, even in young adulthood where the impact on future health and socioeconomic position is considerable. When planning and delivering health care services to reduce ethnic inequalities in functional health, the intersectionality with age and sex should be considered.
Conceptual Framework to Guide Intervention Research Across the Trajectory of Dementia Caregiving
Authors: Gallagher-Thompson Dolores , Choryan Bilbrey Ann , Apesoa-Varano Ester Carolina , Ghatak Rita , Kim Katherine K , Cothran Fawn
Published: November 2019

This article presents a comprehensive conceptual framework designed to foster research in the changing needs of caregivers and persons with dementia as they move through their illness trajectory. It builds on prior theoretical models and intervention literature in the field, while at the same time addressing notable gaps including inadequate attention to cultural issues; lack of longitudinal research; focus on primary caregivers, almost to the exclusion of the person with dementia and other family members; limited outcome measures; and lack of attention to how the culture of health care systems affects caregivers’ quality of life. The framework emphasizes the intersectionality of caregiving, sociocultural factors, health care systems’ factors, and dementia care needs as they change across time. It provides a template to encourage longitudinal research on reciprocal relationships between caregiver and care recipient because significant changes in the physical and/or mental health status of one member of the dyad will probably affect the physical and/or mental health of the partner. This article offers illustrative research projects employing this framework and concludes with a call to action and invitation to researchers to test components, share feedback, and participate in continued refinement to more quickly advance evidence-based knowledge and practice in the trajectory of dementia caregiving.
Receiver function imaging of the 410 and 660 km discontinuities beneath the Australian continent
Authors: Ba Kailun , Gao Stephen S , Liu Kelly H , Kong Fansheng , Song Jianguo
Published: November 2019

To provide constraints on a number of significant controversial issues related to the structure and dynamics of the Australian continent, we utilize P-to-S receiver functions (RFs) recorded by 182 stations to map the 410 and 660 km discontinuities (d410 and d660, respectively) bordering the mantle transition zone (MTZ). The RFs are stacked in successive circular bins with a radius of 1° under a non-plane wave front assumption. The d410 and d660 depths obtained using the 1-D IASP91 earth model show a systematic apparent uplifting of about 15 km for both discontinuities in central and western Australia relative to eastern Australia, as the result of higher seismic wave speeds in the upper mantle beneath the former area. After correcting the apparent depths using the Australian Seismological Reference Model, the d410 depths beneath the West Australia Craton are depressed by ∼10 km on average relative to the normal depth of 410 km, indicating a positive thermal anomaly of 100 K at the top of the MTZ which could represent a transition from a thinner than normal MTZ beneath the Indian ocean and the normal MTZ beneath central Australia. The abnormally thick MTZ beneath eastern Australia can be adequately explained by subducted cold slabs in the MTZ. A localized normal thickness of the MTZ beneath the Newer Volcanics Province provides supporting evidence of non-mantle-plume mechanism for intraplate volcanic activities in the Australian continent.
A randomized controlled trial comparing primary tumour resection plus chemotherapy with chemotherapy alone in incurable stage IV colorectal cancer: JCOG1007 (iPACS study)
Authors: Moritani Konosuke , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Shida Dai , Shitara Kohei , Mizusawa Junki , Katayama Hiroshi , Hamaguchi Tetsuya , Shimada Yasuhiro ,   Colorectal Cancer Study Group (CCSG) of Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG)
Published: November 2019

It is controversial whether chemotherapy with or without primary tumour resection is effective for the patients with incurable Stage IV colorectal cancer. A randomized controlled trial, initiated in Japan in 2012, is being conducted to evaluate the survival benefit and safety of primary tumour resection plus chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone in asymptomatic Stage IV colorectal cancer patients with unresectable metastatic disease. Patients are randomly assigned to either chemotherapy alone or primary tumour resection followed by chemotherapy. The primary endpoint is overall survival. Secondary endpoints are progression-free survival, incidence of adverse events, proportion of patients with R0 resection and proportion of palliative surgery for the chemotherapy-alone group. This trial was registered in June 2012 with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000008147 [http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm]. In December 2017, the study protocol was amended for reducing sample size. A total of 280 patients will be enrolled over the course of 8.5 years.
Necrophagous Fly Assembly: Evaluation of Species Bait Preference in Field Experiments
Authors: Vilte R , Gleiser R M , Horenstein M Battán
Published: November 2019

The assembly of species that colonize animal organic matter, their relative abundance, and dynamics are affected by the environmental and biogeographical conditions to which these resources are exposed. Baited trap studies are essential for research on the diversity, seasonality, distribution and population dynamics of necrophagous flies. Decomposing baits provide the necessary stimulus for flies to aggregate on them. In this study, three types of bait of animal origin with different organic chemical composition were compared in terms of the diversity, richness, abundance, and species composition of saprophagous flies species that were attracted to them. Bone-meal (BM), cow liver (CL), and rotten chicken viscera (CV) were used as bait to collect flies. In total, 3,387 Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, and Muscidae adult flies were collected. The most abundant species were Lucilia ochricornis (Wiedemann 1830), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), and Ophyra capensis (Wiedemann 1818) (Diptera: Muscidae). The type of bait had significant effects on both the total richness (F2,18 = 57.08; P < 0.0001) and the effective number of species (F2,18 = 12.81; P = 0.0003) per trap. The average richness was higher in traps baited with chicken viscera, followed by cow liver and finally by bone-meal. The composition of cow liver and bone meal species constitute subsets of the species collected with chicken viscera, thus using the three baits would not increase the number of species detected. These results indicate that chicken viscera is the most efficient bait for testing or assessing necrophagous fly diversity.
Oviposition Behavior of Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) Responding to Semiochemicals Associated with the Western Mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis (Cyprinodontiformes: Poecilliidae)
Authors: Why Adena M , Walton William E
Published: November 2019

Considerable previous research has focused on predator-associated semiochemicals and how they affect mosquito oviposition behavior. However, most of this work has been done without taking into consideration either the natural density of the predators or how other semiochemicals in aquatic environments might affect the responses of gravid mosquitoes. The influence of mosquitofish density, source water (tap vs pond), presence of freshly laid egg rafts, and removal of a putative source of semiochemicals (bacteria) on oviposition by Culex tarsalis Coquillett (Diptera: Culicidae) was studied in laboratory bioassays. Culex tarsalis females were deterred from laying egg rafts on water that contained semiochemicals associated with Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard), but this deterrence was not strongly associated with the density of fish used to condition aged tap water. The number of egg rafts laid onto Gambusia-exudate water made with either tap water (density < 1 fish per liter) or pond water was typically ≥ 50% of that onto water that did not house mosquitofish. Gravid mosquitoes tested individually did not reduce oviposition onto Gambusia-exudate water as compared to controls. Likewise, oviposition by females with ablated wings did not differ significantly between Gambusia-exudate water and controls. Oviposition onto filter-sterilized Gambusia-exudate water was reduced relative to unfiltered water, suggesting that semiochemicals deterring egg-laying were still present after bacteria were removed. Taken together, these findings suggest that the responses of gravid Cx. tarsalis to chemicals from habitats containing mosquitofish are complex and the origin of the semiochemicals present in the Gambusia-exudate water needs to be elucidated.
The Smallest Scale of Hierarchy Survey (SSH). I. Survey Description.
Authors: Annibali F , Beccari G , Bellazzini M , Tosi M , Cusano F , Paris D , Cignoni M , Ciotti L , Nipoti C , Sacchi E
Published: November 2019

The Smallest Scale of Hierarchy (SSH) survey is an ongoing strategic large program at the Large Binocular Telescope, aimed at the detection of faint stellar streams and satellites around 45 late-type dwarf galaxies located in the Local Universe within ≃10 Mpc. SSH exploits the wide-field, deep photometry provided by the Large Binocular Cameras in the two wide filters g and r. This paper describes the survey, its goals, and the observational and data reduction strategies. We present preliminary scientific results for five representative cases (UGC 12613, NGC 2366, UGC 685, NGC 5477 and UGC 4426) covering the whole distance range spanned by the SSH targets. We reach a surface brightness limit as faint as μ(r) ∼ 31 mag arcsec−2 both for targets closer than 4−5 Mpc, which are resolved into individual stars, and for more distant targets through the diffuse light. Our analysis reveals the presence of extended low surface brightness stellar envelopes around the dwarfs, reaching farther out than what traced by the integrated light, and as far out as, or even beyond, the observed H I disk. Stellar streams, arcs, and peculiar features are detected in some cases, indicating possible perturbation, accretion, or merging events. We also report on the discovery of an extreme case of Ultra Diffuse Galaxy (μg(0) = 27.9 mag/arcsec2) in the background of one of our targets, to illustrate the power of the survey in revealing extremely low surface brightness systems.
Concerning the Li-rich status of KIC 9821622: a Kepler field RGB star reported as a Li-rich giant
Authors: Singh Raghubar , Bharat Kumar Yerra , Reddy Bacham E , Aoki Wako
Published: November 2019

Given the implications for the origin of Li enhancement in red giants, we have reviewed the Li-rich classification of KIC 9821622, the only bonafide red giant branch (RGB) giant with a He inert core to date, reported as a Li-rich giant by reanalysing the high-resolution spectra. We have obtained A(Li)LTE = 1.42 ± 0.05 dex. After correcting for non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE), we have A(Li)NLTE = 1.57 ± 0.05 dex, which is significantly less than the reported A(Li) = 1.80 ± 0.2 dex. We found that the subordinate line at 6103 Å is too weak or absent to measure Li abundance. The derived abundance is normal for red giants undergoing dilution during the first dredge-up. Since all known Kepler field Li-rich giants belong to the red clump region, this clarification removes the anomaly and strengthens the evidence that Li enhancement in low-mass giants may be associated only with the He-core burning phase. The origin of Li excess probably lies during the He flash at the RGB tip, a phase immediately preceding the red clump.
NIHAO-UHD: The properties of MW-like stellar disks in high resolution cosmological simulations
Authors: Buck Tobias , Obreja Aura , Macciò Andrea V , Minchev Ivan , Dutton Aaron A , Ostriker Jeremiah P
Published: November 2019

Simulating thin and extended galactic disks has long been a challenge in computational astrophysics. We introduce the NIHAO-UHD suite of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations of Milky Way mass galaxies and study stellar disk properties such as stellar mass, size and rotation velocity which agree well with observations of the Milky Way and local galaxies. In particular, the simulations reproduce the age-velocity dispersion relation and a multi-component stellar disk as observed for the Milky Way. Half of our galaxies show a double exponential vertical profile, while the others are well described by a single exponential model which we link to the disk merger history. In all cases, mono-age populations follow a single exponential whose scale height varies monotonically with stellar age and radius. The scale length decreases with stellar age while the scale height increases. The general structure of the stellar disks is already set at time of birth as a result of the inside-out and upside-down formation. Subsequent evolution modifies this structure by increasing both the scale length and height of all mono-age populations. Thus, our results put tight constraints on how much dynamical memory stellar disks can retain over cosmological timescales. Our simulations demonstrate that it is possible to form thin galactic disks in cosmological simulations provided there are no significant stellar mergers at low redshifts. Most of the stellar mass is formed in-situ with only a few percent ($\lesssim 5\%$) brought in by merging satellites at early times. Redshift zero snapshots and halo catalogues are publicly available.
Binary population synthesis models for core-collapse gamma-ray burst progenitors
Authors: Chrimes A A , Stanway E R , Eldridge J J
Published: November 2019

Long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are understood to be the final fate for a subset of massive, stripped envelope, rapidly rotating stars. Beyond this, our knowledge of the progenitor systems is limited. Using the Binary Population and Spectral Synthesis (bpass) stellar evolution models, we investigate the possibility that some massive stars in binaries can maintain the angular momentum required for jet production, while still loosing their outer envelope through winds or binary interactions. We find that a total hydrogen mass of MH < 5 × 10−4 M⊙ and a helium ejecta mass fraction of FHe < 0.20 provide the best thresholds for the supernova type II/Ibc and Ib/Ic divisions, respectively. Tidal interactions in binaries are accounted for by applying a tidal algorithm to post-process the stellar evolution models output by bpass. We show that the observed volumetric GRB rate evolution can be recreated using two distinct pathways and plausible distributions for burst parameters. In the first pathway, stars are spun up by mass accretion into a quasi-homogeneous state. In the second, tides maintain rotation where otherwise the star would spin-down. Both lead to type Ic supernova progenitors, and a metallicity distribution consistent with the GRB host galaxy population. The inferred core angular momentum threshold for jet production is consistent with theoretical requirements for collapsars, given the assumptions made in our model. We can therefore reproduce several aspects of core-collapse supernova/GRB observation and theory simultaneously. We discuss the predicted observable properties of GRB progenitors and their surviving companions.
Constraints on the mass–concentration relation of cold dark matter haloes with 11 strong gravitational lenses
Authors: Gilman Daniel , Du Xiaolong , Benson Andrew , Birrer Simon , Nierenberg Anna , Treu Tommaso
Published: November 2019

The mass–concentration relation of dark matter haloes reflects the assembly history of objects in hierarchical structure formation scenarios and depends on fundamental quantities in cosmology such as the slope of the primordial matter power spectrum. This relation is unconstrained by observations on sub-galactic scales. We derive the first measurement of the mass–concentration relation using the image positions and flux ratios from 11 quadruple-image strong gravitational lenses (quads) in the mass range $10^{6}\!-\!10^{10} {\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }}$, assuming cold dark matter. We model both subhaloes and line-of-sight haloes, finite-size background sources, and marginalize over nuisance parameters describing the lens macromodel. We also marginalize over the logarithmic slope and redshift evolution of the mass–concentration relation, using flat priors that encompass the range of theoretical uncertainty in the literature. At z = 0, we constrain the concentration of $10^{8} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ haloes $c=12_{-5}^{+6}$ at $68 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ CI, and $c=12_{-9}^{+15}$ at $95 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ CI. For a $10^{7} {\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }}$ halo, we obtain $68 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ ($95 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) constraints $c=15_{-8}^{+9}$ ($c=15_{-11}^{+18}$), while for $10^{9} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ haloes $c=10_{-4}^{+7}$ ($c=10_{-7}^{+14}$). These results are consistent with the theoretical predictions from mass–concentration relations in the literature and establish strong lensing by galaxies as a powerful probe of halo concentrations on sub-galactic scales across cosmological distance.
Infant formula and toddler milk marketing: opportunities to address harmful practices and improve young children’s diets
Authors: Harris Jennifer L , Pomeranz Jennifer L
Published: November 2019

Children’s diets in their first 1000 days influence dietary preferences, eating habits, and long-term health. Yet the diets of most infants and toddlers in the United States do not conform to recommendations for optimal child nutrition. This narrative review examines whether marketing for infant formula and other commercial baby/toddler foods plays a role. The World Health Organization’s International Code of Marketing Breast-milk Substitutes strongly encourages countries and manufacturers to prohibit marketing practices that discourage initiation of, and continued, breastfeeding. However, in the United States, widespread infant formula marketing negatively impacts breastfeeding. Research has also identified questionable marketing of toddler milks (formula/milk-based drinks for children aged 12–36 mo). The United States has relied exclusively on industry self-regulation, but US federal agencies and state and local governments could regulate problematic marketing of infant formula and toddler milks. Health providers and public health organizations should also provide guidance. However, further research is needed to better understand how marketing influences what and how caregivers feed their young children and inform potential interventions and regulatory solutions.
The role of knowledge-based networks in the intellectual capital and organizational performance of small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Jordão Ricardo Vinícius Dias , Novas Jorge , Gupta Vipin
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the role of a knowledge-based network (k-network) in the intellectual capital (IC) and organizational performance of Brazilian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a descriptive, qualitative and applied case study, developed taking into account the theories of strategy, IC, networks and finance to analyze the relationship between k-network and the generation of IC and organizational performance in a multifocal perspective (observed in terms of financial and marketing results, efficiency and efficacy and innovation and competitiveness) in Brazilian SMEs.

Findings

The findings showed that k-network plays a crucial role in the generation of the IC and improvements in organizational performance in SMEs. In addition, the results revealed the strategic relevance of the relationship between people and enterprises to master the process of creation and sharing information and knowledge in the analyzed network. Taken as a whole, the conclusions demonstrated the establishment of IC (in its three dimensions) as a consequence of the strategic association of SMEs in k-network, as well as the mediation role of IC as a way to promote improvements in organizational performance, considering the observed amelioration in financial results, marketing growth, efficiency, efficacy, innovation and competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides theoretical contributions by broadening knowledge of the practical relationship between k-network, IC and the multifocal perspective of SMEs organizational performance – a relevant and underexplored issue in the literature, offering several avenues for future research.

Practical implications

The results highlight the economic, political and social relevance of SMEs and the strategic use of k-network to overcome SMEs organizational, financial and managerial difficulties. In such context, analysts, managers, businesspeople and other decision-makers are expected to use this type of network to improve the IC, in its human, relational and structural dimensions, mastering companies’ knowledge and sustainable organizational performance.

Originality/value

The paper fills a significant research gap, revealing how k-networks can and should be used as a deliberate strategy by SMEs to create, acquire, use, absorb and share information and knowledge, as well as to generate IC, thus providing organizational, financial, innovative and competitive benefits to these enterprises and their network.
An In Vitro Comparison of Estrogenic Equivalents Per Serving Size of Some Common Foods
Authors: Shappell Nancy W. , Berg Eric P. , Magolski James D. , Billey Lloyd O.
Published: November 2019

The public assumes that some foods, such as milk and ground beef from cattle receiving steroidal implants, are associated with estrogenic hormones, while other foods are presumed “safe” or nonestrogenic. Here, we investigate these assumptions by assessing the relative estrogenic activity of a serving size of four foods: skim milk (8 oz), rice (48 g dry wt) in cooking bag, ground beef patties from steers raised with or without hormone implantation (quarter lb each, 114 g), and tofu burgers (isocaloric to beef burger, 198 g), using an in vitro assay (E‐Screen). Mean picogram (pg) estradiol equivalents (E2Eqs) on a serving basis were as follows: skim milk 120; rice 400; rice prepared in cooking bag 370; rice boiling bag alone 4 pg per bag, ground beef burger (obtained from the tissue of cattle that had received no hormone implants) 389, beef burger (obtained from cattle that had received hormone implant) 384, and tofu burger 1,020,000. Rice E2Eqs were highly variable, but the plastic cooking bags provided by the manufacturer added negligible E2Eqs. The source of estrogenic activity in rice may have been due to contamination with the mycotoxin zearalenone. The E‐Screen E2Eqs of tofu burger extracts agreed with those predicted based on chemical concentrations of the most estrogenic component times their E2Eq factor. While a tofu burger contained around three times the estrogenic activity of a daily dose of estrogen replacement therapy (125 mg, Premarin®, 303,000 pg); the other foods––a quarter pound ground beef burger at approximately equal calorie count, a serving of milk, or rice, were all at least 750‐fold less estrogenic.

Practical Application

When consuming the recognized serving size of a food, how much estrogenic activity can we expect? While the public assumes that some foods, such as milk and ground beef from cattle receiving steroidal implants, are associated with estrogenic hormones, other foods are presumed “safe” or nonestrogenic. Using one assay, a tofu burger contained three times the estrogenic activity of a dose of hormone replacement therapy commonly prescribed for women after hysterectomy or menopause (Premarin®); while other foods––a quarter pound ground beef burger at approximately equal calorie count, a serving of milk, or rice, were all at least 750‐fold less estrogenic.
Excavations at MR11 on Marawah Island (Abu Dhabi, UAE): new insight into the architecture and planning of Arabian Neolithic settlements and early evidence for pearling
Authors: Beech Mark Jonathan , Cuttler Richard Thorburn Howard , Al Kaabi Abdulla Khalfan , El Faki Ahmed Abdalla , Martin John , Al Hameli Noura Hamad , Roberts Howell Magnus , Spencer Peter , Tomasi Dominic , Brunet Olivier , Crassard Rémy
Published: November 2019

In 1992, an archaeological survey of Marawah Island conducted by the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey identified two significant Neolithic settlements known as MR1 and MR11. Both sites are constructed on prominent rocky platforms located towards the western end of the island. In 2000 and 2003, small‐scale excavations took place at MR11, with the first full excavation taking place in 2004. Excavations continued at MR11 between 2014 up to 2019. Radiocarbon dating demonstrates that the site was occupied between the earliest part of the sixth millennium to the mid‐fifth millennium BC. Three areas have been so far examined. Area A—a tripartite house (2004 and 2014–2017 excavation seasons); Area B—a partial structure (in 2003 and 2017–2018); and Area C—a series of at least five rooms (in 2017–2019). The results provide a valuable new insight into the architecture and planning of Arabian Neolithic settlements in the region, as well as the earliest known evidence for pearling.
Differentiating clinical and non‐clinical depression: a heuristic study offering a template for extension studies
Authors: Parker G. , Tavella G. , Ricciardi T. , Hadzi‐Pavlovic D.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To differentiate clinical and non‐clinical depression via a set of symptoms.

Methods

A sample of 140 patients attending a clinical service for those with mood disorders together with 40 subjects denying ever experiencing a clinical episode of depression were compared, with participants completing a questionnaire capturing many symptoms of depression as well as illness correlates.

Results

A latent class analysis of symptom data identified two classes and with class assignment corresponding strongly with initial clinical vs. non‐clinical assignment. Univariate analyses identified the extent to which individual symptoms contributed to differentiation. Study data suggested DSM criteria that would benefit from re‐writing or of reassignment. Two models for classifying clinical depression were generated. The first involved individuals feeling hopeless and also being suicidal or at risk of self‐harm. The second involved a symptom set corresponding to DSM‐5 criteria but with only five making significant independent contributions to diagnostic differentiation.

Conclusion

The study is heuristic in offering a strategy for more precisely differentiating clinical and non‐clinical depression in more representative samples, so allowing resolution of key features, and determining whether a monothetic or polythetic diagnostic symptom criterion model is optimal.
Enhancing food security through diet quality: The role of nonfarm work in rural India
Authors: D'Souza Alwin , Mishra Ashok K. , Hirsch Stefan
Published: November 2019

India has achieved food security at the macro level. However, at the micro level, the country still struggles with extensive problems of food nutrition insecurity. In this paper, we assess the impact of nonfarm income and nonfarm work status (casual and full‐time nonfarm work) of operator, spouses, and couples on the diet quality of smallholder households in India. We find that nonfarm income decreases the likelihood of farming household being in the poor‐diet quality group by 31% and the medium‐diet quality group by 3%. Full‐time nonfarm work by operators and spouses decreases the likelihood of farming households being in the poor‐diet quality group by 3% and 9%, respectively. Finally, national programs like public food distribution programs increase the probability of rural farming households in the poor‐diet quality group. Findings from this study underscore the importance of nonfarm income and full‐time nonfarm work in improving diet quality of rural Indian households.
Eight‐year‐old very and extremely preterm children showed more difficulties in performance intelligence than verbal intelligence
Authors: van Veen Sarit , van Wassenaer‐Leemhuis Aleid G. , Oosterlaan Jaap , van Kaam Anton H. , Aarnoudse‐Moens Cornelieke S. H.
Published: November 2019

Aim

This study determined possible discrepancies between verbal IQ and performance IQ in 8‐year‐old very preterm (VPT) and extremely preterm (EPT) children, and examined associations between verbal IQ and performance IQ, and sociodemographic factors, perinatal factors, early cognitive outcomes and also with school achievement scores.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 120 eight‐year‐old VPT/EPT children. Cognitive development was assessed at the ages of 2, 5 and 8 years. Eight years’ school achievement results in arithmetic, reading and spelling were collected. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of verbal IQ and performance IQ at the age of 8 years and to determine associations with school achievement scores.

Results

Mean performance IQ (89.8) was significantly lower than mean verbal IQ (99.4; Cohen's d = 0.59) at the age of 8 years. Gestational age (GA), small for GA status, and cognitive scores at the ages of 2 and 5 years significantly predicted verbal IQ and performance IQ at the age of 8 years. Performance IQ at age 8 years was an important predictor for arithmetic scores (β = 0.42).

Conclusion

Performance IQ was more strongly affected than verbal IQ in 8‐year‐old VPT/EPT children and was strongly related to mathematical difficulties.
Cyclical Evolution of the Global Right
Authors: Chase‐Dunn Christopher , Grimes Peter , Anderson Eugene N.
Published: November 2019

An understanding of the current right‐wing national and transnational social movements can benefit from comparing them to the global and national conditions operating during their last appearance in the first half of the twentieth century and by carefully comparing twentieth‐century fascism with the neofascist and right‐wing populist movements that have been emerging in the twenty‐first century. This allows us to assess the similarities and differences, and to gain insights about what could be the consequences of the reemergence of populist nationalism and fascist movements. Our study uses the comparative evolutionary world‐systems perspective to study the Global Right from 1800 to the present. We see fascism as a form of capitalism that emerges when the capitalist project is in crisis. World historical waves of right‐wing populism and fascism are caused by the cycles of globalization and deglobalization, the rise and fall of hegemonic core powers, long business cycles (the Kondratieff wave), and interactions with both Centrist Liberalism and the Global Left. We consider how crises of the global capitalist system have produced right‐wing backlashes in the past, and how a future terminal crisis of capitalism could lead to a reemergence of a new form of authoritarian global governance or a reorganized global democracy in the future.
Improvements in organ donation: Riding the coattails of a national tragedy
Authors: Goldberg David , Lynch Raymond
Published: November 2019

The US organ donation system has received attention from the highest levels of government. It has been debated whether increased donation is attributable solely to the opioid epidemic, or to broader performance improvements of the 58 OPOs. We evaluated Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) data of all deceased donors from 1/1/2009 to 12/31/2018. We hierarchically created four categories: (a) donor's mechanism of death coded as “drug intoxication” by the OPO; or donor coded as another mechanism of death but his/her history noted (b) intravenous drug use, (c) non‐intravenous drug use (eg, snorting), or (d) no drug use. The first three categories were grouped as “drug‐related.” In 2018, there were 2700 more deceased donors than 2009. While the number of donors dying from a non–drug‐related death decreased by 52, the number of drug‐related deaths increased by 2752 (102% of increase from 2018 vs 2009). While there have been improvements in performance at some OPOs, based on these data it is indisputable that nationally the increased number of donors is almost wholly attributable to the drug epidemic, and reflects the byproduct of a national tragedy, rather than an improved system to be celebrated.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of extra‐salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Kapatia Gargi , Rajasekaran Sangamitra , Rohilla Manish , Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Srinivasan Radhika , Rajwanshi Arvind , Saikia Uma Nahar , Dey Pranab
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a ubiquitous tumour which can occur in several sites of the human body. Commonly, it affects the salivary glands but also can rarely occur in various extra‐salivary locations.

Aim

To study the clinical and cytological features of extra‐salivary ACC on fine needle aspiration cytology.

Methods

In this paper, we included 27 patients with extra‐salivary ACC on fine needle aspiration cytology over a period of 5.5 years. The complete cytomorphological spectrum of extra‐salivary ACC was studied.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 50.2 years, with age ranging between 14 and 80 years. Male to female ratio was 1:1.7 with 17 females and 10 males. The most frequent primary site was the orbit, and the most frequent sites of metastasis were liver and lung.

Conclusion

Cytopathologists should be alert about the full range of location as well as the cytological spectrum of extra‐salivary ACC for greater precision in diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in Japanese patients with inadequately controlled type 1 diabetes (DEPICT‐5): 52‐week results from a randomized, open‐label, phase III clinical trial
Authors: Araki Eiichi , Watada Hirotaka , Uchigata Yasuko , Tomonaga Osamu , Fujii Hitomi , Ohashi Hiroshi , Okabe Tadashi , Asano Michiko , Thoren Fredrik , Kim Hyosung , Yajima Toshitaka , Langkilde Anna Maria
Published: November 2019

Aims

To investigate the safety and tolerability of 5 and 10 mg dapagliflozin added to insulin therapy over 52 weeks in Japanese patients with inadequately controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Materials and methods

This randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group, multicentre phase III clinical trial was conducted from October 26, 2015 to June 15, 2017. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of adverse events such as hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. Secondary endpoints included changes in glycaemic parameters, total daily insulin dosage and body weight over time. The efficacy of dapagliflozin in patients stratified by body mass index (BMI) <25.0 and ≥25.0 kg/m2 was evaluated in a subgroup analysis.

Results

In total, 151 patients received 5 mg (n = 76) or 10 mg (n = 75) dapagliflozin once daily for 52 weeks. Adverse events were observed in 88.2% and 73.3% of patients in the 5 and 10 mg dapagliflozin groups, respectively. Severe hypoglycaemia was reported in 2.6% (n = 2) and 6.7% (n = 5) of patients, and diabetic ketoacidosis in 2.6% (n = 2) and 1.3% (n = 1) of patients in the 5 and 10 mg dapagliflozin groups, respectively. The adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) changes in glycated haemoglobin at week 52 were −0.33% (−0.50, −0.15) and −0.36% (−0.53, −0.18) in the 5 and 10 mg dapagliflozin groups, respectively. There were no differences in efficacy parameters when stratified by BMI.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the long‐term safety and tolerability of dapagliflozin added to insulin therapy in Japanese patients with inadequately controlled T1DM.
Different qPCR master mixes influence telomere primer binding within and between bird species
Authors: Morinha Francisco , Magalhães Paula , Blanco Guillermo
Published: November 2019

The analysis of telomere dynamics in birds is a growing research field providing important findings on ecological and environmental variations in individuals’ aging, fitness and lifespan. Real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) has gained much interest for the evaluation of telomere length in birds. However, the assessment of several key preanalytical and analytical factors to optimize the method for achieving reproducible results, and the influence of these factors on the conclusions of each study, have been generally overlooked. In this study, we assessed the performance of eight commercially‐available qPCR master mixes in the amplification of telomere fragments in two bird species (zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata and red‐billed chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax). We observed that qPCR master mixes influence the telomere primer binding to target sequences and the amplification specificity within and between bird species, although PCR amplification efficiencies were very close to 100% for all master mixes. These findings indicated that the suitability of the master mix and other analytical factors must be carefully evaluated before starting a telomere dynamics study, especially when the technique has not previously been used in the species. We also showed that optimal PCR amplification efficiencies do not translate to good qPCR telomere assays, and that inference about amplification specificity based only on melting curve data can lead to misleading conclusions. Overall, this work highlights the complexity of qPCR optimization for the study of telomere length in birds.
Evaluation of serious game for changing students' behaviour in bullying situation
Authors: Kolić‐Vehovec Svjetlana , Smojver‐Ažić Sanja , Martinac Dorčić Tamara , Rončević Zubković Barbara
Published: November 2019

The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of a serious game in improving the helping behaviours of bystanders in bullying situations by using a multimethod approach. Students (N=345, aged 12 to 14) participated in an experimental study with one experimental and two control groups. Before and after playing the game, all students completed an online questionnaire about their knowledge, experiences and behaviours related to bullying, and their behaviours in everyday social situations. For the experimental group, players' reactions during game‐play were recorded. Results showed that students' social behaviour displayed before gaming experience determined their playing activities. Besides, most of the students who declared in pre‐test that they do not help the victim, although they think they should, chose helping behaviour in all bullying situations in by stander role in the game. Results indicate weak positive effect of the game on students' behavioural choices.
Medial calcification in the arterial wall of smooth muscle cell‐specific Smpd1 transgenic mice: A ceramide‐mediated vasculopathy
Authors: Bhat Owais M. , Yuan Xinxu , Cain Chad , Salloum Fadi N. , Li Pin‐Lan
Published: November 2019

Arterial medial calcification (AMC) is associated with crystallization of hydroxyapatite in the extracellular matrix and arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) leading to reduced arterial compliance. The study was performed to test whether lysosomal acid sphingomyelinase (murine gene code: Smpd1)‐derived ceramide contributes to the small extracellular vesicle (sEV) secretion from SMCs and consequently leads to AMC. In Smpd1trg/SMcre mice with SMC‐specific overexpression of Smpd1 gene, a high dose of Vit D (500 000 IU/kg/d) resulted in increased aortic and coronary AMC, associated with augmented expression of RUNX2 and osteopontin in the coronary and aortic media compared with their littermates (Smpd1trg/SMwt and WT/WT mice), indicating phenotypic switch. However, amitriptyline, an acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) inhibitor, reduced calcification and reversed phenotypic switch. Smpd1trg/SMcre mice showed increased CD63, AnX2 and ALP levels in the arterial wall, accompanied by reduced co‐localization of lysosome marker (Lamp‐1) with multivesicular body (MVB) marker (VPS16), a parameter for lysosome‐MVB interaction. All these changes related to lysosome fusion and sEV release were substantially attenuated by amitriptyline. Increased arterial stiffness and elastin disorganization were found in Smpd1trg/SMcre mice as compared to their littermates. In cultured coronary arterial SMCs (CASMCs) from Smpd1trg/SMcre mice, increased Pi concentrations led to markedly increased calcium deposition, phenotypic change and sEV secretion compared with WT CASMCs, accompanied by reduced lysosome‐MVB interaction. However, amitriptyline prevented these changes in Pi‐treated CASMCs. These data indicate that lysosomal ceramide plays a critical role in phenotype change and sEV release in SMCs, which may contribute to the arterial stiffness during the development of AMC.
N‐acetylcysteine prevents oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐induced reduction of MG53 and enhances MG53 protective effect on bone marrow stem cells
Authors: Li Xin , Jiang Meng , Tan Tao , Narasimhulu Chandrakala A. , Xiao Yuan , Hao Hong , Cui Yuqi , Zhang Jia , Liu Lingjuan , Yang Chunlin , Li Yixi , Ma Jianjie , Verfaillie Catherine M. , Parthasarathy Sampath , Zhu Hua , Liu Zhenguo
Published: November 2019

MG53 is an important membrane repair protein and partially protects bone marrow multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) against oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL). The present study was to test the hypothesis that the limited protective effect of MG53 on MAPCs was due to ox‐LDL‐induced reduction of MG53. MAPCs were cultured with and without ox‐LDL (0‐20 μg/mL) for up to 48 hours with or without MG53 and antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC). Serum MG53 level was measured in ox‐LDL‐treated mice with or without NAC treatment. Ox‐LDL induced significant membrane damage and substantially impaired MAPC survival with selective inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. NAC treatment effectively prevented ox‐LDL‐induced reduction of Akt phosphorylation without protecting MAPCs against ox‐LDL. While having no effect on Akt phosphorylation, MG53 significantly decreased ox‐LDL‐induced membrane damage and partially improved the survival, proliferation and apoptosis of MAPCs in vitro. Ox‐LDL significantly decreased MG53 level in vitro and serum MG53 level in vivo without changing MG53 clearance. NAC treatment prevented ox‐LDL‐induced MG53 reduction both in vitro and in vivo. Combined NAC and MG53 treatment significantly improved MAPC survival against ox‐LDL. These data suggested that NAC enhanced the protective effect of MG53 on MAPCs against ox‐LDL through preventing ox‐LDL‐induced reduction of MG53.
Celastrol exerts anti‐inflammatory effect in liver fibrosis via activation of AMPK‐SIRT3 signalling
Authors: Wang Yuqin , Li Chunling , Gu Jingya , Chen Chang , Duanmu Jiaxin , Miao Jing , Yao Wenjuan , Tao Jinhua , Tu Mengjue , Xiong Biao , Zhao Lingling , Liu Zhaoguo
Published: November 2019

Celastrol, a pentacyclic tritepene extracted from Tripterygium Wilfordi plant, showing potent liver protection effects on several liver‐related diseases. However, the anti‐inflammatory potential of celastrol in liver fibrosis and the detailed mechanisms remain uncovered. This study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effect of celastrol in liver fibrosis and to further reveal mechanisms of celastrol‐induced anti‐inflammatory effects with a focus on AMPK‐SIRT3 signalling. Celastrol showed potent ameliorative effects on liver fibrosis both in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and in fibrotic liver. Celastrol remarkably suppressed inflammation in vivo and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors in vitro. Interestingly, celastrol increased SIRT3 promoter activity and SIRT3 expression both in fibrotic liver and in activated HSCs. Furthermore, SIRT3 silencing evidently ameliorated the anti‐inflammatory potential of celastrol. Besides, we found that celastrol could increase the AMPK phosphorylation. Further investigation showed that SIRT3 siRNA decreased SIRT3 expression but had no obvious effect on phosphorylation of AMPK. In addition, inhibition of AMPK by employing compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) or AMPK1α siRNA significantly suppressed SIRT3 expression, suggesting that AMPK was an up‐stream protein of SIRT3 in liver fibrosis. We further found that depletion of AMPK significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of celastrol on inflammation. Collectively, celastrol attenuated liver fibrosis mainly through inhibition of inflammation by activating AMPK‐SIRT3 signalling, which makes celastrol be a potential candidate compound in treating or protecting against liver fibrosis.
Elusive Intentions
Authors: Grimes Katie
Published: November 2019

How do we know what nations intend when they wage war? Scholars of the just war tradition have tended to assume that belligerent nations intend whatever their heads of state say they intend. But this confuses descriptions of intentions—only some of them sincere—with intentions themselves. In truth, intentions are much more action‐oriented and embodied than scholars have so far realized. Nor have scholars of the just war tradition adequately reckoned with the corporate character of national intentions. In order to remedy this, I draw upon the insights of both neuroscience and the scholarly subfield known as “cognitive sports psychology” in order to craft a robustly embodied and adequately corporate account of a nation’s wartime intentions. But we cannot simply plug this new understanding of intention into existing formulations of what qualifies as a just war. Assessments of national intentions will remain overly verbal and insufficiently corporate as long as scholars split war into the three phases ofjus ad bellum, jus in bello,andjus post bellum. Because intention is action‐oriented, we cannot know what a nation intends until it has acted; intention unfolds across all phases of war and therefore cannot be fully known until a war is finished.