bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employment growth following takeovers
Authors: Geurts Karen , Van Biesebroeck Johannes
Published: October 2019

We construct a comprehensive sample of takeovers in Belgium that shows they are remarkably common. Takeovers involve both small and large firms and, over a five‐year period, 17% of private sector employment. We estimate their impact on employment growth using a framework that explicitly takes into account that takeovers involve pairs of firms and that post‐merger outcomes are heterogeneous. The average merger temporarily reduces employment of the combined entity by −1.4%. Mergers likely to be motivated by market power show a stronger and permanent employment reduction of −14%, whereas those motivated by efficiency gains lead to employment expansions of +10%.
Long‐Chain ω‐3 Levels Are Associated With Increased Alcohol Sensitivity in a Population‐Based Sample of Adolescents
Authors: Edwards Alexis C. , Heron Jon , Hibbeln Joseph , Schuckit Marc A. , Webb Bradley T. , Hickman Matthew , Davies Andrew G. , Bettinger Jill C.
Published: October 2019

Background

The levels of the ω‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω‐3 LC‐PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been associated with alcohol sensitivity in vertebrate and invertebrate model systems, but prior studies have not examined this association in human samples despite evidence of associations between ω‐3 LC‐PUFA levels and alcohol‐related phenotypes. Both alcohol sensitivity and ω‐3 LC‐PUFA levels are impacted by genetic factors, and these influences may contribute to observed associations between phenotypes. Given the potential for using EPA and DHA supplementation in adjuvant care for alcohol misuse and other outcomes, it is important to clarify how ω‐3 LC‐PUFA levels relate to alcohol sensitivity.

Methods

Analyses were conducted using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Plasma ω‐3 LC‐PUFA levels were measured at ages 15.5 and 17.5. Participants reported on their initial alcohol sensitivity using the early drinking Self‐Rating of the Effects of Alcohol (SRE‐5) scale, for which more drinks needed for effects indicates lower levels of response per drink, at ages 15.5, 16.5, and 17.5. Polygenic liability for alcohol consumption, alcohol problems, EPA levels, and DHA levels was derived using summary statistics from large, publicly available datasets. Linear regressions were used to examine the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between ω‐3 LC‐PUFA levels and SRE scores.

Results

Age 15.5 ω‐3 LC‐PUFA levels were negatively associated with contemporaneous SRE scores and with age 17.5 SRE scores. One modest association (p = 0.02) between polygenic liability and SRE scores was observed, between alcohol problems–based polygenic risk scores (PRS) and age 16.5 SRE scores. Tests of moderation by genetic liability were not warranted.

Conclusions

Plasma ω‐3 LC‐PUFA levels may be related to initial sensitivity to alcohol during adolescence. These data indicate that diet‐related factors have the potential to impact humans’ earliest responses to alcohol exposure.
The Jacob factor: Aging and spirituality
Authors: Streed Stephen
Published: October 2019

Peace is a gift of God. Humans cannot create it. The meaning of “peace” in Hebrew is “completeness.” Humans seek completion in daily tasks, especially in younger years. In later years, completion takes on new urgency in a search for balance and meaning in one's accomplishments. Here a discovery of inner peace begins to take shape, where there is a perfect peace and acceptance. Others chafe under this reality, gravitating toward bitterness. Elderly can learn from Jacob that to struggle with God is to recognize that the formulation of the future comes out of being active in their own efforts.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rongliflozin, a novel selective inhibitor of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2, in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhu Xiaoxue , Li Xiaojiao , Chen Hong , Wu Min , Li Cuiyun , Liu Jingrui , Liu Chengjiao , Zhang Yingjun , Ding Yanhua
Published: October 2019

Aims

To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics of rongliflozin in a cohort of healthy Chinese people and people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and methods

We examined the effects of a single ascending dose (SAD) of rongliflozin (10‐200 mg) in combination with food (20 mg) in 50 healthy people, and a multiple ascending dose (MAD) of rongliflozin (10‐50 mg once daily for 12 days) in 36 people with T2DM.

Results

No serious adverse events (AEs) or discontinuations as a result of AEs (related to rongliflozin) occurred in either study. In healthy participants and those with T2DM, rongliflozin was rapidly absorbed, with a time to maximum plasma concentration of 0.63 to 1.75 hours. Systemic exposure (maximum observed serum concentration and area under the curve) to rongliflozin and its inactive major metabolites (T1444, T1454 and T1830) increased in proportion to dose. In the SAD and MAD studies, there was a dose‐related increase in urinary glucose excretion (UGE) ranging from 10 to 50 mg rongliflozin. This increase in UGE was associated with dose‐related decreases in serum glucose values in people with T2DM in the MAD group. In the SAD group, UGE plateaued at 50 to 200 mg.

Conclusions

Rongliflozin was well tolerated in all participants. The PK and PD measurements obtained for rongliflozin demonstrate a dose‐response relationship when the drug is administered at doses ranging from 10 to 50 mg in healthy people and in people with T2DM.
Co‐Creating Organizational Change with Customers
Authors: MacLusky Galen , Hastrich Carl
Published: October 2019

A focus on creating an environment that makes organizational change possible—rather than imposing changes from outside—gives more power to the organization itself. And “co‐creation” activities that can be shared by companies and their customers allow blind spots and preconceived notions to be challenged and replaced with processes and ideas that serve both sides.

How do you make your customers catalysts for organizational change?
Leading as Constant Learning and Development: The Knowledge‐Creative Enterprise
Authors: Tkaczyk Bart
Published: October 2019

Great leaders are mindful not just of their own learning and development but also that of others within the organization. Making a company truly “knowledge‐creative” can be done in many ways, but all of them require rigor, resourcefulness, and a positive learning culture.

How to build a truly “knowledge‐creative” company—an organization in which everyone continues to learn and develop new skills.
Developing the Next Generation of Creative Leaders
Authors: Dean Caleb
Published: October 2019

Organizations need to learn how to harness the enthusiasm and energy of a new generation of employees—without stepping on the toes of those who have come before them.

Work with young talent to focus creative energy and make your organization thrive.
Morphological changes and habitat shifts with growth of endangered floodplain fish: Possible adaptations to fluctuating environments
Authors: Nishio Masaki , Edo Kaneaki , Kawakami Ryosuke , Kawamoto Tomonori , Yamazaki Yuji
Published: October 2019

Adaptations that maximise food intake are dependent on food and/or habitat types. However, there have been few studies on the ability of floodplain primary freshwater fish to rapidly change their morphology, especially the internal one, to maximise utilisation efficiency of food resources in response to environmental fluctuations during their life history. We investigated morphological changes of an Acheilognathinae species (Acheilognathus longipinnis) that inhabits creeks in Japan to determine whether body shape variation correlated with environmental characteristics, including water depth, current velocity, vegetation cover and food availability. When shifting from floodwater‐level to low‐water‐level season, the current velocity of the study area increased as the water level decreased, causing a significant increase in periphyton and a significant decline in zooplankton and phytoplankton. Concurrently, during the short period when A. longipinnis grow from the juvenile to the premature stage, changes in internal morphology, that is intestinal elongation, and changes in external morphology such as an increase of body depth were observed. In contrast, intestinal length significantly decreased in the adult stage. Our findings suggest that morphological changes between floodwater‐level and low‐water‐level seasons associated with juvenile to premature development are an adaptation to changes in food availability due to environmental fluctuations. Additionally, the shortening of the intestine from the premature to the adult stage may be an adaptive strategy for reproduction.
Reduced geographic variation in roars in different habitats rejects the acoustic adaptation hypothesis in the black‐and‐gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya)
Authors: Holzmann Ingrid , Areta Juan Ignacio
Published: October 2019

Vocalizations used for long‐range communication must disperse without significant structural changes to be decoded by receivers. The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) holds that, since acoustic signals are influenced by the habitat in which they disperse, sounds will possess specific structural characteristics to diminish sound degradation. Additionally, vocalizations can also be influenced by genetics, anatomy, and/or cultural aspects. Here, we tested the AAH through quantitative comparisons of roars in four allopatric populations of the black‐and‐gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) across an environmental gradient from open to closed, in northeastern Argentina. At each site, we obtained good‐quality recordings from three adult males, also between July and November 2013, conducted vegetation surveys (measuring tree density, canopy closure, and vertical structure), evaluated potential masking of roars by gathering environmental sound samples, and assessed sound attenuation of a synthetic tone at three different distances: 10 m (landmark reference distance), 50, and 100 m. We also tested the alternative hypothesis that acoustic properties of roars could be explained by population genetic divergence. Our results did not support the AAH. Although our four study sites were significantly different in vegetation structure, conforming to an open‐to‐closed gradient, roars of A. caraya were not different among populations. Likewise, although environmental sound differed between sites, we found no evidence of environmental sound affecting the acoustic properties of roars. The attenuation of the synthetic tone was only near significant at 100 m distance between both extreme sites from the environmental gradient. The four A. caraya study populations grouped into three genetically differentiated clusters. Since roar features were independent from population genetic clustering, we reject the genetic hypothesis too. The combination of high amplitude and low peak frequency of roars, coupled to small home range size and extensive overlap between neighboring groups, allows roars to keep their communication value across habitats without need of specific environmental tuning.
Abundance–occupancy patterns in a riverine fish assemblage
Authors: Miranda Leandro E. , Killgore Kenneth J
Published: October 2019

The interspecific relationships between abundance and site occupancy have been widely studied in plants and animals, but principally in terrestrial systems. With few exceptions, a positive abundance–occupancy relationship has been reported. Few publications have included freshwater fish, possibly suggesting a general lack of abundance–occupancy patterns for this taxonomic group.

We examined the relationship between abundance and the extent of site occupancy by 145 species of freshwater fish, including nine non‐indigenous species, sampled over 85 sites spread across the Duck River Basin, Tennessee, U.S.A.

A distinct (r2 = 0.79) positive abundance–occupancy curve was observed, with curves differing relative to feeding and size guilds, but not relative to environmental tolerance, conservation status (i.e. listed/non‐listed), or origin (i.e. indigenous/non‐indigenous).

The patterns observed are consistent with those reported in many studies of terrestrial taxa.

The existence of positive abundance–occupancy relationships in stream fish has at least two major implications for fish conservation. First, species that decrease in occupancy due to anthropogenic disturbances are likely to decrease in abundance, facing inflated prospects for local extinction. Second, occupancy alone may be used to index community status and the need for, or success of, conservation activities.
Pulmonary function testing for the early detection of drug‐induced lung disease: a systematic review in adults treated with drugs associated with pulmonary toxicity
Authors: Bui Allan , Han Sangjin , Alexander Marliese , Toner Guy , Irving Lou , Manser Renee
Published: October 2019

Pulmonary function tests (PFT) are sometimes monitored during treatment with known pulmonary toxic drugs to detect asymptomatic drug‐induced interstitial lung disease (DILD). We conducted a systematic review to assess the accuracy of PFT, including the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), for early detection of DILD in a range of drugs. Using a pre‐specified, registered review protocol, OvidMEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 1946 to February 2018. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and reviewed full‐text articles for inclusion. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias using adapted QUADAS‐2 domains and primary outcome data were extracted and entered into RevMan5 to estimate sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The search identified 4065 citations and included 42 studies. The most commonly studied drugs were bleomycin and amiodarone. Due to clinical heterogeneity between studies, a pooled analysis was not performed. Sensitivity of monitoring with DLCO varied between 0 and 100%, with the majority of studies finding a sensitivity of <80%. CI were wide for the majority of studies. Specificity was less than 90% in all studies. Risk of bias was high for the majority of studies for the quality domain of reference standard. The findings of this review do not support routine PFT for early detection of DILD. Due to methodological limitations, the relatively small number of participants and the low prevalence of DILD in the included studies, there remains significant uncertainty about the sensitivity of PFT to screen for DILD.
Perspectives of Registered Nurses on refugee healthcare in Lebanon and Jordan (PROfILE): A multi‐site cross‐sectional study protocol
Authors: Dhaini Suzanne R. , Dumit Nuhad , Honein‐Abouhaidar Gladys , Al Zaru Ibtisam M. , Gharaibeh Muntaha , Reynolds Nancy R. , Davidson Patricia M. , Nabulsi Dana
Published: October 2019

Aim

This is a study protocol to investigate nurses' perspectives on refugee health care in two countries. The aims are to: (a) explore self‐reported work environment factors, including work stressors, self‐rated leadership, staffing and resources adequacy, and teamwork among Jordanian and Lebanese nurses caring for refugees; (b) investigate the relationship between nurse related outcomes (physical health; emotional exhaustion) and their psychosocial work environment; and (c) assess the association between nurses' perceived work environment factors and implicit rationing of care and quality of patient care.

Background

Globally, the care of refugees is achieving increased attention. Over 6.3 million people are internally displaced and 4.8 million recorded Syrian expatriates are residing in and receiving healthcare services in the neighbouring host countries.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional, comparative study using a survey design.

Method

The study setting involves both private and public hospitals and primary healthcare centres that provide care to refugees on regular basis in Lebanon and Jordan. The estimated sample size includes 3,000 Registered Nurses from Lebanon and 2,500 nurses and midwives from Jordan.

Discussion

Workplace factors affecting quality of nursing care and psychosocial status of nurses caring for refugees will be identified. Potential findings will help leaders design interventions to support nurses who are serving refugees for safer care and better patient outcomes. Findings will assist in more efficient resource allocation and management.

Impact

New knowledge on the impact of providing health care for refugees will be generated based on the structure of nursing care (e.g., work environment), on the nursing process (e.g., implicit rationing of care), and nurse outcomes (health) in two hosting communities. Moreover, factors enabling resilience in patients, providers, and systems will be identified and be of potential use in addressing the growing global problem of caring for displaced persons.
The relationship between sleep–wake disturbances and frailty among older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Wai Joyce Lok‐Tung , Yu Doris Sau‐Fung
Published: October 2019

Aim

To examine the relationship between sleep–wake disturbances and frailty among older adults.

Design

A systematic review.

Data sources

Peer‐reviewed and English‐written studies were sourced in CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, Ovid‐Medline, and by hand searching from inception to December 2018.

Review methods

This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool was used to appraise the methodological quality. A quantitative meta‐analysis was not conducted due to the heterogeneous effect estimates statistics and measurements of sleep–wake disturbances. Instead, a narrative synthesis was carried out conforming to the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination's guidance.

Results

Six cross‐sectional studies and one longitudinal study were included in this review. There was consistent evidence on the association between perceived sleep quality and frailty among older adults; whereas the results for insomnia symptoms, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep–wake pattern were inconclusive.

Conclusion

Despite a comprehensive search, this review has identified limited research in this field of study. Nevertheless, this review has identified consistent evidence on the relationship between perceived sleep quality and frailty. Future rigorous research with more validated use of measurement tools are needed to explore whether insomnia symptoms, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep–wake pattern are related to frailty.

Impact

Due to the indefinite role of sleep–wake disturbances in the pathophysiology of frailty, nearly all nurse‐led care programmes for frail older adults did not include any sleep‐related screening and interventions. Nevertheless, the consistent evidence on the association between poor sleep quality and higher risk of frailty shows the need of incorporating assessments and interventions for improving sleep quality in nurse‐led care programmes for frail older adults. Moreover, such evidence also generates casual hypothesis for future prospective longitudinal studies that explore the causality of this relationship.
Multiple domestication of swamp buffalo in China and South East Asia
Authors: Sun Ting , Wang Shaoqiang , Chanthakhoun Vongprasith , Dang Ruihua , Huang Yongzhen , Chen Hong , Lei Chuzhao
Published: October 2019

The domestication of swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis carabanesis) has been discussed for years and still remained unclear. To obtain a better understanding of where, when and how the swamp buffaloes were domesticated, the complete mitochondrial DNA D‐loop sequences of 1,788 individuals from China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Burma, Bangladesh and India were investigated. Our results revealed swamp buffalo with abundant genetic diversity. The lineage SA of swamp buffalo may be first domesticated in Lower Yangtze and then migrated following two different routes: one migrated along the Upper Yangtze to Southwest China (L1); the other migrated to Southeast China to Southeast Asia through Guangxi province (L2). During the migration process several later domestication events may be inspired in the Upper Yangtze (SB3), Southwest China and North of Southeast Asia (SB1 and SB2). In this study, we proposed a non‐independent multiple domestication pattern in swamp buffalo.
Sex biased individual variation in movement patterns of a highly mobile, near‐shore marine planktivore, the reef manta ray Mobula alfredi
Authors: Axworthy Jeremy B. , Smith Joseph M. , Wing Martina S. , Quinn Thomas P.
Published: October 2019

We examined individual variation and the role of sex on the movements of the reef manta ray Mobula alfredi. Specifically, we analysed several movement metrics using 6 years of nightly observations (1 January 2009–31 December 2014) of 118 individually identifiable manta rays at two discrete but spatially proximate sites, locally known as Manta Heaven and Manta Village, 15 km apart on the west side of the island of Hawaii, USA. Males were slightly more often (33.5%, model fitted mean, P < 0.05) observed than females at Manta Heaven, but females were much more often (156.4%, model fitted mean, P < 0.05) observed at Manta Village. Movement patterns among individuals varied greatly, but the level of variation was similar between sexes. Some animals, mainly females, displayed more resident patterns, whereas other, more mobile, animals moved between sites more frequently and had longer gaps between sightings. We did not detect discrete behavioural groups; rather, individuals varied along a continuous spectrum from many observations and high affinity to few observations and low fidelity to survey locations. These complex and variable movement patterns observed at the individual level, between sexes and between two nearby sites, in Hawaii's manta rays highlight the need for finer scale considerations in conservation and management of highly mobile marine populations.
Damage resistance and compressive properties of bulk maize kernels at varying pressing factors: Experiments and modeling
Authors: Su Yuan , Cui Tao , Zhang Dongxing , Xia Guoyi , Gao Xiaojun , He Xiaowei , Xu Yang
Published: October 2019

The physical and mechanical properties of two maize cultivars, ZD 958 and SR 999, were determined. Compression testing of bulk corn kernels was performed using a universal compression testing machine and a transparent device with a plunger. The purpose of the research was to describe damage resistance and compression properties of bulk maize kernels by measuring the broken rate, deformation, deformation energy, volume energy, and hardness for different varying pressing factors. Moisture content levels of 12, 14, 17, 21, 25, and 31% were assayed for two corn varieties. The tested compression forces were 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000, and 3,500 N. Three pressing vessels, 60, 80, and 100 mm in diameter, were used. The results showed that moisture content, pressing force, and vessel diameters created a significant effect on the values of broken rate, deformation, deformation energy, volume energy, and hardness (p < .01). The broken rate, deformation, and deformation energy increased with increases in moisture content and pressing force. The hardness increased with pressing force and vessel diameter, whereas decreased with the increase of moisture content. Linear regression models were described for bulk maize kernels deformation energy, volume energy, and hardness depending on moisture content, force, and vessel diameter.

Practical applications

Maize is one of the most versatile cereal crops of the word but has a wide application in food industries, pharmaceutical industry, and forage industries. The determination of the damage resistance and compressive properties such as deformation energy, volume energy, and hardness will help researchers and industrial process designers to design the process handling equipment, postharvest machinery, storage structures, processing equipment, and so forth, in the processing and manufacturing industries.
Macroprudential Policies in a Low Interest Rate Environment
Authors: RUBIO MARGARITA , YAO FANG
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we analyze the use of macroprudential policies in a low interest rate environment, where an occasionally binding zero lower bound (ZLB) constraint gives rise to aggregate demand externalities. We study this issue by using a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model with financial frictions and a monetary policy rule that is subject to the ZLB. We find that, in a low interest rate environment, the occasionally binding ZLB creates additional scope for macroprudential intervention. When the interest rate is high and the two policies can perfectly coordinate, the optimal policy prescriptions behave as if they were independent. This is, however, no more the case, when the interest rate is low and/or when monetary policy and macroprudential policy cannot be perfectly coordinating. This more complex policy environment calls for more policy coordination.
Food allergy management in Early Childhood Education and Care Services in Australia
Authors: Hua Tonghuan , Sambell Ros , Wallace Ruth , Vale Sandra , Devine Amanda
Published: October 2019

Aim

To assess Australian Early Childhood Education and Care Services (ECEC) staff on their preparedness to manage children with food allergy (FA) and anaphylaxis.

Methods

An online survey addressing training, knowledge, skills and staff confidence to manage FA and anaphylaxis was emailed to 5956 ECEC services nationally (excluding Western Australia, where this survey had been previously implemented); 494 surveys were completed and analysed.

Results

One in 10 (9.5%) ECEC services did not require staff to undertake anaphylaxis training, indicating non‐compliance with current legislation. Staff felt confident in managing FA and anaphylaxis, regardless of their level of training. Against recommendations, 37% of participating ECEC services stored adrenaline autoinjectors (AAI) in a locked location. Only 51.4% of ECEC services reported having an AAI trainer device. Victoria reported the highest level of anaphylaxis management training (P < 0.05), and staff were significantly less likely to store their AAI devices in a locked location compared to New South Wales and Queensland (P < 0.001). New South Wales and Queensland had a significantly lower proportion of services with AAI training devices than Victoria (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

ECEC staff self‐reported high levels of training, knowledge, skills and confidence in FA and anaphylaxis management. However, we identified gaps in staff knowledge and skills, particularly in how to correctly store and administer an AAI device. Compliance with appropriate FA and anaphylaxis policies and emergency response plans need to be prioritised.
Effects of myricetin-3-O-α-rhamnoside (myricitrin) treatment on urinary parameters of Wistar rats
Authors: Tenfen Adrielli , Mariano Luísa Nathália Bolda , Boeing Thaise , Cechinel-Zanchett Camile Cecconi , da Silva Luisa Mota , de Andrade Sérgio Faloni , de Souza Priscila , Cechinel-Filho Valdir
Published: October 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the diuretic efficacy of myricetin-3-O-α-rhamnoside (myricitrin), a common naturally occurring plant-derived flavonoid, obtained from Marlierea eugeniopsoides (D.Legrand & Kausel) D.Legrand leaves in rats.

Methods

For that, female Wistar rats were treated by oral route with the different treatments and kept in metaboloic cages for 8-h or 24-h experiment. The volume and urinary parameters were measured at the end of the period and compared between groups.

Key findings

When orally given to rats and compared to the vehicle-treated group, myricitrin (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) was able to stimulate rat diuresis, natriuresis and kaliuresis. The combination myricitrin plus hydrochlorothiazide, but not plus furosemide or amiloride, potentiated the urinary volume when compared to the effects of drugs alone. Besides, the 8-h renal effects of myricitrin were prevented in the presence of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor and a muscarinic receptor antagonist. However, all groups treated with myricitrin showed a significant reduction in Cl− excretion. In addition, a reduction in the urinary excretion of Cl− and HCO3− was detected on 24-h analysis, a result that showed to be associated with an increase of these anions in the blood samples from the myricitrin-treated group. Despite these alterations, no changes in urinary or blood pH were detected.

Conclusions

Taking together, although the results of this study point to the diuretic potential of myricitrin, the reduction in urinary Cl− and HCO3− excretion should be considered in future approaches, as well as for therapeutic applicability.
Associations between neutering and early‐onset urinary incontinence in UK bitches under primary veterinary care
Authors: Pegram C. , Brodbelt D. C. , Church D. B. , Hall J. , Owen L. , Chang Y.‐M. , O'Neill D. G.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To investigate association between neutering and early‐onset urinary incontinence in bitches under primary veterinary care in the UK.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study of bitches within VetCompass born between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012 that were followed until March 31, 2018. The clinical records were automatically searched and manually validated for incontinence cases. Incidence risk and rate over the study period were calculated. Cox regression modelling separately evaluated the hazard of urinary incontinence and association with neutering: (1) from the date of birth for all bitches, both neutered and entire; and, (2) from the date of neutering for the neutered subset. Other variables considered included breed, bodyweight and veterinary practice group.

Results

Overall, 492 bitches were identified with early‐onset urinary incontinence from a total of 72,971 included in the study period. Incidence risk was 0.68% (95% confidence intervals 0.62 to 0.74), while incidence rate increased with age. After accounting for confounding factors, increased hazard of early‐onset urinary incontinence was identified in: (1) neutered bitches, with the effect increasing with age; and, (2) bitches neutered before 6 months, within the first 2 years following neutering. In both models, increased hazard was additionally associated with increasing bodyweight and breed.

Clinical Significance

Neutering itself and early‐age neutering (<6 months) are major risk factors for early‐onset urinary incontinence. These results should be taken into account in making evidence‐based recommendations on neutering and its timing.
AcrB: a mean, keen, drug efflux machine
Authors: Kobylka Jessica , Kuth Miriam S. , Müller Reinke T. , Geertsma Eric R. , Pos Klaas M.
Published: October 2019

Gram‐negative bacteria are intrinsically resistant against cytotoxic substances by means of their outer membrane and a network of multidrug efflux systems, acting in synergy. Efflux pumps from various superfamilies with broad substrate preferences sequester and pump drugs across the inner membrane to supply the highly polyspecific and powerful tripartite resistance–nodulation–cell division (RND) efflux pumps with compounds to be extruded across the outer membrane barrier. In Escherichia coli, the tripartite efflux system AcrAB–TolC is the archetype RND multiple drug efflux pump complex. The homotrimeric inner membrane component acriflavine resistance B (AcrB) is the drug specificity and energy transduction center for the drug/proton antiport process. Drugs are bound and expelled via a cycle of mainly three consecutive states in every protomer, constituting a flexible alternating access channel system. This review recapitulates the molecular basis of drug and inhibitor binding, including mechanistic insights into drug efflux by AcrB. It also summarizes 17 years of mutational analysis of the gene acrB, reporting the effect of every substitution on the ability of E. coli to confer resistance toward antibiotics (http://goethe.link/AcrBsubstitutions). We emphasize the functional robustness of AcrB toward single‐site substitutions and highlight regions that are more sensitive to perturbation.
Function‐focused care programme for older people in Korean long‐term care facilities
Authors: Jung Dukyoo , Lee Hyesoon , Lee Minkyung
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to develop and test the effect of the Korean Function‐Focused Care Programme (K‐FFCP) on cognition and physical and psychological status in long‐term care facilities' (LTCs) residents.

Design

A quasi‐experimental repeated‐measures design was used.

Methods

The K‐FFCP was developed to maintain and maximise functions of older people in LTCs. After implementing the K‐FFCP for six weeks, differences in the cognitive status, activities of daily living (ADL) performance, physical capability, grip strength, fear of falling, depression and anxiety status of the two groups were examined using repeated‐measures analysis of variance. Patient outcomes were evaluated at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks after the intervention.

Results

In the experimental group, a significant group–time interaction effect was reported for ADL performance and depression.

Conclusion

The current findings provided evidence of its feasibility and indicated significant improvement in older people's functions using the K‐FFCP. Although this study is a pilot test, these results may confirm the importance of the K‐FFCP for the maintenance of ADL performance in older people in LTCs.
Robotic Bureaucracy: Administrative Burden and Red Tape in University Research
Authors: Bozeman Barry , Youtie Jan
Published: October 2019

This Viewpoint essay examines university research administration and the use of software systems that automate university research grants and contract administration, including the automatic sending of emails for reporting and compliance purposes. These systems are described as “robotic bureaucracy.” The rise of regulations and their contribution to administrative burden on university research have led university administrators to increasingly rely on robotic bureaucracy to handle compliance. This article draws on the administrative burden, behavioral public administration, and electronic communications and management literatures, which are increasingly focused on the psychological and cognitive bases of behavior. These literatures suggest that the assumptions behind robotic bureaucracy ignore the extent to which these systems shift the burden of compliance from administrators to researchers.
Inbound openness and its impact on innovation performance: an agent‐based and simulation approach
Authors: Cheng Lu , Lyu Yibo , Su Jingqin , Han Shaojie
Published: October 2019

A firm’s superior innovation performance is embodied not only by its average innovation performance but also by the likelihood of extremely high innovative outcomes. The former benchmark is associated with the mean of the performance distribution, while the latter is associated with the variance, both of which play an important role in instructing the achievement of superior innovation performance. In this paper, we explored how inbound open innovation impacts superior innovation performance by considering both the average and variance effects of inbound openness. We conducted agent‐based modeling and simulation research to untangle the relationship between inbound openness and superior innovation performance and how the relationship is moderated by the disruptiveness of industrial innovation. We found that inbound openness significantly influences both the benchmarks. Specifically, search breadth positively influences the likelihood of extremely high innovative outcomes in general, whereas search depth positively influences average innovation performance; and the strength of these effects varies under different disruptiveness.
Negative Media Coverage of the Supreme Court: The Interactive Role of Opinion Language, Coalition Size, and Ideological Signals
Authors: Denison Alexander , Wedeking Justin , Zilis Michael A.
Published: October 2019

Objective

We offer a novel consideration of how judicial behavior influences Court coverage, examining when the media use negative language to cover the Supreme Court, and the consequences of this portrayal.

Methods

Regression analysis to examine over 1,000 news articles from 29 diverse outlets covering rulings from the 2014 term, using text‐based measures of the Court and media's negative coverage.

Results

We find that the Court sends an important signal of conflict when using negative language in its decisions, leading to increases in negativity in subsequent coverage. We also show that this effect is conditional upon both the degree of consensus and ideological signals the Court sends when it rules.

Conclusion

The media's treatment of the Supreme Court is in many ways a product of the conflict and ideological positioning that can be observed from the Court's rulings. It suggests that Court signals can attenuate media slant.
Single nucleotide polymorphism‐based species phylogeny of greater fritillary butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Speyeria) demonstrates widespread mitonuclear discordance
Authors: Campbell Erin O. , Gage Edward V. , Gage Randy V. , Sperling Felix A. H.
Published: October 2019

The systematics of Speyeria butterflies has historically been complicated by intraspecific variability that has challenged efforts to delimit species and reconstruct phylogenies. Our study presents a phylogenetic comparison of genomic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and mitochondrial COI gene sequences, with comprehensive taxon sampling that includes 15 species and 46 subspecies. Increased sampling of genetic markers and taxa improved the match between genetic clusters, obtained with both phylogenetic and cluster‐based analyses, and species previously detected using morphology, as well as showing two species delimitations that may need revision. We also recovered extensive mitonuclear discordance between genomic SNPs and the COI gene, confirming that mitochondrial DNA does not reliably identify several species at broad geographic scales. Resolution of the relationships of Speyeria species demonstrates the importance of sampling variation across the whole genome, and provides an essential foundation for understanding the evolution of this charismatic clade of North American butterflies.
HLA‐DQB1*04:02:13, an HLA‐DQB1*04:02 variant, identified in a Kuwaiti individual
Authors: Jahromi Mohamed , Al‐Khuwari Mona , Lin Py‐Yu , Yang Kuo‐Liang
Published: October 2019

One nucleotide substitution in codon 213 of HLA‐DQB1*04:02:01:01 results in a new allele, HLA‐DQB1*04:02:13.
HLA‐DPA1*02:01:01:13, a novel HLA‐DPA1 allele, detected in an Ao tribal individual from Nagaland, North‐East India
Authors: Keppen Chenole , Sharma Akanksha , Medhi Subhash , Khamo Vinotsole , Kanga Uma
Published: October 2019

Thirteen nucleotide substitutions in intron 1 of HLA‐DPA1*02:01:01:09 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DPA1*02:01:01:13.
Characterization of the novel allele HLA‐DPA1*02:01:01:12 from an Ao tribal individual from Nagaland, North‐East India
Authors: Keppen Chenole , Sharma Akanksha , Abid Mohd , Khamo Vinotsole , Kanga Uma
Published: October 2019

One nucleotide substitution (A>T) in intron 1 of HLA‐DPA1*02:01:01:02 results in the novel allele, HLA‐DPA1*02:01:01:12.
Detection of the novel HLA‐DQB1*03:404 allele in an Ao individual from Nagaland, North‐East India
Authors: Keppen Chenole , Sharma Akanksha , Medhi Subhash , Khamo Vinotsole , Kanga Uma
Published: October 2019

One nucleotide substitution in codon 127 of HLA‐DQB1*03:01:01:07 results in the novel allele, HLA‐DQB1*03:404.
The novel HLA‐C*04:400 allele, identified in a Konyak‐Naga tribal individual from North‐East India
Authors: Keppen Chenole , Sharma Akanksha , Abid Mohd , Khamo Vinotsole , Kanga Uma
Published: October 2019

One nucleotide substitution (G>A) in codon 41 of HLA‐C*04:03:01:01 results in the novel allele, HLA‐C*04:400.
Identification of the novel HLA allele, HLA‐C*07:780, identified in a Danish woman
Authors: Hald Jacob , Mora‐Jensen Helena I. , Sørensen Søren S. , Bruunsgaard Helle , Madsen Hans O.
Published: October 2019

HLA‐C*07:780 differs from HLA‐C*07:04:01:01 in exon 2 at amino acid 49; alanine to threonine substitution.
English in the language ecology of a community of indigenous Derung people in Northwest Yunnan
Authors: Wang Jinjun , Huang Xingya
Published: October 2019

With the rapid sociopolitical and economic progress taking place over the past decade in the remote multi‐ethnic and multilingual Derung community in Dulongjiang Township, in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China, the local Derung people, one of the less populous ethnic groups in China, have been experiencing noticeable changes to their language ecology. This paper sets out to explore in particular the status and functions of English in its interaction with other languages in the Derung's language ecology, through investigating the local linguistic landscape and carrying out a survey of language instruction in the local elementary and secondary schools. The study reveals that English has become the second most frequent language after Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) and further explores the reasons leading to this rise in the status and the functions of English as part of the changing language ecology in the Dulong River valley.
Impact of Forecast Uncertainty on Wind Farm Profitability
Authors: Frate Guido Francesco , Ferrari Lorenzo , Desideri Umberto
Published: October 2019

The great amount of support schemes that initially fueled the fast and often uncontrollable, renewable energy sources (RESs) growth have been strongly reduced or revoked in many countries. Currently, the general trend is to try to equate RESs to traditional power plants. From the energy market point of view, this entails exposing RESs to market competition and mechanics. For example, it could be requested that RESs submit a production schedule in advance and are financially responsible for any deviation from it. This could push the wind farm (WF) operators to make accurate forecasts, thus fostering the electric system resiliency and an efficient use of balancing resources. From the forecasting point of view, this is not a trivial problem since the schedule submission is often due 10–12 h before the actual delivery. Since forecast errors are unavoidable, the submitted schedule could turn out to be infeasible, thus forcing the WF to adopt correcting actions, which are generally costly. This study estimates the revenue reduction that would affect a WF operating in the energy market due to forecast errors. To do this in a realistic way, a case study is selected, and realistic forecast scenarios are generated by using a copula approach. Relevant forecast error features, like autocorrelation and dependency on forecasted power level and forecast lead time, are modeled. The revenue reduction due to balancing actions is calculated on an annual basis, by using typical days. These were derived through a clustering procedure based on production data. Losses ranging from 5% to 35% have been found, depending on the days and market prices. A sensitivity analysis to the costs of balancing actions is performed. The effect of different market architectures and different RESs penetration level is considered in the analysis. Finally, the effectiveness of two techniques (i.e., curtailment and batteries) to reduce forecast error impact in highly penalizing market environments is assessed.
Multirow writing method for massively-parallel electron-beam systems
Authors: Lee Soo-Young , Ahn Byung-Sup , Choi Jin , Kim Seom-Beom , Jeon Chan-Uk
Published: October 2019

Electron-beam (e-beam) systems with a large number of beams have been developed in order to improve the writing throughput. It is desirable to have a writing method which can control beams to achieve not only a high throughput but also a high quality of writing. In a massively-parallel e-beam system, it is unavoidable that some beams are faulty and the current may vary with the beam. An important issue is how to mitigate the effects of faulty beams and current variation to enhance the quality of a transferred pattern. A possible way to reduce the negative effects of faulty beams is to spread the effects spatially. In this paper, a writing method, referred to as multirow writing, which uses each beam to expose pixels over multiple rows in each writing path, is proposed and the general procedures of realizing the method is described. The multirow writing method minimizes the dose reduction at a pixel and localization of affected pixels without exposing each writing path multiple times.
Supports and Barriers to Home-Based Physical Activity During Preoperative Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Parker Nathan H. , Lee Rebecca E. , O’Connor Daniel P. , Ngo-Huang An , Petzel Maria Q.B. , Schadler Keri , Wang Xuemei , Xiao Lianchun , Fogelman David , Simpson Richard , Fleming Jason B. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Tzeng Ching-Wei D. , Sahai Sunil K. , Basen-Engquist Karen , Katz Matthew H.G.
Published: October 2019

Background: Physical activity and exercise appear to benefit patients receiving preoperative treatment for cancer. Supports and barriers must be considered to increase compliance with home-based exercise prescriptions in this setting. Such influences have not been previously examined. Methods: The authors used quantitative and qualitative methods to examine potential physical activity influences among patients who were prescribed home-based aerobic and strengthening exercises concurrent with preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation for pancreatic cancer. Physical activity was measured using exercise logs and accelerometers. Social support for exercise and perceived neighborhood walkability were measured using validated surveys. Relationships between influences and physical activity were evaluated using linear regression analyses and qualitative interviews. Results: Fifty patients received treatment for a mean of 16 (9) weeks prior to planned surgical resection. Social support from friends and neighborhood esthetics were positively associated with physical activity (P < .05). In interviews, patients confirmed the importance of these influences and cited encouragement from health care providers and desire to complete and recover from treatment as additional motivators. Conclusions: Interpersonal and environmental motivators of exercise and physical activity must be considered in the design of future home-based exercise interventions designed for patients receiving preoperative therapy for cancer.
Distinct Gut Microbiota Induced by Different Fat-to-Sugar-Ratio High-Energy Diets Share Similar Pro-obesity Genetic and Metabolite Profiles in Prediabetic Mice
Authors: Shan Kai , Qu Hongyan , Zhou Keru , Wang Liangfang , Zhu Congmin , Chen Haiqin , Gu Zhennan , Cui Jing , Fu Guoling , Li Jiaqi , Chen Heyan , Wang Rong , Qi Yumin , Chen Wei , Chen Yong Q.
Published: October 2019

Various types of diet can lead to type 2 diabetes. The gut microbiota in type 2 diabetic patients are also different. So, two questions arise: whether there are any commonalities between gut microbiota induced by different pro-obese diets and whether these commonalities lead to disease. Here we found that high-energy diets with two different fat-to-sugar ratios can both cause obesity and prediabetes but enrich different gut microbiota. Still, these different gut microbiota have similar genetic and metabolite compositions. The microbial metabolites in common between the diets modulate lipid accumulation and macrophage inflammation
in vivo
and
in vitro
. This work suggests that studies that only use 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to determine how the microbes respond to diet and associate with diabetic state are missing vital information.