bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appropriation, firm dynamics, and wage inequality
Authors: Yu Eden S. H. , Chao Chi‐Chur
Published: November 2020

This paper examines the income distribution and welfare effects of appropriation activities in an economy. In the short run, with a given number of firms, appropriation can narrow wage inequality between skilled and unskilled labor when the capital resources accrued by appropriators are not large. However, wage inequality widens when the capital accrued is large. In the long run, with free entry and exit of firms, an increase in appropriation can cause firms to enter when the accrued capital is not large. This gives rise to a win–win outcome by raising the wages of skilled and unskilled labor. However, if accrued capital is large, firms exit and a lose–lose situation may occur in which skilled and unskilled wages are reduced.
Efficacy and safety of the noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, TAS‐303, in women with stress urinary incontinence: Results of a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, early phase II trial
Authors: Takahashi Satoru , Kato Kumiko , Takei Mineo , Yokoyama Osamu , Gotoh Momokazu
Published: November 2020

Objective

To carry out an exploratory assessment of the efficacy and safety of TAS‐303, a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, in women with stress urinary incontinence.

Methods

In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, early phase II study, women with stress urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence‐predominant mixed urinary incontinence were randomized to a placebo or TAS‐303 (3 or 6 mg) once daily for 8 weeks. The main efficacy end‐points were mean percentage change in incontinence episode frequency per 24 h from baseline to week 8 (the primary end‐point) and week 4.

Results

At week 8, the mean percentage change in incontinence episode frequency per 24 h was −34.73% in the TAS‐303 3 mg group, −35.41% in the TAS‐303 6 mg group and −28.07% in the placebo group (differences vs placebo, not significant). In patients with stress urinary incontinence, or incontinence episode frequency less than two episodes per 24 h at baseline, TAS‐303 significantly reduced incontinence episode frequency versus placebo after 4 weeks; some secondary end‐points also showed a tendency to improve in the same subgroups. No serious adverse events (e.g. central nervous system or cardiovascular effects) were observed; TAS‐303 was well tolerated and had a favorable safety profile.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that TAS‐303 is effective for improving stress urinary incontinence symptoms in some subgroups of patients with stress urinary incontinence. Therefore, further research is warranted.
Functions of a C‐type lectin with a single carbohydrate‐recognition domain in the innate immunity and movement of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Li J. , Bi J. , Zhang P. , Wang Z. , Zhong Y. , Xu S. , Wang L. , Li B.
Published: November 2020

C‐type lectins (CTLs) are a superfamily of proteins found in almost all vertebrates and invertebrates. They play an important role in innate immune defences, development and epidermal structure. Here, a CTL with one carbohydrate‐recognition domain containing a highly conserved Gln‐Pro‐Asp (QPD) motif was identified in Tribolium castaneum and given the name TcCTL5. Spatiotemporal analyses showed that Tcctl5 was highly expressed in the late pupa stage and mainly existed in the central nervous system and haemolymph. The transcript level of Tcctl5 was prominently induced after bacterial infection. Recombinant TcCTL5 proteins (rTcCTL5) were found to bind to lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan and tested bacteria and induce microbial agglutination in the presence of Ca2+. Interestingly, when Tcctl5 was knocked down, the transcript level of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) (attacin1, defensins3, coleoptericin1 and cecropins3) was prominently downregulated after induction with Gram‐negative Escherichia coli. More interestingly, Tcctl5 was knocked down, leading to increased mortality and loss of locomotor activity, which exhibited less travel distances among early adults. These results demonstrate that Tcctl5 plays an important role in the innate immune reaction and the movement of T. castaneum. Thus, it may represent an alternative molecular target for pest control and thus reduce the use of pesticides in agricultural production.
The Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Cardiac Electrophysiology Training: A Survey Study
Authors: Singla Virginia K. , Jain Shashank , Ganeshan Raj , Rosenfeld Lynda E. , Enriquez Alan D.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has resulted in a significant decrease in volume of electrophysiology (EP) procedures. There has been concern that trainees may not achieve the procedural numbers required to graduate as independent electrophysiologists within the usual timeline. We sought to determine the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the percentage of clinical cardiac EP (CCEP) fellows in jeopardy of not meeting procedural volume requirements and overall sentiments regarding preparedness of fellows for independent practice.

Methods

We surveyed CCEP fellows and program directors about baseline procedural volumes, curriculum changes due to the pandemic, and attitudes about preparedness for board examinations and independent practice.

Results

Ninety‐nine fellows and 27 program directors responded to the survey. Ninety‐eight percent of responding fellows reported a decrease in procedural volume as a result of the pandemic. Program directors reported an overall decrease in annual number of ablations and device procedures performed by each fellow during the 2019–2020 academic year compared to the preceding year. Despite this, a minority of fellows and program directors reported concerns about meeting Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education procedural requirements for devices (9% and 4%, respectively) and ablation (19% and 9%) or preparedness for independent practice after a 2‐year fellowship.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in a decrease in procedural volume for CCEP trainees, but the majority of fellows and program directors do not anticipate major barriers to timely graduation. This may change with COVID‐19 resurgence and further interruptions in training.
Ursodeoxycholic acid protects against lung injury induced by fat embolism syndrome
Authors: Niu Fangfang , Li Huafei , Xu Xiaotao , Sun Lingling , Gan Ning , Wang Aizhong
Published: November 2020

Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life‐threatening disease with a high mortality rate, which was a common complication of fat embolism syndrome (FES). Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been reported to exert potent anti‐inflammatory effects under various conditions. In vivo, perinephric fat was injected via tail vein to establish a rat FES model, the anti‐inflammatory effects of UDCA on FES‐induced lung injury were investigated through histological examination, ELISA, qRT‐PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence. In vitro, human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) were employed to understand the protective effects of UDCA. The extent of ALI/ARDS was evaluated and validated by reduced PaO2/FiO2 ratios, increased lung wet/dry (W/D) ratios and impaired alveolar‐capillary barrier, up‐regulation of ALI‐related proteins in lung tissues (including myeloperoxidase [MPO], vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [VCAM‐1], intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 [ICAM‐1]), elevated protein concentration and increased proinflammatory cytokines levels (TNF‐α and IL‐1β) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Pre‐treatment with UDCA remarkably alleviated these pathologic and biochemical changes of FES‐induced ALI/ARDS; our data demonstrated that pre‐treatment with UDCA attenuated the pathologic and biochemical changes of FES‐induced ARDS, which provided a possible preventive therapy for lung injury caused by FES.
Dynamics of NK, CD8 and Tfh cell mediated the production of cytokines and antiviral antibodies in Chinese patients with moderate COVID‐19
Authors: Yan Lin , Cai Bei , Li Yi , Wang Min‐Jin , An Yun‐Fei , Deng Rong , Li Dong‐Dong , Wang Li‐Chun , Xu Huan , Gao Xue‐Dan , Wang Lan‐Lan
Published: November 2020

Recent studies have demonstrated a marked decrease in peripheral lymphocyte levels in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Few studies have focused on the changes of NK, T‐ and B‐cell subsets, inflammatory cytokines and virus‐specific antibodies in patients with moderate COVID‐19. A total of 11 RT‐PCR‐confirmed convalescent patients with COVID‐19 and 11 patients with non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia (control patients) were enrolled in this study. NK, CD8+ T, CD4+ T, Tfh‐like and B‐cell subsets were analysed using flow cytometry. Cytokines and SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies were analysed using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. NK cell counts were significantly higher in patients with COVID‐19 than in control patients (P = 0.017). Effector memory CD8+ T‐cell counts significantly increased in patients with COVID‐19 during a convalescent period of 1 week (P = 0.041). TIM‐3+ Tfh‐like cell and CD226+ Tfh‐like cell counts significantly increased (P = 0.027) and decreased (P = 0.022), respectively, during the same period. Moreover, ICOS+ Tfh‐like cell counts tended to decrease (P = 0.074). No abnormal increase in cytokine levels was observed. The high expression of NK cells is important in innate immune response against SARS‐CoV‐2. The increase in effector memory CD8+ T‐cell counts, the up‐regulation of inhibitory molecules and the down‐regulation of active molecules on CD4+ T cells and Tfh‐like cells in patients with COVID‐19 would benefit the maintenance of balanced cellular and humoural immune responses, may prevent the development of severe cases and contribute to the recovery of patients with COVID‐19.
DM‐induced Hypermethylation of IR and IGF1R attenuates mast cell activation and airway responsiveness in rats
Authors: Fu Dan , Zhao Hailu , He Liang , Feng Huafeng
Published: November 2020

Diabetes has been reported to modulate the airway smooth muscle reactivity and lead to attenuation of allergic inflammatory response in the lungs. In this study, we aimed to study the effect of insulin on cell activation and airway responsiveness in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The airway contraction in rat model groups including a non‐DM group, a non‐DM+INDUCTION group, a DM+INDUCTION group and a DM+INDUCTION+INSULIN group was measured to observe the effect of insulin on airway responsiveness. Radioenzymatic assay was conducted to measure the levels of histamine, and ELISA assay was conducted to measure bronchial levels of interleukin (IL)‐1b, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐a, cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)‐1, P‐selectin and β‐hexosaminidase. The tension in the main and intrapulmonary bronchi of DM+INDUCTION rats was lower than that of the non‐DM+INDUCTION rats, whereas the treatment of insulin partly restored the normal airway responsiveness to OA in DM rats. The release of histamine was remarkably suppressed in DM+INDUCTION rats but was recovered by the insulin treatment. Also, OA significantly increased the levels of IL‐1b, TNF‐a, CINC‐1 and P‐selectin in non‐DM rats, whereas insulin treatment in DM+INDUCTION rats partly restored the normal levels of IL‐1b, TNF‐a, CINC‐1 and P‐selectin in DM rats. Moreover, the expression of IR and IGF1R was evidently suppressed in DM rats, with the methylation of both IR and IGF1R promoters was aggravated in DM rats. Therefore, we demonstrated that DM‐induced hypermethylation inhibited mast cell activation and airway responsiveness, which could be reversed by insulin treatment.
Hydrogen peroxide treatment and its impacts on Lepeophtheirus salmonis originating from the Bay of Fundy, Canada
Authors: VanIderstine Carter R. , Poley Jordan D. , Whyte Shona K. , Purcell Sara L. , Fast Mark D.
Published: November 2020

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is used to treat sea lice infections of farmed salmonids in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and issues with resistance to this treatment, and others are a major threat to the sustainability of the industry. The objectives of this study were to determine how H2O2 exposure affects survival and antioxidant‐related gene expression in salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) collected from the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick. The maximum recommended dose of H2O2 is 1,800 mg/L, while the EC50 values (with 95% CI) for the population tested were 1,486 (457, 2,515) mg/L for males and 2,126 (984, 3,268) mg/L for females. Neither temperature nor pretreatment with emamectin benzoate (EMB) impacted survival after H2O2 exposure. RT‐qPCR was performed on pre‐adult sea lice exposed to H2O2 and showed that four genes classically involved in the response to oxidative stress were unchanged between treated and control groups. Seven genes were found to be significantly upregulated in males and one in females. This is the first report on the efficacy and molecular responses of Atlantic Canada sea lice to H2O2 treatment.
Value of preoperative neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and human epididymis protein 4 in predicting lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer patients
Authors: Gao Min , Gao Yunong
Published: November 2020

Aim

To investigate the value of pretreatment neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with endometrial cancer.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 145 patients with endometrial cancer who were treated at the Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute between October 2010 and November 2013 was performed. Preoperative NLR, PLR, serum CA125 and HE4 were assessed. Clinicopathological parameters were evaluated for LN metastasis using logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted and the optimal cut‐off values of NLR, PLR, CA125 and HE4 were calculated for predicting lymph node metastasis.

Results

The levels of NLR, PLR, serum CA125 and HE4 were significantly higher in patients with lymph node metastasis than those without lymph node metastasis. Multivariate analysis showed that only the higher NLR and HE4 were independent predictors for lymph node metastasis (odds ratio, OR = 3.509, P = 0.016; OR = 1.446, P = 0.016). The optimal cut‐off values of NLR and HE4 for predicting lymph node metastasis were 2.50 (area under the curve, AUC = 0.809) and 80.4 pmol/L (AUC = 0.713). The sensitivity and specificity were 75.0% and 84.9% for NLR, 86.7% and 73.8% for HE4, respectively. When HE4 was combined with NLR to predict lymph node metastasis, the sensitivity and specificity were significantly improved.

Conclusion

Preoperative higher NLR and serum HE4 are predictors of lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer, and the predictive value was superior to that of serum CA125.
Evaluation of embryonic posture using four‐dimensional ultrasound and virtual reality
Authors: Frudiger Anne , Mulders Annemarie G. M. G. J. , Rousian Melek , Plasschaert Sophie C. N. , Koning Anton H. J. , Willemsen Sten P. , Steegers‐Theunissen Regine P. M. , de Vries Johanna I. P. , Steegers Eric A. P.
Published: November 2020

Aim

To assess the possibility of embryonic posture evaluation (=feasibility, reproducibility, variation) at rest at 9 weeks' (+0–6 days) gestational age (GA) using four‐dimensional ultrasound and virtual reality (VR) techniques. Moreover, it is hypothesized that embryonic posture shows variation at the same time point in an uneventful pregnancy.

Methods

In this explorative prospective cohort study, 23 pregnant women were recruited from the Rotterdam periconceptional cohort. A transvaginal four‐dimensional ultrasound examination of 30 min per pregnancy was performed between 9 and 10 weeks' GA. The acquired datasets were offline evaluated longitudinally (i.e. per frame) using VR techniques.

Results

The ultrasound data of 16 (70%) out of 23 pregnancies were eligible for evaluation. At rest the analysis of the embryonic posture was feasible and showed a strong (>80%) intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility for most body parts. The majority of the body parts were in similar anatomic positions at rest. However, variations in anatomic positions (e.g. 6% rotated head, 9% laterally bent spine), within and between embryos, were seen at 9 weeks' GA.

Conclusion

In this unique study, we showed for the first time that embryonic posture measurements at rest can be performed in a reliable way using state‐of‐the‐art four‐dimensional ultrasound and VR techniques. Already early in prenatal life there are differences regarding posture within and between embryos.
MRI Automated T1 Signal Intensity Detection of Diffuse Brain Manganese Accumulation in Cirrhosis
Authors: Wei Ke , Tran Thao T. , Chang Patrick W. , Malekie Annie , Chu Karen , Alhilali Lea , Borzage Matthew T. , Mena Edward , Harrington Michael G. , King Kevin S.
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cirrhosis is associated with diffuse brain manganese deposition, which results in increased signal intensity (SI) in the brain on T1‐weighted images, most often visualized in the globus pallidus. The purpose of this study was to determine if automated image intensity measurements can detect SI differences in the basal ganglia and other regions reported to have manganese deposition in patients with cirrhosis compared with controls.

METHODS

T1 FSPGR images were acquired on 28 patients with cirrhosis and 28 age‐sex‐matched controls. FreeSurfer T1 SI values were obtained for the globus pallidus, putamen, cerebral white matter, cerebral cortex, and brainstem. SI ratios were computed for globus pallidus normalized to white matter and brainstem. SI values and SI ratios were compared between groups using t‐tests.

RESULTS

Among people with cirrhosis, T1 SI was significantly increased in the globus pallidus, putamen, cerebral white matter, cerebral cortex, and brainstem (P< .001), and the globus pallidus to brainstem ratio was significantly increased (P< .001). No significant difference was seen for globus pallidus to cerebral white matter T1 SI ratio (P = .38).

CONCLUSIONS

Automatic assessment of T1 SI allows for rapid, objective identification of widespread T1 shortening associated with manganese deposition in cirrhosis, consistent with the global deposition of neurotoxic manganese seen in pathology studies. This automated T1 assessment may have broader utility for other conditions beyond cirrhosis impacting T1 SI.
Temporomandibular joint injections in dogs with temporomandibular joint pain: 11 cases (2015‐2019)
Authors: Almansa Ruiz J. C. , Kirberger R. M. , Steenkamp G.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To describe and evaluate the clinical application of temporomandibular joint injections using betamethasone and ropivacaine in German Shepherd dogs suffering from non‐odontogenic orofacial pain due to temporomandibular dysplasia and/or osteoarthritis.

Materials and Methods

Outcomes in dogs presented with clinical signs of non‐odontogenic orofacial pain associated to temporomandibular joint dysplasia and/or arthritis and treated with a temporomandibular joint injection were retrospectively‐prospectively evaluated.

Results

The overall clinical signs free period ranged between 25 to 1579 days, with an average of 461 days. The clinical signs free period for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis scores 1, 2 and 3 were on average 659 days (180‐1579 days), 134 days (42‐355 days) and 723 days (25‐1377 days), respectively. Similarly the temporomandibular dysplasia scores 1, 2 and 3 were on average 306 days (26‐1579 days), 1377 days and 669 days (25‐1429 days) respectively. Those dogs in which only one side was injected the clinical signs free period average was 639 days (25‐1578 days), compared with dogs in which both temporomandibular joints were injected showing a clinical signs free period average of 378 days (42‐1377 days).

Clinical Significance

The temporomandibular joint injection technique proved to be feasible with a decent outcome in dogs suffering from non‐odontogenic orofacial pain associated with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and/or dysplasia. Further randomised studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of this intervention.
Effect of prednisolone therapy on serum levels of 1,2‐O‐dilauryl‐rac‐glycero glutaric acid‐(6′‐methylresorufin) ester lipase in dogs
Authors: Mendoza Beatriz , Dias Maria Joana , Nunes Telmo , Basso Maria Alexandra , Hernandez Juan , Leal Rodolfo Oliveira
Published: November 2020

Background

Activity of 1,2‐O‐dilauryl‐rac‐glycero glutaric acid‐(6′‐methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase in serum shows good agreement with pancreatic lipase (cPL) in dogs. Although prednisolone therapy does not seem to affect serum cPL concentration, its influence on DGGR lipase is unclear.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of prednisolone therapy on DGGR lipase serum activity in dogs.

Animals

Thirty‐four dogs were used, of which 17 dogs received prednisolone (study group) and 17 healthy dogs did not receive treatment.

Methods

A prospective cohort study measured DGGR lipase activity in both groups at 3 time points: T0, T1, and T2, corresponding to days 0, 7‐10, and 21‐30, respectively. Dogs from study group presented a medical reason that justified the use of prednisolone for at least 3 weeks. Initial prednisolone dose was .5‐2.0 mg/kg/day PO with a reduction at T1 to a final dose that was maintained until T2. DGGR lipase activity >160 U/L was defined as clinically relevant.

Results

In the study group, DGGR lipase activity increased significantly from T0 to T1 (P = .02) and decreased significantly from T1 to T2 (P = .02). Median DGGR activity at each time point (T0, T1, and T2) was 24.74 (14.45–31.48), 36.82 (23.8–80.16), and 29.52 (15.91–48.48) U/L, respectively. In the control group, no significant changes were observed over time (P = .93). The DGGR lipase activity and prednisolone doses were not correlated for both T0‐T1 (rs = .371, P = .14) and T1‐T2 (rs = 0.390, P = .12).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

DGGR lipase activity was affected by prednisolone administered orally in dogs. However, this variation was not clinically important as values remained below the relevant upper limit.
Learning Maximum Absolute Meaning Through Reasoning About Speaker Intentions
Authors: Lee Crystal , Kurumada Chigusa
Published: November 2020

Three experiments investigated adult learners’ acquisition of a novel adjective. In English and other languages, meanings of some gradable adjectives are said to include an absolute standard of comparison (e.g.,fullmeans completely filled with content). However, actual usage is often imprecise, where a maximum absolute standard of comparison, strictly speaking, does not apply (e.g., a 90% full cup can be full depending on how it will be used). This creates problems for learners who acquire the absolute meaning from variable mappings between word forms and observations. We demonstrated that adult learners infer a maximum standard of comparison when they receive information about agents’ intended goals that lie behind imprecise word usage. Results suggested these inferences are conditioned on the amount of visually ambiguous observations made during learning. We conclude that access to agents’ intended goals allows learners to explain contextual sources of imprecision and helps the learning of a maximum absolute meaning from primarily nonabsolute observations.
First‐food systems transformations and the ultra‐processing of infant and young child diets: The determinants, dynamics and consequences of the global rise in commercial milk formula consumption
Authors: Baker Phillip , Santos Thiago , Neves Paulo Augusto , Machado Priscila , Smith Julie , Piwoz Ellen , Barros Aluisio J. D. , Victora Cesar G. , McCoy David
Published: November 2020

The inappropriate marketing and aggressive promotion of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) undermines breastfeeding and harms child and maternal health in all country contexts. Although a global milk formula ‘sales boom’ is reportedly underway, few studies have investigated its dynamics and determinants. This study takes two steps. First, it describes trends and patterns in global formula sales volumes (apparent consumption), by country income and region. Data are reported for 77 countries, for the years 2005–19, and for the standard (0–6 months), follow‐up (7‐12 m), toddler (13‐36 m), and special (0‐6 m) categories. Second, it draws from the literature to understand how transformations underway in first‐food systems – those that provision foods for children aged 0–36 months – explain the global transition to higher formula diets. Total world formula sales grew by 115% between 2005 and 2019, from 3.5 to 7.4 kg/child, led by highly‐populated middle‐income countries. Growth was rapid in South East and East Asia, especially in China, which now accounts for one third of world sales. This transition is linked with factors that generate demand for BMS, including rising incomes, urbanisation, the changing nature of woman's work, social norms, media influences and medicalisation. It also reflects the globalization of the baby food industry and its supply chains, including the increasing intensity and sophistication of its marketing practices. Policy and regulatory frameworks designed to protect, promote and support breastfeeding are partially or completely inadequate in the majority of countries, hence supporting industry expansion over child nutrition. The results raise serious concern for global child and maternal health.
Sustained nutrition impact of a multisectoral intervention program two years after completion
Authors: Marshak Anastasia , Young Helen , Radday Anne , Naumova Elena N.
Published: November 2020

Progress on the nutrition Sustainable Development Goals has been slow. More attention is needed on the ‘sustainable’ part, focused on impact lasting beyond programme implementation. To determine sustained impact of a multisectoral nutrition intervention that provided water, sanitation, hygiene, livelihood, health and nutrition support (2013–2015) in eastern Chad, we utilize longitudinal household data collected 2 years (2017) after the intervention ended. Between 2013 and 2015, children (6–59 months) in the multisectoral intervention were less likely to be severely wasted, underweight and had a higher weight‐for‐height z‐score (WHZ) compared with the control. To measure sustained programme impact, we use data on six nutrition indicators from 517 children between 2015 and 2017. We ran three models: a generalized linear model on cross‐sectional child cohorts; a mixed‐effects model on household panel data; and a mixed‐effects model on child panel data. For children who were born during the programme, we saw significant improvement in underweight, weight for age z‐scores (WAZs) and height‐for‐age z‐scores (HAZs). Boys 6–23 months born after the end of the programme, on the other hand, were significantly more likely to be underweight or wasted and had lower WHZ and WAZ compared with boys born during the programme and girls born during and after the programme. Corresponding to the literature from sub‐Saharan Africa, boys appear to be more vulnerable to malnutrition, which might be why they are more sensitive to programme cessation. Future monitoring, evaluations and research need to consider impact sustainability and that it might not be homogeneous across age and gender.
Population genomics for wildlife conservation and management
Authors: Hohenlohe Paul A. , Funk W. Chris , Rajora Om P.
Published: November 2020

Biodiversity is under threat worldwide. Over the past decade, the field of population genomics has developed across nonmodel organisms, and the results of this research have begun to be applied in conservation and management of wildlife species. Genomics tools can provide precise estimates of basic features of wildlife populations, such as effective population size, inbreeding, demographic history and population structure, that are critical for conservation efforts. Moreover, population genomics studies can identify particular genetic loci and variants responsible for inbreeding depression or adaptation to changing environments, allowing for conservation efforts to estimate the capacity of populations to evolve and adapt in response to environmental change and to manage for adaptive variation. While connections from basic research to applied wildlife conservation have been slow to develop, these connections are increasingly strengthening. Here we review the primary areas in which population genomics approaches can be applied to wildlife conservation and management, highlight examples of how they have been used, and provide recommendations for building on the progress that has been made in this field.
Efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination in children with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Kohagura Toaki , Kawabe Shinji , Abe Naoki , Nakaseko Haruna , Iwata Naomi
Published: November 2020

Background

Vaccination to prevent hepatitis B (HB) virus infection is important for children undergoing immunosuppressive treatment. Information on the efficacy of HB vaccination in children with rheumatic diseases undergoing immunosuppressive therapy is scarce.

Methods

Children with rheumatic diseases administered HB vaccine during immunosuppressive treatment between May 2013 and September 2016 were enrolled. Patients were vaccinated three times (primary series). Those who remained seronegative after the primary series received a secondary series of vaccinations. Patient baseline characteristics and treatment details from the medical records were retrospectively investigated. The proportion of patients that was seropositive for HB virus antibody after primary‐and secondary series of vaccinations was calculated. Associations between immunosuppressants and serostatus were evaluated.

Results

Fifteen of 26 patients (58%) produced anti‐hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs) after the primary vaccinations. Eight of 10 patients (80%) taking methotrexate and 3 of 11 (27%) taking mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) were seropositive. Multivariate analysis adjusted for dosage of prednisolone per body weight. Multivariate analysis showed MMF was a factor impeding seroconversion (odds ratio 0.093, 95% confidence interval 0.014–0.615). In six of seven patients (86%) who received a secondary series of vaccinations, anti‐HBs were produced.

Conclusions

MMF may impede seroconversion after a primary series of HB vaccinations, thus requiring secondary series of vaccinations in pediatric patients with a rheumatic disease undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.
Melatonin can improve viability and functional integrity of cooled and frozen/thawed rabbit spermatozoa
Authors: Fadl Aya M. , Ghallab Abdel Raouf M. , Abou‐Ahmed Mostafa M. , Moawad Adel R.
Published: November 2020

Melatonin is known to protect sperm against freezing‐inflicted damage in different domestic species. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of semen extender with melatonin on the quality and DNA integrity of cooled and frozen/thawed rabbit spermatozoa. We also investigated whether the addition of melatonin to the semen extender could improve the fertility of rabbit does artificially inseminated with frozen/thawed semen. Semen samples collected from eight rabbit bucks were pooled and then diluted in INRA‐82 supplemented either with (0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mM) or without (0.0 mM) melatonin. Diluted semen was cooled at 5°C for 24 hr. For cryopreservation and based on the first experiment's best result, semen samples were diluted in INRA‐82 in the presence or absence of 1.0 mM melatonin and then frozen in 0.25 ml straws. Following cooling or thawing, sperm quality and DNA integrity were evaluated. Furthermore, the fertility of frozen/thawed semen was investigated after artificial insemination. Supplementation of semen extender with 1.0 mM melatonin improved (p < .05) motility, viability, membrane and acrosome integrities in cooled semen compared with other groups. Sperm quality and DNA integrity were higher (p < .05) in frozen/thawed semen diluted in 1.0 mM melatonin‐supplemented extender than in the control group. Conception and birth rates were higher in does inseminated with 1.0 mM melatonin treated semen compared with the controls. In conclusion, supplementation of semen extender with 1.0 mM melatonin improved the quality of cooled and frozen/thawed rabbit spermatozoa. Melatonin can preserve DNA integrity and enhance the fertility of frozen/thawed rabbit spermatozoa.
Interviewer Effects and the Measurement of Financial Literacy
Authors: Crossley Thomas F. , Schmidt Tobias , Tzamourani Panagiota , Winter Joachim K.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we ask whether interviewers influence the answers to a standard set of survey questions on financial literacy. We study data from Germany's wealth survey, the Panel on Household Finances (PHF). We have access to extensive auxiliary data, including interviewer identifiers, background characteristics of interviewers and measures of interviewer activity through the survey. We find that interviewer effects explain a significant fraction of the variance of the financial literacy score, and intra-interviewer correlations are notably larger for the financial literacy score than for other survey variables. We explore how accounting for interviewer effects can improve estimates of the effects of financial literacy on financial behaviours and outcomes.
A Bayesian Structural Time Series Analysis of the Effect of Basic Income on Crime: Evidence From the Alaska Permanent Fund
Authors: Dorsett Richard
Published: November 2020

This paper examines the impact of Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend on crime. The Dividend has been payable annually to state residents since 1982 and is the world’s longest-running example of a basic income. Initially universal, from 1989 onwards eligibility was withdrawn from an increasing proportion of those in prison. A Bayesian structural time series estimator is used to simulate Alaskan crime rates in the counterfactual no-Dividend case. A comparison with actual rates provides an estimate of the Dividend’s impact. This does not provide strong evidence of an effect. However, incorporating information on Dividend amounts suggests the size of payments is important, with larger amounts reducing crime. There is no evidence that this effect is reinforced by the 1989 change to eligibility. The results demonstrate the potential for a basic income to encourage positive outcomes and lend support to payment being universal rather than conditional.
A Dynamic Separable Network Model with Actor Heterogeneity: An Application to Global Weapons Transfers
Authors: Lebacher Michael , Thurner Paul W. , Kauermann Göran
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we analyse the network of international major conventional weapons (MCW) transfers from 1950 to 2016, based on data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The dataset consists of yearly bilateral arms transfers between pairs of countries, which allows us to conceive of the individual relationships as part of an overall trade network. For the analysis, we extend the separable temporal exponential random graph model (STERGM) to account for time-varying effects on both the network level (trade network) and the actor level (country effects). Our investigation enables the identification of potentially differing driving forces that influence the formation of new trade relationships versus the persistence of existing ones. In accordance with political economy models, we expect security- and network-related covariates to be most important for the formation of transfers, whereas repeated transfers should prevalently be determined by the importers’ market size and military spending. Our proposed modelling approach corroborates the hypothesis and quantifies the corresponding effects. Additionally, we subject the time-varying heterogeneity effects to a functional principal component analysis. This analysis serves as an exploratory tool and allows us to identify countries with exceptional increases or decreases in their tendency to import and export weapons.
The Mediation Dilemma of (Not) Talking to Terrorists
Authors: Haspeslagh Sophie
Published: November 2020

Not long ago, it was accepted practice to ‘talk to whomever you need to talk to for peace’. Then the idea that you cannot talk to ‘terrorists’ took hold. The article explores norm contestation, what happens when hard norms interact with softer norm even when they are settled and central to mediation practice. The article traces the emergence, development and interaction of these two contradictory norms in key United Nations documents and discussions since 1945. It also triangulates this content analysis with personal interviews with UN mediators and perspectives from international non‐governmental mediators. The article argues that over the last 20 years the embedding of proscription regimes in the multilateral system has deeply re‐shaped fundamental norms underlying mediation such as impartiality, inclusivity and the idea that mediators should be able to speak to everyone to protect human lives.
Identifying and Understanding Distinctive Political Attitudes of Chinese Migrant Workers: A Research Note
Authors: Yeh Yao‐Yuan , Harmel Robert
Published: November 2020

Objective

The objectives are to (1) determine the extent to which problem priorities of migrant workers differ from attitudes of both nonmigrating rural peasants and urban workers and (2) attempt to explain those differences as resulting from either relative deprivation or relative awareness.

Methods

Using data from a nationwide representative survey of Chinese adults, analyses include both cross‐tabulation and multiple regression.

Results

Rural migrants are indeed significantly more likely than at‐home peasants to give high priority to solving several “economic” problems as well as environmental pollution and crime.

Conclusion

The problem identifications of hundreds of millions of rural migrant workers have plausibly been altered by their experience as rural‐to‐urban migrants. Of broader theoretical significance, the findings of this study suggest not only that citizens’ attitudes can be shaped significantly by their environment, but that change in a citizen's attitudes may result when a citizen experiences a dramatic change in environment.
Perception of Immigrants in Europe: A Multilevel Assessment of Macrolevel Conditions
Authors: Boateng Francis D. , McCann Wesley S. , Chenane Joselyne L. , Pryce Daniel K.
Published: November 2020

Objective

In recent times, immigration has been a controversial topic. Discussions about immigration have become common household conversation. The primary objective of the current study is to explore the dynamics of native‐born citizens' attitudes toward immigrants and examine the potential influence of macro‐level conditions.

Methods

The current study employed multi‐level techniques to examine macro‐level effects on attitudes toward immigrants across 22 European countries. Specifically, three Hierarchical Linear Models were conducted to achieve the study's stated objective.

Results

The Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) analyses revealed that a country's level of economic development as measured by changes in gross domestic product (GDP) and education significantly influenced native‐born citizens' views about immigrants. Moreover, the number of immigrants (per 1,000 residents) and crime rates determine whether native‐born Europeans will view foreigners positively or negatively. Nevertheless, a country's unemployment rate had no significant effect on perceptions of immigrants. Several individual‐level characteristics were found to predict perceptions of immigrants among native‐born Europeans.

Conclusion

Results from this endeavor provide insights for addressing common misconceptions about immigration and also help in understanding, from empirical standpoint, how native‐born citizens form their views about immigrants.
The People and The Nation: The “Thick” and the “Thin” of Right‐Wing Populism in Canada
Authors: Erl Chris
Published: November 2020

Objective

While Canada is commonly portrayed as a bastion of political moderation, two influential right‐wing populist (RWP) movements appeared in the past decade. This study examines support for the People's Party of Canada (PPC) and “Ford Nation” of the eponymous Toronto‐based political family, comparing each movement's supporters.

Methods

Data from the 2014 Toronto Election Study and 2019 Canadian Election Study were analyzed with logistic regression models to assess differences between supporters of each movement.

Results

Populism as a “thin‐centered ideology” is displayed by the differences between each movement. Ford Nation advanced a suburban‐focused neoliberal populism while the PPC blended libertarianism and civilizationist–nationalist rhetoric. Contrary to both movements’ platforms, PPC supporters did not display significant animosity toward immigrants, while those of the Ford Nation did. The supporters of Ford Nation were distinct among conventional supporters of RWP movements because they tended to be both immigrants and economically secure.

Conclusions

While both the PPC and Ford Nation are RWP movements, each movement is only nominally related, as evidenced by their different underlying “thick” ideologies and the substantial differences among their supporters.
Low socioeconomic level and enterobius vermicularis: A interventional study to children and their mothers in home
Authors: Özdil Kamuran , Karataş Nimet , Zincir Handan
Published: November 2020

To determine the effects of care and monitoring provided at home to children in whom Enterobius vermicularis is detected and their mothers on the presence of observing the parasite and the knowledge and practices of the children and their mothers on the issue. This study used a pre‐test‐post‐test quasi‐experimental design. In the study, 20 students and their mothers were determined as the experimental group, while 18 students and their mothers were determined as the control group. Home visits were made to the families of the children in the experimental group for 6 months. At these home visits, health education on the parasite was provided to the mothers and the children. There were highly significant differences between the experiment and control groups in terms of E. vermicularis presence, knowledge and hygiene practice scores (p < .001).
The Onset of Double-Diffusive Convection in a Two-Layer System With a Viscoelastic Fluid-Saturated Porous Medium Under High-Frequency Vibration
Authors: Zhao Moli , Zhao Huan , Wang Shaowei , Yin Chen
Published: November 2020

The effect of high frequency vibration in the gravity field on the double-diffusive convection in a two-layer system with a viscoelastic fluid-saturated porous layer is studied. The averaging method is employed to split the unknown functions into a periodic rapidly varying part and a slower mean part. Then, the governing equation of perturbations is numerically solved by the Chebyshev tau method and QZ decomposition method. The influence of physical parameters on the stability of system is investigated. It is shown that the neutral stability curves are bimodal under high frequency vibration. The parameter of the high frequency vibration mainly stabilizes the pure fluid layer for greater wave numbers and has a weak impact on the whole system for smaller wave numbers.
Feasibility Assessment of a Grid-Connected Carbon-Neutral Community in Midland, Texas
Authors: Shah Archan , Engler Nicholas , Krarti Moncef
Published: November 2020

Midland, Texas is one of the fastest-growing urban population centers in the country and has one of the lowest costs of electricity. This study aims to assess the potential of a grid-connected carbon-neutral community in an oil-rich city using energy efficiency measures and hybrid distributed generation (DG) systems. The community consists mostly of residential buildings including detached homes and apartment buildings. Moreover, a cost-optimization analysis of various DG technologies is carried out to meet both electrical and thermal loads of the community in Midland. The energy efficiency measures are selected for two main objectives: (i) reduce the total energy needs and (ii) electrify most of the buildings within the community. Improvement of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems and their controls are the main energy efficiency measures considered for all the buildings part of the community. DG systems are constrained by the renewable energy resources identified to be prevalent within the site of the community. It is found that photovoltaic (PV) systems are the most cost-effective, while wind and combined heat and power (CHP) would not be competitive compared to the current grid energy prices. Specifically, the optimization results indicate that PV, when implemented on a large scale, can provide adequate power to meet the energy needs of the community while also meeting carbon neutrality. A PV system size of 3400 kW is found to be required for the grid-connected community to be carbon neutral. While under this scenario a 100% reduction in carbon emissions is technically feasible, the cost of energy is estimated to be $0.194/kWh, almost double the current grid electricity price. However, if the capital cost of PV is decreased by 70% from its current level, the cost of energy due to the DG addition can be reduced significantly. In particular, a 1050-kW PV system was found to reduce the cost of energy below the grid electricity price of $0.10/kWh and achieves 31% reduction in carbon emissions for the community. Moreover, the 70% reduction in PV capital costs allows the carbon-neutral design for the community to be a cost-competitive solution with the grid.
Design Optimization of a Piezocomposite Morphing Multi-Element Airfoil
Authors: Wright Cody , Bilgen Onur
Published: November 2020

A slotted natural-laminar-flow airfoil design is a two-element airfoil design that employs a slot between the fore and aft elements. This slot alters the pressure recovery condition on the suction surface of the fore element, minimizing skin-friction and inhibiting the laminar to turbulent transition. These benefits reduce overall aircraft drag and increase wing lift. This allows smaller planforms, in turn, reducing fuel burn. This paper investigates the proposal that by help of piezocomposite surface actuation the aft element can be moved, rotated, and morphed to be used as a high-lift effector for take-off and landing conditions. A theoretical analysis is performed using a coupled fluid-structure interaction method assuming static aero-elastic behavior. During analysis the fore-element of the multi-element airfoil is assumed rigid. Thus, shape optimization is limited exclusively to the aft element. Airfoil morphing is achieved by way of piezocomposite actuating elements applied to the pressure and suction sides of the aft element. A genetic algorithm is used to independently optimize substrate thicknesses for each piezocomposite actuator as well as voltage, chord position and piezocomposite length. The nominal and leading edge substrate thicknesses of the airfoil are also varied. The optimized geometry for the high lift configuration is presented.