bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does formal independence of regulators change? Evidence from Portuguese agencies
Authors: Coroado Susana
Published: January 2020

The rise of the regulatory state has led to the global diffusion of independent regulatory agencies (IRAs). IRAs are the result of the tension between the functional demands of regulatory capitalism and the need of politicians to control policies. Their life cycles have not been linear. Their legal statuses have changed over time, affecting their degrees of independence. This article revisits Gilardi's formal independence index, makes an in‐depth diachronic and cross‐sectorial analysis of 11 regulatory bodies in Portugal, and searches for explanations for the observed variations. It concludes that the formal independence of IRAs tends to increase due to external pressure and the need of governments to project credible commitment, but principals only grant as much independence as they see fit to satisfy those (external) demands (for change).
Peacemaking and holy war: Christian–Muslim diplomacy, c. 1095–1291, in crusades historiography
Authors: Moynihan Scott
Published: January 2020

The Christian holy wars known as the crusades are amongst the most well‐known events of the Middle Ages and continue to influence perceptions of Christian–Muslim relations to the present day. Less often acknowledged is the fact that treaties and negotiations across religious boundaries were a continuous feature throughout the crusading era. This article provides an outline of Christian–Muslim peacemaking during the crusades to the East, as well as an introduction to how inter‐religious diplomacy has been interpreted in crusades historiography. It then considers the broader implications of peacemaking for the study of the crusades and recommends potential areas for further research.
Development and validation of a reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatographic method for the quantitation and stability of α‐lipoic acid in cosmetic creams
Authors: Papageorgiou S. , Varvaresou A. , Panderi I. , Giannakou M. , Spiliopoulou C. , Athanaselis S.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To develop and validate a simple reversed‐phase HPLC method for the quantitation and evaluation of stability of α‐lipoic acid in cosmetics, according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Guidelines.

Methods

The chromatography was performed on a reversed‐phase Luna C18, analytical column (150 × 4.6 mm id, 5 μm particle size) with a mobile phase of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (pΗ 4.5; 0.05 M) and acetonitrile (60:40, v/v) and a flow rate of 1.0 mL min−1 with UV detection at 340 nm. Accelerated and long‐term stability studies of α‐lipoic acid in cosmetic cream were conducted under various degradation conditions including acid, basis, oxidation, and thermal and photolytic degradation, according to European Medicines Agency Guidelines CPMP/ICH/2736/99.

Results

The limit of detection (LOD) for the cosmetic cream was 0.9 μg mL−1 and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 2.8 μg mL−1, while the retention time was 7.2 min. The method proved to be linear, precise and accurate. The stability results demonstrated the selectivity of the proposed method to the analysis of α‐LA, and the degradation products were determined and evaluated in specific stress conditions in cosmetic creams. The applicability of the method was tested in two different developed cosmetic products (cream with 1.5 % w/w and emulsion with 1.0 % w/w of LA) and proved to be reliable.

Conclusion

A reversed‐phase HPLC‐UV method was developed and fully validated for the analysis of α‐lipoic acid in cosmetics. It is the first reported application on the quantitation of lipoic acid in cosmetic creams, while at the same time evaluates the stability in forced degradation conditions, in new cosmetic formulations. It proved to be suitable for the reliable quality control of cosmetic products, with a run time of <8 min that allows for the analysis of large number of samples per day.
The effect of Health Belief Model‐based health education programme on coping with premenstrual syndrome: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ayaz‐Alkaya Sultan , Yaman‐Sözbir Şengül , Terzi Handan
Published: January 2020

Aim

The aim of this randomised controlled study was to determine the effect of Health Belief Model (HBM)‐based health education programme in late adolescent period on coping with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Methods

Thirty women both in the intervention and control groups were included. The HBM‐based education programme was applied to cope with PMS. The intervention and control groups were followed up for three cycles in terms of PMS symptoms. The data were collected by a questionnaire and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between the pre‐test mean scores and the first, second and third follow‐up mean scores; and between the first follow‐up mean score and the second and the third follow‐up mean scores in the repeated measurements of the intervention group (p <.05). The mean scores of the intervention group were found to be significantly lower than the control group in the second and third follow‐ups (p < .05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, HBM‐based health education was effective for coping with PMS. It is recommended for dealing with PMS to use HBM‐based education programmes, to motivate the students for life style changes, and to identify the obstacles and the benefits perceived about PMS.
Attachment provision in the Saudi orphanages: Exploring the narratives of residential staff
Authors: Sochos Antigonos , Al‐Jasas Najla
Published: January 2020

This qualitative study explored the accounts of 50 residential childcare staff in Saudi Arabia, aiming to identify ways in which staff and residential institutions may function as attachment objects for the children in their care. Rather than conducting a formal attachment assessment, a semi‐structured interview schedule was utilised, intending to generate novel insights into the child–carer relationship. Informed by attachment theory, thematic analysis suggested that keyworkers' narratives were organised around three conceptual dichotomies –social rejectionversussocial acceptance,distressversuscontainment anddevelopment of the selfversusbonding. The accounts also indicated that staff and institutions might encounter significant challenges in providing emotional security to the orphans, challenges touching upon all three levels – individual, dyadic and collective.

Key Practitioner Message: •The study identified main ways in which the orphanages and their staff facilitate or inhibit the formation of secure bonds between them and the children in their care; •The study highlights that attachment provision in those institutions should be explored at the individual, dyadic, organisational and sociocultural levels; •Change in care arrangements should address all these levels, with an emphasis on improving child and staff psychological well‐being, staff working conditions and staff training and education. Interventions should also challenge deeply rooted stigmatising attitudes.
Design of p‐type NKN‐based piezoelectric ceramics sintered in low oxygen partial pressure by defect engineering
Authors: Wang Zhenxing , Huan Yu , Feng Yue , Qiu Yu , Wei Tao , Zuo Ruzhong
Published: January 2020

The reduction‐resistant properties of piezoelectric ceramics are of great importance for multilayer monolithic structures based on base metal inner electrodes, particularly for recently reported niobate‐based lead‐free perovskites. In this letter, the Hall‐effect measurement and impedance analysis indicate that conventional (K,Na)NbO3 (NKN)‐based ceramics exhibit an n‐type electronic conduction. Rapid increase in the concentrations of oxygen vacancies and electrons is responsible for severe degradation of resistivity and piezoelectric properties as sintered in N2. By comparison, p‐type NKN‐based ceramics by Mn doping exhibit excellent electrical properties (d33 = 368 pC/N,  = 643 pm/V, tanδ = 0.019, and IR = 39.9 GΩ · cm) in N2 sintering atmosphere, as well interpreted by a series of proposed defect chemistry equations. The experimental results suggest that an introduction of the p‐type conduction behavior should be an effective strategy to enabling NKN‐based ceramics and Cu/Ni electrodes to well co‐fire in a weakly reducing atmosphere.
Evolutionary history of Neotropical savannas geographically concentrates species, phylogenetic and functional diversity of lizards
Authors: Fenker Jessica , Domingos Fabricius M. C. B. , Tedeschi Leonardo G. , Rosauer Dan F. , Werneck Fernanda P. , Colli Guarino R. , Ledo Roger M. D. , Fonseca Emanuel M. , Garda Adrian A. , Tucker Derek , Sites Jack W. , Breitman Maria F. , Soares Flávia , Giugliano Lilian G. , Moritz Craig
Published: January 2020

Aim

Understanding where and why species diversity is geographically concentrated remains a challenge in biogeography and macroevolution. This is true for the Cerrado, the most biodiverse tropical savanna in the world, which has experienced profound biodiversity loss. Previous studies have focused on a single metric (species composition), neglecting the fact that ‘species’ within the biome are often composed of cryptic species. In order to identify biodiversity hotspots more robustly and across multiple dimensions we integrate functional, spatial and new phylogeographic data for the Cerrado lizard fauna by (a) mapping the spatial patterns of species and phylogenetic diversity; and (b) using endemism measures to identify areas of unique diversity. We then quantify the extent to which existing protected areas represent the diversity.

Location

Brazilian savanna (Cerrado).

Methods

We generated species distribution models using distribution records for all Cerrado lizard species. These, combined with mitochondrial DNA phylogenies and natural history data, allowed us to map species richness, phylogenetic and functional diversity and phylogenetic and weighted endemism. Phylogenetic endemism maps were then cross‐referenced against protected areas to calculate the amount of evolutionary history preserved within these areas.

Results

The central region of the Cerrado, a vast and climatically stable plateau, stands out as important under all biodiversity metrics. Including evolutionary relationships in biodiversity assessment, we detected four regional hotspots with high concentration of spatially restricted evolutionary diversity. Protected areas cover only 10% of the Cerrado area and hold 11.64% of the summed phylogenetic endemism of all lizards in the biome.

Main Conclusions

We highlighted both stable (Chapada dos Veadeiros and Serra do Espinhaço plateaus) and environmentally heterogenous regions (Araguaia and Tocantins valleys) as hotspots of evolutionary diversity. The creation and/or manipulation of areas for conservation are essential for the conservation and survival of the rich and endemic lizard fauna of the Cerrado.
Limited mass‐independent individual variation in resting metabolic rate in a wild population of snow voles (Chionomys nivalis)
Authors: Hagmayer Andres , Camenisch Glauco , Canale Cindy , Postma Erik , Bonnet Timothée
Published: January 2020

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is a potentially important axis of physiological adaptation to the thermal environment. However, our understanding of the causes and consequences of individual variation in RMR in the wild is hampered by a lack of data, as well as analytical challenges. RMR measurements in the wild are generally characterized by large measurement errors and a strong dependency on mass. The latter is problematic when assessing the ability of RMR to evolve independently of mass. Mixed models provide a powerful and flexible tool to tackle these challenges, but they have rarely been used to estimate repeatability of mass‐independent RMR from field data. We used respirometry to obtain repeated measurements of RMR in a long‐term study population of snow voles (Chionomys nivalis) inhabiting an environment subject to large circadian and seasonal fluctuations in temperature. Using both uni‐ and bivariate mixed models, we quantify individual repeatability in RMR and decompose repeatability into mass‐dependent and mass‐independent components, while accounting for measurement error. RMR varies among individuals, that is, is repeatable (R = .46) and strongly co‐varies with BM. Indeed, much of the repeatability of RMR is attributable to individual variation in BM, and the repeatability of mass‐independent RMR is reduced by 41% to R = .27. These empirical results suggest that the evolutionary potential of RMR independent of mass may be severely constrained. This study illustrates how to leverage bivariate mixed models to model field data for metabolic traits, correct for measurement error and decompose the relative importance of mass‐dependent and mass‐independent physiological variation.
Prevalence, intensity and pathology of the nasal parasite Nasicola hogansi in Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
Authors: Warshafsky Zoemma T. , Bullard Stephen A. , Vogelbein Wolfgang K. , Chandler Emily A. , Lutcavage Molly E.
Published: January 2020

Ectoparasitic flatworms of Nasicola (Monogenoidea: Capsalidae), which infect nasal epithelium of true tunas (Thunnus spp.), are not well studied, nor have their impacts on the host's olfactory organ been evaluated. Infections of Nasicola hogansi on Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus, were investigated with emphasis on the relationship between infection prevalence, abundance and mean intensity with bluefin tuna size, sex, body condition and capture month, as well as histopathological effects. Commercially caught Atlantic bluefin tuna (n = 161, 185–305 cm curved fork length) from the Gulf of Maine were sampled during June through August 2009 for infections by N. hogansi. A total of 247 specimens of N. hogansi were collected, with a prevalence of 45.3%, mean abundance of 1.57 (CI: 1.21–2.03) and mean intensity of 3.45 (CI: 2.91–4.22). Neither fish sex nor landing month had a significant effect on parasite parameters. Larger and better‐conditioned Atlantic bluefin tuna had a higher mean intensity of infection. Pathology associated with infection by N. hogansi included extensive necrosis, sloughing of the nasal epithelium and associated inflammation of underlying connective tissues. Further epidemiological and pathological study of this host–parasite system is warranted since impaired olfaction, if present, could adversely affect spawning and migration of this top ocean predator.
Mathematical model for mint drying kinetics prediction by freeze‐drying process: Gene expression programming
Authors: Kovacı Tuğba , Dikmen Erkan , Şencan Şahin Arzu
Published: January 2020

The drying ratio (DR) and the moisture ratio (MR) are the main drying characteristics properties which play an important role in the drying conditions. Therefore, it has been crucial for the accurate estimation of the selection of drying conditions needed for improving optimal drying process. In this study, DR and MR values have been experimentally determined, and these characteristics have been predicted as mathematical expressions by using gene expression programming (GEP). The outcomes of present study have been pointed out that the developed GEP models have been estimating target values with an acceptable accuracy guaranteed by using different statistical techniques. The R2 values have been denoted 0.973 and 0.972, whereas the RMSE values have been determined as 0.032324 and 0.013146 for developed models of DR and MR, respectively. The
χ2values have been specified 0.001306 and 0.000194 for developed models of DR and MR, respectively. The developed nonlinear equations could be evaluated in areas you need to accurate and quick estimation of drying characteristics such as drying rate and moisture rate of mint.

Practical Applications

Mint drying kinetics (DR and MR) at different pressure of 30, 50, and 80 kPa and temperature of 40, 50, and 60°C have been experimentally studied. GEP model has been developed to predict this drying kinetics in the freeze‐drying process. Developed model can be evaluated in areas where you need to accurate and quick estimation of drying characteristics such as drying rate and moisture rate of mint.
Diet and sleep health: a scoping review of intervention studies in adults
Authors: Burrows T. , Fenton S. , Duncan M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Recent research has demonstrated an association between dietary intake and sleep health that can influence chronic disease risk factors. A scoping review of research studies investigating dietary intake and sleep was undertaken to determine the extent and scope of research in laboratory‐based, free‐living and mixed settings. Additionally, this review determines how well subpopulations and geographical locations are represented and the methodologies used to assess outcome measures.

Methods

Five online databases were used to identify papers published between 1970 and 2017. Included studies were those conducted in adults and reported both outcomes of interest: (i) sleep health, including sleep restriction and sleep hygiene and (ii) dietary outcomes, including altered nutrients, dietary patterns and supplements.

Results

In total, 129 publications were included with the majority being dietary interventions investigating sleep outcomes (n = 109) with fewer being sleep interventions investigating and reporting dietary outcomes (n = 20). Dietary interventions were most often carried out in free‐living environments, in contrast to sleep interventions that were most often carried out in laboratory‐based environments. The majority of dietary interventions investigated use of a supplement (n = 66 studies), which was predominantly caffeine (n = 49). Sleep interventions investigated sleep duration only, with the majority (n = 17) investigating the effect of partial sleep restriction under 5.5 h per night on dietary intake, while three studies investigating total sleep deprivation.

Conclusions

Investigating broader aspects of dietary such as overall diet quality and dietary patterns and other components of sleep health such as quality,  timing and sleep hygiene are important aspects for future research.
Impact of structural changes in wood‐using industries on net carbon emissions in Finland
Authors: Hurmekoski Elias , Myllyviita Tanja , Seppälä Jyri , Heinonen Tero , Kilpeläinen Antti , Pukkala Timo , Mattila Tuomas , Hetemäki Lauri , Asikainen Antti , Peltola Heli
Published: January 2020

Forests and forest industries can contribute to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, by storing it in biomass, and by fabricating products that substitute more greenhouse gas emission intensive materials and energy. The objectives of the study are to specify alternative scenarios for the diversification of wood product markets and to determine how an increasingly diversified market structure could impact the net carbon emissions (NCEs) of forestry in Finland. The NCEs of the Finnish forest sector were modelled for the period 2016–2056 by using a forest management simulation and optimization model for the standing forests and soil and separate models for product carbon storage and substitution impacts. The annual harvest was fixed at approximately 70 Mm3, which was close to the level of roundwood removals for industry and energy in 2016. The results show that the substitution benefits for a reference scenario with the 2016 market structure account for 9.6 Mt C (35.2 Mt CO2 equivalent [CO2 eq]) in 2056, which could be further increased by 7.1 Mt C (26 Mt CO2 eq) by altering the market structure. As a key outcome, increasing the use of by‐products for textiles and wood–plastic composites in place of kraft pulp and biofuel implies greater overall substitution credits compared to increasing the level of log harvest for construction.
Effect of annealing on the magnetic states of FEBID‐grown cobalt nanopatterns examined by off‐axis electron holography
Authors: ALMEIDA T. , MCGROUTHER D. , KOVÁCS A. , DUNIN‐BORKOWSKI R. , MCVITIE S.
Published: January 2020

The growth of cobalt nanopatterns (NPs) using focused electron‐beam induced deposition (FEBID) for localised magnetic studies is presented. The initial FEBID products are shown to be polycrystalline and form hetero‐structured core‐shell NPs through surface oxidation. Off‐axis electron holography is performed to reconstruct their morphology, thickness profile and image their individual magnetic vortex domain states. In situ annealing to 400°C promoted migration of the Co‐overspray to grow the Co NPs and improved their crystallinity through coarsening, as well as induced diffusion of embedded carbon out of their surface. It is found that the change in their morphology and chemical instability under heating restricts their suitability for examining thermally induced magnetic variations.

Lay Description

In this paper, electron microscopy is used to deposit magnetic cobalt nanopatterns and characterise the effect of in‐situ heating on their chemistry, structure and magnetic properties. The electron beam of the secondary electron microscope is used to dissociate an injected precursor gas near the SiN membrane substrate of in‐situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) chips and locally deposit the elemental Co in circular patterns ∼ 90 nm in diameter. TEM reveals formation of a Co‐oxide shell and embedding of carbon from the precursor gas during growth. The technique of electron holography is used to image the magnetism of the core‐shell Co / Co‐oxide nanopatterns, which are shown to exhibit magnetic vortex states. In‐situ annealing results in migration of the Co overspray to increase their height and carbon diffusion from their surface, as well as change in their original magnetic state through change of orientation. It is found that the change in the morphology and chemistry of Co nanopatterns under heating limits their use for studying the effect of temperature on their magnetism in isolation.
Trajectories of Union Transition in Emerging Adulthood: Socioeconomic Status and Race/Ethnicity Differences in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 Cohort
Authors: Zhang Yang , Ang Shannon
Published: January 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe the patterns of union transition in emerging adulthood for the 1980 to 1984 cohort and examine its associations with socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity.

Background

Research on diverging destinies of cohabitation and marriage tends to focus on singular transitions rather than entire individual trajectories composed of dimensions such as timing, order, duration, and number of transitions.

Method

Drawing on monthly prospective data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, social sequence analysis was used to classify union transition trajectories from ages 16 to 30. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the probability of membership in each cluster.

Results

The findings showed the following six key clusters of trajectories: mostly single (37.6%), some cohabiting (13.8%), serial cohabiting (10.6%), early 20s marriage (11.4%), late 20s marriage (22.5%), and turbulent (4.1%). We found that young adults were most likely to be in the “mostly single” cluster, regardless of socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity. Individuals with college degrees tended to marry in their late 20s, whereas individuals without college degrees were more likely to be in “serial cohabiting” and “turbulent” clusters. Individuals who lived with neither of their biological parents were more likely to belong to “early 20s marriage” and “turbulent” clusters when compared with those who lived with at least one of their biological parents. Blacks were more likely to remain single, whereas non‐Hispanic Whites were more likely to marry sometime in their 20s.

Conclusion

Evidence for diverging trajectories exists in this recent cohort, but we also find that most young adults in fact stay single. We also highlight the benefits of considering multiple aspects of trajectories concurrently, especially as relationship instability and complexity increase.
Effects of purified fibre‐mixture supplementation of gestation diet on gut microbiota, immunity and reproductive performance of sows
Authors: Wu Jian , Xiong Yi , Zhong Ming , Li Yong , Wan Haifeng , Wu De , Liu Qi
Published: January 2020

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a purified fibre‐mixture (FM, 50% guar gum, 50% cellulose) supplementation of gestation diet on the immunity, faecal microbial composition and reproductive performance of sows. A day after breeding, 68 multiparous sows were randomly allocated to receive treatment with a control (CON) diet or a diet containing 3% FM (FM diet). Results showed the FM diet to be associated with a significant increase in the number of live‐born piglets relative to CON (13.65 vs. 12.47, p < .05). In addition, this FM diet coincided with significantly increased faecal concentrations of butyrate on day 30 and propionate on day 100 (p < .05), with trends towards increased propionate on day 30 and increased short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on days 30 and 110 (p < .1). Meanwhile, FM addition markedly increased the abundance of representative SCFAs producing‐related genera as Roseburia on days 30 and 110 (p < .05), Eubacterium‐hallii‐group on days 30 and 110 (p < .05), and Bacteroides on day 110 of gestation (p < .05). The serotonin concentration on day 110 of gestation had increased (p < .05) and that on day 30 of gestation (p < .1) exhibited a tendency to increase with the FM‐supplemented diet in comparison with the CON. Besides, FM supplementation caused an increase in serum interleukin‐10 concentrations on days 30 (p < .05) and 110 of gestation (p < .1), and a decrease in interferon‐γ concentration on day 30 of gestation (p < .05). Together these results indicated that purified FM was able to improve sow reproductive performance through a mechanism potentially linked with a bias towards type‐2 helper T‐cell differentiation that supported embryonic survival and thereby improve reproductive yields. Changes in metabolites produced by the intestinal microbiome may thus have an impact on host immunity and reproductive performance.
Ridge reconstruction in damaged extraction sockets using tunnel β‐tricalcium phosphate blocks: A 6‐month histological study in beagle dogs
Authors: Ikawa Takahiro , Akizuki Tatsuya , Ono Wataru , Maruyama Kiichi , Okada Munehiro , Stavropoulos Andreas , Izumi Yuichi , Iwata Takanori
Published: January 2020

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the histological outcome of tunnel β‐TCP blocks grafting in extraction sockets missing the buccal bone wall, after 6 months of healing.

Background

Tunnel β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) blocks made of randomly organized tunnel‐shaped β‐TCP ceramics appeared promising for alveolar ridge preservation in tooth extraction sockets missing the buccal bone, in a previous study in dogs, with a 2‐month healing time.

Methods

In six beagle dogs, the maxillary first premolars were extracted and the buccal bone was surgically removed to create bone defects of 4 mm (mesio‐distal) × 5 mm (apico‐coronal) × 4 mm (bucco‐palatal). Thus, extraction sockets missing the buccal bone plate were grated with tunnel β‐TCP blocks (test) or left empty for spontaneous healing (control). Histology/histomorphometry was performed after 6 months of healing.

Results

The horizontal bucco‐palatal width of the alveolar ridge was significantly greater at test sites than at control sites. The amount of mineralized tissue was greater at test sites (57.8% ± 11.1%) than at control sites (28.9% ± 8.5%), while the amount of connective tissue was significantly greater at control sites (41.7% ± 6.4%) than at test sites (19.6% ± 9.2%). No significant difference was found between sites in terms of basic multicellular units and bone marrow. Residual β‐TCP at test sites was 5.8% ± 3.2%.

Conclusion

Grafting with tunnel β‐TCP block significantly limited the resorption of the alveolar ridge at extraction sockets missing the buccal bone compared with sites left to heal spontaneously, even after 6‐month follow‐up.
Comparison of 2 collection methods for cerebrospinal fluid analysis from standing, sedate adult horses
Authors: Chidlow Hayley , Giguère Steeve , Camus Melinda , Wells Bridgette , Howerth Elizabeth , Berghaus Roy , McConachie Beasley Erin
Published: January 2020

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is an important component of the evaluation of horses with neurologic disease. Lumbosacral (LS) centesis is routine, but CSF is also collected from the space between the first and second cervical vertebrae (C1‐C2).

Objectives

To compare collection times, CSF cytology results, and equine protozoal myelitis (EPM) titers of CSF collected from the C1‐C2 and LS sites.

Animals

Fifteen university‐owned adult horses with no evidence of neurologic disease, and 9 horses with signs of neurologic disease: 3 university‐owned and 6 client‐owned.

Methods

Prospective study. Cerebrospinal fluid collection from the LS space and C1‐C2 space of each horse was performed in randomized order. Continuous data were analyzed using mixed‐effects linear models and count data using mixed‐effects negative binomial regression. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results

Cerebrospinal fluid collected from the C1‐C2 site had a significantly lower mean protein concentration (49 [95% CI: 43‐55.8] mg/dL C1‐C2 versus 52.1 [95% CI: 45.7‐59.3] mg/dL LS; P = .03) and red blood cell count (6 [95% CI: 2‐16] cells/μL versus 33 [95% CI: 13‐81] cells/μL; P = .02). Collection time, total nucleated cell count, EPM titers, and serum:CSF EPM titer ratios were not significantly different between collection sites.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cerebrospinal fluid from the C1‐C2 space provides an acceptable alternative to LS CSF collection with decreased likelihood of clinically important blood contamination of samples.
Evaluating the effect of distance to different food subsidies on the trophic ecology of an opportunistic seabird species
Authors: Zorrozua N. , Egunez A. , Aldalur A. , Galarza A. , Diaz B. , Hidalgo J. , Jover L. , Sanpera C. , Castège I. , Arizaga J.
Published: January 2020

The availability of food subsidies of anthropogenic origin has strong consequences on the trophic ecology and population dynamics of several opportunistic species. However, evidence suggests that the use of certain feeding sources is very local, and hence, potentially important food subsidies may have a relatively small area of influence, resulting in only limited impact from the large geographic‐scale perspective. In the south‐eastern part of the Bay of Biscay, the Yellow‐legged GullLarus michahellispopulation is distributed across several colonies, which are located close to each other but have variable dependence on the landfills and fishing harbours in the area. This population is therefore a good model to test the influence of anthropogenic food subsidies on the trophic ecology of an opportunistic species at the local scale. Distance to the nearest fishing harbour showed a stronger effect on the diet of Yellow‐legged Gull chicks than distance to the nearest landfill site. Gulls notably reduced their consumption of marine prey (mostly comprised of fishing discards) in relation to decreasing distance of their colony to the nearest fishing harbour. This result has direct implications from a management standpoint, since fish discards were also found to have only a limited effect on diet at regional scales, but a very high impact at the local scale. Moreover, those colonies that consumed a higher proportion of marine prey showed better population trends. In line with European Union policies, a reduction in the availability of fish discards, together with the closure of landfill sites, will occur in the coming years, probably leading to a change in the trophic ecology and dynamics of Yellow‐legged Gull populations.
The history of the Tissint meteorite, from its crystallization on Mars to its exposure in space: New geochemical, isotopic, and cosmogenic nuclide data
Authors: Schulz Toni , Povinec Pavel P. , Ferrière Ludovic , Jull A. J. Timothy , Kováčik Andrej , Sýkora Ivan , Tusch Jonas , Münker Carsten , Topa Dan , Koeberl Christian
Published: January 2020

The Tissint meteorite fell on July 18, 2011 in Morocco and was quickly recovered, allowing the investigation of a new unaltered sample from Mars. We report new high‐field strength and highly siderophile element (HSE) data, Sr‐Nd‐Hf‐W‐Os isotope analyses, and data for cosmogenic nuclides in order to examine the history of the Tissint meteorite, from its source composition and crystallization to its irradiation history. We present high‐field strength element compositions that are typical for depleted Martian basalts (0.174 ppm Nb, 17.4 ppm Zr, 0.7352 ppm Hf, and 0.0444 ppm W), and, together with an extended literature data set for shergottites, help to reevaluate Mars’ tectonic evolution in comparison to that of the early Earth. HSE contents (0.07 ppb Re, 0.92 ppb Os, 2.55 ppb Ir, and 7.87 ppb Pt) vary significantly in comparison to literature data, reflecting significant sample inhomogeneity. Isotope data for Os and W (187Os/188Os = 0.1289 ± 15 and an ε182W = +1.41 ± 0.46) are both indistinguishable from literature data. An internal Lu‐Hf isochron for Tissint defines a crystallization age of 665 ± 74 Ma. Considering only Sm‐Nd and Lu‐Hf chronometry, we obtain, using our and literature values, a best estimate for the age of Tissint of 582 ± 18 Ma (MSWD = 3.2). Cosmogenic radionuclides analyzed in the Tissint meteorite are typical for a recent fall. Tissint's pre‐atmospheric radius was estimated to be 22 ± 2 cm, resulting in an estimated total mass of 130 ± 40 kg. Our cosmic‐ray exposure age of 0.9 ± 0.2 Ma is consistent with earlier estimations and exposure ages for other shergottites in general.
Vulnerable mothers' experiences breastfeeding with an enhanced community lactation support program
Authors: Francis Jane , Mildon Alison , Stewart Stacia , Underhill Bronwyn , Tarasuk Valerie , Di Ruggiero Erica , Sellen Daniel , O'Connor Deborah L.
Published: January 2020

The Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) provides a variety of health and nutrition supports to vulnerable mothers and strongly promotes breastfeeding but does not have a formal framework for postnatal lactation support. Breastfeeding duration and exclusivity rates in Canada fall well below global recommendations, particularly among socially and economically vulnerable women. We aimed to explore CPNP participant experiences with breastfeeding and with a novel community lactation support program in Toronto, Canada that included access to certified lactation consultants and an electric breast pump, if needed. Four semistructured focus groups and 21 individual interviews (n = 46 women) were conducted between September and December 2017. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Study participants reported a strong desire to breastfeed but a lack of preparation for breastfeeding‐associated challenges. Three main challenges were identified by study participants: physical (e.g., pain and low milk supply), practical (e.g., cost of breastfeeding support and maternal time pressures), and breastfeeding self‐efficacy (e.g., concern about milk supply and conflicting information). Mothers reported that the free lactation support helped to address breastfeeding challenges. In their view, the key element of success with the new program was the in‐home visit by the lactation consultant, who was highly skilled and provided care in a non‐judgmental manner. They reported this support would have been otherwise unavailable due to cost or travel logistics. This study suggests value in exploring the addition of postnatal lactation support to the well‐established national CPNP as a means to improve breastfeeding duration and exclusivity among vulnerable women.
Anopheles daciae, a new country record for Finland
Authors: Culverwell C. L. , Vapalahti O. P. , Harbach R. E.
Published: January 2020

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) were collected throughout Finland between 2013 and 2018 to determine species distributions. During the course of molecular identifications of specimens belonging to the Anopheles maculipennis complex, ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 sequences and link‐reared specimens revealed the presence of Anopheles daciae Linton, Nicolescu & Harbach (n = 37), a new country record, as well as Anopheles messeae Falleroni (n = 19) in the collections. Although the sample size is low, distinctions are apparent in the distributions of these two species, with An. daciae present in south‐eastern and central Finland, including the regions of Kanta‐Häme, Pirkanmaa, Pohjois‐Pohjanmaa, Päijät‐Häme and Satakunta, and An. messeae present in the southern and south‐eastern regions of Åland (Ahvenanmaa), Etelä‐Savo, Kanta‐Häme, Kymenlaakso, Päijät‐Häme, Satakunta, Uusimaa and Varsinais‐Suomi. All reports of An. messeae in Finland prior to 2018 should therefore be recognized as potentially being either An. messeae or An. daciae. Because these species are potential vectors of malarial protozoa, it is important to have full knowledge of their distributions across Europe, particularly in the face of climate warming.
Effects of treatment with eluxadoline on abdominal pain in patients with IBS‐D: Additional post hoc analyses of Phase 3 trials
Authors: Lembo Anthony J. , Covington Paul S. , Dove Leonard S. , Andrae David A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Recurring abdominal pain is a characteristic and often unpredictable and debilitating symptom of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS‐D). Measuring the effects of IBS‐D treatments on abdominal pain remains a significant challenge in clinical trials. Here, we aimed to examine the effect of eluxadoline through various post hoc analyses.

Methods

Data from two eluxadoline Phase 3 trials were pooled over 26 weeks, comparing eluxadoline 100 mg twice daily to placebo. Worst abdominal pain (WAP) was measured daily on a 0‐10 scale. WAP responder criteria were prospectively defined as a ≥30% improvement in daily WAP score on ≥50% of days. Pairwise, two‐sided Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel tests assessed treatment effects. Cumulative distribution functions were used to plot WAP response rates using variations on the response criteria.

Key results

Of 1615 patients with IBS‐D (66% female, mean age 46 years), 806 received eluxadoline and 809 received placebo; 48.3% and 44.0% were WAP responders (≥30% improvement), respectively (P value not significant). When the response threshold was increased to 50% daily WAP improvement from baseline, a significantly greater percentage of eluxadoline‐treated patients versus placebo‐treated patients were WAP responders (38.7% vs 32.5%, respectively; P = .009). At Week 26, average WAP changes from baseline were −3.4 and −3.0 points, respectively (P = .002).

Conclusions and Inferences

Despite small effect sizes, eluxadoline demonstrated consistent and sustained improvement in WAP compared to placebo across a range of prospective and post hoc analyses. Assessing WAP response across a range of measures is important for fully understanding a treatment's efficacy.
Maize mesocotyl: Role in response to stress and deep‐sowing tolerance
Authors: Niu Liangjie , Hao Ruiqi , Wu Xiaolin , Wang Wei
Published: January 2020

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide and is a model organism among cereal crops. Abiotic and biotic stresses are often present simultaneously and severely influence maize production, causing great yield losses worldwide. Therefore, the selection and cultivation of stress‐tolerant maize lines that adapt to various stresses is instrumental in addressing the problem of yield losses caused by stress. The maize mesocotyl is the crucial organ that pushes shoots out of deep water or soil after seed germination. It has a simple anatomy and exhibits rapid growth in the dark. In this article, we reviewed the studies on the elongation of the maize mesocotyl and the actions of phytohormones, especially under deep‐sowing conditions, and emphasized the role of the maize mesocotyl in response to environmental stress and deep‐sowing tolerance. We propose that the maize mesocotyl can serve as a selection organ for evaluating stress tolerance at the early seedling stage. We also identify future research fields that need further investigation in studies of the maize mesocotyl.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by wound closure tape in a pediatric patient
Authors: Tam Idy , Yu JiaDe
Published: January 2020

Wound care products are emerging as causes of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). There are increasing reports of ACD to certain medical adhesives; however, there are no published reports of contact sensitization solely due to wound closure tape such as Steri‐Strips™. Herein, we present the first confirmed case of ACD in a child caused by wound closure tape.
Cardiac vagal control mediates the relation between past depression and blood pressure several years later among young adults
Authors: Yang Xiao , Daches Shimrit , Yaroslavsky Ilya , George Charles J. , Kovacs Maria
Published: January 2020

Depression has been associated with high blood pressure (BP). However, the mechanisms of the relation between depression and high BP are unclear. We therefore examined whether impaired cardiac vagal control, indexed as low levels of resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), serves as a route from depression to high BP. The sample included 125 subjects with histories of depression (probands), 123 never depressed siblings of probands (high‐risk siblings), and 156 controls. Resting RSA was assessed at Time 1 (T1) along with BP when subjects were adolescents (Mage = 16.3 years); systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) were measured again at Time 2 (T2) when subjects were young adults (Mage = 22.3 years). Linear mixed‐effects models were used to examine the group differences in resting RSA and T2 BP outcomes and to test for RSA mediation of the relation between depression (history or being at high risk) and BP. Resting RSA was lower among probands than controls but was similar among high‐risk siblings and controls, while the subject groups did not differ in T2 SBP or DBP. Controlling for T1 BP, depression history indirectly affected T2 DBP (but not SBP) through resting RSA. The findings suggest that, although the direct detrimental effects of depression on BP are not yet evident in young adulthood, among those with depression histories, impaired cardiac vagal control appears to serve as a mechanism of elevated DBP.
p53 inhibits the proliferation of male germline stem cells from dairy goat cultured on poly‐L‐lysine
Authors: Zhu Haijing , Zheng Liming , Wang Long , Tang Furong , Arisha Ahmed H. , Zhou Hongchao , Hua Jinlian
Published: January 2020

Male germline stem cells (mGSCs) can transmit genetic materials to the next generation and dedifferentiate into pluripotent stem cells. However, in livestock, mGSC lines are difficult to establish, because of the factors that affect their isolation and culture. The extracellular matrix serves as a substrate for attachment and affects the fate of these stem cells. Poly‐L‐lysine (PL), an extracellular matrix of choice, inhibits and/or kills cancer cells, and promotes the attachment of stem cells in culture. However, how it affects the characteristics and potentials of these stem cells in culture needs to be elucidated. Here, we isolated, enriched and cultured dairy goat mGSCs on five types of extracellular matrices. To explore the best extracellular matrix to use for culturing them, the characteristics and proliferation ability of the cells were determined. Results showed that the cells shared several characteristics with previously reported mGSCs, including the poor effect of PL on their proliferative and colony‐forming abilities. Further examination showed upregulation of p53 expression in these cells, which could be inhibiting their proliferation. When a p53 inhibitor was included in the culture medium, it was confirmed to be responsible for the inhibition of proliferation in mGSCs. Optimal concentration of the inhibitor in the culture of these cells was 5 µM. Furthermore, addition of the p53 inhibitor increased the expression of the markers of self‐renewal and cell cycle in goat mGSCs. In summary, suppressing p53 is beneficial for the proliferation of dairy goat mGSCs, cultured on PL.
Quantifying the Association Between Discrete Event Time Series with Applications to Digital Forensics
Authors: Galbraith Christopher , Smyth Padhraic , Stern Hal S.
Published: January 2020

We consider the problem of quantifying the degree of association between pairs of discrete event time series, with potential applications in forensic and cybersecurity settings. We focus in particular on the case where two associated event series exhibit temporal clustering such that the occurrence of one type of event at a particular time increases the likelihood that an event of the other type will also occur nearby in time. We pursue a non-parametric approach to the problem and investigate various score functions to quantify association, including characteristics of marked point processes and summary statistics of interevent times. Two techniques are proposed for assessing the significance of the measured degree of association: a population-based approach to calculating score-based likelihood ratios when a sample from a relevant population is available, and a resampling approach to computing coincidental match probabilities when only a single pair of event series is available. The methods are applied to simulated data and to two real world data sets consisting of logs of computer activity and achieve accurate results across all data sets.
Longitudinal changes on the quality of life in caregivers of type 2 diabetes amputee patients
Authors: Costa Maria Suely Alves , Machado José C. , Pereira M. Graça
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To explore changes in the quality of life of caregivers of amputees due to type 2 diabetes ten months after amputation.

Methods

This is a longitudinal study with three moments of evaluation (T1: one month after surgery, T2: 7 months, T3: 10 months). The sample comprised 110, 101, and 84 caregivers of amputated patients with type 2 diabetes. Caregivers answered a Socio‐demographic questionnaire; the Self‐Assessment Caregiver; the Family Disruption from Illness Scale; and the Short Form Health Survey (SF36).

Results

Stress levels were not significantly reflected in changes on mental quality of life over time, except in the caregivers who presented less stress, emphasizing the adverse role of stress when experienced on a continuous basis for ten months on the caregivers' mental well‐being. Caregivers presented greater number of physical symptoms at T2 that decreased at T3.

Conclusions

According to the results, in order to promote caregivers’ physical and mental quality of life, it would be important to evaluate stress levels especially in patients who presented somatic complaints.
The Meaning of “One Person, One Vote” or Let Us Split the Baby in Half: Evenwel v. Abbott
Authors: Flores Henry
Published: January 2020

Objective

This article evaluates Evenwel v. Abbott to determine how and why the U.S. Supreme Court reached the decision it did in determining whether the appropriate database for a state to utilize in redistricting is the total population count or the American Community Survey's five‐year estimates. At the core of the decision was whether apportionment was based on participation or representation, voters or total population.

Method

A qualitative analysis of plaintiff and defendant arguments and the district court's and U.S. Supreme Court's decisions. Additionally, a discussion of the accuracy of the American Community Survey's five‐year estimate is presented.

Conclusion

The final decision was a decisive unanimous decision where the Court concluded, citing historical, constitutional precedence and traditional redistricting practices, that total population generated by the U.S. Census Bureau every decade was to be used as the base data for redistricting. The Supreme Court definitively stated that apportionment and redistricting were designed as representational mechanisms for all persons counted by the Bureau of the Census and not simply voters.