bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conservation science agenda for a changing Upper Midwest and Great Plains, United States
Authors: Ahlering Marissa A. , Cornett Meredith , Blann Kristen , White Mark , Lenhart Christian , Dixon Cami , Dudash Michele R. , Johnson Lucinda , Keeler Bonnie , Palik Brian , Pastor John , Sterner Robert W. , Shaw Doug , Biske Richard , Feeken Neal , Manolis James , Possingham Hugh
Published: June 2020

The long‐term well‐being of both people and nature is achievable, assuming major changes in resource distribution and consumption at a global level. This optimistic outlook for the world requires rapid identification of major knowledge gaps that would undermine our ability to achieve a sustainable future if left unaddressed locally and regionally. Our goal was to identify the science needs that would make the biggest contribution to sustaining human society and natural systems in the Upper Midwest and Great Plains, United States. We engaged an interdisciplinary group of scientists and practitioners in an iterative exploration and prioritization process. The resulting list of 50 research questions identified science gaps for strategy implementation to achieve conservation success. Of the original list, 17 questions ranked as highly important in the region. These 17 questions constitute a conservation science agenda for the region. We call for alignment around this common agenda and a concerted, multidisciplinary approach to addressing these priority scientific needs.
Enzymes, pseudoenzymes, and moonlighting proteins: diversity of function in protein superfamilies
Authors: Jeffery Constance J.
Published: June 2020

As more genome sequences are elucidated, there is an increasing need for information about the functions of the millions of proteins they encode. The function of a newly sequenced protein is often estimated by sequence alignment with the sequences of proteins with known functions. However, protein superfamilies can contain members that share significant amino acid sequence and structural homology yet catalyze different reactions or act on different substrates. Some homologous proteins differ by having a second or even third function, called moonlighting proteins. More recently, it was found that most protein superfamilies also include pseudoenzymes, a protein, or a domain within a protein, that has a three‐dimensional fold that resembles a conventional catalytically active enzyme, but has no catalytic activity. In this review, we discuss several examples of protein families that contain enzymes, pseudoenzymes, and moonlighting proteins. It is becoming clear that pseudoenzymes and moonlighting proteins are widespread in the evolutionary tree, and in many protein families, and they are often very similar in sequence and structure to their monofunctional and catalytically active counterparts. A greater understanding is needed to clarify when similarities and differences in amino acid sequences and structures correspond to similarities and differences in biochemical functions and cellular roles. This information can help improve programs that identify protein functions from sequence or structure and assist in more accurate annotation of sequence and structural databases, as well as in our understanding of the broad diversity of protein functions.
The Covid‐19 ‘infodemic’: a new front for information professionals
Authors: Naeem Salman Bin , Bhatti Rubina
Published: June 2020

The virus, commonly known as COVID‐19 which emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has spread in 213 countries, areas or territories around the globe, with nearly 144 683 deaths worldwide on 18 April 2020. In the wake of this pandemic, we have witnessed a massive infodemic with the public being bombarded with vast quantities of information, much of which is not scientifically correct. Fighting fake news is now the new front in the COVID‐19 battle. This regular feature comments on the role of health sciences librarians and information professionals in combating the COVID‐19 infodemic. To support their work, it draws attention to the myth busters, fact‐checkers and credible sources relating to COVID‐19. It also documents the guides that libraries have put together to help the general public, students and faculty recognise fake news.
Development of precursor ceramics using organic silicon polymer
Authors: Ishikawa Toshihiro , Usukawa Ryutaro
Published: June 2020

This paper relates to the Bridge Building Award, which was presented to the author (Toshihiro Ishikawa) by the American Ceramic Society on 27 January 2020. We have developed many types of functional ceramics using polycarbosilane as a raw material. Since 1983, several grades of SiC‐based fibers have been produced from polycarbosilane by Ube Industries, Ltd. Of these grades, we developed the highest heat‐resistant SiC‐polycrystalline fiber (Tyranno SA), which can withstand up to 2000°C, using an organic silicon polymer (poly‐aluminocarbosilane) containing a small amount of aluminum as a precursor material. By employing curing (in air) and firing (in nitrogen atmosphere at 1300°C) processes using the precursor fiber, an amorphous fiber (Si‐Al‐C‐O fiber) containing a small amount of aluminum was obtained; subsequent heat treatment at higher temperatures (~2000°C) in argon atmosphere led to carbothermal reduction (SiO2 + 3C SiC + 2CO(g)) and a sintering process, producing the abovementioned SiC‐polycrystalline fiber (Tyranno SA). In the same year, using the same raw precursor fiber (Si‐Al‐C‐O fiber), we also developed a new type of tough, thermally conductive SiC composite (SA‐Tyrannohex) with high strength up to 1600°C in air. This ceramic consists of a highly ordered, close‐packed structure of very fine hexagonal columnar SiC‐polycrystalline fibers with a thin interfacial carbon layer between them. Further, by using the polycarbosilane as a starting material, we successfully developed a strong photocatalytic fiber (TiO2/SiO2 fiber) with a gradient surface layer composed of TiO2‐nanocrystals, making the best use of controlled phase separation (bleed‐out) of additives (titanium (IV) tert‐butoxide) contained in polycarbosilane. In this paper, the story of the development of these materials and the subsequent progress will be described along with the historical background.
The antiviral effects of baloxavir marboxil against influenza A virus infection in ferrets
Authors: Kitano Mitsutaka , Matsuzaki Takanobu , Oka Ryoko , Baba Kaoru , Noda Takahiro , Yoshida Yuki , Sato Kenji , Kiyota Kohei , Mizutare Tohru , Yoshida Ryu , Sato Akihiko , Kamimori Hiroshi , Shishido Takao , Naito Akira
Published: June 2020

Background

Baloxavir marboxil (BXM), the oral prodrug of baloxavir acid (BXA), greatly reduces virus titers as well as influenza symptoms of uncomplicated influenza in patients.

Objectives

To investigate the pharmacokinetic profiles of BXA and its efficacy against influenza A virus infection in ferrets.

Methods

Ferrets were dosed orally with BXM (10 and 30 mg/kg twice daily for 1 day), oseltamivir phosphate (OSP) (5 mg/kg twice daily for 2 days) or vehicle to measure the antiviral effects of BXM and OSP. The pharmacokinetic parameters of BXA was determined after single oral dosing of BXM.

Results

The maximum plasma concentrations of BXA were observed at 1.50 and 2.00 hours with the two BXM doses, which then declined with an elimination half‐life of 6.91 and 4.44 hours, respectively. BXM at both doses remained detectable in the plasma in ferrets, which may be due to higher stability in liver microsomes. BXM (10 and 30 mg/kg twice daily) treatment at Day 1 post‐infection (p.i.) reduced virus titers by ≥3 log10 of the 50% tissue culture infective doses by Day 2, which was significantly different compared with vehicle or OSP. Body temperature drops over time were significantly greater with BXM than with vehicle or OSP. Significant reduction in virus titers was also demonstrated when BXM was administrated after symptom onset at Day 2 p.i. compared with vehicle and OSP, although body temperature changes largely overlapped between Day 2 and Day 4.

Conclusions

The results highlight the rapid antiviral action of BXM with post‐exposure prophylaxis or therapeutic dosing in ferrets and offer support for further research on prevention of influenza virus infection and transmission.
Cumulative incidence of post‐infection asthma or wheezing among young children clinically diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus infection in the United States: A retrospective database analysis
Authors: Nguyen‐Van‐Tam Jonathan , Wyffels Veronique , Smulders Maartje , Mazumder Debasish , Tyagi Rohit , Gupta Nikhil , Gavart Sandra , Fleischhackl Roman
Published: June 2020

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is implicated in subsequent development of asthma/wheezing (AW) among term and pre‐term infants. We describe the cumulative incidence of AW among hospitalized and ambulatory neonates/infants/toddlers following RSV infection diagnosis over three independent follow‐up periods.

Methods

Between January 1, 2007 and March 31, 2016, patients aged 0‐2 years old with first clinical diagnosis of RSV infection were identified using the Optum® integrated electronic health records and claims database. Patients diagnosed with AW ≤ 30 days post‐RSV diagnosis were excluded. Three cohorts with 1, 3, and 5 years of follow‐up were stratified by presence or absence of specific RSV high‐risk factors, including pre‐term birth and pre‐defined, pre‐existing comorbidities. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression results were reported.

Results

Overall, 9811, 4524, and 1788 RSV‐infected high‐risk factor negative patients were included in 1, 3, and 5‐year independent cohorts, respectively. Of these, 6.5%, 6.9%, and 5.8%, respectively had RSV‐related hospitalization. By the end of follow‐up, 14.9%, 28.2%, and 36.3% had AW events. Overall, 3030, 1378, and 552 RSV‐infected high‐risk factor positive patients were included in the respective cohorts. Of these, 11.4%, 11.1%, and 11.6%, respectively were hospitalized with initial RSV infection and 18.1%, 32.9%, and 37.9% had subsequent AW events within the follow‐up period. Logistic regression confirmed RSV‐related hospitalization significantly increased the likelihood of developing AW (P < .05) in high‐risk factor positive and negative patients.

Conclusions

In infants diagnosed with RSV infection, RSV‐related hospitalization was associated with a significantly increased likelihood of AW development for at least 5 years, compared with non‐hospitalized patients.
Late Neolithic Stenildgård Grave: Re-Excavated, Re-Analysed and Re-Interpreted
Authors: Nielsen Bjarne Henning , Christensen Tina E. , Moltsen Annine , Frei Karin Margarita , Reiter Samantha , Mortensen Morten Fischer , Henriksen Peter Steen , Christensen Mads Chr. , Gyldenløve Kåre
Published: June 2020

Occasionally, it becomes possible to re-excavate and reanalyse prehistoric monuments. Within the geographical area managed by Vesthimmerlands Museum, this happened in the case of the Late Neolithic Stenildgård grave on the western periphery of the town of Aars, Northern Danmark. The grave was excavated for the first time at the early 1930s and re-excavated in 2015 in connection with the construction of a ring road around the southern parts of Aars. In 2015, a series of state-of-the-art scientific analyses were conducted in relation to this grave.

Following a detailed presentation of the original publication and later interpretations, this article presents the results of the new excavation and scientific analyses. The new results include identifi cation of the human bones, the development of the stratigraphy, strontium isotope analysis, pollen analysis, macro-fossil analysis, and the analysis of pitch.

Since the 1930s, the Stenildgård grave has been considered a burial, which, to a great extent, deviated from usual practice showing one of the earliest examples of cremation in prehistoric Denmark. Furthermore, the recent investigation revealed that the grave was equipped with a surrounding wooden structure and possibly influenced by West European Bell Beaker Cultures. Also, the grave seems to form part of an extensive Late Neolithic burial and settlement system, where complex rituals were carried out.
Slaves in Bronze Age Southern Scandinavia?
Authors: Mikkelsen Martin
Published: June 2020

The article proposes that unfree labour was an integral part of Bronze Age society. The presence of the unfree (thralls or even slaves) in prehistoric societies has rarely been discussed and never in the light of archaeological evidence. The article is based on empirical material from 333 fully excavated house remains from 120 sites in the Viborg area in northwest Jutland, Denmark. Based on the reconstructed size of these longhouses, the location of fireplaces, entrances and the subdivision of space, it is suggested that farmsteads, in general, had two, often clearly separated habitation units. In the Early Bronze Age, a longhouse was usually subdivided into two parts, and during the Late Bronze Age, this subdivision manifested in the construction of two longhouses. After a thorough analysis of the archaeological record, it is suggested that the owner of the land had occupied one habitation unit, while the other was reserved for the unfree.
The origin of the endemic African grasshopper family Lentulidae (Orthoptera: Acridoidea) and its climate‐induced diversification
Authors: Hemp Claudia , Scherer Carola , Brandl Roland , Pinkert Stefan
Published: June 2020

Aim

Forest relicts in the mountainous regions of Africa represent one of the most diverse ecosystems on our planet, but the processes that have generated this remarkable diversity are still poorly understood. We estimate divergence times for an endemic, flightless grasshopper family and reconstruct a potential scenario for their colonization of Africa to test the hypothesis that the diversity of these mountain‐top endemics has been generated by multiple fragmentations and reconnections of tropical rain forests in parallel with climatic fluctuations.

Location

Sub‐Saharan Africa.

Taxon

Lentulidae (Orthoptera).

Methods

We inferred the phylogeny of 7 genera and 28 species of the Lentulidae based on COI, 16S and Histone 3 sequences by using a Bayesian approach and we also estimated divergence dates. Based on our molecular phylogeny as well as the available information on the relationship of six additional genera and local occurrence records for 120 lentulid species across Africa, we reconstruct a potential colonization scenario for most species of this group.

Results

Our findings indicate that the forest‐bound lentulids of East Africa represent a monophyletic group that originates from South Africa. We show that major splits in the phylogeny of the Lentulidae coincide with three known fragmentation events of the African rain forests (27, 16 and 9 Ma) and that lentulids subsequently diversified rapidly in parallel with the aridification and strong geological activity in East Africa.

Main conclusions

Our results corroborate the diversification patterns reported for several endemic African forest‐bound animal taxa at small scales and endemic African plant taxa at larger scales, highlighting the finding that much of the biodiversity presently found in the forest relicts of the Eastern Arc Mountains biodiversity hotspot has been generated by the interplay between humid periods that allowed the spread of forest‐bound lineages across Africa and periods of aridity‐driven isolation of forests and their associated fauna.
Transforming the coal and steel nexus for China's eco‐civilization: Interplay between rail and energy infrastructure
Authors: Zhang Qian , Kennedy Christopher , Wang Tao , Wei Wendong , Li Jiashuo , Shi Lei
Published: June 2020

China's 2050 high renewable energy penetration (HREP) scenario is a roadmap for deep decarbonization. This promising strategy, deploying wind and solar energy, will also reshape other infrastructure sectors. With decarbonization, not only can capital be diverted away from fossil fuel infrastructure toward green power generation, but considerable savings in future transport infrastructure sectors could be achieved because fossil fuels no longer need to be transported. Here, we conduct a material flow analysis with a focus on the central role of transportation to examine the interlinkages of coal and steel flows in China's infrastructure sectors between 1985, 2015, and 2050. We define the coal and steel nexus to be a system perspective that captures the interdependence and the critical linkages between these two resources. Our results show that the coal and steel nexus in China strengthened in the past three decades but could face transitional changes to 2050. The peak time of both coal and steel demand for China is expected to come before 2030. Consequentially, the volume of rail freight for the carriage of three main types of bulk cargo (coal, iron ores, and steel products) declines from ∼2,000 megatons (Mt) in 2015 to ∼700 Mt in 2050 under the HREP scenario with the two‐fold planned growth of railway infrastructure. However, investment in cleaner energy and steelmaking technologies will help China mainly rely on secondary steel resources to maintain domestic demand in 2050, further reducing the demand for coal and iron ores.
Morphological variability is greater at developing than mature mouse neuromuscular junctions
Authors: Mech Aleksandra M. , Brown Anna‐Leigh , Schiavo Giampietro , Sleigh James N.
Published: June 2020

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the highly specialised peripheral synapse formed between lower motor neuron terminals and muscle fibres. Post‐synaptic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), which are found in high density in the muscle membrane, bind to acetylcholine released into the synaptic cleft of the NMJ, thereby enabling the conversion of motor action potentials to muscle contractions. NMJs have been studied for many years as a general model for synapse formation, development and function, and are known to be early sites of pathological changes in many neuromuscular diseases. However, information is limited on the diversity of NMJs in different muscles, how synaptic morphology changes during development, and the relevance of these parameters to neuropathology. Here, this crucial gap was addressed using a robust and standardised semi‐automated workflow called NMJ‐morph to quantify features of pre‐ and post‐synaptic NMJ architecture in an unbiased manner. Five wholemount muscles from wild‐type mice were dissected and compared at immature (post‐natal day, P7) and early adult (P31−32) timepoints. The inter‐muscular variability was greater in mature post‐synaptic AChR morphology than that of the pre‐synaptic motor neuron terminal. Moreover, the developing NMJ showed greater differences across muscles than the mature synapse, perhaps due to the observed distinctions in synaptic growth between muscles. Nevertheless, the amount of nerve to muscle contact was consistent, suggesting that pathological denervation can be reliably compared across different muscles in mouse models of neurodegeneration. Additionally, mature post‐synaptic endplate diameters correlated with fibre type, independently of muscle fibre diameter. Altogether, this work provides detailed information on healthy pre‐ and post‐synaptic NMJ morphology from five anatomically and functionally distinct mouse muscles, delivering useful reference data for future comparison with neuromuscular disease models.
An psychoeducation programme based on self‐efficacy theory to improve experience of natural birth for primigravid women: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gao Yaqin , Li Yuhong , Zhang Liu , Bu Yanggao , Yang Fangfang , Jiang Lulu , Zhao Jingjing , Tian Yun
Published: June 2020

Aim and objectives

To present a study protocol for estimating the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of an individual (five sessions), group (one session) and face‐to‐face psychoeducation programme based on self‐efficacy theory to improve childbirth experience of primigravid women.

Background

In present China, fertility rates are falling and ageing is accelerating. How to improve the fertility level of childbearing women is of great significance. However, about 10%–20% of women have negative childbirth experience after birth, which seriously affects maternal and child health and family functions, and even fertility desires and intentions in the future. Nevertheless, due to the lack of a series of well‐designed randomised controlled trials(RCTs), there is no specific methodology to guide the most effective intervention for primigravid women. In this regard, based on Bandura's self‐efficacy theory, an intervention programme to promote a positive childbirth experience for primigravid women has been designed and will be evaluated to determine its impact on primigravid women.

Design

A non‐blinded randomised controlled trial.

Methods

We report the study protocol for this randomised controlled trial based on the SPIRIT2013 statement. A total of 238 eligible primigravid women will be randomly divided into the control group (n = 119) or the intervention group (n = 119). The control group will receive care as usual, that is, six routine prenatal examinations. In addition to the routine examinations, the intervention group will also receive six face‐to‐face interventions. Baseline assessment will occur at about 24th week of gestation and follow up at 37th weeks of gestation, intrapartum, 1–3 days postpartum and 42 days postpartum. The primary outcomes are childbirth experience, childbirth self‐efficacy; others are fear of childbirth, labour control, labour pain and labour satisfaction.

Impact

From the perspective of clinical work, this protocol provides practical guidance for cultivating the positive childbirth experience of the primigravid women. From the perspective of sociology, the positive experience and emotion of primigravid women can improve the fertility intention of women of childbearing age, which is relatively conducive to optimising Chinese demographic structure and reducing the pressure of ageing population in the long term.
Opioid use disorder education for acute care nurses: An integrative review
Authors: Bell Christine A. Fournier , McCurry Mary
Published: June 2020

Aims and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore opioid use disorder (OUD) education programmes presented to practicing nurses working in medical–surgical settings and identify the methods used to evaluate their effectiveness.

Background

Health professionals often express negative attitudes towards patients with OUD which can lead to suboptimal care. Education decreases negative attitudes of healthcare workers. Despite this, few educational programmes are offered to promote knowledge among acute care nurses who work in medical–surgical settings and provide care to patients with OUD.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

The framework by Whittemore and Knafl was used to examine empirical literature between 1995–2019 to answer the research questions, (a) What types of education do acute care nurses receive regarding OUD? (b) What methods are used for measuring educational intervention effectiveness? CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO and MEDLINE were searched using combinations of search terms and PRISMA guidelines. The initial 394 articles were narrowed to nine from the United States and Australia that met the search criteria and purpose of the review.

Results

Educational programmes used to promote knowledge included interactive workshops, case studies, online modules, simulation sessions, real‐time coaching and in‐service trainings. Methods used to measure effectiveness of educational interventions were self‐assessment tools that measured pre/postknowledge, attitude surveys, alcohol and drug scales and individual researcher‐developed instruments.

Conclusions

Additional research is needed to determine best teaching strategies for increasing knowledge of OUD and OUD patient care. Valid and reliable methods for measuring effectiveness of OUD educational interventions are inadequate.

Relevance to clinical practice

Knowledge of OUD has been linked to positive patient outcomes and nurses would benefit from up‐to‐date educational offerings. Opioid use disorder is a growing global concern. Translation of current OUD nursing science to acute care nurses would promote health equity in practice for individuals with OUD.
Improving oral health in nursing home residents: A process evaluation of a shared oral care intervention
Authors: Aagaard Karin , Meléndez‐Torres G. J. , Overgaard Charlotte
Published: June 2020

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the process of implementing an oral care intervention in nursing homes in a Danish municipality.

Background

Older people with aged natural dentition require preventive and curative oral health care. An intervention based on principles of situated learning was implemented to establish closer cooperation between dental and nursing staff in nursing homes, leading to improved oral hygiene in nursing home residents.

Design

An embedded multiple‐case study combined with principles of realist evaluation unfolded in three phases: Formulation of initial programme theory, Testing and Refining the programme theory. The COREQ checklist is followed in reporting.

Methods

Observations, six group interviews and 22 face‐to‐face interviews with dentists, dental practitioners, nursing home managers, care professionals and residents were conducted in three nursing homes (n = 41).

Results

Three main outcomes of a programme theory were identified, relating to (a) residents, in the form of new oral care routines; (b) interdisciplinary working, in the form of professional pride in performing sufficient oral care; (c) organisational level changes, in the form of increased interdisciplinary knowledge sharing. The overarching supportive mechanisms were the creation of relationships between residents, dental practitioners and care professionals as well as nursing home management taking responsibility for structure, planning and knowledge sharing.

Conclusion

The situated learning perspective supported residents and care professionals' competencies in performing sufficient oral care. The shared oral care intervention supports an individual and multidisciplinary assessment of nursing home residents’ ability to self‐care concerning oral care. Contextual factors, supportive and restraining mechanisms influence the intervention's success.

Relevance to clinical practice

Understanding the complexity within interdisciplinary cooperation in primary nursing and unravelling the necessary properties to enhance nursing home residents’ oral health care are areas of improvement for care service in nursing homes.
Resource: A multi‐species multi‐timepoint transcriptome database and webpage for the pineal gland and retina
Authors: Chang Eric , Fu Cong , Coon Steven L. , Alon Shahar , Bozinoski Marjan , Breymaier Matthew , Bustos Diego M. , Clokie Samuel J. , Gothilf Yoav , Esnault Caroline , Michael Iuvone P. , Mason Christopher E. , Ochocinska Margaret J. , Tovin Adi , Wang Charles , Xu Pinxian , Zhu Jinhang , Dale Ryan , Klein David C.
Published: June 2020

The website and database https://snengs.nichd.nih.gov provides RNA sequencing data from multi‐species analysis of the pineal glands from zebrafish (Danio rerio), chicken (White Leghorn), rat (Rattus novegicus), mouse (Mus musculus), rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), and human (Homo sapiens); in most cases, retinal data are also included along with results of the analysis of a mixture of RNA from tissues. Studies cover day and night conditions; in addition, a time series over multiple hours, a developmental time series and pharmacological experiments on rats are included. The data have been uniformly re‐processed using the latest methods and assemblies to allow for comparisons between experiments and to reduce processing differences. The website presents search functionality, graphical representations, Excel tables, and track hubs of all data for detailed visualization in the UCSC Genome Browser. As more data are collected from investigators and improved genomes become available in the future, the website will be updated. This database is in the public domain and elements can be reproduced by citing the URL and this report. This effort makes the results of 21st century transcriptome profiling widely available in a user‐friendly format that is expected to broadly influence pineal research.
Transcriptome changes associated with fat deposition in the longissimus thoracis of Korean cattle following castration
Authors: Na Sang Weon , Park Seung Ju , Hong Soo Jong , Baik Myunggi
Published: June 2020

The castration of bulls increases the intramuscular fat (IMF) content in skeletal muscle. However, the biological processes of IMF accumulation in skeletal muscle after castration are not completely understood at the molecular level. This study examined the global transcriptomic changes in the longissimus thoracis muscle (LT) of bulls following castration using RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) and identified new genes or pathways associated with beef quality. Ten bulls and 10 steers castrated at 6 months of age were slaughtered at 26 and 32 months of age respectively. For transcriptome analysis, six LT samples from three bulls and three steers were selected based on age, carcass weight, carcass quantity and beef quality grades. Using RNA‐Seq, transcriptomic profiles of the LT were compared between bulls and steers. In all, 640 of the 18,027 genes identified through RNA‐Seq were differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between bulls and steers. Pathway analysis of these 640 DEGs showed significant (p < .05) changes in seven Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, and the most significant terms were complement and coagulation cascade pathways. The transcriptomic expression patterns of 10 genes in the complement and coagulation cascades were validated using all animals through quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. In conclusion, transcriptome changes associated with the complement and coagulation cascade pathways provide novel insights into understanding molecular mechanisms responsible for IMF accumulation following castration in beef cattle.
Aversive textures and their role in food rejection
Authors: Pellegrino Robert , Luckett Curtis R.
Published: June 2020

Texture is a prominent feature in foods and consequently can be the reason a food is accepted or rejected. However, other sensory attributes, such as flavor/taste, aroma, sound, and appearance may also lead to the rejection of food and motivations other than unpleasantness exist in unacceptance. To date, these motivations for food rejection have been studied in isolation and their relationships with psychological factors have not been tested. This study measured reasons people reject a food and probed into the specifics of texture rejection. A large U.S. sample (N = 473) was asked to rate their motivations for rejecting a food, list foods that were disliked due to unpleasant sensory attributes, specify the unpleasant sensory attribute(s), and complete an assessment of general touch sensitivity. Results showed 94% of individuals reject a food due to its texture, a rate comparable to flavor‐based rejection. Looking at the number of foods being rejected, flavor was the most common food attribute, followed by texture and then aroma. From a linguistic standpoint, aversive textures encompass a large vocabulary, larger than liked textures, and the same food may be rejected due to a single or combination of texture terms. Viscosity (e.g., slimy) and hardness (e.g., mushy) are the most common aversive texture types, but through cluster analysis subsets of individuals were identified that are more aversive to other textures. This study emphasizes the role of aversive textures in food rejection and provides many avenues for future investigations.
Laboratory assessment of trilostane treatment in dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Arenas Bermejo Carolina , Pérez Alenza Dolores , García San José Paula , Llauet Lidia , Pérez‐López Laura , Melián Carlos , C. Feldman Edward
Published: June 2020

Background

Results of ACTH stimulation test (ACTHst), pre‐ and post‐trilostane serum cortisol concentrations (SCCs), urine concentration (urine‐specific gravity [USG]), and urine cortisol : creatinine ratios (UCCRs) are common variables used to monitor trilostane treatment of dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). However, none has consistently discriminated dogs receiving an adequate dose (A) from those overdosed (O) or underdosed (U).

Objectives

To assess and compare recommended monitoring variables, including serial SCCs in a cohort of dogs with PDH treated with trilostane.

Animals

Privately owned dogs with PDH (n = 22) and 3 healthy dogs (controls).

Methods

Prospective, multicenter, 2‐day study. On day “a” (randomized): ACTHst was completed. Day “b” (>2 to <7 days later): SCCs were assessed −0.5 hours, immediately before, and 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours after trilostane administration. On the first study day, urine collected at home was assessed for USG, UCCR and owner opinions regarding PDH were categorized as: A (clinical signs resolved), U (remains symptomatic), or ill (possible O).

Results

At 27 pairs of evaluations, 7 dogs were categorized as A, 19 U, and 1 possible O (excluded from the study). There was overlap in SCC results from the A and U dogs at every time point. Results of USG, UCCR, and ACTHst did not discriminate A from U dogs. Trilostane suppresses SCC within 1 hour of administration and its duration of action in most PDH dogs is <8 hours.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

No single variable or group of variables reliably discriminated A dogs from U dogs during trilostane treatment for PDH.
Structural change and cumulative causation: A Kaldorian approach
Authors: Magacho Guilherme R. , McCombie John S. L.
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a multisectoral model based on Kaldor's approach to explain the importance of structural change and cumulative causation. Divergence in countries' growth rates in Kaldorian models are explained either by different degrees of increasing returns among sectors on the supply side or by different income elasticities of exports and imports on the demand‐side, but it is not explained by both factors together. In this vein, a multisector growth model that combines different sectoral income elasticities and different sectoral increasing returns is built to explain how structural changes toward high‐tech industries can trigger a process of cumulative causation and ensure higher growth rates in the long run.
Islamic Caliphate or nation state? Investigating the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's imagined community
Authors: Caló Ben , Malet David , Howie Luke , Lentini Pete
Published: June 2020

Through the lens of Benedict Anderson's Imagined Community concept, this paper examines how the selected community‐building theories are useful in understanding the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its imagined community. Using four factors—language, education, power and history—derived from Anderson's Imagined Community concept, this paper applies theories of Modernism, Primordialism and Insurgency Governance to explain ISIL's imagined community. Specifically, our argument is threefold: (a) Anderson's Imagined Community concept and alternate theories of community building, although insightful, does an imperfect job at describing ISIL's Caliphate; (b) ISIL's group structure appears to transcend traditional and accepted notions of nations, nationalism and nation states; and (c) based on this reasoning, ISIL's Caliphate can be considered an outlier in community‐building literature analysed.
Macroecological patterns in flower colour are shaped by both biotic and abiotic factors
Authors: Dalrymple Rhiannon L. , Kemp Darrell J. , Flores‐Moreno Habacuc , Laffan Shawn W. , White Thomas E. , Hemmings Frank A. , Moles Angela T.
Published: June 2020

There is a wealth of research on the way interactions with pollinators shape flower traits. However, we have much more to learn about influences of the abiotic environment on flower colour.

We combine quantitative flower colour data for 339 species from a broad spatial range covering tropical, temperate, arid, montane and coastal environments from 9.25ºS to 43.75ºS with 11 environmental variables to test hypotheses about how macroecological patterns in flower colouration relate to biotic and abiotic conditions.

Both biotic community and abiotic conditions are important in explaining variation of flower colour traits on a broad scale. The diversity of pollinating insects and the plant community have the highest predictive power for flower colouration, followed by mean annual precipitation and solar radiation. On average, flower colours are more chromatic where there are fewer pollinators, solar radiation is high, precipitation and net primary production are low, and growing seasons are short, providing support for the hypothesis that higher chromatic contrast of flower colours may be related to stressful conditions.

To fully understand the ecology and evolution of flower colour, we should incorporate the broad selective context that plants experience into research, rather than focusing primarily on effects of plant–pollinator interactions.
Fast pathway ablation in a patient with PR prolongation
Authors: Tabbah Randa , Abi‐Saleh Bernard
Published: June 2020

The classical form of typical atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is a “slow‐fast” pathways tachycardia, and the usual therapy is an ablation of the slow pathway since it carries a low risk of atrioventricular (AV) block. In patients with long PR interval and/or living on the anterograde slow pathway, an alternative technique is required.

We report a case of a 42‐year‐old lady with idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy, persistent atrial fibrillation status post pulmonary vein isolation, and premature ventricular complex ablation with a systolic dysfunction, who presented with incessant slow narrow complex tachycardia of 110 bpm that appeared to be an AVNRT. Her baseline EKG revealed a first‐degree AV block with a PR of 320 ms. EP study showed no evidence of anterograde fast pathway conduction. Given this fact, the decision was to attempt an ablation of the retrograde fast pathway. The fast pathway was mapped during tachycardia to its usual location into the anteroseptal region, then radiofrequency ablation in this location terminated tachycardia. After ablation, she continued to have her usual anterograde conduction through slow pathway and the tachycardia became uninducible.

In special populations with prolonged PR interval or poor anterograde fast pathway conduction, fast pathway ablation is the required ablation for typical AVNRT.
MRI in pediatric and congenital heart disease patients with CIEDs and epicardial or abandoned leads
Authors: Gakenheimer‐Smith Lindsey , Etheridge Susan P. , Niu Mary C. , Ou Zhining , Presson Angela P. , Whitaker Patricia , Su Jason , Puchalski Michael D. , Asaki Sarah Yukiko , Pilcher Thomas
Published: June 2020

Background

Heart Rhythm Society guidelines outlining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) excluded children and epicardial or abandoned leads due to theoretical risks of harm. Research investigating these risks is lacking. The primary objective of our study is to determine the incidence of adverse events to patients or CIEDs from MRI imaging. The secondary objective is to describe CIED‐related artifact on MRI images.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective review was performed on all patients with CIEDs who underwent 1.5 Tesla MRI between July 2007 and May 2019. We subdivided patients among four cohorts: (1) patients <18 years of age, (2) epicardial leads, (3) abandoned endocardial leads, and (4) abandoned epicardial leads. Descriptive statistics pre‐ and post‐MRI and at follow‐up within 1.5 years were conducted.

Results

Fifty‐four MRIs were performed on 40 patients. Median age was 21.2 years (IQR 12.0‐25.0). Eighteen (33%) MRIs contained abandoned leads; 20 (37%) contained epicardial leads. Three patients, one with abandoned epicardial leads and two with abandoned endocardial leads, experienced mild discomfort at the CIED site. One adult with endocardial leads experienced a pause in the heart rate while programmed in a nonpacing mode. No clinically important changes to CIED parameters occurred. Nine MRIs (17%), especially those with functional cardiac imaging, were uninterpretable due to image artifact.

Conclusion

In this study, pediatric and adult CHD patients with CIEDs, many with epicardial or abandoned leads, underwent MRIs without clinically significant complications. In some, CIED artifact reduced cardiac MRI image quality due to CIED position.
A rare case of cutaneous Trichosporon asahii infection in an immunocompromised child
Authors: Lee Elis Yuexian , Koh Mark Jean Aan
Published: June 2020

We present an 11‐year‐old girl who developed neutropenic fever and papulonodular lesions over her limbs and back following chemotherapy for relapsed acute myeloid leukemia. She was found to have cutaneous Trichosporon asahii infection, with no evidence of systemic infection, and responded to treatment with voriconazole. T. asahii infection is rare but often fatal and usually causes disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients. Cutaneous infection is relatively uncommon and rarely occurs in the pediatric population.
Activity of selected glycosidases and availability of their substrates in bovine placenta during pregnancy and parturition with and without retained foetal membranes
Authors: Jamioł Monika , Wawrzykowski Jacek , Mojsym Wioleta , Hoedemaker Martina , Kankofer Marta
Published: June 2020

The activity of glycosidases is crucial for the function and biological activity of proteins conjugated with sugar moieties, which play an important role in adhesion of cells during attachment and detachment of the foetal membranes. The aim of study was to describe the ability of bovine placental tissues to break down O‐glycosidic bonds in different glycoproteins by the determination of activity of β‐galactosidase, α‐l‐fucosidase, β‐N‐acetyl‐hexosaminidase and sialidase in early–mid‐pregnancy as well as at parturition with released and retained foetal membranes. Moreover, the availability of substrates for these glycosidases in placental homogenates was evaluated. Placental samples were collected from pregnant (2–4 months) cows in slaughterhouse (n = 8) as well as during Caesarean section and divided into released foetal membranes (n = 8) and retained foetal membranes (n = 8). Tissue homogenates were subjected to spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric determinations of enzyme activities as well as electrophoretic separations. Enzyme activities expressed changes within examined time with significant (p < .05) differences between pregnancy and physiological parturition in β‐N‐acetyl‐hexosaminidase and α‐l‐fucosidase in foetal part of placenta while in maternal part only in the latter one. Decreasing tendency in enzyme activity was noticed in foetal part of retained samples in comparison with released ones with significant (p < .05) differences in α‐l‐fucosidase activity. The analysis of staining of sugar moieties attached to selected proteins depicted availability of sugar molecules in examined tissues, but their patterns differed between samples. In conclusion, sugar moieties in conjugated proteins express changes in the course of pregnancy which is reflected by the alterations in activities of placental glycosidases.
Senior Executives' Political Connections and Corporate Environmental Behavior—Empirical Research From the Chinese A‐Share Market
Authors: Zong Jiafeng , Guo Man , Lin Zongjian , Yang Qi
Published: June 2020

This thesis analyzed the cross‐section data of 630 non‐financial listed enterprises and adopts a logit model to estimate the relationships between political relations and corporate environmental behavior. The paper also adopts an ordered logit method to estimate the marginal impact of political connections to enterprises’ disclosure of information on environment and sustainable development. Through analysis, this thesis found that political connections lower the probability for enterprises to disclose information on environment and sustainable development. With the Level III scoring method, this article classified the performances of disclosing corporate environmental information into three levels. It is found that corporate political connections increase the probability for enterprises not to disclose any environmental information and lower the probability for enterprises to refer to GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.
Exploring Aggregate vs. Relative Public Trust in Administrative Agencies that Manage Spent Nuclear Fuel in the United States
Authors: Gupta Kuhika , Ripberger Joseph T. , Jenkins‐Smith Hank C. , Silva Carol L.
Published: June 2020

Trust is a key component of democratic decision‐making and becomes even more salient in highly technical policy areas, where the public relies heavily on experts for decision making and on the information provided by federal agencies. Research to date has not examined whether the members of the public place different levels of trust in the various agencies that operate within the same policy subsystem, especially in a highly technical subsystem such as that of nuclear energy and waste management. This paper explores public trust in multiple agencies operating within the same subsystem, trust in each agency relative to aggregate trust across agencies that operate within the nuclear waste subsystem, and trust in alternative agencies that have been suggested as possible players in the decision‐making process. We find that trust accorded to different federal agencies within the nuclear waste subsystem varies. The variation in trust is systematically associated with multiple factors, including basic trust in government, perceptions about the risks and benefits of nuclear energy/waste management, party identification, and education. These findings have significant implications for research on public trust in specific government agencies, alternative policy entities, and for policy makers who want to design robust and successful policies and programs in highly technical policy domains.
Trade for the Environment: Transboundary Hazardous Waste Movements After the Basel Convention
Authors: Yang Shiming
Published: June 2020

International institutions are important regulators of the trade–environment relationship. Many of them deploy trade measures for environmental purposes, with mixed results. The Basel Convention is one case where trade restrictions have not succeeded in curbing movements of hazardous waste or protecting vulnerable countries from waste dumping. Current literature emphasizes North–South conflict under the Basel Convention as a main reason for these shortcomings. This paper returns to the fundamental question as to why countries engage in this trade. It contends that hazardous wastes are not only characterized by their environmental impacts, but are also distinct in the ways they are generated, distributed, and managed. I argue that global economic integration has commodified these wastes, and countries are increasingly diverging on their views of hazardous materials. This paper draws from the under‐utilized Basel Convention Database and other sources to piece together a holistic picture of the global hazardous waste movements. It identifies three types of countries with distinct trade orientations: industrialized countries trading the largest amounts of hazardous wastes and with considerable specialization; newly industrializing countries as influential players in hazardous waste generation and management; and least developed countries, which oppose waste trade yet suffer from waste dumping. As globalization deepens, management of hazardous wastes may require extensive trade of hazardous materials between countries of varying capabilities and interests. Contrary to its current trade minimization approach based on a crude North–South dichotomy, the Basel Convention may benefit from an approach that motivates capable countries to import wastes and one that builds capacity for intended waste importers.