bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative traits of the meat of Nellore steers supplemented with energy and protein in an integrated crop–livestock system
Authors: Batista P. B. , Neto S. Gonzaga , Quadros D. G. , Araújo G. G. L. , Souza C. G. , Sabedot M. A.
Published: November 2019

Context Santa Fe is a model of integrated crop–livestock system in which grain crops and grasses are grown intercropped. After crop harvest, the pastures are grazed in the dry season and, after that, accumulate straw for no-till systems. In this way, protein and energy supplementation can contribute to finish steers on pastures, attending to the increasing demand from internal and external markets for sustainable high-quality red meat. Aim The present study evaluated physical and chemical composition of the Longissimus dorsi meat of Nellore steers fed with increasing levels of energy and protein supplementation on Brachiaria ruziziensis pasture in Santa Fe integrated crop–livestock system. Methods Forty chemically castrated steers were randomly assigned into four groups under a completely randomised design. Each group was supplemented one of four levels of a concentrate containing 17% crude protein and 75% of total digestible nutrients, at 0.98, 1.45, 1.86 and 2.02 kg/animal.day, representing 0.23%, 0.34%, 0.44% and 0.47% of bodyweight respectively. The experiment lasted 105 days, with trough supplementation once a day. Key results As energy and protein increased in the diet, cooking loss decreased (P = 0.01) linearly and shearing force decreased quadratically (P = 0.02), with a strong correlation between them (r = 0.93). Subcutaneous fat thickness showed a quadratic increase (P = 0.03), with its maximum point at the concentrate supplementation level of 1.55 kg/animal.day, with a thickness of 3.36 cm and a high Pearson’s correlation with the loin eye area (r = 0.94). There was a quadratic increase in C18:2n6 (P = 0.05) and a linear increase in C22:6n3 (P = 0.04) polyunsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acids of the ω3 series increased indifferently to the total fat and saturated fatty acids. Conclusions Supplementing Nellore steers with energy and protein in this integrated crop–livestock system improved meat quality, as indicated by tenderness and marbling, and changed the fatty acid profile in a way that would be more attractive to consumers. Implications The results of the experiment will guide ruminant nutritionists to define a supplement plan for finishing steers in Santa Fe integrated crop-livestock systems targeting healthier, high-quality, and sustainable meat markets.
Large and small extracellular vesicles released by glioma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Yekula Anudeep , Minciacchi Valentina R. , Morello Matteo , Shao Huilin , Park Yongil , Zhang Xuan , Muralidharan Koushik , Freeman Michael R. , Weissleder Ralph , Lee Hakho , Carter Bob , Breakefield Xandra O. , Di Vizio Dolores , Balaj Leonora
Published: November 2019

Tumour cells release diverse populations of extracellular vesicles (EVs) ranging in size, molecular cargo, and function. We sought to characterize mRNA and protein content of EV subpopulations released by human glioblastoma (GBM) cells expressing a mutant form of epidermal growth factor receptor (U87EGFRvIII) in vitro and in vivo with respect to size, morphology and the presence of tumour cargo. The two EV subpopulations purified from GBM U87EGFRvIII cancer cells, non‐cancer human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC; control) and serum of U87EGFRvIII glioma‐bearing mice using differential centrifugation (EVs that sediment at 10,000 × g or 100,000 × g are termed large EVs and small EVs, respectively) were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), flow cytometry, immunofluorescence (IF), quantitative‐polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and micro‐nuclear magnetic resonance (μNMR). We report that both U87EGFRvIII and HUVEC release a similar number of small EVs, but U87EGFRvIII glioma cells alone release a higher number of large EVs compared to non‐cancer HUVEC. The EGFRvIII mRNA from the two EV subpopulations from U87EGFRvIII glioma cells was comparable, while the EGFR protein (wild type + vIII) levels are significantly higher in large EVs. Similarly, EGFRvIII mRNA in large and small EVs isolated from the serum of U87EGFRvIII glioma‐bearing mice is comparable, while the EGFR protein (wild type + vIII) levels are significantly higher in large EVs. Here we report for the first time a direct comparison of large and small EVs released by glioma U87EGFRvIII cells and from serum of U87EGFRvIII glioma‐bearing mice. Both large and small EVs contain tumour‐specific EGFRvIII mRNA and proteins and combining these platforms may be beneficial in detecting rare mutant events in circulating biofluids.
Modification of egg shell powder with in situ generated copper and cuprous oxide nanoparticles by hydrothermal method*
Authors: Phuthotham Matuphum , Siengchin Suchart , Ashok Basa , Varada Rajulu Anumakonda
Published: November 2019

The poultry waste of egg shells was cleaned and finely powdered which was subsequently modified with in situ generated copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and cuprous oxide nanoparticles (Cu2ONPs) by one step hydrothermal method. The modified egg shell powder (MESP) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and antibacterial tests. The MESP had in situ generated spherical CuNPs and Cu2ONPs in the size range of 50 nm to 120 nm. The spectral analysis indicated lowering of intensity of the peaks of MESP indicating the involvement of the functional groups of the protein component of ESP in the generation and stabilization of the nanoparticles. X-ray analysis indicated the generation of both CuNPs and Cu2ONPs in MSEP. The thermal analysis indicated lowering of the thermal stability for MESP. The MESP exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against both the Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. Hence the low cost MESP with in situ generated CuNPs and Cu2ONPs can be used as antibacterial cleaning powder for houseware and also as antibacterial filler in the preparation of polymer composites.
Image-derived models of cell organization changes during differentiation and drug treatments
Authors: Ruan Xiongtao , Johnson Gregory R. , Bierschenk Iris , Nitschke Roland , Boerries Melanie , Busch Hauke , Murphy Robert F.
Published: November 2019

Images of differentiating PC12 cells were used to construct models of cell shape, nuclear shape, and mitochondrial distribution. Likely trajectories that a single cell would have followed if it had been observed at each time point were found, and synthetic movies made that show the extensive cell–cell variation in rate and extent of differentiation.
Genome size and endopolyploidy evolution across the moss phylogeny
Authors: Bainard Jillian D , Newmaster Steven G , Budke Jessica M
Published: November 2019

Background and Aims

Compared with other plant lineages, bryophytes have very small genomes with little variation across species, and high levels of endopolyploid nuclei. This study is the first analysis of moss genome evolution over a broad taxonomic sampling using phylogenetic comparative methods. We aim to determine whether genome size evolution is unidirectional as well as examine whether genome size and endopolyploidy are correlated in mosses.

Methods

Genome size and endoreduplication index (EI) estimates were newly generated using flow cytometry from moss samples collected in Canada. Phylogenetic relationships between moss species were reconstructed using GenBank sequence data and maximum likelihood methods. Additional 1C-values were compiled from the literature and genome size and EI were mapped onto the phylogeny to reconstruct ancestral character states, test for phylogenetic signal and perform phylogenetic independent contrasts.

Key Results

Genome size and EI were obtained for over 50 moss taxa. New genome size estimates are reported for 33 moss species and new EIs are reported for 20 species. In combination with data from the literature, genome sizes were mapped onto a phylogeny for 173 moss species with this analysis, indicating that genome size evolution in mosses does not appear to be unidirectional. Significant phylogenetic signal was detected for genome size when evaluated across the phylogeny, whereas phylogenetic signal was not detected for EI. Genome size and EI were not found to be significantly correlated when using phylogenetically corrected values.

Conclusions

Significant phylogenetic signal indicates closely related mosses have more similar genome sizes and EI values. This study supports that DNA content in mosses is defined by small genomes that are highly endopolyploid, suggesting strong selective pressure to maintain these features. Further research is needed to understand the functional significance of DNA content evolution in mosses.
Early Cutoff Criteria for Strong Performance on the Test of Memory Malingering
Authors: Polsinelli Angelina J , Cerhan Jane H
Published: November 2019

Objective

The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) is widely used to assess performance validity. To improve efficiency, we investigated whether abbreviated administration (i.e., only the first 25 items of Trial 1 [T1]) is possible when effort is very strong (≥49/50 on T1 or T2).

Method

We collected TOMM scores of 501 consecutive adult patients ranging in cognitive status who underwent standard neuropsychological evaluation at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Results

Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed excellent area under the curve (AUC) (0.94; CI95% [0.92, 0.97]) and a cutoff of 25/25 had 100% specificity for identifying strong performance. Of the 224 patients who obtained a perfect score on the first 25 items, 197 (88%) obtained ≥49 on T1 and the remaining patients (n = 27) obtained ≥49 on T2.

Conclusion

A perfect score on the first 25 items of the TOMM predicted overall strong performance 100% of the time, supporting abbreviated administration in select cases in a general outpatient clinical setting.
genBaRcode: a comprehensive R-package for genetic barcode analysis
Authors: Thielecke Lars , Cornils Kerstin , Glauche Ingmar
Published: November 2019

Motivation

Genetic barcodes have been established as an efficient method to trace clonal progeny of uniquely labeled cells by introducing artificial genetic sequences into the corresponding genomes. The assessment of those sequences relies on next generation sequencing and the subsequent analysis aiming to identify sequences of interest and correctly quantifying their abundance.

Results

We developed the genBaRcode package as a toolbox combining the flexibility of digesting next generation sequencing reads with or without a sophisticated barcode structure, with a variety of error-correction approaches and the availability of several types of visualization routines. Furthermore, a graphical user interface was incorporated to allow also less experienced R users package-based analyses. Finally, the provided tool is intended to bridge the gap between generating and analyzing barcode data and thereby supporting the establishment of standardized and reproducible analysis strategies.

Availability and implementation

The genBaRcode package is available at CRAN (https://cran.r-project.org/package=genBaRcode).
The use of missing values in proteomic data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry to enable disease activity discrimination
Authors: McGurk Kathryn A , Dagliati Arianna , Chiasserini Davide , Lee Dave , Plant Darren , Baricevic-Jones Ivona , Kelsall Janet , Eineman Rachael , Reed Rachel , Geary Bethany , Unwin Richard D , Nicolaou Anna , Keavney Bernard D , Barton Anne , Whetton Anthony D , Geifman Nophar
Published: November 2019

Motivation

Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry allows for comprehensive peptide detection and relative quantification than standard data-dependent approaches. While less prone to missing values, these still exist. Current approaches for handling the so-called missingness have challenges. We hypothesized that non-random missingness is a useful biological measure and demonstrate the importance of analysing missingness for proteomic discovery within a longitudinal study of disease activity.

Results

The magnitude of missingness did not correlate with mean peptide concentration. The magnitude of missingness for each protein strongly correlated between collection time points (baseline, 3 months, 6 months; R = 0.95–0.97, confidence interval = 0.94–0.97) indicating little time-dependent effect. This allowed for the identification of proteins with outlier levels of missingness that differentiate between the patient groups characterized by different patterns of disease activity. The association of these proteins with disease activity was confirmed by machine learning techniques. Our novel approach complements analyses on complete observations and other missing value strategies in biomarker prediction of disease activity.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The pelvis as an anatomical indicator for facultative bipedality and substrate use in lepidosaurs
Authors: Grinham Luke R , Norman David B
Published: November 2019

Facultative bipedality is regarded as an enigmatic middle ground in the evolution of obligate bipedality and is associated with high mechanical demands in extant lepidosaurs. Traits linked with this phenomenon are largely associated with the caudal end of the animal: hindlimbs and tail. The articulation of the pelvis with both of these structures suggests a morphofunctional role in the use of a facultative locomotor mode. Using a three-dimensional geometric morphometric approach, we examine the pelvic osteology and associated functional implications for 34 species of extant lepidosaur. Anatomical trends associated with the use of a bipedal locomotor mode and substrate preferences are correlated and functionally interpreted based on musculoskeletal descriptions. Changes in pelvic osteology associated with a facultatively bipedal locomotor mode are similar to those observed in species preferring arboreal substrates, indicating shared functionality between these ecologies.
Using hand maps to understand how intersecting inequalities affect possibilities for community safety in Cape Town
Authors: Black Gillian F , Liedeman Rory , Ryklief Farida
Published: November 2019

Knowledge about what builds and what blocks pathways to accountability in South African townships could be strengthened by better understanding the role of intersectionality in these settings. This article describes our use of a novel hand mapping method to explore identity and inequality among a collective of community members from the township of Delft in Cape Town. We share new insights about the effect of intersecting inequalities on the capacity of activists and concerned young citizens to take part in building accountability for safer spaces in South Africa. Although we gained a deeper understanding about some of the ways that intersecting inequalities play out in the lives of Delft residents, we also learnt lessons about the limits to facilitated accountability struggles. Some of these struggles relate directly to the inequalities that this study has highlighted, and some reflect the highly fluid socioeconomic and political environment in which our work was situated. This article is divided into eight main sections. We begin by introducing the theory of intersectionality and provide a rationale for using participatory visual methods as tools for intersectionality research. We then summarize the study context and describe the hand mapping method that was used. The following four sections present our results through discussions of identity and personal experiences of inequality, unpacking intersecting inequalities, the possibilities and constraints of advancing accountability, and balancing accountability with the conditions of collective action. The paper ends with a summary of the insights and conclusions we have reached through facilitating this action research process.
Predictors of Primary Response to Biologic Treatment [Anti-TNF, Vedolizumab, and Ustekinumab] in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From Basic Science to Clinical Practice
Authors: Gisbert Javier P , Chaparro María
Published: November 2019

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD]―ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease―are commonly treated with biologic drugs. However, only approximately two-thirds of patients have an initial response to these therapies. Personalised medicine has the potential to optimise efficacy, decrease the risk of adverse drug events, and reduce costs by establishing the most suitable therapy for a selected patient.

Aim

The present study reviews the potential predictors of short-term primary response to biologic treatment, including not only anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] agents [such as infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, and golimumab] but also vedolizumab and ustekinumab.

Methods

We performed a systematic bibliographical search to identify studies investigating predictive factors of response to biologic therapy.

Results

For anti-TNF agents, most of the evaluated factors have not demonstrated usefulness, and many others are still controversial. Thus, only a few factors may have a potential role in the prediction of the response, including disease behaviour/phenotype, disease severity, C-reactive protein, albumin, cytokine expression in serum, previous anti-TNF therapy, some proteomic markers, and some colorectal mucosa markers. For vedolizumab, the availability of useful predictive markers seems to be even lower, with only some factors showing a limited value, such as the expression of α4β7 integrin in blood, the faecal microbiota, some proteomic markers, and some colorectal mucosa markers. Finally, in the case of ustekinumab, no predictive factor has been reported yet to be helpful in clinical practice.

Conclusion

In summary, currently no single marker fulfils all criteria for being an appropriate prognostic indicator of response to any biologic treatment in IBD.
Colonialism and rural inequality in Sierra Leone: an egalitarian experiment
Authors: Galli Stefania , Rönnbäck Klas
Published: November 2019

We analyze the level of inequality in rural Sierra Leone in the early colonial period. Previous research has suggested that the colony was established under highly egalitarian ideals. We examine whether these ideals also are reflected in the real distribution of wealth in the colony. We employ a newly assembled dataset extracted from census data in the colony in 1831. The results show that rural Sierra Leone exhibited one of the most equal distributions of wealth so far estimated for any preindustrial rural society.
Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infections in Children
Authors: Chiotos Kathleen , Hayes Molly , Gerber Jeffrey S , Tamma Pranita D
Published: November 2019

Infections due to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are increasingly prevalent in children and are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Optimal treatment strategies for CRE infections continue to evolve. A lack of pediatric-specific comparative effectiveness data, uncertain pediatric dosing regimens for several agents, and a relative lack of new antibiotics with pediatric indications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) collectively present unique challenges for children. In this review, we provide a framework for antibiotic treatment of CRE infections in children, highlighting relevant microbiologic considerations and summarizing available data related to the evaluation of FDA-approved antibiotics (as of September 2019) with CRE activity, including carbapenems, ceftazidime-avibactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, imipenem/cilastatin-relebactam, polymyxins, tigecycline, eravacycline, and plazomicin.
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 modulates oxidative stress‐mediated pyroptosis in vitro and in a mouse kidney ischemia‐reperfusion injury model
Authors: Liu Hao , Chen Zhiyuan , Weng Xiaodong , Chen Hui , Du Yang , Diao Changhui , Liu Xiuheng , Wang Lei
Published: November 2019

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a well‐known methyltransferase, mediates histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and plays a crucial role in several kidney disease models. However, its role in renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury still remains unclear. In this study, we found that EZH2 was positively related to renal I/R injury and inhibition of EZH2 with DZNeP alleviated I/R injury and blocked the activation of oxidative stress and pyroptosis in vivo. Similarly, inhibition of EZH2 with either DZNeP or si‐RNA also exerted an inhibitory effect on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced oxidative stress and pyroptosis in vitro. Moreover, further study revealed that ablation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with N‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC) suppressed pyroptosis in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line cells exposed to H/R stimulation. Furthermore, Nox4, which was positively related to the generation of ROS, was upregulated during H/R process, while it could be reversed by EZH2 inhibition. Consistently, Nox4‐mediated ROS generation was attenuated upon inhibition of EZH2 with DZNeP or si‐RNA. Additionally, the transcriptional activity of Nox4 was enhanced by the activation of ALK5/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, which was abolished by ALK5 knockdown in vitro. Finally, EZH2 inhibition blocked H/R and I/R‐activated ALK5/Smad2/3 pathway and also resulted in an obvious decrease in the transcriptional activity and protein expression levels of Nox4. In conclusion, our results proved that EZH2 inhibition alleviated renal pyroptosis by blocking Nox4‐dependent ROS generation through ALK5/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, indicating that EZH2 could be a potential therapeutic target for renal I/R injury.
Social modularity: conserved genes and regulatory elements underlie caste-antecedent behavioural states in an incipiently social bee
Authors: Shell Wyatt A. , Rehan Sandra M.
Published: November 2019

The evolutionary origins of advanced eusociality, one of the most complex forms of phenotypic plasticity in nature, have long been a focus within the field of sociobiology. Although eusocial insects are known to have evolved from solitary ancestors, sociogenomic research among incipiently social taxa has only recently provided empirical evidence supporting theories that modular regulation and deeply conserved genes may play important roles in both the evolutionary emergence and elaboration of insect sociality. There remains, however, a paucity of data to further test the biological reality of these and other evolutionary theories among taxa in the earliest stages of social evolution. Here, we present brain transcriptomic data from the incipiently social small carpenter bee,Ceratina calcarata, which captures patterns ofcis-regulation and gene expression associated with female maturation, and underlying two well-defined behavioural states, foraging and guarding, concurrently demonstrated by mothers and daughters during early autumn. We find that an incipiently social nest environment may dramatically affect gene expression. We further reveal foraging and guarding behaviours to be putatively caste-antecedent states inC. calcarata, and offer strong empirical support for the operation of modular regulation, involving deeply conserved and differentially expressed genes in the expression of early social forms.
Repeated sex chromosome evolution in vertebrates supported by expanded avian sex chromosomes
Authors: Sigeman Hanna , Ponnikas Suvi , Chauhan Pallavi , Dierickx Elisa , Brooke M. de L. , Hansson Bengt
Published: November 2019

Sex chromosomes have evolved from the same autosomes multiple times across vertebrates, suggesting that selection for recombination suppression has acted repeatedly and independently on certain genetic backgrounds. Here, we perform comparative genomics of a bird clade (larks and their sister lineage; Alaudidae and Panuridae) where multiple autosome–sex chromosome fusions appear to have formed expanded sex chromosomes. We detected the largest known avian sex chromosome (195.3 Mbp) and show that it originates from fusions between parts of four avian chromosomes: Z, 3, 4A and 5. Within these four chromosomes, we found evidence of five evolutionary strata where recombination had been suppressed at different time points, and show that stratum age explained the divergence rate of Z–W gametologs. Next, we analysed chromosome content and found that chromosome 3 was significantly enriched for genes with predicted sex-related functions. Finally, we demonstrate extensive homology to sex chromosomes in other vertebrate lineages: chromosomes Z, 3, 4A and 5 have independently evolved into sex chromosomes in fish (Z), turtles (Z, 5), lizards (Z, 4A), mammals (Z, 4A) and frogs (Z, 3, 4A, 5). Our results provide insights into and support for repeated evolution of sex chromosomes in vertebrates.
Bet-hedging across generations can affect the evolution of variance-sensitive strategies within generations
Authors: Haaland Thomas R. , Wright Jonathan , Ratikainen Irja I.
Published: November 2019

In order to understand how organisms cope with ongoing changes in environmental variability, it is necessary to consider multiple adaptations to environmental uncertainty on different time scales. Conservative bet-hedging (CBH) represents a long-term genotype-level strategy maximizing lineage geometric mean fitness in stochastic environments by decreasing individual fitness variance, despite also lowering arithmetic mean fitness. Meanwhile, variance-prone (aka risk-prone) strategies produce greater variance in short-term payoffs, because this increases expected arithmetic mean fitness if the relationship between payoffs and fitness is accelerating. Using evolutionary simulation models, we investigate whether selection for such variance-prone strategies is counteracted by selection for bet-hedging that works to adaptively reduce fitness variance. In our model, variance proneness evolves in fine-grained environments (lower correlations among individuals in energetic state and/or payoffs), and with larger numbers of independent decision events over which resources accumulate prior to selection. Conversely, multiplicative fitness accumulation, caused by coarser environmental grain and fewer decision events selection, favours CBH via greater variance aversion. We discuss examples of variance-sensitive strategies in optimal foraging, migration, life histories and cooperative breeding using this bet-hedging perspective. By linking disparate fields of research studying adaptations to variable environments, we should be better able to understand effects of human-induced rapid environmental change.
Metastasis and the evolution of dispersal
Authors: Tissot Tazzio , Massol François , Ujvari Beata , Alix-Panabieres Catherine , Loeuille Nicolas , Thomas Frédéric
Published: November 2019

Despite significant progress in oncology, metastasis remains the leading cause of mortality of cancer patients. Understanding the foundations of this phenomenon could help contain or even prevent it. As suggested by many ecologists and cancer biologists, metastasis could be considered through the lens of biological dispersal: the movement of cancer cells from their birth site (the primary tumour) to other habitats where they resume proliferation (metastatic sites). However, whether this model can consistently be applied to the emergence and dynamics of metastasis remains unclear. Here, we provide a broad review of various aspects of the evolution of dispersal in ecosystems. We investigate whether similar ecological and evolutionary principles can be applied to metastasis, and how these processes may shape the spatio-temporal dynamics of disseminating cancer cells. We further discuss complementary hypotheses and propose experimental approaches to test the relevance of the evolutionary ecology of dispersal in studying metastasis.
Deer movement and resource selection during Hurricane Irma: implications for extreme climatic events and wildlife
Authors: Abernathy H. N. , Crawford D. A. , Garrison E. P. , Chandler R. B. , Conner M. L. , Miller K. V. , Cherry M. J.
Published: November 2019

Extreme climatic events (ECEs) are increasing in frequency and intensity and this necessitates understanding their influence on organisms. Animal behaviour may mitigate the effects of ECEs, but field studies are rare because ECEs are infrequent and unpredictable. Hurricane Irma made landfall in southwestern Florida where we were monitoring white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus seminolus) with GPS collars. We report on an opportunistic case study of behavioural responses exhibited by a large mammal during an ECE, mitigation strategies for reducing the severity of the ECE effects, and the demographic effect of the ECE based on known-fate of individual animals. Deer altered resource selection by selecting higher elevation pine and hardwood forests and avoiding marshes. Most deer left their home ranges during Hurricane Irma, and the probability of leaving was inversely related to home range area. Movement rates increased the day of the storm, and no mortality was attributed to Hurricane Irma. We suggest deer mobility and refuge habitat allowed deer to behaviourally mitigate the negative effects of the storm, and ultimately, aid in survival. Our work contributes to the small but growing body of literature linking behavioural responses exhibited during ECEs to survival, which cumulatively will provide insight for predictions of a species resilience to ECEs and improve our understanding of how behavioural traits offset the negative impacts of global climate change.
Superfetation reduces the negative effects of pregnancy on the fast-start escape performance in live-bearing fish
Authors: Fleuren Mike , van Leeuwen Johan L. , Pollux Bart J. A.
Published: November 2019

Superfetation, the ability to simultaneously carry multiple litters of different developmental stagesin utero, is a reproductive strategy that evolved repeatedly in viviparous animal lineages. The evolution of superfetation is hypothesized to reduce the reproductive burden and, consequently, improve the locomotor performance of the female during pregnancy. Here, we apply new computer-vision-based techniques to study changes in body shape and three-dimensional fast-start escape performance during pregnancy in three live-bearing fishes (family Poeciliidae) that exhibit different levels of superfetation. We found that superfetation correlates with a reduced abdominal distension and a more slender female body shape just before parturition. We further found that body slenderness positively correlates with maximal speeds, curvature amplitude and curvature rate, implying that superfetation improves the fast-start escape performance. Collectively, our study suggests that superfetation may have evolved in performance-demanding (e.g. high flow or high predation) environments to reduce the locomotor cost of pregnancy.
Australian songbird body size tracks climate variation: 82 species over 50 years
Authors: Gardner Janet L. , Amano Tatsuya , Peters Anne , Sutherland William J. , Mackey Brendan , Joseph Leo , Stein John , Ikin Karen , Little Roellen , Smith Jesse , Symonds Matthew R. E.
Published: November 2019

The observed variation in the body size responses of endotherms to climate change may be explained by two hypotheses: the size increases with climate variability (the starvation resistance hypothesis) and the size shrinks as mean temperatures rise (the heat exchange hypothesis). Across 82 Australian passerine species over 50 years, shrinking was associated with annual mean temperature rise exceeding 0.012°C driven by rising winter temperatures for arid and temperate zone species. We proposethe warming winters hypothesisto explain this response. However, where average summer temperatures exceeded 34°C, species experiencing annual rise over 0.0116°C tended towards increasing size. Results suggest a broad-scale physiological response to changing climate, with size trends probably reflecting the relative strength of selection pressures across a climatic regime. Critically, a given amount of temperature change will have varying effects on phenotype depending on the season in which it occurs, masking the generality of size patterns associated with temperature change. Rather than phenotypic plasticity, and assuming body size is heritable, results suggest selective loss or gain of particular phenotypes could generate evolutionary change but may be difficult to detect with current warming rates.
Voluntary versus mandatory non-financial disclosure
Authors: Doni Federica , Bianchi Martini Silvio , Corvino Antonio , Mazzoni Michela
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The recent European Union Directive 95/2014 enforced a radical shift from voluntary to mandatory disclosure of non-financial information. Given radical changes in reporting practices, there is an urgent need to assess the firms’ attitude to disclose non-financial information regarding the new requirement. This paper aims to investigate whether the quantity and quality of non-financial information, voluntarily disclosed in the years before the directive came into force, were linked to the level of compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

Selecting a sample of 60 Italian companies from the obliged entities, the authors carried out a manual content analysis on corporate reports and developed some research hypotheses to explore if their sustainability practices can affect non-financial disclosures required by the Italian adoption of the European directive (i.e. Legislative Decree 254/2016).

Findings

Evidence showed that prior skills and competencies in non-financial reporting made a significant contribution especially regarding to the presence of business model, but further efforts are expected to improve the quality of non-financial reports.

Practical implications

This study yields an initial assessment of the implementation of the European directive in Italy. It may, therefore, help policymakers to identify ways to improve the harmonization of reporting practices. Preparers can also be supported in choosing different positioning of reporting on non-financial information.

Originality/value

This research provides interesting insights into the ex ante and ex post adoption of the European directive by investigating how Italian companies are reacting to regulatory and institutional requirements. One of the main problems remains the lack of a shared understanding of the term “non-financial”, which can make the communication process difficult and unclear.
The tolerance of anisometropia
Authors: Krarup Therese Grønhøj , Nisted Ivan , Christensen Ulrik , Kiilgaard Jens Folke , la Cour Morten
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study examines aniseikonia, Aniseikonia tolerance range (ATR), anisometropia and patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) in an anisometropic population compared with a non‐anisometropic population. The relationship between anisometropia and aniseikonia is determined, and the correlations between aniseikonia, anisometropia and ATR versus PRO are described.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐three patients with IOL‐induced anisometropia ≥1 dioptre (D) (the anisometropic group) and 17 patients who had IOL‐induced anisometropia <1 D (the control group) were included. Best corrected visual acuity, aniseikonia, ATR and stereoacuity were examined, and two questionnaires were completed: convergence insufficiency symptom survey (CISS) and Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ‐39).

Results

One hundred and thirteen patients had anisometropia >1 and <3 D, and 10 patients had anisometropia >3 D. There was no difference in PRO between the control group and the anisometropic group (Mann–Whitney, p‐values VFQ: 0.96, CISS: 0.06). There was no correlation between anisometropia and PRO (Spearman's rank correlation test p‐values: VFQ: 0.54, CISS: 0.57). Patients with low ATR were more sensitive towards anisometropia and had lower PRO than patients with high ATR (Mann–Whitney, p‐values: VFQ: 0.0008, CISS: 0.11). A large tolerance of aniseikonia was observed.

Conclusion

No correlation between PRO and anisometropia or aniseikonia was found. Patients with low ATR are at risk of visual complaints if they are exposed to IOL‐induced anisometropia. ATR might be a future screening tool in cataract patients.
Neurothekeoma: Report of two cases in children and review of the literature
Authors: Massimo José A. , Gasibe Mariana , Massimo Ianina , Damilano Cecilia P. , De Matteo Elena , Fiorentino Jorge
Published: November 2019

Neurothekeomas, or simply nerve sheath myxomas, are rare benign skin neoplasms. They are believed to derive from peripheral nerve sheath transformation and are typically more prevalent in females. They tend to be found mainly on the upper limbs as well as head and neck locations. In this report, we detail two children with neurothekeomas, describe the fundamental clinical manifestations, and review the current literature.
Adult attachment and spousal reactions to military deployment separations and reunions
Authors: Wood Valerie M. , MacDonald Tara K. , Charbonneau Danielle , Urban Samantha
Published: November 2019

We explored adult attachment and spousal perceptions of intrapersonal and relationship functioning during military deployments. In Study 1, spouses of military members experiencing a separation were assessed, and in Study Two, spouses of military members experiencing a reunion were assessed. Study 3 entailed a large‐scale survey of relationship perceptions of spouses of military members. In Studies One and Two, attachment dimensions were related to perceptions of intrapersonal and relationship functioning during the separation and reunion, with associations moderated by days separated/reunited. In Study 3, attachment dimensions were related to relationship perceptions, with associations moderated by deployment stages. This research not only contributes to the knowledge of attachment processes in military contexts but also has the potential to inform policies and services supporting military families.
Prospective development of practical screening strategies for diagnosis of asthma–COPD overlap
Authors: Zhou Aiyuan , Luo Lijuan , Liu Nian , Zhang Cheng , Chen Yahong , Yin Yan , Zhang Jing , He Zhiyi , Xie Lihua , Xie Jungang , Li Jinhua , Zhou Zijing , Chen Yan , Chen Ping
Published: November 2019

Background and objective

ACO is a syndrome with high prevalence. However, a pragmatic diagnostic criterion to differentiate ACO is non‐existent. We aimed to establish an effective model for screening ACO.

Methods

A multicentre survey was developed to assess the clinical criteria considered important and applicable by pulmonologists for screening ACO. These experts were asked to take the surveys twice. The expert grading method, analytic hierarchy process and ROC curve were used to establish the model, which was then validated by a cross‐sectional study of 1066 patients. The GINA/GOLD document was the gold standard in assessing this model.

Results

Increased variability of symptoms, paroxysmal wheezing, dyspnoea, historical diagnosis of COPD or asthma, allergic constitution, exposure to risk factors, the FEV1/FVC < 70% and a positive BDT were important for screening ACO. According to the weight of each criterion, we confirmed that patients meeting six or more of these eight criteria should be considered to have ACO. We called this Chinese screening model for ACO ‘CSMA’. It differentiated patients with ACO with a sensitivity of 83.33%, while the sensitivity of clinician‐driven diagnosis had a sensitivity of only 42.73%.

Conclusion

CSMA is a workable model for screening ACO and provides a simple tool for clinicians to efficiently diagnose ACO.
Oral health and nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy in northeastern peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Rathmawati , Rahman Normastura Abd , Hasan Ruhaya , Yaacob Nik Soriani , Ali Siti Hawa
Published: November 2019

Aims

To investigate the oral health and nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods and results

Oral health assessment included dental caries and dental plaque maturity scores (DPMS) while the nutritional assessment included children's height‐for‐age Z‐score (HAZ), body mass index‐for‐age Z‐score (BAZ), mid‐upper‐arm circumference (MUAC), nutrient intake, cariogenic food frequency (CFF) and daily sugar exposure (DSE). Ninety‐three CP children were recruited. The prevalence of caries was 81.7% (95% CI: 72.7%‐88.3%). The median (IQR) of the DMFT and dft scores were 0.5(4.0) and 3.0(8.0), respectively. Most of the participants had acid‐producing plaque (90.3%), severely stunted (81.4%), and 45% were severely thin with acute malnutrition. Intakes of calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D and total fat were below 77% of the Recommended Nutrient Intakes for Malaysian children (RNI 2017). Nine types of cariogenic foods/drinks were consumed moderately, and DSE indicated that 45% of the children were at moderate risk of dental caries.

Conclusion

Untreated dental caries, severe stunting and thinness were prevalent, and cariogenic foods/drinks were consumed moderately suggesting a moderate risk of caries. Therefore, controlling cariogenic food intake is crucial, but monitoring daily nutrient intake is needed for the optimum growth of children with CP.
Effects of cover crops sown in autumn on N and P leaching
Authors: Norberg Lisbet , Aronsson Helena
Published: November 2019

A field experiment with separately tile‐drained plots was used to study the ability of oilseed radish (Rhaphanus sativus L.), as a cover crop sown after harvest of a main crop of cereals or peas, to reduce nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) leaching losses from a clay loam in southern Sweden over 6 years. In addition to oilseed radish in pure stand, two cover crop mixtures (hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) and rye (Secale cereale) for 3 years and oilseed radish in mixture with buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) for 2 years) were tested. The cover crop plots (three replicates per treatment) were compared with unplanted plots as a control. Plots cropped with oilseed radish during autumn (August–November) had significantly smaller yearly mean N concentration in drainage water over 5 of 6 years compared with unplanted controls. Mineral N content in the soil profile in autumn was significantly less in oilseed radish plots than for control plots in all years. The cover crop mixtures of hairy vetch and rye or buckwheat and oilseed radish also showed the potential to reduce soil mineral N in autumn and N concentration in drainage water, compared with unplanted controls. The cover crops had no impact on P leaching. In conclusion, oilseed radish has the ability to reduce leaching losses of N, without increasing the risk of P leaching.
Life-Cycle and Its Impact on the Disparity in Economic Well-Being among U.S. Sole Proprietor Households: Evidence from Two National Surveys
Authors: El-Osta Hisham S.
Published: November 2019

The impact of age on the distribution of wealth among U.S. sole proprietor households is analyzed using data from two national surveys in conjunction with disparity and social welfare decomposition methods. Results show higher disparity in wealth when the household is a non-farm rather than a farm sole proprietor household. The cohort with the greatest need in terms of targeted programs is the group of farm or non-farm households headed by individuals younger than 35.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: November 2019

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 12Achara Jivacate, RATCH Group Public Company Limited, ThailandDaniel Shorkend, University of the People Wizo School of Design, IsraelFathia Lahwal, Elmergib University, LibyaFroilan D. Mobo, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, PhilippineGianpiero Greco, University of Study of Bari, ItalyGuilherme Tucher, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), BrazilIntakhab Khan, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi ArabiaJohn Bosco Azigwe, Bolgatanga Polytechnic, GhanaJohn Cowan, Edinburgh Napier University, UKJon S. Turner, Missouri State University, USAJudith Chavez, Lourdes College, PhilippinesMan-fung Lo, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong KongMatt Varacallo, University of Kentucky, USAMehmet Galip Zorba, Akdeniz University, TurkeyMelike Özüdoğru, Manisa Celal Bayar University, TurkeyMichael Wall, Independent Researcher in Music and Music Education, USANiveen M. Zayed, MENA College of Management, JordanSandro Sehic, Oneida BOCES, USASayim Aktay, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, TurkeySenem Seda Şahenk Erkan, Marmara University, TurkeyStamatis Papadakis, University of Crete, GreeceThada Jantakoon, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, ThailandVeronica Velasco Gonzalez, University of Valladolid, SpainVjacheslav Ivanovich Babich, Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, UkraineWenjuan Sang, Indiana University, USAYuxi Qiu, University of Florida, USARobert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://jets.redfame.com
The effects of long‐term muscle disuse on neuromuscular function in unilateral transtibial amputees
Authors: Sibley Amy R. , Strike Siobhán , Moudy Sarah C. , Tillin Neale A.
Published: November 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The effects of long‐term muscle disuse on neuromuscular function are unclear because disuse studies are typically short term. In this study, we used a new model (unilateral transtibial amputees) to investigate the effects of long‐term disuse on quadriceps neuromuscular function.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Kinetic analysis (knee‐extension moments during gait) indicated habitual disuse of the amputated limb quadriceps, accompanied by lower quadriceps muscle strength (60–76%) and neural activation (32–44%), slower contractile properties and altered muscle architecture in the amputated limb, which could not be predicted from short‐term disuse studies.

The purpose of this study was to determine: (i) whether individuals with unilateral transtibial amputations (ITTAs), who habitually disuse the quadriceps muscles of their amputated limb, provide an effective model for assessing the effects of long‐term muscle disuse; and (ii) the effects of such disuse on quadriceps muscle strength and neuromuscular function in this population. Nine ITTAs and nine control subjects performed isometric voluntary knee extensions of both limbs to assess maximal voluntary torque (MVT) and the rate of torque development (RTD). The interpolated twitch technique and EMG normalized to maximal M‐wave were used to assess neural activation, involuntary (twitch and octet) contractions to assess intrinsic contractile properties, and ultrasound images of the vastus lateralis to assess muscle architecture. Clinical gait analysis was used to measure knee kinetic data during walking at an habitual speed. The ITTAs displayed 54–60% lower peak knee‐extensor moments during walking in the amputated compared with intact/control limbs, but the intact and control limbs were comparable for loading during walking and muscle strength variables, suggesting that the intact limb provides a suitable internal control for comparison with the disused amputated limb. The MVT and RTD were ∼60 and ∼75% lower, respectively, in the amputated than intact/control limbs. The differences in MVT appeared to be associated with ∼40 and ∼43% lower muscle thickness and neural activation, respectively, and the differences in RTD appeared to be associated with the decline in MVT coupled with slowing of the intrinsic contractile properties. These results indicate considerable changes in strength and neuromuscular function with long‐term disuse that could not be predicted from short‐term disuse studies.