bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding-Time Minimization and the Territorial Behavior of the Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii)
Authors: Prescott David R. C. , Middleton Alex L. A.
Published: October 2019

We studied breeding male Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii) to test a model of optimal territorial behavior for feeding-time minimizers proposed by Hixon (1980). Specific predictions were that feeding time, defense time, and territory size should decrease with increasing food availability and increase with increased pressure from both conspecific and heterospecific competitors.

The constant reproductive output of 4 and 3 eggs for first and second clutches, respectively, and the large component of uncommitted (sitting) time (62.6 ± 3.2%) over the breeding season confirmed that the Willow Flycatcher conformed to a time-minimization strategy. Data analyzed over three stages of the breeding cycle, and over all stages, however, showed that only 5 of the 36 possible relationships were significant as predicted by the model. In general, food availability and competitor pressure were not important influences on the territorial behavior of these birds. Variations in territory size could not be attributed to constraints on feeding time, but correlated closely with the energetic requirements of all birds occupying the territory.

We believe that breeding insectivorous passerines, including Willow Flycatchers, maintain a large component of uncommitted time, as well as a larger than necessary territory, to minimize the impact of short-term variations in competitor pressure and food supply. Such birds need not conform to the predictions of models that optimize foraging time.
Evolutionary Genetics of Flycatchers. II. Differentiation in the Empidonax difficilis Complex
Authors: Johnson Ned K. , Marten Jill A.
Published: October 2019

We used starch-gel electrophoresis to assess variability at 41 genetic loci in 208 individuals from 11 breeding populations of the Western Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) complex. Genic variability was substantial in most populations and equivalent to levels found in other avian taxa. A sample of E. d. insulicola from Santa Catalina Island, however, showed reduced heterozygosity and an unusually low percentage of polymorphic loci. We attribute this to a bottleneck at the time of the original colonization. Nei's genetic distances among populations of one taxon ranged from D̄ = 0.0003 (in E. d. difficilis) to D̄ = 0.0033 (in E. d. hellmayri). Intertaxon Nei's D̄ ranged from 0.009 (E. d. insulicola vs. E. d. difficilis) and 0.0149 (E. d. difficilis vs. E. d. hellmayri) to 0.0228 (E. d. insulicola vs. E. d. hellmayri). to 0.0228 (E. d. insulicola vs. E. d. hellmayri). F statistics revealed significant population subdivision within the complex. With Slatkin's rare-allele method we estimated the gene-flow parameter, Nm. Mainland populations experience moderately high gene flow (9.62 immigrants/generation). In contrast, Santa Catalina Island receives an estimated 0.093 immigrants/generation, pointing to very low gene flow and essential genetic isolation.

Genetic distances yielded phenograms and distance Wagner trees that provide hypotheses for the relationships and phylogenesis of populations in western North America. The lineage leading to modern E. d. difficilis split from that leading to E. flavescens in the mid-Pleistocene at 866,800 yr BP; the ancestors of modern E. d. difficilis diverged from those of present-day E. d. hellmayri at 248,700 yr BP; and the stock leading to modern E. d. insulicola budded from the lineage that became E. d. difficilis in the late Pleistocene, approximately 187,000 yr BP.

Empidonax d. difficilis and E. d. hellmayri nest sympatrically and mate assortatively in the Siskiyou region of northern California. Interbreeding has not been demonstrated conclusively, and we regard these taxa as biologic species. In the absence of a test of sympatry, the well-differentiated form E. d. insulicola of the California Channel Islands cannot be proved to be a biologic species. It is clearly a phylogenetic species, however, in the sense of Cracraft.
Asynchronous Hatching and Food Limitation: A Test of Lack's Hypothesis
Authors: Skagen Susan Knight
Published: October 2019

Lack's (1954, 1968) hypothesis that asynchronous hatching of altricial birds is an adaptive response to unpredictable food shortages during the breeding season was examined in the highly granivorous Zebra Finch (Poephila guttata). I compared growth and survival of nestlings in asynchronous and artificially created synchronous broods reared under food-limited and food-abundant conditions in an aviary. I also examined the role of parental experience on survival and growth of nestlings.

There was no differential mortality of Zebra Finch nestlings due to either asynchrony or food abundance. Young in abundant food treatments grew more rapidly, however, than those in food-restricted treatments. Heaviest Zebra Finch nestlings in a brood grew more quickly than their lightest siblings when food was limited, supporting Lack's hypothesis. Further, differential survival of light and heavy siblings occurred when food was abundant, suggesting that asynchronous hatching can be maladaptive under some ecological conditions. Nestlings reared by inexperienced parents suffered greater mortality and slower growth when food was abundant than nestlings raised by experienced parents. Prefledging mass was correlated with size at adulthood.
Status Signaling Is Absent within Age-and-Sex Classes of Harris' Sparrows
Authors: Jackson Wendy M. , Rohwer Sievert , Winnegrad Robin L.
Published: October 2019

We tested the status-signaling hypothesis in two groups of same-age and same-sex Harris' Sparrows (Zonotrichia querula). Unlike flocks of mixed age and sex composition, badge size did not correlate with social status in these groups; thus, status signaling does not appear to occur within age-and-sex classes of Harris' Sparrows. Other predictions of the status-signaling hypothesis we tested were that (1) fighting ability and social status should be correlated, and (2) fighting ability and badge size should be correlated. We used a multivariate assessment of body size as an indicator of fighting ability and found no support for either prediction in the flock of adult females. In the flock of adult males, large birds were more dominant (Prediction 1) but fighting ability and badge size were not correlated (contra Prediction 2).
A Partial Classification of Waterfowl (Anatidae) Based on Single-Copy DNA
Authors: Madsen Cort S. , McHugh Kevin P. , de Kloet Siwo R.
Published: October 2019

Single-copy DNA-DNA hybridization was used to establish phylogenetic relationships among 13 species of waterfowl (Anatidae) chosen from 10 tribes. On the basis of UPGMA clustering of Delta Tm distances, we suggest that the tribes Anatini, Aythyini, Tadornini, Mergini, and Cairinini diverged more recently than the Anserini, Stictonettini, Oxyurini, Dendrocygnini, and Anseranatini. The Freckled Duck (Stictonetta naevosa, tribe Stictonettini) is only distantly related to the other Anatidae. Presumably the lineage diverged very early. The sheldgeese (tribe Tadornini) and the true geese (Anserini) are only remotely related. The Oxyurini, considered to be in the subfamily Anatinae, is remotely related to the other Anatidae. The Dendrocygnini form an isolated tribe with no close relationship to the swans and geese (subfamily Anserinae). We found that the screamers (Anhimidae) are distantly related to the Anatidae.

A method to estimate missing cells in a data matrix of pairwise distances is presented.
Molecular Genetic Divergence between Avian Sibling Species: King and Clapper Rails, Long-Billed and Short-Billed Dowitchers, Boat-Tailed and Great-Tailed Grackles, and Tufted and Black-Crested Titmice
Authors: Avise John C. , Zink Robert M.
Published: October 2019

Surveys of electrophoretic variation in proteins, and restriction site variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), were conducted to assess the resolving power of these molecular genetic techniques to distinguish four pairs of avian sibling taxa. Samples of rails (Rallus elegans and R. longirostris), dowitchers (Limnodromus scolopaceus and L. griseus), grackles (Quiscalus major and Q. mexicanus), and titmice (Parus bicolor bicolor and P. b. atricristatus) were assayed for allozymes encoded by 34-37 nuclear loci, and for an average of 77 mtDNA restriction sites per individual by 19 endonucleases. MtDNA's of the two rail species showed large-scale size polymorphism and individual heteroplasmy, the first such findings of these molecular features in an avian species. Genetic distances based on allozyme comparisons were small for all assayed taxa (Nei's D ≤ 0.063). The mtDNA assays offered consistently greater resolving power, providing at least five fixed restriction site differences for samples of any taxon pair. The Long-billed and Short-billed dowitchers were especially divergent, differing by at least 24 assayed mtDNA restriction sites and an estimated nucleotide sequence divergence of p = 0.082. We compared these results to previous reports of genetic distances within and among closely related bird species. The mtDNA divergence among dowitchers is near the high end of the scale of such estimates for avian congeners. The mtDNA distances between the pairs of rails (p = 0.006), titmice (p = 0.004), and grackles (p = 0.016) were typical for extremely closely related species, and overlap maximum values reported for some avian conspecifics.
Body-Size Variation and Fitness Components in Lesser Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens)
Authors: Davies J. Chris , Rockwell R. F. , Cooke Fred
Published: October 2019

We examined the potential action of selection on body size in a population of Lesser Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) breeding in the Canadian subarctic. We evaluated the genetic basis of phenotypic variation in body size and examined the association of body size and components of fitness related to fecundity and viability. There was a heritable component to body size in this population derived in part from the action of additive genes. There was no relation between adult body size and the number of eggs laid, the number of eggs surviving predation, the number of goslings that left the nest, or the number of goslings fledged. Small birds entered the breeding population at a younger age. They did so with no reduction in viability and may actually live longer than large birds. The heritable variation in body size combined with the directional selection gradient should lead to a gradual reduction in adult body size in this population. We found no evidence for such a change over 5 generations. We discuss this in terms of additional fitness components, the retarding effects of age structure on the response to selection, and the interaction of selection and gene flow.
Robust Image Hashing With Singular Values Of Quaternion SVD
Authors: Tang Zhenjun , Yu Mengzhu , Yao Heng , Zhang Hanyun , Yu Chunqiang , Zhang Xianquan
Published: October 2019

Image hashing is an efficient technique of many multimedia systems, such as image retrieval, image authentication and image copy detection. Classification between robustness and discrimination is one of the most important performances of image hashing. In this paper, we propose a robust image hashing with singular values of quaternion singular value decomposition (QSVD). The key contribution is the innovative use of QSVD, which can extract stable and discriminative image features from CIE L*a*b* color space. In addition, image features of a block are viewed as a point in the Cartesian coordinates and compressed by calculating the Euclidean distance between its point and a reference point. As the Euclidean distance requires smaller storage than the original block features, this technique helps to make a discriminative and compact hash. Experiments with three open image databases are conducted to validate efficiency of our image hashing. The results demonstrate that our image hashing can resist many digital operations and reaches a good discrimination. Receiver operating characteristic curve comparisons illustrate that our image hashing outperforms some state-of-the-art algorithms in classification performance.
Mechanistic insights into host adaptation, virulence and epidemiology of the phytopathogenXanthomonas
Authors: An Shi-Qi , Potnis Neha , Dow Max , Vorhölter Frank-Jörg , He Yong-Qiang , Becker Anke , Teper Doron , Li Yi , Wang Nian , Bleris Leonidas , Tang Ji-Liang
Published: October 2019

Xanthomonas is a well-studied genus of bacterial plant pathogens whose members cause a variety of diseases in economically important crops worldwide. Genomic and functional studies of these phytopathogens have provided significant understanding of microbial-host interactions, bacterial virulence and host adaptation mechanisms including microbial ecology and epidemiology. In addition, several strains of Xanthomonas are important as producers of the extracellular polysaccharide, xanthan, used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This polymer has also been implicated in several phases of the bacterial disease cycle. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge on the infection strategies and regulatory networks controlling virulence and adaptation mechanisms from Xanthomonas species and discuss the novel opportunities that this body of work has provided for disease control and plant health.
An update on the management of chronic hepatitis D
Authors: Shah Pir Ahmad , Choudhry Saad , Reyes Karen J Campoverde , Lau Daryl T Y
Published: October 2019

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection is associated with severe liver-related morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of HDV is rising especially among people who abuse drugs and immigrants from endemic areas. Reliable diagnostic assays with enhanced sensitivity and specificity are essential for screening at-risk populations. Until recently, interferon has been the only treatment for hepatitis D. Its efficacy is, however, limited and it is associated with significant side effects. A number of novel antiviral agents that target various stages of the HDV life cycle show promising results. They are currently in different phases of clinical development. This review focuses on the changing epidemiology, novel therapeutic agents, and updated management of chronic hepatitis delta.
Effectiveness of Combined Cognitive and Physical Interventions to Enhance Functioning in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yang Chenchen , Moore Ami , Mpofu Elias , Dorstyn Diana , Li Qiwei , Yin Cheng
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

Cognitive training delivered in conjunction with physical activity, may help to optimize aging and delay or prevent dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, their efficacy is less well studied compared to pharmaceutical treatments. This systematic review synthesizes the emerging evidence on combined cognitive-physical interventions for enhancing functioning in older adults with MCI, with implications for practice and research.

Research Design and Methods

We searched the PubMed, PsycINFO, Ageline, Medline, Web of Science and ProQuest databases, and hand-searched articles published between July 2013 and November 2018. Only randomized controlled trials which incorporated cognitive and physical components targeted to individuals with MCI over the age of 50 were eligible. Our search yielded 10 eligible, independent articles.

Results

Intervention participants with MCI self-reported, or demonstrated, improved functioning across a range of cognitive (global cognitive function, executive function, processing speed, memory, attention, mood, emotion, motivation, brain cortex, orientation), and physical (gait, balance, mobility) outcomes. Interventions which combined cognitive-physical training were comparable to those which isolated these same elements, in terms of their effects on executive function, processing speed, attention, mood, and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Discussion and Implications

There is preliminary evidence to support the positive effects of multicomponent interventions to improve cognitive-motor abilities in older adults at risk of developing dementia. The strength of this research evidence is, however, limited. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these effects are maintained over time. The optimal intervention intensity and length also need to be established.
6. Reviewing the Literature
Authors: Clark Tom , Foster Liam , Bryman Alan
Published: October 2019

The literature review is a key component of a dissertation. It serves to contextualize the aims and objectives of the project, and in terms of the research process it helps to sensitize issues of interest that the student might want to direct their attention towards when they begin collecting and analysing data. This chapter provides an introduction to the literature review and examines its purpose in relation to the research process. Beginning with a short exploration of the nature of a literature review and its relationship with theory, the chapter goes on to examine the different types of review before detailing the key content. By the end of the chapter, students should have a good understanding of the role of the literature review in research and how it informs every aspect of the research process.
17. Writing Up
Authors: Clark Tom , Foster Liam , Bryman Alan
Published: October 2019

After going through the process of planning, designing, and carrying out research, the student needs to write up the project. Writing is an extremely important part of the research process as a poorly written dissertation will constrain the student’s ability to communicate findings and limit the final mark he or she can achieve. This chapter discusses the basic elements of writing a dissertation and introduces the structures, forms, and styles that are commonly used to create one. Emphasizing the importance of developing an argument to connect the pieces of the dissertation together, it takes each element of the dissertation in turn and demonstrates how it is ‘built’.
Ext-groups in the Category of Strict Polynomial Functors
Authors: Tuan Pham Van
Published: October 2019

The aim of this paper is to study, by using the mathematical tools developed by Chałupnik, Touzé, and Van der Kallen, the effect of the Frobenius twist on $\operatorname{Ext}$-group in the category of strict polynomial functors. As an application, we obtain explicit formulas of cohomology of the orthogonal groups and symplectic ones.
Very Early Blood Diffusion of the Active Lethal and Edema Factors of Bacillus anthracis After Intranasal Infection
Authors: Rougeaux Clémence , Becher François , Goossens Pierre L , Tournier Jean-Nicolas
Published: October 2019

Background

Lethal and edema toxins are critical virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis. Few data are available on their presence in the early stage of intranasal infection.

Methods

To investigate the diffusion of edema factor (EF) and lethal factor (LF), we use sensitive quantitative methods to measure their enzymatic activities in mice intranasally challenged with a wild-type B anthracis strain or with an isogenic mutant deficient for the protective antigen.

Results

One hour after mouse challenge, although only 7% of mice presented bacteremia, LF and EF were detected in the blood of 100% and 42% of mice, respectively. Protective antigen facilitated the diffusion of LF and EF into the blood compartment. Toxins played a significant role in the systemic dissemination of B anthracis in the blood, spleen, and liver. A mouse model of intoxination further confirmed that LT and ET could diffuse rapidly in the circulation, independently of bacteria.

Conclusions

In this inhalational model, toxins have disseminated rapidly in the blood, playing a significant and novel role in the early systemic diffusion of bacteria, demonstrating that they may represent a very early target for the diagnosis and the treatment of anthrax.
Long-term Immunogenicity of Measles Vaccine: An Italian Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bianchi Francesco Paolo , Stefanizzi Pasquale , De Nitto Sara , Larocca Angela Maria Vittoria , Germinario Cinzia , Tafuri Silvio
Published: October 2019

Background

Levels of antibodies induced by the measles virus–containing vaccine have been shown to decline over time, but there is no formal recommendation about testing immunized subjects (in particular, healthcare workers [HCWs]) to investigate the persistence of measles immunoglobulin G (IgG).

Methods

This study aims to evaluate the long-term immunogenicity of measles vaccine in a sample of medical students and residents of the University of Bari who attended the Hygiene Department for a biological risk assessment (April 2014–June 2018).

Results

Two thousand immunized (2 doses of measles-mumps-rubella [MMR] vaccine) students and residents were tested; 305 of these (15%) did not show protective anti-measles IgG. This proportion was higher among subjects who received vaccination at ≤15 months (20%) than in those who received vaccination at 16–23 months (17%) and at ≥24 months (10%) (P < .0001). After an MMR vaccine booster dose, we noted a seroconversion of 74% of seronegative HCWs. The overall seroconversion rate after a second dose (booster) was 93%. No serious adverse events were noted after the booster doses.

Conclusions

An important proportion of subjects immunized for measles do not show a protective IgG titer in the 10 years after vaccination. Our management strategy seems consistent with the purpose of evidencing immunological memory.
Spin versions of the complex trigonometric Ruijsenaars–Schneider model from cyclic quivers
Authors: Fairon Maxime
Published: October 2019

We study multiplicative quiver varieties associated to specific extensions of cyclic quivers with $m\geq 2$ vertices. Their global Poisson structure is characterized by quasi-Hamiltonian algebras related to these quivers, which were studied by Van den Bergh for an arbitrary quiver. We show that the spaces are generically isomorphic to the case $m=1$ corresponding to an extended Jordan quiver. This provides a set of local coordinates, which we use to interpret integrable systems as spin variants of the trigonometric Ruijsenaars–Schneider (RS) system. This generalizes to new spin cases recent works on classical integrable systems in the RS family.
Electronic consultations (E-consults) and their outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Vimalananda Varsha G , Orlander Jay D , Afable Melissa K , Fincke B Graeme , Solch Amanda K , Rinne Seppo T , Kim Eun Ji , Cutrona Sarah L , Thomas Dylan D , Strymish Judith L , Simon Steven R
Published: October 2019

Objective

Electronic consultations (e-consults) are clinician-to-clinician communications that may obviate face-to-face specialist visits. E-consult programs have spread within the US and internationally despite limited data on outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of the recent peer-reviewed literature on the effect of e-consults on access, cost, quality, and patient and clinician experience and identified the gaps in existing research on these outcomes.

Materials and Methods

We searched 4 databases for empirical studies published between 1/1/2015 and 2/28/2019 that reported on one or more outcomes of interest. Two investigators reviewed titles and abstracts. One investigator abstracted information from each relevant article, and another confirmed the abstraction. We applied the GRADE criteria for the strength of evidence for each outcome.

Results

We found only modest empirical evidence for effectiveness of e-consults on important outcomes. Most studies are observational and within a single health care system, and comprehensive assessments are lacking. For those outcomes that have been reported, findings are generally positive, with mixed results for clinician experience. These findings reassure but also raise concern for publication bias.

Conclusion

Despite stakeholder enthusiasm and encouraging results in the literature to date, more rigorous study designs applied across all outcomes are needed. Policy makers need to know what benefits may be expected in what contexts, so they can define appropriate measures of success and determine how to achieve them.
Identification and Characterization of Two Sensory Neuron Membrane Proteins From Onion Maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)
Authors: Yang Huiyuan , Ning Shuoying , Sun Xiao , Chen Chuan , Liu Lingxiao , Feng Jinian
Published: October 2019

Sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) in insects are critical peripheral olfactory proteins and act as markers for pheromone detection. However, the SNMPs for onion maggot, Delia antiqua Meigen, a world-wide subterranean pest, have not been previously characterized. In this study, we first report the cloning and characterization of two novel SNMPs from D. antiqua, DantSNMP1 and DantSNMP2. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed that DantSNMP1 and DantSNMP2 are very similar to the previously reported SNMP1 and SNMP2 isolated from other dipteran insects but they share low identity with each other. Further expression profile experiments showed that DantSNMP1 is antenna-specific, while DantSNMP2 is expressed both in antennae and nonantennal tissues. Immunocytochemical localization experiments showed that DantSNMP1 was expressed only in sensilla trichodae, which suggests that this protein is involved in pheromone reception in insect olfaction.
Insecticidal and Behavioral Effect of Microparticles of Pimpinella anisum Essential Oil on Larvae of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Skuhrovec Jiří , Douda Ondřej , Zouhar Miloslav , Maňasová Marie , Božik Matěj , Klouček Pavel
Published: October 2019

The Colorado potato beetle ranks as one of the most important potato pests, mainly due to its high feeding rate during all developmental stages, particularly third and fourth larval instar, and high fecundity. The effect of essential oil (EO) from anise (Pimpinella anisum L. [Apiales: Apiaceae]) prepared as conventional and encapsulated (EN) formulations on the mortality and antifeedant responses of young larvae of Colorado potato beetles was studied to evaluate the insecticidal and antifeedant effects of five concentrations of this EO and to assess the persistence of both formulations on potato plants.

The EN formulation had a significantly higher residual amount compared with that of the conventionally formulated EO. Significantly different values of LC50 and LC90 (ppm) were established for the EO (LC50 = 1,700 and LC90 = 9500) and EN (LC50 = 3,100 and LC90 = 14,300) formulations. The effects of both P. anisum formulations (EO and EN) applied topically to Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larvae were distinctly different from those observed with the contact treatment. At the highest concentration of 20,000 ppm, the mortality of the second instars of the L. decemlineata larvae did not exceed 25%. On the other hand, both tested formulations of P. anisum were highly effective when administered orally. The encapsulated EO formulation achieved a distinctly higher biological activity.

Our results confirm that the EO from P. anisum, especially the encapsulated formulation, has high insecticidal properties that may lead to the development of new organic products for the control of Colorado potato beetles.
Transepistemic abduction: reasoning across epistemic domains
Authors: Gibson Andrew , Bruza Peter
Published: October 2019

Frequently people draw on different domains of knowledge to reach a conclusion that seems reasonable despite being difficult to justify from the perspective of a single domain. For example, there appears to be no reason for ethics to involve mathematics, nor is there a mechanism in mathematics to embrace moral questions; however, both ethics and mathematics are likely to be involved in resolving questions about how an autonomous vehicle should make decisions in a social context. In this paper, we present a specialized mode of reasoning, transepistemic abduction (TeA), which establishes how two agents, in order to satisfactorily explain a phenomenon, reason across two epistemic domains despite each agent being ignorant of the other’s domain knowledge.

We formalize TeA with epistemic logic and provide a naturalized example that brings together a psychosocial agent and a computational agent for the analysis of subjective text. We find that interaction between agents is critical to the process of TeA and that there are limits to the formalization while remaining true to naturalized reasoning. We conclude with some important implications of these findings for future work in this area.
Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis as a first manifestation of Antithrombin III deficiency in the postoperative course of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case study of 2 patients from 1211 bariatric patients
Authors: Giannakoulis Vassilis G , Ntella Vasiliki , Kiriakopoulos Andreas , Kostrova Maria , Menenakos Evangelos
Published: October 2019

Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (SMVT) following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a rare, potentially life-threatening complication, which presents either isolated, or as a part of portal/mesenteric/splenic vein thrombosis. Distinction between them possibly confers an important clinical and prognostic value. Antithrombin III (ATIII) deficiency causes an hypercoagulable state which predisposes to SMVT. We report the clinical presentation and treatment of two patients among 1211 LSGs (incidence = 0.165%) that presented with isolated SMVT and ATIII deficiency in an Academic Bariatric Center. Both patients had an unremarkable past medical history; none was smoker or had a previously known thrombophillic condition/thrombotic episode. Mean time of presentation was 15.5 days after LSG. Despite aggressive resuscitative and anticoagulation measures, surgical intervention was deemed necessary. No mortalities were encountered. Coagulation tests revealed ATIII deficiency in both patients.
The Morphology of the Basic Verbal Stems in Eastern Jibbali/Śħrḗt
Authors: Al Kathiri Amir Azad Adli , Dufour Julien
Published: October 2019

This paper is a presentation of the verbal morphology of the basic stems (Ga and Gb morphological classes) in a dialect of Jibbali/Śħrḗt (Modern South Arabian sub-family, Semitic family) spoken in Eastern Dhofar (Sultanate of Oman). It aims, as far as possible, at an exhaustive description of the existing verbal types and its core is a collection of paradigms obtained through elicitation. Focus is given to the system of phonologically-triggered allomorphy that characterizes the Jibbali/Śħrḗt (and Modern South Arabian) verbal morphology, whereby to a given inflectional cell correspond several morphological patterns the choice between which is determined by the characteristics of the root. Surface phonological processes necessary to an apprehension of verbal forms are also summarized.
Formation of N-rich field stars in the high-density building blocks of the Galactic bulge
Authors: Bekki Kenji
Published: October 2019

Recent observational studies of the Galactic bulge by APOGEE have revealed that about 1 per cent of the bulge stars have rather high nitrogen abundances ([N/Fe] > 0.5). We here numerically investigate in what physical conditions these N-rich stars (NRSs) can be formed in spherical and discy stellar systems with stellar masses of $10^7\!-\!10^9 \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$ that are the bulge’s building blocks. The principal results are as follows. A large fraction (>0.5) of new stars formed from interstellar medium polluted (ISM) by ejecta of asymptotic giant branch stars can have [N/Fe] > 0.5 within stellar systems, if the gas mass fraction of ISM (fg) is low (≤0.03). The mass fraction of NRS among all stars (fnrs) can be higher than ≈1 per cent within ≈0.5 Gyr time-scale of star formation, if the mean stellar densities (ρs) of the systems are higher than $\approx 0.1 \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$ pc−3. The [N/Fe] distributions depend on ρs, fg, and age distributions of their host stellar systems. NRSs have compact and discy spatial distributions within their host systems and have rotational kinematics. Based on these results, we propose that the vast majority of the bulge’s NRSs originate not from globular clusters (GCs) but from its high-density building blocks. We suggest that NRSs in the Galactic stellar halo have the same origin as those in the bulge. We also suggest that low-density dwarf spheroidal and gas-rich dwarfs are unlikely to form NRSs. GCs are not only the formation sites of NRS.
Light element variations within the different age-metallicity populations in the nucleus of the Sagittarius dwarf
Authors: Sills Alison , Dalessandro Emanuele , Cadelano Mario , Alfaro-Cuello Mayte , Kruijssen J M Diederik
Published: October 2019

The cluster M54 lies at the centre of the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxy, and therefore may be the closest example of a nuclear star cluster. Either in situ star formation, inspiralling globular clusters, or a combination have been invoked to explain the wide variety of stellar sub-populations in nuclear star clusters. Globular clusters are known to exhibit light element variations, which can be identified using the photometric construct called a chromosome map. In this letter, we create chromosome maps for three distinct age-metallicity sub-populations in the vicinity of M54. We find that the old, metal-poor population shows the signature of light element variations, while the young and intermediate-age metal rich populations do not. We conclude that the nucleus of Sagittarius formed through a combination of in situ star formation and globular cluster accretion. This letter demonstrates that properly constructed chromosome maps of iron-complex globular clusters can provide insight into the formation locations of the different stellar populations.
Metastatic Spine Disease: Should Patients With Short Life Expectancy Be Denied Surgical Care? An International Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dea Nicolas , Versteeg Anne L , Sahgal Arjun , Verlaan Jorrit-Jan , Charest-Morin Raphaële , Rhines Laurence D , Sciubba Daniel M , Schuster James M , Weber Michael H , Lazary Aron , Fehlings Michael G , Clarke Michelle J , Arnold Paul M , Boriani Stefano , Bettegowda Chetan , Laufer Ilya , Gokaslan Ziya L , Fisher Charles G ,   on behalf of the AOSpine Knowledge Forum Tumor
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Despite our inability to accurately predict survival in many cancer patients, a life expectancy of at least 3 mo is historically necessary to be considered for surgical treatment of spinal metastases.

OBJECTIVE

To compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients surviving <3 mo after surgical treatment to patients surviving >3 mo to assess the validity of this inclusion criteria.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastases between August 2013 and May 2017 were retrospectively identified from an international cohort study. HRQOL was evaluated using generic and disease-specific outcome tools at baseline and at 6 and 12 wk postsurgery. The primary outcome was the HRQOL at 6 wk post-treatment measured by the Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire (SOSGOQ).

RESULTS

A total of 253 patients were included: 40 patients died within the first 3 mo after surgery and 213 patients survived more than 3 mo. Patients surviving <3 mo after surgery presented with lower baseline performance status. Adjusted analyses for baseline performance status did not reveal a significant difference in HRQOL between both groups at 6 wk post-treatment. No significant difference in patient satisfaction at 6 wk with regard to their treatment could be detected between both groups.

CONCLUSION

When controlled for baseline performance status, quality of life 6 wk after surgery for spinal metastasis is independent of survival. To optimize improvement in HRQOL for this patient population, baseline performance status should take priority over expected survival in the surgical decision-making process.
Cyanidin-3-glucoside as a possible biomarker of anthocyanin-rich berry intake in body fluids of healthy humans: a systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Sandoval-Ramírez Berner Andrée , Catalán Úrsula , Fernández-Castillejo Sara , Pedret Anna , Llauradó Elisabet , Solà Rosa
Published: October 2019

Context

Anthocyanins are phenolic compounds found in berries. They exhibit promising health benefits in humans, but no accurate biomarkers of berry intake have been identified thus far.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review is to propose a biomarker of anthocyanin-rich berry intake in human plasma and urine.

Data Sources

PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched from January 2008 to January 2019.

Study Selection

Databases were searched for human intervention studies that assessed the presence of anthocyanins in human body fluids using high-throughput techniques. Non-English articles and studies publishing targeted analyses were excluded.

Data Extraction

Ten clinical trials, in which 203 phenolic compounds were identified, were included and assessed qualitatively. The following criteria were used to identify biomarkers of berry intake: frequency, plausibility, dose-response, time response, robustness, reliability, stability, analytical performance, and reproducibility. Sensitivity and specificity of potential biomarkers were determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

Of the 203 phenolic compounds identified in human samples, the anthocyanin cyanidin-3-glucoside was the molecule found most frequently in urine (58.06%) and plasma (69.49%). Cyanidin-3-glucoside fulfills the essential criterion of plausibility as well as the dose-response, time response, stability, and analytical performance criteria. Its positive predictive value is 74% (P = 0.210) in plasma, which is acceptable, and 61.7% (P = 0.402) in urine.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests that cyanidin-3-glucoside is a potential biomarker of anthocyanin-rich berry intake in plasma and urine of healthy humans.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018096796.
Labour market transitions after layoffs: the role of occupational skills
Authors: Rinawi Miriam , Backes-Gellner Uschi
Published: October 2019

We study the role of occupational skills for labour market transitions after layoffs. Drawing on Lazear’s skill-weights approach, we develop empirical measures for occupational specificity and the skill distance between occupations to investigate how skills map into job mobility and wages. Our analysis reveals several important insights. First, higher occupational specificity is associated with lower job mobility and a longer period of unemployment. However, it is also associated with higher wages. Workers receive a wage premium of about 9% for re-employment in a one standard deviation more specific occupation. These results suggest a risk–return trade-off to educational investments into more specific skills. Second, the skill distance is negatively associated with wages. Workers moving between occupations with similar skill requirements suffer smaller wage losses than those with more distant moves. Thus, skills appear to be transferable across occupations and to play a pivotal role in the determination of wages.
Identifying price-leadership structures in oligopoly
Authors: Kim Sang-Hyun , Lan Hao , Dobson Paul W
Published: October 2019

Oligopoly can give rise to complex patterns of price interaction and adjustment. While oligopolistic firms may divide into price leaders and price followers, it is conceivable that some may take on dual roles, being a leader to one group but a follower to a different group in a hierarchical structure. The contribution of this article is to show how such dual relationships are possible in theory along with providing an empirical method to help identify price-leadership structures in n-firm oligopoly. As an illustration, we apply the method to British supermarkets and find a three-tier leader–follower structure.
Networks and economic policy
Authors: Elliott Matthew L , Goyal Sanjeev , Teytelboym Alexander
Published: October 2019

Over the past two decades, economists have made significant advances in understanding how networks affect individual behaviour and shape aggregate outcomes. We argue that insights from network economics can play an important role in the design of economic policy. Focusing on six policy domains, we show that network economics not only deepens our understanding of existing policy concerns but also suggests a number of new policy questions. In each of these policy areas, we evaluate the availability of data and assess the suitability of the network economics toolkit for policy work. We conclude with a discussion of challenges to the adoption of network-based methods in economic policy along with strategies to overcome them.
Successful Thermal Neurotomy of the Painful Sacroiliac Ligament/Joint Complex—A Comparison of Two Techniques
Authors: Speldewinde Geoffrey C
Published: October 2019

Background

There are many physical, pharmacological, and interventional therapies aimed at alleviating sacroiliac ligament/joint complex pain, including thermal neurotomy. Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) innervation, as opposed to posterior sacroiliac ligament complex innervation, remains uncertain; thus lateral branch thermal neurotomy to alleviate sacroiliac joint pain remains controversial.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the success rates of two lateral branch neurotomy techniques, large continuous-lesion multi-electrode radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN; Simplicity, Neurotherm Inc.) and small-lesion monopolar periforaminal, to relieve pain from sacroiliac joints, as well as whether these would alter physical and psychological health.

Design

Retrospective clinical audit of prospectively gathered consecutive data.

Setting

A private community-based multidisciplinary pain clinic.

Subjects

Referred from primary care environments.

Methods

Of 96 consecutive thermal neurotomies with baseline data completed, follow-up data were found in 73 patients during the period 2011–2017. After diagnosis by dual-positive fluoroscopic intra-articular injections, 41 patients underwent 47 monopolar periforaminal neurotomies, and 32 underwent 49 large continuous-lesion multi-electrode RFNs, with >12-month follow-up. The primary outcome was 50–100% relief of pain for more than six months. Results are presented as success rates. Secondary outcomes were Functional Rating Index Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale and Patient Specific Functional Scale.

Results

Follow-up data were available for 80 (83%) of the 96 procedures. Success occurred in 69% of all procedures (39% complete >75% relief and 30% good 50–75% relief). Success was 57% with worst-case analysis. Success rates were 71% in the large continuous-lesion multi-electrode RFN group and 65% in the periforaminal group, with overlapping confidence intervals. Significant improvements also occurred in the secondary measures.

Conclusions

Thermal neurotomy demonstrated a 69% success rate in reduction of sacroiliac ligament/joint complex pain for more than six months equally by large continuous-lesion multi-electrode RFN and periforaminal monopolar techniques, with attendant improvement in physical and psychological function.
Physical Activity Across the Cancer Journey: Experiences and Recommendations From People Living With and Beyond Cancer
Authors: Cantwell Mairéad , Walsh Deirdre , Furlong Bróna , Loughney Lisa , McCaffrey Noel , Moyna Niall , Woods Catherine
Published: October 2019

Background

The majority of individuals living with and beyond cancer are not sufficiently active to achieve health benefits.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore individuals’ experiences of physical activity (PA) behavior across the cancer journey and to ask individuals living with and beyond cancer to identify strategies to support habitual PA.

Design

An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative design was used.

Methods

Purposive sampling methods were used to recruit individuals living with and beyond cancer who had been referred to, and/or participated in, a community-based exercise program or were attending a cancer support center. The focus group discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Seven focus groups were conducted with 41 participants. Many individuals reported that regular PA provided a vehicle for recovery that created a sense of “self-power,” defined as taking ownership and control of one’s health to increase well-being. Barriers to PA participation included environmental-, patient-, and treatment-related challenges. Recommendations to support long-term adherence to PA included completion of fitness assessments at regular intervals and provision of a home exercise program.

Limitations

The benefits and barriers to PA participation for individuals diagnosed with cancers that were not represented may not have been identified. The strategies recommended to support habitual PA may be salient only to individuals whose cancer diagnoses were represented.

Conclusions

Exercise is seen as a vehicle for recovery from cancer but long-term adherence for individuals is complex. The findings from this study can inform the development of exercise oncology rehabilitation programs and could support a greater likelihood of program success, thereby optimizing the health, well-being, and quality of life of survivors of cancer.
Electromyographic and Safety Comparisons of Common Lower Limb Rehabilitation Exercises for People With Hemophilia
Authors: Calatayud Joaquín , Pérez-Alenda Sofía , Carrasco Juan J , Escriche-Escuder Adrián , Cruz-Montecinos Carlos , Andersen Lars L , Bonanad Santiago , Querol Felipe , Casaña José
Published: October 2019

Background

Ankles and knees are commonly affected in people with hemophilia and thus are targets for prevention or rehabilitation. However, to our knowledge, no studies have evaluated muscle activity and safety during exercises targeting the lower limbs in people with hemophilia; this lack of information hinders clinical decision-making.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the tolerability of, safety of, and muscle activity levels obtained with external resistance (elastic or machine)-based and non–external resistance-based lower limb exercises in people with hemophilia.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

Eleven people who had severe hemophilia and were undergoing prophylactic treatment participated. In a single experimental session, participants performed knee extension and ankle plantar flexion during 3 exercise conditions in random order: elastic band-based resistance (elastic resistance), machine-based resistance (machine resistance), and no external resistance. Exercise intensities for the 2 external resistance-based conditions were matched for perceived exertion. Muscle activity was determined using surface electromyography (EMG) for the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius lateralis, and tibialis anterior muscles. Participants were asked to rate exercise tolerability according to a scale ranging from “very well tolerated” to “not tolerated” and to report possible adverse effects 24 and 48 hours after the session.

Results

No adverse effects were reported, and exercise tolerability was generally high. In the knee extension exercise, the rectus femoris normalized EMG values during the elastic resistance and machine resistance conditions were similar; 29% to 30% higher activity was obtained during these conditions than during the non–external resistance condition. In the ankle plantar flexion exercise, the gastrocnemius lateralis normalized EMG value was 34% higher during the machine resistance condition than without external resistance, and the normalized EMG values during the elastic resistance and other conditions were similar.

Limitations

The small sample size and single training session were the primary limitations of this study.

Conclusions

Exercises performed both with elastic bands and with machines at moderate intensity are safe, feasible, and efficient in people with severe hemophilia, providing comparable activity levels in the agonist muscles.