bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The resource‐mediated modular structure of a non‐symbiotic ant–plant mutualism
Authors: Ballarin Caio S. , Hachuy‐Filho Leandro , Sanz‐Veiga Priscila A. , Amorim Felipe W.
Published: July 2019

1. Plant–animal mutualisms are key processes that influence community structure, dynamics, and function. They reflect several neutral and niche‐based mechanisms related to plant–animal interactions.

2. However, the strength with which these processes influence community structure depends on functional traits that influence the interactions between mutualistic partners. In mutualisms involving plants and ants, nectar is the most common reward, and traits such as quantity and quality can affect ant species' responses by influencing their recruitment rates and aggressiveness.

3. In this study, nectar traits that mediate ant–plant defensive mutualisms were manipulated to test whether resource quantity and quality affect the structure of ant–plant interaction networks. A downscaling approach was used to investigate the interaction network between ant species and individual plants of the extrafloral nectary‐bearing terrestrial orchid Epidendrum secundum.

4. We found a short‐term reorganization of the ant assemblage that caused the interaction networks to become more specialised and modular in response to a more rewarding nectar gradient. Furthermore, the ant species tended to narrow their foraging range by limiting their associations to one or a few individual plants.

5. This study shows that ant species' responses to variable resource traits play an important role in the structure of the ant–plant interaction network. We suggest that more rewarding nectar enhanced aggressiveness and a massive recruitment of some ant species, leading to lower niche overlap and thus a less connected and more specialised network.
Leaf litter traits predominantly control litter decomposition in streams worldwide
Authors: Zhang Menghua , Cheng Xiaoli , Geng Qinghong , Shi Zheng , Luo Yiqi , Xu Xia
Published: July 2019

Aim

Leaf litter decomposition in freshwater ecosystems is a vital process linking ecosystem nutrient cycling, energy transfer and trophic interactions. In comparison to terrestrial ecosystems, in which researchers find that litter traits predominantly regulate litter decomposition worldwide, the dominant factors controlling its decomposition in aquatic ecosystems are still debated, with global patterns not well documented. Here, we aimed to explore general patterns and key drivers (e.g., litter traits, climate and water characteristics) of leaf litter decomposition in streams worldwide.

Location

Global.

Time period

1977–2018.

Major taxa studied

Leaf litter.

Methods

We synthesized 1,707 records of litter decomposition in streams from 275 studies. We explored variations in decomposition rates among climate zones and tree functional types and between mesh size groups. Regressions were performed to identify the factors that played dominant roles in litter decomposition globally.

Results

Litter decomposition rates did not differ among tropical, temperate and cold climate zones. Decomposition rates of litter from evergreen conifer trees were much lower than those of deciduous and evergreen broadleaf trees, attributed to the low quality of litter from evergreen conifers. No significant differences were found between decomposition rates of litter from deciduous and evergreen broadleaf trees. Additionally, litter decomposition rates were much higher in coarse‐ than in fine‐mesh bags, which controled the entrance of decomposers of different body sizes. Multiple regressions showed that litter traits (including lignin, C:N ratio) and elevation were the most important factors in regulating leaf litter decomposition.

Main conclusions

Litter traits predominantly control leaf litter decomposition in streams worldwide. Although further analyses are necessary to explore whether commonalities of the predominant role of litter traits in decomposition exist in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, our findings could contribute to the use of trait‐based approaches in modelling the decomposition of litter in streams globally and exploring mechanisms of land–water–atmosphere carbon fluxes.
Usual walking and obstacle avoidance are influenced by depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Nóbrega‐Sousa Priscila , Orcioli‐Silva Diego , Lirani‐Silva Ellen , Beretta Victor Spiandor , Vitório Rodrigo , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken
Published: July 2019

Aim

The aim of the present study was to analyze the association of depressive and anxiety symptoms with usual walking and obstacle avoidance in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Methods

Patients were divided into three groups: without depressive and anxiety symptoms (n = 28); depressive symptoms only (n = 15); and depressive and anxiety symptoms (n = 19). Symptoms of depression and anxiety were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. Participants walked across a pathway in two experimental conditions: usual walking and obstacle avoidance. Kinematic data were recorded using an optoelectronic three‐dimensional system.

Results

During usual walking, the depressive and anxiety symptoms group presented shorter stride length and longer double support phase compared with the without depressive and anxiety symptoms group, and lower velocity than the without depressive and anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms groups. During the approach phase of obstacle avoidance, the depressive and anxiety symptoms group decreased the stride length and velocity, whereas the without depressive and anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms groups did not modulate these parameters. The depressive and anxiety symptoms group also showed shorter step length and velocity, longer step duration, and wider step width during obstacle crossing. Additionally, the depressive and anxiety symptoms group presented shorter foot‐to‐obstacle horizontal distances, and lower horizontal mean velocities during obstacle crossing. Partial correlation analyses showed that both depressive and anxiety symptoms were associated with spatiotemporal gait parameters.

Conclusion

Combined symptoms of depression and anxiety are associated with walking impairments in patients with Parkinson's disease in both usual walking and obstacle avoidance. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 868–873.
Durable BaO–ZnO–P2O5 glass with small stress‐induced birefringence for lead‐free polarization light‐controlling devices
Authors: Kishimoto Kaoru , Tricot Grégory , Atsumi Taisuke , Murai Shunsuke , Tanaka Katsuhisa , Takebe Hiromichi , Saitoh Akira
Published: July 2019

Barium zinc phosphate glasses formulated in the xBaO–(60 − x)ZnO–40P2O5 composition line are investigated for their optical, thermal, and chemical characteristics. These as well as small stress‐induced birefringence were found to be governed by the BaO/ZnO substitution. In addition to the characterization of the properties, the phosphate network was qualitatively and quantitatively described in terms of Q2 and Q1 ratios by 1D 31P magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments that also showed the presence of Q0 sites. It turns out that the small perturbations of their photoelastic, magnetic, and chemical characteristics made these glasses very good candidates for use in polarization‐controlling optical devices.
Oversight and accountability in the social auditing industry: The role of social compliance initiatives
Authors: TERWINDT Carolijn , ARMSTRONG Amy
Published: July 2019

The 2013 Rana Plaza collapse led to increased awareness of abusive working conditions in the garment industry. Much attention has since been paid to the role and responsibility of retailing companies. The responsibility of social auditing companies, however, has often been overlooked. The authors investigate the systems in place to detect and address substandard auditing that fails to detect violations of workers' rights. They find that, in practice, oversight of social auditors and sanctions for substandard audits are both limited. In this light, this article explores how social compliance initiatives can play a role in improving verification of audit quality and ensuring accountability.
Parkin expression reverses mitochondrial dysfunction in fused in sarcoma‐induced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Cha S. J. , Choi H.‐J. , Kim H.‐J. , Choi E. J. , Song K.‐H. , Im D. S. , Kim K.
Published: July 2019

Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is a DNA/RNA‐binding protein associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. The exact molecular mechanisms by which FUS results in neurotoxicity have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we found that parkin is a genetic suppressor of defective phenotypes induced by exogenous human wild type FUS in Drosophila. Although parkin overexpression did not modulate the FUS protein expression level, the locomotive defects in FUS‐expressing larvae and adult flies were rescued by parkin expression. We found that FUS expression in muscle tissues resulted in a reduction of the levels and assembly of mitochondrial complex I and III subunits, as well as decreased ATP. Remarkably, expression of parkin suppressed these mitochondrial dysfunctions. Our results indicate parkin as a neuroprotective regulator of FUS‐induced proteinopathy by recovering the protein levels of mitochondrial complexes I and III. Our findings on parkin‐mediated neuroprotection may expand our understanding of FUS‐induced ALS pathogenesis.
Creating convivial affordances: A study of virtual world social movements
Authors: McKenna Brad
Published: July 2019

The study of technology and societal challenges is a growing area in information systems research. This paper explores how social movements can use virtual worlds to raise awareness or create safe spaces for their members. As social movements move into virtual worlds, the technical environment becomes more important. This paper presents an interpretive field study using netnographic research and empirical data from a study of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender social movement in World of Warcraft. This paper takes the position that an understanding of affordances is required for users to be able to create convivial outcomes to shape the use of virtual worlds for their own goals and intentions. The paper presents the concept of convivial affordances, which brings together the theories of affordances and conviviality, and suggests that social users can shape IT artefacts through a creative combination of affordances for their specific goals, and with community involvement.
Evidential Proximity, Independence, and the evaluation of carcinogenicity
Authors: Williamson Jon
Published: July 2019

This paper analyses the methods of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for evaluating the carcinogenicity of various agents. I identify two fundamental evidential principles that underpin these methods, which I call Evidential Proximity and Independence. I then show, by considering the 2018 evaluation of the carcinogenicity of styrene and styrene‐7,8‐oxide, that these principles have been implemented in a way that can lead to inconsistency. I suggest a way to resolve this problem: admit a general exception to Independence and treat the implementation of Evidential Proximity more flexibly where this exception applies. I show that this suggestion is compatible with the general principles laid down in the 2019 version of IARC's methods guide, its Preamble to the Monographs.
Treatment of acne scarring with a novel dual‐wavelength laser
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Wilson April , Mordon Serge R.
Published: July 2019

Background

Facial acne scarring is a prevalent disease with both physical and psychosocial sequelae.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate an innovative solid state dual wavelength 1,319 and 589 nm laser, which does not require consumable dye, for the treatment of acne scars.

Patients/methods

A total of 12 patients (11 female, 1 man ‐ Fitzpatrick skin phototypes II & III) with acne scar for more than one year, were treated with 1319 nm and subsequently by 589 nm, all having four‐sessions, one every other week. A full face was covered in approximately 30 minutes. Acne scars were scored by one physician evaluator using the ECCA grading scale before, 2 weeks after each treatment and 1 month and 6 months after the 4th treatment. Safety was measured by recording subject discomfort scores and adverse effects.

Results

12 subjects were enrolled into the study, 10 completed all 4 treatments and 2 were lost to follow up. Fluence used was 28 J/cm² ± 2.4 J/cm² at 1,319 nm and 16 ± 2.9 J/cm² at 589 nm. At baseline, mean ECCA score was 98 ± 23. This score was reduced to 88 ± 30 (p<0.02), after one session, to 68 ± 21 (p<0.01) after 2 sessions, to 58 ± 17 (p<0.01) after 3 sessions to reach 58 ± 15 (p<0.01) 1 month after the 4th and finally 66 ± 11 (p<0.01) at 6 month follow up. This observation corresponds respectively to 14%, 33%, 42%, 40% and 30% reduction of the ECCA score. Only one patient (ECCA score: 120) did not improve after 3 sessions. Slight to moderate erythema was sometimes observed without dryness or bruising. No or minimal burning or stinging was reported. No crust was observed.

Conclusion

Improvement in scarring was noted in almost all patients with minimal discomfort and minimal downtime. Combining both minimal side effects with effective acne scar reduction, this laser appears to be highly effective. Long‐term evaluation remains necessary to confirm the efficacy of this new laser.
Self‐Weighted Lad‐Based Inference for Heavy‐Tailed Continuous Threshold Autoregressive Models
Authors: Yang Yaxing , Li Dong
Published: July 2019

This note investigates the self‐weighted least absolute deviation estimation (SLADE) of a heavy‐tailed continuous threshold autoregressive (TAR) model. It is shown that the SLADE is strongly consistent and asymptotically normal. The SLADE is global in the sense that the convergence rate is first obtained before deriving its limiting distribution. Moreover, a test for the continuity of TAR model is considered. A sign‐based portmanteau test is developed for diagnostic checking. An empirical example is given to illustrate the usefulness of our method. Combined with the results (Yang and Ling, 2017), a complete asymptotic theory on the SLADE of a heavy‐tailed TAR model is established. This enriches asymptotic theory of statistical inference in threshold models.
The effect of environmental filtering on variation in functional diversity along a tropical elevational gradient
Authors: Ding Yi , Zang Runguo , Lu Xinghui , Huang Jihong , Xu Yue
Published: July 2019

Questions

Elevational gradients encompass multiple resource or non‐resource stressors, but how these different gradients drive functional structure is not well understood. Abiotic variables and functional traits were sampled along a 1,400 m tropical elevational gradient to answer the following questions: (a) how do the functional diversity and functional structure of tree communities change with environment; (b) how does the different assembly vary along the elevational gradient?

Location

Tropical forests on Hainan Island, South China.

Methods

Along an elevational gradient from 180 m to 1,521 m, sixty 0.05‐ha transects were established. We recorded all woody stems ≥5 cm dbh (diameter at breast height) and measured functional traits and soil features in each transect. The patterns of abiotic variables, functional diversity and community‐weighted mean (CWM) of functional traits were explored along the elevational gradient by using a regression model. The assembly along the elevational gradient was compared with a null model that shuffled species identities.

Results

The functional richness (FRic), functional dispersion (FDis) and CWMs of specific leaf area, leaf phosphorus and nitrogen content decreased with increasing elevation, as well as with the first axis of the principal components analysis (PCA1) of abiotic variables. The CWMs of leaf dry matter content and maximum height did not show significant change with elevational change, but the CWM of maximum height increased with PCA1. Both FRic and FDis became less divergent and more convergent with increasing elevation and with PCA1, which differed from the predicted outcome under the null model.

Conclusions

All these observations support that environmental filtering selects species with either acquisitive or conservative strategies at low elevations, but it only selects species with conservative strategies at high elevations. The presence of different stressors, resources (water) and non‐resources (temperature and pH) leads to distinct community assemblages with different functional structures.
Escaping shock therapy
Authors: Weber Isabella M
Published: July 2019

An interview on the development of the Chinese economic model
Comparative Analysis of Deterministic and Semiquantitative Approaches for Shallow Landslide Risk Modeling in Rwanda
Authors: Nsengiyumva Jean Baptiste , Luo Geping , Hakorimana Egide , Mind'je Richard , Gasirabo Aboubakar , Mukanyandwi Valentine
Published: July 2019

The use of appropriate approaches to produce risk maps is critical in landslide disaster management. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the stability index mapping (SINMAP) and the spatial multicriteria evaluation (SMCE) models for landslide risk modeling in Rwanda. The SINMAP used the digital elevation model in conjunction with physical soil parameters to determine the factor of safety. The SMCE method used six layers of landslide conditioning factors. In total, 155 past landslide locations were used for training and model validation. The results showed that the SMCE performed better than the SINMAP model. Thus, the receiver operating characteristic and three statistical estimators—accuracy, precision, and the root mean square error (RMSE)—were used to validate and compare the predictive capabilities of the two models. Therefore, the area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.883 and 0.798, respectively, for the SMCE and SINMAP. In addition, the SMCE model produced the highest accuracy and precision values of 0.770 and 0.734, respectively. For the RMSE values, the SMCE produced better prediction than SINMAP (0.332 and 0.398, respectively). The overall comparison of results confirmed that both SINMAP and SMCE models are promising approaches for landslide risk prediction in central‐east Africa.
Cross‐Sectional Psychological and Demographic Associations of Zika Knowledge and Conspiracy Beliefs Before and After Local Zika Transmission
Authors: Piltch‐Loeb Rachael , Zikmund‐Fisher Brian J. , Shaffer Victoria A. , Scherer Laura D. , Knaus Megan , Fagerlin Angie , Abramson David M. , Scherer Aaron M.
Published: July 2019

Perceptions of infectious diseases are important predictors of whether people engage in disease‐specific preventive behaviors. Having accurate beliefs about a given infectious disease has been found to be a necessary condition for engaging in appropriate preventive behaviors during an infectious disease outbreak, while endorsing conspiracy beliefs can inhibit preventive behaviors. Despite their seemingly opposing natures, knowledge and conspiracy beliefs may share some of the same psychological motivations, including a relationship with perceived risk and self‐efficacy (i.e., control). The 2015–2016 Zika epidemic provided an opportunity to explore this. The current research provides some exploratory tests of this topic derived from two studies with similar measures, but different primary outcomes: one study that included knowledge of Zika as a key outcome and one that included conspiracy beliefs about Zika as a key outcome. Both studies involved cross‐sectional data collections that occurred during the same two periods of the Zika outbreak: one data collection prior to the first cases of local Zika transmission in the United States (March–May 2016) and one just after the first cases of local transmission (July–August). Using ordinal logistic and linear regression analyses of data from two time points in both studies, the authors show an increase in relationship strength between greater perceived risk and self‐efficacy with both increased knowledge and increased conspiracy beliefs after local Zika transmission in the United States. Although these results highlight that similar psychological motivations may lead to Zika knowledge and conspiracy beliefs, there was a divergence in demographic association.
Utility of admission lactate concentration, lactate variables, and shock index in outcome assessment in dogs diagnosed with shock
Authors: Zollo Ann Marie , Ayoob Ashley L. , Prittie Jennifer E. , Jepson Roger D. , Lamb Kenneth E. , Fox Philip R.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To determine whether admission venous plasma lactate concentration, calculated lactate variables, or shock index (SI) could discriminate hospital survivors from nonsurvivors in dogs admitted with shock.

Design

Prospective investigation performed over a 19‐month period.

Setting

Large urban private teaching hospital.

Animals

Twenty‐three dogs consecutively admitted to the ICU from January 2008 to July 2009 with initial peripheral venous plasma lactate concentration >2 mmol/L (18.0 mg/dL) and clinical and hemodynamic parameters consistent with shock.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and venous plasma lactate concentrations were serially recorded at predefined time points and used to calculate SI (SI = heart rate/systolic blood pressure) and lactate variables, including lactime (time lactate > 2.0 mmol/L), lactate clearance ([lactateinitial– lactatedelayed]/lactateinitial× 100), and LACAREA(area under the lactate concentration versus time curve). Primary outcome was survival to discharge. Overall survival rate was 61%. Admission venous plasma lactate concentration did not differ between groups (P= 0.2). Lactime was shorter in survivors versus nonsurvivors (P= 0.02). Lactate clearance at 1, 10, 16, 24, and 36 hours, and final lactate clearance were greater in survivors versus nonsurvivors (P< 0.05). LACAREAat time intervals 0–1, 1–4, 4–10, 10–16, 16–24, 24–30, and 30–36 hours was larger in nonsurvivors versus survivors (P< 0.05). Total LACAREAdid not differ between groups (P= 0.09). Admission SI and time to normalize SI (SI < 0.9) were not different between survivors and nonsurvivors (P> 0.05).

Conclusions

While admission venous plasma lactate concentration could not discriminate between hospital survivors and nonsurvivors, lactate variables showed clinical utility to predict outcome in dogs with shock. Further studies are needed to determine SI reference ranges and optimal SI cut‐off values to improve its prognostic ability in sick dogs.
Hyperoxia enhances self‐paced exercise performance to a greater extent in cool than hot conditions
Authors: Périard J. D. , Houtkamp D. , Bright F. , Daanen H. A. M. , Abbiss C. R. , Thompson K. G. , Clark B.
Published: July 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Hyperoxia enhances endurance performance by increasing O2 availability to locomotor muscles. We investigated whether hyperoxia can also improve prolonged self‐paced exercise in conditions of elevated thermal and cardiovascular strain.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Hyperoxia improved self‐paced exercise performance in hot and cool conditions. However, the extent of the improvement (increased work rate relative to normoxia) was greater in cool conditions. This suggests that the development of thermal and cardiovascular strain during prolonged self‐paced exercise under heat stress might attenuate the hyperoxia‐mediated increase in O2 delivery to locomotor muscles.

The aim of this study was to determine whether breathing hyperoxic gas when self‐paced exercise performance is impaired under heat stress enhances power output. Nine well‐trained male cyclists performed four 40 min cycling time trials: two at 18°C (COOL) and two at 35°C (HOT). For the first 30 min, participants breathed ambient air, and for the remaining 10 min normoxic (fraction of inspired O2 0.21; NOR) or hyperoxic (fraction of inspired O2 0.45; HYPER) air. During the first 30 min of the time trials, power output was lower in the HOT (∼250 W) compared with COOL (∼273 W) conditions (P < 0.05). In the final 10 min, power output was higher in HOT‐HYPER (264 ± 25 W) than in HOT‐NOR (244 ± 31 W; P = 0.008) and in COOL‐HYPER (315 ± 28 W) than in COOL‐NOR (284 ± 25 W; P < 0.001). The increase in absolute power output in COOL‐HYPER was greater than in HOT‐HYPER (∼12 W; P = 0.057), as was normalized power output (∼30%; P < 0.001). The peripheral capillary percentage oxygen saturation increased in HOT‐HYPER and COOL‐HYPER (P < 0.05), with COOL‐HYPER being higher than HOT‐HYPER (P < 0.01). Heart rate was higher during the HOT compared with COOL trials (P < 0.01), as were mean skin temperature (P < 0.001) and peak rectal temperature (HOT, ∼39.5°C and COOL, ∼38.9°C; P < 0.01). Thermal discomfort was also higher in the HOT compared with COOL (P < 0.01), whereas ratings of perceived exertion were similar (P > 0.05). Hyperoxia enhanced performance during the final 25% of a 40 min time trial in both HOT and COOL conditions compared with normoxia. However, the attenuated increase in absolute and normalized power output noted in the HOT condition suggests that heat stress might mitigate the influence of hyperoxia.
Non‐coding RNAs: key players in cardiac disease
Authors: Kreutzer Fabian Philipp , Fiedler Jan , Thum Thomas
Published: July 2019

Molecular mechanisms underlying heart failure (HF) are only partly understood. Non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been reported to control function and signalling routes in the myocardium. As ncRNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) or circular RNAs (circRNAs) can be selectively targeted via pharmacological approaches, this opens new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Here, we review the main ncRNA classes and how they influence cardiac biology. In addition we provide insight into the role of ncRNAs in chemotherapy‐induced cardiac dysfunction. To provide a better understanding of ncRNAs in cardiovascular biology we present an outlook on specialized functions such as chromatin remodelling, biomarker potential and the recently discovered ncRNA‐derived micropeptides.

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Displaying bioacoustic directional information from sonobuoys using “azigrams”
Authors: Thode Aaron M. , Sakai Taiki , Michalec Jeffrey , Rankin Shannon , Soldevilla Melissa S. , Martin Bruce , Kim Katherine H.
Published: July 2019

The AN/SSQ-53 Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (DIFAR) sonobuoy is an expendable device that can derive acoustic particle velocity along two orthogonal horizontal axes, along with acoustic pressure. This information enables computation of azimuths of low-frequency acoustic sources from a single compact sensor. The standard approach for estimating azimuth from these sensors is by conventional beamforming (i.e., adding weighted time series), but the resulting “cardioid” beampattern is imprecise, computationally expensive, and vulnerable to directional noise contamination for weak signals. Demonstrated here is an alternative multiplicative processing scheme that computes the “active intensity” of an acoustic signal to obtain the dominant directionality of a noise field as a function of time and frequency. This information is conveniently displayed as an “azigram,” which is analogous to a spectrogram, but uses color to indicate azimuth instead of intensity. Data from several locations demonstrate this approach, which can be computed without demultiplexing the raw signal. Azigrams have been used to help diagnose sonobuoy issues, improve detectability, and estimate bearings of low signal-to-noise ratio signals. Azigrams may also enhance the detection and potential classification of signals embedded in directional noise fields.
Cross-Cultural Validation of the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire
Authors: Li Fuzhong , Harmer Peter , Chi Likang , Vongjaturapat Naruepon
Published: July 2019

It is becoming increasingly important to determine whether structural models of measures of sport and activity behavior developed in North America are invarant across different populations. This study assessed (a) the cross-cultural validity of the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) using male college students across the United States (n = 309), Thailand (n = 312), and Taiwan (n = 307); and (b) the factorial equivalence and structured latent mean differences of the TEOSQ in these samples. Using a confirmatory factor analytic procedure, the initial test of the hypothesized two-factor structure representing task and ego orientation yielded a good fit for each sample. The factor structure was further shown to be metric invariant across the three countries. Furthermore, tests of latent means showed significant differences between groups. The United States sample exhibited the highest levels of task and ego orientation, followed by the Taiwan and Thailand samples, respectively.
Predicting the Success of a Basketball Shot at Various Stages of Execution
Authors: Jagacinski Richard J. , Newel Karl M. , Isaac Paul D.
Published: July 2019

A signal detection paradigm was used to measure the sensitivity of basketball players in discriminating successful from unsuccessful shots. College-level basketball players predicted a shot's outcome either before release of the ball, immediately after release, or after seeing the ball travel halfway to the basket. In none of these conditions did active shooters exhibit greater sensitivity than passive observers. Some evidence was found for sequential dependencies in shooting performance, though not to the degree that one might expect from basketball lore.
The Influence of Reflected Appraisals on Middle School and High School Athletes’ Self-Perceptions of Sport Competence
Authors: Amorose Anthony J.
Published: July 2019

This study examined the reflected appraisal process in female middle school (n = 66; M age = 12.39 – .87 years) and high school athletes (n = 88; M age = 14.70 – 1.08 years). Questionnaires assessed the athletes’ self-perceptions of sport competence and how they perceived their mothers, fathers, coaches, and teammates evaluated their ability in sport. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the various reflected appraisals predicted self-perceptions of competence (p < .01, R2 = .65). Mothers (β = .19), coaches (β = .24), and teammates (β = .47) were each significant predictors, while the reflected appraisal of fathers (β = .08) was non-significant. Squared semi-partial correlations indicated that teammates accounted the greatest amount of unique (sr2 = .25), followed by coaches (sr2 = .08), mothers (sr2 = .05), and fathers (sr2 = .01). Structural equation modeling indicated that the pattern of relationships was the same for middle school and high school athletes.
Ramped vs. Standard Bruce Protocol in Children: A Comparison of Exercise Responses
Authors: DiBella John A. , Johnson Emily M. , Cabrera Marco E.
Published: July 2019

We compared maximal exercise parameters obtained using both a ramped Bruce (BR) and a standard Bruce treadmill protocol (BS) in 44 healthy children (9.9 – 1.9 yr) and adolescents (15.9 – 1.7 yr). The average weight and height for children was 36.7 – 10.7 kg and 141.2 – 13.2 cm, while for adolescents was 64.4 – 13.9 kg and 168.9 – 7.5 cm. No significant differences were found in peak heart rate (HRpeak) between protocols for children (BS: 198 – 10; BR: 196 – 11 bpm) or adolescents (BS:193 – 2; BR:192 – 11 bpm). Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) was also not significantly different for children (BS: 1.81 – 0.64; BR: 1.84 – 0.74 L/min) or adolescents (BS: 2.66 – 0.61; BR: 2.72 – 0.67 L/min). Based on our results, we conclude that equivalent peak HR and V̇O2 values can be obtained in normal children and adolescents using a standard or a ramped Bruce protocol.
An Examination of the Activity Patterns of Elementary School Children
Authors: Vincent Susan D. , Pangrazi Robert P.
Published: July 2019

Research has suggested a trend of decreasing activity with age necessitating a renewed emphasis on promoting physical activity for children. The purpose of this study was to assess current physical activity levels of children and to establish initial standards for comparison in determining appropriate activity levels of children based on pedometer counts. Children, 6–12 years old (N = 711), wore sealed pedometers for 4 consecutive days. Mean step counts ranged from 10,479–11,274 and 12300–13989 for girls and boys respectively. Factorial ANOVA found a significant difference between sex (F = 90.16, p < .01) but not among age (F = 0.78, p = .587). Great individual variability existed among children of the same sex. Further analysis found significant differences among children of the same sex above the 80th percentile and below the 20th percentile. A reasonable activity standard might be approximately 11,000 and 13,000 steps per day for girls and boys respectively, although further discussion of this is warranted. The descriptive nature of this study provides insights into the activity patterns of children and the mean step counts for boys and girls at each age can serve as a preliminary guide for determining meaningful activity levels for children based on pedometer counts.
Differences of Daily Physical Activity Levels of Children According to Body Mass Index
Authors: Mota Jorge , Santos Paula , Guerra Sandra , Ribeiro José C. , Duarte José A.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the daily activity levels of children varying in body mass over 3 consecutive weekdays. The sample was comprised of 157 children (boys, n = 64; girls, n = 93), aged 8–15 years. BMI was used as obesity indicator. Children were categorized as non-obese and over- weight/obese group, according to the age-adapted values. The CSA activity monitor was used as an objective measure of daily physical activity. No significant differences were reported in the daily physical activity among boys and girls according to BMI group. Boys were significantly more engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (p = .05) than girls. Significant differences in moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (p = .05) were found between non-obese (69.3 min • day−1) and obese girls (50.7 min • day−1), while no significant differences were reported in boys. Differences between overall activities and involvement in MVPA emerged between overweight/obese and non-obese girls; therefore, obesity in girls may be linked to low levels of physical activity behavior.
Mutant CEBPA directly drives the expression of the targetable tumor-promoting factor CD73 in AML
Authors: Jakobsen Janus S. , Laursen Linea G. , Schuster Mikkel B. , Pundhir Sachin , Schoof Erwin , Ge Ying , d’Altri Teresa , Vitting-Seerup Kristoffer , Rapin Nicolas , Gentil Coline , Jendholm Johan , Theilgaard-Mönch Kim , Reckzeh Kristian , Bullinger Lars , Döhner Konstanze , Hokland Peter , Fitzgibbon Jude , Porse Bo T.
Published: July 2019

In CEBPA-mutant leukemia, CEBPA up-regulates cancer-protective and -targetable CD73, indicating a novel potential therapy.
Charge-switchable polymeric complex for glucose-responsive insulin delivery in mice and pigs
Authors: Wang Jinqiang , Yu Jicheng , Zhang Yuqi , Zhang Xudong , Kahkoska Anna R. , Chen Guojun , Wang Zejun , Sun Wujin , Cai Lulu , Chen Zhaowei , Qian Chenggen , Shen Qundong , Khademhosseini Ali , Buse John B. , Gu Zhen
Published: July 2019

A glucose-responsive insulin-polymer complex for self-regulated insulin release has been verified in diabetic mice and minipigs.
The somatosensory cortex receives information about motor output
Authors: Umeda Tatsuya , Isa Tadashi , Nishimura Yukio
Published: July 2019

The somatosensory cortex receives information on motor output before getting sensory feedback signals during voluntary movement.
Sliding dominates slow-flowing margin regions, Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Maier Nathan , Humphrey Neil , Harper Joel , Meierbachtol Toby
Published: July 2019

We measure sliding-dominated plug flow over a hard bed during winter and show that this flow style is typical of margins in Greenland.
A variant erythroferrone disrupts iron homeostasis in
SF3B1
-mutated myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Bondu Sabrina , Alary Anne-Sophie , Lefèvre Carine , Houy Alexandre , Jung Grace , Lefebvre Thibaud , Rombaut David , Boussaid Ismael , Bousta Abderrahmane , Guillonneau François , Perrier Prunelle , Alsafadi Samar , Wassef Michel , Margueron Raphaël , Rousseau Alice , Droin Nathalie , Cagnard Nicolas , Kaltenbach Sophie , Winter Susann , Kubasch Anne-Sophie , Bouscary Didier , Santini Valeria , Toma Andrea , Hunault Mathilde , Stamatoullas Aspasia , Gyan Emmanuel , Cluzeau Thomas , Platzbecker Uwe , Adès Lionel , Puy Hervé , Stern Marc-Henri , Karim Zoubida , Mayeux Patrick , Nemeth Elizabeta , Park Sophie , Ganz Tomas , Kautz Léon , Kosmider Olivier , Fontenay Michaëla
Published: July 2019

A variant erythroferrone contributes to hepcidin modulation and systemic iron accumulation in patients with
SF3B1
-mutated myelodysplastic syndrome.
Suppression of Stromal Interferon Signaling by Human Papillomavirus 16
Authors: Raikhy Gaurav , Woodby Brittany L. , Scott Matthew L. , Shin Grace , Myers Julia E. , Scott Rona S. , Bodily Jason M.
Published: July 2019

The persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections is the key risk factor for developing HPV-associated cancers. The ability of HPV to evade host immunity is a critical component of its ability to persist. The environment surrounding a tumor is increasingly understood to be critical in cancer development, including immune evasion. Our studies show that HPV can suppress the expression of immune-related genes in neighboring fibroblasts in a three-dimensional (3D) model of human epithelium. This finding is significant, because it indicates that HPV can control innate immunity not only in the infected cell but also in the microenvironment. In addition, the ability of HPV to regulate stromal gene expression depends in part on the viral oncogene E5, revealing a new function for this protein as an immune evasion factor.
Replicons of a Rodent Hepatitis C Model Virus Permit Selection of Highly Permissive Cells
Authors: Wolfisberg Raphael , Holmbeck Kenn , Nielsen Louise , Kapoor Amit , Rice Charles M. , Bukh Jens , Scheel Troels K. H.
Published: July 2019

A vaccine against hepatitis C virus (HCV) is crucial for global control of this important pathogen, which induces fatal human liver diseases. Vaccine development has been hampered by the lack of immunocompetent animal models. Discovery of rodent hepacivirus (RHV) enabled establishment of novel surrogate animal models. These allow robust infection and reverse genetic and immunization studies of laboratory animals, which develop HCV-like chronicity. Currently, there are no RHV
in vitro
systems available to study tropism and molecular virology. Here, we established the first culture systems for RHV, recapitulating the intracellular phase of the virus life cycle
in vitro
. These replicon systems enabled identification of replication-enhancing mutations and selection of cells highly permissive to RHV replication, which allow study of virus-host interactions. HCV antivirals targeting NS5A, NS5B, and microRNA-122 efficiently inhibited RHV replication. Hence, several important aspects of HCV replication are shared by the rodent virus system, reinforcing its utility as an HCV model.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus durans OSY-EGY, a Multiple-Antimicrobial-Peptide Producer Isolated from Egyptian Hard Cheese
Authors: Hussein Walaa E. , Xiaoli Lingzi , Yousef Ahmed E.
Published: July 2019

Enterococcus durans
OSY-EGY was isolated recently from cheese. The strain produces potent antimicrobial agents. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of the strain, with a genome size of 3,230,625 bp and an average G+C content of 37.69%. Draft genome mining identified several biosynthetic gene clusters encoding multiple antimicrobial peptides.
Draft Genomic Sequences of Campylobacter coli Isolates from Chicken Carcasses
Authors: Xu Aixia , Abdul-Wakeel Aisha , Gunther Nereus W. , Sommers Christopher
Published: July 2019

Campylobacter
bacteria are one of the leading causes of bacterial foodborne illnesses in the United States. Here, we report the draft genomic sequences of eight
Campylobacter coli
isolates from chicken carcasses, including virulence factors and antibiotic resistance.
Complete Genome Sequence of GD1696, a Low-Virulence Strain of Human-Associated ST398 Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: McClure Jo-Ann , Shideler Steven M. , Zhang Kunyan
Published: July 2019

The emerging livestock-associated
Staphylococcus aureus
multilocus sequence type 398 (ST398) appears to have augmented virulence in humans. However, it is unclear if all ST398 strains are equally virulent. Here, we present the chromosomal sequence of a low-virulence ST398 methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) strain, GD1696, to investigate ST398 sublineage virulence.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Isolates from Canine and Human Bacteremia Infections
Authors: Little Sara V. , Bryan Laura K. , Hillhouse Andrew E. , Konganti Kranti , Lawhon Sara D.
Published: July 2019

Here, we report the complete and draft genome sequences of 8
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
isolates, 4 from human bacteremia infections and 4 from canine bacteremia infections. This species is recognized primarily as an important canine pathogen, but it is increasingly being identified in human infections.
Fluvial landscape evolution controlled by the sediment deposition coefficient: Estimation from experimental and natural landscapes
Authors: Guerit Laure , Yuan Xiao-Ping , Carretier Sébastien , Bonnet Stéphane , Rohais Sébastien , Braun Jean , Rouby Delphine
Published: July 2019

The evolution of a fluvial landscape is a balance between tectonic uplift, fluvial erosion, and sediment deposition. The erosion term can be expressed according to the stream power model, stating that fluvial incision is proportional to powers of river slope and discharge. The deposition term can be expressed as proportional to the sediment flux divided by a transport length. This length can be defined as the water flux times a scaling factor ζ. This factor exerts a major control on the river dynamics, on the spacing between sedimentary bedforms, or on the overall landscape erosional behavior. Yet, this factor is difficult to measure either in the lab or in the field. Here, we propose a new formulation for the deposition term based on a dimensionless coefficient, G, which can be estimated at the scale of a landscape from the slopes of rivers at the transition between a catchment and its fan. We estimate this deposition coefficient from 29 experimental catchment–alluvial fan systems and 68 natural examples. Based on our data set, we support the idea of Davy and Lague (2009) that G is a relevant parameter to characterize the erosional and transport mode of a fluvial landscape, which can be field calibrated, with a continuum from detachment-limited (G = 0) to transport-limited behavior (G >0.4 from the studied examples).
Sharing of clinical trial data and results reporting practices among large pharmaceutical companies: cross sectional descriptive study and pilot of a tool to improve company practices
Authors: Miller Jennifer , Ross Joseph S , Wilenzick Marc , Mello Michelle M
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To develop and pilot a tool to measure and improve pharmaceutical companies’ clinical trial data sharing policies and practices.

Design

Cross sectional descriptive analysis.

Setting

Large pharmaceutical companies with novel drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2015.

Data sources

Data sharing measures were adapted from 10 prominent data sharing guidelines from expert bodies and refined through a multi-stakeholder deliberative process engaging patients, industry, academics, regulators, and others. Data sharing practices and policies were assessed using data from ClinicalTrials.gov, Drugs@FDA, corporate websites, data sharing platforms and registries (eg, the Yale Open Data Access (YODA) Project and Clinical Study Data Request (CSDR)), and personal communication with drug companies.

Main outcome measures

Company level, multicomponent measure of accessibility of participant level clinical trial data (eg, analysis ready dataset and metadata); drug and trial level measures of registration, results reporting, and publication; company level overall transparency rankings; and feasibility of the measures and ranking tool to improve company data sharing policies and practices.

Results

Only 25% of large pharmaceutical companies fully met the data sharing measure. The median company data sharing score was 63% (interquartile range 58-85%). Given feedback and a chance to improve their policies to meet this measure, three companies made amendments, raising the percentage of companies in full compliance to 33% and the median company data sharing score to 80% (73-100%). The most common reasons companies did not initially satisfy the data sharing measure were failure to share data by the specified deadline (75%) and failure to report the number and outcome of their data requests. Across new drug applications, a median of 100% (interquartile range 91-100%) of trials in patients were registered, 65% (36-96%) reported results, 45% (30-84%) were published, and 95% (69-100%) were publicly available in some form by six months after FDA drug approval. When examining results on the drug level, less than half (42%) of reviewed drugs had results for all their new drug applications trials in patients publicly available in some form by six months after FDA approval.

Conclusions

It was feasible to develop a tool to measure data sharing policies and practices among large companies and have an impact in improving company practices. Among large companies, 25% made participant level trial data accessible to external investigators for new drug approvals in accordance with the current study’s measures; this proportion improved to 33% after applying the ranking tool. Other measures of trial transparency were higher. Some companies, however, have substantial room for improvement on transparency and data sharing of clinical trials.
Understanding the determinants of infant and under-five mortality rates: a multivariate decomposition analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys in Ghana, 2003, 2008 and 2014
Authors: Dwomoh Duah , Amuasi Susan , Agyabeng Kofi , Incoom Gabriel , Alhassan Yakubu , Yawson Alfred Edwin
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Despite the decline in infant and under-five mortality rates since the last decade, Ghana did not meet the millennium development goal (MDG) 4 target. To implement effective interventions that could fast-track progress towards achieving the sustainable development goal 3 in 2030, factors contributing to the decline in child mortality throughout the MDG period and which factor(s) has/have been consistent in affecting child survival in the last decade need to be understood.

Methods

This study used Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 2003, 2008 and 2014 and data from World Bank Development Indicators (2000–2018). We employed modified Poisson with robust SE and multivariate decomposition approach to assess risk factors of child mortality using DHS data from 2003, 2008 and 2014. Penalised regression was used assess the effect of 25 country-level contextual factors on child survival.

Results

The risk of infant mortality is approximately five times higher among mothers who had multiple births compared with mothers who had single birth over the last decade (adjusted relative risk 4.6, 95% CI 3.2 to 6.6, p<0.001). An increase in the annual percentage of female labour force participation (FLFP) is associated with the reduction of approximately 10 and 18 infant and under-five annual deaths per 1000 live births, respectively.

Conclusions

This study found that multiple births and shorter birth spacing are associated with increased risk of infant and under-five deaths over the last decade. Increased in FLFP, and the proportion of children sleeping under bed-net are associated with reduced risk of both infants and under-five deaths.