bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extremely Widespread Parthenogenesis and a Trade-Off Between Alternative Forms of Reproduction in Mayflies (Ephemeroptera)
Authors: Liegeois Maud , Sartori Michel , Schwander Tanja
Published: August 2020

Studying alternative forms of reproduction in natural populations is of fundamental importance for understanding the costs and benefits of sex. Mayflies are one of the few animal groups where sexual reproduction co-occurs with different types of parthenogenesis, providing ideal conditions for identifying benefits of sex in natural populations. Here, we establish a catalog of all known mayfly species capable of reproducing by parthenogenesis, as well as species unable to do so. Overall, 1.8% of the described species reproduce parthenogenetically, which is an order of magnitude higher than reported in other animal groups. This frequency even reaches 47.8% if estimates are based on the number of studied rather than described mayfly species, as reproductive modes have thus far been studied in only 17 out of 42 families. We find that sex is a more successful strategy than parthenogenesis (associated with a higher hatching success of eggs), with a trade-off between the hatching success of parthenogenetic and sexual eggs. This means that improving the capacity for parthenogenesis may come at a cost for sexual reproduction. Such a trade-off can help explain why facultative parthenogenesis is extremely rare among animals despite its potential to combine the benefits of sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction. We argue that parthenogenesis is frequently selected in mayflies in spite of this probable trade-off because their typically low dispersal ability and short and fragile adult life may frequently generate situations of mate limitation in females. Mayflies are currently clearly underappreciated for understanding the benefits of sex under natural conditions.
Facilitating Access to Cross-Border Supplies of Patented Pharmaceuticals: The Case of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Abbott Frederick M , Reichman Jerome H
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into stark relief the gaps in global preparedness to address widespread outbreaks of deadly viral infections. This article proposes legal mechanisms for addressing critical issues facing the international community in terms of providing equitable access to vaccines, treatments, diagnostics, and medical equipment. On the supply side, the authors propose the establishment of mandatory patent pools (‘Licensing Facilities’) on a global or regional, or even national basis, depending upon the degree of cooperation that may be achieved. The authors also discuss the importance of creating shared production facilities. On the demand side, the authors propose the establishment of Regional Pharmaceutical Supply Centers (RPSCs) for the collective procurement of products, and the need to coordinate the issuance of necessary compulsory licenses for production and/or importation, depending on relevant circumstances. The authors envisage that centralized coordination by RPSCs should assist in overcoming difficulties individual countries may encounter in addressing administrative and technical issues in procuring supplies, as well as creating improved bargaining leverage with potential suppliers. The authors finally address the problem created by the decision of various high-income countries to ‘opt out’ as eligible importing countries under the World Trade Organization TRIPS Agreement Article 31bis amendment that addresses the predominant export of pharmaceutical products under compulsory licenses.
Gut Bacteria in the Holometabola: A Review of Obligate and Facultative Symbionts
Authors: Kucuk R A
Published: August 2020

The diversity and ecological variety of Holometabola foregrounds a wide array of dynamic symbiotic relationships with gut-dwelling bacteria. A review of the literature highlights that holometabolous insects rely on both obligate bacteria and facultative bacteria living in their guts to satisfy a number of physiological needs. The driving forces behind these differing relationships can be hypothesized through the scrutiny of bacterial associations with host gut morphology, and transmission of bacteria within a given host taxon. Our knowledge of the evolution of facultative or obligate symbiotic bacteria in holometabolan systems is further enhanced by an assessment of the various services the bacteria provide, including nutrition, immune system health, and development. The diversity of Holometabola can thus be examined through an assessment of known bacterial partnerships within the orders of Holometabola.
‘Drone-Netting’ for Sampling Live Insects
Authors: Löcken Helge , Fischer Ottmar W , Selz Jürgen , Boppré Michael
Published: August 2020

Drones have become valuable tools for biodiversity studies by providing aerial photographs; however, for most entomological studies, images, in particular those taken remotely, are usually insufficient; rather sampling of specimens is required. We equipped a cheap off-the-shelf drone with a net bag, flew it over the ground, sweeping the vegetation, and sampled adult and larval insects as well as spiders. ‘Drone-netting’ proved to be a versatile method for general insect sampling, particularly in inaccessible terrains. It is time- and cost-effective, minimally invasive, and adaptable for many research tasks in entomofaunistics; it shows a degree of representativeness similar to hand-netting, and caught specimens stay alive and can be released if not needed.
Identification and Expression Profiles of 14 Odorant-Binding Protein Genes From Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)
Authors: Li Mao-Ye , Jiang Xiu-Yun , Qi Yu-Zhe , Huang Yuan-Jie , Li Shi-Guang , Liu Su
Published: August 2020

The small white butterfly, Pieris rapae (L.), is an important insect pest of Brassica crops. This species utilize olfactory cues to find their hosts and mates. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the olfactory perception in this species remains unclear. Here, we identified 14 odorant-binding proteins (OBP) genes—essential for insect olfaction—in P. rapae by exploring a previously published transcriptome dataset. Proteins encoded by all of these genes contain N-terminal signal peptides and six positionally conserved cysteine residues, which are characteristic of insect OBPs. These OBPs displayed high amino acid identity with their respective orthologs in other lepidopterans, and several conserved motifs were identified within these OBPs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these OBPs were well segregated from each other and clustered into different branches. PrapOBP1 and PrapOBP2 were clustered into the ‘general odorant-binding protein’ clade, and PrapOBP3 and PrapOBP4 fall into the ‘pheromone-binding protein’ clade. The 14 OBP genes were located on seven genomic scaffolds. Of these, PrapOBP1, 2, 3, and 4 were located on scaffold332, whereas PrapOBP5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were located on scaffold116. Ten of the 14 genes had antenna-biased expression. Of these, PrapOBP1, 2, 4, and 13 were enriched in male antennae, whereas PrapOBP7 and PrapOBP10 were female-biased. Our findings suggest that these OBPs may be involved in olfactory communication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the identification and characterization of OBPs in P. rapae, and our findings provide a solid foundation for studying the functions of these genes.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be unnecessary for ductal carcinomain situof the breast that is small and diagnosed by preoperative biopsy
Authors: Uemoto Yasuaki , Kondo Naoto , Wanifuchi-Endo Yumi , Asano Tomoko , Hisada Tomoka , Nishikawa Sayaka , Katagiri Yusuke , Terada Mitsuo , Kato Akiko , Okuda Katsuhiro , Sugiura Hiroshi , Kato Hiroyuki , Takahashi Satoru , Toyama Tatsuya
Published: August 2020

Background

Current guidelines do not recommend that sentinel lymph node biopsy is routinely performed for ductal carcinoma in situ; thus, indications for sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ remain controversial. In this study, we investigated whether sentinel lymph node biopsy can be safely omitted when ductal carcinoma in situ has been diagnosed by preoperative biopsy.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed sentinel lymph node metastasis rates and upstaging to invasive cancer in surgical specimens, performed receiver operating characteristic analysis for ductal carcinoma in situ lesion size and assessed correlations with preoperative clinicopathological factors of 277 patients with ductal carcinoma in situ diagnosed by preoperative biopsy at our institution.

Results

Among 277 patients with sentinel lymph node biopsy, six (2.2%) had sentinel lymph node metastasis. All six were upstaged to invasive cancer by pathological examination of surgical specimens. In total, 69 patients (24.9%) were upstaged to invasive cancer. The mean size of ductal carcinoma in situ lesions on preoperative imaging was significantly larger for the 69 upstaged patients (50.0 mm) than for the non-upstaged patients (34.4 mm; P < 0.0001). Of the 277 patients with sentinel lymph node biopsy, 117 (42.2%) had preoperative ductal carcinoma in situ lesions <31.8 mm, which was identified as the optimal cut-off size by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Of these 117 patients, 96 (82.1%, 95% confidence interval: 73.9–88.5%) could be safely omitted from sentinel lymph node biopsy because all of them remained as ductal carcinoma in situ and had negative sentinel lymph nodes at surgery.

Conclusions

Size of ductal carcinoma in situ lesions on preoperative diagnostic imaging is a predictor of diagnosis of invasive cancer on pathological examination of surgical specimens. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be unnecessary in ductal carcinoma in situ diagnosed by preoperative biopsy in patients with small lesions.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy and safety in older non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Kubo Toshio , Watanabe Hiromi , Ninomiya Kiichiro , Kudo Kenichiro , Minami Daisuke , Murakami Etsuko , Ochi Nobuaki , Ninomiya Takashi , Harada Daijiro , Yasugi Masayuki , Ichihara Eiki , Ohashi Kadoaki , Rai Kammei , Fujiwara Keiichi , Hotta Katsuyuki , Tabata Masahiro , Maeda Yoshinobu , Kiura Katsuyuki
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Immune checkpoint inhibitors offer longer survival than chemotherapy in several clinical trials for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. In subset analyses of clinical trials, immune checkpoint inhibitors extended survival in patients aged ≥65 years, but the effects in patients aged ≥75 years are controversial. We performed multicenter, collaborative and retrospective analyses of immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy and safety in non-small cell lung cancer patients aged ≥75 years.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 434 advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors from December 2015 to December 2017, and retrospectively applied the Geriatric (G) 8 screening tool with medical records.

Results

Of the 434 patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors, 100 were aged ≥75 years. Five patients with performance status 3 were omitted from the final analysis. Immune checkpoint inhibitors were given as a first-line treatment to 20 patients. The objective response rates, median progression-free survival rates and median survival times were 35.0%, 6.1 months and 10.7 months for first-line treatment, and 20.0%, 2.9 months and 14.7 months for second- or later-line treatments, respectively. The median modified G8 score was 11.0. The median survival time was longer in the high modified G8 (≥12.0) group than in the low modified G8 (≤11.0) group (18.7 vs. 8.7 months; P = 0.02). Likewise, the median survival time was 15.5 months (performance status 0–1) vs. 3.2 months (performance status 2) (P < 0.01). The grade ≥ 2 immune-related adverse events incidence was 36.8%.

Conclusions

In this study, immune checkpoint inhibitors were effective and tolerable for patients aged ≥75 years. The modified G8 screening tool and performance status were associated with the outcome of older non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Statistical Inference of Spot Correlation and Spot Market Beta under Infinite Variation Jumps
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liu Zhi
Published: August 2020

Empirical evidence has revealed that the jumps in financial markets appear to be very frequent. This study considers the statistical inference of the spot correlation and the spot market beta between two different assets using high-frequency data, in a setting where both the cojumps and the individual jumps in the underlying driving processes could be of infinite variation. Starting from the estimation of the spot covariance, we propose consistent estimators of the spot correlation and the spot market beta when the jump processes involved are general semimartingales. The second-order approximation for the estimators, namely, the central limit theorems, is established under the assumption that the jumps around zero are of stable Lévy type. Our estimation procedure is based on the empirical characteristic function of the increments of the processes and the application of the polarization identity; the bias terms stemming from the jumps are removed iteratively. The finite sample performances of the proposed estimators and other existing estimators are assessed and compared by using datasets simulated from various models. Our estimators are also applied to some real high-frequency financial datasets.
Expanding Our Understanding of Ovarian Cancer Risk: The Role of Incomplete Pregnancies
Authors: Lee Alice W , Rosenzweig Stacey , Wiensch Ashley ,   the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group, Ramus Susan J , Menon Usha , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Ziogas Argyrios , Anton-Culver Hoda , Whittemore Alice S , Sieh Weiva , Rothstein Joseph H , McGuire Valerie , Wentzensen Nicolas , Bandera Elisa V , Qin Bo , Terry Kathryn L , Cramer Daniel W , Titus Linda , Schildkraut Joellen M , Berchuck Andrew , Goode Ellen L , Kjaer Susanne K , Jensen Allan , Jordan Susan J , Ness Roberta B , Modugno Francesmary , Moysich Kirsten , Thompson Pamela J , Goodman Marc T , Carney Michael E , Chang-Claude Jenny , Rossing Mary Anne , Harris Holly R , Doherty Jennifer Anne , Risch Harvey A , Khoja Lilah , Alimujiang Aliya , Phung Minh Tung , Brieger Katharine , Mukherjee Bhramar , Pharoah Paul D P , Wu Anna H , Pike Malcolm C , Webb Penelope M , Pearce Celeste Leigh
Published: August 2020

Background

Parity is associated with decreased risk of invasive ovarian cancer; however, the relationship between incomplete pregnancies and invasive ovarian cancer risk is unclear. This relationship was examined using 15 case-control studies from the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium (OCAC). Histotype-specific associations, which have not been examined previously with large sample sizes, were also evaluated.

Methods

A pooled analysis of 10 470 invasive epithelial ovarian cancer cases and 16 942 controls was conducted. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between incomplete pregnancies and invasive epithelial ovarian cancer were estimated using logistic regression. All models were conditioned on OCAC study, race and ethnicity, age, and education level and adjusted for number of complete pregnancies, oral contraceptive use, and history of breastfeeding. The same approach was used for histotype-specific analyses.

Results

Ever having an incomplete pregnancy was associated with a 16% reduction in ovarian cancer risk (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.79 to 0.89). There was a trend of decreasing risk with increasing number of incomplete pregnancies (2-sided Ptrend < .001). An inverse association was observed for all major histotypes; it was strongest for clear cell ovarian cancer.

Conclusions

Incomplete pregnancies are associated with a reduced risk of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer. Pregnancy, including incomplete pregnancy, was associated with a greater reduction in risk of clear cell ovarian cancer, but the result was broadly consistent across histotypes. Future work should focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying this reduced risk.
Poverty and Targeted Immunotherapy: Survival in Children’s Oncology Group Clinical Trials for High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Bona Kira , Li Yimei , Winestone Lena E , Getz Kelly D , Huang Yuan-Shung , Fisher Brian T , Desai Ami V , Richardson Troy , Hall Matt , Naranjo Arlene , Henderson Tara O , Aplenc Richard , Bagatell Rochelle
Published: August 2020

Background

Whether social determinants of health are associated with survival in the context of pediatric oncology–targeted immunotherapy trials is not known. We examined the association between poverty and event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for children with high-risk neuroblastoma treated in targeted immunotherapy trials.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 371 children with high-risk neuroblastoma treated with GD2-targeted immunotherapy in the Children’s Oncology Group trial ANBL0032 or ANBL0931 at a Pediatric Health Information System center from 2005 to 2014. Neighborhood poverty exposure was characterized a priori as living in a zip code with a median household income within the lowest quartile for the cohort. Household poverty exposure was characterized a priori as sole coverage by public insurance. Post hoc analyses examined the joint effect of neighborhood and household poverty using a common reference. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

In multivariable Cox regressions adjusted for disease and treatment factors, household poverty–exposed children experienced statistically significantly inferior EFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28 to 2.82, P = .001) and OS (HR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.63 to 4.79, P < .001) compared with unexposed children. Neighborhood poverty was not independently associated with EFS or OS. In post hoc analyses exploring the joint effect of neighborhood and household poverty, children with dual-poverty exposure (neighborhood poverty and household poverty) experienced statistically significantly inferior EFS (HR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.48 to 3.30, P < .001) and OS (HR = 3.70, 95% CI = 2.08 to 6.59, P < .001) compared with the unexposed group.

Conclusions

Poverty is independently associated with increased risk of relapse and death among neuroblastoma patients treated with targeted immunotherapy. Incorporation of social and environmental factors in future trials as health-care delivery intervention targets may increase the benefit of targeted therapies.
Temporal Trends in Opioid Prescribing Patterns Among Oncologists in the Medicare Population
Authors: Jairam Vikram , Yang Daniel X , Pasha Saamir , Soulos Pamela R , Gross Cary P , Yu James B , Park Henry S
Published: August 2020

Background

In the wake of the US opioid epidemic, there have been efforts to curb opioid prescribing. However, it is unknown whether these efforts have affected prescribing among oncologists, whose patients often require opioids for symptom management. We investigated temporal patterns in opioid prescribing for Medicare beneficiaries among oncologists and nononcologists.

Methods

We queried the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Part D prescriber dataset for all physicians between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017. We used population-averaged multivariable negative binomial regression to estimate the association between time and per-provider opioid and gabapentinoid prescribing rate, defined as the annual number of drug claims (original prescriptions and refills) per beneficiary, among oncologists and nononcologists on a national and state level.

Results

From 2013 to 2017, the national opioid-prescribing rate declined by 20.7% (P < .001) among oncologists and 22.8% (P < .001) among non oncologists. During this time frame, prescribing of gabapentin increased by 5.9% (P < .001) and 23.1% (P < .001) among oncologists and nononcologists, respectively. Among palliative care providers, opioid prescribe increased by 15.3% (P < .001). During the 5-year period, 43 states experienced a decrease (P < .05) in opioid prescribing among oncologists, and in 5 states, opioid prescribing decreased more among oncologists than nononcologists (P < .05).

Conclusions

Between 2013 and 2017, the opioid-prescribing rate statistically significantly decreased nationwide among oncologists and nononcologists, respectively. Given similar declines in opioid prescribing among oncologists and nononcologists, there is concern that opioid-prescribing guidelines intended for the noncancer population are being applied inappropriately to patients with cancer and cancer survivors.
The Tribunal with a Toolbox: On Perenco v Ecuador, Black Gold and Shades of Green
Authors: Rudall Jason
Published: August 2020

The Tribunal in Perenco v Ecuador utilized a variety of tools to craft solutions to the complex issues that arose in this milestone case. These ranged from provisional measures and counterclaims to independent experts and environmental compensation, as well as the adjustment of damages to avoid double recovery and contemplating an environmental remediation fund. This contribution zooms in on each of these aspects, placing them in their broader context and appraising how the Tribunal navigated the often-uncharted territory it was faced with, particularly from the perspective of the multifarious legitimacy concerns that are frequently levelled at investor-state dispute settlement. Views differ as to whether the Tribunal in this dispute was overly activist or prudently dealt with the unique matters at stake. In a case about black gold, Perenco v Ecuador suggests arbitral tribunals may be willing and able to engage with shades of green.
Hegemonic Field Effects in World Politics: The United States and the Schuman Plan of 1950
Authors: McCourt David M
Published: August 2020

This paper casts American influence over the Schuman Plan of May 1950 as a hegemonic field effect, pushing forward recent attempts to develop more dynamic models of hegemonic ordering in world politics. Far from an automatic enactment of US preferences for European unification by French policy-makers, as prevailing macro-level theories imply, the Schuman Plan—French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman's proposal to pool French and German coal and steel—was the product of a “structural homology” that developed between the French and American political fields after 1945. American officials in Paris, empowered by their control of Marshall Aid, fostered an alignment of the French and American political fields, empowering centrist coalitions and technocratic planners in France, who favored pro-capitalist, pro-European integration policies, of which the Schuman Plan was a signature artifact. The paper explores the implications of this historical case for the further development of relational meso-level theories of hegemony.
Administrative Capital and Citizens’ Responses to Administrative Burden
Authors: Masood Ayesha , Azfar Nisar Muhammad
Published: August 2020

Administrative burden research has highlighted the multiple costs imposed by public policies and their impact on citizens. However, the empirical understanding of citizens’ responses to such burdens remains limited. Using ethnographic data of doctors applying for maternity leave in Pakistan, this article documents strategies used by citizens to navigate the administrative burden faced by them. Our findings suggest that these strategies are based on an individual’s cache of social, cultural capital, and economic capital. Based on our data, we also theorize the significance of another form of capital for navigating administrative burden. This administrative capital is defined as an individual’s understanding of bureaucratic rules, processes, and behaviors. Our findings further illustrate that the different costs imposed by public policies can be interchangeable, which may be used by citizens to their advantage. Propositions for future research on the intersection of different forms capital and administrative burden are also included.
Riparian plant species differ in sensitivity to both the mean and variance in groundwater stores
Authors: Steinberg Kelly A , Eichhorst Kim D , Rudgers Jennifer A
Published: August 2020

Aims

Determining the ecological consequences of interactions between slow changes in long-term climate means and amplified variability in climate is an important research frontier in plant ecology. We combined the recent approach of climate sensitivity functions with a revised hydrological ‘bucket model’ to improve predictions on how plant species will respond to changes in the mean and variance of groundwater resources.

Methods

We leveraged spatiotemporal variation in long-term datasets of riparian vegetation cover and groundwater levels to build the first groundwater sensitivity functions for common plant species of dryland riparian corridors. Our results demonstrate the value of this approach to identifying which plant species will thrive (or fail) in an increasingly variable climate layered with declining groundwater stores.

Important Findings

Riparian plant species differed in sensitivity to both the mean and variance in groundwater levels. Rio Grande cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. wislizenii) cover was predicted to decline with greater inter-annual groundwater variance, while coyote willow (Salix exigua) and other native wetland species were predicted to benefit from greater year-to-year variance. No non-native species were sensitive to groundwater variance, but patterns for Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) predict declines under deeper mean groundwater tables. Warm air temperatures modulated groundwater sensitivity for cottonwood, which was more sensitive to variability in groundwater in years/sites with warmer maximum temperatures than in cool sites/periods. Cottonwood cover declined most with greater intra-annual coefficients of variation (CV) in groundwater, but was not significantly correlated with inter-annual CV, perhaps due to the short time series (16 years) relative to cottonwood lifespan. In contrast, non-native tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis) cover increased with both intra- and inter-annual CV in groundwater. Altogether, our results predict that changes in groundwater variability and mean will affect riparian plant communities through the differential sensitivities of individual plant species to mean versus variance in groundwater stores.
Predicting BMI in Young Children with Developmental Delay and Externalizing Problems: Links with Caregiver Depressive Symptoms and Acculturation
Authors: Heflin Brynna H , Comer Jonathan S , Bagner Daniel M
Published: August 2020

Background

Caregiver depression is associated with increased risk for childhood obesity. However, studies assessing the relation between caregiver depression and childhood obesity have focused primarily on typically developing, school-aged children and have not examined the influence of cultural factors.

Objectives

To evaluate the association between caregiver depressive symptoms and body mass index (BMI) scores in young children with developmental delay (DD) and externalizing behavior problems, as well as the moderating role of acculturation and enculturation on this association.

Methods

We examined the association between caregiver depressive symptoms and child BMI scores in 147 3-year-old children with DD and elevated levels of externalizing behavior problems. Caregivers of all participating children self-identified as coming from cultural minority backgrounds. We also examined the association between caregiver depressive symptoms and child BMI across levels of caregiver acculturation and enculturation.

Results

Higher levels of caregiver depressive symptoms were associated with higher child BMI scores (b = .189, p = .001). Acculturation significantly moderated the association between caregiver depressive symptoms and child BMI scores (b = .21, p = .01), such that the association was stronger for more acculturated caregivers. Enculturation was not a significant moderator.

Conclusions

Caregiver depressive symptoms may confer elevated risk for child obesity when caregivers are highly acculturated to the United States, suggesting clinicians should consider levels of acculturation to optimize services for children and families from cultural minority backgrounds.
Children's Road-Crossing Behavior: Emotional Decision Making and Emotion-Based Temperamental Fear and Anger
Authors: Hashemi Juzdani Mahboobeh , Morgan Casie H , Schwebel David C , Tabibi Zahra
Published: August 2020

Objective

Child pedestrian injuries represent a global public health burden. To date, most research on psychosocial factors affecting children’s risk of pedestrian injury focused on cognitive aspects of children’s functioning in traffic. Recent evidence suggests, however, that emotional aspects such as temperament-based fear and anger/frustration, as well as executive function-based emotional decision making, may also affect children’s safety in traffic. This study examined the role of emotions on children’s pedestrian behavior. Three hypotheses were considered: (a) emotion-based temperament factors of fear and anger/frustration will predict children’s risky decisions and behaviors; (b) emotional decision making will predict risky pedestrian decisions and behaviors; and (c) children’s pedestrian decision making will mediate relations between emotion and risky pedestrian behavior. The role of gender was also considered.

Methods

In total, 140 6- to 7-year-old children (M = 6.7 years, SD = 0.39; 51% girls) participated. Parent-report subscales of Child Behavior Questionnaire measured temperamental fear and anger/frustration. The Hungry Donkey Task, a modified version of Iowa Gambling Task for children, measured children’s emotional decision making, and a mobile virtual reality pedestrian environment measured child pedestrian behavior.

Results

Greater anger/frustration, lesser fear, and more emotional decision making all predicted poorer pedestrian decision making. The mediational model demonstrated that pedestrian decision making, as assessed by delays entering safe traffic gaps, mediated the relation between emotion and risky pedestrian behavior. Analyses stratified by gender showed stronger mediation results for girls than for boys.

Conclusions

These results support the influence of emotions on child pedestrian behavior and reinforce the need to incorporate emotion regulation training into child pedestrian education programs.
Design of a new breast vacuum bag to reduce the global and local setup errors and to reduce PTV margin in post-mastectomy radiation therapy
Authors: Shen Konglong , Xiong Jie , Wang Zhiguo , Wang Weifeng , Li Wan , Zhou Jidan , Deng Zhonghua , Li Bin , Zhong Renming
Published: August 2020

To design a new breast vacuum bag to reduce global and local setup errors in post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). A total of 24 PMRT patients were immobilized with an old vacuum bag and 26 PMRT patients were immobilized with a new vacuum bag. The registration results were analysed using four regions of interest (ROI): the global ROI [including the whole region of the planning target volume (PTV), GROI], the supraclavicular area (SROI), the ipsilateral chest wall region (CROI) and the ipsilateral arm region (AROI). The global and local setup errors of the two groups were compared. The global setup errors of the new vacuum group were significantly smaller than those in the old vacuum group with the exception of yaw axes (P < 0.05). The systematic error (Σ) and random error (σ) ranged from 1.21 to 2.13 mm. In the new vacuum group, the local setup errors in the medial-lateral (ML) direction and roll axes for CROI (the Σ and σ ranged from 0.65 to 1.35 mm), and the local setup errors in ML and superior-inferior (SI) directions for SROI were significantly smaller than those in the old vacuum group. The total required PTV margins for the chest wall in ML, SI, and anterior-posterior (AP) were 4.40, 3.12 and 3.77 mm respectively. The new vacuum bag can significantly reduce the global setup errors and local setup errors in PMRT. The respiratory motion of the chest wall was negligible, and the 5 mm PTV margin could cover the local setup errors in PMRT using the new vacuum bag with cone beam CT (CBCT) correction.
An intraoperative diagnosis of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis: a case report
Authors: Sivakumar Jonathan , Brown Gregor , Galea Laurence , Choi Julian
Published: August 2020

Primary sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is an idiopathic and rare condition characterized by chronic peritoneal inflammation. We describe the case of an intraoperative diagnosis of SEP, presenting as a mimicker of small bowel obstruction. The patient was a 59-year-old male with suspected small bowel obstruction. On exploratory laparotomy, it was noted that there was thick fibrous tissue involving the visceral and parietal peritoneum enveloping grossly dilated loops of small bowel. This case reports on the histopathological features of peritoneal biopsies as well as radiological findings. There is no consensus regarding the standard management for idiopathic SEP. The present case demonstrates a significant improvement in the patient’s condition with conservative management alone. A critical teaching point is that in the absence of an obvious cause, SEP is a rare but important differential diagnosis for surgeons to consider in the context of recurrent bowel obstruction.
Meckel’s Diverticulitis. A rare cause of small bowel obstruction
Authors: Skarpas Andreas , Siaperas Petros , Zoikas Athanasios , Griva Emmanouela , Kyriazis Ioannis , Velimezis Georgios , Karanikas Ioannis
Published: August 2020

Meckel’s Diverticulum is a sac-like protrusion of the intestinal wall. It is located at 40–60 cm from the caecum. In the majority of cases, Meckel’s Diverticulum is clinically silent, while complications are found in 4% of the population. Complicated diverticulitis is associated with the formation of abscess, fistula, bowel obstruction or frank perforation. We present a case of a 63-year-old woman with a distended abdomen, pain in the lower right abdominal quadrant, fever 37°C and where emergency exploratory laparotomy revealed that obstruction was caused by a bowel loop trapped by a mesenterium-diverticular band.
Reconstruction of facial dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans using an anterolateral thigh flap: a case report and literature review
Authors: Besharah Bayan O , Ghazzawi Raghad A , AL-kaff Haddad H , Abdelmonim Sherif K , Al-Essa Mohammad A
Published: August 2020

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare, locally aggressive cutaneous malignancy with a high rate of recurrence if the head-and-neck region is involved. Treatment is challenging as it is difficult to avoid poor aesthetic and functional outcomes using the standard approach of complete resection with negative margins and subsequent reconstruction. This is especially challenging in cases where the face is involved and the defect is large after resection. There have been few cases of reconstruction using different flaps reported. We present the case of a young lady with a large cheek tumor, which was reconstructed using an anterolateral thigh flap. Excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes were achieved.
Boosted Kernel Weighting – Using Statistical Learning to Improve Inference from Nonprobability Samples
Authors: Kern Christoph , Li Yan , Wang Lingxiao
Published: August 2020

Given the growing popularity of nonprobability samples as a cost- and time-efficient alternative to probability sampling, a variety of adjustment approaches have been proposed to correct for self-selection bias in nonrandom samples. Popular methods such as inverse propensity-score weighting (IPSW) and propensity-score (PS) adjustment by subclassification (PSAS) utilize a probability sample as a reference to estimate pseudo-weights for the nonprobability sample based on PSs. A recent contribution, kernel weighting (KW), has been shown to be able to improve over IPSW and PSAS with respect to mean squared error. However, the effectiveness of these methods for reducing bias critically depends on the ability of the underlying propensity model to reflect the true (self-)selection process, which is a challenging task with parametric regression. In this study, we propose a set of pseudo-weights construction methods, KW-ML, utilizing both machine learning (ML) methods (to estimate PSs) and KW (to construct pseudo-weights based on the ML-estimated PSs), which provides added flexibility over logistic regression-based methods. We compare the proposed KW-ML pseudo-weights that are based on model-based recursive partitioning, conditional random forests, gradient tree boosting, and model-based boosting, with KW pseudo-weights based on parametric logistic regression in population mean estimation via simulations and a real data example. Our results indicate that particularly boosting methods represent promising alternatives to logistic regression and result in KW estimates with lower bias in a variety of settings, without increasing variance.
Evaluation of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Interleukin-35 Serum Levels in Patients with Placenta Accreta
Authors: Khamoushi Tayyebe , Ahmadi Moslem , Ali-Hassanzadeh Mohammad , Zare Maryam , Hesampour Fateme , Gharesi-Fard Behrouz , Amooee Sedigheh
Published: August 2020

Objective

Placenta accreta is a pregnancy-related disorder with extreme trophoblast invasion and the adherence of the placenta to the uterine wall. This study aimed to investigate the serum level of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin (IL)-35 in patients with placenta accreta.

Methods

Thirty-one women with placenta accreta and 57 healthy pregnant women were enrolled. The serum levels of TGF-β1 and IL-35 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

Results

The serum levels of both TGF-β and IL-35 were significantly higher in the placenta accreta group compared with the group of healthy women (1082.48 pg/mL vs 497.33 pg/mL and 4541.14 pg/mL vs 1306.04 pg/mL; P <.001, respectively). Moreover, the level of TGF-β1 positively correlated with the IL-35 level but other factors such as age, gestations, live births, and abortions did not correlate with IL-35 and TGF-β1 levels.

Conclusion

The serum levels of IL-35 and TGF-β1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of placenta accreta and could be considered as potential targets in clinical and diagnostic approaches.
Renegotiating family: Social media and forced migration
Authors: Marlowe Jay , Bruns Rachel
Published: August 2020

The increasing, although uneven, trends of global connectivity and uptake of mobile devices have growing implications for local and transnational family relationships and activities. For refugees and their families separated by physical geography and conflict, social media platforms can effectively bridge, and at times collapse, the distance between ‘here’ and ‘there’. Offering a range of audio-, video-, and text-based interaction, these platforms represent a portal to engage with transnational family. Drawing upon a digital ethnography of resettled refugees over the course of a year using online methods, this article examines how the general ubiquity of connective media in New Zealand has created opportunities for co-presence with overseas family and how this impacts close proximal relationships. This article explores these tensions—the possibilities for connection and co-presence alongside its associated challenges, burdens, and affective paradoxes—to unpack the implications, positive and negative, as to how resettled refugees living in New Zealand use social media to practise family.
Dwarfs in the Milky Way halo outer rim: first infall or backsplash satellites?
Authors: Blaña Matías , Burkert Andreas , Fellhauer Michael , Schartmann Marc , Alig Christian
Published: August 2020

Leo T is a gas-rich dwarf located at $414\, {\rm kpc}$ (1.4Rvir) distance from the Milky Way (MW) and it is currently assumed to be on its first approach. Here, we present an analysis of orbits calculated backwards in time for the dwarf with our new code delorean, exploring a range of systematic uncertainties, e.g.  MW virial mass and accretion, M31 potential, and cosmic expansion. We discover that orbits with tangential velocities in the Galactic standard-of-rest frame lower than $| \vec{u}_{\rm t}^{\rm GSR}| \le 63^{+47}_{-39}\, {\rm km}\, {\rm s}^{\rm -1}$ result in backsplash solutions, i.e. orbits that entered and left the MW dark matter halo in the past, and that velocities above $| \vec{u}_{\rm t}^{\rm GSR}| \ge 21^{+33}_{-21}\, {\rm km}\, {\rm s}^{\rm -1}$ result in wide-orbit backsplash solutions with a minimum pericentre range of $D_{\rm min} \ge 38^{+26}_{-16}\, {\rm kpc}$, which would allow this satellite to survive gas stripping and tidal disruption. Moreover, new proper motion estimates overlap with our orbital solution regions. We applied our method to other distant MW satellites, finding a range of gas stripped backsplash solutions for the gasless Cetus and Eridanus II, providing a possible explanation for their lack of cold gas, while only first infall solutions are found for the H i-rich Phoenix I. We also find that the cosmic expansion can delay their first pericentre passage when compared to the non-expanding scenario. This study explores the provenance of these distant dwarfs and provides constraints on the environmental and internal processes that shaped their evolution and current properties.
Stellar populations and physical properties of starbursts in the antennae galaxy from self-consistent modelling of MUSE spectra
Authors: Gunawardhana M L P , Brinchmann J , Weilbacher P M , Norberg P , Monreal-Ibero A , Nanayakkara T , den Brok M , Boogaard L , Kollatschny W
Published: August 2020

We have modelled the stellar and nebular continua and emission-line intensity ratios of massive stellar populations in the Antennae galaxy using high resolution and self-consistent libraries of model H ii regions around central clusters of ageing stars. The model libraries are constructed using the stellar population synthesis code, starburst99, and photoionization model, and cloudy. The Geneva and PARSEC stellar evolutionary models are plugged into starburst99 to allow comparison between the two models. Using a spectrum-fitting methodology that allows the spectral features in the stellar and nebular continua [e.g. Wolf–Rayet (WR) features, Paschen jump], and emission-line diagnostics to constrain the models, we apply the libraries to the high-resolution Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer spectra of the starbursting regions in the Antennae galaxy. Through this approach, we were able to model the continuum emission from WR stars and extract stellar and gas metallicities, ages, electron temperatures, and densities of starbursts by exploiting the full spectrum. From the application to the Antennae galaxy, we find that (1) the starbursts in the Antennae galaxy are characterized by stellar and gas metallicities of around solar, (2) the star-forming gas in starbursts in the Western loop of NGC 4038 appears to be more enriched, albeit slightly, than the rest of galaxy, (3) the youngest starbursts are found across the overlap region and over parts of the western-loop, though in comparison, the regions in the western-loop appear to be at a slightly later stage in star formation than the overlap region, and (4) the results obtained from fitting the Geneva and Parsec models are largely consistent.
X-ray spectral and timing evolution of MAXI J1727–203 with NICER
Authors: Alabarta K , Altamirano D , Méndez M , Cúneo V A , Zhang L , Remillard R , Castro A , Ludlam R M , Steiner J F , Enoto T , Homan J , Arzoumanian Z , Bult P , Gendreau K C , Markwardt C , Strohmayer T E , Uttley P , Tombesi F , Buisson D J K
Published: August 2020

We present a detailed X-ray spectral and variability study of the full 2018 outburst of MAXI J1727–203 using NICER observations. The outburst lasted approximately four months. Spectral modelling in the 0.3–10 keV band shows the presence of both a soft thermal and a hard Comptonised component. The analysis of these components shows that MAXI J1727–203 evolved through the soft, intermediate, and hard spectral states during the outburst. We find that the soft (disc) component was detected throughout almost the entire outburst, with temperatures ranging from ∼0.4 keV, at the moment of maximum luminosity, to ∼0.1 keV near the end of the outburst. The power spectrum in the hard and intermediate states shows broad-band noise up to 20 Hz, with no evidence of quasi-periodic oscillations. We also study the rms spectra of the broad-band noise at 0.3−10 keV of this source. We find that the fractional rms increases with energy in most of the outburst except during the hard state, where the fractional rms remains approximately constant with energy. We also find that, below 3 keV, the fractional rms follows the same trend generally observed at energies >3 keV, a behaviour known from previous studies of black holes and neutron stars. The spectral and timing evolution of MAXI J1727–203, as parametrised by the hardness–intensity, hardness–rms, and rms–intensity diagrams, suggest that the system hosts a black hole, although we could not rule out a neutron star.
Clues on the history of early-type galaxies from SDSS spectra and GALEX photometry
Authors: Werle A , Cid Fernandes R , Vale Asari N , Coelho P R T , Bruzual G , Charlot S , de Carvalho R R , Herpich F R , Mendes de Oliveira C , Sodré L , Ruschel-Dutra D , de Amorim A , Sampaio V M
Published: August 2020

Stellar population studies of early-type galaxies (ETGs) based on their optical stellar continuum suggest that these are quiescent systems. However, emission lines and ultraviolet photometry reveal a diverse population. We use a new version of the starlight spectral synthesis code and state-of-the-art stellar population models to simultaneously fit Sloan Digital Sky Survey spectra and Galaxy Evolution Explorer photometry for a sample of 3453 galaxies at z < 0.1 with near ultraviolet (NUV) − r > 5 that are classified as elliptical by Galaxy Zoo. We reproduce far ultraviolet (FUV) magnitudes for 80 per cent of UV upturn galaxies selected using criteria from the literature, suggesting that additional stellar population ingredients such as binaries and extreme horizontal branch stars may have a limited contribution to the UV upturn. The addition of ultraviolet data leads to a broadening of the distributions of mean stellar ages, metallicities, and attenuation. Stellar populations younger than $1\,$ Gyr are required to reproduce the ultraviolet emission in 17 per cent of our sample. These systems represent 43 per cent of the sample at 5 < NUV − r < 5.5 and span the same stellar mass range as other ETGs in our sample. ETGs with young stellar components have larger H α equivalent widths (WH α) and larger dust attenuation. Emission line ratios and WH α indicate that the ionizing source in these systems is a mixture of young and old stellar populations. Their young stellar populations are metal-poor, especially for high-mass galaxies, indicating recent star formation associated with rejuvenation events triggered by external processes, such as minor mergers.