bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and the risk of urosepsis: A multi‐site, prevalent new‐user cohort study
Authors: Fisher Anat , Fralick Michael , Filion Kristian B. , Dell'Aniello Sophie , Douros Antonios , Tremblay Éric , Shah Baiju R. , Ronksley Paul E. , Alessi‐Severini Silvia , Hu Nianping , Bugden Shawn C. , Ernst Pierre , Lix Lisa M. ,   for the Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effect Studies (CNODES) Investigators
Published: May 2020

Aim

To compare urosepsis rates in patients with type 2 diabetes treated using sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4i) in a real‐world setting.

Methods

We conducted a matched cohort study using a prevalent new‐user design with time‐conditional propensity scores. New users of SGLT2i from seven Canadian provinces and the UK were matched to DPP4i users. The primary outcome was hospitalization with a diagnosis of urosepsis and the secondary outcome was Fournier's gangrene. Site‐specific hazard ratios for urosepsis comparing SGLT2i with DPP4i were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models and pooled using a random effects meta‐analysis.

Results

We included 208 244 users of SGLT2i and 208 244 users of DPP4i. Among SGLT2i users, 42% initiated canagliflozin, 31% dapagliflozin and 27% empagliflozin. During a mean follow‐up of 0.9 years, patients initiating SGLT2i had a lower rate of urosepsis compared with those receiving DPP4i. The pooled adjusted hazard ratio was 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42‐0.80). The incidence rates of Fournier's gangrene were numerically similar in SGLT2i (0.08 per 1000 person‐years; 95% CI: 0.05‐0.13) and DPP4i users (0.14; 95% CI: 0.09‐0.21).

Conclusions

In this large, multi‐site study, we did not observe an increased risk for urosepsis associated with SGLT2i compared with DPP4i among patients with type 2 diabetes in a real‐world setting.
The influence of seasonal migration on range size in temperate North American passerines
Authors: Pegan Teresa M. , Winger Benjamin M.
Published: May 2020

Seasonal migration has been alternately proposed to promote geographic range size in some contexts and to constrain it in others, but it remains unclear if migratory behavior has a general effect on range size. Because migration involves movement, most hypotheses about the relationship between migration and range size invoke an influence of migration on the process of dispersal‐mediated range expansion. Intuitively, a positive relationship between migratory behavior and dispersal ability could bolster range expansion among migratory species, yet some biogeographic patterns suggest that long‐distance migration may instead impede range expansion, especially in the temperate zone. We conducted a comparative analysis of the relationship between migratory behavior and range size by testing the effect of migratory status, migration distance and morphological dispersal ability on breeding range size among all temperate North American passerines. Further, we assessed whether these traits affect range expansion into suitable habitat by analyzing their relationship with range filling (the proportion of climatically‐suitable area occupied, or ‘filled’ by a species). Contrary to previous studies, we found migration and dispersal ability to be poor predictors of range size and range filling in North America. Rather, most variation in range size is explained by latitude. Our results suggest that migratory behavior does not affect range size within the scale of a continent, and furthermore, that temperate North American passerines’ breeding ranges are not influenced by their dispersal abilities. To better understand why migratory behavior appears to promote range size in some contexts and constrain it in others, future studies should investigate how migratory behavior affects dispersal at the individual level, as well as the relationship between the evolution of migratory behavior and the breadth of species’ climatic niches.
Uncertainties associated with trophic discrimination factor and body size complicate calculation of δ15N‐derived trophic positions in Arapaima sp.
Authors: Jacobi Cristina Mariana , Villamarín Francisco , Jardine Timothy D. , Magnusson William Ernest
Published: May 2020

Stable isotope ratios of nitrogen (δ15N) have been used to estimate trophic position (TP) of organisms due to the predictable enrichment of nitrogen‐15 in consumer tissues relative to their diet. We explored estimates of trophic position using liver and muscle δ15N and stomach content analysis in a broad size range of Arapaima sp. from Amazonian floodplain lakes. Estimates of TP based on liver δ15N were more closely related to the stomach content data than estimates based on muscle δ15N, possibly because of the higher turnover of nitrogen in liver. Total length and season explained most of the variation in TP values estimated from δ15N, showing that they have more effect than prey trophic position on δ15N values. The TP estimated by identification of stomach content was 3.6 and was unrelated to the size of the arapaima. This highlights the need for a better understanding of the factors that affect values of δ15N and stomach content analysis is still needed to unravel the trophic ecology of predatory fishes.
Sex differences in acute ischaemic stroke patients: clinical presentation, causes and outcomes
Authors: Medlin F. , Amiguet M. , Eskandari A. , Michel P.
Published: May 2020

Background and purpose

The aim was to investigate sex differences in the causes, clinical presentation, outcome and stroke recurrences in a large cohort of consecutive acute ischaemic stroke patients.

Methods

Patients from the Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne were included from March 2003 to April 2016. Multivariate analysis of clinical, pathophysiological and biological variables was conducted. The 12‐month functional outcome using modified Rankin Scale shift analysis, 12‐month mortality and cerebrovascular recurrences were compared after adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

From 3993 patients, 44% were female, were older and had more pre‐stroke handicap than male patients. In the multivariate analysis, higher frequencies of several comorbidities were observed in women (migraine, hypothyroidism, depression/psychotic disorders) and of risk factors in men (more past cerebrovascular events, coronary artery disease, low cardiac ejection fraction, alcohol abuse and active cancer). Women had a lower body mass index and more pretreatment with antihypertensive drugs but less with antidiabetic/lipid‐lowering or antiplatelet drugs. Stroke severity was higher in women, but men had more cerebellar signs. Stroke due to atherosclerosis, small vessel disease or multiple origins was less frequent in women. In the adjusted 12‐month modified Rankin Scale shift analysis, female sex was associated with less favourable functional outcome (odds ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.35), whilst 12‐month mortality (hazard ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.86–1.19) and cerebrovascular recurrences (hazard ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 0.9–1.45) were similar.

Conclusions

In this retrospective analysis of consecutive acute ischaemic stroke patients, women had higher age, more pre‐stroke handicap and less atherosclerotic, lacunar or multiple stroke mechanisms. Female sex was associated with higher levels of long‐term disability than men, but mortality and cerebrovascular recurrences were not significantly different.
Cancer therapy: Attempt cure or manage drug resistance?
Authors: Hansen Elsa , Read Andrew F.
Published: May 2020

Cancer treatment is often aimed at achieving rapid, large, and sustained reductions in tumor burden. Even when these strong responses are achieved, treatment frequently fails due to the emergence of drug‐resistant cell lineages. Over the last decade, a variety of authors have suggested that treatment should instead be aimed at containing resistance rather than curing the patient. That new philosophy poses a dilemma: how to choose between treatment regimens that can sometimes cure the patient and regimens that can delay progression but not cure the patient? Here, we investigate that choice. We define aspects of the evolution and ecology of tumor dynamics that determine whether it is better to attempt cure or to manage resistance. Even when it is possible to manage resistance and delay progression, this may not be the best treatment option. We show that the best option depends on how “cure” and “delaying progression” are prioritized, and how those priorities will vary among patients. We also discuss the difficulties of comparing in clinical trials traditional strategies that can sometimes successfully cure to alternative approaches where cure is not possible. More generally, where resistance management is possible, there are new challenges in communicating options to patients, setting treatment guidelines, and evaluating data from clinical trials.
Ectopic GABAA receptor β3 subunit determines Cl−/‐ATPase and chloride transport in HEK 293FT cells
Authors: Menzikov Sergey A. , Zaichenko Danila M. , Moskovtsev Aleksey A. , Morozov Sergey G. , Kubatiev Aslan A.
Published: May 2020

Neuronal intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl−]i) is a crucial determinant of transmission mediated by the γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR), which subserves synaptic and extrasynaptic inhibition as well as excitation. The Cl− ion is the main carrier of charge through the GABAAR; however, bicarbonate ions (

) flowing in the opposite direction can also contribute to the net current. The direction of Cl− and

fluxes is determined by the underlying electrochemical gradient, which is controlled by Cl− transporters and channels. Accumulating evidence suggests that active mechanisms of chloride transport across the GABAAR pore can underlie the regulation of [Cl−]i. Measurement of Cl−/

‐ATPase activity and Cl− transport in HEK 293FT cells expressing homomeric or heteromeric GABAAR ensembles (α2, β3, or γ2) with fluorescent dye for chloride demonstrated that receptor subtypes containing the β3 subunit show enzymatic activity and participate in GABA‐mediated or ATP‐dependent Cl− transport. GABA‐mediated flow of Cl− ions into and out of the cells occurred for a short time period but then rapidly declined. However, Cl− ion flux was stabilized for a long time period in the presence of

ions. The reconstituted β3 subunit isoform, purified as a fusion protein, confirmed that β3 is critical for ATPase; however, only the triplet variant showed the full receptor function. The high sensitivity of the enzyme to γ‐phosphate inhibitors led us to postulate that the β3 subunit is catalytic. Our discovery of a GABAAR type that requires ATP consumption for chloride movement provides new insight into the molecular mechanisms of inhibitory signaling.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses of cocaine and its metabolites in behaviorally divergent inbred mouse strains
Authors: Zhu Jing , Beechinor Ryan J. , Thompson Trey , Schorzman Allison N. , Zamboni William , Crona Daniel J. , Weiner Daniel L. , Tarantino Lisa M.
Published: May 2020

Cocaine (COC) is a psychostimulant with a high potential for abuse and addiction. Risk for COC use disorder is driven, in part, by genetic factors. Animal models of addiction‐relevant behaviors have proven useful for studying both genetic and nongenetic contributions to drug response. In a previous study, we examined initial locomotor sensitivity to COC in genetically diverse inbred mouse strains. That work highlighted the relevance of pharmacokinetics (PK) in initial locomotor response to COC but was limited by a single dose and two sampling points. The objective of the present study was to characterize the PK and pharmacodynamics of COC and its metabolites (norcocaine and benzoylecgonine) in six inbred mouse strains (I/LnJ, C57BL/6J, FVB/NJ, BTBR T+ tf/J, LG/J and LP/J) that exhibit extreme locomotor responses to cocaine. Mice were administered COC at one of four doses and concentrations of cocaine, norcocaine and benzoylecgonine were analyzed in both plasma and brain tissue at 5 different time points. Initial locomotor sensitivity to COC was used as a pharmacodynamic endpoint. We developed an empirical population PK model that simultaneously characterizes cocaine, norcocaine and benzoylecgonine in plasma and brain tissues. We observed interstrain variability occurring in the brain compartment that may contribute to pharmacodynamic differences among select strains. Our current work paves the way for future studies to explore strain‐specific pharmacokinetic differences and identify factors other than PK that are responsible for the diverse behavioral response to COC across these inbred mouse strains.
A revised model of experiential learning with a debriefing checklist
Authors: Matsuo Makoto , Nagata Masaki
Published: May 2020

Although Kolb’s experiential learning model has been widely used and remains among the most influential frameworks in the fields of human resource development, management education and higher education, it has been criticized for failing to propose a second‐order learning process. The purpose of this study was to revise Kolb’s model by addressing its limitations. The revised model consists of (1) expected and unexpected experiences, (2) the management of emotions, (3) reflective analysis, (4) abstract conceptualization, (5) unlearning, and (6) active experimentation. Developed from the revised model, we created a checklist for debriefing experience‐based training programs. The contribution of this study is its development of a framework and a checklist for deep experiential learning.
Photocatalytic plate‐like La2Ti2O7 nanoparticles synthesized via liquid‐feed flame spray pyrolysis (LF‐FSP) of metallo‐organic precursors
Authors: Abe Yoshiyuki , Laine Richard M.
Published: May 2020

Nanoparticles (NPs) of a perovskite‐slab‐type oxide, La2Ti2O7, were synthesized using LF‐FSP coupled with subsequent heat treatments, and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated using decolorization of methyl orange solution under Uv irradiation. The LF‐FSP process used metallo‐organic precursors to produce NPs with very low agglomeration with average particle sizes (APSs) of 26 nm (LF‐FSP NP). Optimized heat treatment of these NPs at 1000°C/3 h/air gave small, plate‐like NPs with high crystallinity, and BET specific surface areas (SSAs) of 14 m2/g, that exhibited the best observed photocatalytic activity. High‐angle annular dark‐field scanning TEM showed that heat‐treating eliminates microstructural defects in these NPs, improving photocatalytic activity by ≈30%. The current approach to perovskite‐slab‐type NPs using LF‐FSP provides a simple route to materials with superior photocatalytic activity and offers the advantage of good productivity, 30 g/h.
A high‐performance solid oxide fuel cell with a layered electrolyte for reduced temperatures
Authors: Liu Mingfei , Uba Franklin , Liu Ying
Published: May 2020

The application of conventional zirconia‐based electrolytes is limited to relatively high temperatures (ie > 750°C) due to their poor conductivities at low temperatures. Doped ceria has much higher conductivities; however, when exposed to fuel, electronic current develops within the material, which impairs cell performance and efficiency. Herein, we report a novel layered electrolyte structure consisting of a 10 µm samaria‐doped ceria primary layer and a 2 µm scandia‐ceria‐stabilized zirconia protection layer on the fuel side. The cell had five layers and was fabricated using a tape casting and ultrasonic spraying technique. By carefully selecting the raw materials, the bilyer electrolyte was sintered to full density at a low temperature of 1250°C. The adverse interdiffusion and undesirable reactions between the two layers were largely avoided. A fuel cell with the layered electrolyte structure, operated on hydrogen fuel, produced a high open circuit voltage 1.07 V and a power density of 321 mW/cm2 at 0.8 V and 600°C, 76% improvement compared to the fuel cell with a scandia‐stabilized zirconia/samaria‐doped ceria bilayer electrolyte reported in literature.
The role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, NO and H2S in ischaemia/reperfusion injury and cardioprotection
Authors: Andreadou Ioanna , Schulz Rainer , Papapetropoulos Andreas , Turan Belma , Ytrehus Kirsti , Ferdinandy Peter , Daiber Andreas , Di Lisa Fabio
Published: May 2020

Redox signalling in mitochondria plays an important role in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and in cardioprotection. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) modify cellular structures and functions by means of covalent changes in proteins including among others S‐nitros(yl)ation by nitric oxide (NO) and its derivatives, and S‐sulphydration by hydrogen sulphide (H2S). Many enzymes are involved in the mitochondrial formation and handling of ROS, NO and H2S under physiological and pathological conditions. In particular, the balance between formation and removal of reactive species is impaired during I/R favouring their accumulation. Therefore, various interventions aimed at decreasing mitochondrial ROS accumulation have been developed and have shown cardioprotective effects in experimental settings. However, ROS, NO and H2S play also a role in endogenous cardioprotection, as in the case of ischaemic pre‐conditioning, so that preventing their increase might hamper self‐defence mechanisms. The aim of the present review was to provide a critical analysis of formation and role of reactive species, NO and H2S in mitochondria, with a special emphasis on mechanisms of injury and protection that determine the fate of hearts subjected to I/R. The elucidation of the signalling pathways of ROS, NO and H2S is likely to reveal novel molecular targets for cardioprotection that could be modulated by pharmacological agents to prevent I/R injury.
Editorial Perspective: The autism waitlist crisis and remembering what families need
Authors: Kanne Stephen M. , Bishop Somer L.
Published: May 2020

Differential diagnosis of autism is very complex. Best practice guidelines in the US encourage the use of specialized tools by a highly trained provider. The need for this comprehensive evaluation, coupled with the increase in autism prevalence and awareness, has led to alarmingly long wait times for diagnostic evaluations. Several solutions are currently being researched to remedy this problem and relieve the pressure, including testing new devices or procedures that can speed up the diagnostic process. Creative solutions are welcomed; however, we urge caution in the use of new devices and methods without being fully vetted. Moreover, a quality assessment provides much more than just a designation of whether or not autism is present. Thus, even in cases when alternative means could be used to more quickly arrive at a diagnosis, a comprehensive assessment with a trained clinician is needed to guide recommendations and ongoing care.
Novel model of restricted mobility induced osteopenia in zebrafish
Authors: Khajuria Deepak Kumar , Karasik David
Published: May 2020

Immobilization, such as prolonged bed rest, is a risk factor for bone loss in humans. Motivated by the emerging utility of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal of choice for the study of musculoskeletal disease, here we report a model of restricted mobility induced osteopenia in adult zebrafish. Aquatic tanks with small cubical compartments to restrict the movement and locomotion of single fish were designed and fabricated for this study. Adult zebrafish were divided into two groups: a normal control (CONT) and a restricted mobility group (RMG) (18 fish/group). Six fish from each group were euthanized on days 14, 21 and 35 of the movement restriction. By using microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT), we assessed bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) and bone density in the whole skeleton of the fish. Furthermore, we assessed skeletal shape in the vertebrae (radius, length, volume, neural and haemal arch aperture areas, neural and haemal arch angle, and thickness of the intervertebral space), single vertebra bone volume and bone density. Movement restriction significantly decreased vertebral skeletal parameters such as radius, length, volume, arch aperture areas and angles as well as the thickness of the intervertebral space in RMG. Furthermore, restricted mobility significantly (P < 0.001) decreased BV/TV and bone density as compared to the CONT group, starting as early as 14 days. By analysing zebrafish from CONT and RMG, we show that micro‐CT imaging is a sensitive method to quantify distinct skeletal properties in zebrafish. We further defined the micro‐CT parameters which can be used to examine the effects of restricted mobility on the skeleton of the fish. Our findings propose a rapid and effective osteopenia “stabulation” model, which could be used widely for osteoporosis drug screening.
Field studies of seahorse population density, structure and habitat use in a semi‐closed north‐eastern Mediterranean marine area (Stratoni, North Aegean Sea)
Authors: Correia Miguel , Paulo Diogo , Samara Elina , Koulouri Panayota , Mentogiannis Vasilis , Dounas Costas
Published: May 2020

The present study was carried out in the marine area of Stratoni, Greece, where two seahorse species are present (Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus). Two surveys were conducted (September 2016 and May 2019) to gather information regarding seahorse species' abundance, distribution and habitat characteristics. Four different seahorse natural and artificial habitat types were identified. The results revealed that the presence of H. hippocampus was relatively high, especially at sites with artificial structures, whereas the presence of H. guttulatus was rare. Data collected can provide baseline information for future population assessments.
Twilight activity patterns and angling vulnerability of yellowmouth barracuda (Sphyraena viridensisCuvier, 1829), a range‐expanding thermophilic fish
Authors: Merciai Roberto , Casadevall Margarida , Villegas‐Hernández Harold , Lloret Josep
Published: May 2020

Among the thermophilic fishes that have become established in the north‐western Mediterranean as a consequence of sea warming, the yellowmouth barracuda (Sphyraena viridensisCuvier, 1829) appears to be one of the most successful and abundant in the coastal rocky environment, having increasingly become the object of recreational and commercial exploitation in the study area. Lure‐fishing sessions were carried out from May 2016 to November 2018 in the Catalan Sea (NE Spain) at dawn and dusk, with the aim of providing new insight into the behavioural, spatial and feeding ecology and vulnerability to angling of this poorly known species. Generalized mixed‐effects linear models showed thatS. viridensisis a crepuscular inshore dweller, whose vulnerability to angling is significantly influenced by solar and lunar light intensities, being highest in the pre‐spawn and spawning periods. Asymmetries between dawn and dusk activity patterns were detected, evidently related to a drop in aggressiveness at dusk following the spawning period. The simple study design adopted may be applied to other contexts, aiming to the recognition of several levels of fish vulnerability to angling.
A10‐YearPortrait of Theorizing in Family Gerontology: Making the Mosaic Visible
Authors: Humble Áine M. , Seidel Amber J. , Yorgason Jeremy B. , Redden Marco
Published: May 2020

Based on a content analysis of family gerontology empirical studies in 13 journals (2009–2018), this article identifies theories currently being used and provides suggestions for future family gerontology theorizing. Family gerontologists are now using a greater range of theories than they were in the 1990s, including many middle‐range ones, and more scholars are citing multiple theories in their publications. Ways to advance family gerontology theorizing are to integrate more gerontology content into family theory textbooks, link middle‐range theories to broader general theories, and discuss how to use multiple theories effectively in research. Commonly used and emerging theories in family gerontology research can also be closely examined, and findings related to intersectionality and intergenerational ambivalence are briefly examined as examples of emerging theories used to study later‐life families.
Unplanned Closure of Public Schools in Michigan, 2015‐2016: Cross‐Sectional Study on Rurality and Digital Data Harvesting
Authors: Jackson Ashley M. , Mullican Lindsay A. , Tse Zion T. H. , Yin Jingjing , Zhou Xiaolu , Kumar Dharamendra , Fung Isaac C.‐H.
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

For pandemic preparedness, researchers used online systematic searches to track unplanned school closures (USCs). We determine if Twitter provides complementary
data.

METHODS

Twitter handles of Michigan public schools and school districts were identified. All tweets associated with these handles were downloaded. USC‐related tweets were identified using 5 keywords. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed in
R.

RESULTS

Among 3469 Michigan public schools, 2003 maintained their own active Twitter accounts or belonged to school districts with active Twitter accounts. Of these 2003 schools, in 2015‐2016 school year, at least 1 USC announcement was identified for 349 schools via the current method only, 678 schools via Twitter only, and 562 schools via both methods. No USC announcements were identified for 414 schools. Rural schools were less likely than city schools to have active Twitter coverage (adjusted relative risk [adjRR] = 0.3956, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3312‐0.4671), and to announce USCs on Twitter (adjRR = 0.5692, 95% CI 0.4645‐0.6823), but more likely to have USCs identified by the current method (adjRR = 1.4545, 95% CI 1.3545‐1.5490).

CONCLUSIONS

Each method identified USCs that were missed by the other. Our results suggested that identifying USCs on Twitter is complementary to the current method.
A Risk Stratification Algorithm for Asthma Identification and Prioritization in a Low‐Income Urban School
Authors: Rabner Marc , Bissett Katherine , Johnson Sara B. , Connor Katherine A.
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Asthma can interfere with school attendance and engagement. School health programs are central to asthma management. Case identification is limited by reliance on parent‐completed forms, which are often missing. This project tested a low‐burden screening algorithm to stratify students based on priority for nurse outreach at 2 large, urban schools with high asthma prevalence.

METHODS

Students in grades 1‐8 completed a 4‐item asthma screener. Two‐stage stratification incorporated screener responses, school nurse records, and absenteeism. Students were assigned low, medium, or high priority for follow up. Asthma prevalence in the high priority group was calculated for substantiated asthma. Whether stratification was more likely than chance to identify new cases of asthma in the high‐priority group was evaluated using chi‐square tests.

RESULTS

Of 1397 students, 69.7% were screened. Secondary stratification decreased the number of students in the high and medium priority groups. New asthma cases were identified in 46.4% of high‐priority families reached for follow up. High‐priority students were more likely to be identified as having asthma than chance alone (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

A low‐burden screening algorithm appropriately placed students with asthma in the high priority group. This approach may allow efficient, targeted follow up of the highest need students in high prevalence populations.
Cost drivers and profitability of U.S. pond, raceway, and RAS aquaculture
Authors: Engle Carole R. , Kumar Ganesh , van Senten Jonathan
Published: May 2020

Aquaculture in the United States has grown at a slower rate than the rest of the world in spite of abundant resources to support its growth. Although regulatory costs have widely been cited as the cause, there has not been a comprehensive attempt to examine cost structures, productivity, and associated efficiencies across various species, production systems, and scales of production in the United States. In this analysis, 58 comprehensive enterprise budgets were developed for various management strategies and scales of production for catfish, baitfish/sportfish, and largemouth bass foodfish in ponds, trout production in raceways, and recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) production of Atlantic salmon, trout, and tilapia in the United States. Results showed long‐term profitability only for pond production of catfish, trout, largemouth bass, and baitfish/sportfish (only if annualized capital costs of baitfish/sportfish ponds were treated as sunk costs given the pond ages). None of the RAS showed profits, but larger‐scale RAS showed fewer losses (in $/kg of fish produced) than smaller‐scale RAS. Economies of scale were found for all species/systems analyzed. Feed, capital, labor, management, energy, and fingerling costs (in some scenarios) were identified as the major factors contributing to overall costs of production, but the order of importance varied with the species/system/scale. For those species/systems for which variable costs tended to be the greatest type of costs, improvements in feed conversion ratio and labor productivity (kg of fish produced per $ of annual labor cost) have the greatest potential to reduce per‐unit costs of production. For RAS, improving productivity of both labor and capital (in terms of kg of fish produced per $ of annualized capital costs) may be as important as production scale to achieve profitability. Labor and capital use productivity were much greater on the well‐established and generally profitable catfish and trout businesses than in the RAS scenarios analyzed. Results should be of value to lenders, investors, those who make decisions on research funding priorities, and policymakers.
Do intertidal Zostera noltei meadows represent a favourable habitat for amphipods? The case of the Kneiss Islands (Gulf of Gabès: Central Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Mosbahi Nawfel , Boudaya Lobna , Neifar Lassad , Dauvin Jean‐Claude
Published: May 2020

The structure, diversity, spatial and seasonal distributions of amphipod assemblages associated with intertidal Zostera (Zosterella) noltei meadows were studied around the Kneiss Islands (central Mediterranean Sea). This site represents a site of international interest in terms of its ornithological diversity (Important Bird Area, Ramsar Site and SPAMI). The amphipod fauna was sampled at 32 stations in spring 2014. A total of 6,482 individuals belonging to 78 species and 22 families were identified; among these taxa, Lysianassa ceratina is new for the Tunisian amphipod inventory, whereas 25 species are identified for the first time in the Gulf of Gabès. The dominant species are Cymadusa filosa, Microdeutopus gryllotalpa, Gammarus insensibilis, Dexamine spiniventris, Monocorophium insidiosum, Elasmopus rapax, Melita palmata and Leucothoe incisa. Four amphipod assemblages are identified using MDS analysis. The distribution of amphipod assemblages is linked to several environmental factors, such as sediment type, organic matter content and distance from the shore, which is itself associated with a clear inshore–offshore gradient. Seasonal variations of the amphipod assemblage patterns at eight stations, sampled between April 2014 and January 2015, show a maximum abundance and diversity during summer and autumn, with a minimum in winter. These seasonal fluctuations may be related to many factors such as variations of climatic factors (e.g. temperature, salinity), the growth and production rates of Zostera noltei meadows and seasonal patterns in the life cycle of dominant species.
Atmospheric heat and moisture transport to energy‐ and water‐limited ecosystems
Authors: Schumacher Dominik L. , Keune Jessica , Miralles Diego G.
Published: May 2020

The land biosphere is a crucial component of the Earth system that interacts with the atmosphere in a complex manner through manifold feedback processes. These relationships are bidirectional, as climate affects our terrestrial ecosystems, which, in turn, influence climate. Great progress has been made in understanding the local interactions between the terrestrial biosphere and climate, but influences from remote regions through energy and water influxes to downwind ecosystems remain less explored. Using a Lagrangian trajectory model driven by atmospheric reanalysis data, we show how heat and moisture advection affect gross carbon production at interannual scales and in different ecoregions across the globe. For water‐limited regions, results show a detrimental effect on ecosystem productivity during periods of enhanced heat and reduced moisture advection. These periods are typically associated with winds that disproportionately come from continental source regions, as well as positive sensible heat flux and negative latent heat flux anomalies in those upwind locations. Our results underline the vulnerability of ecosystems to the occurrence of upwind climatic extremes and highlight the importance of the latter for the spatiotemporal propagation of ecosystem disturbances.
Indexing watchdog accountability powers a framework for assessing the accountability capacity of independent oversight institutions
Authors: Bovens Mark , Wille Anchrit
Published: May 2020

Independent oversight institutions are critical components of the accountability landscape in modern democracies. This paper presents a framework for assessing the accountability powers of these watchdogs. This watchdog accountability index is an empirical tool to assess the key accountability powers of accountability forums that operate in a democratic constitutional context. The aim is to provide a richer evidence base to assess evolving external accountability arrangements and their effectiveness. Our approach breaks down the concept of watchdog accountability power into three distinct, conceptually coherent dimensions. We apply the accountability index to assess the strength of one of the main watchdog institutions in the EU, the European Court of Auditors in 2017. Data were collected by means of a study of secondary sources and by an expert survey.
Impact of remittances on household health care expenditure: Evidence from the Nepal Living Standards Survey
Authors: Kapri Kul , Jha Stuti
Published: May 2020

This paper examines the effect of remittance inflows on health care expenditure in Nepal using the Nepal Living Standards Survey 2010–2011. Using the recursive three‐stage least square regression method, the propensity score matching method, and the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition method, we find a positive and significant effect of remittances on health care expenditure. In particular, our analysis shows a 0.099% increase in health care expenditure for every 1% increase in overall remittances. This effect increases to 0.189% for earned remittances (remittances received from a household member). We also find that remittance‐receiving households with at least one migrant family member have different health care spending behavior than those with no migrant members.
Examining the Causal Mediating Role of Brain Pathology on the Relationship Between Diabetes and Cognitive Impairment: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Andrews Ryan M. , Shpitser Ilya , Lopez Oscar , Longstreth William T. , Chaves Paulo H. M. , Kuller Lewis , Carlson Michelle C.
Published: May 2020

The paper examines whether diabetes mellitus leads to incident mild cognitive impairment and dementia through brain hypoperfusion and white matter disease. We performed inverse odds ratio weighted causal mediation analyses to decompose the effect of diabetes on cognitive impairment into direct and indirect effects, and we found that approximately a third of the total effect of diabetes is mediated through vascular-related brain pathology. Our findings lend support for a common aetiological hypothesis regarding incident cognitive impairment, which is that diabetes increases the risk of clinical cognitive impairment in part by impacting the vasculature of the brain.
The ‘saffronisation’ of India and contemporary political ideology
Authors: Bhatia Aditi
Published: May 2020

The victory of India's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has shaped current socio‐political discourse through the lens of Hindu fundamentalism. Driven by right‐wing Hindu nationals in the party that advocate the hegemony of the Hindu way of life, or Hindutva (‘Hindu nationalism’), contemporary political narrative can be seen to recontextualise the country's history through ‘saffronisation’ of public space, social practice, and education. This paper will explore how under the governance of the ruling party, socio‐political sentiment is perceived to be shaped increasingly through Hindutva, by analysing the media framing of political ideology. To conduct the analysis, the paper draws on Bhatia's (2015) theoretical framework of the Discourse of Illusion.
Densely sampled phylogenetic analyses of the Lesser Short‐toed Lark (Alaudala rufescens) — Sand Lark (A. raytal) species complex (Aves, Passeriformes) reveal cryptic diversity
Authors: Ghorbani Fatemeh , Aliabadian Mansour , Zhang Ruiying , Irestedt Martin , Hao Yan , Sundev Gombobaatar , Lei Fumin , Ma Ming , Olsson Urban , Alström Per
Published: May 2020

The taxonomy of the Lesser/Asian Short‐toed Lark Alaudala rufescens–cheleensis complex has been debated for decades, mainly because of minor morphological differentiation among the taxa within the complex, and different interpretations of the geographical pattern of morphological characters among different authors. In addition, there have been few studies based on non‐morphological traits. It has recently been suggested based on a molecular study of the lark family Alaudidae that the Sand Lark A. raytal is nested within this complex. We here analysed mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) from 130 individuals across the range of this complex (hereafter called Alaudala rufescens–raytal complex), representing all except two of the 18 currently recognized subspecies. We also analysed 11 nuclear markers from a subsample of these individuals, representing all of the clades found in the cyt b tree. Five primary clades were recovered, which confirmed that A. raytal is nested within this complex. Divergence time estimates among these five clades ranged from 1.76 to 3.16 million years (my; 95% highest posterior density [HPD] 1.0–4.51 my) or 1.99–2.53 my (95% HPD 0.96–4.3 my) in different analyses. Only four of the currently recognized subspecies were recovered as monophyletic in the cyt b tree. Our results call for a taxonomic revision, and we tentatively suggest that at least four species should be recognized, although we stress the need for an approach integrating molecular, morphological and other data that are not yet available.
Extended Windage Loss Models for Gas Bearing Supported Spindles Operated in Dense Gases
Authors: Rosset Kévin , Schiffmann Jürg
Published: May 2020

Generic models are proposed to evaluate the skin friction coefficient acting on enclosed rotating disks and cylinders under various flow regimes. In particular, a model taking into account the inner radius of the disk is developed. The models are compared with experimental data obtained from coast-down tests of a high-speed spindle supported on gas lubricated bearings, operated in air and in halocarbon R245fa at various pressures. The windage losses are first computed considering state-of-the-art laminar flow loss models in the gas bearings and an experimentally validated laminar-turbulent flow loss model in the air gap. This reference approach predicts the air data with a good accuracy (deviation less than 5%) but underestimates the organic fluid data by up to 36%. This deviation is considerably reduced (max 6.8%) when applying the proposed multiflow regime loss model for enclosed rotating disks to the thrust bearing. Finally, the proposed laminar-turbulent flow loss model for enclosed rotating cylinders is simultaneously applied to the journal bearings and the air gap. A peak deviation of 6.5% is maintained among all test cases when setting the critical Taylor number to an artificial value (67) instead of the theoretical value (41.1) characterizing the onset of growth of Taylor vortices. Taking into account the uncertainties on the bearing clearances, as well as on the operating pressure and temperature, a ±10% agreement with the experimental data is obtained.
Extraguild prey availability reduced cannibalism and reciprocal intraguild predation of Neoseiulus barkeri (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Scolothrips takahashii (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Authors: Liu Ming Xiu , Chu Wen-Qiang , Xu Chen , Zheng Quan-Ming , Song Wen-Bin , Li Ya-Ying , Liu Huai
Published: May 2020

Cannibalism and intraguild predation (IGP) are two common interactions occurs in animal kingdom which influence their population structure and dynamics. Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) and Scolothrips takahashii (Priesner) are important natural enemies of citrus red mite Panonychus citri (McGregor). However, little was known about their interactions and how the availability of extraguild (EG) prey P. citri modulated their interactions. In this study, we determined incidences of cannibalism and intraguild predation of these two predators when different densities of extraguild prey P. citri were available. Our results showed that incidences of both cannibalism and IGP and were significantly reduced in the presence of the extraguild prey. The intraguild predation between N. barkeri and S. takahashii was bidirectional, but N. barkeri was a predominant intraguild predator over S. takahashii. The S. takahashii fed on immobile N. barkeri egg, and N. barkeri fed on inactive prepupa and pupa of S. takahashii, but the conspecifics seldom did. Our results indicated that the interactions of predators decreased significantly when prey was available. The predatory mite N. barkeri was a stronger interspecific competitor. The results of this study may be useful in developing effective biological control strategies against P. citri.
The Contribution of Commuting to Total Daily Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity
Authors: Gbadamosi Abolanle R. , Clarke-Cornwell Alexandra M. , Sindall Paul A. , Granat Malcolm H.
Published: May 2020

Background: Actively commuting to and from work can increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and increase adherence to physical activity (PA) guidelines; however, there is a lack of evidence on the contribution of mixed-mode commutes and continuous stepping bouts to PA. Many commuting studies employ the use of self-reported PA measures. This study objectively determined the contribution of MVPA during commuting to total MVPA, using cadence to define MVPA, and explored how the length of stepping bouts affects adherence to PA guidelines. Methods: Twenty-seven university staff wore an activPAL™ activity monitor for seven days and kept an activity diary. The activPAL™quantified MVPA and bouts duration and the activity diary collected information about commute times and the modes of commute. Twenty-three participants with at least four days of data were included in the final analysis. Results: The median total time per day spent in MVPA was 49.6 (IQR: 27.4–75.8) minutes and 31% of the total time was accumulated during commuting (median = 15.2 minutes; IQR: 4.11–26.9). Walking and mixed-mode commuters spent more time in MVPA (37.6 and 26.9 minutes, respectively), compared to car commuters (5.8 minutes). Seventeen out of the 23 participants achieved more than 30 minutes of MVPA per day, with five achieving this in their commute alone. A significant positive association was found between commute time spent in MVPA and total MVPA (p < .001). Conclusion: Commuting can be a major contributor to total MVPA, with the mode of commute having a significant role in the level of this contribution to total MVPA.
Nanoscale strain engineering of giant pseudo-magnetic fields, valley polarization, and topological channels in graphene
Authors: Hsu C.-C. , Teague M. L. , Wang J.-Q. , Yeh N.-C.
Published: May 2020

Nanoscale strain engineering of monolayer graphene is shown to achieve giant pseudo-magnetic fields and valley polarization.
The emergence of heat and humidity too severe for human tolerance
Authors: Raymond Colin , Matthews Tom , Horton Radley M.
Published: May 2020

Humid heat extremes are rapidly increasing and may have already briefly exceeded humans’ physiological survivability limit.
Watching in situ the hydrogen diffusion dynamics in magnesium on the nanoscale
Authors: Karst Julian , Sterl Florian , Linnenbank Heiko , Weiss Thomas , Hentschel Mario , Giessen Harald
Published: May 2020

In situ nanoscale imaging of the hydride formation in magnesium unravels nanoscopic details of the phase transition dynamics.
Fast widefield imaging of neuronal structure and function with optical sectioning in vivo
Authors: Li Ziwei , Zhang Qinrong , Chou Shih-Wei , Newman Zachary , Turcotte Raphaël , Natan Ryan , Dai Qionghai , Isacoff Ehud Y. , Ji Na
Published: May 2020

Adaptive optics and structured illumination enables fast and accurate imaging of neuronal structure and function in vivo.
Both/and problem in an either/or world
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: May 2020

Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, nuance and candor from governments were in short supply. Now they are almost nonexistent. Protecting the world from severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can't happen without international scientific collaboration. Progress on vaccines in China and the United States should make us optimistic that science will solve this problem, but the actions of the governments involved are not equally inspiring.
Histone-like Nucleoid-Structuring Protein (H-NS) Paralogue StpA Activates the Type I-E CRISPR-Cas System against Natural Transformation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Sun Dongchang , Mao Xudan , Fei Mingyue , Chen Ziyan , Zhu Tingheng , Qiu Juanping
Published: May 2020

StpA is normally considered a molecular backup of the nucleoid-structuring protein H-NS, which was reported as a transcriptional repressor of the type I-E CRISPR-Cas system in
Escherichia coli
. However, the role of StpA in regulating the type I-E CRISPR-Cas system remains elusive. Our previous work uncovered a new route for double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) entry during natural transformation of
E. coli
. In this study, we show that StpA plays a role opposite to that of its paralogue H-NS in regulating the type I-E CRISPR-Cas system against natural transformation of
E. coli
. Our work not only expands our knowledge on CRISPR-Cas-mediated adaptive immunity against extracellular nucleic acids but also sheds new light on understanding the complex regulation mechanism of the CRISPR-Cas system. Moreover, the finding that paralogues StpA and H-NS share a DNA binding site but play opposite roles in transcriptional regulation indicates that higher-order compaction of bacterial chromatin by histone-like proteins could switch prokaryotic transcriptional modes.