bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of ATP‐binding cassette subfamily B member 1 by Snail contributes to chemoresistance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Ji‐Min , Wei Wei , Yang Rui , Chen Dong , Ma Xiao‐Dong , Jiang Guan‐Min , Wang Bao‐Long
Published: November 2019

Although accumulating evidence has indicated the intimate association between epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and acquired resistance to chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC), the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we reported that Snail, a crucial EMT controller, was upregulated in CRC tissues. Colorectal cancer cells overexpressing Snail were found to be more resistant to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu). Mechanistic studies reveal that Snail could increase the expression of ATP‐binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) rather than the other 23 chemoresistance‐related genes. Additionally, knockdown of ABCB1 significantly attenuated Snail‐induced 5‐Fu resistance in CRC cells. Oxaliplatin increased Snail and ABCB1 expression in CRC cells. Snail and ABCB1 were upregulated in 5‐Fu‐resistant HCT‐8 (HCT‐8/5‐Fu) cells and inhibition of Snail decreased ABCB1 in HCT‐8/5‐Fu cells. These results confirm the vital role played by ABCB1 in Snail‐induced chemoresistance. Further investigation into the relevant molecular mechanism revealed Snail‐mediated ABCB1 upregulation was independent of β‐catenin, STAT3, PXR, CAR and Foxo3a, which are commonly involved in modulating ABCB1 transcription. Instead, Snail upregulated ABCB1 transcription by directly binding to its promoter. Clinical analysis confirms that increased Snail expression correlated significantly with tumor size (P = .018), lymph node metastasis (P = .033), distant metastasis (P = .025), clinical stage grade (P = .024), and poor prognosis (P = .045) of CRC patients. Moreover, coexpression of Snail and ABCB1 was observed in CRC patients. Our study revealed that direct regulation of ABCB1 by Snail was critical for conferring chemoresistance in CRC cells. These findings unraveled the mechanisms underlying the association between EMT and chemoresistance, and provided potential targets for CRC clinical treatment.
Compressed Neighbour Lists for SPH
Authors: Band Stefan , Gissler Christoph , Teschner Matthias
Published: November 2019

We propose a novel compression scheme to store neighbour lists for iterative solvers that employ Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH). The compression scheme is inspired by Stream VByte, but uses a non‐linear mapping from data to data bytes, yielding memory savings of up to 87%. It is part of a novel variant of the Cell‐Linked‐List (CLL) concept that is inspired by compact hashing with an improved processing of the cell‐particle relations. We show that the resulting neighbour search outperforms compact hashing in terms of speed and memory consumption. Divergence‐Free SPH (DFSPH) scenarios with up to 1.3 billion SPH particles can be processed on a 24‐core PC using 172 GB of memory. Scenes with more than 7 billion SPH particles can be processed in a Message Passing Interface (MPI) environment with 112 cores and 880 GB of RAM. The neighbour search is also useful for interactive applications. A DFSPH simulation step for up to 0.2 million particles can be computed in less than 40 ms on a 12‐core PC.
Effects of crowding due to habitat loss on species assemblage patterns
Authors: Vallejos Marcelo Alejandro Villegas , Padial André Andrian , Vitule Jean Ricardo Simões , Monteiro‐Filho Emygdio Leite de Araujo
Published: November 2019

Terrestrial animals are negatively affected by habitat loss, which is assessed on a landscape scale, whereas secondary effects of habitat loss, such as crowding, are usually disregarded. Such impacts are inherently hard to address and poorly understood, and there is a growing concern that they could have dire consequences. We sampled birds throughout a deforestation process to assess crowding stress in an adjacent habitat remnant in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Crowding is expected of highly mobile taxa, especially given the microhabitat heterogeneity of Neotropical forests, and we hypothesized that the arrival of new individuals or species in refuges shifts assemblage patterns. We used point counts to obtain bird abundances in a before‐after‐control‐impact design sampling of a deforestation event. Temporal changes in taxonomic and functional diversity were examined with metrics used to assess alpha and beta diversity, turnover of taxonomic and functional similarity, and taxonomic and functional composition. Over time increased abundance of some species altered the Simpson index and affected the abundance‐distribution of traits in the habitat remnant. Taxonomic composition and functional composition changed in the remnant, and thus bird assemblages changed over time. Taxonomic and functional metrics indicated that fugitives affected resident assemblages in refuges, and effects endured >2 years after the deforestation processes had ceased. Dissimilarity of taxonomic composition between pre‐ and postdeforestation assemblages increased, whereas functional composition reverted to preimpact conditions. We found that ecological disruptions resulted from crowding and escalated into disruptions of species’ assemblages and potentially compromising ecosystem functioning. It is important to consider crowding effects of highly mobile taxa during impact assessments, especially in large‐scale infrastructure projects that may affect larger areas than is assumed.
Effects of different metabolic states and surgical models on glucose metabolism and secretion of ileal L‐cell peptides: results from the HIPER‐1 study
Authors: Cagiltay E. , Celik A. , Dixon J. B. , Pouwels S. , Santoro S. , Gupta A. , Ugale S. , Abdul‐Ghani M.
Published: November 2019

Aim

To compare the impact of four surgical procedures (mini‐gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, ileal transposition and transit bipartition) vs medical management on gut peptide secretion, β‐cell function and resolution of hyperglycaemia in people with type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods

A mixed‐meal tolerance test was administered 6–24 months after each surgical procedure (mini‐gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, ileal transposition and transit bipartition; n=30 in each group) and the results were compared with those obtained in matched lean (n=30) and obese (n=30) people with type 2 diabetes undergoing medical management.

Results

Participants in the mini‐gastric bypass and ileal transposition groups had a greater increase in plasma glucose concentration after the mixed‐meal tolerance test than those in the sleeve gastrectomy and transit bipartition groups. Participants in the mini‐gastric bypass group exhibited the greatest increase in the incremental area under the curve of plasma glucose concentration above baseline (P<0.0001). Insulin sensitivity was similar across surgical groups, and statistically greater in participants in the surgical groups than in obese participants in the non‐surgical group (P<0.0001). β‐cell responsiveness to glucose was greater in participants in the sleeve gastrectomy and transit bipartition groups than in the mini‐gastric bypass and ileal transposition groups (P<0.001) despite a smaller incremental increase above baseline in the area under the plasma glucagon‐like peptide‐1 concentration curve relative to ileal transposition. Postoperative β‐cell function was the strongest predictor of hyperglycaemia resolution.

Conclusions

The present study showed that the level of β‐cell function after bariatric surgery is the strongest predictor of hyperglycaemia resolution. The study also demonstrates a disconnect between postprandial GLP‐1 levels and β‐cell function among the studied surgical procedures.
10 things for the ideal design RFP
Authors: Calde Steve
Published: November 2019

Ten recommendations for making a Request for Proposal (RFP) a highly effective tool for finding the perfect design and strategy partner.

Ten recommendations for making a Request for Proposal (RFP) a highly effective tool for finding the perfect design and strategy partner.
DIFFERENCES IN CITATION PATTERNS ACROSS JOURNAL TIERS: THE CASE OF ECONOMICS
Authors: Anauati María Victoria , Galiani Sebastian , Gálvez Ramiro H.
Published: November 2019

We study how citation patterns differ between journal tiers in economics by analyzing citations patterns of more than 6,000 research articles published in top five, second tier, and top field economics journals. We find that top five journals' articles receive more citations and that the life cycles of those citations are longer. However, their influence (in term of citations) is overestimated: in its first twenty years since publication, the median top five article accumulates 4.25 as many citations when compared to non‐top five median articles. This ratio is strongly associated with the field of economics research and with articles' impact. (JEL A14)
Nest microhabitats and tree size mediate shifts in ant community structure across elevation in tropical rainforest canopies
Authors: Plowman Nichola S. , Mottl Ondrej , Novotny Vojtech , Idigel Cliffson , Philip Frank Jurgen , Rimandai Maling , Klimes Petr
Published: November 2019

Declines or mid‐elevation peaks in invertebrate diversity with elevation are often attributed to climate and geometric constraints. However, vegetation structure may also drive diversity patterns, especially for tree‐dwelling species, via its effects on microhabitat use and competitive interactions. Here we investigate these effects on the diversity and community structure of tree‐nesting ants over elevation. We exhaustively sampled ant nests in 1254 trees within continuous plots of primary rainforest at low (200 m a.s.l.), mid (900 m a.s.l.) and high (1800 m a.s.l.) elevation in Papua New Guinea. Ant diversity, nest abundance and tree occupancy peaked at mid‐elevation. Although host tree diversity also peaked at mid‐elevation, there was low specialisation of ant species to tree species at all elevations. Mid‐elevation trees hosted more species, more nests and a greater diversity of nest types than trees of a similar size at low or high elevation. Tree size and nest microhabitat use were the strongest predictors of species composition, explaining twice as much of the variability in the communities than elevation. At mid to high elevation there were proportionally fewer large nests than in the lowlands, with an increase in smaller nests in live hollow twigs and epiphytes. There was high species turnover between elevations, and between trees within elevations. Species co‐occurrence patterns within trees differed with tree size, and with elevation. In large trees species tended to co‐occur at random at low and high elevation, but co‐occurred more often than expected by chance at mid elevation, indicating an elevational shift in competitive interactions. We conclude that the more extreme diurnal temperatures at higher elevations, combined with increased epiphyte availability, drive ants to nest in more insulated microhabitats. This results in smaller colony sizes and a decrease in interspecific competition, thereby boosting species co‐existence at mid elevation.
An Argument in Search of Evidence: A Response to Camara et al. (2019)
Authors: Marion Scott , Domaleski Chris
Published: November 2019

This article offers a critique of the validity argument put forward by Camara, Mattern, Croft, and Vispoel (2019) regarding the use of college‐admissions tests in high school assessment systems. We challenge their argument in two main ways. First, we illustrate why their argument fails to address broader issues related to consequences of using admissions tests as an achievement indicator in high school accountability systems. Second, we find the evidence put forth by Camara et al. argument incomplete and/or overstated, even if evaluated against a more limited set of claims. We offer several additional comments regarding the construction of their validity argument, the lack of transparency for evaluating many of the claims, and the potential unintended negative consequences associated with the use of the ACT or SAT as the primary achievement indicator in a state accountability system.
Identifying the drivers of computationally detected correlated evolution among sites under antibiotic selection
Authors: Dench Jonathan , Hinz Aaron , Aris‐Brosou Stéphane , Kassen Rees
Published: November 2019

The ultimate causes of correlated evolution among sites in a genome remain difficult to tease apart. To address this problem directly, we performed a high‐throughput search for correlated evolution among sites associated with resistance to a fluoroquinolone antibiotic using whole‐genome data from clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, before validating our computational predictions experimentally. We show that for at least two sites, this correlation is underlain by epistasis. Our analysis also revealed eight additional pairs of synonymous substitutions displaying correlated evolution underlain by physical linkage, rather than selection associated with antibiotic resistance. Our results provide direct evidence that both epistasis and physical linkage among sites can drive the correlated evolution identified by high‐throughput computational tools. In other words, the observation of correlated evolution is not by itself sufficient evidence to guarantee that the sites in question are epistatic; such a claim requires additional evidence, ideally coming from direct estimates of epistasis, based on experimental evidence.
The Executive Subsystem in Middle Childhood: Adult Mental Health, Marital Satisfaction, and Secure‐Base Parenting
Authors: Oosterhouse Kendra , Riggs Shelley A. , Kaminski Patricia , Blumenthal Heidemarie
Published: November 2019

Objective

To explore interrelations among individual and dyadic levels of the family's executive subsystem among parents with children in middle childhood.

Background

A robust literature documents links between parental mental health and marital satisfaction, and associations of both with parent–child relationships. Substantially less is known about how executive subsystem processes of mothers and fathers mutually influence one another in middle childhood.

Method

This community sample comprised married, two‐parent families with at least one child aged 8 to 11 years. All parents completed measures of psychological symptoms, marital satisfaction, and parenting behaviors that provide a secure attachment base for older children. Dyadic data analysis tested spillover, compensatory, and crossover effects.

Results

Results indicated that both individual and spousal self‐ratings of mental health and marital satisfaction were related to parents' reported secure‐base provision, directly or in interaction with the spouse's ratings (or both). Within and cross‐person moderation by marital satisfaction emerged in associations between mental health and secure‐base provision.

Conclusion

Findings support the spillover, compensatory, and crossover hypotheses and add to the literature on the executive subsystem and secure‐base parenting during middle childhood.

Implications

Results lend support to systemic conceptualizations of interdependence in families to guide future research and can inform therapeutic intervention targeting the executive subsystem processes.
Long‐term changes in fishery resources of an estuary in southwestern Atlantic according to local ecological knowledge
Authors: Santos Thykjaer Vinni , dos Santos Rodrigues Lucas , Haimovici Manuel , Cardoso Luís Gustavo
Published: November 2019

Long‐term changes in the abundance of fisheries resources from the Patos Lagoon estuary and adjacent coastal waters in southern Brazil have been observed. Despite this understanding, it is well known that the perception of pristine state of the environment is susceptible to inter‐generational changes, commonly known as shifting baseline syndrome (SBS). An useful approach in the reconstruction of pristine scenarios and in lack of data, as often occurs in small‐scale fisheries, is the local ecological knowledge (LEK). Temporal changes in the perception of 81 fishers with 1–63 years of fishing about the resources status were analysed. More experienced fishers reported larger catches, heavier individuals and perceived a greater number of species as "scarce" nowadays and "common" at the beginning of their careers proving the existence of a SBS among them. Over time, the number of fishing sites with very high catches decreased and fishing sites shifted from the lower towards the upper estuary. The perception of the fishers corroborated the real decreasing scenario in estuarine fisheries resources shared with industrial fishing in coastal waters. The results reinforce the utility of LEK for reconstruction of biological scenarios when no empirically obtained data are available.
Groundwater Storage Change in the Jinsha River Basin from GRACE, Hydrologic Models, and In Situ Data
Authors: Chao Nengfang , Chen Gang , Li Jian , Xiang Longwei , Wang Zhengtao , Tian Kunjun
Published: November 2019

Groundwater plays a major role in the hydrological processes driven by climate change and human activities, particularly in upper mountainous basins. The Jinsha River Basin (JRB) is the uppermost region of the Yangtze River and the largest hydropower production region in China. With the construction of artificial cascade reservoirs increasing in this region, the annual and seasonal flows are changing and affecting the water cycles. Here, we first infer the groundwater storage changes (GWSC), accounting for sediment transport in JRB, by combining the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment mission, hydrologic models and in situ data. The results indicate: (1) the average estimation of the GWSC trend, accounting for sediment transport in JRB, is 0.76 ± 0.10 cm/year during the period 2003 to 2015, and the contribution of sediment transport accounts for 15%; (2) precipitation (P), evapotranspiration (ET), soil moisture change, GWSC, and land water storage changes (LWSC) show clear seasonal cycles; the interannual trends of LWSC and GWSC increase, but P, runoff (R), surface water storage change and SMC decrease, and ET remains basically unchanged; (3) the main contributor to the increase in LWSC in JRB is GWSC, and the increased GWSC may be dominated by human activities, such as cascade damming and climate variations (such as snow and glacier melt due to increased temperatures). This study can provide valuable information regarding JRB in China for understanding GWSC patterns and exploring their implications for regional water management.
Prolonged stay in the emergency department is an independent risk factor for hospital‐acquired pressure ulcer
Authors: Han Dongkwan , Kang Bora , Kim Joonghee , Jo You Hwan , Lee Jae Hyuk , Hwang Ji Eun , Park Inwon , Jang Dong‐Hyun
Published: November 2019

It is not easy to ensure optimal prevention of hospital‐acquired pressure ulcer (HAPU) in crowded emergency departments (EDs). We hypothesised that a prolonged ED length of stay (LOS) is associated with an increased risk of HAPU. This is a single‐centre observational study. Prospectively collected HAPU surveillance data were analysed. Adult (aged ≥20 years) patients admitted through the ED from April 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016 were included. The primary outcome was the development of HAPU within a month. Covariates included demographics, comorbidities, conditions at triage, initial laboratory results, primary ED diagnosis, critical ED interventions, and ED dispositions. The association between ED LOS and HAPU was modelled using logistic and extended Cox regression. A total of 48 641 admissions were analysed. The crude odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) for HAPU were increased to 1.44 (95% CI, 1.20‐1.72) and 1.21 (95% CI, 1.02‐1.45), respectively, in ED LOS ≥24 hours relative to ED LOS <6 hours. In multivariable logistic regression, ED LOS ≥12 and ≥24 hours were associated with higher risk of HAPU, with ORs of 1.30 (95% CI, 1.05‐1.60) and 1.80 (95% CI, 1.45‐2.23) relative to ED LOS <6 hours, respectively. The extended Cox regression showed that the risk lasted up to a week, with HRs of 1.42 (95% CI, 1.07‐1.88) and 1.92 (95% CI, 1.44‐2.57) relative to ED LOS <6 hours, respectively. In conclusion, Prolonged ED LOS is independently associated with HAPU. Shorter ED LOS should be pursued as a goal in a multifaceted solution for HAPU.
Crystal structure, dielectric properties, and lattice vibrational characteristics of LiNiPO4ceramics sintered at different temperatures
Authors: Xiao En‐cai , Cao Zhikai , Li Jianzhu , Li Xue‐Hui , Liu Mengting , Yue Zhenxing , Chen Ying , Chen Guohua , Song Kaixin , Zhou Huanfu , Shi Feng
Published: November 2019

LiNiPO4(LNP) ceramics were synthesized using a conventional solid‐state reaction method and different sintering temperatures. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements indicated that single‐ phase olivine (Pnma, No. 62) was formed above 750°C, and dense LNP ceramic with a theoretical density of more than 95% was obtained at 825°C. Raman and far‐infrared (IR) vibrational modes were assigned and discussed in detail. The intrinsic dielectric properties of the samples were calculated using the four‐parameter semi‐quantum (FPSQ) model based on far‐IR reflectance spectroscopy and were in good agreement with the measured values. A positive relationship existed between the Raman shift of the υ1mode (attributed to the symmetric vibration of [PO4]3−) and the corrected permittivity, and the opposite correlation was observed between the quality factor (Q × f) and the damping of the υsmode as well as the distortion of the [NiO6] octahedra. The optimized microwave dielectric properties of the LNP ceramics sintered at 825°C include an ultralow dielectric constant (5.18) and a good quality factor (24 076 GHz,f = 17.2 GHz).
Systematic review and meta‐analyses of randomized control trials of the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for homeless adults
Authors: Hyun Myungsun , Bae Sun Hyoung , Noh Dabok
Published: November 2019

Aims

To evaluate the effect of psychosocial interventions for homeless adults on their psychosocial outcomes.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analyses were performed for critical appraisal and synthesis of the included studies.

Data sources

A systematic search of studies published before 10 September 2018 was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL.

Review methods

The review included randomized controlled trials conducting psychosocial interventions and assessing psychosocial outcomes for homeless adults. After systematically describing study and intervention characteristics, we conducted meta‐analyses by the type of outcome and subgroup meta‐analyses by the type of intervention and outcome. Fourteen studies were included in this review and 11 were included in the meta‐analyses.

Results

A significant effect of psychosocial interventions in reducing anxiety and enhancing mental health status among homeless adults was noted.

Conclusion

The meta‐analyses showed that psychosocial interventions may reduce anxiety and enhance the mental health status of homeless people. Specifically, we suggest that relaxation response training may be effective in improving anxiety and mental health status and cognitive behavioural therapy may reduce anxiety.

Impact

Although psychosocial interventions for homeless persons have been implemented for a decade, their impact for psychosocial outcomes among homeless adults has not been evaluated. This review suggest that psychosocial interventions may improve anxiety and mental health status among homeless adults. The findings of the present study may provide directions for developing psychosocial interventions to help vulnerable homeless adults in managing psychological outcomes.
Molecular and Morphological characterization of multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus from Mexico and their insecticidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Ordóñez‐García Magali , Rios‐Velasco Claudio , Ornelas‐Paz José de Jesús , Bustillos‐Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Acosta‐Muñiz Carlos Horacio , Berlanga‐Reyes David Ignacio , Salas‐Marina Miguel Ángel , Cambero‐Campos Octavio Jhonathan , Gallegos‐Morales Gabriel
Published: November 2019

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is the most important pest of maize in many countries. Entomopathogenic viruses mainly Baculoviruses family are excellent biological control agents and therefore a viable alternative for managing this pest. The aim of this study was to determine the biological activity of eight native nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPVs) against FAW larvae. Additionally, two of the most virulent isolates (SfCH32 and SfCH15) were characterized biologically by bioassays to estimate their median lethal dose (LD50) and median lethal time (LT50), morphologically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and molecularly by restriction enzymes. Three (SfCH15, SfCH18 and SfCH32) of the eight tested native nucleopolyhedrovirus isolates caused mortalities ˃98% at 168‐hr post‐inoculation (hpi) with a dose of 9.2 × 104 OBs/larva. SfCH15 and SfCH32 isolates showed occlusion bodies (OBs) of irregular shape and size (1.02–2.24 μm). The SfCH15 and SfCH32 isolates showed similar median lethal dose (5.6 × 102–6.4 × 102 OBs/larva). The lowest median lethal time (114.5 hpi) was observed with the SfCH15 isolate at the highest concentration (2.5 × 106 OBs/larva). The DNA restriction profiles for SfCH15 and SfCH32 were different, with their genome size being ~128,000 bp and 132,000 bp, respectively. SfCH15 and SfCH32 isolates showed similar morphological characteristics and the highest virulence against fall armyworm. This study showed that native isolates were highly virulent against S. frugiperda larvae, being similar to other reported strains; however, field studies are required to confirm their insecticidal effect.
A high‐emollient liquid cleanser for very dry and atopic‐prone skin: Results of an in‐use tolerance and efficacy study conducted under dermatological, pediatric, and ophthalmological supervision
Authors: Favrel Stéphanie , Mielewczyk Ewa , Liberek Anna , Paw Ewa , Chabowska Izabela , Sirvent Anne , Ribet Virginie , Delarue Alain
Published: November 2019

Background

Emollients play a key role in the treatment of eczematous lesions and xerosis such as in atopic dermatitis. However, studies that show the actual benefits of cleansers are few and far between.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of a high‐emollient liquid cleanser (HELC) designed for very dry and atopic‐prone skin, in the absence of any additional skin care. The product is a soap‐free and fragrance‐free liquid cleanser, containing mild surfactants and a ternary system of selected emollients: glycerin, vaseline, and paraffin.

Methods

In‐use study was conducted under dermatological, pediatric, and ophthalmological supervision in 50 subjects (infants, children, and adults) with “dry to very dry and atopic‐prone” skin. The primary objective of this monocentric, open, and intra‐individual study was to assess the dermatological and ophthalmological tolerance of HELC after 21 days of using it at least once a day on the face and body. The secondary objectives were to evaluate its efficacy based on a clinical score (SCORAD), assess its short‐ and long‐term moisturizing effect by measuring hydration rates (Corneometer®), and ascertain its cosmetic acceptability through a subjective evaluation questionnaire.

Results

The study validates the good dermatological and ophthalmological tolerance of HELC. Its efficacy was demonstrated by improvements in the SCORAD and moisturizing scores. Furthermore, the product was very well accepted by the subjects.

Conclusion

The fragrance‐free HELC tested in this study for 21 days on “dry to very dry and atopic‐prone skin” improves skin dryness and pruritus while ensuring good tolerance.
Who Buffers Income Losses after Job Displacement? The Role of Alternative Income Sources, the Family, and the State
Authors: Fackler Daniel , Weigt Eva
Published: November 2019

Using survey data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel (SOEP), this paper analyses the extent to which alternative income sources, reactions within the household context, and redistribution by the state attenuate earnings losses after job displacement. Applying propensity score matching and fixed effects estimations, we find that income from self‐employment reduces the earnings gap only slightly and severance payments buffer losses in the short run. On the household level, we find little evidence for an added worker effect whereas redistribution by the state within the tax and transfer system mitigates income losses substantially.
It takes a village: An empirical analysis of how husbands, mothers‐in‐law, health workers, and mothers influence breastfeeding practices in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Young Melissa F. , Nguyen Phuong , Kachwaha Shivani , Tran Mai Lan , Ghosh Sebanti , Agrawal Rajeev , Escobar‐Alegria Jessica , Menon Purnima , Avula Rasmi
Published: November 2019

Evidence on strategies to improve infant and young child feeding in India, a country that carries the world's largest burden of undernutrition, is limited. In the context of a programme evaluation in two districts in Uttar Pradesh, we sought to understand the multiple influences on breastfeeding practices and to model potential programme influence on improving breastfeeding. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 1,838 recently delivered women, 1,194 husbands, and 1,353 mothers/mothers‐in‐law. We used bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models to examine the association between key determinants (maternal, household, community, and health services) and breastfeeding outcomes [early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF)], prelacteal feed, and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). We used population attributable risk analysis to estimate potential improvement in breastfeeding practices. Breastfeeding practices were suboptimal: EIBF (26.3%), EBF (54%), and prelacteal feeding (33%). EIBF was positively associated with maternal knowledge, counselling during pregnancy/delivery, and vaginal delivery at a health facility. Prelacteal feeds were less likely to be given when mothers had higher knowledge, beliefs and self‐efficacy, delivered at health facility, and mothers/mothers‐in‐law had attended school. EBF was positively associated with maternal knowledge, beliefs and self‐efficacy, parity, and socio‐economic status. High maternal stress and domestic violence contributed to lower EBF. Under optimal programme implementation, we estimate EIBF can be improved by 25%, prelacteal feeding can be reduced by 25%, and EBF can be increased by 23%. A multifactorial approach, including maternal‐, health service‐, family‐, and community‐level interventions has the potential to lead to significant improvements in breastfeeding practices in Uttar Pradesh.
Combined protocol for severe and moderate acute malnutrition in emergencies: Stakeholder perspectives in four countries
Authors: Dalglish Sarah L. , Seni Badou Mamoudou , Sirat Amin , Abdullahi Omar , Adalbert Mena Fundi Eso , Biotteau Marie , Goldsmith Amelia , Kozuki Naoko
Published: November 2019

Each year, acute malnutrition affects an estimated 52 million children under 5 years of age. Current global treatment protocols divide treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) despite malnutrition being a spectrum disease. A proposed Combined Protocol provides for (a) treatment of MAM and SAM at the same location; (b) diagnosis using middle‐upper‐arm circumference (MUAC) and oedema only; (c) treatment using a single product, ready‐to‐use‐therapeutic food (RUTF), and (d) a simplified dosage schedule for RUTF. This study examines stakeholders' knowledge of and opinions on the Combined Protocol in Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, and South Sudan. Data collection included a document review followed by in‐depth interviews with 50 respondents from government, implementing partners, and multilateral agencies, plus 11 global and regional stakeholders. Data were analysed iteratively using thematic content analysis. We find that acute malnutrition protocols in these countries have not been substantially modified to include components of the Combined Protocol, although aspects were accepted for use in emergencies. Respondents generally agreed that MAM and SAM treatment should be provided in the same location, however they said MUAC and oedema‐only diagnosis, although more field‐ready than other diagnostic measures, did not necessarily catch all malnourished children and may not be appropriate for “tall and slim” morphologies. Similarly, using only RUTF presented inherent logistical advantages, but respondents worried about pipeline issues. Respondents did not express strong opinions about simplified dosage schedules. Stakeholders interviewed indicated more evidence is needed on the operational implications and effectiveness of the Combined Protocol in different contexts.
microRNA‐mRNA network model in patients with achalasia
Authors: Palmieri Orazio , Mazza Tommaso , Bassotti Gabrio , Merla Antonio , Tolone Salvatore , Biagini Tommaso , Cuttitta Antonello , Bossa Fabrizio , Martino Giuseppina , Latiano Tiziana , Corritore Giuseppe , Gioffreda Domenica , Palumbo Orazio , Carella Massimo , Panza Anna , Andriulli Angelo , Latiano Anna
Published: November 2019

Background

Achalasia is a rare idiopathic disease with a complex etio‐pathogenesis still unknown. This study aimed to identify microRNA (miRNA)‐mRNA regulatory networks underlying achalasia.

Methods

The investigation was performed in tissue specimens from 11 patients and five controls using the microarray technology followed by an integrated bioinformatics analysis.

Key Results

One hundred and six miRNAs were significantly up‐regulated and 64 were down‐regulated in achalasia patients. The expression of the most 10 differential expressed miRNAs (miR‐122‐5p, miR‐133a‐3p, miR‐504‐5p, miR‐187‐3p, miR‐133b, miR‐200c‐3p, miR‐375, miR‐200b‐5p, miR‐200b‐3p, and miR203a) was confirmed by droplet digital PCR in an independent cohort. The interactions between the significant miRNAs and their targets uncovered 14 miRNA‐mRNA interacting pairs with experimentally predicted genes (ie, FN1, ROCK2, DPYSL2), and 35 pairs with not experimentally target genes (ie, SULF1, MRVI1, PRKG1); all genes were involved in immune cell trafficking, skeletal and muscular system development, nervous system development macro‐processes.

Conclusion & Inferences

The mRNA–miRNA regulatory networks described in this study provide new insights in the genetic background of the disease, suggesting further investigations in novel pathogenic mechanisms.
A novel simple, fast, and safe approach for effective superior vena cava isolation using the third‐generation cryoballoon
Authors: Rubio Campal José Manuel , Sánchez Borque Pepa , Miracle Blanco Ángel , Bravo Calero Loreto , Crosa Julián , Tuñón Fernández José
Published: November 2019

Background

Superior vena cava (SVC) isolation with radiofrequency energy remains a challenge due to potential side effects, especially phrenic nerve (PN) or sinus node injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel SVC isolation technique using the third‐generation cryoballoon (CB3).

Methods

Patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation were prospectively included. The procedure was performed with the CB3, beginning with the pulmonary veins and ending with SVC isolation. During applications in the SVC, continuous PN capture and sinus rate were monitored. Once reached SVC isolation during the application, 60 s more was applied, with no bonus application. If after 90 s the SVC was not isolated, application was stopped. A maximum number of four applications were permitted.

Results

Thirty patients (62 ± 9 years; 74% male, 78% paroxysmal AF) were included. No SVC activity was observed in two patients. Success rate for SVC isolation was 89%. Mean number of applications per patient was 2.3 ± 1. Mean time to SVC isolation was 37 ± 20  s. Mean duration of application was 92 ± 15 s. Mean total time of procedure for SVC isolation was 218 ± 43 s. We recorded only two complications: one transient PN palsy and one short and transient sinus arrest. After a mean follow‐up of 5 ± 2 months, 89% are free from arrhythmia recurrence.

Conclusions

We present a promising simple SVC‐isolation technique using CB3, featuring a high success rate and very low incidence of complications.
Quartz types in the Upper Pennsylvanian organic‐rich Cline Shale (Wolfcamp D), Midland Basin, Texas: Implications for silica diagenesis, porosity evolution and rock mechanical properties
Authors: Peng Junwen , Milliken Kitty L. , Fu Qilong
Published: November 2019

The origin and form of quartz in mudrocks has significant implications for interpretation of depositional environments, diagenetic pathways, mechanisms of porosity reduction and rock mechanical‐property evolution. Quartz types in the Upper Pennsylvanian Cline Shale, Midland Basin, Texas, were examined using a combination of field‐emission scanning electron microscopy‐based energy‐dispersive spectroscopy elemental mapping (to determine mineralogy) and scanning electron microscopy‐based cathodoluminescence imaging (to determine quartz types) with the goal of elucidating a high‐resolution imaging protocol at the micrometre scale for shale petrology. Also, the unconfined compressive rock strength of shale samples with contrasting proportions of different quartz types was measured using Equotip Bambino analyses. The results suggest that extrabasinal detrital quartz, which accounts for an average of 26 vol.% of the rock in all analyzed samples, is the dominant form of quartz in the Cline Shale. The intergranular clay‐size microquartz, which accounts for an average of 10 vol.% of the rock in all analyzed samples, is the dominant form of authigenic quartz. Dissolved radiolarians and sponge spicules are likely sources of silica for clay‐size microquartz and other authigenic quartz showing pale‐mauve to dark greyish cathodoluminescence colour. Some authigenic quartz in the form of intragranular pore filling and mollusc skeletal replacement displays bright‐reddish cathodoluminescence colour, which may be associated with silica released at a different time in the rock's diagenetic history, such as during smectite illitization. Porosity reduction in the Cline Shale predominantly resulted from compaction because of extremely low intergranular volume and the general lack of early cementation. Quartz form significantly impacts rock mechanical properties in the Cline Shale: widely distributed intergranular clay‐size microquartz cement is a major factor controlling rock strength. This correlation also applies to other mudrock successions of various geological ages, tectonic histories and lithologies.
Murder–Suicides Perpetrated by Adolescents: Findings from the National Violent Death Reporting System
Authors: Adhia Avanti , DeCou Christopher R. , Huppert Tierney , Ayyagari Rajiv
Published: November 2019

Objective

Murder‐suicide is a rare and especially tragic form of violence. Nascent literature has characterized murder‐suicide perpetrated by adults, but no study has focused on adolescents who perpetrated murder‐suicide.

Method

This study evaluated all cases of murder‐suicide perpetrated by persons under age 21 who were included in the National Violent Death Reporting System, and categorized each incident using Joiner’s perversion of virtue framework of murder‐suicide.

Results

Forty‐seven incidents of murder‐suicide perpetrated by adolescents were identified, representing 56 victims. Most cases did not have sufficient information to be categorized within a particular perversion of virtue. Among the 20 cases who did have sufficient detail to be categorized, incidents were identified as perversions of self‐control (n = 11), justice (n = 8), and mercy (n = 1). Most perpetrators were male, and the majority of victims were female. Additional victim, perpetrator, and incident characteristics are described.

Conclusions

Our findings extend previous work by employing a coding system based on a theoretically derived framework for categorizing “genuine” murder‐suicide and related behavior among adolescents. This study also characterized the nature of this complex and tragic sequence of behavior among adolescents, who are at elevated risk of suicide, and who may benefit from prevention efforts that effectively address means safety, suicidality, and intimate partner violence.
Foreign direct investment and civil violence in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Kibria Ahsan , Oladi Reza , Akhundjanov Sherzod B.
Published: November 2019

Despite the steady growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) flow into Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), which is facilitated by the United Nations "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", economic development in SSA countries remains relatively weak, due in part to frequent incidents of civil violence. The critics of FDI inflow into SSA posit that the cross‐border capital flow fuels civil conflict and unrest, whilst the proponents maintain that FDI inflow helps developing countries raise their economies. To reconcile these two views, this paper considers the impact of FDI on civil violence in SSA by distinguishing recipient industries of FDI. The results from a new general equilibrium theory suggest that an increase in resource‐directed FDI inflow to countries where the resource sector is skilled labour (unskilled labour) intensive reduces (increases, respectively) the risk of violence. Using a panel data consisting of 34 SSA countries for 1972–2013, the dynamic panel estimates provide support for our theoretical findings. In particular, an increase in FDI inflow reduces the risk of civil violence for skilled labour intensive fuel‐resource‐rich SSA countries. However, the likelihood of violence can increase in FDI inflow for countries that are rich in unskilled labour intensive non‐fuel, ore and other mineral resources.
Googlish as a resource for networked multilingualism
Authors: Lee Carmen
Published: November 2019

This paper discusses the ways in which incomprehensible English resulting from failed Google Translation, or ‘Googlish,’ has become an important networked resource for creators and viewers of parody videos on YouTube. This paper analyzes playful Googlish talk in a YouTube series called Google Translate Sings (GTS). In the series, the creator performs songs with lyrics that have been translated back and forth between English and several other languages using Google Translate, leading to accidental humor. Understanding YouTube as texts (Benson, 2015), this study demonstrates how what seems to be nonsensical English is given new textual identities by global web users.
An Economic Instrument to Improve Migration
Authors: Stenis Jan
Published: November 2019

The Naturally Optimised Revenue Demand in Communities (NORDIC) model is employed to improve migration. The proposed model produces constructed shadow costs to be inserted into the public budgets to induce economic incentives to improve the integration of immigrants. The resulting shadow cost, and its impact on the PSBR, constitutes a single, key factor that by one digit only expresses how successful the integration is over time. The human tolerance is encapsulated in the launched model through a single factor in the NORDIC model equation that considers the population's general acceptance of immigrants that affects the result. Particularly, the case study shows how refugees should be better integrated into the Swedish society by application of the NORDIC model. The results point at a promising methodology for successfully integrating migrants by using economic instruments. The major conclusion is that the NORDIC model can be used for improving the immigration to a nation. In particular, the suitable level of refugee-reception is possible to determine by employing the NORDIC model in a societal context to improve a nation’s GDP and the citizens’ welfare. Possible end users are the migration-authorities and politicians that want a comprehensive tool to improve the efficiency of the reception of immigrants and refugees to the current nation. Recommendations for the use of the proposed model are given and further research suggested.
Compliance with Statement of Accounting Standard 14 by Listed Oil and Gas Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Muhibudeen Latifat , Abdulrahman Sadiya
Published: November 2019

The study aimed at examining the financial statements of Companies in the Nigerian petroleum industry in other to determine their level of transparency which is a function of their level of compliance with the provisions of Statements of Accounting Standards (SAS) 14 in the upstream sector. Data were collected from annual reports and accounts of the 14 listed oil companies for the period of five years 2013 to 2017. They were analyzed using compliance index, descriptive statistics, correlation and regression. The result reveals that oil and gas companies in Nigeria strongly complied with the requirements of SAS14 with 92.44%. It also shows that the age, size of assets, ROA and Leverage of the companies have insignificantly effect on SAS 14. The study recommends that International Accounting Standard Board, Financial Reporting Council and other relevant regulatory bodies to, as a matter of urgency, commission additional and effective follow up campaigns and supervision aimed at enlightening not only corporate bodies but also individual stakeholders on the benefits derivable from compliance with requirement of SASs.
Field Data Collection Using GIS Technology for the Management of Geohazards and Third-Party Damage Threats in the Pipeline Transportation System of Natural Gas (NG) and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL)
Authors: Oviedo Karin , Malpartida Moya John Erick
Published: November 2019

The Camisea Pipelines Transportation System (STD) owned by Transportadora de Gas del Peru (TGP) is operated and maintained by Compania Operadora de Gas del Amazonas (COGA). The system consists of two pipelines: a 730-kilometer long Natural Gas (NG) pipeline, which runs from the Upstream facilities in the Malvinas to the Receptor Station in Lurin (south of Lima), which has a loop in the area of Coast of 135 km in length and the Natural Gas Liquids pipeline (NGL) of 557 kilometers, which transports the condensed liquids from Malvinas to Pisco, on the coast of Peru.

In the first 210 km, it crosses a complicated zone of the Peruvian Amazon, between the kilometric poste (KP) 210 and KP 420, the sector of the mountain range is defined and between the KP 420 and KP 730, the coastal sector is located.

Due to the influence area and the project magnitude, solutions for many problems frequently require access to various types of information that can only be geographically related or by their spatial distribution. In this sense the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), provides the necessary tools to store and manage information using these references, thus allowing to analyze patterns of behavior, relationships and trends in information, all with the interest of contributing to the taking of better decisions.

Likewise, given the complicated geography on which the project is developed, as well as the populations dynamic, the threats of geohazards and damages by third parties respectively, require evaluations and field data collection on a permanent basis, this also because it is about threats that are independent of time and that represent the highest percentage of failures for the South American pipelines. In this sense, data collection using GIS technology allows users, through the use of previously established forms, to capture field information, as well as the corresponding photographic record. Also, during the data collection, users have at their disposal on their mobile devices relevant information that allows a more objective spatial and temporal analysis of a specific place. This information is synchronized with the GIS database of the organization and used in the evaluation of risks to the integrity of the pipelines.

This article describes the methodology for field data collection, using GIS technology, as well as the process of validation and publication of the data in the Geodatabase of the company and the benefits associated with having updated and available information to guarantee the best decision making.