bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semiparametric estimation of the cure fraction in population‐based cancer survival analysis
Authors: Gu Ennan , Zhang Jiajia , Lu Wenbin , Wang Lianming , Felizzi Federico
Published: July 2020

With rapid development in medical research, the treatment of diseases including cancer has progressed dramatically and those survivors may die from causes other than the one under study, especially among elderly patients. Motivated by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) female breast cancer study, background mortality is incorporated into the mixture cure proportional hazards (MCPH) model to improve the cure fraction estimation in population‐based cancer studies. Here, that patients are “cured” is defined as when the mortality rate of the individuals in diseased group returns to the same level as that expected in the general population, where the population level mortality is presented by the mortality table of the United States. The semiparametric estimation method based on the EM algorithm for the MCPH model with background mortality (MCPH+BM) is further developed and validated via comprehensive simulation studies. Real data analysis shows that the proposed semiparametric MCPH+BM model may provide more accurate estimation in population‐level cancer study.
Automatic question generation
Authors: Last Mark , Danon Guy
Published: July 2020

Automatic generation of semantically well‐formed questions from a given text can contribute to various domains, including education, dialogues/interactive question answering systems, search engines, and more. It is well‐known as a challenging task, which involves the common obstacles of other natural language processing (NLP) activities. We start this advanced review with a brief overview of the most common automatic question generation (AQG) applications. Then we describe the main steps of a typical AQG pipeline, namely question construction, ranking, and evaluation. Finally, we discuss the open challenges of the AQG field that still need to be addressed by NLP researchers.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Text Mining
From momentum amplituhedron boundaries to amplitude singularities and back
Authors: Ferro Livia , Łukowski Tomasz , Moerman Robert
Published: July 2020

Abstract

The momentum amplituhedron is a positive geometry encoding tree-level scattering amplitudes in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills directly in spinor-helicity space. In this paper we classify all boundaries of the momentum amplituhedron ℳn, k and explain how these boundaries are related to the expected factorization channels, and soft and collinear limits of tree amplitudes. Conversely, all physical singularities of tree amplitudes are encoded in this boundary stratification. Finally, we find that the momentum amplituhedron ℳn, k has Euler characteristic equal to one, which provides a first step towards proving that it is homeomorphic to a ball.
Chiral gauge theory and gravity from unconventional supersymmetry
Authors: Alvarez Pedro D. , Valenzuela Mauricio , Zanelli Jorge
Published: July 2020

Abstract

From a gauge SU (2,2|2) model with broken supersymmetry, we construct an action for SU(2)×U (1) Yang-Mills theory coupled to gravity and matter in four dimensions. The connection components for AdS boosts and special conformal translations are auxiliary fields and their fixing reduces the theory to two distinct sectors: a vector-like gauge theory with general relativity and a chiral gauge theory where gravity drops out. We discuss some of the main classical features of the model such as the predicted tree level gauge couplings, cosmological constant value, mass-like terms and the Einstein equations.
Superradiant instability of black resonators and geons
Authors: Ishii Takaaki , Murata Keiju , Santos Jorge E. , Way Benson
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Black resonators and geons in global AdS are rapidly rotating, low-energy solutions with a helical Killing field. We study the linear mode stability of equal angular momenta, five-dimensional black resonators and geons under scalar, electromagnetic, and gravitational perturbations. We find that black resonators are unstable to the superradiant instability, in agreement with previously known results. Perhaps surprisingly, many geons appear linearly stable, despite having an ergoregion. This apparent stability implies that geons are important long-lived, low-energy states in the dual gauge theory. However, we do find that geons are unstable within a certain range of parameter space. We comment on the nature of this instability and to its possible endpoints. We also report on new non-spinning oscillating geons, which we construct within a cohomogeneity two ansatz. Given the existing arguments that suggest our linear stability results may be extended nonlinearly, our findings indicate that most geons are generic and long-lived solutions.
Scalar and tensor neutrino interactions
Authors: Han Tao , Liao Jiajun , Liu Hongkai , Marfatia Danny
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We constrain general Dirac neutrino interactions based on the Standard Model Effective Field Theory framework extended with right-handed neutrinos N (SMNEFT) using deep inelastic and coherent elastic neutrino scattering, nuclear beta decay, and meson decay data, and high energy electron-proton and proton-proton collider data. We compute the one-loop anomalous dimensions of the low-energy effective field theory (LEFT) below the electroweak scale and of SMNEFT above the electroweak scale. The tree-level matching between LEFT and SMNEFT is performed at the electroweak scale. Currently, the most stringent limits on scalar and tensor interactions arise from pseudoscalar meson decays and the LHC measurements at the per mille level. In the future, the upcoming High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) has the potential to reach the 10−4 level and LHeC can play an important role under certain theoretical assumptions.
Point-of-care-ready nanoscale ISFET arrays for sub-picomolar detection of cytokines in cell cultures
Authors: Rani Dipti , Singh Yogesh , Salker Madhuri , Vu Xuan Thang , Ingebrandt Sven , Pachauri Vivek
Published: July 2020

Rapid and frequent screening of cytokines as immunomodulation agents is necessary for precise interventions in severe pathophysiological conditions. In addition to high-sensitivity detection of such analytes in complex biological fluids such as blood, saliva, and cell culture medium samples, it is also crucial to work out miniaturized bioanalytical platforms with potential for high-density integration enabling screening of multiple analytes. In this work, we show a compact, point-of-care-ready bioanalytical platform for screening of cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) based on one-dimensional ion-sensitive field-effect transistors arrays (nanoISFETs) of silicon fabricated at wafer-scale via nanoimprint lithography. The nanoISFETs biofunctionalized with receptor proteins alpha IL-4 and alpha IL-2 were deployed for screening cytokine secretion in mouse T helper cell differentiation culture media, respectively. Our nanoISFETs showed robust sensor signals for specific molecular binding and can be readily deployed for real-time screening of cytokines. Quantitative analyses of the nanoISFET-based bioanalytical platform was carried out for IL-4 concentrations ranging from 25 fg/mL (1.92 fM) to 2.5 μg/mL (192 nM), showing a limit of detection down to 3–5 fM, which was found to be in agreement with ELISA results in determining IL-4 concentrations directly in complex cell culture media.
Improving therapeutic potential of GDNF family ligands
Authors: Runeberg-Roos Pia , Penn Richard D
Published: July 2020

The last decade has been a frustrating time for investigators who had envisioned major advances in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease using neurotrophic factors. The first trials of glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor for treating Parkinson’s disease were very promising. Later blinded control trials were disappointing, not reaching the predetermined outcomes for improvement in motor function. Consideration of the problems in the studies as well as the biology of the neurotrophins used can potentially lead to more effective therapies. Parkinson’s disease presents a multitude of opportunities for the cell biologist wanting to understand its pathology and to find possible new avenues for treatment.
Coronaviruses: a challenge of today and a call for extended human postmortem brain analyses
Authors: Riederer Peter , ter Meulen Volker
Published: July 2020

While there is abounding literature on virus-induced pathology in general and coronavirus in particular, recent evidence accumulates showing distinct and deleterious brain affection. As the respiratory tract connects to the brain without protection of the blood–brain barrier, SARS-CoV-2 might in the early invasive phase attack the cardiorespiratory centres located in the medulla/pons areas, giving rise to disturbances of respiration and cardiac problems. Furthermore, brainstem regions are at risk to lose their functional integrity. Therefore, long-term neurological as well as psychiatric symptomatology and eventual respective disorders cannot be excluded as evidenced from influenza-A triggered post-encephalitic Parkinsonism and HIV-1 triggered AIDS–dementia complex. From the available evidences for coronavirus-induced brain pathology, this review concludes a number of unmet needs for further research strategies like human postmortem brain analyses. SARS-CoV-2 mirroring experimental animal brain studies, characterization of time-dependent and region-dependent spreading behaviours of coronaviruses, enlightening of pathological mechanisms after coronavirus infection using long-term animal models and clinical observations of patients having had COVID-19 infection are calling to develop both protective strategies and drug discoveries to avoid early and late coronavirus-induced functional brain disturbances, symptoms and eventually disorders. To fight SARS-CoV-2, it is an urgent need to enforce clinical, molecular biological, neurochemical and genetic research including brain-related studies on a worldwide harmonized basis.
COVID-19 Crisis: How to Avoid a ‘Lost Generation’
Authors: Tamesberger Dennis , Bacher Johann
Published: July 2020

The spread of the coronavirus has made economic conditions difficult in many economic areas and has led to skyrocketing youth unemployment in most European countries. On the basis of simple model calculations, we estimate the consequences of the COVID-19 shutdown on youth unemployment in the European Union for the year 2020. According to our estimations, youth unemployment will increase from 2.8 to 4.8 million. The youth unemployment rate will increase to 26%, and the number of young people not in education, employment and training (NEET) will increase from 4.7 to 6.7 million. Policymakers at the national and international level should react as quickly as possible and make great efforts to avoid these negative scenarios. We suggest the introduction of a new European Youth Guarantee to ensure fiscal relief for those countries that suffer the most economically. It should be financed jointly by the EU and the respective member states. We suggest a new formula-based co-financing model in order to guarantee solidarity between the member states.
One-step twin-screw extrusion process of cellulose fibers and hydroxyethyl cellulose to produce fibrillated cellulose biocomposite
Authors: Taheri Hesam , Hietala Maiju , Oksman Kristiina
Published: July 2020

In this work, the defibrillation of cellulose fibers (CF) in the presence of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) within the one-step twin-screw extrusion (TSE) process was examined. The effect of the TSE on cellulose fiber size reduction as well as CF-HEC biocomposites properties were investigated. The results showed that the TSE of cellulose fiber-hydroxyethyl cellulose (CF-HEC) with different cellulose fiber contents (50, 65, and 80 wt%) resulted in partial defibrillation of the cellulose fibers. The fractionation test of the cellulose fibers confirmed that their size was reduced and some fibrillation was observed in microscopy studies. The maximum width reduction of 46% occurred with 80 wt% cellulose content. However, the partial width reduction was also observed with 50% and 65 wt% of cellulose contents. Based on rheological measurements, the shear-viscosity trend of CF-HEC dispersion abruptly dropped when higher fiber content (80 wt%) was extruded, which was related to the fibrillation of the cellulose fibers as well as the reduction of the length. The extruded CF-HEC materials (powder form) were compression molded to prepare the biocomposites with different cellulose fiber contents (50, 65, and 80 wt%). The extruded CF-HEC powders were diluted with addition extra HEC to make biocomposites with lower fiber content (20%, 30%, and 40 wt%) and compression molded to study how the size reduction of the cellulose fibers affected the mechanical properties of biocomposites. The results showed that the E-modulus improved from 0.4 GPa of the neat HEC to 1.6 GPa for the composite with 40 wt% CF. Interestingly, the tensile strength of CF-HEC biocomposite with 40 wt% confirmed a clear improvement from 9.8 to 26.6 MPa, confirming good interaction between HEC and CF.

Graphic abstract

Preparation (mixing, TSE, and hot-pressing) and characterization (FE-SEM, rheometry, and tensile test) of CF-HEC biocomposite
More perceived but not faster evolution of heat stress than temperature extremes in the future
Authors: Brouillet Audrey , Joussaume Sylvie
Published: July 2020

Global warming is projected to intensify during the twenty-first century. Yet, only few studies investigate how global warming could be perceived by future populations. Here, we propose an assessment of how climate change could be perceived by combining climatological indicators. We analyse extremes of temperature (T99) and simplified Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT99), a heat stress index assessing the combined effect of elevated temperature and humidity on the human body. The speed of change is defined for each year as the difference between the previous 20 years and the twenty upcoming years (i.e. with a moving baseline), and we assess how these speeds emerge from each last 20-year interannual variability. Using a set of 12 CMIP5 models, speeds of change of T99 and WBGT99 in 2080 are both twice as fast compared with current speeds in mid-latitudes, and by up to four times faster in the tropics under the RCP8.5 scenario. Warming accelerations are thus similar for T99 and WBGT99. However, these speeds in tropical regions in 2080 are projected to be 2.3 times larger than the last 20-year interannual variability for WBGT99, and only 1.5 to 1.8 times larger for T99. According to the models, the WBGT99 intensification will be more emergent from the recent year-to-year variability than the T99 warming. This analysis suggests that the accelerated warming of heat extremes will be felt more strongly by populations than current changes for RCP8.5, and that this evolution will be more perceived in heat stress than in temperature, particularly within the tropics.
Multi-cost Bounded Tradeoff Analysis in MDP
Authors: Hartmanns Arnd , Junges Sebastian , Katoen Joost-Pieter , Quatmann Tim
Published: July 2020

We provide a memory-efficient algorithm for multi-objective model checking problems on Markov decision processes (MDPs) with multiple cost structures. The key problem at hand is to check whether there exists a scheduler for a given MDP such that all objectives over cost vectors are fulfilled. We cover multi-objective reachability and expected cost objectives, and combinations thereof. We further transfer approaches for computing quantiles over single cost bounds to the multi-cost case and highlight the ensuing challenges. An empirical evaluation shows the scalability of our new approach both in terms of memory consumption and runtime. We discuss the need for more detailed visual presentations of results beyond Pareto curves and present a first visualisation approach that exploits all the available information from the algorithm to support decision makers.
On Chaos Behaviour of Nonlinear Lasota Equation in Lebesgue Space
Authors: Dawidowicz Antoni Leon , Poskrobko Anna
Published: July 2020

We concern the asymptotic behaviour of the dynamical systems induced by nonlinear Lasota equation. We study chaoticity in the sense of Devaney and strong stability of the system. In many articles authors consider the properties of the linear version of the equation. By the construction of the operator in the separable space, we can formulate the relations between the solutions of the linear equation and its nonlinear version in Lebesgue space. The aim of the paper is to present the detailed construction of the operator thanks to which, the study of simple relationships allows determining the chaotic behaviour of the nonlinear equation.
Land-use change and propagule pressure promote plant invasions in tropical rainforest remnants
Authors: Waddell Emily H. , Banin Lindsay F. , Fleiss Susannah , Hill Jane K. , Hughes Mark , Jelling Ahmad , Yeong Kok Loong , Ola Bernadus Bala , Sailim Azlin Bin , Tangah Joseph , Chapman Daniel S.
Published: July 2020

Context

Intact tropical rainforests are considered robust to plant invasions. However, land-use change alters the structure and species composition of native forest, opening up tropical landscapes to invasion. Yet, the relative roles of key drivers on tropical forest invasions remain little investigated.

Objectives

We examine factors affecting plant invasion of rainforest remnants in oil-palm dominated landscapes in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. We hypothesized that invasion is greater in highly fragmented landscapes, and in disturbed forests with lower native plant diversity (cf. old-growth rainforests).

Methods

Native and exotic plants were surveyed in 47 plots at 17 forest sites, spanning gradients in landscape-scale fragmentation and local forest disturbance. Using partial least squares path-modelling, we examined correlations between invasion, fragmentation, forest disturbance, propagule pressure, soil characteristics and native plant community.

Results

We recorded 6999 individuals from 329 genera in total, including eight exotic species (0–51% of individuals/plot, median = 1.4%) representing shrubs, forbs, graminoids and climbers. The best model (R2 = 0.343) revealed that invasion was correlated with disturbance and propagule pressure (high prevalence of exotic species in plantation matrix), the latter being driven by greater fragmentation of the landscape. Our models revealed a significant negative correlation between invasion and native tree seedlings and sapling community diversity.

Conclusions

Increasing landscape fragmentation promotes exotic plant invasion in remnant tropical forests, especially if local disturbance is high. The association between exotic species invasion and young native tree community may have impacts for regeneration given that fragmentation is predicted to increase and so plant invasion may become more prevalent.
The Effectiveness of a Community-Based Mentoring Program for Children Aged 5–11 Years: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Axford Nick , Bjornstad Gretchen , Matthews Justin , Whybra Laura , Berry Vashti , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Hobbs Tim , Wrigley Zoe , Brook Lucy , Taylor Rod , Eames Tim , Kallitsoglou Angeliki , Blower Sarah , Warner Georgina
Published: July 2020

The study, a two-arm, randomized controlled, parallel group, superiority trial, aimed to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a 12-month one-to-one volunteer mentoring program designed to improve behavioral and emotional outcomes in children aged 5 to 11 years who have teacher- and parent/carer-reported behavioral difficulties. Participants were 246 children (123 intervention, 123 control; mean age 8.4 years; 87% boys) in five sites in London, UK, scoring in the “abnormal” range on the teacher-rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) Total Difficulties measure and in the “borderline” or abnormal range on the parent-rated SDQ Total Difficulties measure. Randomization on a 1:1 ratio took place using a computer-generated sequence and stratifying by site. Data collectors and statisticians were blind to participant allocation status. Outcome measures focused on parent- and teacher-rated child behavior and emotions, and child-rated self-perception and hope. Intention-to-treat analysis on all 246 randomized participants (using imputed data where necessary) showed that at post-intervention (16 months after randomization), there were no statistically significant effects on the primary outcome—parent-rated SDQ Total Difficulties (adjusted standardized mean difference = − 0.12; 95% CI: −0.38 to 0.13; p = 0.33)—or any secondary outcomes. Results from complier average causal effect (CACE) analysis using the primary outcome indicated the intervention was not effective for children who received the recommended duration of mentoring. Exploratory analyses found no sub-group effects on the primary outcome. The article concludes that the mentoring program had no effect on children’s behavior or emotional well-being, and that program content needs revising to satisfactorily address key risk and protective factors.
Delayed Graduation and Overeducation in Italy: A Test of the Human Capital Model Versus the Screening Hypothesis
Authors: Aina Carmen , Pastore Francesco
Published: July 2020

Exploiting the human capital versus screening hypothesis frameworks, this paper studies the link between delayed graduation and overeducation, and their effect on wages, by using the ISFOL-Plus data. The evidence lines towards predictions based on the signalling model. However, as to the determinants of overeducation the coefficient of delayed graduation is significant only for delays of 3 years or more and also controlling for the entire set of covariates. This suggests that delay conveys a signal of low skill.
Sexual Desire and Fantasies in the LGBT+ Community: Focus on Lesbian Women and Gay Men
Authors: Nimbi Filippo Maria , Ciocca Giacomo , Limoncin Erika , Fontanesi Lilybeth , Uysal Ünal Batuhan , Flinchum Matthew , Tambelli Renata , Jannini Emmanuele Angelo , Simonelli Chiara
Published: July 2020

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge around sexual desire, fantasies, and related biopsychosocial factors that may facilitate or obstruct sexual expressions in lesbian women and gay men.

Recent Findings

Sexual desire levels and related problems do not seem significantly different in people who identify as gay or lesbian compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Evidence has shown lesbian women and gay men may have specific desire expressions and biopsychosocial factors influencing their sexual health. This may suggest the importance of deepening the understanding of the unique factors of LGBT+ sexuality and relationships while paying attention to the sociocultural background in which lesbian and gay people grow and develop their identities.

A lack of specific and unbiased literature on sexual desire and fantasies in gay and lesbian people is reported. Available evidence is controversial and often biased. LG people showed a variety of sexual expressions that are hard to categorize referring to the heteronormative sexual standards that permeate literature and clinical practice. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
New approach for time-resolved and dynamic investigations on nanoparticles agglomeration
Authors: Anaraki Neda Iranpour , Sadeghpour Amin , Iranshahi Kamran , Toncelli Claudio , Cendrowska Urszula , Stellacci Francesco , Dommann Alex , Wick Peter , Neels Antonia
Published: July 2020

Nanoparticle (NP) colloidal stability plays a crucial role in biomedical application not only for human and environmental safety but also for NP efficiency and functionality. NP agglomeration is considered as a possible process in monodispersed NP colloidal solutions, which drastically affects colloidal stability. This process is triggered by changes in the physicochemical properties of the surrounding media, such as ionic strength (IS), pH value, or presence of biomolecules. Despite different available characterization methods for nanoparticles (NPs), there is a lack of information about the underlying mechanisms at the early stage of dynamic behaviors, namely changing in NP size distribution and structure while placing them from a stable colloidal solution to a new media like biological fluids. In this study, an advanced in situ approach is presented that combines small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and microfluidics, allowing label-free, direct, time-resolved, and dynamic observations of the early stage of NP interaction/agglomeration initiated by environmental changes. It is shown for silica NPs that the presence of protein in the media enormously accelerates the NP agglomeration process compared to respective changes in IS and pH. High IS results in a staring agglomeration process after 40 min, though, in case of protein presence in media, this time decreased enormously to 48 s. These time scales show that this method is sensitive and precise in depicting the dynamics of fast and slow NP interactions in colloidal conditions and therefore supports understanding the colloidal stability of NPs in various media concluding in safe and efficient NP designing for various applications.
Shopping with a Conscience? The Epistemic Case for Relinquishment over Conscientious Consumption
Authors: Kingston Ewan
Published: July 2020

Many people argue that we should practice conscientious consumption. Faced with goods from gravely flawed production processes, such as wood from clear-cut rainforests or electronics containing conflict minerals, they argue that we should enact personal policies to routinely shun tainted goods and select pure(r) goods. However, consumers typically should be relatively uncertain about which flaws in global supply chains are grave and the connection of purchases to those grave flaws. The threat of significant uncertainty makes conscientious consumption appear to be no better, or even worse, than an overlooked option. This overlooked option is consumption with relinquishment: disregarding each product’s possible connections with upstream grave flaws and using the time, money, and energy saved in this way to address grave flaws directly.
Addressing the so-called validity–diversity trade-off: Exploring the practicalities and legal defensibility of Pareto-optimization for reducing adverse impact within personnel selection
Authors: Rupp Deborah E. , Song Q. Chelsea , Strah Nicole
Published: July 2020

It is necessary for personnel selection systems to be effective, fair, and legally appropriate. Sometimes these goals are complementary, whereas other times they conflict (leading to the so-called “validity-diversity dilemma”). In this practice forum, we trace the history and legality of proposed approaches for simultaneously maximizing job performance and diversity through personnel selection, leading to a review of a more recent method, the Pareto-optimization approach. We first describe the method at various levels of complexity and provide guidance (with examples) for implementing the technique in practice. Then, we review the potential points at which the method might be challenged legally and present defenses against those challenges. Finally, we conclude with practical tips for implementing Pareto-optimization within personnel selection.
Fertile ground: reproductive health consideration in mental health ward policy
Authors: McGuire E. , Curtis C. , Duffy R. M.
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

Women of childbearing age often experience mental health problems, receive psychotropic medication and are admitted to mental health units. Approximately 40% of pregnancies are unplanned and many women experience perinatal mental health problems. It is therefore vital that consideration is given to reproductive health in mental health policy. We aimed to evaluate the consideration of pregnancy and breastfeeding in the policies of an inpatient mental health service.

Methods:

The policies of a regional inpatient psychiatric unit were independently reviewed by two researchers. Policies that had implications for pregnancy and breastfeeding for patients were identified. Whether or not these policies considered pregnancy and breastfeeding and the detail of this consideration was evaluated.

Results:

One hundred and thirteen policies were evaluated. Forty had implications for pregnancy but only 10 of these mentioned pregnancy and only 3 in detail. Only 3 of the 28 policies that had relevance to breastfeeding mothers mentioned it and none discussed it in detail. Key areas of omission included prescribing, seclusion and restraint and cultural and religious considerations.

Conclusion:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding were almost entirely absent in the ward policies of our inpatient unit. Their consideration in the acute setting is vital. An individual or group of individuals should be responsible for ensuring that reproductive health is considered in all policies as well as in a larger specific policy suitable for referencing. The rights of the reproductive woman should be comprehensively considered in inpatient mental health care policy.
RECONCILED ESTIMATES AND NOWCASTS OF REGIONAL OUTPUT IN THE UK
Authors: Koop Gary , McIntyre Stuart , Mitchell James , Poon Aubrey
Published: July 2020

There is renewed interest in levelling up the regions of the UK. The combination of social and political discontent, and the sluggishness of key UK macroeconomic indicators like productivity growth, has led to increased interest in understanding the regional economies of the UK. In turn, this has led to more investment in economic statistics. Specifically, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently started to produce quarterly regional GDP data for the nine English regions and Wales that date back to 2012Q1. This complements existing real GVA data for the regions available from the ONS on an annual basis back to 1998; with the devolved administrations of Scotland and Northern Ireland producing their own quarterly output measures. In this paper we reconcile these two data sources along with UK quarterly output data that date back to 1970. This enables us to produce both more timely real terms estimates of quarterly economic growth in the regions of the UK and a new reconciled historical time-series of quarterly regional real output data from 1970. We explore a number of features of interest of these new data. This includes producing a new quarterly regional productivity series and commenting on the evolution of regional productivity growth in the UK.
Ethnicity or Religion? A Theory of Identity Choice with Evidence from the Russian North Caucasus
Authors: Dzutsati Valery
Published: July 2020

Previous research has either equated religion- and language-based group identities or asserted that their social effects are the same. This article proposes a novel differentiation between religious and ethnic self-identification that accounts for in-group income inequality and the social role of the group. The study argues that ethnicity-based identities tend to be associated with economic activities, thereby increasing the demand for income equality within such groups. Religious identities, on the contrary, are centered around noneconomic activities and have the ideological framework for reconciling material inequalities. The observable implication of this distinction is that the high-, low-, and middle-income categories of the multicultural society will display differential association with ethnic and religious identities. Ethnic groups will have lower in-group income inequality as a result of the exclusion of the poor and the departure of the rich. Religious groups, on the contrary, will have higher in-group income inequality due to the capacity of religion to accommodate both poor and rich. Relevant empirical tests from the ethnically and religiously diverse Russian North Caucasus region indicate support for the proposed theory.
Effects of copper sulphate and coated copper sulphate addition on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and blood metabolites in dairy cows
Authors: Wang C. , Han L. , Zhang G. W. , Du H. S. , Wu Z. Z. , Liu Q. , Guo G. , Huo W. J. , Zhang J. , Zhang Y. L. , Pei C. X. , Zhang S. L.
Published: July 2020

Coated copper sulphate (CCS) could be used as a Cu supplement in cows. To investigate the influences of copper sulphate (CS) and CCS on milk performance, nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation, fifty Holstein dairy cows were arranged in a randomised block design to five groups: control, CS addition (7·5 mg Cu/kg DM from CS) or CCS addition (5, 7·5 and 10 mg Cu/kg DM from CCS, respectively). When comparing Cu source at equal inclusion rates (7·5 mg/kg DM), cows receiving CCS addition had higher yields of fat-corrected milk, milk fat and protein; digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM) and neutral-detergent fibre (NDF); ruminal total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration; activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, cellobiase, pectinase and α-amylase; populations of Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes; and liver Cu content than cows receiving CS addition. Increasing CCS addition, DM intake was unchanged, yields of milk, milk fat and protein; feed efficiency; digestibility of DM, OM, NDF and acid-detergent fibre; ruminal total VFA concentration; acetate:propionate ratio; activity of cellulolytic enzyme; populations of total bacteria, protozoa and dominant cellulolytic bacteria; and concentrations of Cu in serum and liver increased linearly, but ruminal propionate percentage, ammonia-N concentration, α-amylase activity and populations of Prevotella ruminicola and Ruminobacter amylophilus decreased linearly. The results indicated that supplement of CS could be substituted with CCS and addition of CCS improved milk performance and nutrient digestion in dairy cows.
The effect of magnesium supplementation on anthropometric indices: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Rafiee Masoumeh , Ghavami Abed , Rashidian Ali , Hadi Amir , Askari Gholamreza
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Mg supplementation on anthropometric indices consisting of body weight, waist circumference (WC), BMI and body fat percentage. In this systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar from databases inception up to February 2020 for relevant randomised controlled trials. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool. All the outcomes of this meta-analysis were pooled using the random effect model. Analysis of dose–response for Mg dosage was carried out using a fractional polynomial model. The systematic review and meta-analysis include twenty-eight randomised clinical trials, comprising 2013 participants. There were no significant changes in anthropometric indices after Mg supplementation in the overall analysis. However, subgroup analysis revealed that Mg supplementation decreases WC in subjects with BMI > 30 kg/m2 (obese) (twelve trials, n 997 participants; weighted mean difference = –2·09 cm, 95 % CI –4·12, –0·07, P = 0·040; I2 = 0 %). Dose–response analysis revealed a non-significant non-linear effect of supplementation dosage on anthropometric indices. The results suggest that Mg supplementation is associated with lower WC only in obese subjects. However, more high-quality studies are needed to clarify the nature of this association.
The effect of heat stress on quinoa (cv. Titicaca) under controlled climatic conditions
Authors: Alvar-Beltrán Jorge , Verdi Leonardo , Marta Anna Dalla , Dao Abdalla , Vivoli Roberto , Sanou Jacob , Orlandini Simone
Published: July 2020

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is capable of adapting to multiple environments and tolerating abiotic stresses including saline, drought and frost stress conditions. However, the introduction of quinoa into new environments has disclosed adaptation challenges. The principle factor affecting crop pollination is heat stress at flowering, which leads to sterile plants. To investigate the effect of high temperatures during the sensitive phenological phases, flowering and seed germination, a Danish-bred cultivar (cv. Titicaca) was grown in climatic chambers. Selection of the cv. Titicaca was based on the fact that it is the most extensively used cultivar in the Sahel and Middle East and North African region. The results of this research demonstrated that temperatures exceeding 38 °C hindered seed germination and pollination, and therefore, seed yield at harvest. At 38 °C, seed yield losses were 30%, whilst seed germination percentage declined below 50%. In addition, the results of the present research were compared with field observations from Burkina Faso in order to determine the spatiotemporal suitability of this crop with respect to temperature stress. Although many other abiotic stresses need to be considered when defining crop calendars (e.g. heavy precipitation in July and August), this research proposes the following growing periods to avoid heat-stress conditions at flowering: Sahel (July–September and November–February), Soudano–Sahel (June–February) and Soudanian zone (all year round).
Novel technique using surgical scrub sponges to protect the nose and face during prone ventilation for coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Stubington T J , Mansuri M S
Published: July 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 is an international pandemic. One of the cardinal features is acute respiratory distress syndrome, and proning has been identified as beneficial for a subset of patients. However, proning is associated with pressure-related side effects, including injury to the nose and face.

Method

This paper describes a pressure-relieving technique using surgical scrub sponges. This technique was derived based on previous methods used in patients following rhinectomy.

Conclusion

The increased use of prone ventilation has resulted in a number of referrals to the ENT team with concerns regarding nasal pressure damage. The described technique, which is straightforward and uses readily available materials, has proven effective in relieving pressure in a small number of patients.
A Vietnamese literary riddle from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries: Hoàng Sĩ Khải's Tứ Thời Khúc
Authors: Taylor K.W.
Published: July 2020

This article considers the literary curiosity from the Mạc–Lê dynastic wars in the sixteenth century of a poem written by a Mạc-dynasty partisan being interpreted by later generations as having been written to praise the Lê dynasty. It uses textual and contextual analysis to argue that the poem was written to praise the Mạc dynasty but was later revised by scholars of the Lê dynasty.
Mission Statement
Authors: Frymer Paul , Gottschalk Marie , Johnson Kimberley
Published: July 2020

We are honored to have the opportunity to serve as the latest editors of Studies in American Political Development. We wish to thank and credit Anthony Chen and Eric Schickler for their outstanding service and contributions. First established by Karen Orren and Stephen Skowronek in 1986 as a space for theoretical, methodological, and substantive commitments intrinsic in the study of American political development (APD), we look forward to maintaining the journal's esteemed reputation as a place for important questions and empirically rich and theoretically innovative answers.
Transcatheter baffle leak closure via an amplatzer septal occluder in a senning-operated child
Authors: Çetiner Nilüfer , Yıldırım Baştuhan Işıl , Çeliker Alpay
Published: July 2020

Senning operation is a surgical treatment for transposition of great arteries that can be complicated by post-procedural atrial or caval baffle leaks. We present a 6-year-old boy with a history of Senning repair for transposition of great arteries, who developed a pulmonary venous baffle leak. Percutaneous baffle leak closure was successfully performed using an Amplatzer septal occluder.
Nutrition and oral health in early childhood: associations with formal and informal childcare
Authors: Carpenter Lauren , Gibbs Lisa , Magarey Anthea , Dashper Stuart , Gussy Mark , Calache Hanny
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To examine associations between childcare type and nutrition and oral health indicators.

Design:

Cross-sectional data extracted from a longitudinal birth cohort. Parent-completed FFQ and questions regarding oral health and childcare use. The associations between childcare type, classified into four groups: parent care only (PCO), formal childcare only (FCO), informal childcare only (ICO) or combination of care (F&I), and nutrition and oral health indicators were examined.

Setting:

Home and childcare.

Participants:

Families with children aged 3 years (n 273) and 4 years (n 249) in Victoria, Australia.

Results:

No associations were observed between childcare type and core food/beverage consumption or oral health indicators. For discretionary beverages, compared with children receiving PCO at age 3 years, children in FCO or F&I were less likely to frequently consume fruit juice/drinks (FCO: adjusted OR (AOR) 0·41, 95 % CI 0·17, 0·96, P = 0·04; F&I: AOR 0·32, 95 % CI 0·14, 0·74, P = 0·008). At age 4 years, children receiving FCO or ICO were less likely to consume sweet beverages frequently compared with children receiving PCO: fruit juice/drink (ICO: AOR 0·42, 95 % CI 0·19, 0·94, P = 0·03; FCO: AOR 0·35, 95 % CI 0·14, 0·88, P = 0·03) and soft drink (ICO: AOR 0·23, 95 % CI 0·07, 0·74, P = 0·01; FCO: AOR 0·14, 95 % CI 0·03, 0·76, P = 0·02).

Conclusions:

Associations between childcare type and discretionary beverage intake were observed. Investigation into knowledge, attitudes and activities in formal and informal childcare settings is required to explore different health promotion practices that may influence nutrition and oral health.
Behavioural couple therapy: measuring therapist competence
Authors: Rudolf von Rohr I. , Corrie S. , Fischer M.S. , Baucom D.H. , Worrell M. , Pote H.
Published: July 2020

This paper outlines a pilot validation study of the newly developed Behavioural Couple Therapy Scale for Depression (BCTS-D). The BCTS-D aims to assess therapist competence in delivering behavioural couple therapy (BCT) and provide therapists with summative and formative feedback on their performance. Completed by both therapist and supervisor, this will aid therapists’ reflection on practice and improve performance. This paper will report on two stages in the development of the BCTS-D: (a) a study evaluating content validity, face validity and usability and (b) a focus group examining usability and utility. Both parts of the study were conducted in the context of a BCT training course and included 20 participants who were either BCT supervisors or BCT trainees. Results suggest that the BCTS-D has good face validity, content validity and usability, and provides a useful tool for promoting self-reflection and providing formative feedback. The studies also provided insight into the strengths of the scale and into areas of refinement, and a number of modifications were undertaken to improve the BCTS-D in response to feedback collected. Future research will need to focus on evaluating the psychometric properties of the BCTS-D and continue to adapt the scale to its users’ needs.

Key learning aims

(1)

Readers will understand the importance of measuring therapists’ competence to improve practice.

(2)

Readers will understand the development of the BCTS-D scale and its initial psychometric properties.

(3)

Readers will know how to use the BCTS-D in everyday clinical practice.

(4)

Readers will know about the challenges of developing a therapist competence measure within a real-world clinical context.
Dangers, Toils, and Snares: U.S. Senators' Rhetoric of Public Insecurity and Religiosity
Authors: Dreier Sarah K. , Gade Emily K. , Wilkerson John , Schaeffer Jonathan
Published: July 2020

How, and in what contexts, do U.S. senators publicly invoke religious rhetoric when engaging with their constituents? Do periods of heightened public anxiety make senators more likely to use religious rhetoric? We use the Internet Archive's 90-terabyte collection of material from the U.S. government's Internet domain (.gov) to evaluate the relationships between insecurity, anxiety, and religious rhetoric on senators' official websites. We estimate the association between a senator's use of anxiety-related terms on her official website in a given year (as a proportion of overall yearly words) and that senator's use of religious rhetoric (public-facing religiosity). We find a strong, positive association between senators' public display of anxious sentiments and public-facing religiosity in a given year. This research advances scholarly understanding of how U.S. legislators invoke religion in public spaces. It also models the use of “big data” sources and scalable, time-variant text-data approaches for measuring and analyzing religion and elite political behavior.
Behaviour change interventions: getting in touch with individual differences, values and emotions
Authors: Strömmer Sofia , Lawrence Wendy , Shaw Sarah , Correia Simao Sara , Jenner Sarah , Barrett Millie , Vogel Christina , Hardy-Johnson Polly , Farrell David , Woods-Townsend Kathryn , Baird Janis , Morrison Leanne , Sloboda Deborah M. , Inskip Hazel , Barker Mary
Published: July 2020

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that behaviour change interventions have modest effect sizes, struggle to demonstrate effect in the long term and that there is high heterogeneity between studies. Such interventions take huge effort to design and run for relatively small returns in terms of changes to behaviour.

So why do behaviour change interventions not work and how can we make them more effective? This article offers some ideas about what may underpin the failure of behaviour change interventions. We propose three main reasons that may explain why our current methods of conducting behaviour change interventions struggle to achieve the changes we expect: 1) our current model for testing the efficacy or effectiveness of interventions tends to a mean effect size. This ignores individual differences in response to interventions; 2) our interventions tend to assume that everyone values health in the way we do as health professionals; and 3) the great majority of our interventions focus on addressing cognitions as mechanisms of change. We appeal to people’s logic and rationality rather than recognising that much of what we do and how we behave, including our health behaviours, is governed as much by how we feel and how engaged we are emotionally as it is with what we plan and intend to do.

Drawing on our team’s experience of developing multiple interventions to promote and support health behaviour change with a variety of populations in different global contexts, this article explores strategies with potential to address these issues.