bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of sexually dimorphic pheromone profiles coincides with increased number of male‐specific chemosensory organs in Drosophila prolongata
Authors: Luo Yige , Zhang Yunwei , Farine Jean‐Pierre , Ferveur Jean‐François , Ramírez Santiago , Kopp Artyom 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBinary communication systems that involve sex‐specific signaling and sex‐specific signal perception play a key role in sexual selection and in the evolution of sexually dimorphic traits. The driving forces and genetic changes underlying such traits can be investigated in systems where sex‐specific signaling and perception have emerged recently and show evidence of potential coevolution. A promising model is found in Drosophila prolongata, which exhibits a species‐specific increase in the number of male chemosensory bristles. We show that this transition coincides with recent evolutionary changes in cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles. Long‐chain CHCs that are sexually monomorphic in the closest relatives of D. prolongata (D. rhopaloa, D. carrolli, D. kurseongensis, and D. fuyamai) are strongly male‐biased in this species. We also identify an intraspecific female‐limited polymorphism, where some females have male‐like CHC profiles. Both the origin of sexually dimorphic CHC profiles and the female‐limited polymorphism in D. prolongata involve changes in the relative amounts of three mono‐alkene homologs, 9‐tricosene, 9‐pentacosene, and 9‐heptacosene, all of which share a common biosynthetic origin and point to a potentially simple genetic change underlying these traits. Our results suggest that pheromone synthesis may have coevolved with chemosensory perception and open the way for reconstructing the origin of sexual dimorphism in this communication system.
Evaluation of heavy metal concentration in imported black tea in Iran and consumer risk assessments
Authors: Pourramezani Fatemeh , Akrami Mohajeri Fateme , Salmani Mohammad Hossein , Dehghani Tafti Arefe , Khalili Sadrabad Elham 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTea grows in the contaminated soils, absorbs the heavy metals, and enters them into the human food chain. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, As, and Hg of the imported black tea leaves to Hormozgan Province were evaluated by atomic absorption spectrometer. Then, the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) levels of heavy metal intakes were calculated to estimate the health hazard for consumers. The Pb, Cd, Cu, As, and Hg concentrations in the Sri Lankan and Indian blank tea were 0.14, 0.017, 11.29, 0.057, 0.0076 mg/kg, and 0.21, 0.02, 14.56, 0.067, 0.01 mg/kg, respectively. It was found that except for As concentration in Indian black tea were higher than Sri Lankan black tea. The HQ and HI levels of all studied metals were less than one, but they were higher in Indian black tea compared with the Sri Lankan black tea. The HI of Indian and Sri Lankan black tea samples were 0.061 and 0.048, respectively, which indicated no significant health hazard for tea consumers. The results showed that the consumption of the studied tea could not have any risk of heavy metal exposure.
Does trade size restriction affect trading behavior? Evidence from Indian single stock futures market
Authors: Banerjee Anirban , Banerjee Ashok 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAlgorithmic traders use their advantage of speed to execute a large number of small‐sized trades in a very short time. In the presence of a minimum trading unit (MTU) restriction, they are forced to trade at the smallest possible sizes, often restricted by the MTU. Using a novel data set of single stock futures market obtained from the National Stock Exchange of India, we show that the MTU restriction acts as a binding constraint for traders while optimizing trade sizes. Contrary to expectation, we find weak evidence that liquidity is positively impacted by the contract size revision.
Geochemistry and stable isotopes of the upper Campanian–lower Maastrichtian phosphorite‐bearing sequence, Central Jordan: Implications for their age, origin, and diagenesis
Authors: Ahmad Fayez , Baioumy Hassan , Farouk Sherif , Al‐Kahtany Khaled , El‐Sorogy Abdelbaset , Kirk Jason 
Published: November 2019

Three major lithofacies have been described in Lajjun area, central Jordan, including the phosphorite and intercalated limestone of the Al‐Hisa Phosphorite Formation, as well as the Muwaqqar Chalk Marl Formation. 87Sr/86Sr isotopic data indicate a late Campanian age for the Al‐Hisa Phosphorite Formation, whereas the overlying chalk of the Muwaqqar Formation contains the lowest Maastrichtian planktic foraminiferal zone of Rugoglobigerina hexacamerata (CF8b).The phosphorites are of reworked origin as inferred from the homogeneous texture with lack of any concentric structure in the phosphatic pellets and the presence of bone fragments inside the phosphatic pellets, which are filled with phosphatic mud similar to the matrix of phosphatic pellet. They still reflect the original seawater rare‐earth pattern, as indicated from the similarity in their rare‐earth element (REE) concentration and patterns with seawater. Positive correlations between P2O5 and Fe2O3, TiO2 and K2O, relatively high rare‐earth contents, and similarity in (Nd/Yb)SN ratio to the modern shallow seawater suggest a continental marginal depositional environment for the limestone and chalk facies. δ13C values are lower and more variable compared with the estimated global range of upper Campanian–lower Maastrichtian δ13C values in shelf and oceanic basins. This indicates a diagenetic effect on the δ13C isotopes and suggests that a significant proportion of carbonate ions could have been resulted from the organic carbon oxidation. Three third‐order depositional sequences matching with the global and regional sea‐level patterns are identified in the studied section based on vertical facies changes. The basal transgressive surface of each sequence is constantly characterized by a phosphatic horizon.
Psychological predictors of memory decline in a racially and ethnically diverse longitudinal sample of older adults in the United States
Authors: Sol Ketlyne , Zaheed Afsara B. , Kraal A. Zarina , Sharifian Neika , Arce Rentería Miguel , Zahodne Laura B. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesIn the United States, racial and ethnic disparities in memory dysfunction and Alzheimer disease are evident even after accounting for many risk factors. Psychological factors, such as psychological well‐being, perceived control, depressive symptoms, and negative affect, may influence memory dysfunction, and associations may differ by race and ethnicity. This study examined whether psychological factors are differentially associated with episodic memory trajectories across racial and ethnic groups in the United States.Methods/DesignThe National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), is a US‐representative, longitudinal study of Medicare‐eligible adults 65+ years old. Analyses of 5 years of data, included a total of 9411 participants without dementia at baseline. Adjusting for relevant covariates, a linear mixed model estimated the associations between psychological predictors and a composite of immediate and delayed trials from a word list memory test.ResultsMore depressive symptoms (B = −0.02), lower psychological well‐being (B = 0.03), and lower perceived control (B = 0.05) were independently associated with lower initial memory. Depressive symptoms were associated with faster rate of memory decline (B = −0.01). Black (B = −0.34) and Hispanic (B = −0.28) participants evidenced lower initial memory level than whites, but only Hispanic (B = −0.04) participants evidenced faster memory decline than whites. There were no significant interactions between the psychological variables and race and ethnicity.ConclusionsResults extend previous studies showing racial and ethnic disparities in episodic memory trajectories, and the longitudinal effects of depressive symptoms on episodic memory in US samples. Epidemiological studies of cognitive aging should incorporate more psychological factors clarify cognitive decline and disparities.
The three dimensions of caregiver grief in dementia caregiving: Validity and utility of the subscales of the Marwit‐Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory
Authors: Chan Ivana , Yap Philip , Wee Shiou Liang , Liew Tau Ming 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundThe experience of grief in family caregivers as they provide care for persons with dementia is often overlooked. The Marwit‐Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory (MM‐CGI) is one among the few scales that capture such experiences. In a recent study, MM‐CGI was found to contain three subscales identifying dimensions of loss in caregivers—Personal‐Sacrifice Burden (PSB), Heartfelt Sadness, Longing, and Worry (HSLW), and Felt Isolation (FI). We aimed to evaluate the validity and utility of these dimensions in a multiethnic Asian population.MethodsFamily caregivers (n = 394) completed MM‐CGI and scales assessing caregiver burden, depression, and gains. Internal consistency reliability was examined using Cronbach α; test‐retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient; and construct validity using Pearson correlation coefficient. The utility of the MM‐CGI dimensions was evaluated by comparing caregivers with high subscale scores across dementia stages and caregiving relationship.ResultsThe three dimensions of MM‐CGI exhibited adequate internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, construct validity, and known‐group validity. PSB correlated most strongly with caregiver burden (r = 0.78); HSLW with caregiver depression (r = 0.75); and FI with caregiver burden and caregiver depression (r = 0.60, respectively). Caregivers with high total grief scores tended to experience most difficulty with HSLW (90.8%), followed by PSB (75.4%) and FI (46.2%). The three dimensions also increased across the dementia stages, with FI higher in mild dementia, PSB higher in moderate dementia, and HSLW higher in severe dementia. Spousal caregivers experienced most difficulty in HSLW, whereas children caregivers experienced similar levels of difficulty across the dimensions.ConclusionsThe three dimensions of MM‐CGI captured distinct aspects of caregiver grief in a multiethnic Asian population and would enable more individualized assessments and interventions for caregiver grief.
Multivariate models of brain volume for identification of children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Authors: Little Graham , Beaulieu Christian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have shown reductions of brain volume associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol. Previous studies consider regional brain volumes independently but ignore potential relationships across numerous structures. This study aims to (a) identify a multivariate model based on regional brain volume that discriminates children/adolescents with FASD versus healthy controls, and (b) determine if FASD classification performance can be increased by building classification models separately for each sex. Three‐dimensional T1‐weighted MRI from two independent childhood/adolescent datasets were used for training (79 FASD, aged 5.7–18.9 years, 35 males; 81 controls, aged 5.8–18.5 years, 32 males) and testing (67 FASD, aged 6.0–19.6 years, 38 males; 74 controls, aged 5.2–19.5 years, 42 males) a classification model. Using FreeSurfer, 87 regional brain volumes were extracted for each subject and were used as input into a support vector machine generating a classification model from the training data. The model performed moderately well on the test data with accuracy 77%, sensitivity 64%, and specificity 88%. Regions that contributed heavily to prediction in this model included temporal lobe and subcortical gray matter. Further investigation of two separate models for males and females showed slightly decreased accuracy compared to the model including all subjects (male accuracy 70%; female accuracy 67%), but had different regional contributions suggesting sex differences. This work demonstrates the potential of multivariate analysis of brain volumes for discriminating children/adolescents with FASD and provides indication of the most affected regions.
An assessment of management competencies for primary health care managers in Timor‐Leste
Authors: Lopes Alipio Gusmão , Narattharaksa Kanida , Siripornpibul Taweesak , Briggs David 
Published: November 2019

SummaryBackgroundThis study aims to assess the levels of management competencies of primary health care (PHC) managers in Timor‐Leste. Timor‐Leste is a young country. It has made important improvements in reconstructing its health system since its independence in 2002. However, most managers still learn through their failures, and few studies have described the perceptions of managers in Timor‐Leste.MethodsThis study used quantitative methods, using a cross‐sectional survey involving a structured self‐administered questionnaire. The Cochran formula was used in calculating the sample size. The sample included 183 PHC managers in Timor‐Leste. Stratified random sampling was adopted to conduct the survey. The researcher used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to confirm the validity and reliability of the tools and create new dimensions. The data were analyzed using the frequency and percentage.ResultsThis study was initially designed to include seven dimensions, but after confirming it using the CFA, it was reduced to six dimensions. The result of CFA was used. This study found that PHC managers in Timor‐Leste had rated themselves “not competent” in knowing the organization, professionalism in the workplace, problem solving on financial management, and effective leadership and only “competent” in managing human resources and communicating effectively.ConclusionThis study determined that policy makers and stakeholders must give more attention to knowing the organization, professionalism in the workplace, problem solving on financial management, and effective leadership. Managers need to be competent and have various skills to perform managerial functions effectively and efficiently.
Prices, availability, and affordability of national essential medicines in public primary hospitals: A cross‐sectional survey in poverty‐stricken rural areas in China
Authors: Xu Rixiang , Li Shuting , Lv Xiongwen , Xie Xuefeng 
Published: November 2019

SummaryIntroductionThis study aimed to determine the prices, availability, and affordability of national essential medicines in public primary hospitals in poverty‐stricken areas of Anhui province, China.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in 143 public primary hospitals in Anhui province, eastern China. Data on access to 44 essential medicines was evaluated using the standardized methodology available in the World Health Organization and Health Action International manual.ResultsMedian price rates show that 46.51% (21 of 44) of the lowest price generics and 100% of the originator brands were more expensive than the international reference price. The median availability of the 44 medicines was 31.47%, and 65.91% (29 of 44) of the medicines had less than 50% availability. The majority of the medicines were affordable as they would cost less than a day's income in sample areas. Suppliers could respond to 88.27% of the procuring orders raised by the 143 hospitals in the study, but this ranged from 43.96% to 99.86%.ConclusionsThere is poor availability and non‐ideal response rate of medicine delivery in public primary hospitals in poverty‐stricken areas in eastern China. Further implementation of national essential medicine policy needs to focus on improving both availability and distribution efficiency in these areas.
Medical and socio‐demographic characteristics associated with patient‐perceived continuity of primary care: A cross‐sectional survey in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Tao , Ren Jianping , Zhang Xinyu , Max Wendy 
Published: November 2019

SummaryBackgroundThis study measured the perceived continuity of general practitioner (GP) care from the patient's perspective and identified the associated factors.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was carried out on 624 patients in community health care centres in Hangzhou, China. A self‐designed Likert scale was used to measure patients' perceptions on informational, managerial, and relational continuity of GP care. An average score for three types of continuity ranging from 0 to 100 was calculated. Linear regression models were developed to determine the factors influencing continuity.ResultsAverage rating scores of 57.73 (±15.31), 50.74 (±17.18), 61.61 (±18.07), and 63.57 (±17.40) were found for total, informational, managerial, and relational continuity of care, respectively. Older patients reported a more positive rating on all types of continuity. Income was negatively associated with managerial continuity. The factors affecting informational, relational, and total continuities included chronic diseases, walking distance to nearest community health centres, signing a contract with a GP, and knowing the names of contracted GPs.ConclusionPatients' perception of continuity of GP care remains at a low level, especially for informational continuity. The varied association between continuity of care and identified factors suggests that targeted actions should be considered for improving the quality of GP services.
The untenable omission of touch in maternal sensitivity and attachment research
Authors: Botero Maria , Langley Hillary A. , Venta Amanda 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDespite an increase in research examining maternal and infant touch, and documenting its public health impact, this mode of interaction has historically been omitted from related fields of developmental research in human and non‐human primates. The broad aim of this review is to examine to what extent mother–infant touch has been included in relational paradigms and research. We argue that although theoretical and empirical scholarship on attachment and maternal sensitivity conceptualizes touch as fundamental to caregiver–infant interactions and child development more broadly, touch is rarely operationalized or measured in caregiver–infant interaction paradigms or clinical interventions. Data from primarily human, but also non‐human, primates are reviewed to document the importance of touch, and clinical research is reviewed to document the formal use of touch in human attachment and sensitivity research and intervention. The review closes with recommended directions for future research and related implications.HighlightsReview examining to what extent mother–infant touch has been included in relational paradigms and research across human and non‐human primates.Data from studies in human attachment, sensitivity research and intervention, and mother–infant interaction in non‐human primates are reviewed.Touch is theoretically essential, but practically excluded, from attachment coding, maternal sensitivity research, and intervention paradigms. Recommended directions for future research are provided.
Fatty Acid Triangulation in Albumins Using a Landmark Spin Label
Authors: Reichenwallner Jörg , Hauenschild Till , Schmelzer Christian E. H. , Hülsmann Miriam , Godt Adelheid , Hinderberger Dariush 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSeveral spatial correlations of up to six fatty acid (FA) binding sites in albumins were found by double electron‐electron resonance (DEER). A strategy was used that combines spin‐labeling and spin‐probing techniques in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. This is here achieved by introducing an additional covalent landmark spin (LS) label to the self‐assembled system of EPR‐active, paramagnetic stearic acid derivatives and albumins. Therefore, a cysteine specific, paramagnetic LS that was attached to the albumin surface at a unique position (Cys34) provides a fixed topological reference point for monitoring statistical ligand uptake. We propose that the determination of nanoscale distance distributions emerging between the LS and EPR‐active fatty acid derivatives generally allows for the direct observation of individually occupied binding sites in solution. Essentially, several binding pockets, groups of them and evidence for ligand‐induced allosteric modulation can be traced from such FA‐LS interspin correlations. Experimental results were substantiated with theoretical predictions from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. It was observed that all binding sites in an albumin ensemble may be statistically filled even at the lowest level of ligand loading. This approach generally bears the potential for mapping occupation states of individual ligand binding sites in proteins using such spin‐labeled ligands.
Randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of the effect of Morus nigra L. (black mulberry) leaf powder on symptoms and quality of life among climacteric women
Authors: Costa Joyce P.L. , Brito Haissa O. , Galvão‐Moreira Leonardo V. , Brito Luiz G.O. , Costa‐Paiva Lucia , Brito Luciane M.O. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo test the efficacy of Morus nigra L. (MN) leaf powder for treating climacteric symptoms by comparison with hormone therapy (HT) and placebo.MethodsA randomized controlled trial among 62 climacteric women attending Hospital of the Federal University of Maranhão, Brazil. Women were divided into MN, HT, and placebo groups, and received 250 mg of MN leaf powder, 1 mg of estradiol, or placebo for 60 days. Primary outcomes were the Blatt–Kupperman index (BKI) for climacteric symptoms and SF‐36 health questionnaire scores.ResultsBaseline sociodemographic variables, BKI scores, symptoms, and SF‐36 domains did not differ among the groups. There was a reduction in mean BKI in the MN (17.5 vs 9.7, P<0.001), HT (15.4 vs 8.6, P=0.001), and placebo (16.1 vs 12.4, P=0.040) groups. Analysis of quality of life (QoL) showed that functional capacity (P=0.006), vitality (P=0.031), mental health (P=0.017), and social aspect (P<0.01) improved after treatment in the MN group. The HT group showed improvement in emotional limitation (P=0.040), and the placebo group showed better functional capacity (P=0.030) after treatment.ConclusionsClimacteric symptoms and QoL improved after administration of 250 mg of MN leaf powder for 60 days, similar to the effects of HT.The trial is registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) under registration number RBR‐9t4xxk.
Long noncoding RNA CHL1‐AS1 promotes cell proliferation and migration by sponging miR‐6076 to regulate CHL1 expression in endometrial cancer
Authors: Shi Yanmei , Zha Jinfen , Zuo Manzhen , Yan Qian , Song Huamei 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEndometrial cancer (EC) is deemed to be the most typical gynecologic malignant tumor. Despite the incidence of EC being lower in Asia than that in western countries, substantial increased incidence has been observed in the past few decades in Asia. Although various molecular testing methods and genomic science have developed, the overall prognosis is still disappointing. LncRNAs have been found to influence the progression of various cancers. CHL1‐AS1 has been found to be upregulated in ovarian endometriosis, nevertheless, the molecular mechanism and biological function of CHL1‐AS1 in EC have not been explored. In our exploration, both CHL1‐AS1 and CHL1 were upregulated in EC cells. Knockdown of CHL1‐AS1 or CHL1 inhibited cell proliferation and migration in EC. Furthermore, microRNA‐6076 (miR‐6076) could bind with CHL1‐AS1 or CHL1, and regulate the expression of CHL1. Finally, absence of miR‐6076 or overexpression of CHL1 can partially rescue the effect of CHL1‐AS1 knockdown or miR‐6076 upregulation on cell proliferation and migration, respectively. All in all, our research was the first endeavor to study the underlying mechanism of CHL1‐AS1 in EC and confirmed that CHL1‐AS1 regulated EC progression via targeting the miR‐6076/CHL1 axis, offering new insight into treating EC.