bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hibernation behavior of a federally threatened ground squirrel: climate change and habitat selection implications
Authors: Goldberg Amanda R , Conway Courtney J 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Hibernation is an adaptation to survive periods of stress, from food limitation or harsh thermal conditions. A key question in contemporary ecology is whether rare, range-restricted species can change their behavior in response to climate change (i.e., through behavioral plasticity). The northern Idaho ground squirrel, Urocitellus brunneus (A. H. Howell, 1928), is a federally threatened species that hibernates for approximately 8 months per year within the bounds of its small range in central Idaho, USA. Changes in temperature, snow accumulation, and summer precipitation, all brought about as a result of climate change, may reduce survival or fecundity of northern Idaho ground squirrels if they cannot adapt to these climate changes. Hibernating species can respond to climate-change-induced thermal challenges in two ways: change their hibernation physiology and behavior (i.e., emergence date or number of torpor bouts) or alter their environment (i.e., change hibernacula depth or location). We explored a suite of intrinsic and extrinsic factors to document the extent to which they influenced hibernation behavior of northern Idaho ground squirrels. Emergence date was positively associated with snowpack and negatively associated with mean winter temperature. Mean minimum skin temperature was negatively associated with canopy closure and slope of a squirrel’s hibernaculum. Duration of the heterothermal period, number of euthermic bouts, and total time spent euthermic were positively associated with body mass. Immergence date and duration of the longest torpor bout were negatively associated with body mass. Warmer temperatures and less snow accumulation in the winter—caused by climate change—likely will cause altered emergence dates. Our results suggest that any future climate-induced changes in snowfall, ambient temperature, food availability, or habitat likely will impact survival of this rare ground squirrel, because such changes will cause changes in hibernation behavior, percent mass loss during hibernation, and duration of the active season when small mammals are more susceptible to predation.
A New Genus and Species of Chiggers (Trombidiformes: Leeuwenhoekiidae) From Peru
Authors: Bassini-Silva Ricardo , Huang-Bastos Matheus , OConnor Barry M , Klimov Pavel , Welbourn Cal , Ochoa Ron , Barros-Battesti Darci Moraes , de Castro Jacinavicius Fernando 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
South American chiggers have historically been poorly studied, and this has continued into present times. Of the 33 genera in the family Leeuwenhoekiidae Womersley, only Odontacarus Ewing and Sasacarus Brennan & Jones have been reported in Peru. Here, we describe a new genus, Peruacarus n. gen., and a new species, Peruacarus anthurium n. sp., parasitizing Koford’s grass mouse, Akodon kofordi Myers & Patton, in Peru.
The Antitrust Case Against the Apple App Store
Authors: Geradin Damien , Katsifis Dimitrios 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
The Apple App Store is the only channel through which app developers may distribute their apps on iOS. First launched in 2008, the App Store has evolved into a highly profitable marketplace, with overall consumer spend exceeding $50 billion in 2019. However, concerns are being increasingly expressed on both sides of the Atlantic that various practices of Apple with regard to the App Store may breach competition law. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether this is indeed the case and, if so, how these concerns can be addressed. With these aims in mind, the paper first introduces the reader to the app ecosystem and the Apple App Store, with a focus on Apple’s in-app payment policies and the 30 percent commission charged for in-app purchases. After engaging critically with the distinction between apps selling “digital” and apps selling “physical” goods or services, we consider such distinction is unclear, artificial, and unprincipled.
The paper then critically reviews several practices of Apple that appear to be at odds with competition law and in particular Article 102 TFEU. We first analyze the issue of market definition and dominance with regard to the App Store. We find that Apple is a monopolist in the market for app distribution on iOS, as it is not subject to any meaningful competitive constraint from alternative distribution channels, such as Android app stores. The result is that Apple is the gateway through which app developers have to go to reach the valuable audience of iOS users. This bottleneck position affords Apple the power to engage in several prima facie anticompetitive practices. A first concern is that Apple may exploit app developers by charging excessive fees for the services it provides and by imposing unfair trading conditions. Second, based on four case studies, the paper illustrates how Apple may use its control of the App Store or iOS to engage in exclusionary behavior to the detriment of rival apps. These practices should be investigated by competition authorities, as they are likely to result in considerable consumer harm, be it in the form of higher app prices, worse user experience or reduced consumer choice. The paper finally proposes a combination of concrete remedies that would address the competition concerns identified.
Stability of freeze-dried products subjected to microcomputed tomography radiation doses
Authors: Wenzel Tim , Sack Achim , Müller Patrick , Poeschel Thorsten , Schuldt-Lieb Sonja , Gieseler Henning 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Microcomputed tomography (µCT) is a powerful analytical tool for non-invasive structural analysis. The stability of drug substances and formulations subjected to X-ray radiation may be a concern in the industry. This study examines the effect of X-ray radiation on the stability of freeze-dried pharmaceuticals. The investigation is a proof of concept study for the safety of µCT X-ray radiation doses during the non-destructive investigation of freeze-dried products.

Methods
Different formulations of clotrimazole, insulin and l-lactate dehydrogenase were freeze-dried and the products exposed to a defined dose of radiation by µCT. Conservative freeze-drying conditions were used. Irradiated and normal samples were analysed for their stability directly after freeze-drying and after stability testing.

Key findings
The stability of model compounds was well maintained during freeze-drying. Some degradation of all compounds occurred during accelerated stability testing. The results showed no differences between the irradiated and normal state directly after freeze-drying and accelerated stability testing.

Conclusions
No evidence of a detrimental effect of 100 Gy X-ray exposure on a model small molecule, peptide and protein compound was found while useful structural information could be obtained. Consequently, the technology may be useful as a non-destructive tool for product inspections if the formulation proves stable.
Are Refugees Really Welcome? Understanding Northern Ireland Attitudes Towards Syrian Refugees
Authors: Lippard Cameron D , McNamee Catherine B 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn 2018, Northern Ireland (NI) government officials, journalists, and preliminary research declared that NI citizens had provided a ‘welcoming society’ to Syrian refugees settling in local communities across the country. However, this claim starkly contrasted with other reports of growing violence towards foreign-born groups, particularly Muslims, which lead to NI being identified as the ‘Race Hate Capital of Europe.’ Using the 2015 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (NILT), we problematize and empirically-test these initial conclusions about NI attitudes towards Syrian refugees by testing four prominent social theories. We first examine whether economic self-interest and social exposure (i.e., contact hypothesis) predict NI attitudes towards Syrian refugees. We also recognize NI's unique conflictual ethnic history by testing whether cultural marginality and ethnic competition theories further explain attitudes. The findings suggest that multiple theories explain NI citizen views towards Syrians. Results provide partial support for economic self-interests and direct and preferential social exposure as predictors. However, when considering racism and sectarianism measures, the results require a nuanced understanding of the context of NI people’s attitudes. We found that identity politics related to NI's citizens' religious and nationalist identity encouraged racist and sectarian disapproval of Syrian refugee resettlement. These findings provide a promising avenue of study in understanding how ethno-identities shape attitudes towards Syrian refugees and other foreign-born groups living in NI. However, we contend more granular research will be needed to highlight these nuances.
Resolving a QTL complex for height, heading, and grain yield on chromosome 3A in bread wheat
Authors: Martinez Alba Farre , Lister Clare , Freeman Sue , Ma Jun , Berry Simon , Wingen Luzie , Griffiths Simon 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Crop height (Ht), heading date (Hd), and grain yield (GY) are inter-related in wheat. Independent manipulation of each is important for adaptation and performance. Validated quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for all three co-locate on chromosome 3A in the Avalon×Cadenza population, with increased Ht, Hd, and GY contributed by Cadenza. We asked if these are linked or pleiotropic effects using recombinant lines, and showed that Ht and Hd effects are independent. The Chinese Spring equivalent to the newly defined Ht interval contained a gene cluster involved in cell wall growth and displaying high levels of differential transcript expression. The Hd locus is larger and rearranged compared with the reference genome, but FT2 (Flowering Locus T2) is of particular interest. The Hd effect acted independently of photoperiod and vernalization, but did exhibit seasonal genotype×environment interaction. Recombinants were phenotyped for GY in replicated field experiments. GY was most associated with Cadenza alleles for later Hd, supporting physiological studies using the same lines proposing that ‘late’ alleles at this locus increase spike fertility and grain number (GN). The work has uncoupled height from heading and yield, and shown that one of very few validated GY QTLs in wheat is probably mediated by phenological variation.
Defining a novel domain that provides an essential contribution to site-specific interaction of Rep protein with DNA
Authors: Wegrzyn Katarzyna , Zabrocka Elzbieta , Bury Katarzyna , Tomiczek Bartlomiej , Wieczor Milosz , Czub Jacek , Uciechowska Urszula , Moreno-del Alamo María , Walkow Urszula , Grochowina Igor , Dutkiewicz Rafal , Bujnicki Janusz M , Giraldo Rafael , Konieczny Igor 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn essential feature of replication initiation proteins is their ability to bind to DNA. In this work, we describe a new domain that contributes to a replication initiator sequence-specific interaction with DNA. Applying biochemical assays and structure prediction methods coupled with DNA–protein crosslinking, mass spectrometry, and construction and analysis of mutant proteins, we identified that the replication initiator of the broad host range plasmid RK2, in addition to two winged helix domains, contains a third DNA-binding domain. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the composition of this unique domain is typical within the described TrfA-like protein family. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments involving the constructed TrfA mutant proteins showed that the newly identified domain is essential for the formation of the protein complex with DNA, contributes to the avidity for interaction with DNA, and the replication activity of the initiator. The analysis of mutant proteins, each containing a single substitution, showed that each of the three domains composing TrfA is essential for the formation of the protein complex with DNA. Furthermore, the new domain, along with the winged helix domains, contributes to the sequence specificity of replication initiator interaction within the plasmid replication origin.
Peripheral neuropathy: an important contributor to physical limitation and morbidity in stages 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease
Authors: Arnold Ria , Pianta Timothy J , Issar Tushar , Kirby Adrienne , Scales Caoimhe M K , Kwai Natalie C G , Endre Zoltan , Krishnan Arun V 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Impaired physical function drives adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Peripheral neuropathy is highly prevalent in CKD, though its contribution to physical function in CKD patients is unknown. This study examined the relationships between peripheral neuropathy, walking speed and quality of life (QoL) in stages 3 and 4 CKD.

Methods
This was a prospective observational study investigating neuropathy in CKD patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 15–60 mL/min/1.73 m2. A total of 109 patients were consecutively recruited. The presence and severity of peripheral neuropathy was determined using the total neuropathy score. Walking speed was assessed at both usual and maximal speed, and QoL was assessed using the Short- Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire.

Results
Peripheral neuropathy was highly prevalent: 40% demonstrated mild neuropathy and 37% had moderate–severe neuropathy. Increasing neuropathy severity was the primary predictor of reduced walking speed (R2 = −0.41, P &lt; 0.001) and remained so after multivariable analysis adjustment for diabetes. This association was evident for both usual and maximal walking speeds. Neuropathy correlated significantly with low scores on multiple domains of SF-36 including physical function (r = −0.570, P &lt; 0.001). Subanalysis according to diabetic status revealed a high prevalence of neuropathy both with and without diabetes; relationships to walking speed remained evident in subgroup analysis. However, those with diabetes demonstrated greater severity of neuropathy, slower walking speed and lower scores in QoL.

Conclusions
Moderate to severe peripheral neuropathy was common in stages 3 and 4 CKD, associated with reduced walking speed independent of diabetes status and was correlated with patient-reported QoL. This suggests that neuropathy is an important contributor to declining physical function in CKD irrespective of diabetes status. Targeted diagnosis and management of peripheral neuropathy during CKD progression may improve functional outcomes and QoL.
Establishing anchor-based minimally important differences for the EORTC QLQ-C30 in glioma patients
Authors: Dirven Linda , Musoro Jammbe Z , Coens Corneel , Reijneveld Jaap C , Taphoorn Martin J B , Boele Florien W , Groenvold Mogens , van den Bent Martin J , Stupp Roger , Velikova Galina , Cocks Kim , Sprangers Mirjam A G , King Madeleine T , Flechtner Hans-Henning , Bottomley Andrew 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Minimally important differences (MIDs) allow interpretation of the clinical relevance of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) results. This study aimed to estimate MIDs for all European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) scales for interpreting group-level results in brain tumor patients.

Methods
Clinical and HRQOL data from three glioma trials were used. Clinical anchors were selected for each EORTC QLQ-C30 scale, based on correlation (&gt;0.30) and clinical plausibility of association. Changes in both HRQOL and the anchors were calculated, and for each scale and time period, patients were categorized into one of the three clinical change groups: deteriorated by one anchor category, no change, or improved by one anchor category. Mean change method and linear regression were applied to estimate MIDs for interpreting within-group change and between-group differences in change over time, respectively. Distribution-based methods were applied to generate supportive evidence.

Results
A total of 1687 patients were enrolled in the three trials. The retained anchors were performance status and eight Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) scales. MIDs for interpreting within-group change ranged from 4 to 12 points for improvement and −4 to −14 points for deterioration. MIDs for between-group difference in change ranged from 4 to 9 for improvement and −4 to −16 for deterioration. Most anchor-based MIDs were closest to the 0.3 SD distribution-based estimates (range: 3-10).

Conclusions
MIDs for the EORTC QLQ-C30 scales generally ranged between 4 and 11 points for both within-group mean change and between-group mean difference in change. These results can be used to interpret QLQ-C30 results from glioma trials.
Response assessment during chemoradiation using a hypercellular/hyperperfused imaging phenotype predicts survival in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma
Authors: Kim Michelle M , Aryal Madhava P , Sun Yilun , Parmar Hemant A , Li Pin , Schipper Matthew , Wahl Daniel R , Lawrence Theodore S , Cao Yue 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Adversely prognostic hypercellular and hyperperfused regions of glioblastoma (GBM) predict progression-free survival, and are a novel target for dose-intensified chemoradiation (chemoRT) recently implemented in a phase II clinical trial. As a secondary aim, we hypothesized that dose-intensified chemoRT would induce greater mid-treatment response of hypercellular/hyperperfused tumor regions vs standard chemoradiation, and that early response would improve overall survival (OS).

Methods
Forty-nine patients with newly diagnosed GBM underwent prospective, multiparametric high b value diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) and perfusion dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) pre-RT and 3-4 weeks into RT. The hypercellular tumor volume (TVHCV, mean contralateral normal brain + 2SD) and hyperperfused tumor volume (TVCBV, contralateral normal frontal gray matter + 1SD) were generated using automated thresholding. Twenty-six patients were enrolled on a dose-escalation trial targeting TVHCV/TVCBV with 75 Gy in 30 fractions, and 23 non-trial patients comprised the control group. OS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. The effect of TVHCV/TVCBV and Gd-enhanced tumor volume on OS was assessed using multivariable Cox proportional-hazard regression.

Results
Most patients had gross total (47%) or subtotal resection (37%), 25% were MGMT-methylated. Patients treated on the dose-escalation trial had significantly greater reduction in TVHCV/TVCBV (41% reduction, IQR 17%-75%) vs non-trial patients (6% reduction, IQR 6%-22%, P = .002). An increase in TVHCV/TVCBV during chemoRT was associated with worse OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.2, 95%CI 1.0-1.4, P = .02), while pre-treatment tumor volumes (P &gt; .5) and changes in Gd-enhanced volume (P = .9) were not.

Conclusions
Multiparametric MRI permits identification of therapeutic resistance during chemoRT and supports adaptive strategies in future trials.
Binge-Watching as Case of Escapist Entertainment Use
Authors: Halfmann Annabell , Reinecke Leonard 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Although the concept of escapism is widely used in entertainment research, it lacks theoretical and empirical differentiation. Based on the transactional model of stress and coping, we extend previous attempts to conceptualize escapism as a form of emotion-focused avoidance coping. In contrast to the primarily negative connotation of escapism found in prior research, we propose that escapist entertainment use may be a functional coping strategy in some situations and may thus have beneficial effects on the well-being of media users. To develop and illustrate our perspective, we turn to binge-watching as a prominent example of escapist entertainment use. We show exemplarily how escapist binge-watching can contribute to recovery from stress and close our chapter with reflections on how to further develop escapism research.
Transcending Eudaimonic Entertainment
Authors: Janicke-Bowles Sophie H. , Bartsch Anne , Oliver Mary Beth , Raney Arthur A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Research thus far has generally conceptualized eudaimonic entertainment as media content that can provide viewers with meaningful, moving, and contemplative experiences. This chapter first outlines the traditional conceptualization of eudaimonic entertainment and the different affective and cognitive processes involved, followed by an expansion on extant definitions. Self-transcendent experiences as another form of eudaimonic entertainment experiences that orient the consumer toward others more so than the self are introduced, followed by an elaboration of the depictions of transcendent portrayals and their effects across different media platforms (film, television, social media and online videos, digital games and virtual reality), theories of self-transcendence, outcomes of eudaimonic entertainment (e.g., altruism, connectedness, wisdom, recovery) and personality differences that impact the selection of and experience with eudaimonic media (e.g., need for affect, empathy). Implications of the expanded conceptualization of eudaimonic entertainment for media scholars and future research directions are discussed.
News as Entertainment Format
Authors: Robinson Melissa J. , Knobloch-Westerwick Silvia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The informative value of news has often been the focus of mass communication research, but individuals do tune into the news for entertainment purposes. In addition, news organizations frequently add entertainment elements into news stories to increase audience interest. Considering both of these factors, theorizing about the entertainment processes (e.g., appreciation, enjoyment, and suspense) that occur during news consumption is necessary to understand audience behavior. This chapter investigates factors that influence entertainment processes during news consumption. Two entertainment theories in particular (affective disposition theory and the affective news extended model) are reviewed to understand how affective responses influence enjoyment of news. It organizes existing research on affective responses and entertainment processes into two categories focusing on news event characteristics (i.e., elements that journalists cannot change) and message design principles that journalists create or edit. Areas for future research are provided.
An Extended Dual-Process Model of Entertainment Effects on Political Information Processing and Engagement
Authors: Schneider Frank M. , Bartsch Anne , Leonhard Larissa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This chapter reviews the controversial relationship of entertainment and political communication and presents a theoretical framework to integrate seemingly contradicting concepts and research findings. On the one hand, concerns have been raised about the decay of news quality and political culture due to the growing influence of entertainment media. On the other, researchers have highlighted the potential of entertainment in terms of audience interest, cognitive accessibility, and public outreach. A literature overview shows theoretical and empirical support for both sides of the controversy about the (dys)functionality of entertainment in political communication. Therefore, in an attempt to reconcile the divergent findings, the chapter presents an extended dual-process model of entertainment effects on political information processing and engagement. This framework offers substantial extensions to existing dual-process models of entertainment by conceptualizing the effects of entertainment on different forms of political engagement that have not been incorporated so far.