bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Communication before communicative intentions
Authors: Armstrong Josh 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis paper explores the significance of intelligent social behavior among non‐human animals for philosophical theories of communication. Using the alarm call system of vervet monkeys as a case study, I argue that interpersonal communication (or what I call “minded communication”) can and does take place in the absence of the production and recognition of communicative intentions. More generally, I argue that evolutionary theory provides good reasons for maintaining that minded communication is both temporally and explanatorily prior to the use of communicative intentions. After developing these negative points about the place of communicative intentions in detail, I provide a novel alternative account according to which minded communication is characterized in terms of patterns of action and response that function to coordinate the representational mental states of agents. I show that an account which centers on patterns of representational coordination of this sort is well suited to capture the theoretical roles associated with minded communication and that it does so in a way that provides a good fit with comparative facts about the presence of minded communication among non‐human animals.
Powered sheaths for lead extraction
Authors: Bencardino Gianluigi , Ruscio Eleonora , Scacciavillani Roberto 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTransvenous lead extraction (TLE) has seen a rapid expansion in the past 20 years. The procedure has changed from early techniques involving simple manual traction that frequently proved themselves ineffective for chronically implanted leads, and carried significant periprocedural risks including death, to the availability of a wide range of more efficacious techniques and tools, providing the skilled extractor with a well‐equipped armamentarium. The reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with these new extraction techniques has widened indications to TLE from prevalent use in life‐threatening situations, such as infection and sepsis, to a more widespread use even in noninfectious situations such as malfunctioning leads. Powered sheaths have been a remarkable step forward in this improvement in TLE procedures and recent registries at high‐volume centers report high success rates with exceedingly low complication rates. This review is aimed at describing technical features of powered sheaths as well as reported performance during TLE procedures.
Fungicide resistance management: Maximizing the effective life of plant protection products
Authors: Corkley Isabel , Fraaije Bart , Hawkins Nichola 
Published: September 2021

AbstractEffective crop protection is vital to safeguard food security, but growers are reliant on a limited toolbox in the face of diverse and evolving pathogens. New crop protection methods need to be developed, but it is also important to prolong the effective life of existing products through resistance management. Some core principles in fungicide resistance management, such as using different modes of action and limiting repeat applications of any single mode of action, are long established. However, other aspects have been long debated, such as using higher or lower dose rates, mixtures or alternations, and whether to spray protectively or only if a disease threshold is reached. Continuing research into these questions uses a range of approaches, including modelling, experimental trials, and ongoing monitoring of pathogen populations. Molecular diagnostics allow higher throughput monitoring and earlier detection of emerging resistance. Resistance management guidelines must also be continually updated as new fungicides, and other crop protection measures, are introduced. However, designing optimal resistance management strategies is only half of the story, because a strategy will only be effective if growers follow it in practice. This is more difficult where there are hard trade‐offs between reducing selection for resistance in the future and achieving greater disease control in the present, or where there is a choice between a strategy that would be optimal on average or one that minimizes the risk of control failure in any year. Therefore, communication with farmers is an aspect of resistance management that must not be overlooked.
Beneficial effects of abscisic acid and melatonin in overcoming drought stress in cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.)
Authors: Hu Wei , Zhang Jipeng , Yan Ke , Zhou Zhiguo , Zhao Wenqing , Zhang Xuandi , Pu Yanhong , Yu Runxing 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTPot experiments were performed to study the effects of abscisic acid (ABA) and melatonin (MT) on cotton drought tolerance and to explore their combined effects. ABA or MT spraying promoted water status and antioxidant capacity of drought‐stressed leaves, which was conducive to scavenge ROS, finally increasing lint yield. However, the mitigation mechanisms of ABA and MT on drought were not identical, which were mainly manifested as: (1) ABA increased the relative water content (RWC) of drought‐stressed leaves via, reducing water loss, but MT increased it via, promoting water uptake efficiency; (2) for enzymatic antioxidant system, ABA and MT might modulate different kinds of superoxide dismutase to catalyze the reduction of O2−under drought; and (3) for ascorbic acid (AsA)‐glutathione (GSH) cycle, MT increased the glutathione reductase activity in drought‐stressed leaves, but ABA did not. ABA + MT spraying led to higher leaf RWC and total antioxidant capacity than single hormone under drought, leading to a lower H2O2level. For the enzymatic antioxidant system, single hormone treatment affectedCu/ZnSODorMnSODexpression, but ABA + MT upregulated both genes in drought‐stressed leaves. Hormones combined application also had higherCATexpression than single hormone. For AsA‐GSH cycle, ABA + MT had higher dehydroascorbic acid reductase activity than single hormone, resulting in higher AsA content. Moreover, hormones combined application caused higher ascorbate peroxidase activity than single hormone, suggesting that their combination synergistically improved the ability of AsA to eliminate ROS. All these confirmed that ABA plus MT had synergistic effects on improving crop drought resistance.
Effects of age and season on conception rate of Mediterranean Italian Dairy Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) following oestrus synchronization and fixed‐time artificial insemination
Authors: Otava Gabriel , Squicciarini Stefano , Marc Simona , Suici Tijana , William Onan Gary , Hutu Ioan , Torda Iuliu , Mircu Calin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe objective of this project was to report the effects of season and age on conception rate amongst Italian Mediterranean Buffalo subjected to an Ovsynch/Resynch (O/R) reproductive management protocol. The study utilized nulliparous (heifers), primiparous buffalo cows (PBC) and multiparous buffalo cows (MBC). The primiparous and multiparous groups were subjected to the synchronization protocol throughout the entire year, but heifers were synchronized and inseminated only during the spring/summer seasons. The conception rate obtained following the OvSynch oestrus synchronization protocol, applied during spring, was 68.4% for heifers, 83.3% for PBC and 67.7% for MBC. The overall total conception rates following the complete O/R protocol were 84.27%, 94.4% and 79%. Conception rates achieved during summer were heifers 52%, PBC 47.2% and MBC 49%, whilst overall conception rates following the full O/R protocol were 72%, 69.8% and 58.2% respectively. In the autumn seasons, PBC conceived 58.9% and MBC 52.1% following initial Ovsynch, which improved to total overall conception rates of 87.5% and 78.7% following the full O/R protocol. Similarly, in the winter season, PBC experienced a conception rate of 47.5% following Ovsynch and 72.5% after a follow‐up Resynch. MBC experienced 60.0% and 74.4% conception following Ovsynch and full O/R, respectively, during winter. Total conception rates during all seasons were quite acceptable following the O/R protocol. There was a significant decrease from spring to summer in conception rate for all parity groups, but heifers were not a severely affected as older buffalo cows. This finding agrees with that of other investigators indicating that heifer fertility is not as negatively impacted by long photoperiod and higher ambient temperature as that of older animals. The O/R protocol as utilized in this study is an effective means of reproductive management for dairy buffalo cows and is effective for improving fertility during out‐of‐season breeding.
Comparative Study of Government Response Measures and Epidemic Trends for COVID‐19 Global Pandemic
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Zhang Hui , Gao Yang , Deng Qing 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) epidemic has evolved into a full range of challenges that the world is facing. Health and economic threats caused governments to take preventive measures against the spread of the disease. This study aims to provide a correlation analysis of the response measures adopted by countries and epidemic trends since the COVID‐19 outbreak. This analysis picks 13 countries for quantitative assessment. We select a trusted model to fit the epidemic trend curves in segments and catch the characteristics based on which we explore the key factors of COVID‐19 spread. This review generates a score table of government response measures according to the Likert scale. We use the Delphi method to obtain expert judgments about the government response in the Likert scale. Furthermore, we find a significant negative correlation between the epidemic trend characteristics and the government response measure scores given by experts through correlation analysis. More stringent government response measures correlate with fewer infections and fewer waves in the infection curves. Stringent government response measures curb the spread of COVID‐19, limit the number of total infectious cases, and reduce the time to peak of total cases. The clusters of the results categorize the countries into two specific groups. This study will improve our understanding of the prevention of COVID‐19 spread and government response.
Organized elite power and clean energy: A study of negative policy experimentations with renewable portfolio standards
Authors: Jang Sojin , Yi Hongtao 
Published: September 2021

AbstractRenewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) is one of the most widely adopted clean energy policies in the U.S. However, organized elite power groups, backed by ample political and economic resources, have been known to lead RPS termination efforts. In the context of state renewable energy politics, organized elite power includes legislators affiliated with American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and anti‐renewable energy business groups. Focusing on the roles of organized elite power, this study investigates the drivers of the formulation of RPS rollback (goal freeze) and termination bills, which we refer to collectively as negative policy experimentations. We find that RPS termination attempts are explained by the presence of ALEC legislators and anti‐renewable energy business groups, whereas RPS goal freeze bills are better explained by conditions of policy operations. This study contributes to the policy process theory by providing critical insights into the post adoption decisions, including policy termination and rollback legislations, with a focus on the role of organized elite power.
Complexity, tacit knowledge and the scope for technological catch‐up
Authors: Bekkers Eddy , Landesmann Michael , Macskasi Indre 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe study the determinants of sectoral patterns of technological catch‐up of emerging economies. In particular, we test the hypotheses that technological catch‐up is slower in tacit knowledge‐intensive sectors, operationalised by measures of complex task intensity, in sectors with a high skill intensity, with a high degree of export sophistication, and higher income elasticity. Employing trade data from United Nations Comtrade and production data from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) between 1960 and 2000 covering manufacturing sectors, we find that catch‐up is slower in more tacit knowledge‐intensive sectors, as well as in skill‐intensive and export sophisticated sectors. With more recent Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) data from 1997 to 2011, we find instead that catch‐up is faster in more tacit knowledge‐intensive manufacturing sectors, whereas catch‐up is slower in more tacit knowledge‐intensive services sectors. We discuss three potential explanations for the changing association of catch‐up with tacit knowledge intensity.
Seed dynamics of Aeschynomene denticulata and Aeschynomene indica
Authors: Martins Matheus B. , Munhos Taline Fonseca , Schaedler Carlos E. , Agostinetto Dirceu , Andres André 
Published: September 2021

AbstractJointvetch (Aeschynomene spp., Fabaceae) is considered a problematic broadleaf weed for rice production in Brazil, the United States, and Asia. Seed dormancy is particularly important for the perpetuation of annual weeds, representing the only link between different generations and thus the source of all future weed infestations. Seed dynamics in annual species are complex and related to many biotic and abiotic factors. The objectives of this study were to determine whether dormancy occurs in Aeschynomene denticulata and Aeschynomene indica seeds, and, if so, what is the most efficient method to break it. In addition, the persistence of seeds in soil also was investigated for both species. Three experiments were conducted, two in lab conditions and one in field conditions. The first experiment consisted of germination tests conducted in controlled conditions to determine whether seeds have dormancy. The second experiment tested the effectiveness of preheating, precooling, potassium nitrate, gibberellic acid, water soaking, chemical scarification, and mechanical scarification as dormancy breaking methods. Finally, the third experiment evaluated seedbank longevity for 1‐year period in the rice‐cultivated soil during which seeds were buried and recovered every 3 months. Variations in physical dormancy are present at different levels in both species due to seed‐coat impermeability to water absorption. Meanwhile, A. denticulata can persist over a year in soil seed bank but A. indica seeds only persisted for half a year.
Impact of maternal late gestation undernutrition on surfactant maturation, pulmonary blood flow and oxygen delivery measured by magnetic resonance imaging in the sheep fetus
Authors: Ren Jiaqi , Darby Jack R. T. , Lock Mitchell C. , Holman Stacey L. , Saini Brahmdeep S. , Bradshaw Emma L. , Orgeig Sandra , Perumal Sunthara R. , Wiese Michael D. , Macgowan Christopher K. , Seed Mike , Morrison Janna L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractRestriction of fetal substrate supply has an adverse effect on surfactant maturation in the lung and thus affects the transition from in utero placental oxygenation to pulmonary ventilation ex utero. The effects on surfactant maturation are mediated by alteration in mechanisms regulating surfactant protein and phospholipid synthesis. This study aimed to determine the effects of late gestation maternal undernutrition (LGUN) and LGUN plus fetal glucose infusion (LGUN+G) compared to Control on surfactant maturation and lung development, and the relationship with pulmonary blood flow and oxygen delivery () measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with molecules that regulate lung development. LGUN from 115 to 140 days’ gestation significantly decreased fetal body weight, which was normalized by glucose infusion. LGUN and LGUN+G resulted in decreased fetal plasma glucose concentration, with no change in fetal arterial compared to control. There was no effect of LGUN and LGUN+G on the mRNA expression of surfactant proteins (SFTP) and genes regulating surfactant maturation in the fetal lung. However, blood flow in the main pulmonary artery was significantly increased in LGUN, despite no change in blood flow in the left or right pulmonary artery and to the fetal lung. There was a negative relationship between left pulmonary artery flow and to the left lung with SFTP‐B and GLUT1 mRNA expression, while their relationship with VEGFR2 was positive. These results suggest that increased pulmonary blood flow measured by MRI may have an adverse effect on surfactant maturation during fetal lung development.
imageKey points
Maternal undernutrition during gestation alters fetal lung development by impacting surfactant maturation. However, the direction of change remains controversial.
We examined the effects of maternal late gestation maternal undernutrition (LGUN) on maternal and fetal outcomes, signalling pathways involved in fetal lung development, pulmonary haemodynamics and oxygen delivery in sheep using a combination of molecular and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques.
LGUN decreased fetal plasma glucose concentration without affecting arterial . Surfactant maturation was not affected; however, main pulmonary artery blood flow was significantly increased in the LGUN fetuses.
This is the first study to explore the relationship between in utero MRI measures of pulmonary haemodynamics and lung development. Across all treatment groups, left pulmonary artery blood flow and oxygen delivery were negatively correlated with surfactant protein B mRNA and protein expression in late gestation.
Associations between cardiometabolic risks and physical activity in early adulthood: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yen Hsin-Yen , Li Ching 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesYoung adults’ physical activity (PA) is a foundation of creating future healthy lifestyles. The purpose of this study was to explore differences in PA, sedentary behaviour, walkability and health beliefs among young adults with different levels of cardiometabolic risks and the influence of moderate-to-vigorous PA.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire.ParticipantsTotally, 1149 valid responses were received for a response rate of 86.32%. According to the self-reported worst health condition, participants were categorised into healthy adults, and adults at levels 1 (overweight), 2 (obese), 3 (hypertensive, hyperlipidaemic, and/or hyperglycaemic), and 4 (with a diagnosis of cardiometabolic diseases) of cardiometabolic risks.Primary outcome measuresPA, sedentary time, walkability and health beliefs.ResultsSignificant differences in PA (F=3.78, p<0.01) and sedentary time (F=2.39, p<0.05) among groups with various cardiometabolic risk levels were found. Healthy adults and adults at level 1 risk had significantly higher PA than adults at risk levels 2 and 3. Young adults at risk level 3 were less likely to participate in moderate-to-vigorous PA than were healthy adults (OR=0.64 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.99), p<0.05). Individuals who perceived that there were more recreational facilities (OR=1.27 (1.05 to 1.53), p<0.05), who had higher benefits of exercise (OR=1.73 (1.30 to 2.31), p<0.001), and who had lower barriers to exercise (OR=0.42 (0.32 to 0.55), p<0.001) were more likely to participate in moderate-to-vigorous PA.ConclusionsBeing aware of body weight changes could be a danger sign of a lack of PA. Developing environmental and psychological strategies to promote engaging in PA is necessary to promote the cardiometabolic health of young adults.
Capturing patient-reported and quality of life outcomes with use of shorter regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis: mixed-methods substudy protocol, TB PRACTECAL-PRO
Authors: Stringer Beverley , Lowton Karen , James Nicola , Nyang"wa Bern-Thomas 
Published: September 2021

IntroductionPeople living with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis currently have few options for effective treatment and cure. Regimens that are available are toxic, may involve injections and take up to 2 years to complete treatment, with success rates as low as 50%. The TB-PRACTECAL trial is evaluating shorter, more tolerable regimens of oral drugs; we detail the substudy within this trial, PRACTECAL-PRO, which aims to evaluate patient experiences and perspectives on treatment, to understand outcomes more fully.Methods and analysisWe are conducting a mixed-methods evaluation within both investigational and standard of care arms within the TB-PRACTECAL trial, using sequential quality of life (QoL) surveys and in-depth interviews. Data collection involves the Short Form 12 (SF-12) and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), collected at up to four fixed timepoints, from baseline, to up to 12 months later. Healthy volunteers will be surveyed to establish locally relevant controls. We will also purposively sample participants for qualitative data collection and analysis, to provide rich explanation of QoL scores. The study will be implemented in all six TB-PRACTECAL study sites in Uzbekistan, South Africa and Belarus. QoL surveys will be scored and analysed according to SF-12 and SGRQ developers’ manuals. Differences between scores at baseline and later timepoints will be evaluated as well as graphical exploration of group score trajectories of investigational and standard of care arms.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the Médecins Sans Frontières Ethics Review Board. Local ethics approval has been obtained in Uzbekistan, Belarus and South Africa. Results of the substudy will be shared with local health authorities, the WHO and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberNCT03942354; Pre-results.
Vertebroplasty in patients with multiple myeloma with vertebral compression fractures: protocol for a single-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wickstroem Line Adsboell , Carreon Leah , Lund Thomas , Abildgaard Niels , Lorenzen Marianne Dyrby , Andersen Mikkel Østerheden 
Published: September 2021

IntroductionMultiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell cancer where about 1/3 of the patients present with pathological fractures at the time of diagnosis. Despite treatment, the majority of the patients will develop additional fractures. Because survival and prognosis has improved significantly over the last two decades for patients with MM, there is an increased need to focus on optimal fracture treatment. Traditionally, fracture pain is treated conservatively with opioids, bisphosphonates, bracing and radiation therapy. Vertebral augmentation has been used for the last three decades as a minimally invasive treatment option for vertebral compression fractures, but the evidence base for the efficacy is weak. We describe a trial assessing the impact of vertebroplasty on clinical outcome in the treatment of patients with MM with painful vertebral fractures.Methods100 patients with MM with painful vertebral fractures will be randomised in a prospective, single-blinded, multicentre, clinical trial where patients are randomised to either usual care or usual care supplemented with vertebroplasty with a possibility of crossover 4 weeks after randomisation. The primary outcome will be change in Oswestry Disability Index at 4 weeks.AnalysisPrimary and secondary outcomes are assessed at baseline and at 4, 8, 26 and 52 weeks. Categorical data will be presented by means of frequencies and related percentages; continuous data will be displayed by means of descriptive statistics.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been evaluated by the Regional Committees on Health Research for Southern Denmark (S-20200075) and notified and approved by the Region of Southern Denmark and listed in the internal record, journal no. 20/22355. All participants provide consent. The protocol will follow the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items for Randomized Trials) statement. The Danish Myeloma Patient Organization supports the study. Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and presented at national and international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT04533217.