bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of the cavernous muscles of the kangaroo penis highlights marsupial–placental dichotomy
Authors: Warburton Natalie M. , Bateman Philip W. , Fleming Patricia A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe mammalian penis is a complex hydraulic organ of cavernous (spongy) tissue supported by both smooth and skeletal muscle structures. In placental mammals, the paired ‎Musculus ischiocavernosi anchor the corpora cavernosa to the pelvis (at the ischium), and the paired M. bulbospongiosi converge as they envelop the base of the corpus spongiosum. Male marsupials have a dramatically different anatomy, however, in which both sets of paired muscles remain separate, have a bulbous, globular shape and do not have any direct connection to the pelvis. Here we provide the first detailed anatomical investigation of the muscles of the penis in the western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) incorporating dissection, histology, vascular casting and computed tomography. The M. ischiocavernosus and M. bulbospongiosus form massive, multipennate bodies of skeletal muscle surrounding the paired roots of the corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum, respectively. Bilateral vascular supply is via both the artery of the penis and the ventral perineal artery. Histological examination reveals cavernous tissues with substantial smooth muscle supported by fibroelastic trabeculae, surrounded by the thick collagenous tunica albuginea. The M. ischiocavernosus and M. bulbospongiosus are known to function during erection of the penis and ejaculation via muscular contraction increasing blood pressure within cavernous vascular tissues. The thick muscular anatomy of the kangaroo would be well suited to this function. The absence of any connection to the bony pelvis in marsupials suggests the possibility of different mechanisms of action of these muscles with regard to reduction of venous return, eversion from the cloaca, or movements such as penile flips, which have been described in some placental mammals. This highlights a greater diversity in form and function in the evolution of the mammalian penis than has been previously considered.
Long‐term understory vegetation dynamics of mixed aspen forests in Rocky Mountain National Park, USA
Authors: Bretfeld Mario , Franklin Scott B. , Peet Robert K. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimsForests worldwide are subjected to increasing pressures from altered disturbance regimes, climate change, and their interactions. We resampled previously established vegetation plots to directly assess long‐term vegetation dynamics in the forest understory of mixed aspen forests, including species diversity, distribution, and composition.Study siteRocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA.MethodsWe resampled 89 vegetation plots that contained aspen (Populus tremuloides) in the original sampling in 1972/1973 in Rocky Mountain National Park to assess changes in understory diversity, non‐native species abundance, community composition, and elevation ranges. Analyses were performed at three spatial scales: landscape (all plots), ecotone (montane vs. subalpine), and seven forest “series” according to the classification presented in the original publication.ResultsUnderstory vegetation diversity did not significantly change at the landscape scale but increased in forests of the mesic montane series. Changes in diversity varied with elevation, with predominantly increases at lower elevations and decreases at higher elevations. Furthermore, species turnover and upward shifts were more pronounced at lower elevations. The proportion of plots containing non‐native species was similar between data sets, with 48% in 2012/2013 and 46% in 1972/1973. However, the number of non‐native species per plot increased considerably, especially in Pinus contorta forests. Significant shifts in understory community composition occurred in mesic montane forests and Pinus flexilis forests. Generally, higher floristic overlap was evident between forest types, indicating homogenization between 1972/1973 and 2012/2013 understory plant communities.ConclusionsAlthough our results indicate overall little change in understory communities between 1972/1973 and 2012/2013 in Rocky Mountain National Park, they also suggest that observed changes differ by elevation, possibly due to the interactions between elevation and changes in local climate. Our study underscores the importance of analyzing long‐term vegetation dynamics at different spatial scales and provides data from direct observations to improve the predictive power of vegetation models.
How informative is vertebral development for the origin of lissamphibians?
Authors: Danto M. , Witzmann F. , Kamenz S. K. , Fröbisch N. B. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe origin of lissamphibians remains unresolved and different origins within Paleozoic early tetrapods have been proposed. Both the vertebral morphology as well as the ossification sequence of the vertebrae are potentially important character traits to test these different hypotheses. Here, we aim to determine if vertebral formation and ossification sequence in lissamphibians and early tetrapods are valuable indicatives of phylogenetic relationships. To answer this question, we examined the vertebral development in growth series of different salamander taxa and compared the results with literature data on vertebral development in frogs, caecilians and early tetrapods. In salamanders, caecilians and early tetrapods, the vertebral centrum develops by chordacentral and perichordal centrum formation, whereas in frogs, no chordacentral centrum formation has been observed so far. In the salamander taxa studied here, the following chondrification and ossification sequences are observed: chondrification first of the neural arches and then of the centra followed by ossification first of the centra and then of the neural arches. In frogs, in contrast, the neural arches ossify prior to the centra and it can be assumed that this developmental sequence represents the ancestral condition for tetrapods, as it characterizes some stem‐tetrapods and all temnospondyls from which growth series are known. However, the ossification sequence of the vertebral column is only incompletely known in stem‐amniotes which makes a comparison with extant lissamphibians difficult. This indicates that the mode of centrum formation and the ossification sequence are highly variable and cannot be used to determine the origin of lissamphibians within early tetrapods.
Scent chemistry is key in the evolutionary transition between insect and mammal pollination in African pineapple lilies
Authors: Wester Petra , Johnson Steven D. , Pauw Anton 
Published: January 2019

Summary

Volatile emissions may play a key role in structuring pollination systems of plants with morphologically unspecialised flowers. Here we test for pollination by small mammals in Eucomis regia and investigate whether its floral scent differs markedly from fly‐ and wasp‐pollinated congeners and attracts mammals.

We measured floral traits of E. regia and made comparisons with insect‐pollinated congeners. We observed floral visitors and examined fur and faeces of live‐trapped mammals for pollen. We determined the contributions of different floral visitors to seed set with selective exclusion and established the breeding system with controlled pollination experiments. Using bioassays, we examined whether mammals are attracted by the floral scent and are effective agents of pollen transfer.

Eucomis regia differs from closely related insect‐pollinated species mainly in floral scent, with morphology, colour and nectar properties being similar. We found that mice and elephant‐shrews pollinate E. regia, which is self‐incompatible and reliant on vertebrates for seed production. Mammals are strongly attracted to the overall floral scent, which contains unusual sulphur compounds, including methional (which imparts the distinctive potato‐like scent and which was shown to be attractive to small mammals).

The results highlight the important role of scent chemistry in shifts between insect and mammal pollination systems.
Fear‐potentiated startle response as an endophenotype: Evaluating metrics and methods for genetic applications
Authors: Savage Jeanne E. , Moore Ashlee A. , Sawyers Chelsea K. , Bourdon Jessica L. , Verhulst Brad , Carney Dever M. , Moroney Elizabeth , Machlin Laura , Kaabi Oumaima , Vrana Scott , Grillon Christian , Brotman Melissa A. , Leibenluft Ellen , Pine Daniel S. , Roberson‐Nay Roxann , Hettema John M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe modulation of the startle response (SR) by threatening stimuli (fear‐potentiated startle; FPS) is a proposed endophenotype for disorders of the fearful‐fearlessness spectrum. FPS has failed to show evidence of heritability, raising concerns. However, metrics used to index FPS—and, importantly, other conditional phenotypes that are dependent on a baseline—may not be suitable for the approaches used in genetic epidemiology studies. Here, we evaluated multiple metrics of FPS in a population‐based sample of preadolescent twins (N = 569 from 320 twin pairs, Mage = 11.4) who completed a fear‐conditioning paradigm with airpuff‐elicited SR on two occasions (~1 month apart). We applied univariate and multivariate biometric modeling to estimate the heritability of FPS using several proposed standardization procedures. This was extended with data simulations to evaluate biases in heritability estimates of FPS (and similar metrics) under various scenarios. Consistent with previous studies, results indicated moderate test‐retest reliability (r = 0.59) and heritability of the overall SR (h2 = 34%) but poor reliability and virtually no unique genetic influences on FPS when considering a raw or standardized differential score that removes baseline SR. Simulations demonstrated that the use of differential scores introduces bias in heritability estimates relative to jointly analyzing baseline SR and FPS in a multivariate model. However, strong dependency of FPS on baseline levels makes unique genetic influences virtually impossible to detect regardless of methodology. These findings indicate that FPS and other conditional phenotypes may not be well suited to serve as endophenotypes unless such codependency can be disentangled.
Institutions or Contingencies? A Cross‐Country Analysis of Management Tool Use by Public Sector Executives
Authors: George Bert , Van de Walle Steven , Hammerschmid Gerhard 
Published: January 2019

AbstractManagement tools are often argued to ameliorate public service performance. Indeed, evidence has emerged to support positive outcomes related to the use of management tools in a variety of public sector settings. Despite these positive outcomes, there is wide variation in the extent to which public organizations use management tools. Drawing on normative isomorphism and contingency theory, this article investigates the determinants of both organization‐oriented and client‐oriented management tool use by top public sector executives. The hypotheses are tested using data from a large‐N survey of 4,533 central government executives in 18 European countries. Country and sector fixed‐effects ordinary least squares regression models indicate that contingency theory matters more than normative isomorphism. Public executives working in organizations that are bigger and have goal clarity and executive status are more likely to use management tools. The only normative pressure that has a positive impact on management tool use is whether public sector executives have a top hierarchical position.
Sustainability and Disaster Planning: What Are the Connections?
Authors: Homsy George C. , Liao Lu , Warner Mildred E. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this article, we examine the connections between resiliency and sustainability by asking: Can disaster planning lead to more sustainability actions? In a survey we conducted of 1,899 cities, towns, and counties across the United States in 2015, we found that disaster plans are three times more common than sustainability plans. Our regression models find both types of plans lead to sustainability action as does regional collaboration across the rural‐urban interface. However, we find that hazard mitigation planning may be done without including sustainability staff, citizens, and other officials. After controlling for motivations, capacity, and cooperation, we find that rural communities are more likely to have sustainability plans than suburbs, though their level of sustainability action is lower due to capacity constraints. Our models of multilevel governance find local motivations balance sustainability’s concept of environmental protection, economic development, and social equity—and are more important drivers of action than grassroots or higher‐level government funding and policy. This bodes well in a context where federal government leadership on sustainability is absent.
Influence of fixation systems on complications after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs greater than 45.4 kilograms (100 lb)
Authors: Chiu King Wa , Amsellem Pierre M. , Yu Jenny , Ho Pui Shan , Radasch Robert 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the influence of 3 fixation systems on complications rate after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs >45.4 kg.Study designRetrospective case series.Sample populationDogs (N = 287, 342 stifles) >45.4 kg with cranial cruciate ligament tear treated with TPLO.MethodsThe medical records of dogs treated with TPLO were reviewed for fixation and postoperative complications, with a follow‐up of at least 6 weeks. A random effects logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between the type of TPLO fixation system and complications.ResultsThe fixation systems included a 3.5‐mm broad TPLO plate alone (8P; 78.4%), a 3.5‐mm broad TPLO plate with SOP (String of Pearls) plate (8AP; 14.9%), and a 3.5‐mm standard TPLO plate (6P; 6.7%). Among the included stifles, 214 (62.6%) fixation systems were classified as locking, and 128 (37.4%) were classified as nonlocking. The fixation system was predictive of complications. The 8P had the lowest odds ratio for complication among the 3 fixation systems. Odds of developing complications were higher with the 8AP fixation system than with the 8P fixation system. Locking fixation eliminated the association between weight and complication rate.ConclusionFixation of a TPLO with the 8AP increased the risk of complications compared with the 8P in this population of large dogs.Clinical significanceLocking fixation of TPLO with a 3.5‐mm broad TPLO plate alone should be considered in large dogs because it may reduce complications.
Measuring patient-centred system performance: a scoping review of patient-centred care quality indicators
Authors: Santana Maria-Jose , Ahmed Sadia , Lorenzetti Diane , Jolley Rachel J , Manalili Kimberly , Zelinsky Sandra , Quan Hude , Lu Mingshan 
Published: January 2019

ObjectivesThe shift to the patient-centred care (PCC) model as a healthcare delivery paradigm calls for systematic measurement and evaluation. In an attempt to develop patient-centred quality indicators (PC-QIs), this study aimed to identify quality indicators that can be used to measure PCC.MethodsDesign: scoping review. Data Sources: studies were identified through searching seven electronic databases and the grey literature. Search terms included quality improvement, quality indicators, healthcare quality and PCC. Eligibility Criteria: articles were included if they mentioned development and/or implementation of PC-QIs. Data Extraction and Synthesis: extracted data included study characteristics (country, year of publication and type of study/article), patients’ inclusion in the development of indicators and type of patient populations and point of care if applicable (eg, in-patient, out-patient and primary care).ResultsA total 184 full-text peer-reviewed articles were assessed for eligibility for inclusion; of these, 9 articles were included in this review. From the non–peer-reviewed literature, eight documents met the criteria for inclusion in this study. This review revealed the heterogeneity describing and defining the nature of PC-QIs. Most PC-QIs were presented as PCC measures and identified as guidelines, surveys or recommendations, and therefore cannot be classified as actual PC-QIs. Out of 502 ways to measure PCC, only 25 were considered to be actual PC-QIs. None of the identified articles implemented the quality indicators in care settings.ConclusionThe identification of PC-QIs is a key first step in laying the groundwork to develop evidence-based PC-QIs. Research is needed to continue the development and implementation of PC-QIs for healthcare quality improvement.
Patient vs provider perspectives of 30-day hospital readmissions
Authors: Smeraglio Andrea , Heidenreich Paul A , Krishnan Gomathi , Hopkins Joseph , Chen Jonathan , Shieh Lisa 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveTo compare patients’ and providers’ views on contributors to 30-day hospital readmissions.DesignAnalysis of a qualitative interview survey between 18 May–30 June 2015.SettingInterviews were conducted during the 30-day readmission hospitalisation at a single tertiary care academic hospital.ParticipantsWe conducted 178 interviews of readmitted patients.MeasuresWe queried opinions of what factors patients believed contributed to their rehospitalisation and compared this with the perspective of the index admission provider. The primary outcome was the view that the readmission was preventable. A review by a RN (nurse) case manager also provided an assessment based on patient report, provider report and chart review.ResultsPatients were more likely to view a readmission as preventable compared with physicians (p<0.0001). Patients identified system issues (defined as factors controlled by the hospital discharge process) as contributors to their readmission in 58% (103/178) of cases while providers identified system issues as the contributor to a patients’ readmission in 2% (2/101) of cases. Patients with poor functional status were more likely to feel the cause of their readmission was due to system issues than patients with better functional status (p=0.03). A RN case manager review determined that in 48% (86/178) of cases the system had some amount of contribution to a patient’s readmission. There was no significant difference in belief that the readmission was preventable between the RN case manager and the patient (p=0.47).ConclusionsReadmitted patients often feel that the hospital system contributed to their readmission. Providers did not recognise patient and RN case manager identified issues as contributors to hospital readmissions.
Generating functions of wormholes
Authors: Rahaman Farook , Sarkar Susmita , Singh Ksh. Newton , Pant Neeraj 
Published: January 2019

It is known that wormhole geometry could be found solving the Einstein field equations by tolerating the violation of null energy condition (NEC). Violation of NEC is not possible for the physical matter distributions, however, it can be achieved by considering distributions of “exotic matter”. The main purpose of this work is to find generating functions comprising the wormhole-like geometry and discuss the nature of these generating functions. We have used the Herrera et al. [Phys. Rev. D 77, 027502 (2008)] approaches of obtaining generating functions in the background of wormhole spacetime. Here we have adopted two approaches for solving the field equations to find wormhole geometry. In the first method, we have assumed the redshift function f(r) and the shape function b(r) and solve for the generating functions. In another attempt, we assume generating functions and redshift functions and then try to find shape functions of the wormholes.
Boosted thermoelectric properties of molybdenum oxide thin films deposited on Si substrates
Authors: Zhang Jiahua , Song Weijia , Ge Xue , Luo Zhi , Yue Song 
Published: January 2019

[Formula: see text] has novel peculiarities and complexities due to multiple valence states of 4d molybdenum, but high carrier density impedes its thermoelectric (TE) application. Recent investigation has demonstrated that the TE performance of transition metal oxide films can be greatly enhanced by activating a parallel conduction channel in the perovskite substrates through reversible incorporation of oxygen. In this work, we report the TE properties of [Formula: see text] thin films deposited on single crystalline Si and quartz glass substrates by magnetron sputtering. The TE power factor (PF) in the former is above 40 times bigger than that in the latter. Such a large enhancement originates mainly from the significantly enhanced Seebeck coefficient, correlated with the contribution of the Si substrate. The highest PF value 1.78 mW/(m[Formula: see text]⋅[Formula: see text]K2) at 700 K in this [Formula: see text]/Si system is comparable to the state-of-the-art in other TE thin films. Based on the preceding research, our experimental results suggest a more economic and scalable route to explore high-performance TE thin films.
Refractive index and temperature sensing based on defect resonator coupled with a MIM waveguide
Authors: Chen Fang , Li Jijun 
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a refractive index and temperature sensor based on Fano resonance is realized. The proposed structure is composed of a MIM waveguide and a defect cavity which is filled with sealed ethanol. The Fano spectra and field distribution is numerically investigated by the two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Due to the symmetry breaking, the sharp and asymmetric transmission spectra can be used as a sensor with high sensitivity. The sensitivity of the proposed structure can be up to 652 nm/RIU and [Formula: see text]. Because of the high sensitivity, the proposed plasmonic structure may have potential application in nanosensing.
THE INDIVIDUALISTIC VIEW OF CULTURE AND THE NASCENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP: AN EXAMINATION OF SCHWARTZ’S CULTURAL VALUES
Authors: ALSAAD ABDALLAH 
Published: January 2019

The paper examines the impact of individual culture orientations on the nascent entrepreneurship at the individual level. The cultural orientations investigated in this study were based on Schwartz’s values model. Using data from World Value Survey collected from seven countries ([Formula: see text]), we investigate the direct effect of Open to Change, Self-enhancement, Conservation and Self-transcendence values on nascent entrepreneurship. The results show that the Open to Change values, including Stimulation and Self-direction values, significantly and positively affect nascent entrepreneurship. Only one of the Self-enhancement values has a positive effect on nascent entrepreneurship — the Power value. Meanwhile, Conservation values, including Tradition and Security, negatively and significantly affect the nascent entrepreneurship. Finally, the results show no support for the association between Self-transcendence values and nascent entrepreneurship. Our findings highlight that some values are more conducive to driving or inhibiting nascent entrepreneurship. Investigating the effect of individual cultural orientations on nascent entrepreneurship in the lens of personal values benefits us to comprehend individual motivations toward entrepreneurship, and will light many features of entrepreneurship behavior at the individual level and within and across cultures.