bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foreign policy in an era of digital diplomacy
Authors: Beznosov Mihail
Published: July 2021

This review is the analysis of the article «Foreign policy in an era of digital diplomacy» written by a scholar from Nigeria Dr. Olubukola S. Adesina. This article deals with the recent application and development of the so-called digital diplomacy in the field of politics and traditional diplomacy. It includes an extensive analysis of this phenomenon, its characteristics, its development, as well as the debates that accompany this new trend little studied so far. In addition, the article discusses the cases of the use and growth of digital diplomacy or e-diplomacy, as it has been called in various spaces. In a very complete way, basic aspects of the concept of digital diplomacy are presented, from its various definitions to the controversy it has generated in the diplomatic community traditional slant. The entry of digital diplomacy into the diplomatic sphere is explained as an effect of the technological explosion of the 2000s. However, the author makes a clarification regarding the differences among various cases, in terms of implementation of this concept. Also, the discussion about the birth of a new type of diplomacy and new actors capable of influencing international relations is analyzed. Furthermore, new functions, roles and effects of social networks in the diplomatic world and their meanings for international relations are investigated. Finally, one of the strong points in this article is the analysis of the risks and benefits that digital diplomacy presents to the modern foreign policy making.
Tech giants versus nation states: prospects for digital multipolarity
Authors: Zhukov D.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a political and predictive study of relationship between nation states and large corporations (tech giants) in relation to socially relevant online platforms (SROP). The key question of the article: will the current dominance of global SROP increase, or will they be fragmented (that is the separation of relatively isolated national or meta-regional segments) under the influence of nation states’ intention to protect their sovereignty. A methodological framework includes the following tools: (1) a discourse analysis of the research literature, (2) constructing predictive scenarios based on implicit models revealed in reviewed publications. Despite the search for some kind of control that nation states can have over global SROP (specifically, in India and Turkey), the Chinese model of total fragmentation of SROP is gaining support. Global SROP, as a manifestation of non-public and illegitimate power of tech giants, have transformed the landscape of contemporary international relations. A systemic virtualization of politics reduces the capacity of nation states to survive in a medium where social relations, identity, political behavior, and historical memory are formed and destructed through the intangible impact of global actors and unpredictable virtual cataclysms. The author draws a conclusion that the presumption of multipolarity of the world makes the fragmentation of SROP the only positive scenario. The intention of some governments to make do with only regulating the global tech giants can be interpreted as an illusion that threatens the survival of nation states.
Erythema Nodosum Revealing Metastatic Lung Cancer
Authors: Mzabi Anis , Benzarti Wafa , Romdhane Wiem , Baya Wafa , Aissa Sana , Gargouri Imen , Laouani Chedia
Published: July 2021

Erythema nodosum (EN) is an inflammatory condition of the subcutaneous fat and has been reported in patients with haematological malignancies (lymphomas) or solid tumours. Lung cancer is the most common cause of paraneoplastic syndrome. We report a case of EN occurring as a paraneoplastic disease. A 48-year-old Tunisian woman, a non-smoker with no relevant medical history, presented with painful, erythematous, firm nodules on her legs with ankle swelling. The patient did not report any other symptoms. There were no abnormalities on examination except for moderate fever. An extensive infectious and immunological investigation was negative. Antistreptolysin antibodies were undetectable. Chest radiography showed a focal opacity in the right lung and a CT scan revealed a mass in the lower right pulmonary lobe with hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathies, a nodule in the right adrenal gland, condensation in the iliac bone and multiple bilateral nodular cerebral expansive processes. Bronchial biopsies revealed a primitive and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. No argument for tuberculosis or sarcoidosis was found.
Review of a paediatric inflammatory bowel disease service during the pandemic and the impact of the CNS role
Authors: Lee Gemma , Kammermeier Jochen , Vora Rakesh , Mutalib Mohamed
Published: July 2021

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting condition. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted provision of medical care across the world. IBD clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) played a pivotal role in the care of children with IBD during the pandemic national lockdown and in the recovery phase. This article aims to look at the impact of COVID-19 on the paediatric IBD service in one children's hospital and the effect on the IBD CNSs' workload.

Method:

A retrospective review of clinical notes and the service's IBD database from January 2019 to September 2020.

Results:

There was a significant increase in the number of email and telephone contacts to the IBD CNS team during lockdown. There was an increase in virtual clinics, and an increase in new IBD patients coming to the service, but a reduction in the number of face-to-face consultant clinics.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 has disrupted medical services to children with IBD and led to a reduction in face-to-face activities but has also led to a significant increase in virtual activities. CNSs have taken up a wider role to cover patient care during a time of both medical and nursing redeployment.
Changing practice to using pre-filled syringes for flushing IV cannulas
Authors: Lee Paul T , Terry John
Published: July 2021

In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency classifies ‘pre-filled syringes’ for flushing Intravenous (IV) cannulas and IV access devices as ‘borderline’ devices and offers some advice on how control measures can help mitigate risks. The Medicines Act (1968) and Medical Device Regulations try to address the legal position of these devices and allow each employer to identify those groups of staff allowed to use them. In turn, this may help address anomalies around the need to prescribe and document their use. This article describes how one large university health board in Wales implemented a change in products and practice and explores the issues around adopting and using CE-marked pre-filled, sterile syringes of 0.9% sodium chloride in place of manually drawing up an IV flush (the CE mark indicates devices that conforms with European legal requirements). Whether the use of individual components or a single pre-filled device can lead to a streamlined and cost-effective way to manage the flushing of IV cannula and vascular access devices was explored. Additional risk factors were identified, and the legal status clarified in line with current guidelines and regulations. As 0.9% sodium chloride in ampoules and vials is classified as a prescription-only medicine, the administration needs control via formal prescription or a patient group direction. Adopting and using these pre-filled syringes as CE-marked medical devices requires careful consideration and sign-off from each employing authority, before implementing them for flushing IV cannulas and IV access devices.
La difcultad de volver: exilio y flosofía en María Zambrano
Authors: Llevadot Pascual Laura
Published: July 2021

Este trabajo ofrece una aproximación a la cuestión del exilio en el pensamiento de María Zambrano, en su triple dimensión de acontecimiento histórico, categoría existencial y concepto flosófico. Con el fn de comprender el concepto de exilio analiza su vínculo con dos fguras mayores del pensamiento creador de Zambrano: Antígona  y El niño de Vallecas o el idiota.
María Zambrano: uso y mención
Authors: Morey Miguel
Published: July 2021

El presente trabajo propone una refexión sobre las difcultades que plantea el lugar de enunciación de la prosa de María Zambrano, cuando se trata de dar cuenta del contenido flosófco de su pensamiento en el ejercicio metalingüístico propio al discurso académico.
Pensar el lugar
Authors: Rivera Leonarda
Published: July 2021

¿Se puede pensar el problema del lugar desde el pensamiento español? ¿Qué signifca pensar el lugar? Este texto aborda el término lugar en la obra de María Zambrano y propone dos posibles acepciones a partir de las cuales hablar de una ontología estética presente en su discurso.
Sizigia: spazio relazionale e simbolico
Authors: Bigardi Sara del
Published: July 2021

En este artículo se desarrolla el significado de la palabra syzyguía en María Zambrano. El término será analizado desde las cartas a Agustín Andreu y en referencia al manuscrito número 408 de 1968. Lo que resulta interesante es ver cómo esta palabra reúne diferentes elementos y abre espacios de sentido que toman en consideración la hermandad, la amistad, el sueño compartido y la pequeña comunidad creada por afinidad metafísica.
Medusa, el silencio del monstruo
Authors: Ortega Rion Isabel
Published: July 2021

Lo que lleva a indagar sobre la figura de Medusa es su silencio. Nadie ha oído la voz de Medusa. Aunque hay referencias a aullidos y chillidos, no habla en ninguna de las escenas de las que es protagonista,en general secundaria, de la historia de Perseo, el héroe. Medusa permanece muda ante los acontecimientos que se producen a lo largo de su vida. Permanece muda en el momento de morir, porque duerme. Atribuyo ese silencio a la necesidad de fosilizar al personaje, de privarlo del habla, un atributo que la humanizaría y que, por lotanto, la haría menos temible. Tal vez haya que otorgarle las palabras que le han sido negadas y tratar de aproximarnos a su condición de monstruo.
Glosas al «Diario de campaña» de José Martí sugeridas por María Zambrano y José Lezama Lima
Authors: Cámara Madeline
Published: July 2021

Tomando como pauta las lecturas hechas por María Zambrano y José Lezama Lima del Diario de campaña de José Martí, glosamos el último texto escrito por el patriota y escritor cubano para sugerir que estamos no solo ante un testimonio sobre la guerra sino, esencialmente, ante una interpretación mística del amor a la Patria.
Desencantar a Dulcinea, o Zambrano novelando a Cervantes
Authors: Ortega Máñez María J.
Published: July 2021

Este trabajo aborda la idea de novela de María Zambrano a la luz de su reflexión sobre el Quijote. La hipótesis explorada viene dada por la definición zambraniana de novela como «lugar de revelación». Através de un análisis del problema de la ambigüedad, del personaje de Dulcinea y del uso excepcional del género narrativo que Zambrano hace en «Lo que le sucedió a Cervantes: Dulcinea», se concluye apuntando a una doble caracterización: de la novela, basada en elsuceso y en la historia vivida, y de la verdad —contenido de la revelación—como proceso de creación.
O «Logos» Musical da Democracia
Authors: Neves Maria João
Published: July 2021

No seu livro Persona y democracia, María Zambrano concentra-se numa perceção colectiva do tempo. Considera que o lugar natural do homem não é nem a natureza nem a solidão, mas sim algo intermédio: a sociedade. É o tempo da convivência social que mais lhe importa agora, por considerá-lo o fundamento do tempo histórico. Para a ele aceder, a filósofa socorre-se de parâmetros e metáforas musicais que empregará com perícia ao longo da sua análise. Este artigo pretende não só evidenciar estas ferramentas musicais, mas demonstrar como o logos musical é o modo percetivo mais adequado para aceder ao conceito zambraniano de democracia.
Verdad y saber en Zambrano. Hacia una onto-ético-epistemología
Authors: Saez Tajafuerce Begonya
Published: July 2021

En lo que sigue voy a tratar de ir tras la huella de la pregunta por la verdad y por el saber que le corresponde, huella que atraviesa la obra de María Zambrano y que constituye, a mi entender, el nervio de su pensamiento, mediante una lectura atenta de lo que en Persona y democracia. La historia sacrificial llama «conocimiento histórico», con el fin de sentar las bases de lo que podría conducir a una ontoético-epistemología.
Design and fabrication of hybrid MLAs/gratings for the enhancement of light extraction efficiency and distribution uniformity of OLEDs
Authors: Chen Guixiong , Weng Yalian , Lai Xiaocong , Wang Wenwen , Zhou Xiongtu , Yan Qun , Guo Tailiang , Zhang Yongai , Wu Chaoxing
Published: July 2021

Extracting light from organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and improving the angular distribution are essential for their commercial applications in illumination and displays. In this work, hybrid microlens arrays (MLAs) and gratings with periods and depths in the scale of submicron have been designed and incorporated on the lighting surface of OLEDs for simultaneous enhancement of light outcoupling efficiency and angular distribution improvement. It is found that the augmentation of light extraction efficiency is mainly attributed to the MLAs, while the gratings can improve the viewing angle by increasing the angular distribution uniformity. A novel approach was proposed by combining photoresist thermal reflow, soft-lithography and plasma treatments on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces synergistically to realize gratings on the wavy surface of MLAs. It has been proved that with the hybrid MLAs/gratings, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the OLED can reach up to 22.8%, which increased by 24% compared to that of bare OLED. Moreover, the OLED with the hybrid MLAs/gratings showed an obvious lateral enhancement at wider viewing angle.
Active tuning of longitudinal strong coupling between anisotropic borophene plasmons and Bloch surface waves
Authors: Nong Jinpeng , Xiao Xin , Feng Fu , Zhao Bo , Min Changjun , Yuan Xiaocong , Somekh Michael
Published: July 2021

Strong coupling between the resonant modes can give rise to many resonant states, enabling the manipulation of light-matter interactions with more flexibility. Here, we theoretically propose a coupled resonant system where an anisotropic borophene localized plasmonic (BLP) and Bloch surface wave (BSW) can be simultaneously excited. This allows us to manipulate the spectral response of the strong BLP-BSW coupling with exceptional flexibility in the near infrared region. Specifically, the strong longitudinal BLP-BSW coupling occurs when the system is driven into the strong coupling regime, which produces two hybrid modes with a large Rabi splitting up to 124 meV for borophene along both x- and y-directions. A coupled oscillator model is employed to quantitatively describe the observed BSW-BLP coupling by calculating the dispersion of the hybrid modes, which shows excellent agreement with the simulation results. Furthermore, benefited from the angle-dependent BSW mode, the BSW-BLP coupling can be flexibly tuned by actively adjusting the incident angle. Such active tunable BLP-SBW coupling with extreme flexibility offered by this simple layered system makes it promising for the development of diverse borophene-based active photonic and optoelectronic devices in the near infrared region.
Generation of wavelength-tunable optical vortices using an off-axis spiral phase mirror
Authors: Lee Dong-Ho , Kim Hong-Seung , Han Ilkyu , Bae Ji Yong , Yeo Woo-Jong , Jeong Seok Kyung , Jeon Minwoo , Choi Hwan-Jin , Kim Dong Uk , Lee Kye-Sung , Chang Ki Soo , Lee Wonkyun , Kim Geon Hee , Kim I Jong
Published: July 2021

Wavelength-tunable optical vortices with a topological charge equal to

l
=

1

of orbital angular momentum (OAM) were experimentally realized using a single off-axis spiral phase mirror (OSPM) with lasers of various visible-light wavelengths. Using an OSPM designed for 561 nm and an incidence angle of 45°, circular doughnut-shaped

l
=

1

optical vortices were obtained at 561, 473, and 660 nm by rotating the OSPM to modify the laser incidence angle. Wavelength-tunable

l
=

1

optical vortices were obtained at the respective incidence angles of 45°, 53.4°, and 33.7°, because the effective geometrical thickness of the OSPM, which determines the order of OAM, was identical at each wavelength. This flexible OSPM which operates over a wide wavelength range will provide continuously wavelength-tunable optical vortices for applications in the fields of advanced optics and photonics in which optical vortices with wide wavelength tunability are in demand.
A 12 kb multi-allelic copy number variation encompassing a GC gene enhancer is associated with mastitis resistance in dairy cattle
Authors: Lee Young-Lim , Takeda Haruko , Costa Monteiro Moreira Gabriel , Karim Latifa , Mullaart Erik , Coppieters Wouter ,   The GplusE consortium, Appeltant Ruth , Veerkamp Roel F. , Groenen Martien A. M. , Georges Michel , Bosse Mirte , Druet Tom , Bouwman Aniek C. , Charlier Carole
Published: July 2021

Clinical mastitis (CM) is an inflammatory disease occurring in the mammary glands of lactating cows. CM is under genetic control, and a prominent CM resistance QTL located on chromosome 6 was reported in various dairy cattle breeds. Nevertheless, the biological mechanism underpinning this QTL has been lacking. Herein, we mapped, fine-mapped, and discovered the putative causal variant underlying this CM resistance QTL in the Dutch dairy cattle population. We identified a ~12 kb multi-allelic copy number variant (CNV), that is in perfect linkage disequilibrium with a lead SNP, as a promising candidate variant. By implementing a fine-mapping and through expression QTL mapping, we showed that the group-specific component gene (GC), a gene encoding a vitamin D binding protein, is an excellent candidate causal gene for the QTL. The multiplicated alleles are associated with increasedGCexpression and low CM resistance. Ample evidence from functional genomics data supports the presence of an enhancer within this CNV, which would exertcis-regulatory effect onGC. We observed that strong positive selection swept the region near the CNV, and haplotypes associated with the multiplicated allele were strongly selected for. Moreover, the multiplicated allele showed pleiotropic effects for increased milk yield and reduced fertility, hinting that a shared underlying biology for these effects may revolve around the vitamin D pathway. These findings together suggest a putative causal variant of a CM resistance QTL, where acis-regulatory element located within a CNV can alter gene expression and affect multiple economically important traits.
DAF-18/PTEN inhibits germline zygotic gene activation during primordial germ cell quiescence
Authors: Fry Amanda L. , Webster Amy K. , Burnett Julia , Chitrakar Rojin , Baugh L. Ryan , Hubbard E. Jane Albert
Published: July 2021

Quiescence, an actively-maintained reversible state of cell cycle arrest, is not well understood. PTEN is one of the most frequently lost tumor suppressors in human cancers and regulates quiescence of stem cells and cancer cells. The sole PTEN ortholog in Caenorhabditis elegans is daf-18. In a C. elegans loss-of-function mutant for daf-18, primordial germ cells (PGCs) divide inappropriately in L1 larvae hatched into starvation conditions, in a TOR-dependent manner. Here, we further investigated the role of daf-18 in maintaining PGC quiescence in L1 starvation. We found that maternal or zygotic daf-18 is sufficient to maintain cell cycle quiescence, that daf-18 acts in the germ line and soma, and that daf-18 affects timing of PGC divisions in fed animals. Importantly, our results also implicate daf-18 in repression of germline zygotic gene activation, though not in germline fate specification. However, TOR is less important to germline zygotic gene expression, suggesting that in the absence of food, daf-18/PTEN prevents inappropriate germline zygotic gene activation and cell division by distinct mechanisms.
“Chagas Express XXI”: A new ArtScience social technology for health and science education—A case study in Brazilian endemic areas of Chagas disease with an active search of chronic cases
Authors: Araujo-Jorge Tania C. , Ferreira Roberto R. , Rocha Rita C. M. , Vieira Thallyta M. , Costa Nancy D. , Santos Luzia L. , Silva Josefa O. , Mendes Marcelo O. , Almeida-Silva Juliana , Costa Erik J. , Mexas Rodrigo , Oliveira Jonathan G. , Suarez-Fontes Ana M. , Gonçalves Teresa C. M. , Lopes Catarina M. , Mello Marcio L. , Borges Cristina X. A. , Garzoni Luciana R. , Gibaldi Daniel , Lannes-Vieira Joseli , Vannier-Santos Marcos A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Chagas Disease (CD) affects 6–7 million people worldwide and is related to poverty-promoting conditions. Chronic asymptomatic cases are mostly invisible to health systems. Aiming (1) to translate CD discoveries into education/information practices to raise alertness and empowerment of affected people; and (2) to perform an active search of CD cases, articulating intersectoral actions to improve the access of infected people to the local health service for the treatment of CD; our research group developed and tested under field conditions as innovative social technology: an itinerant education interdisciplinary setting named “Chagas Express XXI” (CE21).

Methodology

CE21 was created as an “imaginary train” with ~40 ArtScience workshops, games, laboratory activities and conversation circles. An entry/exit plus six activity modules combined associations of affected people, microscopic observations, One Health education, and wellness activities. CE21 was conceived as a social technology, since all the processes were co-created with CD patients and inter-sector local partners. Descriptive statistics showed quantitative data collected throughout the expeditions (CD knowledge, serological results). Qualitative data accessed the public perceptions about the education activities.

Principal findings

CE21 was exhibited in local educational institutions (schools, universities) in four cities, engaging 2,117 people that evaluated the 41 activities carried out. Citizens and health professionals enjoyed acquisition of information related to blood, parasites, vectors, reservoirs, environmental changes, and social determinants of CD. Further, local legacies of 600 participants volunteer for health promotion groups and CD associations, local empowerment groups to fight for better health conditions, and 05 mural paintings. We observed that 81% of the participants ignored the possibility of treating CD while 52% of the participants requested a blood test for CD showing seropositivity in 20% of them.

Conclusions

CE21 is a social technology potentially useful for health and science education and active search of asymptomatic CD chronic cases. Moreover, this technology may be adapted to understand and to cooperate in other potentially epidemic situations, especially NTDs related.
In-stream habitat availability for river dolphins in response to flow: Use of ecological integrity to manage river flows
Authors: Paudel Shambhu , Koprowski John L. , Thakuri Usha , Karki Ajay
Published: July 2021

Population decline and extinction risk of river dolphins are primarily associated with flow alteration. Previous studies predominantly highlighted maintenance of adequate flow for low water seasons when habitats contract and the risk of local extinction escalates. Although river dolphins are sensitive to reduction in river flow, no studies quantify the relationships between flow and ecology of river dolphins to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of flow alteration. We quantify the relationships between flow and the ecology of river cetaceans concerning Ganges River dolphins (GRD;Platanista gangetica gangetica) usable area availability (AWS) for the low water season at wider flows (50–575 m3/s) at finer spatial and temporal scales. This study reveals that distribution of area usable to GRD is highly regulated by the adequate flow and river attributes (velocity and depth) interactions that likely offer energetically efficient modes of locomotion to GRD, suggesting the hydro-physical environment as a major determinant of river dolphin distribution and abundance. Flow and AWS relationships indicate that the flow during the dry season negatively contributed to AWS, whereas that of pre-monsoon maximized the AWS, suggesting that modifying flow regimes does alter in-stream habitats at varying spatial scales and may influence life-history strategies. Substantial fragmentation in suitable pool availability and loss of longitudinal connectivity exhibited by dry season flow suggested a higher risk of adverse biological effects during the dry season, which may reduce population viability by reducing survivorship and reproduction failure. Owing to river dolphins’ dependence on the attribute of freshwater flow, they can be expected to be more affected by flow regulations as interactive effects. Considering the seasonal effects and changes in the availability of usable areas by flow alteration, adopting effective habitat retention plans by water-based development projects appears critical to avoid further ecological risks in aquatic species conservation. Identifying priority riverscapes for river cetaceans and prioritizing investment opportunities is an essential first step towards effective riverine cetacean conservation.
Identification of a diguanylate cyclase expressed in the presence of plants and its application for discovering candidate gene products involved in plant colonization by Pantoea sp. YR343
Authors: Bible Amber N. , Chang Mang , Morrell-Falvey Jennifer L.
Published: July 2021

Microbial colonization of plant roots is a highly complex process that requires the coordination and regulation of many gene networks, yet the identities and functions of many of these gene products have yet to be discovered. Pantoea sp. YR343, a gamma-proteobacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of Populus deltoides, forms robust biofilms along the root surfaces of Populus and possesses plant growth-promoting characteristics. In this work, we identified three diguanylate cyclases in the plant-associated microbe Pantoea sp. YR343 that are expressed in the presence of plant roots. One of these diguanylate cyclases, DGC2884, localizes to discrete sites in the cells and its overexpression results in reduced motility and increased EPS production and biofilm formation. We performed a genetic screen by expressing this diguanylate cyclase from an inducible promoter in order to identify candidate gene products that may be involved in root colonization by Pantoea sp. YR343. Further, we demonstrate the importance of other domains in DGC2884 to its activity, which in combination with the genes identified by transposon mutagenesis, may yield insights into the mechanisms of plant association as well as the activity and regulation of homologous enzymes in medically and agriculturally relevant microbes.
Study of the genetic and phenotypic variation among wild and cultivated clary sages provides interesting avenues for breeding programs of a perfume, medicinal and aromatic plant
Authors: Chalvin Camille , Drevensek Stéphanie , Chollet Christel , Gilard Françoise , Šolić Edita M. , Dron Michel , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , Boualem Adnane , Cornille Amandine
Published: July 2021

A road-map of the genetic and phenotypic diversities in both crops and their wild related species can help identifying valuable genetic resources for further crop breeding. The clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.), a perfume, medicinal and aromatic plant, is used for sclareol production and ornamental purposes. Despite its wide use in the field of cosmetics, the phenotypic and genetic diversity of wild and cultivated clary sages remains to be explored. We characterized the genetic and phenotypic variation of a collection of six wild S. sclarea populations from Croatia, sampled along an altitudinal gradient, and, of populations of three S. sclarea cultivars. We showed low level of genetic diversity for the two S. sclarea traditional cultivars used for essential oil production and for ornamental purposes, respectively. In contrast, a recent cultivar resulting from new breeding methods, which involve hybridizations among several genotypes rather than traditional recurrent selection and self-crosses over time, showed high genetic diversity. We also observed a marked phenotypic differentiation for the ornamental clary sage compared with other cultivated and wild clary sages. Instead, the two cultivars used for essential oil production, a traditional and a recent one, respectively, were not phenotypically differentiated from the wild Croatian populations. Our results also featured some wild populations with high sclareol content and early-flowering phenotypes as good candidates for future breeding programs. This study opens up perspectives for basic research aiming at understanding the impact of breeding methods on clary sage evolution, and highlights interesting avenues for clary breeding programs.
Psychometric properties of the Gaudiebility (Enjoyment modulators) Scale for Adults of Morelia (GSAM)
Authors: Padrós-Blázquez Ferrán , Martínez-Medina María Patricia , Montoya-Pérez Karina Salud , Montoya-Pérez Rocío
Published: July 2021

Gaudiebility refers to the set of modulators that regulate the enjoyment experienced, there is only one scale to assess gaudiebility, and it is univariate, which is not congruent with the construct. Therefore, this work’s objective was to build a multifactorial scale and study the psychometric properties of the Gaudiebility Scale for Adults of Morelia (GSAM). 1,884 adults participated; 273 in the pilot study and 1,611 in the final study. They responded to the final version of the GSAM, with 24 items and a scale of experienced enjoyment. The adequate fit of the model of 6 related factors of the GSAM was corroborated through confirmatory factor analysis. Adequate Cronbach’s alpha values ​​were observed for the factors (Concentration(α = .796),Enjoyment in Solitude(α = .784),Sense of Humor(α = .760),Imagination(α = .740),Interest(α = .653) andIrrational Beliefs(α = .633)) and the total scale (α = .803). All the factors and the full scale showed positive relationships with the scale of experienced enjoyment. The GSAM obtained good indicators regarding its internal consistency and validity; therefore, it is concluded that the GSAM is adequate to assess gaudiebility in adults.
The introduction of a mandatory mask policy was associated with significantly reduced COVID-19 cases in a major metropolitan city
Authors: Scott Nick , Saul Allan , Spelman Tim , Stoove Mark , Pedrana Alisa , Saeri Alexander , Grundy Emily , Smith Liam , Toole Michael , McIntyre Chandini Raina , Crabb Brendan S. , Hellard Margaret
Published: July 2021

Background

Whilst evidence of use of face masks in reducing COVID-19 cases is increasing, the impact of mandatory use across a large population has been difficult to assess. Introduction of mandatory mask use on July 22, 2020 during a resurgence of COVID-19 in Melbourne, Australia created a situation that facilitated an assessment of the impact of the policy on the epidemic growth rate as its introduction occurred in the absence of other changes to restrictions.

Methods and findings

Exponential epidemic growth or decay rates in daily COVID-19 diagnoses were estimated using a non-weighted linear regression of the natural logarithm of the daily cases against time, using a linear spline model with one knot (lspline package in R v 3.6.3). The model’s two linear segments pivot around the hinge day, on which the mask policy began to take effect, 8 days following the introduction of the policy. We used two forms of data to assess change in mask usage: images of people wearing masks in public places obtained from a major media outlet and population-based survey data. Potential confounding factors (including daily COVID-19 tests, number of COVID-19 cases among population subsets affected differentially by the mask policy–e.g., healthcare workers) were examined for their impact on the results. Daily cases fitted an exponential growth in the first log-linear segment (k = +0.042, s.e. = 0.007), and fitted an exponential decay in the second (k = -0.023, s.e. = 0.017) log-linear segment. Over a range of reported serial intervals for SARS-CoV-2 infection, these growth rates correspond to a 22–33% reduction in an effective reproduction ratio before and after mandatory mask use. Analysis of images of people in public spaces showed mask usage rose from approximately 43% to 97%. Analysis of survey data found that on the third day before policy introduction, 44% of participants reported “often” or “always” wearing a mask; on the fourth day after, 100% reported “always” doing so. No potentially confounding factors were associated with the observed change in growth rates.

Conclusions

The mandatory mask use policy substantially increased public use of masks and was associated with a significant decline in new COVID-19 cases after introduction of the policy. This study strongly supports the use of masks for controlling epidemics in the broader community.
Environmental responsiveness of flowering time in cassava genotypes and associated transcriptome changes
Authors: Oluwasanya Deborah N. , Gisel Andreas , Stavolone Livia , Setter Tim L.
Published: July 2021

Cassava is an important food security crop in tropical regions of the world. Cassava improvement by breeding is limited by its delayed and poor production of flowers, such that cassava flowering under field conditions indirectly lengthens the breeding cycle. By studying genotype and environment interaction under two Nigerian field conditions (Ubiaja and Ibadan) and three controlled temperature conditions (22°C/18°C, 28/24°C and 34/30°C (day/night)), we found that while early flowering genotypes flowered at similar times and rates under all growing conditions (unfavorable and favorable field and controlled-temperature environments), late flowering genotypes were environmentally sensitive such that they were substantially delayed in unfavorable environments. On the basis of nodes-to-flower, flowering of late genotypes approached the flowering time of early flowering genotypes under relatively cool Ubiaja field conditions and in growth chambers at 22°C, whereas warmer temperatures elicited a delaying effect. Analysis of transcriptomes from leaves of field and controlled-temperature environments revealed that conditions which promote early flowering in cassava have low expression of the flowering repressor geneTEMPRANILLO 1(TEM1), before and after flowering. Expression data of field plants showed that the balance between flower stimulatory and inhibitory signaling appeared to correlate with flowering time across the environments and genotypes.
Increased activity of procoagulant factors in patients with small cell lung cancer
Authors: Pedersen Shona , Kristensen Anne Flou , Falkmer Ursula , Christiansen Gunna , Kristensen Søren Risom
Published: July 2021

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients have augmented risk of developing venous thromboembolism, but the mechanisms triggering this burden on the coagulation system remain to be understood. Recently, cell-derived microparticles carrying procoagulant phospholipids (PPL) and tissue factor (TF) in their membrane have attracted attention as possible contributors to the thrombogenic processes in cancers. The aims of this study were to assess the coagulation activity of platelet-poor plasma from 38 SCLC patients and to provide a detailed procoagulant profiling of small and large extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from these patients at the time of diagnosis, during and after treatment compared to 20 healthy controls. Hypercoagulability testing was performed by thrombin generation (TG), procoagulant phospholipid (PPL), TF activity, Protein C, FVIII activity and cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA), a surrogate measure for neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Our results revealed a coagulation activity that is significantly increased in the plasma of SCLC patients when compared to age-related healthy controls, but no substantial changes in coagulation activity during treatment and at follow-up. Although EVs in the patients revealed an increased PPL and TF activity compared with the controls, the TG profiles of EVs added to a standard plasma were similar for patients and controls. Finally, we found no differences in the coagulation profile of patients who developed VTE to those who did not, i.e. the tests could not predict VTE. In conclusion, we found that SCLC patients display an overall increased coagulation activity at time of diagnosis and during the disease, which may contribute to their higher risk of VTE.
Historical trends in health care-related financial holdings among members of Congress
Authors: McCoy Matthew S. , Bonci Matthew , Joffe Steven , Kanter Genevieve P.
Published: July 2021

Background

Revelations that some members of Congress, including members of key health care committees, hold substantial personal investments in the health care industry have raised concerns about lawmakers’ financial conflicts of interest (COI) and their potential impact on health care legislation and oversight.

Aims

1) To assess historical trends in both the number of legislators holding health care-related assets and the value and composition of those assets. 2) To compare the financial holdings of members of health care-focused committees and subcommittees to those of other members of the House and Senate.

Methods

We analyzed 11 years of personal financial disclosures by all members of the House and Senate. For each year, we calculated the percentage of members holding a health care-related asset (overall, by party, and by committee); the total value of all assets and health care-related assets held; the mean and median values of assets held per member; and the share of asset values attributable to 9 health asset categories.

Findings

During the study period, over a third of all members of Congress held health care-related assets. These assets were often substantial, with a median total value per member of over $43,000. Members of health care-focused committees and subcommittees in the House and Senate did not hold health care-related assets at a higher rate than other members of their respective chambers.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that lawmakers’ health care-related COI warrant the same level of attention that has been paid to the COI of other actors in the health care system.
The SmartSleep Experiment: Evaluation of changes in night-time smartphone behavior following a mass media citizen science campaign
Authors: Andersen Thea Otte , Dissing Agnete Skovlund , Varga Tibor V. , Rod Naja Hulvej
Published: July 2021

The increasing 24-hour smartphone use is of public health concern. This study aims to evaluate whether a massive public focus on sleep and smartphone use generated through a large-scale citizen science project, theSmartSleep Experiment, influence participants’ night-time smartphone behavior. A total of 8,894 Danish adults aged 16 and above participated in theSmartSleep Experiment, a web-based survey on smartphones and sleep behavior. The survey was carried out for one week in 2018, combined with an extensive national mass media campaign focusing on smartphone behaviors and sleep. A follow-up survey aimed at evaluating whether survey-participants had changed their night-time smartphone behavior was carried out two weeks after the campaign. A total of 15% of the participants who used their smartphone during sleep hours at baseline had changed their night-time smartphone behavior, and 83% of those indicated that they used their smartphone less at follow-up. The participants who had changed their smartphone behavior had primarily taken active precautions to avoid night-time smartphone use, e.g., activating silent mode (36%) or reduced their smartphone use before (50%) and during sleep hours (52%). The reduction in sleep problems (54%), recognition of poor smartphone behavior (48%), and the increased focus on night-time smartphone use (42%) were motivational factors for these behavior changes. Using citizen science and mass media appeared to be associated with changes in night-time smartphone behavior. Public health projects may benefit from combining citizen science with other interventional approaches.
Functional heterogeneity in the fermentation capabilities of the healthy human gut microbiota
Authors: Gurry Thomas , Nguyen Le Thanh Tu , Yu Xiaoqian , Alm Eric J.
Published: July 2021

The human gut microbiota is known for its highly heterogeneous composition across different individuals. However, relatively little is known about functional differences in its ability to ferment complex polysaccharides. Through ex vivo measurements from healthy human donors, we show that individuals vary markedly in their microbial metabolic phenotypes (MMPs), mirroring differences in their microbiota composition, and resulting in the production of different quantities and proportions of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) from the same inputs. We also show that aspects of these MMPs can be predicted from composition using 16S rRNA sequencing. From experiments performed using the same dietary fibers in vivo, we demonstrate that an ingested bolus of fiber is almost entirely consumed by the microbiota upon passage. We leverage our ex vivo data to construct a model of SCFA production and absorption in vivo, and argue that inter-individual differences in quantities of absorbed SCFA are directly related to differences in production. Though in vivo studies are required to confirm these data in the context of the gut, in addition to in vivo read outs of SCFAs produced in response to specific fiber spike-ins, these data suggest that optimizing SCFA production in a given individual through targeted fiber supplementation requires quantitative understanding of their MMP.
How many parents regret having children and how it is linked to their personality and health: Two studies with national samples in Poland
Authors: Piotrowski Konrad
Published: July 2021

Surveys conducted over the last few years on representative samples in the US and Germany suggest that the percentage of parents who regret having children is approximately 17–8%. In none of these studies did the researchers attempt a detailed examination of this group of parents from the perspective of their psychological functioning. In the present article, two studies based on large, national samples (N = 1175 and N = 1280), one of which was a representative sample of young Poles, are presented. The results obtained show that the percentage of parents who regret parenthood is higher in Poland than in the US or Germany, and that parents who regret having children are characterized by a higher level of adverse childhood experiences, have poorer psychological and somatic health, are more vulnerable to social evaluation, and experience strong parental identity crisis and parental burnout. Regretting parenthood also turns out to be associated with the parent’s financial situation and marital status, and with having children with special needs. The results indicate that regretting becoming a parent is an important social and psychological issue that should become an object of interest for researchers from various disciplines and for social policy authorities.
Temporal and regional variation in catch across an extensive coastal recreational fishery: Exploring the utility of survey methods to guide and assess spatio-temporal management initiatives
Authors: Ochwada-Doyle Faith , Stark Kate , Hughes Julian , Murphy Jeffery , Lowry Michael , West Laurie
Published: July 2021

As global research into recreational fishing gains momentum due to the pursuit’s biological, social and economic impacts, information on regional and temporal patterns of recreational exploitation will continue to enable objective assessment and development of management initiatives for exploited species. This paper demonstrates the utility of offsite survey methods in assessing spatial and temporal differences in recorded catches from a large, diffuse and heterogenous coastal recreational fishery. Using the estuarine recreational fishery that operates along the coast of New South Wales, Australia as a case study, survey data was employed to quantify annual (June 2013-May 2014) state-wide estuarine catch. Generalized linear mixed effects models were then applied to expanded catch estimates from surveyed households to examine the influence of zone and season on the kept and released numbers of snapper (Pagrus auratus), dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) and bream (Acanthopagrus spp. complex comprised of A. butcheri, A. australis and their hybrids). For kept bream, significant differential seasonal effects were observed in all regions except the Mid-South Coast. For released bream, numbers were greatest in Sydney and during Summer and Winter. For kept snapper, the greatest harvest was recorded in the Mid-South Coast but season had no effect. Differential seasonal effects were found in each zone for released snapper. For kept dusky flathead, the greatest numbers were recorded in Sydney and the Mid-South Coast but season had no effect. We conclude by assessing some current spatial and temporal management initiatives in light of the uncovered patterns of recreational catch and consider the implications of these patterns in terms of future ecosystem-based management recommendations aimed at achieving ecological, social and economic sustainability in fisheries.
Correlation of brachycephaly grade with level of exophthalmos, reduced airway passages and degree of dental malalignment’ in Persian cats
Authors: Sieslack Jana , Farke Daniela , Failing Klaus , Kramer Martin , Schmidt Martin J.
Published: July 2021

For many years, there has been a trend to breed cats with an increasing degree of brachycephalic head features, which are known to have a severe impact on the animals’ health and welfare. The direct relation between different grades of brachycephaly and their negative implications have not been researched in this species. The aim of this study was therefore to establish correlations between the different grades of brachycephaly and reduced upper respiratory airways, exophthalmos of the eye globes and malalignment of the teeth in Persian cats. Sixty-nine Persian cats of various skull dimensions and ten Domestic shorthair cats were recruited for the study. The cats’ skulls were examined using three-dimensional reconstructions created from Computed Tomography datasets. Brachycephaly was graded using established craniometric measurements (facial index, cranial index, skull index, craniofacial angle). The flow area of the nasal passageways at different locations, the amount of the eye globe not supported by the bony orbit and the axial deviation of the teeth were quantified and evaluated for a correlation with the grade of brachycephaly. The results of this study clearly show that increased grades of brachycephaly in Persian cats resulted in larger extra-orbital parts of the ocular bulbs. The brachycephalic skull dimension also resulted in a lower height of the naso-osseal aperture, while other areas of the nasal airways were not correlated with the severity of brachycephaly. Persian cats showed a significantly increased occurrence of premolar tooth displacement in the upper jaw with increasing brachycephaly grades. It was interesting to note that the measured values had a broad range and values of some individual Persian cats showed an overlap with those of Domestic shorthair cats.