bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporary jobs and increasing inequality for recent cohorts in Italy
Authors: Tomelleri Alessio
Published: October 2021

Using tax‐based longitudinal microdata from 1985 to 2016, I document how the widening income distribution in Italy is driven by younger cohorts. Entry wages started to decrease around the mid‐1990s, at the same time returns to experience of new entrants in the labour market declined. Falling wage growth is linked to the institutional changes that occurred in the Italian labour market in the decade across the 2000s. I examine the impact of Italian labour market reforms on cohort‐specific wage inequality by looking at the relationship between the number of temporary job spells and individual earnings. Results confirm that young and high‐skilled new entrants show higher wage differential in comparison to older workers and that the increase in temporary jobs is a crucial factor in explaining the cohort wage gap.
Environmental influences on the cyanobacterial mat formation in the mangrove ecosystems along the southwest coast of India
Authors: Benny Niya , Thomas Lathika Cicily , Padmakumar Kunnatholickal Balakrishnan
Published: October 2021

Mangrove forests are highly diverse niches playing fundamental roles in ecosystem sustainability, particularly in the tropics. Benthic realms in mangrove forest sustain a wide variety of autotrophs among which cyanobacteria forms a major component. The present study discusses the spatiotemporal variabilities in benthic cyanobacterial assemblage in selected mangrove ecosystems (Kannur—S1, Kochi—S2 and Kollam—S3 were sampled for 1 year, 2018 to 2019) along the south‐west coast of India. A total of nine cyanobacterial species belonging to six genera were identified, which included mainly non‐heterocystous forms like Oscillatoria irrigua, Phormidium chalybeum, Geitlerinema bigranulatum, Oscillatoria sancta, Spirulina major, Trichodesmium sp., whereas heterocystous cyanobacteria included Nostoc sp. Oscillatoria irrigua was the major species distributed in all the mangrove ecosystems. Temporal variations were observed in the distribution with pre‐monsoon (PRM) and monsoon (MON) seasons having higher numerical density and lesser diversity of benthic cyanophytes with lesser abundance and comparatively higher diversity during post‐monsoon (POM). Regionally, S2 observed higher numerical abundance with higher dominance, whereas S3 observed less abundance with high diversity. Physico‐chemical parameters of sediment and pore water analysis observed that sediment temperature positively correlated with cyanobacterial abundance, whereas a negative correlation was observed with dissolved oxygen and pore water dissolved nitrate. Pore water salinity also influenced the community composition of cyanobacteria with heterocystous cyanobacteria in comparatively less saline conditions. Hence, the study emphasis spatiotemporal variabilities in the benthic cyanobacterial assemblage of mangrove ecosystems in relation to environmental variables.
Parathyroidectomy is associated with slow progression of vascular calcification in maintenance haemodialysis patients: A propensity score‐matched case–control study
Authors: Saeseow Sarunya , Vantanasiri Kornpong , Suvikapakornkul Ronnarat , Sukarayothin Thongchai , Apirakkittikul Navarat , Disthabanchong Sinee
Published: October 2021

Parathyroidectomy has been the mainstay of treatment of severe hyperparathyroidism in patients with kidney failure until the introduction of calcimimetic. Several large observational studies demonstrated the improvement in patient outcomes after parathyroidectomy. The benefit of parathyroidectomy on vascular calcification remains largely unexplored.

Aim

To examine the association between parathyroidectomy and the progression of vascular calcification as well as overall survival in maintenance haemodialysis patients.

Method

This is a matched case–control study undertaken between 2012 and 2020. Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy were identified and matched 1:1 to non‐parathyroidectomized (non‐PTX) haemodialysis patients using propensity score matching method resulting in 120 patients in each arm. Aortic arch calcification (AoAC) score was determined annually in the posteroanterior chest x‐ray. The average follow‐up period was 38 months.

Results

Baseline demographic, laboratory data and AoAC score were comparable among the two groups of patients. The prevalence of AoAC was 59% in the PTX group and 54% in the non‐PTX group (p = .43). Progression of AoAC occurred in 33% in the PTX group and 47% in the non‐PTX group (p = .04). Multivariate generalized linear model revealed parathyroidectomy as an independent protective factor [β (95% CI) −1.04 (−1.68, −0.41)] and increased serum calcium as a potentiating factor [β (95% CI) 0.62 (0.25, 0.1)] for progression of AoAC. Linear mixed models revealed an increase in AoAC score in both groups but between group comparisons indicated substantially slower progression in the PTX group. Rapid progression of AoAC was also observed more frequently among non‐PTX patients. Death occurred in 7 and 16% in the PTX and non‐PTX groups, respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival curve revealed better survival associated with parathyroidectomy (p = .01). More rapid progression of AoAC also correlated with worse survival.

Conclusion

Parathyroidectomy was associated with slow progression of vascular calcification in maintenance haemodialysis patients.
The lived experience of severe maternal morbidity among Black women
Authors: Canty Lucinda
Published: October 2021

Black women are 3–4 times more likely to die from a pregnancy‐related complication and twice as likely to experience severe maternal morbidity when compared to white women in the United States. The risks for pregnancy‐related maternal mortality are well documented, yet Black women's experiences of life‐threatening morbidity are essentially absent in the nursing literature. The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of Black women who developed severe maternal morbidity. Face‐to‐face, one‐to‐one, in‐depth conversational interviews were conducted with nine Black women who experienced life‐threatening complications during childbirth or postpartum. Five essential themes emerged (1) I Only Know What I Know; (2) How You Cared for Me; (3) Race Matters; (4) Faced with Uncertainty; and (5) Still Healing. These themes illuminate the complexity of Black women's subjective interpretations of severe maternal morbidity, and reveal ways in which racism, not race, places Black women at risk for poor maternal health outcomes. The author envisions greater equity for Black mothers entrusted to nursing care, guided by nursing theories informed by these study findings.
There is no measurement problem for Humeans
Authors: Dorst Chris
Published: October 2021

The measurement problem concerns an apparent conflict between the two fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, namely the Schrödinger equation and the measurement postulate. These principles describe inconsistent behavior for quantum systems in so‐called “measurement contexts.” Many theorists have thought that the measurement problem can only be resolved by proposing a mechanistic explanation of (genuine or apparent) wavefunction collapse that avoids explicit reference to “measurement.” However, I argue here that the measurement problem dissolves if we accept Humeanism about laws of nature. On a Humean metaphysics, there is no conflict between the two principles, nor is there any inherent problem with the concept of “measurement” figuring into the account of collapse.
Lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein as a biomarker in oral and maxillofacial tumors
Authors: Qiao Bin , Chen Zhuo , Huang Junwen , Lam Alfred King‐Yin , Mei Zi , Li Yang , Qiao Jie
Published: October 2021

Oral and maxillofacial tumors (OMTs), such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), pleomorphic adenoma, and ameloblastoma, are common head and neck tumors. Lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) is a type I acute reactive protein, which participates in body inflammatory response modulation through lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced signaling pathway by targeting macrophages (expressing cluster of differentiation 204 [CD204]). Although it is well established that LBP is associated with the development of multiple types of cancer, little is known about the role of LBP in OMTs. This study aims to explore the expression of LBP in OMTs. Here, immunohistochemical (IHC) double staining of LBP and CD204 and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were conducted to explore the LBP expression in OMTs. The findings demonstrated that the LBP expression in OMTs was significantly elevated (p < 0.001). In addition, the LBP expression was associated with the clinical stage (p < 0.001), T classification (p < 0.001), and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001, except ELISA) but independent of histological grade of SCC, gender, and age in patients with SCC. The optional cutoff of the LBP serum level is 0.721 μg/ml. To conclude, LBP contributes to the development of OMTs and could be a biomarker in the screening and predicting metastasis in patients with OMTs.
Overexpression of LAG3, TIM3, and A2aR in adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Meng‐Jie , Wu Cong‐Cong , Wang Shuo , Yang Lei‐Lei , Sun Zhi‐Jun
Published: October 2021

Objective

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) are the two most frequent malignancies of salivary glands. This study aims to explore the expression and migration of LAG3, TIM3, and A2aR in AdCC and MEC, and the potential relationship with oncogenic signaling molecules and immunosuppressive cytokines.

Materials and Methods

Custom made human salivary gland tissue microarrays included 81 AdCCs, 52 MECs, 76 normal salivary glands (NSG), and 14 pleomorphic adenoma (PMA) samples. Immunohistochemical analysis of lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain‐containing protein 3 (TIM3), adenosine 2a receptor (A2aR), oncogenic phosphorylated S6 kinase (p‐S6) and ERK1/2 (p‐ERK1/2), and TGF‐β1 was performed with salivary gland tissue microarrays of human samples. The correlation of the immunostaining was analyzed based on a digital pathological system, and data were evaluated by hierarchical cluster. Further in vitro studies of knockdown immune checkpoints LAG3, TIM3, and A2aR were carried out by siRNA transfection.

Results

The expression levels of LAG3, TIM3, and A2aR were remarkably increased in AdCC and MEC, compared with NSG and PMA samples, but were independent of pathology grade. They were closely correlated with TGF‐β1, slightly related to p‐ERK1/2 and p‐S6. After the knockdown of immune checkpoints LAG3, TIM3, and A2aR, the migration of SACC‐LM cell line was significantly reduced.

Conclusions

These results suggested that LAG3, TIM3, and A2aR are overexpressed in AdCC and MEC, may promote migration of SACC‐LM cell and correlated with TGF‐β1 and oncogenic signaling pathways.
Infantile scrotal hemangioma with transverse testicular ectopia
Authors: Sherburne Haley , Hamel Remi , Schlessinger Daniel I. , Coplen Douglas E. , Bayliss Susan
Published: October 2021

Transverse testicular ectopia is a rare structural anomaly of abnormal testicular descent. We report a case of a 3‐month‐old boy with hemiscrotal infantile hemangioma and contralateral transverse testicular ectopia.
Geographic distribution and characteristics of the pediatric dermatology workforce in the United States
Authors: Sinha Shivani , Lin Gloria , Zubkov Micaella , Wu Rong , Feng Hao
Published: October 2021

Background/Objectives

Up to 30% of pediatric primary care visits include a cutaneous complaint, yet the pediatric dermatology workforce has historically been too small to provide adequate specialized care. This study assesses the geographic distribution of pediatric dermatologists to determine physician‐to‐patient ratios, analyzes urban–rural disparities, and determines post‐fellowship migration patterns.

Methods

Board‐certified pediatric dermatologists were identified using the Society for Pediatric Dermatology’s public database, and their demographics and credentials were subsequently verified by an online search. Analysis included physician density per 100 000 children for each state and region, along with geographic distribution for rural and urban areas, based on the United States Census Bureau’s definitions. The distances between practice locations and the American Board of Dermatology‐approved Pediatric Dermatology fellowship training sites were reviewed.

Results

An estimated 336 board‐certified pediatric dermatologists currently work in the United States with 76.8% being women and 71.1% practicing within 50 miles of the nearest fellowship program. 96.4% are located in urban areas and 3.6% in rural areas with an average ratio of 0.54 and 0.09 per 100 000 children, respectively. The average ratio of pediatric dermatologists in the United States was 0.46 per 100 000 children. On average (standard deviation), there are 6.6 (8.8) pediatric dermatologists per state but with 7 states having zero.

Conclusions

The demand for pediatric dermatologists continues to outpace the current physician availability with a disparity between urban and rural areas. Further awareness and emphasis on training and recruitment of additional pediatric dermatologists are essential to addressing this important issue.
No justice, no peace prize: Stanley “Tookie” Williams, the 1992 Bloods‐Crips truce, and the limits of racial peacekeeping
Authors: Vaught Seneca
Published: October 2021

This study examines the life of Crips cofounder Stanley “Tookie” Williams and the controversy surrounding his multiple nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. After being sentenced to death for a quadruple murder, Williams underwent a period of radical transformation and became an internationally recognized ambassador for peace. From San Quentin’s death row, Williams supported several internationally recognized gang peace initiatives including the 1992 Watts truce, the 1993 Summit on Urban Peace and Justice, Hands Across America, and the 2004 Tookie Protocol for Peace. This article explores the challenges Williams faced in his evolution from a gang member to a peace activist, his role in these projects, and how neoliberal criminal justice reforms undermined his global efforts to promote grassroots peace coalitions.
Promoting risk reduction among young adults with asthma during wildfire smoke: A feasibility study
Authors: Postma Julie Marie , Odom‐Maryon Tamara , Rappold Ana G. , Haverkamp Hans , Amiri Solmaz , Bindler Ross , Whicker Justin , Walden Von
Published: October 2021

Objective(s)

This study explored the feasibility, acceptability, preliminary impact, and functionality of two risk reduction mobile application (app) interventions on asthma outcomes as compared to a control arm during wildfire season.

Design

Three‐arm, 8‐week randomized clinical trial.

Sample

Sixty‐seven young adults with asthma were enrolled.

Measurements

The Asthma Control Test, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the System Usability Scale were measured at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks. The Research Attitude Scale was administered at 8 weeks. Twenty participants from the two intervention arms completed an optional survey and six were interviewed after completing the study.

Intervention

Both intervention arms could access Smoke Sense Urbanova, an app that supports reducing risks from breathing wildfire smoke. The Smoke Sense Urbanova Plus arm also monitored their daily FEV1, received air quality notifications, and accessed preventive tips and a message board.

Results

Most participants agreed the app and spirometer were usable and their privacy and confidentiality were maintained. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Participant‐identified recommendations will support intervention refinement and testing. This research supports asthma self‐management tools that public health nurses and community health workers can recommend for at‐risk populations.
Global 3′‐untranslated region landscape mediated by alternative polyadenylation during meiotic maturation of pig oocytes
Authors: Wu Zi‐Wei , Mou Qiao , Fang Ting , Wang Yi , Liang Hao , Wang Chonglong , Du Zhi‐Qiang , Yang Cai‐Xia
Published: October 2021

Alternative polyadenylation affects the length and composition of 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) and regulates mRNA stability or translational activity to affect important biological processes. However, global 3′‐UTR landscape and its relationship with gamete maturation remain less studied. Here, we analysed our previously reported single‐cell RNA‐seq data of germinal vesicle and metaphase II stage oocytes in pigs to systematically catalogue the 3′‐UTR dynamics during oocyte maturation. Two softwares (DaPars and APAtrap) were employed and identified 110 and 228 mRNAs with significantly different 3′‐UTRs (adjusted p ≤ .05), respectively. Gene enrichment analyses found signalling pathways related with biological processes of female gametophyte production, methyltransferase activity and mRNA surveillance (DaPars) and cell cycle process, regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascade, regulation of translation, spindle organization, kinetochore, condensed chromosome and progesterone‐mediated oocyte maturation (APAtrap), respectively. Moreover, 18 of 110 mRNAs (|△PDUI| ≥ 0.25 and |log2PDUI ratio| ≥ 0.59) and 15 of 228 mRNAs (Perc. diff. ≥ 0.5) were with greater difference of 3′‐UTR length or abundance, and integrative genomics viewer analysis further identified 4 (Alg10, Hadhb, Hsd17b4 and Sbds) of 18 mRNAs to be with 3′‐UTR length differed ≥150 bp and 6 (Gcc1, Hnrnpa2b1, Lsm6, Prpf18, Sfr1 and Ust) of 15 mRNAs to be with 3′‐UTR abundance extremely differed. Furthermore, the location, sequences and number of cis‐elements were predicted, which were shown to derange cytoplasmic polyadenylation element, poly(A) site and microRNA binding sites within 3′‐UTRs of Alg10, Hadhb, Hsd17b4 and Sbds mRNAs. Taken together, global 3′‐UTR landscape changes dynamically with oocyte meiotic maturation, potentially involved in regulating oocyte meiotic process in pigs.
Pulp chamber access alternative in pulpectomies in a child with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome. A case report
Authors: Vilca Velazco Mirella Francis , Lavado García Lenny , Torres Ramos Gilmer , López Ramos Roxana Patricia
Published: October 2021

Background

Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome is a congenital abnormality of the heart. Patients with this syndrome and multiple dental caries with pulp exposure may require comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia. Pulpectomy is performed in primary teeth with pulp expose. This treatment in anterior teeth requires palatal access and the majority there is no good visibility, requiring more time to perform. Therefore, this case aimed to demonstrate a pulp chamber opening alternative in pulpectomies in a child with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome.

Case Presentation

A 3‐year‐old female patient with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome and multiple dental caries with reversible pulpitis in anterior upper teeth. The dental treatment was performed under general anesthesia. Due to abundant hemorrhage in anterior upper teeth, pulpectomies were performed, which pulp chamber openings were modified by labial and the treatment itself was completed. After, these teeth were rehabilitated with direct restorative veneers using light‐curing composite resin. The follow‐up at 12 months showed an absence of evidence clinic and radiographic.

Conclusion

This case demonstrated the pulp chamber opening performed by labial in pulpectomy is an effective and viable alternative to reduce operative time and improve visibility in pulpotomies in a child with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome.
A chromosome‐scale Gastrodia elata genome and large‐scale comparative genomic analysis indicate convergent evolution by gene loss in mycoheterotrophic and parasitic plants
Authors: Xu Yuxing , Lei Yunting , Su Zhongxiang , Zhao Man , Zhang Jingxiong , Shen Guojing , Wang Lei , Li Jing , Qi Jinfeng , Wu Jianqiang
Published: October 2021

Mycoheterotrophic and parasitic plants are heterotrophic and parasitize on fungi and plants, respectively, to obtain nutrients. Large‐scale comparative genomics analysis has not been conducted in mycoheterotrophic or parasitic plants or between these two groups of parasites. We assembled a chromosome‐level genome of the fully mycoheterotrophic plant Gastrodia elata (Orchidaceae) and performed comparative genomic analyses on the genomes of G. elata and four orchids (initial mycoheterotrophs), three parasitic plants (Cuscuta australis, Striga asiatica, and Sapria himalayana), and 36 autotrophs from various angiosperm lineages. It was found that while in the hemiparasite S. asiatica and initial mycoheterotrophic orchids, approximately 4–5% of the conserved orthogroups were lost, the fully heterotrophic G. elata and C. australis both lost approximately 10% of the conserved orthogroups, indicating that increased heterotrophy is positively associated with gene loss. Importantly, many genes that are essential for autotrophs, including those involved in photosynthesis, the circadian clock, flowering time regulation, immunity, nutrient uptake, and root and leaf development, were convergently lost in both G. elata and C. australis. The high‐quality genome of G. elata will facilitate future studies on the physiology, ecology, and evolution of mycoheterotrophic plants, and our findings highlight the critical role of gene loss in the evolution of plants with heterotrophic lifestyles.
Molecular blood group screening in Omani blood donors
Authors: Al‐Riyami Arwa Z. , Al Hinai Dina , Al‐Rawahi Mohammed , Al‐Hosni Saif , Al‐Zadjali Shoaib , Al‐Marhoobi Ali , Al‐Khabori Murtadha , Al‐Riyami Hamad , Denomme Gregory A.
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives

Blood group genotyping has been used in different populations. This study aims at evaluating the genotypes of common blood group antigens in the Omani blood donors and to assess the concordance rate with obtained phenotypes.

Material and Methods

Blood samples from 180 Omani donors were evaluated. Samples were typed by serological methods for the five blood group systems MNS, RH (RHD/RHCE), KEL, FY and JK. Samples were genotyped using RBC‐FluoGene vERYfy eXtend kit (inno‐train©). Predicted phenotypic variants for 70 red blood cell antigens among the MNS, RH (RHD/RHCE), KEL, FY, JK, DO, LU, YT, DI, VEL, CO and KN blood group systems were assessed.

Results

Simultaneous phenotype and genotype results were available in 130 subjects. Concordance rate was >95% in all blood group systems with exception of Fy(b+) (87%). Homozygous GATA‐1 mutation leading to erythroid silencing FY*02N.01 (resulting in the Fy(b‐)ES phenotype) was detected in 81/112 (72%) of genotyped samples. In addition, discrepant Fyb phenotype/genotype result was obtained in 14/112 samples; 13 of which has a heterozygous GATA‐1 mutation and one sample with a wild GATA genotype. D and partial e c.733C>G variants expressing the V+VS+ phenotype were found in 22/121 (18.2%) and 14/120 (11.7%) of the samples, respectively. Di(a‐b+), Js(a‐b+), Yt(a+b‐) and Kn(a+b‐) genotype frequencies were 99.4%, 95.8%, 91.9% and 97.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we report a high frequency of FY*02N.01 allele due to homozygous c.‐67T>C GATA‐1 single‐nucleotide variation. This is the first study reporting the detailed distribution of common and rare red cell genotypes in Omani blood donors.
Figuras de santidad en el virreinato de Perú: lo queer, la alteridad
Authors: Espitia Durán Pilar
Published: October 2021

La santidad y sus manifestaciones son un tema que se vuelve primordial en los estudios culturales de la colonia latinoamericana: es a través de la construcción de figuras de santidad que identificamos los deseos sociales y diversas tensiones étnicas, de clase y de género, y también podemos encontrar espacios fluidos y de hibridez. Este ensayo, que forma parte de mi disertación doctoral, expone la santidad católica en el virreinato de Perú a través de los casos de Santa Rosa de Lima y San Martín de Porras. Al estudiar el misticismo, propongo pensar las figuras de santidad como sujetos queer, es decir, como sujetos que retaban, alteraban y cuestionaban las estructuras coloniales.
El proceso de gentrificación en algunos vecindarios de las alcaldías centrales de la Ciudad de México (2000-2010). Una propuesta metodológica cuantitativa desde el enfoque del consumo
Authors: Mondragón López Jorge Miguel , Fuentes Flores César Mario , Peláez Herros Oscar
Published: October 2021

El objetivo de este artículo es proponer una metodología cuantitativa para identificar los factores que contribuyen al proceso de gentrificación, desde el enfoque del consumo, en las cuatro alcaldías centrales de Ciudad de México, en el periodo de 2000 a 2010. Este caso se estudia desde la corriente clásica del consumo de la gentrificación y su enfoque latinoamericano. Para realizar tal estudio, se construyó un modelo de regresión logística, cuya variable dependiente es un indicador de transformación sociodemográfica. La información utilizada procede de los Censos de Población y Vivienda de 2000 y 2010, así como de los Censos Económicos de 1998 y 2009, a nivel de AGEB. El modelo identifica tres factores que incrementan la probabilidad de la transformación sociodemográfica de los vecindarios, tales como la accesibilidad de la zona, el valor del suelo y la mezcla del uso de suelo. También muestra que cuando existe mayor distancia entre un vecindario y el centro histórico, la probabilidad de transformación sociodemográfica, económica y urbana disminuye.
Benchmark Validation Experiment of Plenum-to-Plenum Flow Through Heated Parallel Channels
Authors: Parker Austin W. , Smith Barton L.
Published: October 2021

This paper documents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation benchmark experiment for flow through three parallel, heated channels from one plenum to another. The test section was installed into a facility designed for natural convection benchmark validation experiments. The focus of these experiments was the highly-coupled thermal-fluid dynamics that occur between mixing jets in the upper plenum of the wind tunnel. A thermal instability in mixing jets, called thermal striping, can cause damage to structures which is a concern for high temperature gas reactors. Nine experimental cases were explored by varying the relative channel temperature or blower speed. The boundary conditions for CFD validation were measured and tabulated along with an uncertainty. Geometry measurements of the triple channel test section were used to make an as-built solid model for use in simulation. The outer tunnel and channel surface temperatures, the pressure drop across the test section, atmospheric conditions, and inflow into the upper plenum were measured or calculated for the boundary conditions. The air velocity and temperature were measured in the jet mixing region of the upper plenum as system response quantities.
Parameterizing spectral contrast effects in vowel categorization using noise contexts
Authors: Stilp Christian E.
Published: October 2021

When spectra differ between earlier (context) and later (target) sounds, listeners perceive larger spectral changes than are physically present. When context sounds (e.g., a sentence) possess relatively higher frequencies, the target sound (e.g., a vowel sound) is perceived as possessing relatively lower frequencies, and vice versa. These spectral contrast effects (SCEs) are pervasive in auditory perception, but studies traditionally employed contexts with high spectrotemporal variability that made it difficult to understand exactly when context spectral properties biased perception. Here, contexts were speech-shaped noise divided into four consecutive 500-ms epochs. Contexts were filtered to amplify low-F1 (100–400 Hz) or high-F1 (550–850 Hz) frequencies to encourage target perception of /ɛ/ (“bet”) or /ɪ/ (“bit”), respectively, via SCEs. Spectral peaks in the context ranged from its initial epoch(s) to its entire duration (onset paradigm), ranged from its final epoch(s) to its entire duration (offset paradigm), or were present for only one epoch (single paradigm). SCE magnitudes increased as spectral-peak durations increased and/or occurred later in the context (closer to the target). Contrary to predictions, brief early spectral peaks still biased subsequent target categorization. Results are compared to related experiments using speech contexts, and physiological and/or psychoacoustic idiosyncrasies of the noise contexts are considered.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Psychophysiological Response in Youth Badminton Athletes During the Season
Authors: Santos Arilene M.S. , Maldonado Alberto J. , de Sousa Junior Antônio V.M. , Brito Susi O.S. , de Moura Rayane C. , Figueiredo Caique , Monteiro Paula A. , Neves Lucas M. , Freitas Junior Ismael F. , dos Santos Marcos A.P. , Ribeiro Sergio L.G. , Rossi Fabrício E.
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To analyze peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and psychophysiological parameters in youth badminton athletes during the season and to determine the relationship between variables. Methods: Fourteen young badminton athletes were assessed over the season (preseason, middle season, and final season). Serum BDNF (sBDNF) was determined during the preseason and final season. Sleep time, total physical activity, and time in vigorous activity were measured using an accelerometer. The fat-free mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, handgrip strength, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), and dietary intake were evaluated during the season. The Stroop Color and Word Test was employed to assess cognitive tasks. To evaluate the mood, the Brunel Mood Scale was used. Results: There  were lower sBDNF levels (−16.3% [46.8%]; P = .007) and sleep time (final season = 5.7 [1.1] vs preseason = 6.6 [1.1] h·night−1, P = .043) during the end of the season. The total calories and carbohydrate intake decreased across the season (P < .05). Conversely, better cognitive function was found in the final season with respect to the preseason (P < .05). There were significant correlations between BDNF and VO2max only in the preseason (r = .61, P = .027), but no significant relationship was found among sBDNF and cognitive performance, sleep time, and percentage of won games. Conclusions: Youth badminton athletes decreased their sBDNF levels, sleep time, carbohydrate, and calorie intake across the season. The athletes improved in cognitive function; however, only the females improved in body composition, and the males improved their VO2max in the middle season. The sBDNF levels were positively correlated with the VO2max in the preseason, and no correlations were observed among the sBDNF and psychological parameters, sleep time, and sport performance during the season.
Fauci's straight talk
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: October 2021

Science
interviews the director of NIAID about the coronavirus pandemic.
G
1
cyclin–Cdk promotes cell cycle entry through localized phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II
Authors: Kõivomägi Mardo , Swaffer Matthew P. , Turner Jonathan J. , Marinov Georgi , Skotheim Jan M.
Published: October 2021

Control by RNA polymerase II

Evidence indicates that yeast cells initiate DNA synthesis and transition from the G
1
to the S phase of the cell cycle when cyclin 3 accumulates and causes phosphorylation of Whi5, a functional equivalent of the mammalian Rb (retinoblastoma) protein. Kõivomägi
et al
. now present evidence for a different cyclin-dependent kinase target (see the Perspective by Fisher). They found that the cyclin 3–cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 1 complex in yeast promoted phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and thus increased transcription at genes that control entry into the cell cycle. Cdks that regulate the cell cycle can thus act by similar mechanisms to so-called “transcriptional Cdks,” which are known to act as transcriptional regulators but not to function in control of cell division. —LBR
Physical disturbance by recovering sea otter populations increases eelgrass genetic diversity
Authors: Foster Erin , Watson Jane , Lemay Matthew A. , Tinker M. Tim , Estes James A. , Piercey Rebecca , Henson Lauren , Ritland Carol , Miscampbell Allyson , Nichol Linda , Hessing-Lewis Margot , Salomon Anne K. , Darimont Chris T.
Published: October 2021

The importance of disturbance

Work in sea otters over the last few decades has transformed our understanding of the importance of specific species, or keystones, as drivers of community structure and stability. Foster
et al
. took the next step and tested whether otter foraging might influence genetic diversity in an eelgrass ecosystem (see the Perspective by Roman). The authors found that eelgrass genetic diversity was significantly higher where otters were present and that the impact was related to time: Longer otter presence was associated with higher genetic diversity. These results illustrate how the actions of a predator can affect the diversity of a producer in a tropic system. —SNV
Toughening hydrogels through force-triggered chemical reactions that lengthen polymer strands
Authors: Wang Zi , Zheng Xujun , Ouchi Tetsu , Kouznetsova Tatiana B. , Beech Haley K. , Av-Ron Sarah , Matsuda Takahiro , Bowser Brandon H. , Wang Shu , Johnson Jeremiah A. , Kalow Julia A. , Olsen Bradley D. , Gong Jian Ping , Rubinstein Michael , Craig Stephen L.
Published: October 2021

Longer and stronger; stiff but not brittle

Hydrogels are highly water-swollen, cross-linked polymers. Although they can be highly deformed, they tend to be weak, and methods to strengthen or toughen them tend to reduce stretchability. Two papers now report strategies to create tough but deformable hydrogels (see the Perspective by Bosnjak and Silberstein). Wang
et al
. introduced a toughening mechanism by storing releasable extra chain length in the stiff part of a double-network hydrogel. A high applied force triggered the opening of cycling strands that were only activated at high chain extension. Kim
et al
. synthesized acrylamide gels in which dense entanglements could be achieved by using unusually low amounts of water, cross-linker, and initiator during the synthesis. This approach improves the mechanical strength in solid form while also improving the wear resistance once swollen as a hydrogel. —MSL
A compositional link between rocky exoplanets and their host stars
Authors: Adibekyan Vardan , Dorn Caroline , Sousa Sérgio G. , Santos Nuno C. , Bitsch Bertram , Israelian Garik , Mordasini Christoph , Barros Susana C. C. , Delgado Mena Elisa , Demangeon Olivier D. S. , Faria João P. , Figueira Pedro , Hakobyan Artur A. , Oshagh Mahmoudreza , Soares Bárbara M. T. B. , Kunitomo Masanobu , Takeda Yoichi , Jofré Emiliano , Petrucci Romina , Martioli Eder
Published: October 2021

Compositions of rocky exoplanets

The interior compositions of small rocky exoplanets cannot be observed directly but are expected to relate to the composition of the host star. Adibekyan
et al
. analyzed a sample of rocky exoplanets, inferring the planets’ iron fractions by combining their masses and radii with an interior structure model. The iron fractions of the host stars were calculated from stellar elemental abundances. The two iron fractions, that of the planets and that of the stars, correlate with each other, but the slope is steeper than 1, indicating that planet formation processes modify the compositions of rocky planets. —KTS
The Gulf Stream and Kuroshio Current are synchronized
Authors: Kohyama Tsubasa , Yamagami Yoko , Miura Hiroaki , Kido Shoichiro , Tatebe Hiroaki , Watanabe Masahiro
Published: October 2021

Together from afar

The Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio are the large surface boundary currents in the western Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, respectively. They transport heat from the tropics to the extratropics and influence sea surface temperature, weather, and climate throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Kohyama
et al
. combined satellite observations with model experiments to show that these two currents are synchronized on decadal time scales by the meridional migration of the atmospheric jet stream (see the Perspective by Cessi). This coupling can help to explain climate events such as the abnormally hot summer of 2018 in the Northern Hemispheric extratropics. —HJS
Electrically tunable Feshbach resonances in twisted bilayer semiconductors
Authors: Schwartz Ido , Shimazaki Yuya , Kuhlenkamp Clemens , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Kroner Martin , Imamoğlu Ataç
Published: October 2021

Getting more from Moire

Moire superlattices of twisted two-dimensional materials have emerged as a new paradigm for exploring strongly correlated electron systems. Once fabricated, however, the electronic correlations and the subsequent behavior of any device structure tend to be fixed. Schwartz
et al
. show that further sandwiching of the bilayer heterostructures between graphene electrical gates can provide a route to controlling the electronic properties in each layer separately and the electronic interaction strengths overall. The fine control of the electronic interactions, in terms of a tunable Feshbach resonance, provides a platform to explore many-body physics and quantum simulation. —ISO
Genomic characterization and epidemiology of an emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant in Delhi, India
Authors: Dhar Mahesh S. , Marwal Robin , VS Radhakrishnan , Ponnusamy Kalaiarasan , Jolly Bani , Bhoyar Rahul C. , Sardana Viren , Naushin Salwa , Rophina Mercy , Mellan Thomas A. , Mishra Swapnil , Whittaker Charles , Fatihi Saman , Datta Meena , Singh Priyanka , Sharma Uma , Ujjainiya Rajat , Bhatheja Nitin , Divakar Mohit Kumar , Singh Manoj K. , Imran Mohamed , Senthivel Vigneshwar , Maurya Ranjeet , Jha Neha , Mehta Priyanka , A Vivekanand , Sharma Pooja , VR Arvinden , Chaudhary Urmila , Soni Namita , Thukral Lipi , Flaxman Seth , Bhatt Samir , Pandey Rajesh , Dash Debasis , Faruq Mohammed , Lall Hemlata , Gogia Hema , Madan Preeti , Kulkarni Sanket , Chauhan Himanshu , Sengupta Shantanu , Kabra Sandhya ,   The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG)‡, Gupta Ravindra K. , Singh Sujeet K. , Agrawal Anurag , Rakshit Partha , Nandicoori Vinay , Tallapaka Karthik Bharadwaj , Sowpati Divya Tej , Thangaraj K. , Bashyam Murali Dharan , Dalal Ashwin , Sivasubbu Sridhar , Scaria Vinod , Parida Ajay , Raghav Sunil K. , Prasad Punit , Sarin Apurva , Mayor Satyajit , Ramakrishnan Uma , Palakodeti Dasaradhi , Seshasayee Aswin Sai Narain , Bhat Manoj , Shouche Yogesh , Pillai Ajay , Dikid Tanzin , Das Saumitra , Maitra Arindam , Chinnaswamy Sreedhar , Biswas Nidhan Kumar , Desai Anita Sudhir , Pattabiraman Chitra , Manjunatha M. V. , Mani Reeta S. , Arunachal Udupi Gautam , Abraham Priya , Atul Potdar Varsha , Cherian Sarah S.
Published: October 2021

Deadly surge in Delhi

In the spring of 2021, Delhi, India experienced a wave of coronavirus cases that overwhelmed healthcare services despite the population showing a high level of immune positivity. Dhar
et al
. collated a mixture of serosurveillance, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and genomic data, finding that waves of variants had passed through the Delhi population during 2020 and 2021. The alpha (B.1.1.7) variant dominated in March 2021 and was rapidly replaced by the delta (B.1.617.2) variant in April and May 2021. The delta variant outcompeted its predecessors by mutations that enhanced replication, immune evasion, and host receptor avidity, thus increasing transmissibility, reinfection, and vaccination breakthrough. —CA
A cell cycle regulator branches out
Authors: Fisher Robert P.
Published: October 2021

A key G
1
kinase targets transcription to drive cell cycle commitment
Heart failure inhibitor
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: October 2021

Targeting a G protein–coupled receptor in cardiomyocytes offers protection in a mouse model of cardiac failure.
Lung cancer patient who had declined conventional cancer treatment: could the self-administration of ‘CBD oil’ be contributing to the observed tumour regression?
Authors: Liew Kah Ling , Capuano Ermanno , Yung Bernard
Published: October 2021

Conventional lung cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy; however, these treatments are often poorly tolerated by patients. Cannabinoids have been studied for use as a primary cancer treatment. Cannabinoids, which are chemically similar to our own body’s endocannabinoids, can interact with signalling pathways to control the fate of cells, including cancer cells. We present a patient who declined conventional lung cancer treatment. Without the knowledge of her clinicians, she chose to self-administer ‘cannabidiol (CBD) oil’ orally 2–3 times daily. Serial imaging shows that her cancer reduced in size progressively from 41 mm to 10 mm over a period of 2.5 years. Previous studies have failed to agree on the usefulness of cannabinoids as a cancer treatment. This case appears to demonstrate a possible benefit of ‘CBD oil’ intake that may have resulted in the observed tumour regression. The use of cannabinoids as a potential cancer treatment justifies further research.
Suicide among Scottish military veterans: follow-up and trends
Authors: Bergman Beverly P , Mackay Daniel F , Pell Jill P
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The risk of suicide among UK military veterans remains unclear. Few recent studies have been undertaken, and most studies found no clear evidence of increased risk. We used data from the Trends in Scottish Veterans Health cohort to investigate suicides up to 2017 in order to examine whether there have been any changes in the long-term pattern of veteran suicides since our earlier study to 2012, and to compare trends in the risk of suicide among veterans with matched non-veterans.

Method

Retrospective cohort study of 78 000 veterans and 253 000 non-veterans born between 1945 and 1995, matched for age, sex and area of residence, using survival analysis to examine the risk of suicide in veterans in comparison with non-veterans overall and by subgroup, and to investigate associations with specific mental health conditions.

Results

Up to 37 years of follow-up, 388 (0.5%) veterans and 1531 (0.6%) non-veterans died from suicide. The risk of suicide among veterans did not differ from non-veterans overall. Increased risk among early service leavers was explained by differences in deprivation, and the previously reported increased risk in female veterans is now confined to older women. Suicide was most common in the fifth decade of life, and around 20 years postservice. A history of mood disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder was non-significantly more common in veterans.

Conclusions

Veterans are not at increased risk of suicide overall. The highest risk for both men and women is in middle age, many years after leaving service.
Disadvantage in early-life and persistent asthma in adolescents: a UK cohort study
Authors: Creese Hanna , Lai Eric , Mason Kate , Schlüter Daniela K , Saglani Sejal , Taylor-Robinson David , Saxena Sonia
Published: October 2021

Objective

To determine how early-life risk factors explain socioeconomic inequalities in persistent asthma in adolescence.

Methods

We did a causal mediation analysis using data from 7487 children and young people in the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Persistent asthma was defined as having a diagnosis reported at any two or more time points at 7, 11 or 14 years. The main exposure was maternal education, a measure of early-life socioeconomic circumstances (SECs), used to calculate the relative index of inequality. We assessed how blocks of perinatal (maternal health behaviours, infant characteristics and duration of breastfeeding, measured at 9 months) and environmental risk factors (family housing conditions; potential exposure to infections through childcare type and sibling number, and neighbourhood characteristics, measured at 3 years) mediated the total effect of childhood SECs on persistent asthma risk, calculating the proportion mediated and natural indirect effect (NIE) via blocks of mediators.

Results

At age 14 the overall prevalence of persistent asthma was 15%. Children of mothers with lower educational qualifications were more likely to have persistent asthma, with a clear social gradient (degree plus: 12.8% vs no qualifications: 20.3%). The NIE gives the effect of SECs acting only via the mediators and shows a 31% increased odds of persistent asthma when SECs are fixed at the highest level, and mediators at the level which would naturally occur at the lowest SECs versus highest SECs (NIE OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.65). Overall, 58.9% (95% CI 52.9 to 63.7) of the total effect (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.40) of SECs on risk of persistent asthma in adolescence was mediated by perinatal and environmental characteristics.

Conclusions

Perinatal characteristics and the home environment in early life are more important in explaining socioeconomic inequalities in persistent asthma in British adolescents than more distal environmental exposures outside the home.
Quantifying status and trends from monitoring surveys: application to pygmy whitefish (Prosopium coulterii) in Lake Superior
Authors: van der Lee Adam S. , Vinson Mark R. , Koops Marten A.
Published: October 2021

Population assessments of fish species often rely on data from surveys with different objectives, such as measuring biodiversity or community dynamics. These surveys often contain spatial–temporal dependencies that can greatly influence conclusions drawn from analyses. Pygmy whitefish (PWF, Prosopium coulterii) populations in Lake Superior were recently assessed as Threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Species in Canada, which motivated a thorough analysis of available data to improve our understanding of its population status. The US Geological Survey conducts annual bottom trawl surveys in Lake Superior that commonly capture PWF. We used these data (1989–2018) to model temporal trends in PWF biomass density and make lake-wide population projections. We used a Bayesian approach, integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA), and compared the impact of including different random structures on model fit. Inclusion of spatial structure improved model fit and conclusions differed from models omitting random effects. PWF populations have experienced periodic fluctuations in biomass density since 1989, though 2018 may represent the lowest density in the 30-year time series. Lake-wide biomass was estimated to be 71.5 t.
Nitrous oxide production and nitrogen transformations in a soil amended with biosolids
Authors: Roman-Perez Carmen C. , Hernandez-Ramirez Guillermo
Published: October 2021

The application of organic amendments to agricultural soils enables the recycling of nutrients, further reducing the inputs of synthetic fertilizers for crop production. However, the production of N2O emissions is a concern that arises from such a practice. A 35 d incubation experiment was conducted with soils receiving three contrasting types of biosolids — mesophilic anaerobic digested (BM), composted (BC), and alkaline-stabilized (BA) — at four water-filled pore spaces (WFPS): 28%, 40%, 52%, and 64%. A zero-N-addition control was also evaluated. Across all the three types of biosolids, N2O production increased with soil moisture content, with BM and BC producing the overall highest N2O fluxes. The most intense pulses of N2O production were exhibited by BC at the beginning of the incubation. The highest cumulative N2O production was found with 64% WFPS and from BC- (409 μg N2O–N·kg−1 soil) or BM-amended soils (390 μgN2O–N·kg−1 soil), which produced more than four and two times the emissions from the control and BA-amended soils at 64% WFPS, respectively. We also found the highest nitrification rates in the BM- and BC-amended soils. The total N2O production was exponentially associated with the NO3−–N concentration present at the end of the experiment (R2 = 0.83). Changes in the concentration of the soil available N indicated the occurrence of mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification over the incubation. These results provided insight into the interacting responses of N2O production to soil moisture contents, biosolids treatment stabilization and properties, and soil N availability.