bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One couple's experience with infertility: Nursing theory‐based practice case study
Authors: Farren Arlene T. , DiBenedetto Arianna
Published: May 2021

Infertility can be devastating for some couples. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a translation of knowledge and nursing theory‐based practice regarding nursing care of couples experiencing infertility through a case study approach. It is important to consider the translation of knowledge to probable scenarios so that we may have opportunities to be better prepared when addressing such situations in actual nursing practice. Data sources include current literature, theoretical perspectives on power as knowing participation in change and nursing classifications. Data synthesis is illustrated within the context of a simulated case study of a couple experiencing unexplained secondary infertility through the application of a theory‐based practice methodology, health patterning. The authors conclude that the theoretical perspectives of unitary science and the theory of power as knowing participation in change can be applied in practice. Theory‐based practice methodologies such as health patterning offer an opportunity to provide holistic care to couples experiencing infertility. Using these theoretical perspectives, nurses can engage with couples expressing a readiness for enhanced power for a desired change. Nursing implications include the value of theory‐based practice and the essential view of couples as unique human beings. In addition, it demonstrates the ongoing usefulness of case study approaches for nursing education as vehicles to enhance awareness of unitary experiences, updates to clinical care, and demonstration of the application of theory to practice.
Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic characterisation of DACRA KBP‐042 in healthy male subjects
Authors: Henriksen Kim , Broekhuizen Karen , de Boon Wadim M. I. , Karsdal Morten A. , Bihlet Asger R. , Christiansen Claus , Dillingh Marlous R. , de Kam Marieke , Kumar Raj , Burggraaf Jacobus , Kamerling Ingrid M. C.
Published: May 2021

There is a need for antidiabetic agents successfully targeting insulin sensitivity and treating obesity control at the same time. The aim of this first‐in‐human study was (a) to evaluate safety and tolerability, (b) to evaluate pharmacokinetics and (c) to assess indications of receptor engagement of single ascending doses of KBP‐042, a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA) that has shown promising preclinical data, with superior activity in terms of typical amylin‐induced responses including reduction of food intake, weight loss and gluco‐regulatory capacities. A randomised double‐blind placebo‐controlled single ascending dose study was performed with six dose levels of KBP‐042 (5, 7.5, 10, 20, 20 (evening), 40 ug) in healthy male adults. KBP‐042 or placebo was administered as a single dose after an overnight fast, followed by a standardized lunch after 4 hours. KBP‐042 was associated with dose‐dependent complaints of nausea and vomiting, with a lack of tolerability at doses of 20 μg and above. Doses of 5‐40 μg KBP‐042 behaved according to a linear pharmacokinetic profile. Indications of target receptor engagement were observed at the level of glucose control and lowering of bone resorption, compared to placebo. The results of this study showed that doses up to 40 μg were safe, although tolerability was not present at the highest doses. The study confirmed target receptor engagement at the studied doses.
Gender Categories as Dual‐Character Concepts?
Authors: Guo Cai , Dweck Carol S. , Markman Ellen M.
Published: May 2021

Seminal work by Knobe, Prasada, and Newman (2013) distinguished a set of concepts, which they named “dual‐character concepts.” Unlike traditional concepts, they require two distinct criteria for determining category membership. For example, the prototypical dual‐character concept “artist” has both a concrete dimension of artistic skills, and an abstract dimension of aesthetic sensibility and values. Therefore, someone can be a good artist on the concrete dimension but not truly an artist on the abstract dimension. Does this analysis capture people's understanding of cornerstone social categories, such as gender, around which society and everyday life have traditionally been organized? Gender, too, may be conceived as having not only a concrete dimension but also a distinct dimension of abstract norms and values. As with dual‐character concepts, violations of abstract norms and values may result in someone being judged as not truly a man/woman. Here, we provide the first empirical assessment of applying the dual‐character framework to people's conception of gender. We found that, on some measures that primarily relied on metalinguistic cues, gender concepts did indeed resemble dual‐character concepts. However, on other measures that depicted transgressions of traditional gender norms, neither “man” nor “woman” appeared dual‐character‐like, in that participants did not disqualify people from being truly a man or truly a woman. In a series of follow‐up studies, we examined whether moral norms have come to replace gender role norms for the abstract dimension. Implications for the evolution of concepts and categories are explored.
The Influences of Category Learning on Perceptual Reconstructions
Authors: Dubova Marina , Goldstone Robert L.
Published: May 2021

We explore different ways in which the human visual system can adapt for perceiving and categorizing the environment. There are various accounts of supervised (categorical) and unsupervised perceptual learning, and different perspectives on the functional relationship between perception and categorization. We suggest that common experimental designs are insufficient to differentiate between hypothesized perceptual learning mechanisms and reveal their possible interplay. We propose a relatively underutilized way of studying potential categorical effects on perception, and we test the predictions of different perceptual learning models using a two‐dimensional, interleaved categorization‐plus‐reconstruction task. We find evidence that the human visual system adapts its encodings to the feature structure of the environment, uses categorical expectations for robust reconstruction, allocates encoding resources with respect to categorization utility, and adapts to prevent miscategorizations.
Mouthguards in dentistry: Current recommendations for dentists
Authors: Sliwkanich Laura , Ouanounou Aviv
Published: May 2021

Properly fitted mouthguards reduce the risk and severity of orofacial injury, to both hard and soft tissues, preventing thousands of dollars of trauma management. In this review, findings from recent research will be evaluated to discuss the strengths and limitations of the different types of mouthguards, including their indications by sport. Design, ideal dimensions, and other characteristics will also be explored. Additionally, patient education and motivation will be examined, with a focus on the dentist’s role in this regard. Finally, in addition to proper oral hygiene, the importance of proper mouthguard maintenance and evaluation will be discussed. This review will therefore be able to act as a guide for dentists looking to provide patients of all ages with personal protective equipment and stay up‐to‐date on recent developments in this branch of the sports dentistry field.
Psychiatric hospital experiences that support and frustrate emerging adults' psychological needs: A self‐determination theory perspective
Authors: Gaine Graham S. , Dubue Jonathan D. , Purdon Scot E. , Abba‐Aji Adam
Published: May 2021

Aim

There are international efforts to implement developmentally appropriate and youth‐oriented mental health services for emerging adults to increase treatment engagement and the success of early intervention. While significant progress has been made in developing community service models, limited research has focused on how to design psychiatric inpatient settings that promote the recovery of emerging adults. The present study attempts to address this knowledge gap through a qualitative exploration of hospital experiences that influence psychological need satisfaction and frustration, as defined by self‐determination theory (SDT).

Methods

Inpatients (N = 104) from an emerging adult psychiatry unit were interviewed regarding hospital experiences that related to satisfaction or frustration of SDT needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Results

A basic interpretative qualitative analysis highlighted six key aspects of the hospital experience relevant to these needs: (a) social interactions, (b) freedom of behaviour and access, (c) programs and activities, (d) treatment collaboration and choice, (e) restraining/unpleasant hospital practices, and (f) progress, symptoms, and functioning. The findings support SDT's emphasis on the importance of autonomy support, structure, and involvement for need satisfaction.

Conclusions

The study sheds light on aspects of the hospital milieu that may be essential to recovery‐oriented inpatient care and on experiences that may be distinctly important for emerging adults, such as support for independence and the opportunity to relate to same‐age co‐patients experiencing similar mental health problems and life circumstances.
Patient‐detectable responsive neurostimulation as a seizure warning system
Authors: Quraishi Imran H. , Hirsch Lawrence J.
Published: May 2021

Many people with epilepsy are not aware of their seizures or do not have reliable auras. The responsive neurostimulation system (RNS) delivers stimulation triggered by intracranial epileptiform activity. If an epileptiform pattern continues, the RNS repeats stimulation up to five times per event. The RNS can cause acute stimulation‐related symptoms that can be avoided by reducing stimulation. Because each of the five therapies can be programmed independently, it may be possible to program the latter therapies to induce a seizure warning. The goal of this study was to determine what proportion of patients could have tolerable symptoms safely elicited by stimulation, ultimately for the purpose of subjective seizure recognition. Of 18 patients, 12 (67%) had induced symptoms, which were tolerable in 11. Phosphenes were most common. We also present one patient in whom the fifth therapy was set to induce a symptom for early recognition and treatment of clusters of focal impaired awareness seizures, which were previously unrecognized and had led to days of disabling cognitive impairment. This protocol prevented disabling clusters successfully for several years. The findings suggest the RNS can provide a seizure warning, potentially improving safety and quality of life, and leading to prevention of clinical seizures or clusters in select patients.
Yin and Yang: A disrupted skin microbiome and an aberrant host immune response in hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Schell Stephanie L. , Schneider Andrea M. , Nelson Amanda M.
Published: May 2021

The skin microbiome plays an important role in maintaining skin homeostasis by controlling inflammation, providing immune education and maintaining host defense. However, in many inflammatory skin disorders the skin microbiome is disrupted. This dysbiotic community may contribute to disease initiation or exacerbation through the induction of aberrant immune responses in the absence of infection. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a complex, multifaceted disease involving the skin, innate and adaptive immunity, microbiota and environmental stimuli. Herein, we discuss the current state of HS skin microbiome research and how microbiome components may activate pattern recognition receptor (PRR) pathways, metabolite sensing pathways and antigenic receptors to drive antimicrobial peptide, cytokine, miRNA and adaptive immune cell responses in HS. We highlight the major open questions that remain to be addressed and how antibiotic therapies for HS likely influence both microbial burden and inflammation. Ultimately, we hypothesize that the two‐way communication between the skin microbiome and host immune response in HS skin generates a chronic positive feed‐forward loop that perpetuates chronic inflammation, tissue destruction and disease exacerbation.
Mindfulness meditation and foreign language classroom anxiety: Findings from a randomized control trial
Authors: Morgan William Justin , Katz Jonah
Published: May 2021

Many scholars have argued that mindfulness meditation (MM) can be beneficial in academic contexts. Recently, researchers in second language acquisition have found that higher trait mindfulness scores indicate lower foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA). The present study investigates if mindfulness scores can be increased, if FLCA decreases as a result of a mindfulness intervention, and what opinions language learners have toward MM as a way of alleviating FLCA. Data were collected in a postsecondary learning environment where experimental group participants (n = 76) and control group participants (n = 66) were compared. As a result, mindfulness scores were negatively correlated with FLCA at beginning of the study. There were, however, mixed findings between groups after a 13‐week series of MMs. Experimental participants gave strongly positive opinions toward the MM in their open‐ended responses to their experience.
Snow information is required in subcontinental scale predictions of mountain plant distributions
Authors: Rissanen Tuuli , Niittynen Pekka , Soininen Janne , Luoto Miska
Published: May 2021

Aim

To examine how snow cover and permafrost affect plant species distributions at a subcontinental extent.

Location

Mountain realm of Fennoscandia, northern Europe.

Time period

Species data from 1 January 1990–25 February 2019.

Major taxa studied

Arctic‐alpine and boreal vascular plants.

Methods

We examined the effect of snow persistence and permafrost occurrence on the distributions of arctic‐alpine and boreal plant species while controlling for climate, topography and geological factors. Data comprised 475,811 observations from 671 species in the Fennoscandian mountains. We investigated the relationships between species distributions and environmental variables using four modelling methods and ensemble modelling building on both non‐spatial and spatial models.

Results

Snow persistence was the most important driver of plant species distributions, with the greatest variable importance for both arctic‐alpine (38.2%) and boreal (49.9%) species. Permafrost had a consistent minor effect on the predicted distributions. Arctic‐alpine plants occur in areas with long snow persistence and permafrost, whereas boreal species showed the opposite habitat preferences.

Main conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of snow persistence in driving the distribution of vascular plant species in cold environments at a subcontinental scale. The notable contribution of the cryosphere to plant species distribution models indicates that the inclusion of snow information in particular may improve our understanding and model predictions of biogeographical patterns in cold regions.
On the basis of risk: How screen executives’ risk perceptions and practices drive gender inequality in directing
Authors: Coles Amanda , Eikhof Doris Ruth
Published: May 2021

This paper explores how gendered perceptions of risk drive gender inequality. It does so by applying an Intersectional Risk Theory (IRT) framework to new empirical data on gender equality initiatives in the Canadian screen industries. The paper shows (1) that gendered risk perceptions constrain women directors’ work opportunities; (2) that the construction of gendered risk perceptions (“doing risk”) is shaped by the screen industry context and social inequalities generally; and (3) that practices of constructing risk perceptions can be disrupted and changed, which creates opportunities for a “re‐doing” or “un‐doing” of gendered perceptions of risk and offers new analytical perspectives onto the efficacy of gender equality initiatives. By interrogating how perceptions of risk inform decision‐making, the paper contributes new understandings of the drivers of systemic and intersectional inequality as a defining characteristic of work and labor markets in the screen industries and in the creative industries more broadly.
Effects of circadian variation, lifestyle and environment on hematological parameters: A narrative review
Authors: Feriel Joffrey , Tchipeva Draga , Depasse François
Published: May 2021

The complete blood count (CBC) is the most widely prescribed laboratory test. It plays a key role in screening, diagnosing, and monitoring a variety of medical disorders. Preanalytical and analytical variables are responsible for more than 50% of laboratory errors that may lead to spurious CBC results. The effects of blood sampling, transport, storage, and analytical errors on hematological parameters have been well described. Circadian variation and changes in lifestyle and environment can also affect blood cells. It has been extensively studied in the past, but highly variable methodology and the presence of confounding factors have provided scattered and inconsistent results. We have investigated the literature to define the impact of circadian variation, modification of the sleep‐wake cycle, acute and chronic exercise, eating habits, alcohol, tobacco, drugs of abuse, high‐altitude, heat/cold exposure, and air pollution on CBC results. The affected cell type along with the intensity and duration of changes are detailed for each condition. We aim at providing a comprehensive overview of which situations may induce clinically significant changes and have to be taken into account by healthcare professionals before considering a hematological parameter as pathological and requesting complementary tests.
Trait emotional intelligence and quality of life among breast cancer patients: The mediating role of fear of cancer recurrence
Authors: Chen Wen Yu , Wang Shuang , Peng Xue , Zhu Yun
Published: May 2021

Background

Trait emotional intelligence and fear of cancer recurrence could predict quality of life, but the mechanism between the three is poorly understood.

Methods

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between trait emotional intelligence, fear of cancer recurrence and quality of life in patients with breast cancer.

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 215 breast cancer patients recruited from two hospitals in China. Data were collected from December 2018 to April 2019. Questionnaires measured demographic and medical characteristics, trait emotional intelligence, fear of cancer recurrence and quality of life. Pearson correlation analysis and structural equation modelling were conducted to analyse the data.

Results

As expected, trait emotional intelligence was positively related to quality of life and negatively correlated with fear of cancer recurrence. Fear of cancer recurrence was negatively associated with quality of life. This relationship between trait emotional intelligence and quality of life was mediated by fear of cancer recurrence.

Conclusions

These results shed light on underlying mechanisms by which trait emotional intelligence affects quality of life. Trait emotional intelligence training could reduce fear of cancer recurrence to improve quality of life for cancer patients.
Verbal notification of radiology results: are radiologists meeting expectations?
Authors: Preece Eliza , Whitchurch Max , Sutherland Tom
Published: May 2021

Background

Delayed communication of radiographic findings is associated with poor patient outcomes and significant medicolegal risk. Radiologists verbally contact referring practitioners with urgent findings, although practitioner's expectations regarding notification have rarely been examined.

Aim

To assess differences in preferred practice between radiologists and referring practitioners in the verbal communication of urgent radiology findings.

Methods

For 33 clinical stems, respondents were asked if they would issue (radiologists) or expect to receive (referring practitioners) verbal notification of results or routine written communication only. Surveys were emailed to radiologists and referring practitioners of varying experience at a tertiary referral hospital in Melbourne, Victoria.

Results

A total of 97 survey responses was received. Eighty responses were from referring practitioners and 17 from radiologists. Referring practitioners were seen to slightly prefer verbal notification more often than issued by radiologists overall (61%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 57–66% verbal notification expected vs 58%; 95% CI 52–64% issued). More senior referring practitioners with greater than 10 years' experience expected verbal notification more often (67%; 95% CI 59–75%), and more senior radiologists issued verbal reports less often (54%; 95% CI 39–69%). More junior referring practitioners, for example, registrars or fellows, expected notification less often overall (59%; 95% CI 43–76%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences in notification preferences for certain clinical scenarios.

Conclusions

Overall results show fair correlation between referrer's expectations of verbal notification and the provision of verbal notification by radiologists. However, there were discrepancies in the practice and preferences of more junior and senior practitioners in certain clinical scenarios.
MiR‐193b deregulation is associated with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Baghi Masoud , Yadegari Elaheh , Rostamian Delavar Mahsa , Peymani Maryam , Ganjalikhani‐Hakemi Mazdak , Salari Mehri , Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad Hossein , Megraw Timothy L. , Ghaedi Kamran
Published: May 2021

PGC‐1α/FNDC5/BDNF has found to be a critical pathway in neurodegeneration. MicroRNAs (miR(NA)s) are non‐coding regulatory RNAs whose dysregulation has been observed in multiple neurological disorders, and miRNA‐mediated gene deregulation plays a decisive role in PD. Here, candidate miRNA was chosen based on the literature survey and in silico studies. Chronic and acute models of PD were created using MPP+‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells. Twenty PD patients and 20 healthy volunteers were recruited. RT‐qPCR was performed to assess the expression of miRNA and genes. Severe mitochondrial dysfunction induced by acute MPP+ treatment instigated compensatory mechanisms through enhancing expression of PGC‐1α/FNDC5/BDNF pathway genes, while chronic MPP+ toxicity led to down‐regulated levels of the genes in SH‐SY5Y cells. PD peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) also showed decreased expression of target genes. There were significant changes in the level of miR‐193b in both models, as well as PD PBMCs. Moreover, miR‐193b overexpression significantly affected PGC‐1α, FNDC5 and TFAM levels. Interestingly, down‐regulations of PGC‐1α, FNDC5, BDNF and TFAM were inversely correlated with miR‐193b up‐regulation in PD PBMCs. This study showed the deregulation of PGC‐1α/FNDC5/BDNF pathway in PD models and PBMCs, verifying its importance in neurodegeneration. Our findings also revealed that miR‐193b functions in PD development, possibly through regulating PGC‐1α/FNDC5/BDNF pathway, suggesting miR‐193b as a potential biomarker for PD diagnosis.
Bank size and performance: An analysis of the industry in the United States in the post‐financial‐crisis era
Authors: Nippani Srinivas , Ling Ran
Published: May 2021

We compare the 2007–2009 post‐financial‐crisis performance of US banks with their performance before the financial crisis, based on bank size using financial ratios. We find bank performance declined in the post‐financial‐crisis period as compared to its pre‐financial‐crisis performance, evidenced by reduced return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA), higher debt ratios, lower net interest margin, increased net loan losses, more nonperforming loans, and, to a lesser extent, estimated losses on loans. In difference‐in‐differences tests between the largest and smallest groups, we find the biggest banks report significantly higher ROA and lower debt ratio, in addition to outperforming small banks in net interest margin and loan loss reserves. Smaller banks did better only in net loan losses. General economic conditions and interest rate changes are controlled for in our results. We conclude that small banks have a significant disadvantage in the industry in the post‐financial‐crisis era compared to both big banks and their own pre‐financial‐crisis historical performance.
Brassinosteroids inhibit miRNA‐mediated translational repression by decreasing AGO1 on the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Wang Taiyun , Zheng Yanhua , Tang Qi , Zhong Songxiao , Su Wei , Zheng Binglian
Published: May 2021

Translational repression is a conserved mechanism in microRNA (miRNA)‐guided gene silencing. In Arabidopsis, ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1), the major miRNA effector, localizes in the cytoplasm for mRNA cleavage and at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for translational repression of target genes. However, the mechanism underlying miRNA‐mediated translational repression is poorly understood. In particular, how the subcellular partitioning of AGO1 is regulated is largely unexplored. Here, we show that the plant hormone brassinosteroids (BRs) inhibit miRNA‐mediated translational repression by negatively regulating the distribution of AGO1 at the ER in Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that the protein levels rather than the transcript levels of miRNA target genes were reduced in BR‐deficient mutants but increased under BR treatments. The localization of AGO1 at the ER was significantly decreased under BR treatments while it was increased in the BR‐deficient mutants. Moreover, ROTUNDIFOLIA3 (ROT3), an enzyme involved in BR biosynthesis, co‐localizes with AGO1 at the ER and interacts with AGO1 in a GW motif‐dependent manner. Complementation analysis showed that the AGO1–ROT3 interaction is necessary for the function of ROT3. Our findings provide new clues to understand how miRNA‐mediated gene silencing is regulated by plant endogenous hormones.
Myological variation in the forearm anatomy of Callitrichidae and Lemuridae
Authors: Dickinson Edwin , Boettcher Marissa L. , Smith Madison R. , Worden Nikole A. , Swindell Sidney R. , Seelye Jason S. , Pastor Francisco , Hartstone‐Rose Adam
Published: May 2021

The anatomy of the primate forearm is frequently investigated in terms of locomotor mode, substrate use, and manual dexterity. Such studies typically rely upon broad, interspecific samples for which one or two representative taxa are used to characterize the anatomy of their genus or family. To interpret variation between distantly related taxa, however, it is necessary to contextualize these differences by quantifying variation at lower hierarchical levels, that is, more fine‐grained representation within specific genera or families. In this study, we present a focused evaluation of the variation in muscle organization, integration, and architecture within two speciose primate families: the Callitrichidae and Lemuridae. We demonstrate that, within each lineage, several muscle functional groups exhibit substantial variation in muscle organization. Most notably, the digital extensors appear highly variable (particularly among callitrichids), with many unique configurations represented. In terms of architectural variables, both families are more conservative, with the exception of the genus Callimico—for which an increase is observed in forearm muscle mass and strength. We suggest this reflects the increased use of vertical climbing and trunk‐to‐trunk leaping within this genus relative to the more typically fine‐branch substrate use of the other callitrichids. Overall, these data emphasize the underappreciated variation in forearm myology and suggest that overly generalized typification of a taxon's anatomy may conceal significant intraspecific and intrageneric variation therein. Thus, considerations of adaptation within the forearm musculature should endeavor to consider the full range of anatomical variation when making comparisons between multiple taxa within an evolutionary context.
‘I want to get back!’ A qualitative study of long‐term critically ill patients’ inner strength and willpower: Back home after long‐term intensive care
Authors: Alexandersen Ingeborg , Haugdahl Hege Selnes , Stjern Berit , Paulsby Tove Engan , Lund Stine Borgen , Haugan Gørill
Published: May 2021

Aims and objectives

To provide insights into what promotes and challenges inner strength and willpower in formerly critically ill patients back home after a long‐term ICU stay.

Background

Critically ill patients demand great resources during an ICU stay, some experience great challenges after discharge from hospital. Knowledge about how health professionals can promote former long‐term critically ill patients’ inner strength and willpower after discharge is essential, but still missing.

Design

A qualitative, hermeneutic‐phenomenological approach using in‐depth interviews with former long‐term ICU patients.

Methods

Seventeen long‐term ICU patients were interviewed 6–20 months after ICU discharge. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research was used (COREQ,2007).

Results

Back home after hospital discharge, some former patients coped well while others suffered heavy burdens mentally and physically, along with economic problems. They handled their challenges differently: some found comfort and insight by reading their diary written by their ICU nurses, while several were struggling alone experiencing a lonesome silent suffering; these called for a follow‐up support by the healthcare system.

Conclusion

Long‐term ICU patients’ inner strength and willpower are vital salutogenic resources supporting the fight back to one’s former independent life. However, physical, mental and economic challenges drain their inner strength to go on and succeed. Several long‐term ICU patients need health‐promoting follow‐up support after hospital discharge.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study disclosed a lonely and silent suffering indicating a need for development of systematical health‐promoting follow‐up programmes including salutogenic components such as health‐promoting conversations, diaries and web‐based recovery programme along with a cell phone app.
Gender, family separation, and negative emotional well‐being among recent Mexican migrants
Authors: Arenas Erika , Yahirun Jenjira , Teruel Graciela , Rubalcava Luis , Gaitán‐Rossi Pablo
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study examined the scale and scope of family separation among Mexican immigrants in the United States and the association between family separation and immigrants' emotional health.

Background

Prior research documents the negative consequences of family separation on the health of immigrants. However, population‐level data on the exposure to family separation among Mexican immigrants living in the United States have been unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding the scale of its effects on immigrant emotional well‐being.

Methods

Using representative panel data from Waves 1 and 3 of the Mexican Family Life Survey, this study describes rates of separation from family members among a recent cohort of Mexican immigrants living in the United States. Next, the associations between family member separation (from a partner and/or offspring, or mother) and different dimensions of immigrant emotional health are assessed and gender differences in the association are also explored.

Results

This study found that 24% of Mexican immigrants in the sample were separated from a partner and/or offspring and 79% were separated from a mother who lived in Mexico. For migrant women, separation from family members had negative consequences on multiple dimensions of emotional well‐being whereas migrant men were less negatively impacted by family separation.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that separation from one's partner and/or offspring, and mother, impose an emotional toll on newly arrived immigrant women, with implications for future health trajectories.
Property rights and long‐run capital
Authors: Dávila Julio
Published: May 2021

Proprietary capital falling into the public domain inefficiently decreases capital accumulation. As a consequence, the market steady state consumption underperforms the planner's by 4.6%–9.1% in a neoclassical infinitely‐lived agents economy with constant returns to scale and standard empirically supported parameters. The results extend robustly to an overlapping generations economy, for which the gap is 10.5% when similarly parametrized. A policy decentralizing, in the latter, the planner's steady state instead consists of (i) subsidizing the rental rate of private capital at its depreciation rate, and (ii) taxing households' negative net position between, on the one hand, firm and depreciated capital ownership, and on the other, borrowing. Under this policy, the necessary tax rate on households' negative net position is smaller the bigger the absolute value of the latter and, hence, the bigger the corresponding monetary real balances held by households.
Reading Fluency and Reading Motivation in Hebrew in Students with Reading Disabilities
Authors: Vaknin‐Nusbaum Vered , Nevo Einat
Published: May 2021

We examined the relationships of two aspects of reading motivation with reading fluency performance in 79 third‐ to sixth‐grade Hebrew‐speaking students with reading disabilities. Reading fluency tests were administered, in addition to a reading motivation questionnaire (MRP‐R), all of which examined students' self‐concept as readers, as well as the value they attach to reading. Correlations were found between students’ self‐concept and their reading performance. Additionally, no differences were found between grade levels in reading motivation. Furthermore, word rate, accuracy, and reading self‐concept predicted text rate beyond grade level. Finally, significant differences were found in reading measures in favor of readers with a high self‐concept, suggesting that students with reading disabilities should not be perceived as a homogenous group.
Why is primary endosymbiosis so rare?
Authors: Stephens Timothy G. , Gabr Arwa , Calatrava Victoria , Grossman Arthur R. , Bhattacharya Debashish
Published: May 2021

Endosymbiosis is a relationship between two organisms wherein one cell resides inside the other. This affiliation, when stable and beneficial for the ‘host’ cell, can result in massive genetic innovation with the foremost examples being the evolution of eukaryotic organelles, the mitochondria and plastids. Despite its critical evolutionary role, there is limited knowledge about how endosymbiosis is initially established and how host–endosymbiont biology is integrated. Here, we explore this issue, using as our model the rhizarian amoeba Paulinella, which represents an independent case of primary plastid origin that occurred c. 120 million yr ago. We propose the ‘chassis and engine’ model that provides a theoretical framework for understanding primary plastid endosymbiosis, potentially explaining why it is so rare.
Multisensor Fusion of Remotely Sensed Vegetation Indices Using Space-Time Dynamic Linear Models
Authors: Johnson Margaret C , Reich Brian J , Gray Josh M
Published: May 2021

High spatiotemporal resolution maps of surface vegetation from remote sensing data are desirable for vegetation and disturbance monitoring. However, due to the current limitations of imaging spectrometers, remote sensing datasets of vegetation with high temporal frequency of measurements have lower spatial resolution, and vice versa. In this research, we propose a space-time dynamic linear model to fuse high temporal frequency data (MODIS) with high spatial resolution data (Landsat) to create high spatiotemporal resolution data products of a vegetation greenness index. The model incorporates the spatial misalignment of the data and models dependence within and across land cover types with a latent multivariate Matérn process. To handle the large size of the data, we introduce a fast estimation procedure and a moving window Kalman smoother to produce a daily, 30-m resolution data product with associated uncertainty.
Young plasma administration mitigates depression‐like behaviours in chronic mild stress‐exposed aged rats by attenuating apoptosis in prefrontal cortex
Authors: Ghaffari‐Nasab Arshad , Badalzadeh Reza , Mohaddes Gisou , Alipour Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Young plasma contains several rejuvenating factors that exert beneficial effects in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases: can repeated transfusion of young plasma improve depressive behaviour in aged rats?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Following chronic transfusion of young plasma, depressive behaviour was improved in the depression model of aged rats, which was associated with reduced apoptosis process in the prefrontal cortex.

Brain ageing alters brain responses to stress, playing an essential role in the pathophysiology of late‐life depression. Moreover, apoptotic activity is up‐regulated in the prefrontal cortex in ageing and stress‐related mood disorders. Considerable evidence suggests that factors in young blood could reverse age‐related dysfunctions in organs, especially in the brain. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of young plasma administration on depressive behaviours in aged rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), with a focus on the apoptosis process. Young (3 months old) and aged (22 months old) male rats were randomly assigned into four groups: young control (YC), aged control (AC), aged rats subjected to CUMS (A+CUMS) and aged rats subjected to CUMS and treated with young plasma (A+CUMS+YP). In the A+CUMS and A+CUMS+YP groups, CUMS was used to generate the depression rat model. Moreover, the A+CUMS+YP group received pooled plasma (1 ml, intravenously), collected from young rats, three times per week for 4 weeks. Young plasma administration significantly improved CUMS‐induced depression‐like behaviours, including decreased sucrose consumption ratio, reduced locomotor activity and prolonged immobility time. Importantly, young plasma reduced neuronal apoptosis in the prefrontal cortex that was associated with reduced TUNEL‐positive cells and cleaved caspase‐3 protein levels in the A+CUMS+YP compared with the A+CUMS group. Young plasma can partially improve the neuropathology of late‐life depression through the apoptotic signalling pathways.
A Data-Driven Machine Learning Approach to Predict the Natural Gas Density of Pure and Mixed Hydrocarbons
Authors: Tariq Zeeshan , Hassan Amjed , Waheed Umair Bin , Mahmoud Mohamed , Al-Shehri Dhafer , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez , Mokheimer Esmail M. A.
Published: May 2021

Natural gas is one of the main fossil energy resources, and its density is an effective thermodynamic property, which is required in almost every pressure–volume–temperature (PVT) calculation. Conventionally, the density of natural gas is determined from the gas deviation (Z-) factor using an equation of states (EOS). Several models have been developed to estimate the Z-factor utilizing the EOS approach, however, most of these models involve complex calculations and require many input parameters. In this study, an improved natural gas density prediction model is presented using robust machine learning techniques such as artificial neural networks and functional networks. A total of 3800 data points were collected from different published sources covering a wide range of input parameters. Moreover, explicit empirical correlations are also derived that can be used explicitly without the need for any machine learning-based software. The proposed correlations are a function of molecular weight (Mw) of natural gas, pseudo-reduced pressure (Ppr), and pseudo-reduced temperature (Tpr). The proposed correlations can be applied for the gases having Mw between 16 and 129.7 g, Ppr range of 0.02–29.3, and Tpr range 0.of 5–2.7. The prediction of the new correlation was compared against the most common methods for determining the natural gas density. The developed correlation showed better estimation than the common prediction models. The estimation error was reduced by 2% on average using the new correlations, and the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.98 using the developed correlation.
A new look at quantal time evolution
Authors: Bhattacharyya Aparajita , Bhattacharjee Jayanta K. , Sinha Debabrata
Published: May 2021

Time evolution of quantum systems is normally taught using the Schrödinger equation. Here, we use the Heisenberg approach to consider three problems that are exactly solvable in the Schrödinger picture when the initial wavepacket is Gaussian: the free particle, the simple harmonic oscillator and a free particle with a spin-orbit interaction. We show that complete solutions can be obtained for the free particle (with or without spin-orbit interaction). For the simple harmonic oscillator, however, the fact that the wavepacket remains a Gaussian as time progresses has to be inferred on the basis of the skewness and kurtosis as opposed to a study of all the relevant moments.
Why does water shoot higher if we partially block the garden hose outlet?
Authors: Alam Mohammad-Reza
Published: May 2021

It is a common experience that water shoots higher when we block a garden hose outlet by our thumb. But what causes this? How high does the water go? Does water from our neighbor's garden hose reach the same height? Is there an optimum outlet blockage that results in the greatest height that water can reach? Here, we show that a competition between viscous friction along the hose and the viscous dissipation at the thumb-generated constriction results in a variable water shooting height. Through systematic analysis, we demonstrate that depending on the municipal water main pressure, and length and diameter of the hose, the maximum water height may increase, decrease, or gain an optimum as the blockage ratio of the outlet varies.
The relationship between ipsilateral cochlear gain reduction and speech-in-noise recognition at positive and negative signal-to-noise ratios
Authors: DeRoy Milvae Kristina , Alexander Joshua M. , Strickland Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2021

Active mechanisms that regulate cochlear gain are hypothesized to influence speech-in-noise perception. However, evidence of a relationship between the amount of cochlear gain reduction and speech-in-noise recognition is mixed. Findings may conflict across studies because different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were used to evaluate speech-in-noise recognition. Also, there is evidence that ipsilateral elicitation of cochlear gain reduction may be stronger than contralateral elicitation, yet, most studies have investigated the contralateral descending pathway. The hypothesis that the relationship between ipsilateral cochlear gain reduction and speech-in-noise recognition depends on the SNR was tested. A forward masking technique was used to quantify the ipsilateral cochlear gain reduction in 24 young adult listeners with normal hearing. Speech-in-noise recognition was measured with the PRESTO-R sentence test using speech-shaped noise presented at −3, 0, and +3 dB SNR. Interestingly, greater cochlear gain reduction was associated with lower speech-in-noise recognition, and the strength of this correlation increased as the SNR became more adverse. These findings support the hypothesis that the SNR influences the relationship between ipsilateral cochlear gain reduction and speech-in-noise recognition. Future studies investigating the relationship between cochlear gain reduction and speech-in-noise recognition should consider the SNR and both descending pathways.
Partial compensation for coarticulatory vowel nasalization across concatenative and neural text-to-speech
Authors: Zellou Georgia , Cohn Michelle , Block Aleese
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the perception of coarticulatory vowel nasality generated using different text-to-speech (TTS) methods in American English. Experiment 1 compared concatenative and neural TTS using a 4IAX task, where listeners discriminated between a word pair containing either both oral or nasalized vowels and a word pair containing one oral and one nasalized vowel. Vowels occurred either in identical or alternating consonant contexts across pairs to reveal perceptual sensitivity and compensatory behavior, respectively. For identical contexts, listeners were better at discriminating between oral and nasalized vowels in neural than in concatenative TTS for nasalized same-vowel trials, but better discrimination for concatenative TTS was observed for oral same-vowel trials. Meanwhile, listeners displayed less compensation for coarticulation in neural than in concatenative TTS. To determine whether apparent roboticity of the TTS voice shapes vowel discrimination and compensation patterns, a “roboticized” version of neural TTS was generated (monotonized f0 and addition of an echo), holding phonetic nasality constant; a ratings study (experiment 2) confirmed that the manipulation resulted in different apparent roboticity. Experiment 3 compared the discrimination of unmodified neural TTS and roboticized neural TTS: listeners displayed lower accuracy in identical contexts for roboticized relative to unmodified neural TTS, yet the performances in alternating contexts were similar.
An iterative approach to optimize loudspeaker placement for multi-zone sound field reproduction
Authors: Zhu Min , Zhao Sipei
Published: May 2021

Various array patterns, such as circular, linear, and arc-shaped arrays, have been used in multi-zone sound field reproduction, but most of them are based on empirical rather than judicious selection. This article proposes an iterative optimization method to select the loudspeaker positions from a large set of candidate locations. Both the number and locations of the loudspeakers can be designed with superior performance. Both single-frequency and broadband simulations based on the acoustic contrast control method are performed to validate the proposed scheme, and the performance of the optimized array is compared with that of an arc-shaped array and that of an array optimized with an existing method.
Chromatin-associated MRN complex protects highly transcribing genes from genomic instability
Authors: Salifou Kader , Burnard Callum , Basavarajaiah Poornima , Grasso Giuseppa , Helsmoortel Marion , Mac Victor , Depierre David , Franckhauser Céline , Beyne Emmanuelle , Contreras Xavier , Dejardin Jérôme , Rouquier Sylvie , Cuvier Olivier , Kiernan Rosemary
Published: May 2021

Chromatin-associated MRN protects highly transcribing genes from genomic instability.
Five years of whole-soil warming led to loss of subsoil carbon stocks and increased CO
2
efflux
Authors: Soong Jennifer L. , Castanha Cristina , Hicks Pries Caitlin E. , Ofiti Nicholas , Porras Rachel C. , Riley William J. , Schmidt Michael W.I. , Torn Margaret S.
Published: May 2021

Warmed forest soils had 33% lower carbon stocks below 20 cm, and a commensurate increase in soil CO
2
emissions over 5 years.
FluoSTEPs: Fluorescent biosensors for monitoring compartmentalized signaling within endogenous microdomains
Authors: Tenner Brian , Zhang Jason Z. , Kwon Yonghoon , Pessino Veronica , Feng Siyu , Huang Bo , Mehta Sohum , Zhang Jin
Published: May 2021

Fluorescent sensors targeted to endogenous proteins measure native signaling dynamics within signaling compartments.
Aging-associated deficit in CCR7 is linked to worsened glymphatic function, cognition, neuroinflammation, and β-amyloid pathology
Authors: Da Mesquita Sandro , Herz Jasmin , Wall Morgan , Dykstra Taitea , de Lima Kalil Alves , Norris Geoffrey T. , Dabhi Nisha , Kennedy Tatiana , Baker Wendy , Kipnis Jonathan
Published: May 2021

Dysfunctional meningeal immunity is associated with cognitive decline, impaired glymphatics, and enhanced Alzheimer’s pathology.
Myeloid-derived growth factor inhibits inflammation and alleviates endothelial injury and atherosclerosis in mice
Authors: Meng Biying , Li Yixiang , Ding Yan , Xu Xiaoli , Wang Li , Guo Bei , Zhu Biao , Zhang Jiajia , Xiang Lin , Dong Jing , Liu Min , Xiang Lingwei , Xiang Guangda
Published: May 2021

Bone marrow serves as an endocrine organ that regulates the pathophysiological function of arteries via MYDGF.