bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between migration and smoke-free families: how do migrants from different world regions compare?
Authors: Mlinarić Martin , Kohler Emma , Kunst Anton E , Lorant Vincent , Rimpelä Arja , Hoffmann Laura , Anastasi Daniela , Richter Matthias
Published: December 2020

Background

Studies on adolescent secondhand smoke exposure within the family often dichotomously operationalize migration background without paying attention to social and cultural diversity within migrant populations. As a result, little is known about variation within migrant groups in smoke-free family environments (SFFEs). This study analyses the association between SFFEs and parental migration from different world regions.

Methods

Data from 14- to 16-year-old adolescents (N = 17 144) on SFFEs and parental migration were obtained from cross-sectional repeated SILNE-R surveys. A multivariable multinomial regression was applied, presenting relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for maternal or paternal tobacco smoking and home smoking bans. Variation in migration background was measured according to parental sex and place of birth.

Results

Approximately 18% of adolescents are exposed to maternal smoking, and 25% are exposed to paternal smoking. Almost half of the respondents do not live in SFFEs but are subject to permissive (5%) or partial (39%) smoking bans at home. We found that adolescents of Eastern European descent are at a higher risk of being exposed to both paternal and maternal smoking. A sex difference in parental smoking was found among Arabic/Islamic migrants, where mothers are less likely to be smokers. Maternal and paternal African origins are associated with prohibitive smoking bans at home. Eastern European mothers show higher odds of permissiveness and freely allowing smoking at home.

Conclusion

Notable within-differences according to parental sex and place of birth were found for SFFEs and should be taken into account when implementing equity-sensitive tobacco prevention programs.
Overall mortality in older people receiving physician-led home visits: a multicentre prospective study in Japan
Authors: Kaneko Makoto , Watanabe Takamasa , Fujinuma Yasuki , Yokobayashi Kenichi , Matsushima Masato
Published: December 2020

Background

Japan has the most rapidly ageing population in the world. The Japanese government has, therefore, promoted physician-led home health care for frail and disabled people.

Objectives

To describe mortality among older people receiving physician-led health care at home or at a nursing home in Japan and to identify risk factors.

Methods

This was a multicentre prospective cohort study. Participants were aged ≥65 years and had started to receive regular physician-led health care at home or at nursing homes from 13 facilities between 1 February 2013 and 31 January 2016. The observation period ended on 31 January 2017. We used a biopsychosocial approach for exploratory analysis of 13 variables to identify mortality risk factors.

Results

The median (25th to 75th percentile) observation time was 417 (121–744) days. Of 825 participants, 380 died. The total cumulative survival for 180, 360, 720 and 1440 days was 73.4% (95% confidence interval: 70.2–76.3), 64.2% (60.8–67.5), 52.6% (48.8–56.3) and 34.6% (23.5–46.0). The Kaplan–Meier cumulative survival curve showed a steep drop during the first 6 months of observation. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model showed that sex (male), high Charlson Comorbidity Index score, low serum albumin level, low Barthel Index score, receipt of oxygen therapy, high Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia score and non-receipt of public assistance were associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Overall mortality in physician-led home visits in Japan was described and mortality risk factors identified. Public assistance receipt was associated with lower mortality.
Preferential dipeptide incorporation of Porphyromonas gingivalis mediated by proton-dependent oligopeptide transporter (Pot)
Authors: Ohara-Nemoto Yuko , Sarwar Mohammad Tanvir , Shimoyama Yu , Kobayakawa Takeshi , Nemoto Takayuki K
Published: December 2020

Multiple dipeptidyl-peptidases (DPPs) are present in the periplasmic space of Porphyromonas gingivalis, an asaccharolytic periodontopathic bacterium. Dipeptides produced by DPPs are presumed to be transported into the bacterial cells and metabolized to generate energy and cellular components. The present study aimed to identify a transporter responsible for dipeptide uptake in the bacterium. A real-time metabolic analysis demonstrated that P. gingivalis preferentially incorporated Gly–Xaa dipeptides, and then, single amino acids, tripeptides and longer oligopeptides to lesser extents. Heterologous expression of the P. gingivalis serine/threonine transporter (SstT; PGN_1460), oligopeptide transporter (Opt; PGN_1518) and proton-dependent oligopeptide transporter (Pot; PGN_0135) genes demonstrated that Escherichia coli expressing Pot exclusively incorporated Gly–Gly, while SstT managed Ser uptake and Opt was responsible for Gly–Gly–Gly uptake. Dipeptide uptake was significantly decreased in a P. gingivalis Δpot strain and further suppressed in a Δpot-Δopt double-deficient strain. In addition, the growth of the Δpot strain was markedly attenuated and the Δpot-Δopt strain scarcely grew, whereas the ΔsstT strain grew well almost like wild type. Consequently, these results demonstrate that predominant uptake of dipeptide in P. gingivalis is mostly managed by Pot. We thus propose that Pot is a potential therapeutic target of periodontal disease and P. gingivalis-related systemic diseases.
Environmental fluctuations and their effects on microbial communities, populations and individuals
Authors: Nguyen Jen , Lara-Gutiérrez Juanita , Stocker Roman
Published: December 2020

From the homeostasis of human health to the cycling of Earth's elements, microbial activities underlie environmental, medical and industrial processes. These activities occur in chemical and physical landscapes that are highly dynamic and experienced by bacteria as fluctuations. In this review, we first discuss how bacteria can experience both spatial and temporal heterogeneity in their environments as temporal fluctuations of various timescales (seconds to seasons) and types (nutrient, sunlight, fluid flow, etc.). We then focus primarily on nutrient fluctuations to discuss how bacterial communities, populations and single cells respond to environmental fluctuations. Overall, we find that environmental fluctuations are ubiquitous and diverse, and strongly shape microbial behavior, ecology and evolution when compared with environments in which conditions remain constant over time. We hope this review may serve as a guide toward understanding the significance of environmental fluctuations in microbial life, such that their contributions and implications can be better assessed and exploited.
The Differential Impact of Retirement on Informal Caregiving, Volunteering, and Grandparenting: Results of a 3-Year Panel Study
Authors: Grünwald Olga , Damman Marleen , Henkens Kène
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Research on retirees’ engagement in informal caregiving, formal volunteering, and grandparenting often views retirement as a permanent exit from the workforce. Retirement processes are, however, increasingly diverse: some retire fully while others remain in paid work after retirement from a career job. A relevant but understudied question is how these different retirement processes relate to changes in engagement in unpaid productive activities. Building on role theory, we hypothesize that full and working retirees face different consequences of retirement and, therefore, differ in engagement in unpaid productive activities.

Method

We analyze data that were collected in 2015 and 2018 among 4,882 Dutch individuals aged 60–65 and employed at baseline. Around half had fully retired at follow-up and 10% worked after their retirement. At follow-up, more respondents are regularly volunteering (from 17% to 27%) and grandparenting (from 39% to 53%) than at baseline, while caregiving remains rather stable (from 33% to 30%).

Results

Conditional change models show that full retirement is associated with an increased likelihood of volunteering and grandparenting, but not caregiving. Engagement in postretirement work is related to an increased likelihood of looking after the grandchildren, but not to volunteering or providing informal care.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that volunteering is important for replacing weak ties after full retirement, while grandparenting might be a new, central role in retirement—irrespective of work engagement. Retirees seem to engage in unpaid productive activities for different reasons.
The ethics of preconception expanded carrier screening in patients seeking assisted reproduction
Authors: de Wert Guido , van der Hout Sanne , Goddijn Mariëtte , Vassena Rita , Frith Lucy , Vermeulen Nathalie , Eichenlaub-Ritter Ursula ,   ESHRE Ethics Committee, Blanchet Valérie , D’Angelo Arianna , de Wert Guido , Eguizabal Cristina , Eichenlaub-Ritter Ursula , Frith Lucy , Geril Annick , Goddijn Mariëtte , Heindryckx Bjorn , Mertes Heidi , Ombelet Willem , Rautakallio-Hokkanen Satu , Strowitzki Thomas , Tapanainen Juha , Tarlatzis Basil C , Van den Eede Bruno , Westin Cecilia
Published: December 2020

Expanded carrier screening (ECS) entails a screening offer for carrier status for multiple recessive disorders simultaneously and allows testing of couples or individuals regardless of ancestry or geographic origin. Although universal ECS—referring to a screening offer for the general population—has generated considerable ethical debate, little attention has been given to the ethics of preconception ECS for patients applying for assisted reproduction using their own gametes. There are several reasons why it is time for a systematic reflection on this practice. Firstly, various European fertility clinics already offer preconception ECS on a routine basis, and others are considering such a screening offer. Professionals involved in assisted reproduction have indicated a need for ethical guidance for ECS. Secondly, it is expected that patients seeking assisted reproduction will be particularly interested in preconception ECS, as they are already undertaking the physical, emotional and economic burdens of such reproduction. Thirdly, an offer of preconception ECS to patients seeking assisted reproduction raises particular ethical questions that do not arise in the context of universal ECS: the professional’s involvement in the conception implies that both parental and professional responsibilities should be taken into account. This paper reflects on and provides ethical guidance for a responsible implementation of preconception ECS to patients seeking assisted reproduction using their own gametes by assessing the proportionality of such a screening offer: do the possible benefits clearly outweigh the possible harms and disadvantages? If so, for what kinds of disorders and under what conditions?
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and the Re-Escalation of Lethal Violence
Authors: Nagel Robert U
Published: December 2020

To what extent does sexual violence influence the likelihood of re-escalating lethal violence after a period of inactivity? Despite a substantive body of research that explores conflict recurrence, the literature has largely neglected the role of rebel group dynamics. I address this gap arguing that reports of rebel sexual violence in periods deemed inactive because of low numbers of casualties are associated with greater risks of escalating lethal violence. Specifically, building on research that shows an association between recruitment and rape as a socialization method during civil war, I argue that reports of sexual violence indicate that rebels are maintaining and mobilizing fighters in inactive conflict years. I systematically test this argument on all inactive intrastate conflict years from 1989 to 2015 using the updated Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict dataset and Armed Conflict Termination dataset. The results provide robust support for the argument that a re-escalation of lethal violence following inactive periods is more likely when rebels are reported to perpetrate sexual violence in both active and subsequent inactive periods.
Practical isogeometric shape optimization: parametrization by means of regularization
Authors: Limkilde A , Evgrafov A , Gravesen J , Mantzaflaris A
Published: December 2020

Shape optimization based on isogeometric analysis (IGA) has gained popularity in recent years. Performing shape optimization directly over parameters defining the computer-aided design (CAD) geometry, such as the control points of a spline parametrization, opens up the prospect of seamless integration of a shape optimization step into the CAD workflow. One of the challenges when using IGA for shape optimization is that of maintaining a valid geometry parametrization of the interior of the domain during an optimization process, as the shape of the boundary is altered by an optimization algorithm. Existing methods impose constraints on the Jacobian of the parametrization, to guarantee that the parametrization remains valid. The number of such validity constraints quickly becomes intractably large, especially when 3D shape optimization problems are considered. An alternative, and arguably simpler, approach is to formulate the isogeometric shape optimization problem in terms of both the boundary and the interior control points. To ensure a geometric parametrization of sufficient quality, a regularization term, such as the Winslow functional, is added to the objective function of the shape optimization problem. We illustrate the performance of these methods on the optimal design problem of electromagnetic reflectors and compare their performance. Both methods are implemented for multipatch geometries, using the IGA library G+Smo and the optimization library Ipopt. We find that the second approach performs comparably to a state-of-the-art method with respect to both the quality of the found solutions and computational time, while its performance in our experience is more robust for coarse discretizations.
How the Eyes Connect to the Heart: The Influence of Eye Gaze Direction on Advertising Effectiveness
Authors: To Rita Ngoc , Patrick Vanessa M
Published: December 2020

A model’s eyes are a powerful and ubiquitous visual feature in virtually any advertisement depicting a person. But does where the ad model’s eyes look matter? Integrating insights from social psychology and performance and visual art theory, we demonstrate that when the ad model’s gaze is averted (looking away from the viewer), the viewer is more readily transported into the ad narrative and responds more favorably to the ad than when the ad model’s gaze is direct (looking directly at the viewer). Five multi-method experiments (field and lab studies) illustrate that averted gaze (direct gaze) enhances narrative transportation (spokesperson credibility) to boost the effectiveness of emotional (informative) ads. Study 1 is a Facebook field study that demonstrates the effect of averted (vs. direct) gaze direction on advertising effectiveness using a real brand. Studies 2a and 2b implicate enhanced narrative transportation as the underlying process mechanism by measuring (study 2a) and manipulating (study 2b) narrative transportation. Studies 3a and 3b examine ad contexts in which direct gaze can enhance ad effectiveness: when the ad has informational (vs. emotional) appeal (study 3a), and when the viewer prefers not to identify with the negative emotional content of the ad (study 3b).
Fault and horizon automatic interpretation by CNN: a case study of coalfield
Authors: Guo Yinling , Peng Suping , Du Wenfeng , Li Dong
Published: December 2020

A convolutional neural network (CNN) is a powerful tool used for seismic interpretation. It does not require manual intervention and can automatically detect geological structures using the pattern features of the original seismic data. In this study, we presented the development history of seismic interpretation and the application of CNN in seismic exploration. We proposed a set of CNN prediction methods and processes for coalfield seismic interpretation and realised automatic interpretation of faults and horizons based on the relationship between faults and horizons. We defined a CNN model training method based on structural geological modelling, which allowed rapid and accurate establishment of fault and horizon labels by using structural modelling. We used two examples to verify the accuracy of the algorithm, one to test for synthetic 3D seismic data and one to test for real coalfield seismic data. The results showed that CNNs can effectively predict both faults and horizons at the same time and has high accuracy. Thus, CNNs are potentially novel interpretation tools for coalfield seismic interpretation.
Effect of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates on osteoclasts and osteoclastogenesis: an ultrastructural study
Authors: Takagi Yoshitoki , Inoue Satoshi , Fujikawa Kaoru , Matsuki-Fukushima Miwako , Mayahara Mitsuori , Matsuyama Kayo , Endo Yasuo , Nakamura Masanori
Published: December 2020

We have previously indicated that a single injection of alendronate, one of the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (NBPs), affects murine hematopoietic processes, such as the shift of erythropoiesis from bone marrow (BM) to spleen, disappearance of BM-resident macrophages, the increase of granulopoiesis in BM and an increase in the number of osteoclasts. NBPs induce apoptosis and the formation of giant osteoclasts in vitro and/or in patients undergoing long-term NBP treatment. Therefore, the time-kinetic effect of NBPs on osteoclasts needs to be clarified. In this study, we examined the effect of alendronate on mouse osteoclasts and osteoclastogenesis. One day after the treatment, osteoclasts lost the clear zone and ruffled borders, and the cell size decreased. After 2 days, the cytoplasm of osteoclasts became electron dense and the nuclei became pyknotic. Some of the cells had fragmented nuclei. After 4 days, osteoclasts had euchromatic nuclei attached to the bone surface. Osteoclasts had no clear zones or ruffled borders. After 7 days, osteoclasts formed giant osteoclasts via the fusion of multinuclear and mononuclear osteoclasts. These results indicate that NBPs affect osteoclasts and osteoclastogenesis via two different mechanisms.
Readdressing the Needs of Cancer Survivors During COVID-19: A Path Forward
Authors: Jones Jennifer M , Saeed Hina , Katz Matthew S , Lustberg Maryam B , Forster Victoria J , Nekhlyudov Larissa
Published: December 2020

The growing number of cancer survivors and the high prevalence of cancer-related physical and psychosocial effects pose important and pressing challenges to health systems. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to further stressors on cancer survivors and health care systems. As the pandemic continues to have substantial impact on the world, it is critical to focus attention on the health care needs of cancer survivors. In this commentary, we propose an adoption of essential steps that should be part of a continuous adaptive approach to promote effective cancer survivorship care during ongoing COVID-19 waves and beyond.
Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm with ventricular septal defect complicated by preoperative cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and multiple organ dysfunction: a rare survivor and review of contemporary literature
Authors: Furui Masato , Dillon Jeswant , Akhtar Kunwar Muhammad Aqeel , Bin Ja’apar Ahmad Nazrin
Published: December 2020

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a relatively rare cardiac condition, in which the patient is usually asymptomatic. However, once this aneurysm ruptures, patients present with acute symptoms of heart failure. Timely surgical intervention is essential.

We present the case of a 27-year-old woman, who had a ruptured SVA with a ventricular septal defect (VSD). The patient collapsed before the emergency operation and needed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The patient required preoperative high inotoropic support and postoperative management was difficult because of multiple organ dysfunction. However, the patient recovered after using inhaled nitric oxide and veno-venous hemofiltration and tracheostomy, and was discharged with no further complications. To the best of our knowledge, no such case of a ruptured SVA with VSD, complicated by preoperative cardiac arrest and multiple organ dysfunction that culminated in a successful recovery, has been reported to date.
Comparison of Air Force, Army, and Navy Emergency Medical Technician Candidates’ Performance on the National Registry Cognitive Examination
Authors: Mercer Christopher B , Cash Rebecca E , Rivard Madison K , Chrzan Kirsten , Harper Stephen , Walrath Benjamin , Carmichael Jennie L , Panchal Ashish R
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Military medics function similarly to civilian emergency medical technicians (EMTs); however, they perform their emergency medical care in combat zones and military treatment facilities. Both civilian and military EMTs must take and pass the National Registry of EMT’s cognitive examination to be certified as a Nationally Registered EMT; however, there is a discrepancy in requirements for obtaining and maintaining National EMT Certification between the military branches of the DoD. In our study, we aimed to compare the performance of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), U.S. Army (USA), and U.S. Navy (USN) EMT candidates on the National EMT Certification cognitive examination from 2015 to 2017.

Materials and Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the National Registry of EMT’s database for the examination results of all military EMT candidates who attempted the National EMT Certification cognitive examination between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017. First and cumulative third attempt pass rates and cognitive performance from mean ability estimates (MAEs) on the examination were assessed. Descriptive statistics were calculated and comparisons between branches with regard to passing rates and MAEs were made using chi-square tests and ANOVA, respectively, at the alpha level of 0.05.

Results

During the 3-year study period, a total of 3,642 USAF, 14,050 USA, and 1,187 USN candidates attempted the cognitive examination one or more times. The USA candidates demonstrated the highest first attempt pass rates (2015: 78%; 2016: 78%; and 2017: 81%) followed by the USAF candidates (2015: 58%; 2016: 62%; and 2017: 64%) and the USN candidates (2015: 41%; 2016: 56%; and 2017: 62%). The cumulative third attempt pass rates followed a similar trend (e.g., USA: 2015: 94%; 2016: 95%; and 2017: 96%). These differences by branch were statistically significant for each year (P < .001). The overall test MAE scores also differed by branch, but only the USN candidates’ MAE scores differed by year. The USA candidates demonstrated the highest MAE from 2015 to 2017 (523) followed by the USAF (489) and the USN (464) candidates. The overall test MAE scores for the USN candidates improved over the study period (2015: 449; 2016: 475; and 2017: 479, P < .001).

Conclusion

Military EMT candidates had different performances on the EMT cognitive examination between branches. The USA candidates demonstrated higher pass rates and cognitive performance on the examination compared to their counterparts from the USAF and USN from 2015 to 2017. Further work should be directed at defining the cause of the differences in military EMT candidate performance and determining the characteristics that impact these differences.
Perforated Appendicitis: An Unintended Consequence During the Coronavirus-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wang Andrew W , Prieto James , Ikeda Daniel S , Lewis Paul R , Benzer Emily M , Van Gent Jan-Michael
Published: December 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had major clinical impact across the globe. Delayed presentation for medical emergencies has been noted by the medical community. There has been limited reporting on the impact for the care for emergent surgical conditions. We sought to describe the effect of the global pandemic on the presentation and outcomes for the most common urgent general surgery disease process, acute appendicitis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients admitted to the United States Naval Hospital Okinawa during the COVID-19 pandemic, from January 2020 to May 2020 (COVID cohort), and compared them to a historical cohort (pre-COVID cohort) over the prior 2 years. Demographics, clinical presentation data, and interventions were collected.

Results

Of the 80 patients with appendicitis, 20% presented perforated. Most patients were male (71%), presented with 1 day of symptoms and had a length of stay of 1 to 2 days. Comparing groups, 13% of the pre-COVID group vs. 31% of the COVID cohort presented perforated (P = .04), with a symptom duration of 1.6 vs. 2.7 days before presentation (P = .075), respectively.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic and the global systematic response has impacted unrelated medical and surgical conditions. At our overseas military hospital with minimal disease burden, we observed a delay in presentation for acute appendicitis with a higher incidence of perforation. Patients should be empowered to continue to seek care for urgent and emergent medical and surgical conditions so that they are not harmed by fear of COVID-19 rather than by COVID-19 itself.
Emerge: Empirical predictions of galaxy merger rates since z ∼ 6
Authors: O’Leary Joseph A , Moster Benjamin P , Naab Thorsten , Somerville Rachel S
Published: December 2020

We explore the galaxy-galaxy merger rate with the empirical model for galaxy formation, emerge. On average, we find that between 2 per cent and 20 per cent of massive galaxies (log10(m*/M⊙) ≥ 10.3) will experience a major merger per Gyr. Our model predicts galaxy merger rates that do not scale as a power-law with redshift when selected by descendant stellar mass, and exhibit a clear stellar mass and mass-ratio dependence. Specifically, major mergers are more frequent at high masses and at low redshift. We show mergers are significant for the stellar mass growth of galaxies log10(m*/M⊙) ≳ 11.0. For the most massive galaxies major mergers dominate the accreted mass fraction, contributing as much as 90 per cent of the total accreted stellar mass. We reinforce that these phenomena are a direct result of the stellar-to-halo mass relation, which results in massive galaxies having a higher likelihood of experiencing major mergers than low mass galaxies. Our model produces a galaxy pair fraction consistent with recent observations, exhibiting a form best described by a power-law exponential function. Translating these pair fractions into merger rates results in an inaccurate prediction compared to the model intrinsic values when using published observation timescales. We find the pair fraction can be well mapped to the intrinsic merger rate by adopting an observation timescale that decreases linearly with redshift as Tobs = −0.36(1 + z) + 2.39 [Gyr], assuming all observed pairs merge by z = 0.
Galaxy mass profiles from strong lensing III: The two-dimensional broken power-law model
Authors: O’Riordan C M , Warren S J , Mortlock D J
Published: December 2020

When modelling strong gravitational lenses, i.e., where there are multiple images of the same source, the most widely used parameterisation for the mass profile in the lens galaxy is the singular power-law model ρ(r)∝r−γ. This model may be insufficiently flexible for very accurate work, for example measuring the Hubble constant based on time delays between multiple images. Here we derive the lensing properties – deflection angle, shear, and magnification – of a more adaptable model where the projected mass surface density is parameterised as a continuous two-dimensional broken power-law (2DBPL). This elliptical 2DBPL model is characterised by power-law slopes t1, t2 either side of the break radius θB. The key to the 2DBPL model is the derivation of the lensing properties of the truncated power law (TPL) model, where the surface density is a power law out to the truncation radius θT and zero beyond. This TPL model is also useful by itself. We create mock observations of lensing by a TPL profile where the images form outside the truncation radius, so there is no mass in the annulus covered by the images. We then show that the slope of the profile interior to the images may be accurately recovered for lenses of moderate ellipticity. This demonstrates that the widely-held notion that lensing measures the slope of the mass profile in the annulus of the images, and is insensitive to the mass distribution at radii interior to the images, is incorrect.
Analysis of the IBEX-Lo interstellar hydrogen fluxes collected in 2009–2018 as a tool for sensing of the solar radiation pressure and the hydrogen ionization rate
Authors: Katushkina O A , Galli A , Izmodenov V V , Alexashov D B
Published: December 2020

The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) has been measuring interstellar hydrogen fluxes at 1 au since 2009. In this paper, we analysed all available data obtained with the IBEX-Lo instrument at energies 11–41 eV using our numerical kinetic model of the interstellar hydrogen distribution in the heliosphere. We performed a fitting of the data to find independently the model parameters: the ratio of the solar radiation pressure to the solar gravitation (μ0), ionization rate of hydrogen atoms at 1 au (β0), parameters of the secondary interstellar atoms at 70 au from the Sun, which provide the best agreement with the data by minimization of metric χ2. We also analysed temporal variations of the ratio of the fluxes measured in a fixed direction at energy bin 1 and energy bin 2. It is found that in 2009–2011 and 2017–2016 the ratio provided by the model is smaller than in the IBEX-Lo data, while in 2012–2015, oppositely, the model ratio is larger compared to the data. This might be caused by the incorrect separation of the measured fluxes between energy channels in the data, or by some additional physical factors that are omitted in the model. Understanding this issue may be important for the preparation of future Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe mission. At this stage, we relied on the sum of the fluxes measured in energy bins 1 and 2 for comparison to model predictions.
SDSS-IV MaNGA: galaxy gas-phase metallicity gradients vary across the mass–size plane
Authors: Boardman N F , Zasowski G , Newman J A , Sanchez S F , Schaefer A , Lian J , Bizyaev D , Drory N
Published: December 2020

Gas-phase abundances and abundance gradients provide much information on past stellar generations, and are powerful probes of how galaxies evolve. Gas abundance gradients in galaxies have been studied as functions of galaxies’ mass and size individually, but have largely not been considered across the galaxy mass–size plane. Thus, we investigate gas-phase abundance gradients across this plane, using a sample of over 1000 galaxies selected from the MApping Nearby Galaxies at APO (MaNGA) spectroscopic survey. We find that gradients vary systematically such that above 1010 M⊙, smaller galaxies display flatter gradients than larger galaxies at a given stellar mass. This mass–size behaviour cannot be explained by instrumental effects, nor is it simply a reflection of known trends between gradients and morphology. We explore multiple possibilities for a physical origin for this pattern, though further work is needed to establish a firm physical interpretation.
Measuring the distance to the black hole candidate X-ray binary MAXI J1348–630 using H i absorption
Authors: Chauhan J , Miller-Jones J C A , Raja W , Allison J R , Jacob P F L , Anderson G E , Carotenuto F , Corbel S , Fender R , Hotan A , Whiting M , Woudt P A , Koribalski B , Mahony E
Published: December 2020

We present neutral hydrogen (H i) absorption spectra of the black hole candidate X-ray binary (XRB) MAXI J1348–630 using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and MeerKAT. The ASKAP H i spectrum shows a maximum negative radial velocity (with respect to the local standard of rest) of −31 ± 4 km s−1 for MAXI J1348–630, as compared to −50 ± 4 km s−1 for a stacked spectrum of several nearby extragalactic sources. This implies a most probable distance of $2.2^{+0.5}_{-0.6}$ kpc for MAXI J1348–630, and a strong upper limit of the tangent point distance at 5.3 ± 0.1 kpc. Our preferred distance implies that MAXI J1348–630 reached 17 ± 10  per cent of the Eddington luminosity at the peak of its outburst, and that the source transited from the soft to the hard X-ray spectral state at 2.5 ± 1.5  per cent of the Eddington luminosity. The MeerKAT H i spectrum of MAXI J1348–630 (obtained from the older, low-resolution 4k mode) is consistent with the re-binned ASKAP spectrum, highlighting the potential of the eventual capabilities of MeerKAT for XRB spectral line studies.
Dynamics of TRF1 organizing a single human telomere
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Meijie , Zheng Wei , Huang Wei , Wang Zeyu , Jin Kairang , Liu Lin , Yu Zhongbo
Published: December 2020

Chromosome stability is primarily determined by telomere length. TRF1 is the core subunit of shelterin that plays a critical role in telomere organization and replication. However, the dynamics of TRF1 in scenarios of telomere-processing activities remain elusive. Using single-molecule magnetic tweezers, we here investigated the dynamics of TRF1 upon organizing a human telomere and the protein-DNA interactions at a moving telomeric fork. We first developed a method to obtain telomeres from human cells for directly measuring the telomere length by single-molecule force spectroscopy. Next, we examined the compaction and decompaction of a telomere by TRF1 dimers. TRF1 dissociates from a compacted telomere with heterogenous loops in ∼20 s. We also found a negative correlation between the number of telomeric loops and loop sizes. We further characterized the dynamics of TRF1 at a telomeric DNA fork. With binding energies of 11 kBT, TRF1 can modulate the forward and backward steps of DNA fork movements by 2–9 s at a critical force of F1/2, temporarily maintaining the telomeric fork open. Our results shed light on the mechanisms of how TRF1 organizes human telomeres and facilitates the efficient replication of telomeric DNA. Our work will help future research on the chemical biology of telomeres and shelterin-targeted drug discovery.
Nasal Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Carriage Among Foreign Workers Recruited to Taiwan From Southeastern Asian Countries
Authors: Chen Kuan-Hung , Chuang Wen-Ching , Wong Wang-Kin , Chuang Chih-Hsien , Chen Chih-Jung , Huang Yhu-Chering
Published: December 2020

Background

In 2012, we identified the dissemination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sequence type (ST)45 strain in 14 nursing homes in Taiwan and foreign nurse workers, a significant risk factor for MRSA carriage. We conducted this study to understand MRSA carriage and molecular characteristics among foreign workers recruited from Southeastern Asian countries.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving a total of 1935 foreign workers—929 (arrival group) and 1006 (staying group)—from Vietnam (n = 843), Indonesia (n = 780), the Philippines (n = 239), and Thailand (n = 70) were conveniently recruited during upon-arrival and regular health examination in a regional hospital. A nasal swab was obtained from each participant for detection of MRSA.

Results

Overall, MRSA carriage rate was 2.72%, with 2.26% for arrival group and 3.18% for staying group, and 4.74% for Vietnamese, 1.28% for Indonesians, 1.26% for Filipino, and none for Thai workers. Pulsotype AK/ST45 (57%) and pulsotype AX/ST188 (14%) were the top 2 dominant clones for the arrival group, whereas pulsotype D/ST59 (41%) (an endemic community clone in Taiwan) and pulsotype AK/ST45 (19%) were predominant for the staying group. A significant decrease of pulsotype AK/ST45 from 57% to 19% (P = .007) and increase of pulsotype D/ST59 from 4.8% to 41% (P = .004) were found between the arrival and the staying groups.

Conclusions

Approximately 3% of foreign workers recruited from Southeastern Asian countries to Taiwan were colonized with MRSA, including the ST45 strain. However, the MRSA isolates from workers staying in Taiwan were mostly a locally endemic clone and genetically different from those identified from workers on arrival.
Thymosin Alpha 1 Mitigates Cytokine Storm in Blood Cells From Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients
Authors: Matteucci Claudia , Minutolo Antonella , Balestrieri Emanuela , Petrone Vita , Fanelli Marialaura , Malagnino Vincenzo , Ianetta Marco , Giovinazzo Alessandro , Barreca Filippo , Di Cesare Silvia , De Marco Patrizia , Miele Martino Tony , Toschi Nicola , Mastino Antonio , Sinibaldi Vallebona Paola , Bernardini Sergio , Rogliani Paola , Sarmati Loredana , Andreoni Massimo , Grelli Sandro , Garaci Enrico
Published: December 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by immune-mediated lung injury and complex alterations of the immune system, such as lymphopenia and cytokine storm, that have been associated with adverse outcomes underlining a fundamental role of host response in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and the pathogenesis of the disease. Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is one of the molecules used in the management of COVID-19, because it is known to restore the homeostasis of the immune system during infections and cancer.

Methods

In this study, we captured the interconnected biological processes regulated by Tα1 in CD8+ T cells under inflammatory conditions.

Results

Genes associated with cytokine signaling and production were upregulated in blood cells from patients with COVID-19, and the ex vivo treatment with Tα1-mitigated cytokine expression, and inhibited lymphocyte activation in a CD8+ T-cell subset specifically.

Conclusion

These data suggest the potential role of Tα1 in modulating the immune response homeostasis and the cytokine storm in vivo.
Interactions between a planktivorous fish and planktonic microcrustaceans mediated by the biomass of aquatic macrophytes
Authors: Quirino Bárbara Angélio , Teixeira de Mello Franco , Deosti Sabrina , Bonecker Claudia Costa , Cardozo Ana Lúcia Paz , Yofukuji Katia Yasuko , Aleixo Matheus Henrique Ferreira , Fugi Rosemara
Published: December 2020

Habitat complexity is recognized to mediate predator–prey relationships by offering refuge or not. We investigated the availability of planktonic microcrustaceans and the diet of a planktivorous fish (Hyphessobrycon eques) at different levels (low, intermediate and high) of aquatic macrophyte biomass. Sampling was carried out in a river with low flow speed, located in a Neotropical floodplain. We collected fish and microcrustaceans in macrophyte stands with variations in biomass. There were no differences in microcrustacean density in the water among the levels of macrophyte biomass, but microcrustacean richness and diet composition of H. eques differed. Microcrustacean richness and trophic niche breadth of the planktivorous fish were higher in high biomass stands. There was high consumption of a small cladoceran species in low macrophyte biomass, which was replaced by larger species, such as copepods, in intermediate and high biomass. Thus, the selection of some species was different among the biomass levels. These results suggest that plant biomass plays an important role in the interaction between fish and microcrustaceans, and prey characteristics such as size, escape ability and energy value make them more or less subject to predation by fish according to habitat structuring.
Hydrozoans, scyphozoans, larvaceans and ctenophores observed in situ at hadal depths
Authors: Jamieson Alan J , Linley Thomas D
Published: December 2020

Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, Larvacea (Appendicularia) and Ctenophora are not typically associated with hadal communities. Here, we report observations of these groups based on 136 benthic camera lander deployments that spanned all five oceans, encompassing 14 deep sites, culminating in >1000 h of video in the near-bottom waters between 5000 and 10 925 m. Of the Hydrozoa, trachymedusae had a maximum depth of 9066 m in the Mariana Trench, narcomedusae were recorded to a maximum depth of 7220 m in the San Cristobal Trench and a single siphonophore was seen at 7888 m in the Mariana Trench. Scyphozoans were seen as deep as 6898 m in the New Hebrides Trench. The deepest ctenophore was seen at 6037 m in the Kermadec Trench. Larvaceans were seen in the Agulhas Fracture Zone and the Puerto Rico, Kermadec, South Shetland and Java trenches, with the deepest being 7176 m in the Java Trench. None of these groups were seen in the deep Arctic or Antarctic deeper than 6000 m. Narcomedusae, siphonophorae, Scyphozoa and Ctenophora appear very rare at hadal depths, while the larvaceans and trachymedusae appear to be relatively conspicuous in the benthopelagic at hadal depths.
Against the Doctrine of Infallibility
Authors: Willard-Kyle Christopher
Published: December 2020

According to the doctrine of infallibility, one is permitted to believe p if one knows that necessarily, one would be right if one believed that p. This plausible principle—made famous in Descartes’ cogito—is false. There are some self-fulfilling, higher-order propositions one can’t be wrong about but shouldn’t believe anyway: believing them would immediately make one's overall doxastic state worse.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Evidence from the Great East Japan Earthquake*
Authors: Carvalho Vasco M , Nirei Makoto , Saito Yukiko U , Tahbaz-Salehi Alireza
Published: December 2020

Exploiting the exogenous and regional nature of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, this article provides a quantification of the role of input-output linkages as a mechanism for the propagation and amplification of shocks. We document that the disruption caused by the disaster propagated upstream and downstream along supply chains, affecting the direct and indirect suppliers and customers of disaster-stricken firms. Using a general equilibrium model of production networks, we then obtain an estimate for the overall macroeconomic impact of the disaster by taking these propagation effects into account. We find that the earthquake and its aftermaths resulted in a 0.47 percentage point decline in Japan’s real GDP growth in the year following the disaster.
Real-world single centre use of JAK inhibitors across the rheumatoid arthritis pathway
Authors: Fitton John , Melville Andrew R , Emery Paul , Nam Jacqueline L , Buch Maya H
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To evaluate real-world efficacy of approved JAK inhibitors (JAKi) tofacitinib and baricitinib in a large, single-centre cohort of RA patients across the treatment pathway, including those refractory to multiple biologic drugs.

Methods

All RA patients, treated with tofacitinib (from time of compassionate access scheme) or baricitinib since approval in 2017 had DAS28-CRP scores and components recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months (with retrospective data for compassionate access scheme). Efficacy was evaluated in the total cohort, each treatment group, and subgroups of number of prior biologic classes failed.

Results

One hundred and fifteen patients were treated with a JAKi (tofacitinib 54, baricitinib 69, 8 both); 76.4% female; mean (s.d.) age 57.3 (14.3) years. On average patients had received three previous bDMARDs; 11 (9.6%) were bDMARD naïve. Combined group baseline DAS28-CRP (s.d.) 5.62(1.14) improved by 1.49(1.44) and 1.67(1.61) at 3 and 6 months, respectively, comparable in individual JAKi groups; with 24% in at least low disease activity at 3 months. The biggest improvement was observed in the biologic-naïve group (mean DAS28-CRP improved from 5.16–2.14 after 6 months); while those with prior exposure to minimum three bDMARD classes had DAS28-CRP improvement of >1.2. Five out of 8 patients treated with both JAKi sequentially responded. Twelve patients previously unresponsive to IL-6 blockade responded to JAKi. No unexpected safety events were recorded. Two cases of venous thromboembolism were observed.

Conclusion

JAK inhibition is effective in a real-world population of RA patients, including in a subset of patients refractory to multiple previous bDMARDs.
Class Inequality in Parental Childcare Time: Evidence from Synthetic Couples in the ATUS
Authors: LaBriola Joe , Schneider Daniel
Published: December 2020

The time that parents spend teaching and playing with their young children has important consequences for later life achievement and attainment. Previous research suggests that there are significant class inequalities in how much time parents devote to this kind of developmental childcare in the United States. Yet, due in part to data limitations, prior research has not accounted for how class inequalities in family structure, assortative mating, and specialization between partners may exacerbate or ameliorate these gaps. We match parental respondents within the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) to generate synthetic parental dyads, which we use to estimate, in turn, the contributions of family structure, assortative mating, and specialization to class gaps in parental time spent in developmental care of children aged 0–6. We find some evidence that accounting for class differences in family structure widens income gaps in total parental time in developmental childcare of young children. Further, we show that assortative mating of parents widens educational gaps in developmental childcare, whereas specialization between partners marginally widens these class divides. Although the net effect of these three processes on income-based gaps in childcare time is modest, accounting for these three processes more than doubles education-based gaps in total parental developmental childcare as compared to maternal time alone. Our findings from this novel empirical approach provide a more holistic view of the extent and sources of inequality in parental time investments in young children’s cognitive and social development.
Headship and Poverty in Africa
Authors: Brown Caitlin , van de Walle Dominique
Published: December 2020

Standard welfare comparisons between female-headed households (FHHs) and male-headed households (MHHs) have largely ignored two confounding factors: marital status (affecting access to assets and markets) and heterogeneity in household demographics (with bearing on economies of scale in consumption). Both influence welfare and are correlated with sex of headship. As judged by the usual per capita welfare measures, FHHs have lower poverty rates than MHHs in Africa. However, even a modest adjustment for economies of scale in consumption changes the poverty comparisons, with FHHs faring significantly worse overall in East, Central, and Southern Africa. Marital status also matters: the households of female heads are poorer than MHHs except when the female head is married. Taking the head's marital status and the household's demographics into account is critical to the association between female headship and welfare outcomes.