bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender, Ethnicity, and Circulation of Children: Domestic Service in the City of Buenos Aires in the Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries
Authors: Allemandi Cecilia L.
Published: March 2022

This article analyzes the characteristics of domestic service in the city of Buenos Aires at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, showing the importance it had in a porteño society undergoing profound societal transformation. It reconstructs the changes in the sociodemographic profile of the sector and investigates the living and working conditions therein. It describes how that particular labor market was structured. It shows that the complexity of the sector was not only due to the existence of different occupational categories, functions, and hiring conditions, but also to the coexistence of various remuneration concepts, “arrangements” in which work and family life were interwoven in a particular way. It explores domestic service in the light of phenomena such as immigration, urbanization, family dynamics and child-rearing practices, state assistance policies, and the social reproduction processes of the working classes.
Developing and piloting a context-specified ethics framework for health technology assessment: the South African Values and Ethics for Universal Health Coverage approach
Authors: Krubiner Carleigh B. , Barsdorf Nicola W. , Goldstein Susan J. , Mosam Atiya , Potgieter Sunita , DiStefano Michael J. , Tugendhaft Aviva , Merritt Maria W. , Li Ryan , Chalkidou Kalipso , Faden Ruth R. , Hofman Karen J.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

While ethics has been identified as a core component of health technology assessment (HTA), there are few examples of practical, systematic inclusion of ethics analysis in HTA. Some attribute the scarcity of ethics analysis in HTA to debates about appropriate methodology and the need for ethics frameworks that are relevant to local social values. The “South African Values and Ethics for Universal Health Coverage” (SAVE-UHC) project models an approach that countries can use to develop HTA ethics frameworks that are specific to their national contexts.

Methods

The SAVE-UHC approach consisted of two phases. In Phase I, the research team convened and facilitated a national multistakeholder working group to develop a provisional ethics framework through a collaborative, engagement-driven process. In Phase II, the research team refined the model framework by piloting it through three simulated HTA appraisal committee meetings. Each simulated committee reviewed two case studies of sample health interventions: opioid substitution therapy and either a novel contraceptive implant or seasonal influenza immunization for children under five.

Results

The methodology was fit-for-purpose, resulting in a context-specified ethics framework and producing relevant findings to inform application of the framework for the given HTA context.

Conclusions

The SAVE-UHC approach provides a model for developing, piloting, and refining an ethics framework for health priority-setting that is responsive to national social values. This approach also helps identify key facilitators and challenges for integrating ethics analysis into HTA processes.
A Technical Review of the ISPOR Presentations Database Identified Issues in the Search Interface and Areas for Future Development
Authors: Cooper Chris , Brown Anna , Court Rachel , Schauberger Ute
Published: March 2022

Objective

To undertake a technical review of the search interface of the ISPOR Presentations Database. By technical review, we mean an evaluation of the technical aspects of the search interface and functionality, which a user must navigate to complete a search.

Methods

A validated checklist (Bethel and Rogers, 2014, Health Info Libr J, 31, 43-53) was used to identify where the interface performed well, where the interface was adequate, where the interface performed poorly, where functionality available in core biomedical bibliographic databases does not exist in the ISPOR database, and to establish a list of any issues arising during the review. Two researchers independently undertook the technical review in October 2021.

Results

The ISPOR database scored 35 of a possible 165 (27/111 essential criteria and 8/54 desirable criteria). Two issues arising were identified, both of which will cause searchers to miss potentially eligible abstracts: (i) that search terms, which include * or ? as truncation or wildcard symbols should not be capitalized (e.g., cost* not Cost*; organi?ation not Organi?ation) and (ii) that quotation marks should be straight sided in phrase searching (e.g., “cost analyses” not “cost analyses”).

Conclusions

The ISPOR database is a promising and free database to identify abstracts/posters presented at ISPOR. We summarize two key issues arising, and we set out proposed changes to the search interface, including: adding the ability to export abstracts to a bibliographic tool, exporting search strategies, adding a researcher account, and updating the help guide. All suggestions will further improve this helpful database.
The multidimensionality of second language oral fluency: Interfacing cognitive fluency and utterance fluency
Authors: Suzuki Shungo , Kormos Judit
Published: March 2022

The current study examined the extent to which cognitive fluency (CF) contributes to utterance fluency (UF) at the level of constructs. A total of 128 Japanese-speaking learners of English completed four speaking tasks—argumentative task, picture narrative task, reading-to-speaking task, and reading-while-listening-to-speaking task—and a battery of linguistic knowledge tests, capturing vocabulary size, lexical retrieval speed, sentence construction skills, grammaticality judgments, and articulatory speed. Their speaking performance was analyzed in terms of speed, breakdown, and repair fluency (i.e., UF), and scores on linguistic knowledge tests were used to assess students’ L2 linguistic resources and processing skills (i.e., CF). Structural equation modeling revealed a complex interplay between the multidimensionality of CF and UF and speaking task types. L2 processing speed consistently contributed to all aspects of UF across speaking tasks, whereas the role of linguistic resources in speed and repair fluency varied, depending on task characteristics.
Attention, identity and linguistic capital: inverted style-shifting in Anglo-Cornish dialect lexis
Authors: SANDOW RHYS J.
Published: March 2022

While stylistic variation in attention-based models has been foundational to sociolinguistic theory (Labov 1972a; Trudgill 1974), other studies (e.g. Coupland 1985; Eckert 1989; Drummond 2018; Snell 2018) conceptualise style as a resource used in the context of identity construction. I synthesise these two approaches to sociolinguistic style and consider social meaning in the context of variable attentional load. Informed by a study of lexical variation in Cornwall, I account for an inverted style pattern with recourse to local identity, social meaning and language ideology. In doing so, I introduce an attention-to-self model of style. This model posits that when speakers pay greater attention-to-self, they closer approximate a desired self, a target identity that they aspire to embody. For example, when speakers subvert the standard language ideology, their stylistic target may not be ‘educated’ or ‘posh’, but ‘local’. In such cases, careful speech styles can be conducive to the production of local dialect forms as a performance of identity. I propose that the stylisation of local identity in careful speech styles in Cornwall should be interpreted in the context of an alternative linguistic market, a Cornish micro-market, which subverts the value system of the dominant linguistic market.
Characterization of English and Spanish language proficiency among middle school English learners with reading difficulties
Authors: Macdonald Kelly T. , Francis David J. , Hernandez Arturo E. , Castilla-Earls Anny P. , Cirino Paul T.
Published: March 2022

Among bilinguals, language-related variables such as first and second language proficiency and balance may be related to important cognitive and academic outcomes, but approaches to characterizing these variables are inconsistent, particularly among at-risk samples of children. The current study employed comprehensive language assessment of English and Spanish language skills and contrasted various approaches to the characterization of language among at-risk ELs in middle school (N = 161). Specifically, we contrasted variable-centered and person-centered approaches, and convergence between objective and self-report measures. Findings support a two-factor structure of English and Spanish language skills in this population, three profiles of students (balanced, moderately unbalanced-higher Spanish, and very unbalanced-higher English), convergence between variable-centered and person-centered approaches, and mixed support for subjective indices of usage. Results provide a foundation from which to examine the roles of L1 and L2 proficiency as well as balance in important cognitive and academic outcomes in this at-risk and understudied population.
-ALGEBRAS FROM GROUP REPRESENTATIONS
Authors: DEACONU VALENTIN
Published: March 2022

We introduce certain$C^*$-algebras andk-graphs associated tokfinite-dimensional unitary representations$\rho _1,\ldots ,\rho _k$of a compact groupG. We define a higher rank Doplicher-Roberts algebra$\mathcal {O}_{\rho _1,\ldots ,\rho _k}$, constructed from intertwiners of tensor powers of these representations. Under certain conditions, we show that this$C^*$-algebra is isomorphic to a corner in the$C^*$-algebra of a row-finite rankkgraph$\Lambda $with no sources. ForGfinite and$\rho _i$faithful of dimension at least two, this graph is irreducible, it has vertices$\hat {G}$and the edges are determined bykcommuting matrices obtained from the character table of the group. We illustrate this with some examples when$\mathcal {O}_{\rho _1,\ldots ,\rho _k}$is simple and purely infinite, and with someK-theory computations.
Infusing Context Into Emotion Perception Impacts Emotion Decoding Accuracy
Authors: Hess Ursula , Kafetsios Konstantinos
Published: March 2022

Abstract. The accurate decoding of facial emotion expressions lies at the center of many research traditions in psychology. Much of this research, while paying lip service to the importance of context in emotion perception, has used stimuli that were carefully created to be deprived of contextual information. The participants' task is to associate the expression shown in the face with a correct label, essentially changing a social perception task into a cognitive task. In fact, in many cases, the task can be carried out correctly without engaging emotion recognition at all. The present article argues that infusing context in emotion perception does not only add an additional source of information but changes the way that participants approach the task by rendering it a social perception task rather than a cognitive task. Importantly, distinguishing between accuracy (perceiving the intended emotions) and bias (perceiving additional emotions to those intended) leads to a more nuanced understanding of social emotion perception. Results from several studies that use the Assessment of Contextual Emotions demonstrate the significance and social functionality of simultaneously considering emotion decoding accuracy and bias for social interaction in different cultures, their key personality and societal correlates, and their function for close relationships processes.
Giving parents support: a randomized trial of peer support for parents after NICU discharge
Authors: Fratantoni Karen , Soghier Lamia , Kritikos Katherine , Jacangelo Juliana , Herrera Nicole , Tuchman Lisa , Glass Penny , Streisand Randi , Jacobs Marni
Published: March 2022

Background

Peer support during inpatient hospitalization has been recommended for NICU parents and can improve maternal mental health. Less is known about the impact of peer support after NICU discharge on parental mental health and infant healthcare utilization.

Methods

Three hundred families of infants approaching discharge from a Level IV NICU were randomized to receive a care notebook (control) or care notebook plus peer support for 12 months (intervention). Participants reported on measures of stress, depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and infant healthcare utilization. Analysis compared outcomes between control and treatment groups.

Results

Parental depression, anxiety, stress, and self-efficacy improved significantly for all participants, yet there were no differences between control and intervention groups. Infant ED visits, hospitalizations, immunization status, and developmental status at 12 months did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Peer support after NICU discharge did not improve self-reported parental mental health measures or infant healthcare utilization.

Clinical trial registration

NCT02643472.
Long term genitourinary toxicity following curative intent intensity-modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: David Rowan , Buckby Alex , Kahokehr Arman A. , Lee Jason , Watson David I. , Leung John , O’Callaghan Michael E.
Published: March 2022

Background

Recent studies have shown that radiation-induced pelvic toxicity often requires urological consultation. However, the 10-year incidence of genitourinary toxicity following intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) amongst patients with localised prostate cancer remains unclear. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the incidence of late genitourinary toxicity relying on Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade as well as the incidence of specific genitourinary toxicity. Secondary objectives involved quantifing the number of studies reporting 120-month follow-up endpoints, time to event analysis, predictive factors or economic evaluation.

Methods

Articles published from January 2008 to December 2021 describing prospective studies were systematically searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane (PROSPERO protocol CRD42019133320). Quality assessment was performed by use of the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 Tool for RCTs and the Newcastle Ottowa Scale for non-RCTs. Meta-analysis was performed on the 60-month incidence of RTOG and CTCAE Grade ≥2 genitourinary toxicity, haematuria, urinary retention and urinary incontinence.

Results

We screened 4721 studies and six studies met our inclusion criteria. All included studies involved normofractionation, three included a hypofractionation comparator arm and none involved nodal irradiation. The pooled 60-month cumulative incidence of RTOG and CTCAE Grade ≥2 genitourinary toxicity were 17% (95% CI: 5–20%,n = 678) and 33% (95% CI: 27–38%,n = 153), respectively. The pooled 60-month cumulative incidence of Haematuria was 5% (95% CI: −4–14%,n = 48), Urinary incontinence 12% (95% CI: 6–18%,n = 194), Urinary retention 24% (95% CI: 9–40%,n = 10). One study reported time to event analyses, one reported predictive factors, no studies reported economic analysis or 120-month toxicity. There was considerable heterogeneity amongst the studies.

Conclusion

There are few high-quality studies reporting 60-month toxicity rates after IMRT. Conservative estimates of 60-month toxicity rates are high and there is need for longer follow-up and consistent toxicity reporting standards.
Clinical utility of PDX cohorts to reveal biomarkers of intrinsic resistance and clonal architecture changes underlying acquired resistance to cetuximab in HNSCC
Authors: Yao Yanli , Wang Yujue , Chen Lan , Tian Zhen , Yang Guizhu , Wang Rui , Wang Chong , Wu Qi , Wu Yaping , Gao Jiamin , Kang Xindan , Duan Shengzhong , Zhang Zhiyuan , Sun Shuyang
Published: March 2022

Cetuximab is a widely used drug for treating head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs); however, it provides restricted clinical benefits, and its response duration is limited by drug resistance. Here, we conducted randomized “Phase II-like clinical trials” of 49 HNSCC PDX models and reveal multiple informative biomarkers for intrinsic resistance to cetuximab (e.g., amplification of ANKH, up-regulation of PARP3). After validating these intrinsic resistance biomarkers in another HNSCC PDX cohort (61 PDX models), we generated acquired cetuximab resistance PDX models and analyzed them to uncover resistance mechanisms. Whole exome sequencing and transcriptome sequencing revealed diverse patterns of clonal selection in acquired resistant PDXs, including the emergence of subclones with strongly activated RAS/MAPK. Extending these insights, we show that a combination of a RAC1/RAC3 dual-target inhibitor and cetuximab could overcome acquired cetuximab resistance in vitro and in vivo. Beyond revealing intrinsic resistance biomarkers, our PDX-based study shows how clonal architecture changes underlying acquired resistance can be targeted to expand the therapeutic utility of this important drug to more HNSCC patients.
Inhibition of the ISR abrogates mGluR5-dependent long-term depression and spatial memory deficits in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Hu Zhengtao , Yu Pengpeng , Zhang Yangyang , Yang Yin , Zhu Manyi , Qin Shuangying , Xu Ji-Tian , Duan Dongxiao , Wu Yong , Wang Deguo , Rowan Michael J. , Hu Neng-Wei
Published: March 2022

Soluble amyloid-β-protein (Aβ) oligomers, a major hallmark of AD, trigger the integrated stress response (ISR) via multiple pathologies including neuronal hyperactivation, microvascular hypoxia, and neuroinflammation. Increasing eIF2α phosphorylation, the core event of ISR, facilitates metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-dependent long-term depression (LTD), and suppressing its phosphorylation has the opposite effect. Having found the facilitation of mGluR5-LTD by Aβ in live rats, we wondered if suppressing eIF2α phosphorylation cascade would protect against the synaptic plasticity and cognitive disrupting effects of Aβ. We demonstrate here that the facilitation of mGluR5-LTD in a delayed rat model by single i.c.v. injection of synthetic Aβ1–42. Systemic administration of the small-molecule inhibitor of the ISR called ISRIB (trans-isomer) prevents Aβ-facilitated LTD and abrogates spatial learning and memory deficits in the hippocampus in exogenous synthetic Aβ-injected rats. Moreover, ex vivo evidence indicates that ISRIB normalizes protein synthesis in the hippocampus. Targeting the ISR by suppressing the eIF2α phosphorylation cascade with the eIF2B activator ISRIB may provide protective effects against the synaptic and cognitive disruptive effects of Aβ which likely mediate the early stage of sporadic AD.
Receiving results of uncertain clinical relevance from population genetic screening: systematic review & meta-synthesis of qualitative research
Authors: Johnson Faye , Ulph Fiona , MacLeod Rhona , Southern Kevin W.
Published: March 2022

Genetic screening can be hugely beneficial, yet its expansion poses clinical and ethical challenges due to results of uncertain clinical relevance (such as ‘cystic fibrosis screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis’/CFSPID). This review systematically identifies, appraises, and synthesises the qualitative research on experiences of receiving results of uncertain clinical relevance from population genetic screening. Eight databases were systematically searched for original qualitative research using the SPIDER framework, and checked against inclusion criteria by the research team and an independent researcher. Nine papers were included (from USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand). PRISMA, ENTREQ, and EMERGE guidance were used to report. Quality was appraised using criteria for qualitative research. All papers focused on parental responses to uncertain results from newborn screening. Data were synthesised using meta-ethnography and first- and second-order constructs. Findings suggest that results of uncertain clinical relevance are often experienced in the same way as a ‘full-blown’ diagnosis. This has significant emotional and behavioural impact, for example adoption of lifestyle-altering disease-focused behaviours. Analysis suggests this may be due to the results not fitting a common medical model, leading recipients to interpret the significance of the result maladaptively. Findings suggest scope for professionals to negotiate and reframe uncertain screening results. Clearer initial communication is needed to reassure recipients there is no immediate severe health risk from these types of results. Public understanding of an appropriate medical model, that accounts for uncertain genetic screening results in a non-threatening way, may be key to maximising the benefits of genomic medicine and minimising potential psychological harm.
On the genetic architecture of rapidly adapting and convergent life history traits in guppies
Authors: Whiting James R. , Paris Josephine R. , Parsons Paul J. , Matthews Sophie , Reynoso Yuridia , Hughes Kimberly A. , Reznick David , Fraser Bonnie A.
Published: March 2022

The genetic basis of traits shapes and constrains how adaptation proceeds in nature; rapid adaptation can proceed using stores of polygenic standing genetic variation or hard selective sweeps, and increasing polygenicity fuels genetic redundancy, reducing gene re-use (genetic convergence). Guppy life history traits evolve rapidly and convergently among natural high- and low-predation environments in northern Trinidad. This system has been studied extensively at the phenotypic level, but little is known about the underlying genetic architecture. Here, we use four independent F2 QTL crosses to examine the genetic basis of seven (five female, two male) guppy life history phenotypes and discuss how these genetic architectures may facilitate or constrain rapid adaptation and convergence. We use RAD-sequencing data (16,539 SNPs) from 370 male and 267 female F2 individuals. We perform linkage mapping, estimates of genome-wide and per-chromosome heritability (multi-locus associations), and QTL mapping (single-locus associations). Our results are consistent with architectures of many loci of small-effect for male age and size at maturity and female interbrood period. Male trait associations are clustered on specific chromosomes, but female interbrood period exhibits a weak genome-wide signal suggesting a potentially highly polygenic component. Offspring weight and female size at maturity are also associated with a single significant QTL each. These results suggest rapid, repeatable phenotypic evolution of guppies may be facilitated by polygenic trait architectures, but subsequent genetic redundancy may limit gene re-use across populations, in agreement with an absence of strong signatures of genetic convergence from recent analyses of wild guppies.
Controlling blood pressure soon after intracerebral hemorrhage: The SAMURAI-ICH Study and its successors
Authors: Toyoda Kazunori , Koga Masatoshi ,   as the SAMURAI Investigators
Published: March 2022

The impact of acute therapy for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) lags far behind that for acute ischemic stroke. Intensive blood pressure lowering is a promising therapeutic strategy for acute ICH, especially for East Asian patients whose etiological mechanism is more commonly hypertension than that of patients in the Western population. A multicenter, prospective, observational study named the Stroke Acute Management with Urgent Risk-factor Assessment and Improvement-IntraCerebral Hemorrhage (SAMURAI-ICH) study, involving 211 patients from ten Japanese stroke centers, was performed to elucidate the safety and feasibility of blood pressure lowering to 160 mmHg or less in acute ICH patients using intravenous nicardipine. When we started the study, intravenous nicardipine was not officially approved for hyperacute ICH patients in Japan. The SAMURAI-ICH study was also a pilot study to judge the feasibility of participation by many Japanese investigators in an international, randomized, controlled trial named the Antihypertensive Treatment of Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage (ATACH)−2 trial. The SAMURAI-ICH study, ATACH-2 trial, and their combined individual participant data meta-analysis produced several new interesting findings on how to control blood pressure levels in acute ICH patients. Some of the findings are introduced in the present review article.
Ancient genomes from the Himalayas illuminate the genetic history of Tibetans and their Tibeto-Burman speaking neighbors
Authors: Liu Chi-Chun , Witonsky David , Gosling Anna , Lee Ju Hyeon , Ringbauer Harald , Hagan Richard , Patel Nisha , Stahl Raphaela , Novembre John , Aldenderfer Mark , Warinner Christina , Di Rienzo Anna , Jeong Choongwon
Published: March 2022

Present-day Tibetans have adapted both genetically and culturally to the high altitude environment of the Tibetan Plateau, but fundamental questions about their origins remain unanswered. Recent archaeological and genetic research suggests the presence of an early population on the Plateau within the past 40 thousand years, followed by the arrival of subsequent groups within the past 10 thousand years. Here, we obtain new genome-wide data for 33 ancient individuals from high elevation sites on the southern fringe of the Tibetan Plateau in Nepal, who we show are most closely related to present-day Tibetans. They derive most of their ancestry from groups related to Late Neolithic populations at the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau but also harbor a minor genetic component from a distinct and deep Paleolithic Eurasian ancestry. In contrast to their Tibetan neighbors, present-day non-Tibetan Tibeto-Burman speakers living at mid-elevations along the southern and eastern margins of the Plateau form a genetic cline that reflects a distinct genetic history. Finally, a comparison between ancient and present-day highlanders confirms ongoing positive selection of high altitude adaptive alleles.
A SNP of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) enhances an aroma (2-acetyl-1-pyrroline) in sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) and ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula)
Authors: Saensuk Chatree , Ruangnam Saowalak , Pitaloka Mutiara K. , Dumhai Reajina , Mahatheeranont Sugunya , de Hoop Simon Jan , Balatero Conrado , Riangwong Kanamon , Ruanjaichon Vinitchan , Toojinda Theerayut , Vanavichit Apichart , Wanchana Samart , Arikit Siwaret
Published: March 2022

Luffa is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) and ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) are two important species of the genus Luffa and are good sources of human nutrition and herbal medicines. As a vegetable, aromatic luffa is more preferred by consumers than nonaromatic luffa. While the aroma trait is present in the sponge gourd, the trait is not present in the ridge gourd. In this study, we identified Luffa cylindrica’s betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (LcBADH) as a gene associated with aroma in the sponge gourd based on a de novo assembly of public transcriptome data. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP: A > G) was identified in exon 5 of LcBADH, causing an amino acid change from tyrosine to cysteine at position 163, which is important for the formation of the substrate binding pocket of the BADH enzyme. Based on the identified SNP, a TaqMan marker, named AroLuff, was developed and validated in 370 F2 progenies of the sponge gourd. The marker genotypes were perfectly associated with the aroma phenotypes, and the segregation ratios supported Mendelian’s simple recessive inheritance. In addition, we demonstrated the use of the AroLuff marker in the introgression of LcBADH from the aromatic sponge gourd to the ridge gourd to improve aroma through interspecific hybridization. The marker proved to be useful in improving the aroma characteristics of both Luffa species.
Potential seismic precursors and surficial dynamics of a deadly Himalayan disaster: an early warning approach
Authors: Tiwari Anil , Sain Kalachand , Kumar Amit , Tiwari Jyoti , Paul Ajay , Kumar Naresh , Haldar Chinmay , Kumar Sushil , Pandey Chhavi P
Published: March 2022

On 7 February 2021, Chamoli district (Uttarakhand, India) was devastated by a deadly rock-ice avalanche that led to a large causality of more than 200 people and a huge economic loss. We found noteworthy sequence of precursory signals of main failure/detachment preceded by a dynamic nucleation phase. The rock-ice avalanche appears to have been initiated by seismic precursors which were continuously active for 2:30 h prior to main detachment. The seismic amplitude, frequency characteristics and signal-to-noise ratio variation of detected tremors indicate static to dynamic changes in nucleation phase located at the source of detached wedge. The characteristics of seismic data distinguished debris flow and hitting obstacles from other seismic sources and allowed the estimations of debris flow speed. We analyzed and verified the seismic signals with field evidences to estimate the associated impacts and velocity of dynamic flow. The proximal high-quality seismic data allowed us to reconstruct the complete chronological sequence and evaluate impacts since the initiation of nucleation phase to its advancement. Furthermore, we suggest that real-time seismic monitoring with existing network and future deployment of integrated dense network can be used for forecasting of flow events and hazard mitigation in the downstream.
Trust in scientific information mediates associations between conservatism and coronavirus responses in the U.S., but few other nations
Authors: McLamore Quinnehtukqut , Syropoulos Stylianos , Leidner Bernhard , Hirschberger Gilad , Young Kevin , Zein Rizqy Amelia , Baumert Anna , Bilewicz Michal , Bilgen Arda , van Bezouw Maarten J. , Chatard Armand , Chekroun Peggy , Chinchilla Juana , Choi Hoon-Seok , Euh Hyun , Gomez Angel , Kardos Peter , Khoo Ying Hooi , Li Mengyao , Légal Jean-Baptiste , Loughnan Steve , Mari Silvia , Tan-Mansukhani Roseann , Muldoon Orla , Noor Masi , Paladino Maria Paola , Petrović Nebojša , Selvanathan Hema Preya , Uluğ Özden Melis , Wohl Michael J. , Yeung Wai Lan Victoria , Burrows B.
Published: March 2022

U.S.-based research suggests conservatism is linked with less concern about contracting coronavirus and less preventative behaviors to avoid infection. Here, we investigate whether these tendencies are partly attributable to distrust in scientific information, and evaluate whether they generalize outside the U.S., using public data and recruited representative samples across three studies (Ntotal = 34,710). In Studies 1 and 2, we examine these relationships in the U.S., yielding converging evidence for a sequential indirect effect of conservatism on compliance through scientific (dis)trust and infection concern. In Study 3, we compare these relationships across 19 distinct countries. Although the relationships between trust in scientific information about the coronavirus, concern about coronavirus infection, and compliance are consistent cross-nationally, the relationships between conservatism and trust in scientific information are not. These relationships are strongest in North America. Consequently, the indirect effects observed in Studies 1–2 only replicate in North America (the U.S. and Canada) and in Indonesia. Study 3 also found parallel direct and indirect effects on support for lockdown restrictions. These associations suggest not only that relationships between conservatism and compliance are not universal, but localized to particular countries where conservatism is more strongly related to trust in scientific information about the coronavirus pandemic.
Collection of 2429 constrained headshots of 277 volunteers for deep learning
Authors: Aoto Saki , Hangai Mayumi , Ueno-Yokohata Hitomi , Ueda Aki , Igarashi Maki , Ito Yoshikazu , Tsukamoto Motoko , Jinno Tomoko , Sakamoto Mika , Okazaki Yuka , Hasegawa Fuyuki , Ogata-Kawata Hiroko , Namura Saki , Kojima Kazuaki , Kikuya Masao , Matsubara Keiko , Taniguchi Kosuke , Okamura Kohji
Published: March 2022

Deep learning has rapidly been filtrating many aspects of human lives. In particular, image recognition by convolutional neural networks has inspired numerous studies in this area. Hardware and software technologies as well as large quantities of data have contributed to the drastic development of the field. However, the application of deep learning is often hindered by the need for big data and the laborious manual annotation thereof. To experience deep learning using the data compiled by us, we collected 2429 constrained headshot images of 277 volunteers. The collection of face photographs is challenging in terms of protecting personal information; we therefore established an online procedure in which both the informed consent and image data could be obtained. We did not collect personal information, but issued agreement numbers to deal with withdrawal requests. Gender and smile labels were manually and subjectively annotated only from the appearances, and final labels were determined by majority among our team members. Rotated, trimmed, resolution-reduced, decolorized, and matrix-formed data were allowed to be publicly released. Moreover, simplified feature vectors for data sciences were released. We performed gender and smile recognition by building convolutional neural networks based on the Inception V3 model with pre-trained ImageNet data to demonstrate the usefulness of our dataset.
Machine learning potential for interacting dislocations in the presence of free surfaces
Authors: Lanzoni Daniele , Rovaris Fabrizio , Montalenti Francesco
Published: March 2022

Computing the total energy of a system of N interacting dislocations in the presence of arbitrary free surfaces is a difficult task, requiring Finite Element (FE) numerical calculations. Worst, high accuracy requires very fine meshes in the proximity of each dislocation core. Here we show that FE calculations can be conveniently replaced by a Machine Learning (ML) approach. After formulating the elastic problem in terms of one and two-body terms only, we use Sobolev training to obtain consistent information on both energy and forces, fitted using a feed-forward neural network (NN) architecture. As an example, we apply the proposed methodology to corrugated, heteroepitaxial semiconductor films, searching for the minimum-energy dislocation distributions by using Monte Carlo. Importantly, the presence of an interaction cutoff allows for the application of the method to systems of different sizes without the need to repeat training. Millions of energy evaluations are performed, a task which would have been impossible by brute-force FE calculations. Finally, we show how forces can be exploited in running 2D ML-based dislocation dynamics simulations.
Solvent Front Position Extraction and some conventional sample preparation techniques for the determination of coccidiostats in poultry feed by LC–MS/MS
Authors: Rybicki Maciej Jan , Becue Ilse , Daeseleire Els , Klimek-Turek Anna , Dzido Tadeusz Henryk
Published: March 2022

Solvent Front Position Extraction is a novel technique developed for effective sample preparation of biological samples containing coccidiostats prior to LC–MS/MS. In this study the technique was used for isolation and determination of seven coccidiostats, from both main groups being: ionophores and chemical coccidiostats. Its effectiveness was evaluated by comparing with other sample preparation procedures, used in European routine laboratories. Results obtained by Solvent Front Position Extraction were very satisfactory (linearity R2 ≥ 0.971, recovery 90.1–111.1%, RSDr: 8.7–16.6%, RSDR: 9.0–17.7%) and fulfilled requirements described in Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/808 of 22 March 2021, which showed great potential of the technique in sample preparation of coccidiostats in poultry feed.
Free-breathing gradient recalled echo-based CMR in a swine heart failure model
Authors: Morris Craig C. , Ref Jacob , Acharya Satya , Johnson Kevin J. , Squire Scott , Acharya Tuschar , Dennis Tyler , Daugherty Sherry , McArthur Alice , Chinyere Ikeotunye Royal , Koevary Jen Watson , Hare Joshua M. , Lancaster Jordan J. , Goldman Steven , Avery Ryan
Published: March 2022

In swine models, there are well-established protocols for creating a closed-chest myocardial infarction (MI) as well as protocols for characterization of cardiac function with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). This methods manuscript outlines a novel technique in CMR data acquisition utilizing smart-signal gradient recalled echo (GRE)-based array sequences in a free-breathing swine heart failure model allowing for both high spatial and temporal resolution imaging. Nine male Yucatan mini swine weighing 48.7 ± 1.6 kg at 58.2 ± 3.1 weeks old underwent the outlined imaging protocol before and 1-month after undergoing closed chest left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion/reperfusion. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at baseline was 59.3 ± 2.4% and decreased to 48.1 ± 3.7% 1-month post MI (P = 0.029). The average end-diastolic volume (EDV) at baseline was 55.2 ± 1.7 ml and increased to 74.2 ± 4.2 ml at 1-month post MI (P = 0.001). The resulting images from this novel technique and post-imaging analysis are presented and discussed. In a Yucatan swine model of heart failure via closed chest left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion/reperfusion, we found that CMR with GRE-based array sequences produced clinical-grade images with high spatial and temporal resolution in the free-breathing setting.
Intranasal delivery of inactivated PRRSV loaded cationic nanoparticles coupled with enterotoxin subunit B induces PRRSV-specific immune responses in pigs
Authors: Chaikhumwang Puwich , Madapong Adthakorn , Saeng-chuto Kepalee , Nilubol Dachrit , Tantituvanont Angkana
Published: March 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate the induction of systemic and mucosal immune responses and protective efficacy following the intranasal administration of inactivated porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) loaded in polylactic acid (PLA) nanoparticles coupled with heat-labile enterotoxin subunit B (LTB) and dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDA). Here, 42- to 3-week-old PRRSV-free pigs were randomly allocated into 7 groups of 6 pigs each. Two groups represented the negative (nonvaccinated pigs/nonchallenged pigs, NoVacNoChal) and challenge (nonvaccinated/challenged, NoVacChal) controls. The pigs in the other 5 groups, namely, PLA nanoparticles/challenged (blank NPs), LTB-DDA coupled with PLA nanoparticles/challenged (adjuvant-blank NPs), PLA nanoparticles-encapsulating inactivated PRRSV/challenged (KNPs), LTB-DDA coupled with PLA nanoparticles loaded with inactivated PRRSV/challenged pigs (adjuvant-KNPs) and inactivated PRRSV/challenged pigs (inactivated PRRSV), were intranasally vaccinated with previously described vaccines at 0, 7 and 14 days post-vaccination (DPV). Serum and nasal swab samples were collected weekly and assayed by ELISA to detect the presence of IgG and IgA, respectively. Viral neutralizing titer (VNT) in sera, IFN-γ-producing cells and IL-10 secretion in stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were also measured. The pigs were intranasally challenged with PRRSV-2 at 28 DPV and necropsied at 35 DPV, and then macro- and microscopic lung lesions were evaluated. The results demonstrated that following vaccination, adjuvant-KNP-vaccinated pigs had significantly higher levels of IFN-γ-producing cells, VNT and IgG in sera, and IgA in nasal swab samples and significantly lower IL-10 levels than the other vaccinated groups. Following challenge, the adjuvant-KNP-vaccinated pigs had significantly lower PRRSV RNA and macro- and microscopic lung lesions than the other vaccinated groups. In conclusion, the results of the study demonstrated that adjuvant-KNPs are effective in eliciting immune responses against PRRSV and protecting against PRRSV infections over KNPs and inactivated PRRSV and can be used as an adjuvant for intranasal PRRSV vaccines.
Efficient prediction of a spatial transcriptomics profile better characterizes breast cancer tissue sections without costly experimentation
Authors: Monjo Taku , Koido Masaru , Nagasawa Satoi , Suzuki Yutaka , Kamatani Yoichiro
Published: March 2022

Spatial transcriptomics is an emerging technology requiring costly reagents and considerable skills, limiting the identification of transcriptional markers related to histology. Here, we show that predicted spatial gene-expression in unmeasured regions and tissues can enhance biologists’ histological interpretations. We developed the Deep learning model for Spatial gene Clusters and Expression, DeepSpaCE, and confirmed its performance using the spatial-transcriptome profiles and immunohistochemistry images of consecutive human breast cancer tissue sections. For example, the predicted expression patterns of SPARC, an invasion marker, highlighted a small tumor-invasion region difficult to identify using raw spatial transcriptome data alone because of a lack of measurements. We further developed semi-supervised DeepSpaCE using unlabeled histology images and increased the imputation accuracy of consecutive sections, enhancing applicability for a small sample size. Our method enables users to derive hidden histological characters via spatial transcriptome and gene annotations, leading to accelerated biological discoveries without additional experiments.
Comparison of depressive symptoms and inflammation between sexual minorities and heterosexuals using NHANES study of 8538 participants
Authors: Mann Amandeep , Chan Ava , Rohatgi Atharva , Caesar Michelle Ann , Obedin-Maliver Juno , Kapp Daniel S.
Published: March 2022

The present study aims to compare the rate of depressive symptoms and inflammation levels between sexual minorities and heterosexuals. Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2010. Depressive-related symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scoring system. C-reactive protein was analyzed with the Behring Nephelometer. Of 8538 participants, 95.8% self-reported as heterosexual and 4.2% as sexual minority. Depressive symptoms were reported in 7.1% of heterosexuals compared to 15.8% in sexual minorities (P = 0.001). In heterosexuals, C-reactive protein was higher in those with depressive symptoms compared to those without (P < 0.001). In sexual minorities, similar results were found, however, it was statistically insignificant. The intersection group of black sexual minority females reported the highest rate of depressive symptoms at 33.4%. We found that depressive symptoms were higher in sexual minorities compared to heterosexuals. Furthermore, systemic inflammation was highest in the intersection group of black sexual minority females.
Differential location of NKT and MAIT cells within lymphoid tissue
Authors: Johnson Darryl N. , Ruan Zheng , Petley Emma V. , Devi Sapna , Holz Lauren E. , Uldrich Adam P. , Mak Jeffrey Y. W. , Hor Jyh Liang , Mueller Scott N. , McCluskey James , Fairlie David P. , Darcy Phillip K. , Beavis Paul A. , Heath William R. , Godfrey Dale I.
Published: March 2022

Natural Killer T (NKT) cells and Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells that express semi-invariant αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) through which they recognise CD1d and MR1 molecules, respectively, in complex with specific ligands. These cells play important roles in health and disease in many organs, but their precise intra-organ location is not well established. Here, using CD1d and MR1 tetramer staining techniques, we describe the precise location of NKT and MAIT cells in lymphoid and peripheral organs. Within the thymus, NKT cells were concentrated in the medullary side of the corticomedullary junction. In spleen and lymph nodes, NKT cells were mainly localised within T cell zones, although following in vivo activation with the potent NKT-cell ligand α-GalCer, they expanded throughout the spleen. MAIT cells were clearly detectable in Vα19 TCR transgenic mice and were rare but detectable in lymphoid tissue of non-transgenic mice. In contrast to NKT cells, MAIT cells were more closely associated with the B cell zone and red pulp of the spleen. Accordingly, we have provided an extensive analysis of the in situ localisation of NKT and MAIT cells and suggest differences between the intra-organ location of these two cell types.
Low dose DMSO treatment induces oligomerization and accelerates aggregation of α-synuclein
Authors: Reimer Lasse , Haikal Caroline , Gram Hjalte , Theologidis Vasileios , Kovacs Gergo , Ruesink Harm , Baun Andreas , Nielsen Janni , Otzen Daniel Erik , Li Jia-Yi , Jensen Poul Henning
Published: March 2022

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a highly utilized small molecule that serves many purposes in scientific research. DMSO offers unique polar, aprotic and amphiphilic features, which makes it an ideal solvent for a wide variety of both polar and nonpolar molecules. Furthermore, DMSO is often used as a cryoprotectant in cell-based research. However, recent reports suggest that DMSO, even at low concentration, might interfere with important cellular processes, and cause macromolecular changes to proteins where a shift from α-helical to β-sheet structure can be observed. To investigate how DMSO might influence current research, we assessed biochemical and cellular impacts of DMSO treatment on the structure of the aggregation-prone protein α-synuclein, which plays a central role in the etiology of Parkinson’s disease, and other brain-related disorders, collectively termed the synucleinopathies. Here, we found that addition of DMSO increased the particle-size of α-synuclein, and accelerated the formation of seeding-potent fibrils in a dose-dependent manner. These fibrils made in the presence of DMSO were indistinguishable from fibrils made in pure PBS, when assessed by proteolytic digestion, cytotoxic profile and their ability to seed cellular aggregation of α-synuclein. Moreover, as evident through binding to the MJFR-14-6-4-2 antibody, which preferentially recognizes aggregated forms of α-synuclein, and a bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay, cells exposed to DMSO experienced increased aggregation of α-synuclein. However, no observable α-synuclein abnormalities nor differences in neuronal survival were detected after oral DMSO-treatment in either C57BL/6- or α-synuclein transgenic F28 mice. In summary, we demonstrate that low concentrations of DMSO makes α-synuclein susceptible to undergo aggregation both in vitro and in cells. This may affect experimental outcomes when studying α-synuclein in the presence of DMSO, and should call for careful consideration when such experiments are planned.