bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What influences the implementation of natural climate solutions? A systematic map and review of the evidence
Authors: Schulte Ingrid , Eggers Juliana , Nielsen Jonas Ø , Fuss Sabine
Published: December 2021

Emergingresearch points to large greenhouse gas mitigation opportunities for activities that are focused on the preservation and maintenance of ecosystems, also known as natural climate solutions (NCS). Despite large quantifications of the potential biophysical and carbon benefits of these activities, these estimates hold large uncertainties and few capture the socio-economic bounds. Furthermore, the uptake of NCS remains slow and information on the enabling factors needed for successful implementation, co-benefits, and trade-offs of these activities remain underrepresented at scale. As such, we present a systematic review that synthesizes and maps the bottom-up evidence on the contextual factors that influence the implementation of NCS in the peer-reviewed literature. Drawing from a large global collection of (primarily case study-based, N = 211) research, this study (1) clarifies the definition of NCS, including in the context of nature-based solutions and other ecosystem-based approaches to addressing climate change; (2) provides an overview of the current state of literature, including research trends, opportunities, gaps, and biases; and (3) critically reflects on factors that may affect implementation in different geographies. We find that the content of the reviewed studies overwhelmingly focuses on tropical regions and activities in forest landscapes. We observe that implementation of NCS rely, not on one factor, but a suite of interlinked enabling factors. Specifically, engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities, performance-based finance, and technical assistance are important drivers of NCS implementation. While the broad categories of factors mentioned in the literature are similar across regions, the combination of factors and how and for whom they are taken up remains heterogeneous globally, and even within countries. Thus our results highlight the need to better understand what trends may be generalizable to inform best practices in policy discussions and where more nuance may be needed for interpreting research findings and applying them outside of their study contexts.
Optimizing efforts to restore aquatic ecosystem connectivity requires thinking beyond large dams
Authors: Baumgartner Lee J , Marsden Tim , Duffy Deanna , Horta Ana , Ning Nathan
Published: December 2021

Infrastructure-induced fragmentation of riverine ecosystems has engendered the need for more effective aquatic restoration efforts globally. Fragmentation assessments have been extensively undertaken to inform connectivity restoration efforts for fish and other aquatic biota, but they have potentially underestimated the extent of fragmentation by fixating on large dams and overlooking the contribution of other barriers like road crossings and small irrigation structures. The current study addresses this limitation in Mekong region countries (MReCs) of Southeast Asia, by assessing the fragmentation impacts of road crossings and small irrigation structures together with large dams. Our analysis indicates that the basin-scale fragmentation impact of road crossings is similar to that of large dams in MReCs, while small irrigation structures actually have a far greater impact. These findings raise concerns about the real global extent of aquatic fragmentation, and highlight the need for decision-makers to think beyond dams when attempting to restore connectivity for aquatic biota.
Quantifying spatial associations between effective green spaces and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by applying volunteered geo-referenced data
Authors: Cao Zheng , Wu Zhifeng , Guo Guanhua , Ma Wenjun , Wang Haiyun
Published: December 2021

Among the top public health risks, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases cause more than 1 million deaths annually globally. Due to the calming effect of green spaces and their ability to trap air pollutants, urban green spaces are considered have close associations with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, ignoring the spatial heterogeneity of different urban green space types and considering only the configuration or compositions of urban green spaces has resulted in inconsistent and contradictory conclusions. Therefore, by introducing Tencent urban density data, four effective green spaces (EGSs) were categorized. Category 1 EGSs, which exhibit a high increasing of visitors and areas, accounted for the smallest areal percentage (0.81%). Category 2 EGSs, which exhibit a low increasing of visiting and high increasing of areas, accounted for the highest areal percentage (42.51%). Category 3 EGSs, which exhibit a high increasing of visiting and low increasing of areas, accounted for 13.70% of the total EGS areas. Category 4 EGSs, which exhibit a low increasing of visiting and areas, accounted for 3.75% of the total EGS areas. Using a geographically weighted regression model, spatial associations between EGS and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were quantified. Consequently, these spatial associations varied among EGS types and seasons. EGS configurations (perimeters of vegetation and areas of vegetation) have a more significant association with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases than the composition (normalized difference vegetation index) of EGS. Spatial associations implying stronger relationships were observed in EGS1. The strongest association was found in summer. Enlarge the coverage of evergreen vegetation in all EGS is first considered to enhance the negative association between EGS and chronic diseases. A methodology framework was provided to classify urban green space types using multi-source data. Suggestions for how to plan different urban green spaces for developing sustainable cities have been provided in this study, which offer scientific support to urban managers and planners for effective decision making.
Dynamics of a hybrid optomechanical system in the framework of the generalized linear response theory
Authors: Askari B , Dalafi A
Published: December 2021

In this article, the linear response of a driven-dissipative hybrid optomechanical system consisting of an interacting one-dimensional Bose–Einstein condensate to an external time-dependent perturbation is studied in the framework of the generalized linear response theory (GLRT). It is shown that the Stokes and anti-Stokes amplitudes of the optical and atomic modes of the system can be obtained through the solutions to the equations of motion of the open quantum system Green’s function predicted by the GLRT. In this way, interesting phenomena like anti-resonance and Fano resonance are described and it is shown how the atom–atom interaction affects them. Furthermore, an interpretation of the anti-resonance phenomenon is presented based on the optical spectral function and self-energy.
Geology and depth structures of the main Karatau strike-slip fault, Southern Kazakhstan
Authors: Zhemchuzhnikov V G , Sirazhev A N
Published: December 2021

The Main Karatau fault is a classical crustal strike-slip zone. It originated as a continental rift structure in the Late Proterozoic and had been developed incessantly for almost 1 billion years as inherited structure. The fault was subjected to polyphase deformations associated with both dextral and sinistral shifts. The Main Karatau fault crosses the Earth’s crust, including the structures of granite-metamorphic layer and granulite-basitic layer and fades without crossing the Moho discontunious. The amplitude of displacement of the Syr-Daria and Chu-Sarysu blocks relative to each other along the Main Karatau fault is estimated at approximately 200 km.
Analysis of synchronous magnetotelluric and magnetovariational regime observations for the Kentor mini test polygon
Authors: Matiukov V E , Bataleva E A
Published: December 2021

The paper discusses various approaches for processing and analysis of synchronous magnetotelluric and magnetovariational data obtained at the Kentor mini test polygon, which is located in the Baytic basin of the Chui region of Kyrgyzstan. The versions of noise reduction of received electromagnetic signals at the stage of robust processing are considered. The materials were processed using a remote reference technique for possible noise detection and calculate the additional components, such as a horizontal magnetic tensor for further interpretation of the obtained data. The dynamics of changes in the geoelectric cross-section for 2 sessions of researches by the tested profiles is considered.
The influence of different fly ash-cement replacement ratios on the pressure drop of a horizontal backfilling pipe
Authors: Wang D , Zhao J , Garcia-del-Real J , Mischo H
Published: December 2021

Fly ash (FA) is a kind of harmful by-product in thermal power generation plants, and finding a way to enhance the utility of fly ash has been widely discussed among civil engineering and mining sectors. To investigate the possible optimal ratios of replacing usually used bind agent namely Portland cement (PC) with fly ash, this paper designed different test groups with varying PC-FA replacement ratio. To identify the physical and chemical characteristics of mixing materials used to produce the backfilling slurries, a rheological experiment and X-ray diffraction test have been conducted. Rheological tests show all these three replacement ratio groups (60%, 65%, 70% respectively) are yield pseudoplastic fluid. Computational fluid dynamics as an efficient and money-saving method also has been introduced in the present research to duplicate the flow behaviors and calculate the pressure drop (PD) in the backfilling pipe circuits. The simulation results suggested that all these three RR categories experience an increasing tendency in pressure drop with increasing flow velocity, but in the velocity range of 2 m/s - 2.4 m/s, the increasing tendency is gentle until flow velocity reaches 2.6 m/s, the PD increase evidently. Furthermore, when the RR = 65%, the pressure drop is significantly lower than that of RR = 60% or RR = 70% at all the corresponding investigated flow particle sizes have significant impact on the pressure drop across a pipe and is dependent on solid fraction and flow rate and velocities. Therefore, we can conclude that a proper dosage of FA in mixing backfilling slurries can reduce pressure drop obviously and thereby decrease the expenses in bind agent. Given the FA’s significant effect on pressure drop, and comprehensive considering the backfilling capacity and backfilling cost, the combination of RR = 65% and velocity = 2.6 m/s is optimum.
Measurement and analysis of species distribution in laser-induced ablation plasma of an aluminum–magnesium alloy
Authors: WANG Junxiao , WANG Shuqing , ZHANG Lei , SU Maogen , SUN Duixiong , MIN Qi , MA Weiguang , YIN Wangbao , JIA Suotang
Published: December 2021

We proposed a theoretical spatio-temporal imaging method, which was based on the thermal model of laser ablation and the two-dimensional axisymmetric multi-species hydrodynamics model. By using the intensity formula, the integral intensity of spectral lines could be calculated and the corresponding images of intensity distribution could be drawn. Through further image processing such as normalization, determination of minimum intensity, combination and color filtering, a relatively clear species distribution image in the plasma could be obtained. Using the above method, we simulated the plasma ablated from Al–Mg alloy by different laser energies under 1 atm argon, and obtained the theoretical spatio-temporal distributions of Mg I, Mg II, Al I, Al II and Ar I species, which are almost consistent with the experimental results by differential imaging. Compared with the experimental decay time constants, the consistency is higher at low laser energy, indicating that our theoretical model is more suitable for the plasma dominated by laser-supported combustion wave.
Fabrication and characterization of low-sheet-resistance and stable stretchable electrodes employing metal and metal nanowire hybrid structure
Authors: Cho Hyunjoo , Chung Seungjun , Jeong Jaewook
Published: December 2021

Stretchable electrodes with high stretching capability and low sheet resistance were developed using a metal/silver nanowires (AgNWs)/metal hybrid structure on a poly-dimethylsiloxane substrate. A low sheet resistance around 100 mΩ square−1 was achieved using the hybrid structures of Ag/AgNWs/Ag and Cu/AgNWs/Cu electrodes. The stretching capability under single and multi-cycling strain conditions was greatly improved due the AgNWs in-between top and bottom metal electrodes. The random connection of AgNWs generates new current path over the various cracks and wavy structures of the metal electrodes, which improve the initial resistance, the stretching capability under single strain up to 16%, and the resistance stability under 100 times cycling strain for the electrodes. Using a simple resistor model, it was shown that the hybrid structure is effective to improve the stretching capability of the stretchable metal electrodes due to the random connection of AgNWs in-between the metal electrodes.
Impact of non-thermal plasma treatment on the seed germination and seedling development of carrot (Daucus carota sativus L.)
Authors: Guragain Rajesh Prakash , Baniya Hom Bahadur , Pradhan Suman Prakash , Dhungana Santosh , Chhetri Ganesh Kuwar , Sedhai Binita , Basnet Niroj , Panta Gobinda Prasad , Joshi Ujjwal Man , Pandey Bishnu Prasad , Subedi Deepak Prasad
Published: December 2021

Seed germination is a complicated physiological process that starts with the seed absorbing water and concludes with the radicle emerging. The kinetics and amount of water uptake by seeds are known to be influenced by both seed surface properties and the surrounding environment. As a result, altering seed surface features are linked to seed medium and is a valuable strategy for controlling seed germination. In the agricultural field, non-thermal plasma surface activation of seeds is currently being investigated as an efficient pre-sowing treatment for modifying seed germination. The impact of non-thermal plasma (NTP) on the germination and seedling growth of carrot seeds at room temperature and atmospheric pressure for varied treatment times was investigated in this study. Seed’s germination properties and growth parameters were examined for both control and NTP-treated seeds. Germination-related parameters such as germination percentage, vigor index, and chlorophyll content were all improved by NTP treatment. However, no significant changes were seen in the carotenoid content. Similarly, the in-vitro radical scavenging activities, total phenol, and total flavonoid contents in the seedlings were altered by NTP treatment. Our results indicate that NTP treatment has a favorable effect on carrots germination and seedling development.
Coherent states for a system of an electron moving in a plane: case of discrete spectrum
Authors: Aremua Isiaka , Gouba Laure
Published: December 2021

In this work, we construct different classes of coherent states related to a quantum system, recently studied in [1], of an electron moving in a plane in uniform external magnetic and electric fields which possesses both discrete and continuous spectra. The eigenfunctions are realized as an orthonormal basis of a suitable Hilbert space appropriate for building the related coherent states. These latter are achieved in the context where we consider both spectra purely discrete obeying the criteria that a family of coherent states must satisfy.
In situ x-ray computed tomography of zinc–air primary cells during discharge: correlating discharge rate to anode morphology
Authors: Hack Jennifer , Patel Drasti , Bailey Josh J , Iacoviello Francesco , Shearing Paul R , Brett Dan J L
Published: December 2021

Zinc–air batteries have gained significant attention as safe battery alternatives, with high theoretical energy densities and a high abundance of their constituent materials. However, barriers to their widespread adoption include the need to improve their cycling lifetime, as well as stability and avoiding degradation mechanisms such as zinc dendrite growth and hydrogen-producing side reactions. X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a widely used technique for the study of batteries. In situ / operando x-ray CT has been increasingly used to study the zinc anode of zinc–air batteries to evaluate the interesting morphological changes occurring during the reaction from zinc (Zn) to zinc oxide (ZnO) during discharge (vice versa during charge). However, several studies have been carried out using synchrotron x-ray sources, which have limited availability for users. In this work, we present a comprehensive study of the discharge of commercial, primary zinc–air batteries using a laboratory-based x-ray source for in situ x-ray CT measurements. Four different discharge rates are investigated (C/30, C/60, C/90 and C/150), with tomograms collected at various stages throughout each discharge. Results confirm that with decreasing C-rate (i.e. decreasing discharge current) a greater volume of zinc is reacted, with average mass utilisations of 17%, 76%, 81% and 87% for C/30, C/60, C/90 and C/150, respectively. Furthermore, quantification using x-ray CT datasets showed that there is a direct correlation between the volume of zinc remaining in the cell and the state-of-charge of the cell, which deviated from linearity for the longer C-rates. Finally, a potential new mechanism for shape change is discussed, where a Zn particle is replaced with a pore of a similar volume. As well as improvements in statistical relevance gained from multiple repeats for each C-rate, the results presented here could be used in both modelling of battery performance, as well as consideration for future anode design concepts.
Crack detection using tap-testing and machine learning techniques to prevent potential rockfall incidents
Authors: Nasimi Roya , Moreu Fernando , Stormont John
Published: December 2021

Rockfalls are a hazard for the safety of infrastructure as well as people. Identifying loose rocks by inspection of slopes adjacent to roadways and other infrastructure and removing them in advance can be an effective way to prevent unexpected rockfall incidents. This paper proposes a system towards an automated inspection for potential rockfalls. A robot is used to repeatedly strike or tap on the rock surface. The sound from the tapping is collected by the robot and subsequently classified with the intent of identifying rocks that are broken and prone to fall. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the collected acoustic data is used to recognize patterns associated with rocks of various conditions, including intact as well as rock with different types and locations of cracks. The PCA classification was first demonstrated simulating sounds of different characteristics that were automatically trained and tested. Secondly, a laboratory test was conducted tapping rock specimens with three different levels of discontinuity in depth and shape. A real microphone mounted on the robot recorded the sound and the data were classified in three clusters within 2D space. A model was created using the training data to classify the reminder of the data (the test data). The performance of the method is evaluated with a confusion matrix.
Poisson-distributed noise induces cortical γ-activity: explanation of γ-enhancement by anaesthetics ketamine and propofol
Authors: Hutt Axel , Wahl Thomas
Published: December 2021

Additive noise is known to affect the stability of nonlinear systems. To understand better the role of additive noise in neural systems, we investigate the impact of additive noise on a random neural network of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Here we hypothesize that the noise originates from the ascending reticular activating system. Coherence resonance in the γ-frequency range emerges for intermediate noise levels while the network exhibits non-coherent activity at low and high noise levels. The analytical study of a corresponding mean-field model system explains the resonance effect by a noise-induced phase transition via a saddle-node bifurcation. An analytical study of the linear mean-field systems response to additive noise reveals that the coherent state exhibits a quasi-cycle in the γ-frequency range whose spectral properties are tuned by the additive noise. To illustrate the importance of the work, we show that the quasi-cycle explains γ-enhancement under impact of the anaesthetics ketamine and propofol as a destabilizing effect of the coherent state.
Equivariant connective 𝐾-theory
Authors: Karpenko Nikita , Merkurjev Alexander
Published: December 2021

For separated schemes of finite type over a field with an action of an affine group scheme of finite type, we construct the bi-graded equivariant connectiveKK-theory mapping to the equivariantKK-homology of Guillot and the equivariant algebraicKK-theory of Thomason. It has all the standard basic properties as the homotopy invariance and localization. We also get the equivariant version of the Brown-Gersten-Quillen spectral sequence and study its convergence.
Impact of intraoperative methadone use on postoperative opioid requirements after cardiac surgery
Authors: Wang David J , Song Pingping , Nault Katharine M
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Inadequate pain control after cardiac surgery increases postoperative morbidity. Increasing evidence suggests that perioperative intravenous (IV) methadone results in improved analgesia. This study evaluated the effect of intraoperative IV methadone on postoperative opioid requirements and surgical recovery.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), valvular surgery or both between April 2017 and August 2018 was conducted. Patients were separated into a usual care cohort of those who received short-acting opioids (ie, IV fentanyl, hydromorphone, or morphine) alone or a methadone cohort of those who received IV methadone plus short-acting opioids. Opioid requirements were assessed within the first 24 hours of surgery (postoperative day [POD] 0) and 25 to 48 hours after surgery (POD 1) as oral morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Postoperative pain scores, adjunctive analgesia, time to extubation, use of noninvasive respiratory support (continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP] or bilevel positive airway pressure [BiPAP]), and intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS) were also evaluated.

Results

A total of 117 patients were evaluated (methadone cohort, n = 52; usual care cohort, n = 65). Median cumulative intraoperative opioid consumption was less in the methadone cohort (150 MME vs 314.1 MME; P < 0.0001). The methadone cohort required 44% fewer MME than the usual care cohort on POD 0 (median MME, 15.8 vs 36; P = 0.025), with low and not significantly different opioid use in both cohorts on POD 1 (15.5 MME vs 7.5 MME; P = 0.47). Weight-based methadone dosing ranged from 0.1 to 0.4 mg/kg (mean, 0.22 mg/kg). There were no significant differences in pain scores, time to extubation, use of CPAP or BiPAP, or ICU and hospital LOS.

Conclusion

Intraoperative IV methadone in cardiac surgery patients was safe and significantly reduced intraoperative and postoperative opioid requirements on POD 0.
Cutaneous manifestations of acute kidney injury
Authors: Esson Gavin A , Hussain Amaani B , Meggitt Simon J , Reynolds Nick J , Sayer John A
Published: December 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common medical problem with a multitude of aetiologies. Prompt diagnosis and management is key in the prevention of complications. Cutaneous signs can often give diagnostic clues of underlying systemic diseases causing AKI. This review summarizes cutaneous findings of diseases causing AKI in adults. Knowledge of such cutaneous signs could lead to earlier diagnosis of underlying kidney disease and facilitate management strategies in a timely manner. Acute interstitial nephritis, polyarteritis nodosa, Kawasaki's disease, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (previously Wegener's granulomatosis), microscopic polyangiitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (previously Churg–Strauss syndrome), Henoch–Schönlein purpura, cryoglobulinaemia, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, amyloidosis and cholesterol embolization syndrome were highlighted as diseases causing AKI with cutaneous manifestations.
Ontogeny of osmoregulation of the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus at an invaded site of Europe
Authors: Torres Gabriela , Charmantier Guy , Giménez Luis
Published: December 2021

We studied the ontogeny of osmoregulation of the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus at an invaded area in the North Sea. H. sanguineus is native to Japan and China but has successfully invaded the Atlantic coast of North America and Europe. In the invaded areas, H. sanguineus is becoming a keystone species as driver of community structure and the adults compete with the shore crab Carcinus maenas. Strong osmoregulatory abilities may confer the potential to use and invade coastal areas already earlier in the life cycle. We reared larvae and first juveniles at 24°C in seawater from hatching to intermoult of each developmental stage (zoea I-V, megalopa, crab I). We exposed each stage to a range of salinities (0–39 ppt) for 24 h, and then we quantified haemolymph osmolality, using nano-osmometry. In addition, we quantified osmolality in field-collected adults after acclimation to the test salinities for 6 days. Larvae of H. sanguineus were able to hyper-osmoregulate at low salinities (15 and 20 ppt) over the complete larval development, although the capacity was reduced at the zoeal stage V; at higher salinities (25–39 ppt), all larval stages were osmoconformers. The capacity to slightly hypo-regulate at high salinity appeared in the first juvenile. Adults were able to hyper-osmoregulate at low salinities and hypo-regulate at concentrated seawater (39 ppt). H. sanguineus showed a strong capacity to osmoregulate as compared to its native competitor C. maenas, which only hyper-regulates at the first and last larval stages and does not hypo-regulate at the juvenile-adult stages. The capacity of H. sanguineus to osmoregulate over most of the life cycle should underpin the potential to invade empty niches in the coastal zone (characterized by low salinity and high temperatures). Osmoregulation abilities over the whole life cycle also constitute a strong competitive advantage over C. maenas.
Effect of a multimodal prehabilitation program on postoperative recovery and morbidity in patients undergoing a totally minimally invasive esophagectomy
Authors: Janssen Thijs H J B , Fransen Laura F C , Heesakkers Fanny F B M , Dolmans-Zwartjes Annemarie C P , Moorthy Krishna , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A P , Luyer Misha D P
Published: December 2021

Postoperative morbidity following esophagectomy remains substantial. Studies in major abdominal surgery have shown that prehabilitation can improve postoperative outcomes. This single-center study investigated the influence of prehabilitation on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (MIE-IL). Data were collected on patients that underwent a MIE-IL and received a fully standardized enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program, between October 2015 and February 2020. The intervention group comprised patients enrolled in the PREPARE prehabilitation program. The control group comprised a retrospective cohort with similar ERAS care, prior to implementation of PREPARE. Postoperative outcomes included (functional) recovery, length of hospital stay (LOHS), cardiopulmonary complications (CPC) and other predefined outcomes. The PREPARE group comprised 52 and control group 43 patients. Median time to functional recovery was 6 vs. 7 days (P = 0.074) and LOHS 7 vs. 8 days (P = 0.039) in PREPARE and control patients, respectively. Hospital readmission rate was 9.6 vs. 14.3% (P = 0.484). A 17% reduction in thirty-day overall postoperative complication rate was observed in PREPARE patients, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.106). Similarly, a clinically relevant reduction of 14% in CPC rate was observed (P = 0.190). Anastomotic leakage rate was similar (9.6 vs 14.0%; P = 0.511). Despite no difference in severity (Clavien-Dindo) of complications (P = 0.311), ICU readmission rate was lower in PREPARE patients (3.8 vs. 16.3%, P = 0.039). Prehabilitation prior to MIE-IL led to a shorter LOHS and reduced ICU readmission rate. Additionally, a clinically relevant improvement in postoperative recovery and reduced morbidity rate was observed in prehabilitated patient.
Why Don’t Firms Hire Young Workers During Recessions?
Authors: Forsythe Eliza
Published: December 2021

Recessions are known to be particularly damaging to young workers’ employment outcomes. I find that during recessions the hiring rate falls faster for young workers than for more experienced workers. I show that this cannot be explained by the composition of jobs or workers’ labour supply decisions, and I conclude that firms preferentially hire experienced workers during periods of high unemployment. I develop a new model of cyclical upgrading that relaxes the classic assumptions of exogenous firm size and rigid wages. I show that this model predicts larger log wage decreases during recessions for young workers than for experienced workers, a prediction that is supported by the data. I conclude that policymakers should consider extending unemployment insurance coverage during recessions to new labour market entrants.
Kidney function assessment and endpoint ascertainment in clinical trials
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Bakris George L , Packer Milton , Shahid Izza , Anker Stefan D , Fonarow Gregg C , Wanner Christoph , Weir Matthew R , Zannad Faiez , Butler Javed
Published: December 2021

Heterogeneity in the reporting of kidney function, kidney outcomes, and definitions for kidney endpoints in clinical trials makes it challenging to compare results and gauge incremental benefit of interventions across trials. We conducted a systematic review of the ascertainment of baseline kidney variables, reporting of kidney endpoints, and definitions used to characterize these endpoints in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), kidney, and heart failure (HF) trials. Medline, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from January 2014 through January 2021 for large (>1000 participants) T2DM, HF, and kidney disease trials and their secondary analyses. Trial publication and supplementary appendices were searched to abstract relevant data. Thirty-three trials (16 T2DM; 10 HF; 7 kidney diseases) were included. Thirteen trials did not include patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and for trials that did, representation of this cohort ranged from 0.1% to 15%. Reporting of baseline kidney function and albuminuria remained low, especially in HF trials. Variability was observed in the definition of chronic kidney disease, sustained decline in eGFR, end-stage kidney disease, kidney death, and kidney composite endpoint across trials. eGFR slope was reported in less than half trials, with differences observed in statistical models, definition of acute or chronic slope, and follow-up duration across trials. Significant heterogeneity in reporting of kidney function and kidney outcomes in large T2DM, kidney, and HF trials underscores the need for future stakeholders to draft a consensus solution. Detailed profiling of patients at baseline, accrual of more patients with advanced kidney disease, and standardization of definitions in trials may improve the ability to compare the results across trials.
Predictive microbial-based modelling of wheat yields and grain baking quality across a 500 km transect in Québec
Authors: Asad Numan Ibne , Tremblay Julien , Dozois Jessica , Mukula Eugenie , L'Espérance Emmy , Constant Philippe , Yergeau Etienne
Published: December 2021

Crops yield and quality are difficult to predict using soil physico-chemical parameters. Because of their key roles in nutrient cycles, we hypothesized that there is an untapped predictive potential in the soil microbial communities. To test our hypothesis, we sampled soils across 80 wheat fields of the province of Quebec at the beginning of the growing season in May–June. We used a wide array of methods to characterize the microbial communities, their functions and activities, including: (1) amplicon sequencing, (2) real-time PCR quantification and (3) community-level substrate utilization. We also measured grain yield and quality at the end of the growing season, and key soil parameters at sampling. The diversity of fungi, the abundance of nitrification genes and the use of specific organic carbon sources were often the best predictors for wheat yield and grain quality. Using 11 or less parameters, we were able to explain 64–90% of the variation in wheat yield and grain and flour quality across the province of Quebec. Microbial-based regression models outperformed basic soil-based models for predicting wheat quality indicators. Our results suggest that the measurement of microbial parameters early in the season could help predict accurately grain quality and quantity.
Characterization of the L-form switch in the Gram-negative pathogen Streptobacillus moniliformis
Authors: Roberts David M , Errington Jeff , Kawai Yoshikazu
Published: December 2021

Almost all major classes of bacteria are surrounded by a peptidoglycan cell wall, which is a crucial target for antibiotics. It is now understood that many bacteria can tolerate loss of the cell wall provided that they are in an isotonic environment. Furthermore, in some cases the cells can continue to proliferate in a state known as the L-form. L-form proliferation occurs by an unusual blebbing or tubulation mechanism that is completely independent of the normally essential division machine or cell wall synthetic enzymes, and is resistant to cell wall active antibiotics. However, the growth is limited by reactive oxygen species generated by the respiratory chain pathway. In this work, we examined the walled to L-form transition in a pathogenic Gram-negative bacterium, Streptobacillus moniliformis, which naturally lacks the respiratory chain pathway, under aerobic conditions. L-form-like cells often emerged spontaneously but proliferation was not observed unless the cells were treated with cell-wall active antibiotics. Time-lapse imaging revealed that cell division of S. moniliformis L-forms involves unusual membrane dynamics with an apparent imbalance between outer membrane and cytoplasmic volume growth. The results suggest that outer membrane expansion may be an important general factor for L-form proliferation of diderm bacteria.
Pervasive cytoquakes in the actomyosin cortex across cell types and substrate stiffness
Authors: Shi Yu , Sivarajan Shankar , Xiang Katherine M , Kostecki Geran M , Tung Leslie , Crocker John C , Reich Daniel H
Published: December 2021

The actomyosin cytoskeleton enables cells to resist deformation, crawl, change their shape and sense their surroundings. Despite decades of study, how its molecular constituents can assemble together to form a network with the observed mechanics of cells remains poorly understood. Recently, it has been shown that the actomyosin cortex of quiescent cells can undergo frequent, abrupt reconfigurations and displacements, called cytoquakes. Notably, such fluctuations are not predicted by current physical models of actomyosin networks, and their prevalence across cell types and mechanical environments has not previously been studied. Using micropost array detectors, we have performed high-resolution measurements of the dynamic mechanical fluctuations of cells’ actomyosin cortex and stress fiber networks. This reveals cortical dynamics dominated by cytoquakes—intermittent events with a fat-tailed distribution of displacements, sometimes spanning microposts separated by 4 μm, in all cell types studied. These included 3T3 fibroblasts, where cytoquakes persisted over substrate stiffnesses spanning the tissue-relevant range of 4.3 kPa–17 kPa, and primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, human embryonic kidney cells and human bone osteosarcoma epithelial (U2OS) cells, where cytoquakes were observed on substrates in the same stiffness range. Overall, these findings suggest that the cortex self-organizes into a marginally stable mechanical state whose physics may contribute to cell mechanical properties, active behavior and mechanosensing.
Is the Law Per Se to Blame for Exacerbating So-Called ‘Honour Killings’? The Case of Jordan
Authors: Hayajneh Ahmad M , Alshdaifat Shadi A
Published: December 2021

This article discusses so-called honour killing as a form of murder of women in Jordan, which is more generally a crime against mankind. The article focuses Jordan since the country has recorded the highest rate of killings of women under the pretext of honour for long periods. In an attempt to unpack the social, cultural, and religious roots that may be the cause of the spread of these crimes, the role of the legislator in the aggravation of these crimes—by not taking the appropriate legislative mechanisms to reduce them— is examined. This article concludes that the Jordanian legislator may be responsible for the exacerbation of this phenomenon to a large extent through a slow approach to legislative reform and to amending the relevant articles, and its lack of seriousness in bringing about reform through its focus on certain articles and the neglect of others over a long period of time. The article concludes that reform attempts were not comprehensive enough to encompass all the articles considered to be the cause of this increasing phenomenon; and the legislator’s movement of one step forward and two steps back cannot be separated from the cultural, social, religious, and even political reality.
Characterizing the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Arma custos and Picromerus lewisi (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Asopinae) and Conducting Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Mu Yin-Lin , Zhang Chang-Hua , Zhang Yu-Jie , Yang Lin , Chen Xiang-Sheng
Published: December 2021

We characterized the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) and conducted phylogenetic analyses of 48 Hemiptera species by sequencing and analyzing the mitogenome of Arma custos (Fabricius) and Picromerus lewisi (Scott). The complete mitogenomes of the two predators were 16,024 bp and 19,587 bp in length, respectively, and it contained 37 classical genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and a control region. Most PCGs in these predators use ATN as the start codon. This research revealed that the genes of the two natural enemy species have an A + T content of 75.40% and all tRNAs have a typical cloverleaf structure, with the exception of trnS1, which lacks a dihydrouridine arm. This is the first study to compare the mitochondrial genetic structure of two predatory insects; the mitochondrial genetic structure of individual predatory insects has been sequenced in previous studies. Here, phylogenetic analysis on the basis of amino acid and nucleotide sequences of 13 mitochondrial PCGs using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods were conducted to generate similar tree topologies, which suggested that the two predators with close genetic relationships belong to Asopinae subfamily. Furthermore, the monophyly of the Pentatomoidea superfamily is well accepted despite limited taxon and species sampling. Finally, their complete mitogenome provided data to establish a predator–prey food web, which is the foundation of effective pest management. Our results also enhanced the database of natural enemy insects.
Histopathological Analysis of Cerebrovascular Lesions Associated With Aging
Authors: Dallaire-Théroux Caroline , Saikali Stephan , Richer Maxime , Potvin Olivier , Duchesne Simon
Published: December 2021

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) has been associated with cognitive impairment. Yet, our understanding of vascular contribution to cognitive decline has been limited by heterogeneity of definitions and assessment, as well as its occurrence in cognitively healthy aging. Therefore, we aimed to establish the natural progression of CVD associated with aging. We conducted a retrospective observational study of 63 cognitively healthy participants aged 19–84 years selected through the histological archives of the CHU de Québec. Assessment of CVD lesions was performed independently by 3 observers blinded to clinical data using the Vascular Cognitive Impairment Neuropathology Guidelines (VCING). We found moderate to almost perfect interobserver agreement for most regional CVD scores. Atherosclerosis (ρ = 0.758) and arteriolosclerosis (ρ = 0.708) showed the greatest significant association with age, followed by perivascular hemosiderin deposits (ρ = 0.432) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA; ρ = 0.392). Amyloid and tau pathologies were both associated with higher CVD load, but only CAA remained significantly associated with amyloid plaques after controlling for age. Altogether, these findings support the presence of multiple CVD lesions in the brains of cognitively healthy adults, the burden of which increases with age and can be quantified in a reproducible manner using standardized histological scales such as the VCING.
Beyond Home Bias: International Portfolio Holdings and Information Heterogeneity
Authors: De Marco Filippo , Macchiavelli Marco , Valchev Rosen
Published: December 2021

We show that international portfolios reflect the underlying heterogeneity in investors’ beliefs. Using data on the foreign sovereign debt holdings of European banks matched with their forecasts on future bond yields, we find that expecting higher returns and having more accurate forecasts are associated with larger bond holdings. Crucially, the elasticity of portfolio holdings to expected returns is increasing in the precision of the forecast, implying that investors optimally exploit comparative advantages in information production. We rationalize the results in a model in which partial information specialization arises endogenously by introducing a degree of unlearnable uncertainty about asset payoffs.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Maladaptive self-focused attention and default mode network connectivity: a transdiagnostic investigation across social anxiety and body dysmorphic disorders
Authors: Fang Angela , Baran Bengi , Beatty Clare C , Mosley Jennifer , Feusner Jamie D , Phan K Luan , Wilhelm Sabine , Manoach Dara S
Published: December 2021

Maladaptive self-focused attention (SFA) is a bias toward internal thoughts, feelings and physical states. Despite its role as a core maintaining factor of symptoms in cognitive theories of social anxiety and body dysmorphic disorders (BDDs), studies have not examined its neural basis. In this study, we hypothesized that maladaptive SFA would be associated with hyperconnectivity in the default mode network (DMN) in self-focused patients with these disorders. Thirty patients with primary social anxiety disorder or primary BDD and 28 healthy individuals were eligible and scanned. Eligibility was determined by scoring greater than 1SD or below 1SD of the Public Self-Consciousness Scale normative mean, respectively, for each group. Seed-to-voxel functional connectivity was computed using a DMN posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) seed. There was no evidence of increased DMN functional connectivity in patients compared to controls. Patients (regardless of diagnosis) showed reduced functional connectivity of the PCC with several brain regions, including the bilateral superior parietal lobule (SPL), compared to controls, which was inversely correlated with maladaptive SFA but not associated with social anxiety, body dysmorphic, depression severity or rumination. Abnormal PCC-SPL connectivity may represent a transdiagnostic neural marker of SFA that reflects difficulty shifting between internal versus external attention.
The record ofTorosaurus(Ornithischia: Ceratopsidae) in Canada and its taxonomic implications
Authors: Mallon Jordan C , Holmes Robert B , Bamforth Emily L , Schumann Dirk
Published: December 2021

The horned dinosaur genus Torosaurus has a challenging history, relating both to its geographic distribution and taxonomy. Whereas Torosaurus has been reported from Upper Maastrichtian deposits in Canada, which would mark the northernmost range of the genus, recent work has questioned the generic identity of the implicated material, which primarily consists of a pair of cranial frills. Perhaps more problematically, the validity of the genus itself has been a subject of recent debate, with some arguing that Torosaurus is simply a skeletally mature growth form of the contemporaneous Triceratops. In this study, we describe and illustrate the relevant frill material from Canada, and determine that it is most plausibly attributable to the Torosaurus morph. Moreover, we apply for the first time osteohistological sampling to some postcranial material associated with one of the frills, and find that the animal was still growing at the time of death. This finding, in addition to other considerations presented here, leads us to conclude that Torosaurus is a valid genus, and is not simply a mature growth form of Triceratops.
Comparison of the Infection Biology of Teratosphaeria destructans and Teratosphaeria epicoccoides on Eucalyptus
Authors: Solís Myriam , Wingfield Michael J. , Hammerbacher Almuth , Naidoo Sanushka
Published: December 2021

Leaf blight caused by Teratosphaeria destructans is one of the most important diseases of Eucalyptus planted in the subtropics and tropics. In contrast, the better-known T. epicoccoides, though also a primary pathogen of Eucalyptus, causes less damage to trees in these areas. Although T. destructans is an aggressive pathogen, nothing is known about its infection biology. In this study, the conditions for infection and disease development caused by T. destructans and T. epicoccoides were evaluated and compared on a Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla hybrid clone. The optimal temperature for germination ranged from 25 to 30°C for T. destructans and 15 to 20°C for T. epicoccoides. The germination of these pathogens was favored under conditions of light and high levels of RH. Penetration by T. destructans and T. epicoccoides occurred via stomata, and the hyphae colonized the intercellular spaces of infected leaves. Symptoms were clearly visible 3 weeks after inoculation by both pathogens, and reproductive structures started to develop in substomatal cavities at 4 weeks after inoculation. The results of this study will facilitate the establishment of rapid screening trials based on artificial inoculations aimed at reducing the impact of disease caused by T. destructans.