bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial event localiser (MEL) to quantitatively describe fission, fusion and depolarisation in the three-dimensional space
Authors: Theart Rensu P , Kriel Jurgen , Loos Ben , Niesler Thomas R
Published: February 2020

Mitochondrial fission and fusion play an important role not only in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis but also in preserving overall cellular viability. However, quantitative analysis based on the three-dimensional localisation of these highly dynamic mitochondrial events in the cellular context has not yet been accomplished. Moreover, it remains largely uncertain where in the mitochondrial network depolarisation is most likely to occur. We present the mitochondrial event localiser (MEL), a method that allows high-throughput, automated and deterministic localisation and quantification of mitochondrial fission, fusion and depolarisation events in large three-dimensional microscopy time-lapse sequences. In addition, MEL calculates the number of mitochondrial structures as well as their combined and average volume for each image frame in the time-lapse sequence. The mitochondrial event locations can subsequently be visualised by superposition onto the fluorescence micrograph z-stack. We apply MEL to both control samples as well as cells that have been treated with hydroxychloroquine sulphate (HCQ) and observe that fission and fusion events mostly occur around the terminal branches of the mitochondrial network, with few events detected in the strongly networked areas such as the perinuclear region. Depolarisation was most abundant in the HCQ treated samples, with the majority of the depolarisation events occurring in the cell periphery.
AFM characterization of the interaction of PriA helicase with stalled DNA replication forks
Authors: Wang Yaqing , Sun Zhiqiang , Bianco Piero R. , Lyubchenko Yuri L.
Published: February 2020

In bacteria, the restart of stalled DNA replication forks requires the PriA DNA helicase. PriA recognizes and remodels abandoned DNA replication forks performing the DNA unwinding in 3’ to 5’-direction and facilitates loading of the DnaB helicase onto the DNA to restart replication. The single stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) is typically present at the abandoned forks, but there is gap in the knowledge on the interaction between SSB and PriA protein. Here, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to visualize the interaction of PriA with DNA substrates in the absence or presence of SSB. Results show that in the absence of SSB, PriA binds preferentially to a fork substrate with a gap in the leading strand. Preferential binding occurs only on forked DNA structures as 5’- and 3’-tailed duplexes were bound equally well. Furthermore, in the absence of SSB, PriA bound exclusively to the fork regions of substrates. In contrast, fork bound SSB loads PriA onto the duplex DNA arms of forks. When the fork has a gap in the leading strand, PriA localizes to both the parental and lagging strand arms. When the gap is present in the lagging strand, PriA is loaded preferentially onto the leading strand arm of the fork. Remodeling of PriA requires a functional C-terminal domain of SSB.
A Myosin-7B dependent endocytosis pathway mediates cellular entry of α-Synuclein fibrils and polycation-bearing cargos
Authors: Zhang Qi , Xu Yue , Lee Juhyung , Jarnik Michal , Wu Xufeng , Bonifacino Juan S. , Shen Jingshi , Ye Yihong
Published: February 2020

Cell-to-cell transmission of misfolding-prone α-Synuclein (α-Syn) has emerged as a key pathological event in Parkinson’s disease. This process is initiated when α-Syn-bearing fibrils enter cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Using a CRISPR-mediated knockout screen, we identify SLC35B2 and Myosin-7B (MYO7B) as critical endocytosis regulators for α-Synpreformedfibrils (PFF). We show that SLC35B2, as a key regulator of heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) biosynthesis, is essential for recruiting α-Syn PFF to the cell surface because this process is mediated by interactions between negatively charged sugar moieties of HSPGs and clustered K-T-K motifs in α-Syn PFF. By contrast, MYO7B regulates α-Syn PFF entry by maintaining a plasma-membrane-associated actin network that controls membrane dynamics. Without MYO7B or actin filaments, many clathrin-coated pits fail to be severed from the membrane, causing accumulation of large clathrin-containing ‘scars’ on the cell surface. Intriguingly, the requirement for MYO7B in endocytosis is only restricted to α-Syn PFF and other cargos that enter cells via HSPGs. Thus, by identifying new regulatory factors for α-Syn PFF endocytosis, our study defines a mechanistically distinct clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway that requires additional force generated by MYO7B and actin filaments.

Significance

The spreading of misfolded protein aggregates such as α-Synuclein preformed fibrils (α-Syn PFF) from cell to cell is a pathologic hallmark associated with the progression of many neurodegenerative diseases, but it is unclear how mammalian cells take up these large protein aggregates to initiate this prion-like protein transmission process. Here we define the mechanism of α-Syn PFF endocytosis using a combination of genetic, biochemical, and live-cell imaging techniques. Our study reveals how α-Syn PFF binds to the cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans using two lysine-bearing motifs and then enters cells following a Myosin-7B- and actin-dependent endocytosis mechanism that is specifically tailored for polycation-bearing cargos.
A portable on-axis laser-heating system for near-90° X-ray spectroscopy: application to ferropericlase and iron silicide
Authors: Spiekermann Georg , Kupenko Ilya , Petitgirard Sylvain , Harder Manuel , Nyrow Alexander , Weis Christopher , Albers Christian , Biedermann Nicole , Libon Lélia , Sahle Christoph J. , Cerantola Valerio , Glazyrin Konstantin , Konôpková Zuzana , Sinmyo Ryosuke , Morgenroth Wolfgang , Sergueev Ilya , Yavaş Hasan , Dubrovinsky Leonid , Tolan Metin , Sternemann Christian , Wilke Max
Published: February 2020

A portable IR fiber laser-heating system, optimized for X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and nuclear inelastic scattering (NIS) spectroscopy with signal collection through the radial opening of diamond anvil cells near 90°with respect to the incident X-ray beam, is presented. The system offers double-sided on-axis heating by a single laser source and zero attenuation of incoming X-rays other than by the high-pressure environment. A description of the system, which has been tested for pressures above 100 GPa and temperatures up to 3000 K, is given. The XES spectra of laser-heated Mg0.67Fe0.33O demonstrate the potential to map the iron spin state in the pressure–temperature range of the Earth's lower mantle, and the NIS spectra of laser-heated FeSi give access to the sound velocity of this candidate of a phase inside the Earth's core. This portable system represents one of the few bridges across the gap between laser heating and high-resolution X-ray spectroscopies with signal collection near 90°.
Limited angle tomography for transmission X-ray microscopy using deep learning
Authors: Huang Yixing , Wang Shengxiang , Guan Yong , Maier Andreas
Published: February 2020

In transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM) systems, the rotation of a scanned sample might be restricted to a limited angular range to avoid collision with other system parts or high attenuation at certain tilting angles. Image reconstruction from such limited angle data suffers from artifacts because of missing data. In this work, deep learning is applied to limited angle reconstruction in TXMs for the first time. With the challenge to obtain sufficient real data for training, training a deep neural network from synthetic data is investigated. In particular, U-Net, the state-of-the-art neural network in biomedical imaging, is trained from synthetic ellipsoid data and multi-category data to reduce artifacts in filtered back-projection (FBP) reconstruction images. The proposed method is evaluated on synthetic data and real scanned chlorella data in 100° limited angle tomography. For synthetic test data, U-Net significantly reduces the root-mean-square error (RMSE) from 2.55 × 10−3 µm−1in the FBP reconstruction to 1.21 × 10−3 µm−1in the U-Net reconstruction and also improves the structural similarity (SSIM) index from 0.625 to 0.920. With penalized weighted least-square denoising of measured projections, the RMSE and SSIM are further improved to 1.16 × 10−3 µm−1and 0.932, respectively. For real test data, the proposed method remarkably improves the 3D visualization of the subcellular structures in the chlorella cell, which indicates its important value for nanoscale imaging in biology, nanoscience and materials science.
Experimental and CFD study of slotted Krueger flaps aerodynamics in critical locations
Authors: Kulhánek Robert , Pátek Zdeněk , Vrchota Petr , Procházka Pavel , Uruba Vaclav
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Some recent effort showed that usage of Krueger flaps helps to maintain laminar flow in cruise flight. Such flaps are positioned higher relative to the chord to shield the leading edge from the insect contamination during take-off. The flap passes several through critical intermediate position during the deployment to its design position. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the aerodynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

To better understand such flow phenomena, the combined approach of computational fluid dynamics and experimental methods were used. Flow simulation was performed with in-house finite volume Navier–Stokes solver in fully turbulent unsteady RANS regime. The experimental data were obtained by means of force and pressure measurements and some areas of the flow field were examined with 2 C particle image velocimetry.

Findings

The airfoil with flap in critical position has a very limited maximum lift coefficient. The maximum achievable lift coefficient during the deployment is significantly affected by the vertical position of the trailing edge of the flap. The most unfavourable position during the deployment is not the flap perpendicular to the chord, but the flap inclined closer to it is the retracted position.

Research limitations/implications

The flap movement was not simulated either in the simulation or in the experiment. Only intermediate static positions were examined.

Practical implications

A better understanding of aerodynamic phenomena connected with the deployment of a Krueger flap can contribute to the simpler and lighter of kinematics and also to decrease time-to-market.

Originality/value

Limited experimental and computational results of Krueger flap in critical positions during the deployment are published in the literature.
The interplay of stress and workspace attachment on user satisfaction and workspace support to labour productivity
Authors: Nappi Ingrid , de Campos Ribeiro Gisele , Cochard Nicolas
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how the relationship between employees’ workspace satisfaction and their respective perceptions of workspace support to labour productivity interacts with two emotional experiences as follows: workspace attachment and job stress.

Design/methodology/approach

Web-based surveys conducted before and after a company’s short-distance relocation. Study 1 concerned 66 employees and was conducted a few weeks before the relocation. Study 2 concerned 84 employees and was conducted six months after the relocation. Ordinary least squares regression, moderation and mediation analysis were performed.

Findings

After the relocation, the employees experienced greater job stress, less workspace satisfaction, and they felt less attached to their workspaces. However, the evaluations of workspace support to labour productivity did not change. Contrary to expectations, employees’ workspace satisfaction is not related to their evaluation of this workspace as supporting labour productivity. Instead, this relationship is moderated by job stress. The hypothesis that workspace attachment mediates the relationship between workspace satisfaction and respective evaluation of this workspace as supporting labour productivity was not verified.

Practical implications

Corporate real estate managers and any manager leading short-distance relocation projects should consider incorporating change management in the projects to maintain employees’ positive attitudes and emotional bonds with their workspace.

Originality/value

This research improves the knowledge of how employees perceive the workspace as supporting their work duties.
The Albertina Sisulu Executive Leadership Programme enhancing the competencies and performance of public health service managers in South Africa
Authors: Van der Berg-Cloete Sophy Evelyn , Olorunju Steve , White John George , Buch Eric
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of the Albertina Sisulu Executive Leadership Programme in Health (ASELPH) in improving the competencies and performance of public healthcare managers in South Africa (SA).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quasi-experimental study design, with pre-post assessments to assess the performance and competencies of students participating in a public health leadership programme. Students were assessed using a 360° assessment of 14 competencies and 56 performance indicators.

Findings

Students improved significantly in 11 competencies and 44 performance indicators; they perceived improvements in their own performance. The assessors observed the same improvements, which confirmed performance change at the students’ workplaces. The study showed the positive effect of the ASELPH Fellowship in improving the competencies and performance of public healthcare managers in SA.

Originality/value

The ASELPH Fellowship enhanced the leadership competencies and the performance of South African public healthcare managers. South African public healthcare managers face significant challenges and concerns have been raised regarding the competencies of healthcare managers to deal with these challenges. This study shows that leadership programmes can improve competencies and performance of managers to have an impact on the South African healthcare system
Students’ perceptions of Plickers and crossword puzzles in undergraduate studies
Authors: Mshayisa Vusi Vincent
Published: February 2020

In higher education, there are calls to incorporate active learning experiences that place the student at the center of learning, rather than encouraging students to be passive listeners. For students to have a deeper and more meaningful learning experience, educators can use an active learning approach. This approach attempts to engage students at higher levels of thinking so that they are more interested in, better engaged with, and understand the course material better. The aim of this study was to investigate students’ perceptions of Plickers and crossword puzzles as low‐cost pedagogical tools to foster active learning in an undergraduate course in food science and technology. A mixed‐method survey consisting of a 5‐point Likert scale and open‐ended qualitative questions was administered via Blackboard to elicit student responses. A total of 121 students were enrolled for the course and 70.2% (n = 85) completed the survey. Plickers were found to be easy to use (mean = 4.66), provided opportunities to answer to formative questions anonymously (mean = 4.60), and helped increase participation in class (mean 4.05). The majority of students felt that crossword puzzles required them to think critically (mean = 4.53) and provided them with the opportunity to assess how well they understood the course content (mean = 4.45). Moreover, a statistically positive relationship was found between student collaborative learning and crossword puzzle implementation scores (r = .506, p < .01). The findings demonstrated that when implemented effectively, Plickers and crossword puzzles contributed to greater enhanced student engagement. These pedagogical tools can be applied as formative assessment instruments and offer a low‐cost alternative to the limitations encapsulated by didactic pedagogy.
Predictors and in‐hospital mortality associated with prolonged emergency department length of stay in New South Wales tertiary hospitals from 2017 to 2018
Authors: Dinh Michael M , Arce Chantel P , Berendsen Russell Saartje , Bein Kendall J
Published: February 2020

Objective

To determine specific patient, clinical and service factors associated with increased ED length of stay and investigate whether prolonged ED length of stay, as measured by emergency treatment performance (ETP) non‐compliance, is an independent predictor of all cause 30‐day mortality for patients presenting to, and admitted from ED.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of linked state‐wide emergency, inpatient and death data from New South Wales. All patients who presented to a tertiary level public hospital (level 5 or 6) ED and admitted to an in‐patient unit were included. Outcomes were the proportion of admitted patients who met ETP targets, and 30‐day all‐cause mortality.

Results

A total of 697 600 eligible cases were identified and analysed. The odds of meeting ETP benchmarks were 62% lower in those with complex or multiple medical comorbidities (odds ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.37–0.40, P < 0.001) compared with patients with no medical comorbidities. Admission under psychiatry, surgical and oncology service‐related groups were associated with decreased ETP. The hazard ratio for 30‐day all‐cause mortality over time was 28% higher in those not meeting ETP benchmarks after adjusting for age, triage category, comorbidities, ICU and service‐related group (hazard ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.26–1.30, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with complex and multiple medical comorbidities, and those admitted under certain service‐related groups such as psychiatry, surgery and oncology were found to have poorer ETP performance. Overall, failure to meet ETP was associated with increased mortality after adjusting for age, case‐mix, comorbidities and acuity.
Lunar Subsurface Mineralogy and Density Profile Modelling based on Moon Mineralogy Mapper Observation
Authors: ZHANG Weijia , HU Jingke , YU Hangjie , CAI Shaomin
Published: February 2020

The methods of deriving FeO and TiO2contents from the Clementine spacecraft data were discussed, and an approach was developed to derive the content from the measurements using the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) instrument on Chandrayaan‐1. The density of lunar bedrock was then modeled on the basis of the derived FeO and TiO2abundances. The FeO and TiO2abundances derived from the M3data were compared with the previous results of the Clementine data and were in good agreement. The FeO abundance data also agreed well with the Lunar Prospector data, which were used as an independent source. The previous Clementine and newly M3derived abundances were compared with the laboratory measured FeO and TiO2contents in the Apollo and Luna returned samples. The Clementine derived FeO content was systematically 1%–2% lower than the laboratory measurements in all the returned samples. The M3derived content agreed well with the returned Apollo samples and was within ±2.8% of the laboratory measurements. The Clementine derived TiO2abundance was systematically 0.1%–4% higher than the laboratory measurements of the returned samples. The M3derived TiO2agreed well (±0.6%) with the laboratory measurements of the returned samples, except for samples with high TiO2content. However, these results should be carefully interpreted because the error range requires verification. No error analysis was provided with the previous Clementine derived contents.
Linkages between changes in plant and mycorrhizal fungal community composition at high versus low elevation in alpine ecosystems
Authors: Li Xiaoliang , Xu Meng , Li Xiaolin , Christie Peter , Wagg Cameron , Zhang Junling
Published: February 2020

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in maintaining plant diversity and productivity in grassland ecosystems. However, very few studies have investigated how AMF and plant communities co‐vary between contrasting environments in natural ecosystems. Intensive sampling (50 soil samples) was conducted in natural open grasslands at both 3570 and 4556 m on Mount Segrila on the Southeast Tibetan Plateau. We used 454‐pyrosequencing to investigate soil AMF communities and to explore relationships between AMF diversity and plant richness, productivity and community composition. AMF diversity was negatively correlated with plant richness at 3570 m but positively at 4556 m. Differences in AMF community composition between elevations were attributable to plant community composition, soil pH and available phosphorus concentration. The AMF community was more phylogenetically clustered at the higher elevation than the lower elevation. However, greater phylogenetic clustering (under dispersion) of AMF communities at the two elevations was positively correlated with above‐ground biomass. Our results indicate that plant community composition and environmental filtering are the primary drivers structuring the AMF community. Phylogenetic relatedness may be important in explaining the function of AMF communities in alpine ecosystems.
Multi‐species occupancy models as robust estimators of community richness
Authors: Tingley Morgan W. , Nadeau Christopher P. , Sandor Manette E.
Published: February 2020

Understanding patterns of diversity is central to ecology and conservation, yet estimates of diversity are often biased by imperfect detection. In recent years, multi‐species occupancy models (MSOM) have been developed as a statistical tool to account for species‐specific heterogeneity in detection while estimating true measures of diversity. Although the power of these models has been tested in various ways, their ability to estimate gamma diversity—or true community size, N is a largely unrecognized feature that needs rigorous evaluation.

We use both simulations and an empirical dataset to evaluate the bias, precision, accuracy and coverage of estimates of N from MSOM compared to the widely applied iChao2 non‐parametric estimator. We simulated 5,600 datasets across seven scenarios of varying average occupancy and detectability covariates, as well as varying numbers of sites, replicates and true community size. Additionally, we use a real dataset of surveys over 9 years (where species accumulation reached an asymptote, indicating true N), to estimate N from each annual survey.

Simulations showed that both MSOM and iChao2 estimators are generally accurate (i.e. unbiased and precise) except under unideal scenarios where mean species occupancy is low. In such scenarios, MSOM frequently overestimated N. Across all scenarios, MSOM estimates were less certain than iChao2, but this led to over‐confident iChao2 estimates that showed poor coverage. Results from the real dataset largely confirmed the simulation findings, with MSOM estimates showing greater accuracy and coverage than iChao2.

Community ecologists have a wide choice of analytical methods, and both iChao2 and MSOM estimates of N are substantially preferable to raw species counts. The simplicity of non‐parametric estimators has obvious advantages, but our results show that in many cases, MSOM may provide superior estimates that also account more accurately for uncertainty. Both methods can show strong bias when average occupancy is very low, and practitioners should show caution when using estimates derived from either method under such conditions.
Significance of mast cells in spermatogenesis, implantation, pregnancy, and abortion: Cross talk and molecular mechanisms
Authors: Elieh Ali Komi Daniel , Shafaghat Farzaneh , Haidl Gerhard
Published: February 2020

Both subsets of MCs including MCTC (tryptase‐positive, chymase‐positive) and MCT (tryptase‐positive, chymase‐negative) are present in the testis and epididymis. Increased number of MCs, higher levels of MC‐released tryptase in testis and seminal plasma of males with fertility problems, and promoting sperm motility in individuals with oligozoospermia after using MC blockers provide evidence that MCs may play a role in male infertility/subfertility disturbances. MC‐released tryptase and histamine contribute to the fibrosis and may disrupt spermatogenesis. MCs not only influence the process of spermatogenesis but also have effects on the function of other testis‐residing cells. MC‐derived histamine may influence the steroidogenesis of Leydig cells by acting through H1R and H2R receptors. Additionally, the interaction between MC‐released ATP and P2X receptors expressed on the peritubular cells may induce the production of the pro‐inflammatory mediators by peritubular cells. Further investigations showed that MCs may be involved in the pathology of female infertility during implantation, pregnancy, and abortion. In the uterus, MCT subtype is abundant in myometrium and adjacent basal layer while MCTC subtype is distributed in all layers. MCs in response to hormones mainly estradiol and progesterone become activated and release a wide range of mediators including histamine, VEGF, proteases, and metalloproteinases (MMPs) that have a role in different stages of pregnancy. An increasing influx of MCs to the cervix during the pregnancy occurs that helps to the physiologic cervical ripening. While MMPs degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM), VEGF modulates neovascularization and histamine influences the embryo implantation. MC‐derived histamine may have a positive effect during implantation due to its participation in tissue remodeling. MC proteases including tryptase and chymase activate the precursors of MMP2 and MMP9 to mediate ECM degradation during the physiologic menstrual cycle. There is a line of evidence that MCs have a role in abortion by releasing TNF‐α.
Proximal junctional kyphosis and rates of fusion following posterior instrumentation and spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Sinagra Zachary , Cunningham Gregory , Dillon David , Woodland Peter , Baddour Edward
Published: February 2020

Background

Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) can cause significant functional impairment and neural compression. Varying rates of PJK and pseudoarthrosis following posterior instrumentation and fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are described with multiple biologic and biomechanical correlations attributed. This retrospective study aims to determine our rate of pseudoarthrosis and PJK in posterior spinal fusion for AIS, along with analysing the influence of autograft and allograft bone volume.

Methods

Immediate and 12‐month post‐operative radiographs of 78 patients treated for AIS were analysed along with late complications to a minimum of 2 years. Proximal kyphosis was determined by measuring and comparing the angle between the upper instrumented vertebra and upper instrumented vertebra + 2 for both immediate and 12‐month post‐operative radiographs. Spinal fusion was determined using an accepted grading scale on the 12‐month radiograph. These findings were correlated with known surgical variables in bone grafting technique.

Results

There was one case of PJK and no cases of pseudoarthrosis. Three patients showed a defect in the fusion mass but were still suggestive of fusion. The rates of fusion and PJK were not significantly different when using different allograft volumes or incorporating autograft.

Conclusion

Relatively low rates of PJK following AIS correction were observed compared to the literature. Rates were not increased with the use of proximal autograft. The amount of allograft used did not affect fusion rates either.
Coaching of Insolvent Entrepreneurs and the Change in Coping Resources, Health, and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Schermuly Carsten C. , Wach Dominika , Kirschbaum Clemens , Wegge Jürgen
Published: February 2020

As coaching becomes an established learning and development tool, it expands to new work contexts and relevant populations. Exploring coaching outcomes in insolvent entrepreneurs is a new and promising field. Business failure is a devastating experience for entrepreneurs, associated with negative emotions and adverse psychological and physiological reactions. Our study is the first to examine if coaching can help improve the coping resources, health, and cognitive performance of insolvent entrepreneurs. The results of our pre‐post‐test‐within‐subject analyses based on 19 participants show a positive improvement in psychological well‐being, vital exhaustion, and vigilance. By contrast, no improvements were found with regard to coping resources and biomarkers such as stress hormones concentrations in hair. Unexpectedly, the working alliance between client and coach did not increase the improvements following coaching. Our findings contribute to the growing literature on the effects of coaching; however, our results should be interpreted cautiously as unfortunately we had no opportunity to include a control group in our research design.
Women's preferences for mode of second birth—A prospective study of two Israeli birth cohorts
Authors: Preis Heidi , Mor Pnina , Grisaru‐Granovsky Sorina , Samueloff Arnon , Gabbay-Benziv Rinat , Chen Rony , Eisner Michal , Pardo Joseph , Peled Yoav , Wiznitzer Arnon , Benyamini Yael
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Various biopsychosocial factors affect women's preferences with respect to mode of birth, but they are usually not examined simultaneously and prospectively. In the current study, we assessed the contribution of personal characteristics of first‐time mothers, their prior prenatal perceptions, events during birth, and subjective birth experiences, on their preference about mode of second birth.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of two prospective birth cohort studies. Participants included 832 primiparous women recruited mostly from women's health centers in Israel, and through natural birth communities and cesarean birth websites. Women completed questionnaires prenatally and were followed up at 6‐8 weeks postpartum to understand their preferences for a second birth.

Results

Regression models indicated that after vaginal first birth, being less religious, believing that birth is a medical process, and having a negative experience increased the odds of preferring primary cesarean for the second birth. After cesarean birth, being more religious, having higher education, conceiving spontaneously, having a more negative birth experience, and perceiving better treatment from the staff during birth contributed to preferring vaginal birth for the second birth.

Conclusions

Religiosity is central to women's preferences, probably because of its association with the desire to have many children. Modifiable factors, such as women's beliefs about the nature of birth, their overall birth experience, and their perceived treatment from the staff, could influence the uptake of having vaginal births. Intrapartum care that is empathic and encouraging, along with education about modes of birth, could help decrease cesarean birth rates.
Unions and wage inequality: The roles of gender, skill and public sector employment
Authors: Card David , Lemieux Thomas , Riddell W. Craig
Published: February 2020

We examine the changing relationship between unionization and wage inequality in Canada and the United States. Our study is motivated by profound recent changes in the composition of the unionized workforce. Historically, union jobs were concentrated among low‐skilled men in private sector industries. With the steady decline in private sector unionization and rising influence in the public sector, half of unionized workers are now in the public sector. Accompanying these changes was a remarkable rise in the share of women among unionized workers. Currently, approximately half of unionized employees in North America are women. While early studies of unions and inequality focused on males, recent studies find that unions reduce wage inequality among men but not among women. In both countries, we find striking differences between the private and public sectors in the effects of unionization on wage inequality. At present, unions reduce economy‐wide wage inequality by less than 10%. However, union impacts on wage inequality are much larger in the public sector. Once we disaggregate by sector, the effects of unions on male and female wage inequality no longer differ. The key differences in union impacts are between the public and private sectors—not between males and females.
Shark fin trade bans and sustainable shark fisheries
Authors: Ferretti Francesco , Jacoby David M. P. , Pfleger Mariah O. , White Timothy D. , Dent Felix , Micheli Fiorenza , Rosenberg Andrew A. , Crowder Larry B. , Block Barbara A.
Published: February 2020

The U.S. Congress is currently discussing the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act to eliminate shark fin trade at the federal level. This bill was introduced in 2017 and has been proceeding very slowly in Congress because of mixed reviews from the scientific community. Debate exists on whether shark conservation and management are effectively addressed with tightened trade controls for imported shark products or blanket bans that outright end U.S. participation in the shark fin trade. Here we contribute to this debate with a review and analysis of economic, nutritional, ethical, and legal arguments, as well as of the shark fisheries status and shark fin trade. We show that the United States has a limited commercial interest in shark fisheries and contributes to the shark fin trade mainly as a facilitator. A fin trade ban has few tangible economic drawbacks but would have a considerable conservation impact. While making all shark fisheries sustainable is the ultimate goal, in practice this objective is far from achievable everywhere in the world. Conversely, banning shark fin trade is an interim measure that nations like the United States can take with negligible cost and can truly impact the biggest driver of shark exploitation globally.
Predicting Cost‐Effectiveness of Generic vs. Brand Dabigatran Using Pharmacometric Estimates Among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in the United States
Authors: Wang Ching‐Yu , Pham Phuong N. , Kim Sarah , Lingineni Karthik , Schmidt Stephan , Diaby Vakaramoko , Brown Joshua
Published: February 2020

Generic entry of newer anticoagulants is expected to decrease the costs of atrial fibrillation management. However, when making switches between brand and generic medications, bioequivalence concerns are possible. The objectives of this study were to predict and compare the lifetime cost‐effectiveness of brand dabigatran with hypothetical future generics. Markov microsimulations were modified to predict the lifetime costs and quality‐adjusted life years of patients on either brand or generic dabigatran from a US private payer perspective. Event rates for generics were predicted using previously developed pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic models. The analyses showed that generic dabigatran with lower‐than‐brand systemic exposure were dominant. Meanwhile, generic dabigatran with extremely high systemic exposure was not cost‐effective compared with the brand reference. Cost‐effectiveness of generic medications cannot always be assumed as shown in this example. Combined use of pharmacometric and pharmacoeconomic models can assist in decision making between brand and generic pharmacotherapies.
Predictors of cognitive development in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 and plexiform neurofibromas
Authors: Hou Yang , Allen Taryn , Wolters Pamela L , Toledo‐Tamula Mary Anne , Martin Staci , Baldwin Andrea , Reda Stephanie , Gillespie Andy , Goodwin Anne , Widemann Brigitte C
Published: February 2020

Aim

To describe the cognitive development of children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and plexiform neurofibromas, and identify predictors of cognitive development.

Method

Participants included 88 children with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas (50 males, 38 females, aged 6–18y, mean=12y, SD=3y 7mo) on a natural history study at the National Cancer Institute. Neuropsychological assessments (e.g. IQ, academic achievement, attention, and executive functioning) were administered three times over 6 years.

Results

Relative to normative peers, the total sample of children with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas demonstrated significantly lower scores in most cognitive domains and decreasing z‐scores over time in math, writing, inhibitory control, and working memory. Children who had parents with (vs without) NF1 were more likely to experience decreased z‐scores in performance IQ, reading, writing, attention, and working memory. Higher (vs lower) parental education was related to higher levels of IQ, math, reading, and cognitive flexibility and a slower decrease in math z‐scores. Children’s sex and the number of NF1 disease‐related complications were not related to most cognitive outcomes.

Interpretation

Children with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas are at high risk for cognitive difficulties and declining z‐scores in various domains of cognitive functioning over time. The findings highlight the need for a better understanding of the within‐group differences in these children and their need for individualized educational plans.

What this paper adds

Math, writing, inhibitory control, and working memory scores decreased over time.

The proportion of children with clinically significant cognitive deficits increased over time.

Parental neurofibromatosis type 1 and low education were related to greater cognitive difficulties in children.
Brain free fatty acid uptake is elevated in morbid obesity, and is irreversible 6 months after bariatric surgery: A positron emission tomography study
Authors: Rebelos Eleni , Hirvonen Jussi , Bucci Marco , Pekkarinen Laura , Nyman Mikko , Hannukainen Jarna C. , Iozzo Patricia , Salminen Paulina , Nummenmaa Lauri , Ferrannini Ele , Nuutila Pirjo
Published: February 2020

Aim

To investigate whether there are differences in brain fatty acid uptake (BFAU) between morbidly obese and lean subjects, and the effect of weight loss following bariatric surgery.

Materials and methods

We measured BFAU with 14(R, S)‐[18F]fluoro‐6‐thia‐heptadecanoic acid and positron emission tomography in 24 morbidly obese and 14 lean women. Obese subjects were restudied 6 months after bariatric surgery. We also assessed whether there was hypothalamic neuroinflammation in the obese subjects using fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Obese subjects had a higher BFAU than lean subjects (1.12 [0.61] vs. 0.72 [0.50] μmol 100 g−1 min−1, P = 0.0002), driven by higher fatty acid uptake availability. BFAU correlated positively with BMI (P = 0.006, r = 0.48), whole body fatty acid oxidation (P = 0.006, r = 0.47) and leptin levels (P = 0.001, r = 0.54). When BFAU, leptin and body mass index (BMI) were included in the same model, the association between BFAU and leptin was the strongest. BFAU did not correlate with FLAIR‐derived estimates of hypothalamic inflammation. Six months after bariatric surgery, obese subjects achieved significant weight loss (−10 units of BMI). BFAU was not significantly changed (1.12 [0.61] vs. 1.09 [0.39] μmol 100 g−1 min−1, ns), probably because of the ongoing catabolic state. Finally, baseline BFAU predicted worse plasma glucose levels at 2 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

BFAU is increased in morbidly obese compared with lean subjects, and is unchanged 6 months after bariatric surgery. Baseline BFAU predicts worse plasma glucose levels at follow‐up, supporting the notion that the brain participates in the control of whole‐body homeostasis.
Latitudinal clines in the timing and temperature‐sensitivity of photoperiodic reproductive diapause in Drosophila montana
Authors: Tyukmaeva Venera , Lankinen Pekka , Kinnunen Johanna , Kauranen Hannele , Hoikkala Anneli
Published: February 2020

Reproductive diapause is a primary mechanism used by arthropods to synchronize their life cycle with seasonal changes in temperate regions. Our study species, Drosophila montana, represents the northern insect species where flies enter reproductive diapause under short day conditions and where the precise timing of diapause is crucial for both survival and offspring production. We have studied clinal variation in the critical day length for female diapause induction (CDL) and their overall susceptibility to enter diapause (diapause incidence), as well as the temperature sensitivity of these traits. The study was performed using multiple strains from four latitudinal clines of the species – short clines in Finland and Alaska and long clines in the Rocky Mountains and the western coast of North America – and from one population in Kamchatka, Russia. CDL showed strong latitudinal clines on both continents, decreasing by one hour per five degrees decline in latitude, on average. CDL also decreased in all populations along with an increase in fly rearing temperature postponing the diapause to later calendar time, the effects of temperature being stronger in southern than in northern population. Female diapause incidence was close to 100% under short day/low temperature conditions in all populations, but decreased below 50% even under short days in 19°C in the southern North American western coast populations and in 22°C in most populations. Comparing a diversity of climatic data for the studied populations showed that while CDL is under a tight photoperiodic regulation linked with latitude, its length depends also on climatic factors determining the growing season length. Overall, the study deepens our understanding of how spatial and environmental parameters affect the seasonal timing of an important biological event, reproductive diapause and helps to estimate the evolutionary potential of insect populations to survive in changing climatic conditions.
Prevalence of self‐reported subthreshold phenotypes of major mental disorders and their association with functional impairment, treatment and full‐threshold syndromes in a community‐residing cohort of young adults
Authors: Scott Jan , Martin Nicholas G. , Parker Richard , Couvy‐Duchesne Baptiste , Medland Sarah E. , Hickie Ian
Published: February 2020

Aim

Subthreshold syndromes (STS) frequently precede the onset of full‐threshold syndromes (FTS) of the corresponding mental disorder (homotypic continuity). This study examines whether subthreshold conditions are comorbid and whether there is heterotypic continuity also between STS and FTS.

Methods

Data were extracted from the Brisbane “19Up” cohort study of twins and siblings (N = 1838; 56% female) on individuals who (i) completed self‐report ratings of depression‐like (DLE), hypomanic‐like (HMLE) and psychotic‐like experiences (PLE) and (ii) were assessed for mood and psychotic FTS using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Associations between STS and FTS were estimated using adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

STS are prevalent, with 22% reporting DLE, 14% HMLE and 5% PLE; 7% reported >1 STS, with PLE most likely to demonstrate comorbidity. Individuals with DLE were likely to meet CIDI criteria for depression (APR: 3.71, 95% CI: 2.83, 4.89), hypo/mania (APR: 3.62, 95% CI: 2.21, 5.94) and psychotic disorders (APR: 1.74, 95% CI 1.08, 2.83). Individuals with HMLE were likely to meet CIDI criteria for depression (APR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.58, 3.31) and hypo/mania (APR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.29, 4.91); those with PLE were likely to meet criteria for hypo/mania (APR: 5.8, 95% CI: 1.90, 17.70) and psychotic disorders (APR: 17.27, 95% CI: 7.54, 39.65).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that STS are common among young adults and show heterotypic as well as homotypic continuity with FTS and support the need for more trans‐diagnostic research on the evolution of major mental disorders.
Higher order language impairments can predict the transition of ultrahigh risk state to psychosis—An empirical study
Authors: Pawełczyk Agnieszka , Łojek Emilia , Żurner Natalia , Kotlicka‐Antczak Magdalena , Pawełczyk Tomasz
Published: February 2020

Aim

Higher order language skills, for example, non‐literal language, humour, prosody deal with ‘what is meant’ and they are necessary for communicative exchange and relationships; No study has investigated their link with conversion to psychosis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether such skills could act as predictors of the onset of psychosis, and compare those of individuals converting and non‐converting to psychosis with control of cognitive functions.

Methods

Seventy‐three patients, aged 15 to 32 years, fulfilling ultrahigh risk criteria took part: 14% of whom were receiving antipsychotic drugs. The study was observational, prospective and longitudinal in nature, and scheduled for 60 months. Pragmatic language skills were evaluated using the Polish version of the right hemisphere language battery. The ultrahigh risk (UHR) criteria were evaluated with Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental States; attention, intelligence and verbal fluency were controlled.

Results

The conversion rate was 25%; converters demonstrated impaired humour comprehension and metaphor explanation abilities; composite score of pragmatic language was associated with a hazard ratio of 6.0 (95% CI 1.8‐20.5) and AUC of .73. Verbal fluency was an independent predictor of conversion, but attention and intelligence were not; pragmatic language skills were associated with social function but not with prodromal symptoms.

Conclusions

The results suggest that deficits in humour comprehension and metaphor explanation could predict conversion to psychosis. These findings could improve diagnosis and create implications for speech and language therapy in UHR groups. Further studies on the mechanisms of pragmatic skills should analyze their relationship with abstract measures and semantic coherence.
Social cognition and interaction training for recent‐onset schizophrenia: A preliminary randomized trial
Authors: Rocha Nuno Barbosa , Campos Carlos , Figueiredo João Mateus , Saraiva Sérgio , Almeida Carla , Moreira Cátia , Pereira Guilherme , Telles‐Correia Diogo , Roberts David
Published: February 2020

Comprehensive social cognition training programs have been effective to improve social cognition in people with chronic schizophrenia, although there is insufficient quality evidence for recent‐onset psychosis. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) in a sample of recent‐onset schizophrenia outpatients. Sixteen participants who had their first psychotic episode for less than 2 years were randomly allocated to the SCIT group during 20 weeks (weekly sessions) or to a psychoeducation group and completed baseline and post‐training assessment for cognitive biases, social cognition, clinical symptoms and functioning. Permutation‐based analysis revealed improvements in overall functioning (P = 0.036) and blame score (P = 0.070) in the SCIT group compared to the psychoeducation intervention, with large effect sizes (d = 1.438 and d = 1.204, respectively). There were also large effect sizes for hostility, emotion recognition, social perception, positive and total symptoms (d = 0.833‐1.158). These results suggest that SCIT may be an effective tool to improve attributional biases and functional outcomes in recent‐onset schizophrenia outpatients. Future controlled trials with larger sample size and follow‐up assessments should be developed to further understand effective intervention outcomes for this population.