bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple shock events recorded in the Northwest Africa 2139 LL6 chondrite: Implications for collisional histories of the LL chondrite parent body
Authors: Takenouchi Atsushi , Sumino Hirochika , Shimodate Karin , Yamaguchi Akira
Published: November 2021

LL chondrites have experienced multiple shock events; however, the relations of each shock event and their timing have rarely been investigated. To demonstrate the relations between each shock texture and shock chronological ages, we conducted both petrological and chronological (40Ar/39Ar and I‐Xe ages) studies using aliquots subsampled from the same chip of the Northwest Africa (NWA) 2139 LL6 chondrite. Our 40Ar/39Ar studies and petrological observation reveal that NWA 2139 recorded at least three impact events before 4.17 ± 0.10 Ga, thus resulting in a complex brecciated texture, silicate darkening, and thick shock veins. An intense heating event occurred at 4.17 ± 0.10 Ga, which recrystallized the thick veins and healing cracks. Then, a weak shock event occurred at <3.9 Ga. Combined with 40Ar/39Ar data of other LL chondritic materials, this study supports that the LL chondrite parent body was possibly broken up by 1.7 Ga, and that most of the breakup likely occurred within 3.8–4.2 Ga.
Population subdivision promoted by a sea‐level‐change‐driven bottleneck: A glimpse from the evolutionary history of the mangrove plant Aegiceras corniculatum
Authors: Zhang Rufan , Guo Zixiao , Fang Lu , Zhong Cairong , Duke Norman C. , Shi Suhua
Published: November 2021

Historic climate changes drive geographical populations of coastal plants to contract and recover dynamically, even die out completely. Species suffering from such bottlenecks usually lose intraspecific genetic diversity, but how do these events influence population subdivision patterns of coastal plants? Here, we investigated this question in the typical coastal plant: mangrove species Aegiceras corniculatum. Inhabiting the intertidal zone of the tropical and subtropical coast of the Indo‐West Pacific oceans, its populations are deemed to be greatly shaped by historic sea‐level fluctuations. Using dual methods of Sanger and Illumina sequencing, we found that the 18 sampled populations were structured into two groups, namely, the “Indo‐Malayan” group, comprising three subgroups (the northern South China Sea, Gulf of Bengal, and Bali), and the “Pan‐Australasia” group, comprising the subgroups of the southern South China Sea and Australasia. Based on the approximate Bayesian computations and Stairway Plot, we inferred that the southern South China Sea subgroup, which penetrates the interior of the “Indo‐Malayan” group, originated from the Australasia subgroup, accompanied by a severe bottleneck event, with a spot of gene flow from both the Australasia and “Indo‐Malayan” groups. Geographical barriers such as the Sundaland underlie the genetic break between Indian and Pacific Oceans, but the discontinuity between southern and northern South China Sea was originated from genetic drift in the bottleneck event. Hence, we revealed a case evidencing that the bottleneck event promoted population subdivision. This conclusion may be applicable in other taxa beyond coastal plants.
Information availability and ability choice in a market for physicians
Authors: Lara Córdova Edgardo , Rodríguez‐Camacho Javier A.
Published: November 2021

We study the ability choices and pricing strategies of physicians in a duopolistic market where consumers base their decisions on anecdotes. The consumers are aware of only some of the physicians and estimate their abilities by taking a sample from the patients a physician has previously treated. In this setting, situations arise where physicians have incentives to choose a low level of ability even when it is costless. Namely, more information availability leads to more ability differentiation and a lower average level in equilibrium. Conversely, an equilibrium where both physicians choose a maximum ability is possible when information on at least one of the physicians is not readily available.
A Verticillium longisporum pleiotropic drug transporter determines tolerance to the plant host β‐pinene monoterpene
Authors: Rafiei Vahideh , Ruffino Alessandra , Persson Hodén Kristian , Tornkvist Anna , Mozuraitis Raimondas , Dubey Mukesh , Tzelepis Georgios
Published: November 2021

Terpenes constitute a major part of secondary metabolites secreted by plants in the rhizosphere. However, their specific functions in fungal–plant interactions have not been investigated thoroughly. In this study we investigated the role of monoterpenes in interactions between oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and the soilborne pathogen Verticillium longisporum. We identified seven monoterpenes produced by B. napus, and production of α‐pinene, β‐pinene, 3‐carene, and camphene was significantly increased upon fungal infection. Among them, β‐pinene was chosen for further analysis. Transcriptome analysis of V. longisporum on exposure to β‐pinene resulted in identification of two highly expressed pleotropic drug transporters paralog genes named VlAbcG1a and VlAbcG1b. Overexpression of VlAbcG1a in Saccharomyces cerevisiae increased tolerance to β‐pinene, while deletion of the VlAbcG1a homologous gene in Verticillium dahliae resulted in mutants with increased sensitivity to certain monoterpenes. Furthermore, the VlAbcG1a overexpression   strain displayed an increased tolerance to β‐pinene and increased virulence in tomato plants. Data from this study give new insights into the roles of terpenes in plant–fungal pathogen interactions and the mechanisms fungi deploy to cope with the toxicity of these secondary metabolites.
Why are Arctic shrubs becoming more nitrogen limited?
Authors: Street Lorna E. , Caldararu S.
Published: November 2021

This article is a Commentary on Martin et al. (2022), 233: 670–686.
Pandemics and emergent digital inequalities
Authors: Campbell Malcolm
Published: November 2021

Over the course of the COVID‐19 pandemic, it has become increasingly apparent that a public health crisis exposes underlying inequalities in society. This commentary focuses on emergent digital inequalities in Aotearoa New Zealand, noting the accelerated use of digital tools and technologies such as smartphone applications, online maps and vaccination booking websites during the pandemic. It argues that there is a need to address both the underlying population inequalities and the associated digital inequalities that have arisen during the pandemic.
Risks of overweight in the offspring of women with gestational diabetes at different developmental stages: A meta‐analysis with more than half a million offspring
Authors: Gao Ming , Cao Shu , Li Ninghua , Liu Jinnan , Lyu Yuanjun , Li Jing , Yang Xilin
Published: November 2021

We conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the association of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and offspring overweight from birth to adulthood, and to assess the effects of lifestyle interventions in women with GDM on this risk of offspring overweight. We identified literature from PubMed and 12 other electronic databases and retrieved relevant literature published before October 20, 2020. Random‐effects model analysis was used to calculate relative risks (RRs) of overweight and weighted mean differences of body mass index among children stratified into different developmental stages. Forty‐nine cohort studies (n = 559,377) and four randomized controlled trials (n = 1277) were included. We found that offspring of women with GDM were at an increased risk for overweight with age, from 1.14 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.22) under 5 years, 1.37 (95% CI: 1.31–1.44) at 5 to <10 years, 2.00 (95% CI: 1.79–2.23) at 10 to <18 years, to 2.05 (95% CI: 1.65–2.55) over 18 years of age (p < 0.05 for differences among groups). However, it was not observed that lifestyle interventions for GDM decreased the elevated overweight risk (RR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.80–1.11, I2 = 0.0%). These findings highlight the need for adopting an active and healthy lifestyle in this high‐risk group.
Maxillofacial morphological characteristics in growing orthodontic patients with non‐syndromic oligodontia
Authors: Suyama Taiki , Ishikawa Hiroyuki , Tamaoki Sachio , Higa Remi , Takata Shunsuke , Sawa Yoshihiko
Published: November 2021

Objective

Patients with oligodontia frequently show different types of malocclusions. However, how oligodontia affects the maxillofacial growth remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the maxillofacial morphological characteristics in growing patients with oligodontia.

Setting and Sample Population

The study subjects included 33 Japanese children with non‐syndromic oligodontia (14 boys and 19 girls; mean age: 10.2 years) who visited the orthodontic clinic of Fukuoka Dental College Medical and Dental Hospital from 1999 to 2019.

Materials and Methods

Cephalometric analyses were performed, and the variables measured in each subject were converted intoZscores in relation to the mean and standard deviation of the Japanese norms matched for growth stage. The one‐samplet‐test or Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was performed to compare the mean scores in the patients with oligodontia with those of the Japanese norms.

Results

Compared with the Japanese norms, patients with oligodontia showed a smaller convexity and larger A‐B plane and SNB angles. The Frankfort‐mandibular plane and gonial angles were smaller, whereas the height of the ramus was larger. The vertical height of the alveolar bone in the maxillary and mandibular incisors and molar areas was smaller in patients with oligodontia.

Conclusions

Patients with oligodontia showed Class III skeletal tendency with mandibular prognathism and flattened mandibular plane with a smaller gonial angle. These maxillofacial morphological features can be induced by a deficiency in the vertical growth of the alveolar bone in the maxillary and mandibular molar areas due to the lack of tooth germs.
Oxidative‐antioxidant imbalance in chronic sialadenitis of submandibular gland in human and rat
Authors: Liu Jingyang , Liu Pei , Wei Lili , Li Wei , Li Bo , Cheng Yong
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the level of oxidative stress (OS) in human and rat chronic sialadenitis (CS) of the submandibular gland (SMG).

Method

We collected human SMG tissues and established a rat CS model using Wharton's duct partial ligation (PL). Morphological changes in the SMG were evaluated by HE, Sirius Red, AB/PAS, TUNEL and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity were detected by ELISA, commercial assay kits and IHC staining to evaluate their expression levels and locations in the SMG.

Results

Histopathological damage were observed in the human and rat CS. In rat PL group, the oxidative damage products (8‐OHdG, AOPP, 8‐iso‐PGF2α and H2O2) were significantly increased. For antioxidants, the PL group had markedly decreased T‐AOC and CAT activity, but markedly increased SOD activity. 3‐NT, 4‐HNE and MDA expression changed during the process of CS, and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD1, SOD2, GPX1 and GPX4) were mainly expressed in ducts.

Conclusions

The oxidative‐antioxidant imbalance of CS in human and rats was revealed, the different expression of oxidative damage during the process of CS was detected, and the different antioxidant reaction in acinar and ductal cells was demonstrated.
Ana o 3 sIgE testing increases the accuracy of cashew allergy diagnosis using a two‐step model
Authors: Dang Thanh D. , Peters Rachel , Neeland Melanie R. , Brettig Tim , Green Hayden , McWilliam Vicki , Tang Mimi L. K. , Dharmage Shyamali , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , Koplin Jennifer , Perrett Kirsten P. ,   for the HealthNuts Investigators
Published: November 2021

Background

Measurement of cashew‐specific IgE (sIgE) is often used to confirm sensitization but does not reliably diagnose clinical allergy. Ana o 3 is the dominant cashew allergen detected in 75–100% of patients with cashew allergy but not currently used in clinical practice.

Objectives

To determine if component‐resolved diagnostics using specific IgE to the 2 S albumin from cashew, Ana o 3, improves the accuracy of diagnosing cashew allergy, thereby circumventing the need for an oral food challenge (OFC) in some patients.

Methods

A population‐based sample of 5276 children was recruited at age 1 year and followed up at age 6 years. Children with positive cashew skin prick test at age 6 underwent an OFC to clarify allergy status. Forty‐seven children (mean age 5.02 ± 0.2) (33 cashew‐allergic and 14 cashew‐tolerant) had cashew sIgE and Ana o 3 sIgE quantified by ImmunoCAP System FEIA.

Results

A cutoff of >0.32 kUA/L for Ana o 3 sIgE provided 95% specificity and 90% sensitivity and correctly identified 90% of clinical cashew allergy. At the same specificity, the sensitivity for cashew sIgE (>8.5 kUA/L) was only 26%. Sequential measurement of cashew sIgE followed by Ana o 3 sIgE diagnosed 90% of children with cashew allergy without the need for an OFC.

Conclusion

Ana o 3 sIgE testing provides higher diagnostic accuracy than cashew sIgE. Sequential measurement of cashew sIgE followed by Ana o 3 removed the need for a food challenge from 66% down to 12.8% (5‐fold) of children compared with cashew sIgE testing alone.
CmMYB1 gene clone from Cucumis melo and its functional roles under salt stress
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Huijun , Dai Zuyun , Yuan Yushu , Wei Shuangqin
Published: November 2021

This study aims to clone the MYB gene from the melon and explore its function. In order to obtain the differentially expressed MYB genes, comparative transcriptome analysis was carried out between varieties ‘M15’ and ‘Baogua’. CmMYB1 homologous gene in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) was obtained by homologous cloning. CmMYB1 gene was introduced into wild type by agrobacterium‐mediated transformation, and the growth status of T2 transgenic and wild type was observed. The results of subcellular localization showed that the CmMYB1 protein was expressed in cytoplasm and nucleus. After treatment with 200 mM NaCl solution for 1 and 3 h, the CmMYB1 gene expression increased significantly and began to decline after 6 h of salt stress, indicating that it functions in the early response to salt stress. After treatment with 200 mM NaCl solution for 1 and 3 h, the CmMYB1 gene expression increased significantly, and began to decline after 6 h of stress, indicating that it functions in the early response to salt stress. In CmMYB1‐OX overexpression Arabidopsis and Arabidopsis Col‐0 treated with 200 mM NaCl solution for 14 days, the overexpression lines at L4 and L5 were seen to change more obviously, and these results suggested that the CmMYB1 gene was involved in the response to salt stress.
Changes in circumferential strain can differentiate pediatric heart transplant recipients with and without graft rejection
Authors: Boucek Katerina , Burnette Ali , Henderson Heather , Savage Andrew , Chowdhury Shahryar M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Routine surveillance protocols rely heavily on endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) for detection of rejection in pediatric heart transplant recipients. More sensitive echocardiographic tools to assess rejection may help limit the number of EMBs. This study compared changes in left ventricular (LV) strain in patients who had rejection versus those who did not.

Methods

A single center retrospective review was conducted between 2013 and 2020. Patients were categorized based on rejection history. Echocardiograms were evaluated at the time of 2 consecutive EMBs; in the rejection group, the second echocardiogram was collected at the time of a rejection episode. Conventional measures of LV function and speckle‐tracking echocardiography‐derived longitudinal (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) were measured.

Results

17 patients were in the non‐rejection group and 17 were in the rejection group (30 total rejection episodes). The rejection group was older at the time of transplant (12.5 vs. 1.3 years, p = .01). A decline in CS was seen in the rejection group at the second echocardiogram [−18.5 (IQR −21.5, −14.6) to −15.7 (IQR −19.8, −13.2)] while CS improved in the non‐rejection group [−20.8 (IQR −23.9, −17.8) to −23.9 (IQR −24.9, −20.1)]. This difference in change reached significance (p = .02). A similar pattern was seen in LS that neared significance (p = .06). There was no significant difference in ejection fraction change (p = .24).

Conclusions

Patients in the non‐rejection group displayed improvement in CS between echocardiograms while patients in the rejection group showed subsequent decline. Worsening of LV CS may help identify acute rejection in the early post‐transplant period.
Circumstances surrounding end‐of‐life in pediatric patients pre‐ and post‐heart transplant: a report from the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society
Authors: Cousino Melissa K. , Yu Sunkyung , Blume Elizabeth D. , Henderson Heather T. , Hollander Seth A. , Khan Sairah , Parent John Jerry , Schumacher Kurt R.
Published: November 2021

Background

Although mortality has decreased considerably in pediatric heart transplantation, waitlist and post‐transplant death rates remain notable. End‐of‐life focused research in this population, however, is very limited. This Pediatric Heart Transplant Society study aimed to describe the circumstances surrounding death of pediatric heart transplant patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the multi‐institutional, international, Pediatric Heart Transplant Society registry was conducted. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses were performed to 1) describe end‐of‐life in pediatric pre‐ and post‐heart transplant patients and 2) examine associations between location of death and technological interventions at end‐of‐life with demographic and disease factors.

Results

Of 9217 patients (0–18 years) enrolled in the registry between 1993 and 2018, 2804 (30%) deaths occurred; 1310 while awaiting heart transplant and 1494 post‐heart transplant. The majority of waitlist deaths (89%) occurred in the hospital, primarily in ICU (74%) with most receiving mechanical ventilation (77%). Fewer post‐transplant deaths occurred in the hospital (22%). Out‐of‐hospital death was associated with older patient age (p < .01).

Conclusions

ICU deaths with high use of technological interventions at end‐of‐life were common, particularly in patients awaiting heart transplant. In this high mortality population, findings raise challenging considerations for clinicians, families, and policy makers on how to balance quality of life amidst high risk for hospital‐based death.
Pandemic Politics in the United States: COVID‐19 as a New Type of Political Emergency
Authors: Sommer Udi , Rappel‐Kroyzer Or
Published: November 2021

Does a state of emergency necessarily contract human behavior? In times of security crises, for instance, citizens overcome their divides. Our analysis explores the relationship between county‐level partisanship in the United States during COVID‐19 and mobility. We provide an original theoretical analysis to distinguish pandemic politics from politics in times of emergency as we had known them. Our framework helps reconcile previous contradictory findings about this type of emergency politics. Such a frame is needed as it has been a century since the last major global pandemic and COVID‐19 may not be the last. There are five reasons to distinguish COVID‐19 from previously familiar types of emergency politics: psychological, national sentiments, policy related, elite related, and time related. Our extensive mobility big data (462,115 county*days from March–August 2020) are uniquely informative about pandemic politics. In times of pandemic, people literally vote with their feet on government actions. The data are highly representative of the U.S. population. At the pandemic outbreak, our exploratory innovative analysis suggests political divides are exacerbated. Later, with mixed messages about the plague from party leadership, such exceedingly partisan patterns dissipate. They make way to less politically infused and more educationally, demographically, and economically driven behavior.
Modeling electrophysiological measures of decision‐making and performance monitoring in neurotypical children engaging in a speeded flanker task
Authors: Lin Mei‐Heng , Davies Patricia L. , Taylor Brittany K. , Prince Mark A. , Gavin William J.
Published: November 2021

This study aims to use structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the role of error processing in behavioral adaptation in children by testing relationships between error‐related and stimulus‐related event‐related potentials (ERPs) obtained from two sessions of a speeded Eriksen flanker task. First, path models of averaged ERP components and mean response times (N1 → P2 → N2 → P3 → RTs) while controlling for trait effects, age, and sex, on each was examined separately for correct and incorrect trials from each session. While the model demonstrated acceptable fit statistics, the four models yielded diverse results. Next, path models for correct and incorrect trials were tested using latent variables defined by factoring together respective measures of ERP component amplitudes from each session. Comparison of correct and incorrect models revealed significant differences in the relationships between the successive measures of neural processing after controlling for trait effects. Moreover, latent variable models controlling for both traitandsession‐specific state variables yielded excellent model fit while models without session‐specific state variables did not. In the final model, the error‐related neural activity (i.e., the ERN and Pe) from incorrect trials was found to significantly relate to the stream of neural processes contributing to trials with the correct behavior. Importantly, the relationship between RT and error detection in the final model signifies a brain‐and‐behavior feedback loop. These findings provided empirical evidence that supports the adaptive orienting theory of error processing by demonstrating how the neural signals of error processing influence behavioral adaptations that facilitate correct behavioral performance.
Knowing too much? On bias due to domain‐specific knowledge in internal crowdsourcing for explorative ideas
Authors: Asplund Fredrik , Björk Jennie , Magnusson Mats
Published: November 2021

Internal crowdsourcing utilizes a firm’s employees, of which many have a strong understanding of the domains in which the firm operates, for contributing with, developing and evaluating ideas. On the one hand, these employees can use their domain‐specific knowledge to identify the value of what may seem a far‐fetched solution to the average employee. On the other hand, previous research has shown that employees typically evaluate ideas in their domains less favorably if they do not align with ongoing exploitation activities. Hence, this study focuses on whether a higher degree of relevant domain‐specific knowledge makes employees participating in internal crowdsourcing prefer exploitative solutions when evaluating ideas. An empirical study of an online platform for firm‐internal innovation in a multinational engineering company showed that employees who only infrequently participated in internal crowdsourcing mostly contributed to and evaluated ideas within their own domain. Employees who frequently participated also contributed to and evaluated ideas outside their own domains. By statistically analyzing group differences during idea evaluation, we show that employees participating infrequently favor exploitable solutions, whereas employees participating frequently are more uncertain. The former difference is only seen concerning ideas that require domain‐specific knowledge to understand, but the latter is observed for all types of ideas. This study makes three substantial contributions. First, employees with domain‐specific knowledge, through their preference for exploitative solutions, bias the outcome of internal crowdsourcing when idea evaluation requires domain‐specific knowledge. Second, this bias is aggravated by the overall higher level of uncertainty displayed by employees participating frequently in internal crowdsourcing and thereby tend to reach out to other domains. Third, in order to mitigate this, bias management can build engagement in internal crowdsourcing through idea challenges that do not require domain‐specific knowledge and consider avoiding employees with a strongly associated domain knowledge for idea evaluation.
Electromagnetic interactions of dipole distributions with a stratified medium: Power fluxes and scattering cross sections
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Andreas , Tsitsas Nikolaos L.
Published: November 2021

N magnetic dipoles radiate (inside or outside) a piecewise homogeneous (layered) and isotropic medium. The power fluxes and energy processes inside and outside the medium resulting from the various interactions between participating fields are investigated by means of the introduced interaction scattering cross sections (ISCS) and interaction power fluxes (IPF). Connections between the power flux through the excitation layers and the radiation in the far field are established by specifying the law of energy conservation for the considered scattering problem. Additionally, the relation between the IPF and the ISCS is derived by applying a generalized version of the optical theorem. Physical bounds for the ISCS with respect to the minimum and maximum individual cross sections and the number of excitation dipoles and layers are derived. The large‐N behavior of the ISCS is analyzed. Variations of the ISCS and their physical bounds are numerically investigated.
Imperfect information, algorithmic price discrimination, and collusion*
Authors: Peiseler Florian , Rasch Alexander , Shekhar Shiva
Published: November 2021

We analyze the ability of firms to sustain collusion in a setting in which horizontally differentiated firms can price discriminate based on private information. Firms receive private, noisy signals regarding customers’ preferences. We find that there is a non‐monotonic relationship between signal quality and the sustainability of collusion. Starting from a low level, an increase in signal precision first facilitates collusion. There is, however, a threshold beyond which any further increase renders collusion less sustainable. Our analysis provides important insights for competition policy, particularly in light of firms’ growing reliance on increasingly sophisticated computer algorithms to analyze consumer data and to make pricing decisions. In contrast to previous findings, our results reveal that a ban on price discrimination can help to prevent collusive behavior as long as signals are sufficiently noisy.
Student ways of thinking in STEM contexts: A focus on claim making and reasoning
Authors: Slavit David , Grace Elizabeth , Lesseig Kristin
Published: November 2021

STEM education should be grounded in our knowledge of how students think in STEM‐focused learning environments. However, little is currently known regarding specific types of thinking in these contexts. We explore the theoretical notion of STEM Ways of Thinking (SWoT) in interdisciplinary learning situations. Our primary focus is not on the curricular content of STEM education, but rather on the nature of the cognitive activity at play during STEM‐focused activity. We give particular focus to students’ claim making and reasoning during interdisciplinary STEM activity. Our framework focuses on the disciplines of science, engineering, and mathematics. While these disciplines have vastly different practices and epistemologies, we argue that claim making and reasoning provide an avenue for considering student thinking at their intersections. A brief literature review of SWoT is provided that illustrates trends and limitations amongst current theories and studies. After a detailed discussion of our own theoretical perspective of SWoT, we provide an illustrative learning segment to explore the explanatory and analytic power of our theoretical perspective. Implications of our work on curriculum and instruction are provided.
Marriage migration from below: The assessing of ‘genuineness’ among binational couples in Australia
Authors: Hoogenraad Henrike
Published: November 2021

This article focuses on the Australian partner visa application process, as experienced by African‐Australian couples in intimate heterosexual relationships. In Australia, similar to other Anglo‐European countries, the visa application process is an increasingly complex procedure. In order to avoid sham marriages that are entered into for the sole purpose of obtaining residency, it heavily scrutinises couples’ relationships and motives for marriage migration. This article explores marriage migration ‘from below’, by looking at how the Australian Government utilises the idea of ‘genuineness’ in order to establish the sincere character of binational relationships, and in turn, how this bureaucratic focus affects couples and their intimate relationships. I argue that the visa application process is distrusting of binational couples, which produces various outcomes: it obstructs intimacy and romance as experienced by couples; rather than fostering equality as desired by the Government, it generates a dependency among couples whereby female sponsoring spouses are ascribed more power than their foreign partners; and the non‐transparent and lengthy procedure, as a form of structural violence against binational couples, affects couples’ ontological security.
Prediction and impact of personalized donation intervals
Authors: Toivonen Jarkko , Koski Yrjö , Turkulainen Esa , Prinsze Femmeke , della Briotta Parolo Pietro , Heinonen Markus , Arvas Mikko
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives

Deferral of blood donors due to low haemoglobin (Hb) is demotivating to donors, can be a sign for developing anaemia and incurs costs for blood establishments. The prediction of Hb deferral has been shown to be feasible in a number of studies based on demographic, Hb measurement and donation history data. The aim of this paper is to evaluate how state‐of‐the‐art computational prediction tools can facilitate nationwide personalized donation intervals.

Materials and Methods

Using donation history data from the last 20 years in Finland, FinDonor blood donor cohort data and blood service Biobank genotyping data, we built linear and non‐linear predictors of Hb deferral. Based on financial data from the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, we then estimated the economic impacts of deploying such predictors.

Results

We discovered that while linear predictors generally predict Hb relatively well, they have difficulties in predicting low Hb values. Overall, we found that non‐linear or linear predictors with or without genetic data performed only slightly better than a simple cutoff based on previous Hb. However, if any of our deferral prediction methods are used to assign temporary prolongations of donation intervals for females, then our calculations indicate cost savings while maintaining the blood supply.

Conclusion

We find that even though the prediction accuracy is not very high, the actual use of any of our predictors in blood collection is still likely to bring benefits to blood donors and blood establishments alike.
Detection of novel paramyxoviruses in Chaerephon bat species in Nigeria and phylogenetics of paramyxoviruses co‐evolution with bats in Africa
Authors: Ayolabi Christianah Idowu , Olusola Babatunde Adebiyi , Lawal Adesiyan Ayobami , Chibuike Areh David , Nzekwue Blessing Ngozi
Published: November 2021

Bat paramyxoviruses (PmV) are a diverse group of viruses and include zoonotic viruses such as henipaviruses. Members of this group in other continents have been associated with severe respiratory and neurological infections in animals and humans. Furthermore, despite the richness of diverse bat species that can transmit this virus in African countries like Nigeria, there is very scanty information as to the presence and co‐evolution of paramyxoviruses in bats. There is a need for continuous surveillance of zoonotic viruses and their biological reservoirs as this will help in the prevention and management of pathogens' spillovers. This study detected novel paramyxoviruses in Chaerephon nigeriae bat species found in Badagry, Lagos. Phylogenetic analyses of paramyxovirus sequences' co‐evolution with frugivorous and insectivorous bats circulating in African countries were also performed using sequences of African origin available in the Database of Bat‐Associated Viruses (DBatVir: http://www.mgc.ac.cn/DBatVir/). Oral swabs (n = 18) and blood samples (n = 32) were collected from C. nigeriae bats in Badagry, Lagos. The L gene of bat paramyxovirus was detected in all oral swabs using PCR techniques. Six of the amplicons were successfully sequenced. Estimated phylogenies placed the sequences in close relationship with those isolated from insectivorous bats. Phylogenetic analyses of previously sequenced isolates in the African region showed the likelihood of different co‐evolution mechanisms of paramyxoviruses with frugivorous bats compared with insectivorous bats. This may be due to codon usage bias of the L gene. Spatial distribution of paramyxoviruses in African countries showed limited ongoing surveillance of this virus in the continent, especially in southern and northern countries. Extensive surveillance of paramyxoviruses with possible zoonotic potentials among bat species in the continent is recommended. This will provide further insights into co‐evolution as well as prevent possible spillover into the human population.
‘We Will Never Forget’: Thematic Analysis of Digital Media Contents during the 2021 #EndSARSMemorial protests in Nigeria
Authors: Uwalaka Temple
Published: November 2021

The thrust of the study was to appraise the influence of social media in contentious politics and solidarity building by interrogating themes from tweets and posts of digital activists during the 2021 #EndSARSMemorial protests in Nigeria. The content analysis of digital media posts and tweets (N=24,688) show that social media platforms were used as a vehicle for provoking solidarity contagion that ignited a memorial for fallen activists in Nigeria. Findings further demonstrate that protesters used social media platforms to reveal how vexed, and anguished they were as well as imprecating the authorities. Data reveal that there is a substantial relationship between celebrity posts and tweets and positive hedonic experiential valence about the 2021 #EndSARSMemorial protests. Finally, this study explicates and contributes to the theorisation of the affective theory.
If a Picture is Worth 1000 Words, Is a Word Worth 1000 Features for Design Metric Estimation?
Authors: Edwards Kristen M. , Peng Aoran , Miller Scarlett R. , Ahmed Faez
Published: November 2021

A picture is worth a thousand words, and in design metric estimation, a word may be worth a thousand features. Pictures are awarded this worth because they can encode a plethora of information. When evaluating designs, we aim to capture a range of information as well, including usefulness, uniqueness, and novelty of a design. The subjective nature of these concepts makes their evaluation difficult. Still, many attempts have been made and metrics developed to do so, because design evaluation is integral to the creation of novel solutions. The most common metrics used are the consensual assessment technique (CAT) and the Shah, Vargas-Hernandez, and Smith (SVS) method. While CAT is accurate and often regarded as the “gold standard,” it relies on using expert ratings, making CAT expensive and time-consuming. Comparatively, SVS is less resource-demanding, but often criticized as lacking sensitivity and accuracy. We utilize the complementary strengths of both methods through machine learning. This study investigates the possibility of using machine learning to predict expert creativity assessments from more accessible nonexpert survey results. The SVS method results in a text-rich dataset about a design. We utilize these textual design representations and the deep semantic relationships that words and sentences encode to predict more desirable design metrics, including CAT metrics. We demonstrate the ability of machine learning models to predict design metrics from the design itself and SVS survey information. We show that incorporating natural language processing (NLP) improves prediction results across design metrics, and that clear distinctions in the predictability of certain metrics exist. Our code and additional information about our work are available on the MIT DeCoDE Lab website.1
Spatial, But Not Temporal, Kinematics of Spontaneous Upper Extremity Movements Are Related to Gross and Fine Motor Skill Attainment in Infancy
Authors: Bican Rachel , Lowes Linda , Alfano Lindsay , McNally Michael , Durbak Emily , Pan Xueliang , Heathcock Jill
Published: November 2021

Background: Spontaneous upper extremity movements in infancy provide insight on neuromotor development. Spatiotemporal kinematics have been used to evaluate typical development of reaching, a foundational motor skill in infancy. This study evaluates the relationship between spontaneous upper extremity movements, not elicited by a toy, and motor skill attainment. Methods: N = 12 healthy infants (2–8 months) participated in this longitudinal study (one to four sessions). Motor skills were assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd Edition: gross motor subtest (GM) and fine motor subtest. Spontaneous upper extremity movements were collected using 3D motion capture technology. Infants were placed in supine for three to twelve 30-s trials, and their movements were recorded. Repeated measure correlation coefficients (Rmcorr) were used to evaluate relationships between variables. Results: There were significant, moderate, positive relationships between the straight distance from start to end of a movement and (a) fine motor score (Rmcorr = .55, p = .03), (b) GM score (Rmcorr = .63, p = .01), and (c) age (Rmcorr = .56, p = .02). There was a significant, moderate, negative relationship between straightness ratio and GM score (Rmcorr = −.52, p = .047). Discussion: Fine and GM skills are related to the straight distance from start to end of a movement and the straightness ratio of underlying spontaneous upper extremity movements.
Differences in Accelerometer-Measured Patterns of Physical Activity and Sleep/Rest Between Ethnic Groups and Age: An Analysis of UK Biobank
Authors: Dawkins Nathan P. , Yates Tom , Razieh Cameron , Edwardson Charlotte L. , Maylor Ben , Zaccardi Francesco , Khunti Kamlesh , Rowlands Alex V.
Published: November 2021

Background: Physical activity and sleep are important for health; whether device-measured physical activity and sleep differ by ethnicity is unclear. This study aimed to compare physical activity and sleep/rest in white, South Asian (SA), and black adults by age. Methods: Physical activity and sleep/rest quality were assessed using accelerometer data from UK Biobank. Linear regressions, stratified by sex, were used to analyze differences in activity and sleep/rest. An ethnicity × age group interaction term was used to assess whether ethnic differences were consistent across age groups. Results: Data from 95,914 participants, aged 45–79 years, were included. Overall activity was 7% higher in black, and 5% lower in SA individuals compared with white individuals. Minority ethnic groups had poorer sleep/rest quality. Lower physical activity and poorer sleep quality occurred at a later age in black and SA adults (>65 y), than white adults (>55 y). Conclusions: While black adults are more active, and SA adults less active, than white adults, the age-related reduction appears to be delayed in black and SA adults. Sleep/rest quality is poorer in black and SA adults than in white adults. Understanding ethnic differences in physical activity and rest differ may provide insight into chronic conditions with differing prevalence across ethnicities.
Unconditional Fock state generation using arbitrarily weak photonic nonlinearities
Authors: Lingenfelter Andrew , Roberts David , Clerk A. A.
Published: November 2021

We present a way to deterministically generate single photons of light compatible with a wide range of experimental platforms.
Adult neurogenesis in neurological diseases
Authors: Gage Fred H.
Published: November 2021

Dysregulated inflammatory responses and neuron maturation are observed in diseased human brains
Keratinocyte-intrinsic BCL10/MALT1 activity initiates and amplifies psoriasiform skin inflammation
Authors: Kurgyis Zsuzsanna , Vornholz Larsen , Pechloff Konstanze , Kemény Lajos V. , Wartewig Tim , Muschaweckh Andreas , Joshi Abhinav , Kranen Katja , Hartjes Lara , Möckel Sigrid , Steiger Katja , Hameister Erik , Volz Thomas , Mellett Mark , French Lars E. , Biedermann Tilo , Korn Thomas , Ruland Jürgen
Published: November 2021

BCL10/MALT1 signaling in keratinocytes is altered in human sporadic psoriasis and is a critical initiator and amplifier of skin inflammation in mouse models.
Online computer or therapist-guided cognitive behavioral therapy in university students with anxiety and/or depression: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Klein Anke , Wolters N E , Bol E J M , Koelen J , de Koning L , Roetink S S M , van Blom J J , Pronk T , van der Heijde Claudia , Salemink Elske , Bolinski Felix , Riper Heleen , Karyotaki Eirini , Cuijpers Pim , Schneider S , Rapee Ronald M , Vonk Peter , Wiers Reinout W
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Emerging adulthood is a phase in life that is associated with an increased risk to develop a variety of mental health disorders including anxiety and depression. However, less than 25% of university students receive professional help for their mental health reports. Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) may entail useful interventions in a format that is attractive for university students. The aim of this study protocol is to test the effectiveness of a therapist-guided versus a computer-guided transdiagnostic iCBT programme with a main focus on anxiety and depression.

Methods and analysis

University students with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms will be randomised to a (1) 7-week iCBT programme (excluding booster session) with therapist feedback, (2) the identical iCBT programme with computer feedback only or (3) care as usual. Participants in the care as usual condition are informed and referred to conventional care services and encouraged to seek the help they need. Primary outcome variables are self-reported levels of anxiety as measured with the General Anxiety Disorder-7 and self-reported levels of depression as measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Secondary outcomes include treatment adherence, client satisfaction, medical service use, substance use, quality of life and academic achievement. Assessments will take place at baseline (t1), midtreatment (t2), post-treatment (t3), at 6 months (t4) and 12 months (t5) postbaseline. Social anxiety and perfectionism are included as potentially important predictors of treatment outcome. Power calculations are based on a 3 (group) × 3 (measurement: pretreatment, midtreatment and post-treatment) interaction, resulting in an aimed sample of 276 participants. Data will be analysed based on intention-to-treat and per protocol samples using mixed linear models.

Ethics and dissemination

The current study was approved by the Medical Ethics Review Committee (METC) of the Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (number: NL64929.018.18). Results of this trial will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NL7328.
Predictors of health insurance enrolment and wealth-related inequality in Nepal: evidence from Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2019
Authors: Bhusal Umesh Prasad , Sapkota Vishnu Prasad
Published: November 2021

Objectives

We analysed predictors of health insurance enrolment in Nepal, measured wealth-related inequality and decomposed inequality into its contributing factors.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

We used nationally representative data based on Nepal Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019. Out of 10 958 households included in this study, 6.95% households were enroled in at least one health insurance scheme.

Primary outcome

measures health insurance (of any type) enrolment.

Results

Households were more likely to have health insurance membership when household head have higher secondary education or above compared with households without formal education (adjusted OR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.32 to 2.64)). Households with mass media exposure were nearly three times more likely to get enroled into the schemes compared with their counterparts (adjusted OR 2.96; 95% CI 2.03 to 4.31). Hindus had greater odds of being enroled (adjusted OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.20 to 2.77) compared with non-Hindus. Dalits were less likely to get enroled compared with Brahmin, Chhetri and Madhesi (adjusted OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.94). Households from province 2, Bagmati and Sudurpaschim were less likely to have membership compared with households from province 1. Households from Richer and Richest wealth quintiles were more than two times more likely to have health insurance membership compared with households from the poorest wealth quintile. A positive concentration index 0.25 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.30; p<0.001) indicated disproportionately higher health insurance enrolment among wealthy households.

Conclusions

Education of household head, exposure to mass media, religious and ethnic background, geographical location (province) and wealth status were key predictors of health insurance enrolment in Nepal. There was a significant wealth-related inequality in health insurance affiliation. The study recommends regular monitoring of inequality in health insurance enrolment across demographic and socioeconomic groups to ensure progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
Association of patient engagement strategies with utilisation and spending for musculoskeletal problems in the USA: a cross-sectional analysis of Medicare patients and physician practices
Authors: Brown Timothy T , Hurley Vanessa B , Rodriguez Hector P
Published: November 2021

Objective

Musculoskeletal problems like hip and knee osteoarthritis and low-back pain are preference sensitive conditions. Patient engagement strategies (PES), such as shared decision-making and motivational interviewing, can help align patients’ preferences with treatment options and potentially reduce spending. We assess the association of physician practice-level adoption of PES with utilisation and spending.

Design

Cross-sectional study in which patients were matched across low, moderate and high levels of PES via coarsened exact matching.

Setting

Primary and secondary care in 2190 physician practices.

Participants

39 336 hip, 48 362 knee and 67 940 low-back patients who were Medicare beneficiaries were matched to the 2017–2018 National Survey of Healthcare Organizations and Systems.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Total hip replacement (THR), total knee replacement (TKR), 1–2 level posterior lumbar fusion (LF), total annual spending, components of total annual spending.

Results

Total annual spending for patients with musculoskeletal problems did not differ for practices with low versus moderate PES, low versus high PES or moderate versus high PES, but spending was significantly lower in some categories for practices with relatively higher PES adoption. For hospital-owned and health system-owned practices, the ORs of receiving LF were 0.632 (95% CI 0.396 to 1.009) for patients attributed to practices with high PES compared with patients attributed to practices with moderate PES. For independent practices, the odds of receiving THR were 1.403 (95% CI 1.035 to 1.902) for patients attributed to practices with moderate PES compared with patients attributed to practices with low PES.

Conclusions

Practice-level adoption of PES for patients with musculoskeletal problems was generally not associated with total spending. PES, however, may steer patients toward evidence-based treatments. Opportunities for overall spending reduction exist as indicated by the variation in the subcomponents of total spending by PES adoption.