bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Don't Mention the War versus Escalating Commitment: Political Party Responses to Military Casualties
Authors: Kuijpers Dieuwertje , Schumacher Gijs
Published: September 2020

Do political parties change their position when military casualties increase? Several studies demonstrate that once military casualties increase, public support for sometimes even the government itself declines. With this potential backlash, once governing parties are faced with military casualties, do they (1) maintain that intervention was the “right thing” to do and even escalate their commitment by becoming even more pro-military or (2) try to avoid the blame and downplay the issue, i.e., “not mentioning the war”? And do the opposition parties become more negative or more positive about the military? To evaluate this, we measure the position on military issues in parties’ election manifestoes. Our dataset comprises 326 party policy changes in eleven Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and focuses on post-Cold War military interventions. By using pooled time-series cross-sectional analysis, we find that opposition parties and governing parties respond differently. Generally, governing parties become more negative in their manifesto and opposition parties more positive. We also demonstrate important differences between party families and pre/post-9/11. Our analyses show that whether political parties change policy course once confronted with negative outcomes depends on their position in office, and also the direction in which they change policy depends on political ideology.
Patterns of Political Ideology and Security Policy
Authors: Haesebrouck Tim , Mello Patrick A
Published: September 2020

Recent studies on political ideology suggest the existence of partisan divides on matters of foreign and security policy, challenging the notion that “politics stops at the water's edge.” However, when taken as a whole, extant work provides decidedly mixed evidence of party-political differences outside domestic politics. This article first conducts a systematic empirical analysis of the relationship between parties’ left–right positions and their general attitude toward peace and security missions, which suggests that right-leaning parties tend to be more supportive of military operations. Yet, the results also show that the empirical pattern is curvilinear: centrist and center–right parties witness the highest level of support for military missions, while parties on both ends of the political spectrum show substantially less support. The second part of our analysis examines whether the stronger support of rightist parties for peace and security missions translates into a greater inclination of right-wing governments to actually deploy forces for military operations. Strikingly, our results suggest that leftist governments were actually more inclined to participate in operations than their right-leaning counterparts. The greater willingness of left-wing executives to deploy military forces is the result of their greater inclination to participate in operations with inclusive goals.
Mapping Parties’ Positions on Foreign and Security Issues in the EU, 2009–2014
Authors: Cicchi Lorenzo , Garzia Diego , Trechsel Alexander H
Published: September 2020

This article offers a comparative analysis of parties’ position on foreign and security issues in the EU28 across the EP elections of 2009 and 2014. First, we map the position of the parties on selected foreign policy and security issues in both 2009 and 2014. Second, we measure the extent to which party positions on such issues remained stable across these five years. Third, we offer an explanatory analysis of the competing factors potentially affecting changes in parties’ position. By means of multivariate regression models, we test the effect of party ideology, overall attitude toward EU integration, and structural factors at the party level in view of answering the following question: Do parties hold “genuine” positions over EU foreign and security policy, or are they rather due to their relatively more encompassing attitude toward EU integration? The data come from two transnational voting advice applications developed during the 2009 and 2014 European elections campaigns, respectively.
The Party Politics of Foreign and Security Policy
Authors: Raunio Tapio , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: September 2020

The positions of political parties in various foreign policy questions and how such ideological stances matter in foreign and security policy decision-making remain largely unexplored beyond the specific case of the United States. Reviewing the “state of the art” in foreign policy analysis and comparative politics, this introductory article discusses the changing nature of both international politics and party systems and cleavages in Europe and beyond. It puts forward reasons why we should see different patterns of coalitions and party behavior in security policy, on the one hand, and in international trade and foreign aid, on the other hand. The articles in this Special Issue have been deliberately chosen to capture different elements of “partyness,” from analyzing party positions to actual behavior by legislatures and governments to transnational party networks. Our main argument is that there are genuine ideological differences between political parties and that the impact of these competing ideologies is also discernible in foreign policy decision-making.
A Model-Driven Quantitative Analysis of Retrotransposon Distributions in the Human Genome
Authors: Riba Andrea , Fumagalli Maria Rita , Caselle Michele , Osella Matteo
Published: September 2020

Retrotransposons, DNA sequences capable of creating copies of themselves, compose about half of the human genome and played a central role in the evolution of mammals. Their current position in the host genome is the result of the retrotranscription process and of the following host genome evolution. We apply a model from statistical physics to show that the genomic distribution of the two most populated classes of retrotransposons in human deviates from random placement, and that this deviation increases with time. The time dependence suggests a major role of the host genome dynamics in shaping the current retrotransposon distributions. Focusing on a neutral scenario, we show that a simple model based on random placement followed by genome expansion and sequence duplications can reproduce the empirical retrotransposon distributions, even though more complex and possibly selective mechanisms can have contributed. Besides the inherent interest in understanding the origin of current retrotransposon distributions, this work sets a general analytical framework to analyze quantitatively the effects of genome evolutionary dynamics on the distribution of genomic elements.
Cynical Hostility and Loneliness in Older Adult Married Couples: An Indirect Effect Through Friendships
Authors: Segel-Karpas Dikla , Ermer Ashley
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Cynical hostility is a cognitive schema according to which people cannot be trusted, and it has associations with individuals’ loneliness. The present study takes a dyadic approach to examine whether cynical hostility is related to one’s own and their spouse’s loneliness. We further explore whether friendship factors serve as a mediator between individuals’ and spouses’ cynical hostility and loneliness.

Method

We used 2 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 1,065 couples) and Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs) with mediation to examine the proposed model. Mediation was tested with the construction of path models and significance levels were reached using bootstrapping.

Results

For both husbands and wives, cynical hostility was significantly associated with loneliness. Husband’s loneliness was also significantly associated with his wife’s cynical hostility, but wife’s loneliness was not associated with her husband’s cynical hostility. We further found that the association between wife’s own cynical hostility and loneliness was mediated by lower levels of contact with, and support from friends. Friendship factors did not serve as mediators for husbands.

Discussion

Husbands and wives who have higher levels of cynical hostility may be more vulnerable to loneliness. High levels of cynical hostility in women may be related to deficits in their quantity and quality of friendship, and thus be associated with loneliness. Men who are married to women with a higher level of cynical hostility may experience increased loneliness, but this relationship is not explained by men’s friendships.
Structure, Dynamics, and Interactions of GPI-Anchored Human Glypican-1 with Heparan Sulfates in a Membrane
Authors: Dong Chuqiao , Choi Yeol Kyo , Lee Jumin , Zhang X Frank , Honerkamp-Smith Aurelia , Widmalm Göran , Lowe-Krentz Linda J , Im Wonpil
Published: September 2020

Glypican-1 and its heparan sulfate (HS) chains play important roles in modulating many biological processes including growth factor signaling. Glypican-1 is bound to a membrane surface via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor. In this study, we used all-atom molecular modeling and simulation to explore the structure, dynamics, and interactions of GPI-anchored glypican-1, three HS chains, membranes, and ions. The folded glypican-1 core structure is stable, but has substantial degrees of freedom in terms of movement and orientation with respect to the membrane due to the long unstructured C-terminal region linking the core to the GPI-anchor. With unique structural features depending on the extent of sulfation, high flexibility of HS chains can promote multi-site interactions with surrounding molecules near and above the membrane. This study is a first step toward all-atom molecular modeling and simulation of the glycocalyx, as well as its modulation of interactions between growth factors and their receptors.
Association of Early Postinduction Adalimumab Exposure With Subsequent Clinical and Biomarker Remission in Children with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Rinawi Firas , Ricciuto Amanda , Church Peter C , Frost Karen , Crowley Eileen , Walters Thomas D , Griffiths Anne M
Published: September 2020

Background

Data on the association between early postinduction serum adalimumab (ADA) trough levels (TLs) and objective outcomes are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate whether early ADA TLs at weeks 4 and 8 are associated with clinical and biomarker remission at week 24 in pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods

Adalimumab TLs at weeks 4 and 8 were prospectively measured in anti-TNF-naïve children initiating treatment with ADA monotherapy for luminal inflammatory CD. The primary outcome was combined clinical and biomarker remission at week 24, defined as achieving steroid-free clinical remission (Pediatric CD activity index <10) and biomarker remission (fecal calprotectin <250 µg/g and CRP <5 µg/mL).

Results

Among 65 patients, 39 (60%) achieved combined clinical/biomarker remission at week 24 without dose escalation. Adalimumab TLs at both weeks 4 and 8 were significantly higher in remitters vs nonremitters at week 24 (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Adalimumab levels at weeks 4 and 8 were good predictors of combined clinical/biomarker remission at week 24 (area under the curve, 0.887, 95% CI, 0.798–0.942; and area under the curve, 0.761, 95% CI, 0.632–0.899, respectively). The best ADA TL cutoffs at weeks 4 and 8 for predicting clinical/biomarker remission at week 24 were 22.5 µg/mL (80% sensitivity, 90% specificity, positive likelihood ratio [LR+] 8.0, negative LR [LR-] 0.2) and 12.5 µg/mL (94% sensitivity, 60% specificity, LR+ 2.4, LR- 0.1), respectively. Higher induction doses per m2 correlated positively with TLs at weeks 4 and 8.

Conclusion

Greater early ADA exposure is associated with superior clinical/biomarker outcomes at week 24.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Impact of Medications on Cardiovascular Disease in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Sinh Preetika , Cross Raymond
Published: September 2020

There is increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Studies have shown association between cardiovascular disease (eg, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke) and inflammatory bowel disease. Medications such as infliximab and adalimumab (monoclonal antibodies to tumor necrosis factor α) may help decrease the inflammatory burden and cardiovascular risk; however, there have been reports of hypertriglyceridemia and worsening of moderate to severe heart failure with these medications. Janus kinase inhibitors, such as tofacitinib, have been associated with hyperlipidemia and thromboembolism. We aim to discuss clinical and imaging modalities to assess cardiovascular risk in inflammatory bowel disease patients and review the role of various medications with respect to cardiovascular disease in this population.
Supporting Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management in meeting multiple objectives for sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems
Authors: Weijerman Mariska , Oyafuso Zack S , Leong Kirsten M , Oleson Kirsten L L , Winston Morgan
Published: September 2020

Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management is a holistic management approach that integrates the dynamics of an entire ecosystem, including societal dimensions. However, this approach seldom lives up to its promise because economic and social objectives are rarely specified. To fill this gap, we explored how an ecosystem model could better integrate economic and social objectives, using the coral reef ecosystem around Hawai`i as a case study. After meeting with stakeholders and conducting a literature review of policy/strategy documents, we identified societal and ecological objectives and associated performance indicators for which data existed. We developed a social–ecological system conceptual framework to illustrate the relationships between ecological and social state components. This framework was the foundation for the development of the final social–ecological system model which we simulated using an Ecopath with Ecosim model. We simulated four gear/species restrictions for the reef-based fishery, two fishing scenarios associated with the opening of hypothetical no-take Marine Protected Areas for the deepwater-based fishery, and a Constant Effort (No Action) scenario. Despite limitations in the model, our approach shows that when social and economic objectives and social–ecological relationships are defined, we can quantify the trade-offs among the identified societal objectives to support managers in choosing among alternative interventions.
Quantitative Singularity Theory for Random Polynomials
Authors: Breiding Paul , Keneshlou Hanieh , Lerario Antonio
Published: September 2020

Motivated by Hilbert’s 16th problem we discuss the probabilities of topological features of a system of random homogeneous polynomials. The distribution for the polynomials is the Kostlan distribution. The topological features we consider are type-$W$ singular loci. This is a term that we introduce and that is defined by a list of equalities and inequalities on the derivatives of the polynomials. In technical terms a type-$W$ singular locus is the set of points where the jet of the Kostlan polynomials belongs to a semialgebraic subset $W$ of the jet space, which we require to be invariant under orthogonal change of variables. For instance, the zero set of polynomial functions or the set of critical points fall under this definition. We will show that, with overwhelming probability, the type-$W$ singular locus of a Kostlan polynomial is ambient isotopic to that of a polynomial of lower degree. As a crucial result, this implies that complicated topological configurations are rare. Our results extend earlier results from Diatta and Lerario who considered the special case of the zero set of a single polynomial. Furthermore, for a given polynomial function $p$ we provide a deterministic bound for the radius of the ball in the space of differentiable functions with center $p$, in which the $W$-singularity structure is constant.
Cathepsin G Degrades Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms
Authors: Kavanaugh Jeffrey S , Leidal Kevin G , Nauseef William M , Horswill Alexander R
Published: September 2020

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) phagocytose and kill individual bacteria but are far less efficient when challenged with bacterial aggregates. Consequently, growth within a biofilm affords Staphylococcus aureus some protection but PMN penetrate S. aureus biofilms and phagocytose bacteria, suggesting that enzymes released through neutrophil degranulation degrade biofilms into fragments small enough for phagocytosis. Here we show that the capacity of PMN to invade biofilms depended largely on the activity of secreted cathepsin G.
Evidence of memory from brain data
Authors: Murphy Emily R D , Rissman Jesse
Published: September 2020

Much courtroom evidence relies on assessing witness memory. Recent advances in brain imaging analysis techniques offer new information about the nature of autobiographical memory and introduce the potential for brain-based memory detection. In particular, the use of powerful machine-learning algorithms reveals the limits of technological capacities to detect true memories and contributes to existing psychological understanding that all memory is potentially flawed. This article first provides the conceptual foundation for brain-based memory detection as evidence. It then comprehensively reviews the state of the art in brain-based memory detection research before establishing a framework for admissibility of brain-based memory detection evidence in the courtroom and considering whether and how such use would be consistent with notions of justice. The central question that this interdisciplinary analysis presents is: if the science is sophisticated enough to demonstrate that accurate, veridical memory detection is limited by biological, rather than technological, constraints, what should that understanding mean for broader legal conceptions of how memory is traditionally assessed and relied upon in legal proceedings? Ultimately, we argue that courtroom admissibility is presently a misdirected pursuit, though there is still much to be gained from advancing our understanding of the biology of human memory.
Music Improves Social and Participation Outcomes for Individuals With Communication Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Boster Jamie B , Spitzley Alyson M , Castle Taylor W , Jewell Abby R , Corso Christina L , McCarthy John W
Published: September 2020

There is increasing interest in exploring the benefits of music in rehabilitation settings. In the field of speech-language pathology, an ultimate goal for individuals with communication disorders is to foster participation across multiple contexts. The goal of this systematic review was to explore social and participation outcomes for individuals with communication disorders who received arts-based interventions. A systematic search of the literature yielded 86 studies, which were coded and summarized in terms of participants, arts-based intervention, social and participation variables, outcome, and quality of evidence. The majority of identified studies (N = 71) utilized music. Results indicated that music-based interventions can improve social and participation outcomes, such as frequency of responses, initiation of communication, turn-taking, joint attention, and group participation for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and developmental and acquired communication disorders; however, future research is needed to expand the use of varied arts-based interventions targeting a larger breadth of social and participation outcomes.
Simultaneous dysphagia and stridor: an unreported presentation of hypocalcaemia
Authors: Thomas Charlotte , Bhamra Navdeep , Darr Adnan , Amlani Aakash , Murphy John
Published: September 2020

Hypocalcaemia is a well-recognized complication of total thyroidectomy surgery. Patients who develop post-operative hypocalcaemia often report symptoms of neuromuscular instability including peripheral numbness and/or tingling. In severe cases, larygospasm with stridor and bronchospasm can occur. We present the first reported case in the literature, to our knowledge, of a 58-year-old male presenting with intermittent exertional stridor, dysphonia and dysphagia following thyroid surgery 2 years previously. Clinical and radiological investigations were unremarkable. Pre-operative screening for a planned panendoscopy to investigate his symptoms highlighted a profound hypocalcaemia (adjusted calcium 1.42 mmol/l). Following calcium replacement therapy, his symptoms subsided. There is an absence of literature describing both dysphagia and stridor synchronously. We not only advocate regular routine follow-up and compliance assessments for such patients but also the consideration of hypocalcaemia as a differential in any patient presenting with such symptoms following any thyroid surgery.
Could intradermal be an economical alternative route of administration for Japanese encephalitis vaccines?
Authors: Furuya-Kanamori Luis , Mills Deborah J , Lau Colleen L
Published: September 2020

Highlight Uptake of Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine remains low among travellers, with cost of vaccines likely being one of the main hurdles. We found that smaller doses of JE vaccine administered via intradermal (ID) had similar effect on seroconversion than standard doses administered via subcutaneous. ID is a cheaper yet effective route of JE vaccine administration, and could potentially increase vaccination uptake among travellers.
Alignment of Radio Galaxy Axes using FIRST Catalogue
Authors: Panwar Mohit , Prabhakar Prabhakar , Sandhu Pritpal Kaur , Wadadekar Yogesh , Jain Pankaj
Published: September 2020

We study the alignment of radio galaxies axes using the FIRST catalogue. we impose several cuts in order to select the candidates which are most likely to be free of systematic bias. In our study we primarily focus on testing for alignment among sources within a certain angular separation from one another since for most sources redshift information is not available. We find a very significant effect for angular distances less than 1 degrees. The distance scale of alignment is found to be roughly 28 Mpc, in agreement with earlier estimates, assuming that these sources are dominantly at redshift of 0.8. However, we are not able to entirely rule out the possibility of systematic bias in data. We also perform a full three dimensional analysis using a smaller data sample for which redshift information is available. In this case we only find a very weak signal at much larger distances.
The host galaxies of z = 7 quasars: predictions from the BlueTides simulation
Authors: Marshall Madeline A , Ni Yueying , Di Matteo Tiziana , Wyithe J Stuart B , Wilkins Stephen , Croft Rupert A C , Kuusisto Jussi K
Published: September 2020

We examine the properties of the host galaxies of $z=7$ quasars using the large volume, cosmological hydrodynamical simulation BlueTides. We find that the 10 most massive black holes and the 191 quasars in the simulation (with $M_{\textrm{UV,AGN}}\lt M_{\textrm{UV,host}}$) are hosted by massive galaxies with stellar masses $\log (M_\ast /\, {\rm M}_{\odot })=10.8\pm 0.2$, and $10.2\pm 0.4$, which have large star formation rates of $513_{-351}^{+1225}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }/\rm {yr}$ and $191_{-120}^{+288}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }/\rm {yr}$, respectively. The hosts of the most massive black holes and quasars in BlueTides are generally bulge-dominated, with bulge-to-total mass ratio $B/T\simeq 0.85\pm 0.1$; however, their morphologies are not biased relative to the overall $z=7$ galaxy sample. We find that the hosts of the most massive black holes and quasars are compact, with half-mass radii $R_{0.5}=0.41_{-0.14}^{+0.18}$ kpc and $0.40_{-0.09}^{+0.11}$ kpc, respectively; galaxies with similar masses and luminosities have a wider range of sizes with a larger median value, $R_{0.5}=0.71_{-0.25}^{+0.28}$ kpc. We make mock James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) images of these quasars and their host galaxies. We find that distinguishing the host from the quasar emission will be possible but still challenging with JWST, due to the small sizes of quasar hosts. We find that quasar samples are biased tracers of the intrinsic black hole–stellar mass relation, following a relation that is 0.2 dex higher than that of the full galaxy sample. Finally, we find that the most massive black holes and quasars are more likely to be found in denser environments than the typical $M_{\textrm{BH}}\gt 10^{6.5}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$ black hole, indicating that minor mergers play at least some role in growing black holes in the early Universe.
The Dark Kinase Knowledgebase: an online compendium of knowledge and experimental results of understudied kinases
Authors: Berginski Matthew E , Moret Nienke , Liu Changchang , Goldfarb Dennis , Sorger Peter K , Gomez Shawn M
Published: September 2020

Kinases form the backbone of numerous cell signaling pathways, with their dysfunction similarly implicated in multiple pathologies. Further facilitated by their druggability, kinases are a major focus of therapeutic development efforts in diseases such as cancer, infectious disease and autoimmune disorders. While their importance is clear, the role or biological function of nearly one-third of kinases is largely unknown. Here, we describe a data resource, the Dark Kinase Knowledgebase (DKK; https://darkkinome.org), that is specifically focused on providing data and reagents for these understudied kinases to the broader research community. Supported through NIH’s Illuminating the Druggable Genome (IDG) Program, the DKK is focused on data and knowledge generation for 162 poorly studied or ‘dark’ kinases. Types of data provided through the DKK include parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) peptides for quantitative proteomics, protein interactions, NanoBRET reagents, and kinase-specific compounds. Higher-level data is similarly being generated and consolidated such as tissue gene expression profiles and, longer-term, functional relationships derived through perturbation studies. Associated web tools that help investigators interrogate both internal and external data are also provided through the site. As an evolving resource, the DKK seeks to continually support and enhance knowledge on these potentially high-impact druggable targets.
Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Multi-Center Experience of 154 Consecutive Embolizations
Authors: Kan Peter , Maragkos Georgios A , Srivatsan Aditya , Srinivasan Visish , Johnson Jeremiah , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Robinson Timothy M , Salem Mohamed M , Chen Stephen , Riina Howard A , Tanweer Omar , Levy Elad I , Spiotta Alejandro M , Kasab Sami Al , Lena Jonathan , Gross Bradley A , Cherian Jacob , Cawley C Michael , Howard Brian M , Khalessi Alexander A , Pandey Aditya S , Ringer Andrew J , Hanel Ricardo , Ortiz Rafael A , Langer David , Kelly Cory M , Jankowitz Brian T , Ogilvy Christopher S , Moore Justin M , Levitt Michael R , Binning Mandy , Grandhi Ramesh , Siddiq Farhan , Thomas Ajith J
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has emerged as a promising treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety and efficacy of MMA embolization.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent MMA embolization for cSDH (primary treatment or recurrence after conventional surgery) at 15 centers were included. Clinical details and follow-up were collected prospectively. Primary clinical and radiographic outcomes were the proportion of patients requiring additional surgical treatment within 90 d after index treatment and proportion with > 50% cSDH thickness reduction on follow-up computed tomography imaging within 90 d. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale were also clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 138 patients were included (mean age: 69.8, 29% female). A total of 15 patients underwent bilateral interventions for 154 total embolizations (66.7% primary treatment). At presentation, 30.4% and 23.9% of patients were on antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy, respectively. Median admission cSDH thickness was 14 mm. A total of 46.1% of embolizations were performed under general anesthesia, and 97.4% of procedures were successfully completed. A total of 70.2% of embolizations used particles, and 25.3% used liquid embolics with no significant outcome difference between embolization materials (P > .05). On last follow-up (mean 94.9 d), median cSDH thickness was 4 mm (71% median thickness reduction). A total of 70.8% of patients had >50% improvement on imaging (31.9% improved clinically), and 9 patients (6.5%) required further cSDH treatment. There were 16 complications with 9 (6.5%) because of continued hematoma expansion. Mortality rate was 4.4%, mostly unrelated to the index procedure but because of underlying comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

MMA embolization may provide a safe and efficacious minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgical techniques.
Treatment of Chronic Granulomatous Disease–Related Pulmonary Aspergillus Infection in Late Pregnancy
Authors: Johnson J A , Pearson J C , Kubiak D W , Dionne B , Little S E , Wesemann D R
Published: September 2020

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency syndrome that results in increased risk for bacterial and fungal infections, as well as inflammatory/autoimmune complications. While CGD historically has been associated with early death in childhood, the life expectancy and morbidity of patients with CGD have greatly improved. Many patients with CGD now survive well into adulthood, and data on adult cohorts of patients with CGD have been published. However, reports of pregnancy management, complications, and outcomes for patients with CGD are sparse. In addition, management of invasive fungal infections, including use of newer triazole antifungals, during pregnancy has not been well described. We report a case of fungal lung infection in a pregnant woman with CGD, diagnosed during her second trimester, which was treated with multiple antifungal agents, including more than 12 weeks of isavuconazole therapy, resulting in resolution of infection and delivery of a healthy newborn at term.
Exploration of marine phytoplankton: from their historical appreciation to the omics era
Authors: Karlusich Juan Jose Pierella , Ibarbalz Federico M , Bowler Chris
Published: September 2020

Marine phytoplankton are believed to account for more than 45% of photosynthetic net primary production on Earth, and hence are at the base of marine food webs and have an enormous impact on the entire Earth system. Their members are found across many of the major clades of the tree of life, including bacteria (cyanobacteria) and multiple eukaryotic lineages that acquired photosynthesis through the process of endosymbiosis. Our understanding of their distribution in marine ecosystems and their contribution to biogeochemical cycles have increased since they were first described in the 18th century. Here, we review historical milestones in marine phytoplankton research and how their roles were gradually understood, with a particular focus on insights derived from large-scale ocean exploration. We start from the first observations made by explorers and naturalists, review the initial identification of the main phytoplankton groups and the appreciation of their function in the influential Kiel and Plymouth schools that established biological oceanography, to finally outline the contribution of modern large-scale initiatives to understand this fundamental biological component of the ocean.
Colored Pain Drawing as a Clinical Tool in Differentiating Neuropathic Pain from Non-Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Sehgal Nalini , Gordon Debra B , Hetzel Scott , Backonja Miroslav “Misha”
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This is a prospective, blinded, case–control study of patients with chronic pain using body diagrams and colored markers to show the distribution and quality of pain and sensory symptoms (aching, burning, tingling, numbness, and sensitivity to touch) experienced in affected body parts.

Methods

Two pain physicians, blinded to patients’ clinical diagnoses, independently reviewed and classified each colored pain drawing (CPD) for presence of neuropathic pain (NeuP) vs. non-neuropathic pain (NoP). A clinical diagnosis (gold standard) of NeuP was made in 151 of 213 (70.9%) enrolled patients.

Results

CPD assessment at “first glance” by both examiners resulted in correctly categorizing 137 (64.3% by examiner 1) and 156 (73.2% by examiner 2) CPDs. Next, classification of CPDs by both physicians, using predefined criteria of spatial distribution and quality of pain-sensory symptoms, improved concordance to 212 of 213 CPDs (Kappa = 0.99). The diagnostic ability to correctly identify NeuP and NoP by both examiners increased to 171 (80.2%) CPDs, with 80.1% sensitivity and 80.6% specificity (Kappa = 0.56 [95% confidence interval: 0.44–0.68]). The severity scores for pain and sensory symptoms (burning, tingling, numbness, and sensitivity to touch) on the Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire were significantly elevated in NeuP vs. NoP (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates good performance characteristics of CPDs in identifying patients with NeuP through the use of a simple and easy-to-apply classification scheme. We suggest use of CPDs as a bedside screening tool and as a method for phenotypic profiling of patients by the quality and distribution of pain and sensory symptoms.
Associations between adolescent sleep deficiency and prescription opioid misuse in adulthood
Authors: Groenewald Cornelius B , Law Emily F , Rabbitts Jennifer A , Palermo Tonya M
Published: September 2020

Study objectives

The main aim of this study was to estimate the association between sleep deficiency in adolescence and subsequent prescription opioid misuse in adulthood using United States nationally representative longitudinal data.

Methods

Self-reported data captured in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health at baseline (Wave 1; mean age = 16 years) and 12 year follow-up (Wave 4; mean age = 29 years). Participants (n = 12,213) reported on four measures of sleep during adolescence (Wave 1) and on lifetime prescription opioid misuse during adulthood (Wave 4). Associations between adolescent sleep and adult opioid misuse were estimated using multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for sociodemographics, chronic pain, mental health, childhood adverse events, and a history of substance use.

Results

During adolescence, 59.2% of participants reported sleep deficiency. Prospectively, adolescents reporting not getting enough sleep, chronic unrestful sleep, and insomnia were associated with an increased risk for prescription opioid misuse (adjusted odds ratios [OR] = 1.2, p < 0.005 for all three variables). Short sleep duration was not associated with opioid misuse.

Conclusion

This is the first study to longitudinally link sleep deficiency as an independent risk factor for the development of prescription opioid misuse. Sleep deficiency could be a driver of the opioid crisis affecting young people in the United States. Future studies should determine whether early and targeted sleep interventions may decrease risk for opioid misuse in high-risk patients prescribed opioids for pain.
Limiting the fiduciary’s account of profits: but-for causation?
Authors: Yeung Alex C H , Fee Jason
Published: September 2020

In an account of profits for breach of fiduciary duty, courts have understandably required some form of nexus between the breach and the gains to be disgorged, but have otherwise struggled to articulate a precise test. In the recent case of UVJ v UVH, the Singapore Court of Appeal broke new ground by requiring but-for causation, apparently branching off from the Anglo-Australian jurisprudence which advocates a more liberal approach to causation. While the but-for test is practically appealing as a technique well known to various areas of law, this article seeks to assess the normative justifications for such a bold move, in view of the attendant issues of deterrence, the unique policy of fiduciary law, and the juridical nature of an account of profits.
A Child Infected with COVID-19 in China—A Case Report
Authors: Lin Chunxia , Zhong Beilong , Zheng Fangfang , Guo Xinming , Guo Yi , Deng Zhizhong , Zhou Chuanxin , Guo Yangbin
Published: September 2020

A 16-month-old boy was admitted with cough for 2 days and fever for 1 day. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan of the child revealed large areas of ground-glass opacities in both lungs. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) were performed repeatedly to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but the results were all negative. On day 13 of hospitalization, no clinical symptoms except diarrhea were present in the patient, and re-examination by chest CT revealed lesion shrinkage, but the NAAT on throat swabs was positive. On day 22 of hospitalization, the NAAT on throat swabs was negative and the fecal samples were positive. Positive fecal samples nucleic acid lasted for 62 days. Suggesting that pediatric patients may be important sources of infection during the recovery phase of clinical symptoms and whether SARS-CoV-2 has fecal–oral transmission needs further study.
Vespids from the mid-Cretaceous with club-shaped antennae provide new evidence about the intrafamiliar relationships of Vespidae
Authors: Wu Qiong , Yang Hongru , Shih Chungkun , Ren Dong , Zhao Yunyun , Gao Taiping
Published: September 2020

Three new species of wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) from mid-Cretaceous Myanmar (Burmese) amber, with club-shaped antennae, are assigned to Archaeovespa gen. nov. and provide morphological information for new phylogenetic analyses of Vespidae. Phylogenetic results suggest that Archaeovespa has more affinities with Masarinae than with Protovespinae and, along with Masarinae, composes the sister clade to Polistinae, Eumeninae, Vespinae and Stenogastrinae. New findings indicate that the antennal morphologies of Vespidae diversified significantly during or before the mid-Cretaceous.
What does success look like for air quality policy? A perspective
Authors: Monks Paul S. , Williams Martin L.
Published: September 2020

This paper explores the drivers and role of science in air quality policy over the last 100 years or so. Case studies on the smogs of Los Angeles and London, acid rain, health impacts of particulate matter, diesel and lead in fuel are used to explore the drivers and models for the interaction of science, evidence and air quality policy. It suggests there are two phases to air quality mitigation, the first driven by the air quality emergency as the pollution is visible and the effects can be relatively obvious and the second driven by science that is directed towards continuous improvement. A critical element of the ‘science phase’ is the evidence base, the models of evidence-based and -informed policy-making are explored with the conclusion that it is optimal when guided by the ideal of co-creation of knowledge and policy options between scientists and policy-makers. The future and wider drivers for air quality are detailed with a number of key areas for ‘success’ indicated as important for air quality policy development such as continuous improvement. Overall, we find there is tension between two factors: the ambition to reduce emissions, improve air quality and reduce the impacts on public health and the environment on one hand, and questions of cost, technical feasibility and societal acceptability on the other.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Air quality, past present and future’.
High-Resolution, Large Imaging Volume, and Multi-View Single Objective Light-Sheet Microscopy
Authors: Yang Bin , Lange Merlin , Millett-Sikking Alfred , Solak Ahmet Can , Kumar Shruthi Vijay , Wang Wanpeng , Kobayashi Hirofumi , McCarroll Matthew N. , Whitehead Lachlan W. , Fiolka Reto P. , Kornberg Thomas B. , York Andrew G. , Royer Loic A.
Published: September 2020

Recent developments in Oblique Plane Microscopy (OPM) have shown that it can achieve high spatio-temporal resolution. Here we describe a single objective light-sheet microscope based on oblique plane illumination that achieves: (i) large field of view and high-resolution imaging via a custom remote focusing objective; (ii) fast volumetric imaging by means oflight-sheet stabilised stage scanning– a novel scanning modality that extends the imaging volume without compromising imaging speed nor quality; (iii) multi-view imaging by alternating the orientation of light-sheet illumination and detection to improve the image quality on large samples; (iv) simpler design and ergonomics by remote placement of coverslips to allow inverted imaging, enabling imaging across scales in a high-throughput format. Overall, we achieved a resolution of 450 nm laterally and 2 μm axially and a field of view of 3000 μm × 800 μm × 300 μm. We demonstrate the speed, field of view, resolution and versatility of our novel instrument by imaging various systems, including zebrafish whole brain activity,Drosophilaegg chamber development, and zebrafish development – up to nine embryos simultaneously.
Action imitation via trajectory-based or posture-based planning
Authors: Barhorst-Cates Erica M. , Isaacs Mitchell W. , Buxbaum Laurel J. , Wong Aaron L.
Published: September 2020

Imitation is a significant daily activity involved in social interaction and motor learning. Imitation has been theorized to be performed in at least two ways. In posture-based imitation, individuals reproduce how the body should look and feel, and are sensitive to the relative positioning of body parts. In trajectory imitation, individuals mimic the spatiotemporal motion path of the end effector. There are clear anecdotal situations in which one might benefit from imitating postures (when learning ballet) or trajectories (when learning to reach around objects). However, whether these are in fact distinct methods of imitation, and if so, whether they may be applied interchangeably to perform the same task, remain unknown. If these are indeed separate mechanisms that rely on different computational and neural resources, a cost should be incurred when switching from using one mechanism to the other within the context of a single task. Therefore observing a processing cost would both provide evidence that these are indeed two distinct mechanisms, and that they may be used interchangeably when trying to imitate the same stimulus. To test this, twenty-five healthy young adults performed a sequential multitasking imitation task. Participants were first instructed to pay attention to the limb postures or the hand path of a video-recorded model, then performed a neutral, congruent, or incongruent intervening motor task. Finally, participants imitated the modeled movement. Spatiotemporal imitation accuracy was greatest after a neutral intervening task, and worst after posture matching. When the primary task involved imitating trajectories, the data suggested a processing cost: movements following the posture-matching intervening task were less consistent with baseline (neutral) performance, suggesting performance may be disrupted by the incongruence. This effect was not observed when imitating limb postures. In summary, we present initial evidence of a partial dissociation between posture matching and trajectory imitation as a result of instructions and intervening tasks that is consistent with the existence of two computationally distinct imitation mechanisms.
Nanoscale membrane curvature sorts lipid phases and alters lipid diffusion
Authors: Woodward Xinxin , Javanainen Matti , Fábián Balázs , Kelly Christopher V.
Published: September 2020

The precise spatiotemporal control of nanoscale membrane shape and composition is the result of complex interplay of individual and collective molecular behaviors. Here, we employed single-molecule localization microscopy and computational simulations to observe single-lipid diffusion and sorting in model membranes with varying compositions, phase, temperature, and curvature. Supported lipid bilayers were created over 50-nm radius nanoparticles to mimic the size of naturally occurring membrane buds, such as endocytic pits and the formation of viral envelopes. The curved membranes recruited liquid-disordered lipid phases while altering the diffusion and sorting of tracer lipids. Disorder-preferring fluorescent lipids sorted to and experienced faster diffusion on the nanoscale curvature only when embedded in a membrane capable of sustaining lipid phase separation at low temperatures. The curvature-induced sorting and faster diffusion even occurred when the sample temperature was above the miscibility temperature of the planar membrane, implying that the nanoscale curvature could induce phase separation in otherwise homogeneous membranes. Further confirmation and understanding of these results are provided by continuum and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations with explicit and spontaneous curvature-phase coupling, respectively. The curvature-induced membrane compositional heterogeneity and altered dynamics were achieved only with a coupling of the curvature with a lipid phase separation. These cross-validating results demonstrate the complex interplay of lipid phases, molecular diffusion, and nanoscale membrane curvature that are critical for membrane functionality.

Significance

Nanoscopic membrane organization and dynamics are critical for cellular function but challenging to experimentally measure. This work brings together super-resolution optical methods with multiscale computational approaches to reveal the interplay between curvature, composition, phase, and diffusion in model membranes. We report that curvature can induce phase separation in otherwise homogeneous membranes and that the phase-curvature coupling has a direct implication on lipid mobility. This discovery advances our understanding of the fundamental membrane biophysics that regulate membrane activities such as endocytosis and viral budding.