bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation strategies for spruce forests—economic potential of bark beetle management and Douglas fir cultivation in future tree species portfolios
Authors: Fuchs Jasper M , Hittenbeck Anika , Brandl Susanne , Schmidt Matthias , Paul Carola
Published: September 2021

Productive Norway spruce forests in mountainous growing areas are expected to be affected by increasing climate-driven disturbances, which will most likely result in a reduction of their economic performance. This study seeks to compare the potential of currently discussed management options aiming to maintain the economic performance on typical sites of spruce under a changing climate. For this purpose, we used a combined approach of tree mortality simulation and portfolio optimization to assess the management options: (1) including a deciduous species, (2) establishing mixed stands, (3) shortening the rotation periods, (4) forest protection measures focusing on bark beetles and (5) introducing another highly productive species. As a novel feature, we also compared the effect of combined management strategies on the return and risk of stand management. In our simulation and optimization approach, the inclusion of an alternative, highly productive tree species, such as Douglas fir, into the tree species portfolio outcompeted the forest protection measure of intensive bark beetle monitoring with timely sanitation fellings in terms of balancing risks and returns. The adaptation gain of introducing Douglas fir was further enhanced when combined with additional management options such as adapted rotation periods. The resulting synergies were able to overcompensate for the adverse economic effects of climate change. On the contrary, including beech did not only reduce the risks but also the return in a magnitude which was clearly outcompeted by Douglas fir, even with the assumption of high mortality risks for Douglas fir. These results prove the importance of a proactive tree species selection in relation to more reactive forest protection measures for climate change adaptation. They also advise a careful consideration of expected market demands when selecting an additional species for the portfolio.
A Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of the Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)
Authors: Sætre Camilla Lo Cascio , Eroukhmanoff Fabrice , Rönkä Katja , Kluen Edward , Thorogood Rose , Torrance James , Tracey Alan , Chow William , Pelan Sarah , Howe Kerstin , Jakobsen Kjetill S , Tørresen Ole K
Published: September 2021

The reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) is a long-distance migrant passerine with a wide distribution across Eurasia. This species has fascinated researchers for decades, especially its role as host of a brood parasite, and its capacity for rapid phenotypic change in the face of climate change. Currently, it is expanding its range northwards in Europe, and is altering its migratory behavior in certain areas. Thus, there is great potential to discover signs of recent evolution and its impact on the genomic composition of the reed warbler. Here, we present a high-quality reference genome for the reed warbler, based on PacBio, 10×, and Hi-C sequencing. The genome has an assembly size of 1,075,083,815 bp with a scaffold N50 of 74,438,198 bp and a contig N50 of 12,742,779 bp. BUSCO analysis using aves_odb10 as a model showed that 95.7% of BUSCO genes were complete. We found unequivocal evidence of two separate macrochromosomal fusions in the reed warbler genome, in addition to the previously identified fusion between chromosome Z and a part of chromosome 4A in the Sylvioidea superfamily. We annotated 14,645 protein-coding genes, and a BUSCO analysis of the protein sequences indicated 97.5% completeness. This reference genome will serve as an important resource, and will provide new insights into the genomic effects of evolutionary drivers such as coevolution, range expansion, and adaptations to climate change, as well as chromosomal rearrangements in birds.
The Spiritual Experience of Dementia From the Health Care Provider Perspective: Implications for Intervention
Authors: Palmer Jennifer A , Hilgeman Michelle , Balboni Tracy , Paasche-Orlow Sara , Sullivan Jennifer L
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Spiritual care aims to counter negative outcomes from spiritual distress and is beneficial to persons living with dementia. Such care needs dementia-appropriate customization. We explored the salient spiritual needs in dementia to inform future intervention development. Health care providers are well situated to observe the nature of spiritual needs across and within medical conditions.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with providers. We sampled purposively by discipline (chaplains, nursing staff, social workers, activities professionals) and religious tradition (for chaplains). Our interview guide inquired about, for example, the nature of spiritual needs in dementia and stakeholders’ roles in addressing them. Inductive/deductive thematic analysis was employed.

Results

24 providers participated. The thematic structure consisted of 2 themes: (a) spiritual experience in dementia differs from that in other medical conditions (subthemes: fear, profound loss of self, progressive and incurable nature, and impacted ability to access faith) and (b) the need for spiritual intervention at the mild stage of dementia (subthemes: awareness in mild dementia and its influence on spiritual distress, and a window of opportunity).

Discussion and Implications

We learned about the potential “what” of spiritual needs and “who” and “when” of implementing spiritual care. Implications included the imperative for dementia-specific spiritual assessment tools, interventions targeting fear and loss of self early in symptom progression, and stakeholder training. Researchers should study additionally the “how” of dementia-appropriate spiritual care. Conjointly, these efforts could promote spiritual well-being in persons living with dementia worldwide.
Analysis of S waves singularity points in porous rock with two orthogonal sets of mesoscale fractures
Authors: Pang Shuo , Stovas Alexey , Xing Huilin
Published: September 2021

The shear waves phase velocity surfaces in orthorhombic (ORT) and lower symmetry anisotropic models touch each other in one or more points resulting in so called singularity points or acoustic axes. These singularity points result in dramatic changes of velocities, amplitudes and polarizations creating problems in seismic data processing and analysis. Considering the frequency-dependent anisotropy due to mesoscale fractures in Chapman's model, we describe the singularity points in porous rock with two orthogonal sets of mesoscale fractures. First, we give the equations for frequency-dependent phase velocities of P, S1 and S2 waves in this anelastic ORT media. Then, we derive the expressions for frequency-dependent singularity points within the symmetry planes and discuss the conditions to detect the existence of singularity point. Finally, the influences of frequency, porosity, fracture density, fracture scale and saturating fluid style on the positions of singularity points within the symmetry plane are investigated.
Scaling laws for stagnant-lid convection with a buoyant crust
Authors: Batra Kyle , Foley Bradford
Published: September 2021

Stagnant-lid convection, where subduction and surface plate motion is absent, is common among the rocky planets and moons in our solar system, and likely among rocky exoplanets as well. How stagnant-lid planets thermally evolve is an important issue, dictating not just their interior evolution but also the evolution of their atmospheres via volcanic degassing. On stagnant-lid planets, the crust is not recycled by subduction and can potentially grow thick enough to significantly impact convection beneath the stagnant lid. We perform numerical models of stagnant-lid convection to determine new scaling laws for convective heat flux that specifically account for the presence of a buoyant crustal layer. We systematically vary the crustal layer thickness, crustal layer density, Rayleigh number and Frank–Kamenetskii parameter for viscosity to map out system behaviour and determine the new scaling laws. We find two end-member regimes of behaviour: a ‘thin crust limit’, where convection is largely unaffected by the presence of the crust, and the thickness of the lithosphere is approximately the same as it would be if the crust were absent; and a ‘thick crust limit’, where the crustal thickness itself determines the lithospheric thickness and heat flux. Scaling laws for both limits are developed and fit the numerical model results well. Applying these scaling laws to rocky stagnant-lid planets, we find that the crustal thickness needed for convection to enter the thick crust limit decreases with increasing mantle temperature and decreasing mantle reference viscosity. Moreover, if crustal thickness is limited by the formation of dense eclogite, and foundering of this dense lower crust, then smaller planets are more likely to enter the thick crust limit because their crusts can grow thicker before reaching the pressure where eclogite forms. When convection is in the thick crust limit, mantle heat flux is suppressed. As a result, mantle temperatures can be elevated by 100 s of degrees K for up to a few Gyr in comparison to a planet with a thin crust. Whether convection enters the thick crust limit during a planet’s thermal evolution also depends on the initial mantle temperature, so a thick, buoyant crust additionally acts to preserve the influence of initial conditions on stagnant-lid planets for far longer than previous thermal evolution models, which ignore the effects of a thick crust, have found.
Cultural adaptation in HPV vaccine intervention among racial and ethical minority population: a systematic literature review
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Tang Lu
Published: September 2021

Racial and ethnic minorities in the United States face higher risks of human papillomavirus (HPV) and are less likely to benefit from HPV vaccines. Effective HPV vaccine promotion efforts need to acknowledge and adapt to the cultural characteristics of these minority groups. This systematic review examines and evaluates the cultural adaptations in the HPV vaccine intervention studies conducted in racial and ethnic minority communities in the United States. We searched five databases and identified 26 peer-reviewed English-language journal articles published between 2010 and 2019. These articles were analyzed using Healey et al.’s (2017) cultural adaptation framework for community health interventions. Almost all of these interventions involved some cultural adaptation. However, there is a lack of use of theories in guiding intervention design, lack of systematic, planned cultural adaptations and insufficient in-depth understanding of the targeted population’s cultural characteristics associated with their HPV-related attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. Future intervention studies should identify specific cultural characteristics related to vaccine attitudes and behaviors to create more targeted cultural adaptations in HPV vaccine promotion.
Pathogenic variants in nucleoporin TPR (translocated promoter region, nuclear basket protein) cause severe intellectual disability in humans
Authors: Van Bergen Nicole J , Bell Katrina M , Carey Kirsty , Gear Russell , Massey Sean , Murrell Edward K , Gallacher Lyndon , Pope Kate , Lockhart Paul J , Kornberg Andrew , Pais Lynn , Walkiewicz Marzena , Simons Cas ,   MCRI Rare Diseases Flagship, Wickramasinghe Vihandha O , White Susan M , Christodoulou John
Published: September 2021

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is a multi-protein complex that regulates the trafficking of macromolecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Genetic variants in components of the NPC have been shown to cause a range of neurological disorders, including intellectual disability and microcephaly. Translocated promoter region, nuclear basket protein (TPR) is a critical scaffolding element of the nuclear facing interior of the NPC. Here, we present two siblings with biallelic variants in TPR who present with a phenotype of microcephaly, ataxia and severe intellectual disability. The variants result in a premature truncation variant, and a splice variant leading to a 12-amino acid deletion respectively. Functional analyses in patient fibroblasts demonstrate significantly reduced TPR levels, and decreased TPR-containing NPC density. A compensatory increase in total NPC levels was observed, and decreased global RNA intensity in the nucleus. The discovery of variants that partly disable TPR function provide valuable insight into this essential protein in human disease, and our findings suggest that TPR variants are the cause of the siblings’ neurological disorder.
Whole genome sequence analysis of platelet traits in the NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) initiative
Authors: Little Amarise , Hu Yao , Sun Quan , Jain Deepti , Broome Jai , Chen Ming-Huei , Thibord Florian , McHugh Caitlin , Surendran Praveen , Blackwell Thomas W , Brody Jennifer A , Bhan Arunoday , Chami Nathalie , de Vries Paul S , Ekunwe Lynette , Heard-Costa Nancy , Hobbs Brian D , Manichaikul Ani , Moon Jee-Young , Preuss Michael H , Ryan Kathleen , Wang Zhe , Wheeler Marsha , Yanek Lisa R , Abecasis Goncalo R , Almasy Laura , Beaty Terri H , Becker Lewis C , Blangero John , Boerwinkle Eric , Butterworth Adam S , Choquet Hélène , Correa Adolfo , Curran Joanne E , Faraday Nauder , Fornage Myriam , Glahn David C , Hou Lifang , Jorgenson Eric , Kooperberg Charles , Lewis Joshua P , Lloyd-Jones Donald M , Loos Ruth J F , Min Yuan-I , Mitchell Braxton D , Morrison Alanna C , Nickerson Deborah A , North Kari E , O'Connell Jeffrey R , Pankratz Nathan , Psaty Bruce M , Vasan Ramachandran S , Rich Stephen S , Rotter Jerome I , Smith Albert V , Smith Nicholas L , Tang Hua , Tracy Russell P , Conomos Matthew P , Laurie Cecelia A , Mathias Rasika A , Li Yun , Auer Paul L ,   NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Consortium, Thornton Timothy , Reiner Alexander P , Johnson Andrew D , Raffield Laura M
Published: September 2021

Platelets play a key role in thrombosis and hemostasis. Platelet count (PLT) and mean platelet volume (MPV) are highly heritable quantitative traits, with hundreds of genetic signals previously identified, mostly in European ancestry populations. We here utilize whole genome sequencing (WGS) from NHLBI’s Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine initiative (TOPMed) in a large multi-ethnic sample to further explore common and rare variation contributing to PLT (n = 61 200) and MPV (n = 23 485). We identified and replicated secondary signals at MPL (rs532784633) and PECAM1 (rs73345162), both more common in African ancestry populations. We also observed rare variation in Mendelian platelet-related disorder genes influencing variation in platelet traits in TOPMed cohorts (not enriched for blood disorders). For example, association of GP9 with lower PLT and higher MPV was partly driven by a pathogenic Bernard-Soulier syndrome variant (rs5030764, p.Asn61Ser), and the signals at TUBB1 and CD36 were partly driven by loss of function variants not annotated as pathogenic in ClinVar (rs199948010 and rs571975065). However, residual signal remained for these gene-based signals after adjusting for lead variants, suggesting that additional variants in Mendelian genes with impacts in general population cohorts remain to be identified. Gene-based signals were also identified at several genome-wide association study identified loci for genes not annotated for Mendelian platelet disorders (PTPRH, TET2, CHEK2), with somatic variation driving the result at TET2. These results highlight the value of WGS in populations of diverse genetic ancestry to identify novel regulatory and coding signals, even for well-studied traits like platelet traits.
Distinct functional classes of PDGFRB pathogenic variants in primary familial brain calcification
Authors: Lenglez Sandrine , Sablon Ariane , Fénelon Gilles , Boland Anne , Deleuze Jean-François , Boutoleau-Bretonnière Claire , Nicolas Gaël , Demoulin Jean-Baptiste
Published: September 2021

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) is one of the genes associated with primary familial brain calcification (PFBC), an inherited neurological disease (OMIM:173410). Genetic analysis of patients and families revealed at least 13 PDGFRB heterozygous missense variants, including two novel ones described in the present report. Limited experimental data published on five of these variants had suggested that they decrease the receptor activity. No functional information was available on the impact of variants located within the receptor extracellular domains. Here, we performed a comprehensive molecular analysis of PDGFRB variants linked to PFBC. Mutated receptors were transfected in various cell lines to monitor receptor expression, signaling, mitogenic activity and ligand binding. Four mutants caused a complete loss of tyrosine kinase activity in multiple assays. One of the novel variants, p.Pro154Ser, decreased the receptor expression and abolished binding of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB). Others showed a partial loss of function related to reduced expression or signaling. Combining clinical, genetic and molecular data, we consider nine variants as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, three as benign or likely benign and one as a variant of unknown significance. We discuss the possible relationship between the variant residual activity, incomplete penetrance, brain calcification and neurological symptoms. In conclusion, we identified distinct molecular mechanisms whereby PDGFRB variants may result in a receptor loss of function. This work will facilitate genetic counseling in PFBC.
Prioritization and functional analysis of GWAS risk loci for Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Jianhong , Ali Mourad Wagdy , Yan Li , Dighe Shruti G , Dai James Y , Vaughan Thomas L , Casey Graham , Buas Matthew F
Published: September 2021

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified ~20 genetic susceptibility loci for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), and its precursor, Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Despite such advances, functional/causal variants and gene targets at these loci remain undefined, hindering clinical translation. A key challenge is that most causal variants map to non-coding regulatory regions such as enhancers, and typically, numerous potential candidate variants at GWAS loci require testing. We developed a systematic informatics pipeline for prioritizing candidate functional variants via integrative functional potential scores (FPS) consolidated from multi-omics annotations, and used this pipeline to identify two high-scoring variants for experimental interrogation: chr9q22.32/rs11789015 and chr19p13.11/rs10423674. Minimal candidate enhancer regions spanning these variants were evaluated using luciferase reporter assays in two EAC cell lines. One of the two variants tested (rs10423674) exhibited allele-specific enhancer activity. CRISPR-mediated deletion of the putative enhancer region in EAC cell lines correlated with reduced expression of two genes—CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) and Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP); expression of five other genes remained unchanged (CRLF1, KLHL26, TMEM59L, UBA52, RFXANK). Expression quantitative trait locus mapping indicated that rs10423674 genotype correlated with CRTC1 and COMP expression in normal esophagus. This study represents the first experimental effort to bridge GWAS associations to biology in BE/EAC and supports the utility of FPS to guide variant prioritization. Our findings reveal a functional variant and candidate risk enhancer at chr19p13.11 and implicate CRTC1 and COMP as putative gene targets, suggesting that altered expression of these genes may underlie the BE/EAC risk association.
CFTR corrector C17 is effective in muscular dystrophy, in vivo proof of concept in LGMDR3
Authors: Scano Martina , Benetollo Alberto , Nogara Leonardo , Bondì Michela , Dalla Barba Francesco , Soardi Michela , Furlan Sandra , Akyurek Eylem Emek , Caccin Paola , Carotti Marcello , Sacchetto Roberta , Blaauw Bert , Sandonà Dorianna
Published: September 2021

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R3 (LGMDR3) is caused by mutations in the SGCA gene coding for α-sarcoglycan (SG). Together with β- γ- and δ-SG, α-SG forms a tetramer embedded in the dystrophin associated protein complex crucial for protecting the sarcolemma from mechanical stresses elicited by muscle contraction. Most LGMDR3 cases are due to missense mutations, which result in non-properly folded, even though potentially functional α-SG. These mutants are prematurely discarded by the cell quality control. Lacking one subunit, the SG-complex is disrupted. The resulting loss of function leads to sarcolemma instability, muscle fiber damage and progressive limb muscle weakness. LGMDR3 is severely disabling and, unfortunately, still incurable. Here, we propose the use of small molecules, belonging to the class of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) correctors, for recovering mutants of α-SG defective in folding and trafficking. Specifically, CFTR corrector C17 successfully rerouted the SG-complex containing the human R98H-α-SG to the sarcolemma of hind-limb muscles of a novel LGMDR3 murine model. Notably, the muscle force of the treated model animals was fully recovered. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a compound designated for cystic fibrosis is successfully tested in a muscular dystrophy and may represent a novel paradigm of treatment for LGMDR3 as well as different other indications in which a potentially functional protein is prematurely discarded as folding-defective. Furthermore, the use of small molecules for recovering the endogenous mutated SG has an evident advantage over complex procedures such as gene or cell transfer.
Having to “Hold It”: Factors That Influence the Avoidance of Using Public Bathrooms among Transgender People
Authors: Lerner Justin Evan
Published: September 2021

Transgender people often avoid going to the bathroom in public, at work, and at school because they are afraid of facing problems while using them. Utilizing the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, the largest sample to date with transgender people, this study (N = 25,694) aimed to understand the factors associated with avoiding bathroom usage as well as how the avoidance may impact the health of transgender people. Logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with avoidance of bathrooms. More than six out of 10 transgender people avoided using public bathrooms. Being questioned about a person’s bathroom choice, gender identity, perception of gender identity, previous experiences of discrimination, suicidal ideation, and serious psychological distress were found to be associated with avoidance of public bathrooms due to fears of having problems when using them. Gender-neutral bathrooms that are safe and accessible for transgender people need to be more available and accessible in the United States.
Unmet Healthcare Need Due to Cost Concerns among U.S. Transgender and Gender-Expansive Adults: Results from a National Survey
Authors: Kcomt Luisa , Gorey Kevin M. , Barrett Betty Jo , Levin Dana S. , Grant Jill , McCabe Sean Esteban
Published: September 2021

This study examines past-year unmet healthcare need due to cost experienced by transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) adults in the United States in the context of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). It also aims to estimate the importance of having health insurance among TGE Americans (transgender men, transgender women, nonbinary/genderqueer people, and cross-dressers). Data were from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey (N = 19,157 adults, aged 25 to 64 years). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95 percent confidence intervals (CI) of TGE individuals’ past-year unmet healthcare need due to cost. Although the majority (86.8 percent) reported seeing a doctor or healthcare provider in the past year, 32.1 percent reported past-year unmet healthcare need due to cost. One in six respondents (17.1 percent) was uninsured and almost one-third (29.8 percent) were at/near poverty. The prevalence of unmet healthcare need was greater among the uninsured (65.1 percent) than among the insured (25.2 percent). Compared with transgender women, nonbinary/genderqueer people (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI [1.18, 1.46]) and transgender men (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.18, 1.42]) had greater odds of unmet healthcare need due to cost. Social workers can lobby to fully enact the ACA by underscoring affordability and availability as important dimensions of healthcare access for TGE populations.
Liquid biopsy: state of reproductive medicine and beyond
Authors: Schobers Gaby , Koeck Rebekka , Pellaers Dominique , Stevens Servi J C , Macville Merryn V E , Paulussen Aimée D C , Coonen Edith , van den Wijngaard Arthur , de Die-Smulders Christine , de Wert Guido , Brunner Han G , Zamani Esteki Masoud
Published: September 2021

Liquid biopsy is the process of sampling and analyzing body fluids, which enables non-invasive monitoring of complex biological systems in vivo. Liquid biopsy has myriad applications in health and disease as a wide variety of components, ranging from circulating cells to cell-free nucleic acid molecules, can be analyzed. Here, we review different components of liquid biopsy, survey state-of-the-art, non-invasive methods for detecting those components, demonstrate their clinical applications and discuss ethical considerations. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of artificial intelligence in analyzing liquid biopsy data with the aim of developing ethically-responsible non-invasive technologies that can enhance individualized healthcare. While previous reviews have mainly focused on cancer, this review primarily highlights applications of liquid biopsy in reproductive medicine.
Teaching Empire and War: Animating Marginalized Histories in the Classroom
Authors: Maguire Anna , Gupta Diya
Published: September 2021

How can we teach ‘forgotten’ histories of war and empire in the classroom, responding to urgent needs to ‘decolonize’ the curriculum and pedagogic practice? This article reflects on an exercise in pedagogical experimentation – a ‘widening participation’ project based upon a series of workshops – to demonstrate a more global and ‘messy’ understanding of the role of empire in the First and Second World Wars and their commemoration. We discuss the role of students and teachers as co-producers of knowledge, engaging with race and colonialism in the classroom, and the intervention of such work in the project of ‘decolonizing’ curricula.
Personality characteristics and the decision to hire
Authors: Caliendo Marco , Fossen Frank M , Kritikos Alexander S
Published: September 2021

As the policy debate on entrepreneurship increasingly centers on firm growth in terms of job creation, it is important to understand whether the personality of entrepreneurs drives the first hiring in their firms. Using the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), we analyze to what extent personality traits influence the probability of becoming an employer. The results indicate that personality matters. Risk tolerance unfolds the strongest influence on hiring, shortening the time until entrepreneurs hire their first employee; the effect size of a one-standard-deviation increase in risk tolerance is similar to that of having a university degree. Moreover, individuals who are more open to experience, more conscientious, and more trustful are more likely to hire upon establishing their business.
The long-term economic effects of pandemics: toward an evolutionary approach
Authors: Callegari Beniamino , Feder Christophe
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 has brought to the forefront of academic debates the consequences of pandemics and their appropriate policy responses. Using the PRISMA methodology, we provide a comprehensive review of the economic and historical analysis of the long-term economic consequences of pandemics. Mainstream economists focus on the impact of pandemics on production factors, finding a rich but contrasting set of mechanisms with overall negative or insignificant effects. Historians focus on the institutional impact, finding positive effects of pandemics when they trigger new socioeconomic arrangements. Evolutionary economists can integrate into the economic debate both historical elements and the complex biological characteristics of pandemics. We argue that the evolutionary approach provides new and fertile theoretical foundations to understand the phenomenon and develop effective policies.
Economic impact of public R&D: an international perspective
Authors: Soete Luc , Verspagen Bart , Ziesemer Thomas H W
Published: September 2021

Despite the fact that research and development (R&D) activities are carried out in most countries in public research institutes such as universities and public research organizations, there have been few studies that attempted to estimate the economic impact of such public investment in R&D. In this paper, we analyze the relations between total factor productivity (TFP) and public and private R&D as well as gross domestic product for a set of 17 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries using a vector-error-correction model. We find that for the period 1975–2014, investment in public R&D has had a clearly positive effect on TFP growth in the majority of countries analyzed. In simulations allowing for a permanent positive shock to public R&D, we observe a strong dynamic complementarity between the public and private (domestic) stocks of R&D for several countries. In countries where this complementarity is strong, the TFP effect of extra public R&D investments is also strong. A discriminant analysis shows that in countries with high complementarity between private and public R&D, the share of foreign funding of R&D performed in the business sector combined with a high business R&D intensity tends to be low. At the same time, the share of basic R&D in business R&D combined with a higher public R&D intensity tends to be higher in countries with strong complementarity.
Impact of sourcing from the informal economy on the export likelihood and performance of emerging economy firms
Authors: Escobar Octavio , Lamotte Olivier , Colovic Ana , Meschi Pierre-Xavier
Published: September 2021

Building on the institutional economics perspective, we study how local firms in an emerging economy exploit institutional voids by sourcing inputs from industries with a large informal economy. We argue that this allows them to build a cost-related competitive advantage and leverage it both to export and to enhance export performance. The empirical study uses a unique dataset compiled by the Mexican authorities covering manufacturing plants between 2005 and 2012. Our results indicate that firms operating in industries that procure from industries with an extensive informal economy are more likely to export and to have better export performance.
Within-firm inequality in workdays and labor productivity: evidence from linked employer–employee Italian data
Authors: Bloise Francesco , Cirillo Valeria , Raitano Michele , Ricci Andrea
Published: September 2021

Using a longitudinal dataset built merging survey and administrative datasets on Italian firms, we investigate the association between productivity growth and labor flexibility focusing on the role of inequality of yearly workdays within firms. In addition to a negative association between productivity growth and the share of fixed-term employment, we find a further negative association between this type of within-firm inequality and labor productivity growth. This finding suggests that higher inequality in workdays may weaken cooperation among workers, affecting productivity.
Non-stationary effects of growth on the survival of North American Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Tillotson Michael D , Sheehan Timothy F , Ellingson Brandon , Haas-Castro Ruth E , Olmos Maxime , Mills Katherine E
Published: September 2021

The productivity of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) has declined markedly since the 1980s,  in part because of changing ocean conditions, but mechanisms driving this decline remain unclear. Previous research has suggested differential recruitment dynamics between the continental stock groups, with post-smolt growth influencing the survival of populations in Europe, but not North America. We used a large, representative archive of North American, multi sea-winter salmon scales to reconstruct long-term changes in growth between 1968 and 2018. We then modeled relationships between annual growth indices, estimates of maturation rates, and post-smolt survival, while allowing for the possibility of non-stationary dynamics. We found that marine growth of MSW salmon has changed over the past 50 years, generally increasing despite declining survival. However, we found strong evidence of a non-stationary influence of post-smolt growth on survival. Prior to a period of rapid change in the ocean environment during the late 1980s,  post-smolt growth was positively related with survival, similar to the pattern observed in European populations. These findings suggest that the mechanisms determining marine survival of North American and European salmon populations may have diverged around 1990. More generally, our results highlight the importance of considering non-stationary dynamics when evaluating linkages between the environment, growth, and survival of Atlantic salmon.
Environmental drivers of a decline in a coastal zooplankton community
Authors: Wells Seòna R , Bresnan Eileen , Cook Kathryn , Eerkes-Medrano Dafne , Machairopoulou Margarita , Mayor Daniel J , Rabe Berit , Wright Peter J
Published: September 2021

Major changes in North Atlantic zooplankton communities in recent decades have been linked to climate change but the roles of environmental drivers are often complex. High temporal resolution data is required to disentangle the natural seasonal drivers from additional sources of variability in highly heterogeneous marine systems. Here, physical and plankton abundance data spanning 2003–2017 from a weekly long-term monitoring site on the west coast of Scotland were used to investigate the cause of an increasing decline to approximately -80± 5% in annual average total zooplankton abundance from 2011 to 2017. Generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs), with an autoregressive correlation structure, were used to examine seasonal and inter-annual trends in zooplankton abundance and their relationship with environmental variables. Substantial declines were detected across all dominant taxa, with ∼ 30–70% of the declines in abundance explained by a concurrent negative trend in salinity, alongside the seasonal cycle, with the additional significance of food availability found for some taxa. Temperature was found to drive seasonal variation but not the long-term trends in the zooplankton community. The reduction in salinity had the largest effect on several important taxa. Salinity changes could partly be explained by locally higher freshwater run-off driven by precipitation as well as potential links to changes in offshore water masses. The results highlight that changes in salinity, caused by either freshwater input (expected from climate predictions) or fresher offshore water masses, may adversely impact coastal zooplankton communities and the predators that depend on them.
The Use of the UNIDROIT Principles and Other Transnational Principles of Commercial Law in Treaty Arbitration: Hazards and Opportunities
Authors: Carlevaris Andrea
Published: September 2021

The UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts and more generally transnational principles of commercial law are often relied on, not only by international commercial arbitral tribunals, but also by investment tribunals. In rare cases, investment tribunals have relied on such principles as applicable law per se. More frequently, transnational principles have been relied on to supplement the tribunal’s findings based on the applicable domestic or international law as ‘general principles of law recognized by civilized nations’ in the meaning of Article 38(1)(c) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice. In commercial arbitration, reliance on transnational principles aims at strengthening the tribunal’s conclusions and enhancing their acceptance by the parties, whereas in investment arbitration reliance on transnational commercial principles shows growing convergence between the ways in which general principles are understood and applied in domestic private law and public international law. Transnational principles of commercial law serve a useful purpose in corroborating tribunals’ conclusions based on domestic or international law. However, their use requires an appropriate choice-of-law methodology to avoid risks for the enforceability of awards.
Density of aortopulmonary collaterals predicts in-hospital outcome in tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosis
Authors: Fang Yibing , Xiong Ziqing , Wang Yue , Li Bo , Wang Zetao , Kang Deying , An Qi , Lin Ke , Luo Shuhua
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to characterize the anatomy of aortopulmonary collateral (APC) arteries in tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary stenosis and to determine whether APC density identified on preoperative multidetector cardiac computed tomography predicts in-hospital outcome.

METHODS

The retrospective single-centre study includes consecutive 135 (2015–2019) patients who underwent one-stage repair. Preoperative multidetector cardiac computed tomography, echocardiography and clinical outcomes were reviewed. The cut-off value of indexed total distal APC cross-sectional area (APC-CSA) was identified by receiver operating characteristic curve. Logistic regression was used for predictors analysis.

RESULTS

The median age and body weight were 19.7 (10.1–89.7) months and 10 (8.3–18) kg. A total of 337 APCs were detected with only one demonstrating severe stenosis. There was a strong and significant correlation between mean APC diameter per patient and age (r = 0.70, P < 0.001). APCs were imaged but mainly received no interventions. In-hospital mortality was similar between patients with high (indexed APC-CSA ≥3.0 mm2/m2) and low (<3.0 mm2/m2) APC density (P = 0.642). Significantly greater patients with high indexed APC-CSA experienced the in-hospital composite outcome of death, arrest, renal/hepatic injury, lactic acidosis or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (P = 0.007). High APC density was associated with greater dosing (P = 0.008) and longer (P = 0.01) use of inotropic support, prolonged pleural drainage (P = 0.013), longer ventilation (P = 0.042), intensive care unit (P = 0.014) and hospital (P = 0.027) duration. No reintervention and death occurred in the follow-up with the median duration of 24.4 (11–36.6) months. Multivariable analysis showed the Nakata index (P = 0.05) and high APC density (P = 0.02) independently predicted the composite outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary stenosis, APCs are likely to be dilated bronchial arteries. Preoperative multidetector cardiac computed tomography-derived APC density was as important as Nakata index in predicting the occurrence of in-hospital composite outcome. The APC-CSA of 3.0 mm2/m2 maybe considered as a threshold for risk stratification.
Bilateral endoscopic technique for left atrial appendectomy and robot-assisted mitral valve repair
Authors: Seguchi Ryuta , Ohtsuka Toshiya , Ishikawa Norihiko , Watanabe Go
Published: September 2021

We report a bilateral thoracoscopic technique in which robot-assisted mitral valve repair was achieved concomitantly with stapler division of the large left atrial appendage. The patient was a 65-year-old male with severe mitral regurgitation, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a large-sized atrial appendage. Closure of the appendage was completed off-pump using a left thoracoscopic stapler-division technique previous to right thoracoscopic robot-assisted mitral valve repair and cryoablation. Complete closure of the appendage was confirmed in thoracoscopic views. The bilateral thoracoscopic technique could be preferable for the minimally invasive treatment of mitral valvular disease and concomitant large-sized atrial appendage management.
Common maternal infections during pregnancy and childhood leukaemia in the offspring: findings from six international birth cohorts
Authors: He Jian-Rong , Hirst Jane E , Tikellis Gabriella , Phillips Gary S , Ramakrishnan Rema , Paltiel Ora , Ponsonby Anne-Louise , Klebanoff Mark , Olsen Jørn , Murphy Michael F G , Håberg Siri E , Lemeshow Stanley , F Olsen Sjurdur , Qiu Xiu , Magnus Per , Golding Jean , Ward Mary H , Wiemels Joseph L , Rahimi Kazem , Linet Martha S , Dwyer Terence ,   the International Childhood Cancer Cohort Consortium
Published: September 2021

Background

Previous epidemiological studies have found positive associations between maternal infections and childhood leukaemia; however, evidence from prospective cohort studies is scarce. We aimed to examine the associations using large-scale prospective data.

Methods

Data were pooled from six population-based birth cohorts in Australia, Denmark, Israel, Norway, the UK and the USA (recruitment 1950s-2000s). Primary outcomes were any childhood leukaemia and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL); secondary outcomes were acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and any childhood cancer. Exposures included maternal self-reported infections [influenza-like illness, common cold, any respiratory tract infection, vaginal thrush, vaginal infections and urinary tract infection (including cystitis)] and infection-associated symptoms (fever and diarrhoea) during pregnancy. Covariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using multilevel Cox models.

Results

Among 312 879 children with a median follow-up of 13.6 years, 167 leukaemias, including 129 ALL and 33 AML, were identified. Maternal urinary tract infection was associated with increased risk of any leukaemia [HR (95% CI) 1.68 (1.10–2.58)] and subtypes ALL [1.49 (0.87–2.56)] and AML [2.70 ([0.93–7.86)], but not with any cancer [1.13 (0.85–1.51)]. Respiratory tract infection was associated with increased risk of any leukaemia [1.57 (1.06–2.34)], ALL [1.43 (0.94–2.19)], AML [2.37 (1.10–5.12)] and any cancer [1.33 (1.09–1.63)]; influenza-like illness showed a similar pattern but with less precise estimates. There was no evidence of a link between other infections and any outcomes.

Conclusions

Urinary tract and respiratory tract infections during pregnancy may be associated with childhood leukaemia, but the absolute risk is small given the rarity of the outcome.
Trans-ethnic Mendelian-randomization study reveals causal relationships between cardiometabolic factors and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Zheng Jie , Zhang Yuemiao , Rasheed Humaira , Walker Venexia , Sugawara Yuka , Li Jiachen , Leng Yue , Elsworth Benjamin , Wootton Robyn E , Fang Si , Yang Qian , Burgess Stephen , Haycock Philip C , Borges Maria Carolina , Cho Yoonsu , Carnegie Rebecca , Howell Amy , Robinson Jamie , Thomas Laurent F , Brumpton Ben Michael , Hveem Kristian , Hallan Stein , Franceschini Nora , Morris Andrew P , Köttgen Anna , Pattaro Cristian , Wuttke Matthias , Yamamoto Masayuki , Kashihara Naoki , Akiyama Masato , Kanai Masahiro , Matsuda Koichi , Kamatani Yoichiro , Okada Yukinori , Walters Robin , Millwood Iona Y , Chen Zhengming , Davey Smith George , Barbour Sean , Yu Canqing , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Zhang Hong , Gaunt Tom R
Published: September 2021

Background

This study was to systematically test whether previously reported risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) are causally related to CKD in European and East Asian ancestries using Mendelian randomization.

Methods

A total of 45 risk factors with genetic data in European ancestry and 17 risk factors in East Asian participants were identified as exposures from PubMed. We defined the CKD by clinical diagnosis or by estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Ultimately, 51 672 CKD cases and 958 102 controls of European ancestry from CKDGen, UK Biobank and HUNT, and 13 093 CKD cases and 238 118 controls of East Asian ancestry from Biobank Japan, China Kadoorie Biobank and Japan-Kidney-Biobank/ToMMo were included.

Results

Eight risk factors showed reliable evidence of causal effects on CKD in Europeans, including genetically predicted body mass index (BMI), hypertension, systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I, lipoprotein(a), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and nephrolithiasis. In East Asians, BMI, T2D and nephrolithiasis showed evidence of causality on CKD. In two independent replication analyses, we observed that increased hypertension risk showed reliable evidence of a causal effect on increasing CKD risk in Europeans but in contrast showed a null effect in East Asians. Although liability to T2D showed consistent effects on CKD, the effects of glycaemic phenotypes on CKD were weak. Non-linear Mendelian randomization indicated a threshold relationship between genetically predicted BMI and CKD, with increased risk at BMI of >25 kg/m2.

Conclusions

Eight cardiometabolic risk factors showed causal effects on CKD in Europeans and three of them showed causality in East Asians, providing insights into the design of future interventions to reduce the burden of CKD.
Quantifying impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through life-expectancy losses: a population-level study of 29 countries
Authors: Aburto José Manuel , Schöley Jonas , Kashnitsky Ilya , Zhang Luyin , Rahal Charles , Missov Trifon I , Mills Melinda C , Dowd Jennifer B , Kashyap Ridhi
Published: September 2021

Background

Variations in the age patterns and magnitudes of excess deaths, as well as differences in population sizes and age structures, make cross-national comparisons of the cumulative mortality impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic challenging. Life expectancy is a widely used indicator that provides a clear and cross-nationally comparable picture of the population-level impacts of the pandemic on mortality.

Methods

Life tables by sex were calculated for 29 countries, including most European countries, Chile and the USA, for 2015–2020. Life expectancy at birth and at age 60 years for 2020 were contextualized against recent trends between 2015 and 2019. Using decomposition techniques, we examined which specific age groups contributed to reductions in life expectancy in 2020 and to what extent reductions were attributable to official COVID-19 deaths.

Results

Life expectancy at birth declined from 2019 to 2020 in 27 out of 29 countries. Males in the USA and Lithuania experienced the largest losses in life expectancy at birth during 2020 (2.2 and 1.7 years, respectively), but reductions of more than an entire year were documented in 11 countries for males and 8 among females. Reductions were mostly attributable to increased mortality above age 60 years and to official COVID-19 deaths.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered significant mortality increases in 2020 of a magnitude not witnessed since World War II in Western Europe or the breakup of the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe. Females from 15 countries and males from 10 ended up with lower life expectancy at birth in 2020 than in 2015.