bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporally distinct oscillatory codes of retention and manipulation of verbal working memory
Authors: Pavlov Yuri G. , Kotchoubey Boris
Published: September 2021

Most psychophysiological studies of working memory (WM) target only the short‐term memory construct, whereas short‐term memory is only a part of the WM responsible for the storage of sensory information. Here, we aimed to further investigate oscillatory brain mechanisms supporting the executive components of WM—the part responsible for the manipulation of information. We conducted an exploratory reanalysis of a previously published EEG dataset where 156 participants (82 females) performed tasks requiring either simple retention or retention and manipulation of verbal information in WM. A relatively long delay period (>6 s) was employed to investigate the temporal trajectory of the oscillatory brain activity. Compared with baseline, theta activity was significantly enhanced during encoding and the delay period. Alpha‐band power decreased during encoding and switched to an increase in the first part of the delay before returning to the baseline in the second part; beta‐band power remained below baseline during encoding and the delay. The difference between the manipulation and retention tasks in spectral power had diverse temporal trajectories in different frequency bands. The difference maintained over encoding and the first part of the delay in theta, during the first part of the delay in beta, and during the whole delay period in alpha. Our results suggest that task‐related modulations in theta power co‐vary with the demands on the executive control network; beta suppression during mental manipulation can be related to the activation of motor networks; and alpha is likely to reflect the activation of language areas simultaneously with sensory input blockade.
Competitive pressure and firm investment efficiency: Evidence from corporate employment decisions
Authors: Boubaker Sabri , Dang Viet A. , Sassi Syrine
Published: September 2021

This study examines the link between product market competition and labour investment efficiency. We find that competitive pressure distorts the efficiency of corporate employment decisions by creating an underinvestment problem. This finding withstands a battery of robustness checks and remains unchanged after accounting for endogeneity concerns. Additional analysis shows that the relationship between product market competition and labour investment efficiency is stronger for firms facing higher competitive threats, greater financial constraints, higher information asymmetry and higher labour adjustment costs. Our results suggest that as competition increases bankruptcy risk, it leads managers to underinvest in labour to avoid incurring labour‐related costs.
Association between Chromosome 4 and mercury accumulation in muscle of the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Calboli Federico C. F. , Delahaut Vyshal , Deflem Io , Hablützel Pascal I. , Hellemans Bart , Kordas Anna , Raeymaekers Joost A. M. , Bervoets Lieven , De Boeck Gudrun , Volckaert Filip A. M.
Published: September 2021

Anthropogenic stressors, such as pollutants, act as selective factors that can leave measurable changes in allele frequencies in the genome. Metals are of particular concern among pollutants, because of interference with vital biological pathways. We use the three‐spined stickleback as a model for adaptation to mercury pollution in natural populations. We collected sticklebacks from 21 locations in Flanders (Belgium), measured the accumulated levels of mercury in the skeletal muscle tissue, and genotyped the fish by sequencing (GBS). The spread of muscle mercury content across locations was considerable, ranging from 21.5 to 327 ng/g dry weight (DW). We then conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) between 28,450 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the accumulated levels of mercury, using different approaches. Based on a linear mixed model analysis, the GWAS yielded multiple hits with a single top hit on Chromosome 4, with eight more SNPs suggestive of association. A second approach, a latent factor mixed model analysis, highlighted one single SNP on Chromosome 11. Finally, an outlier test identified one additional SNP on Chromosome 4 that appeared under selection. Out of all ten SNPs we identified as associated with mercury in muscle, three SNPs all located on Chromosome 4 and positioned within a 2.5 kb distance of an annotated gene. Based on these results and the genome coverage of our SNPs, we conclude that the selective effect of mercury pollution in Flanders causes a significant association with at least one locus on Chromosome 4 in three‐spined stickleback.
How to achieve a higher selection plateau in forest tree breeding? Fostering heterozygote × homozygote relationships in optimal contribution selection in the case study of Populus nigra
Authors: Tiret Mathieu , Pégard Marie , Sánchez Leopoldo
Published: September 2021

In breeding, optimal contribution selection (OCS) is one of the most effective strategies to balance short‐ and long‐term genetic responses, by maximizing genetic gain and minimizing global coancestry. Considering genetic diversity in the selection dynamic—through coancestry—is undoubtedly the reason for the success of OCS, as it avoids preliminary loss of favorable alleles. Originally formulated with the pedigree relationship matrix, global coancestry can nowadays be assessed with one of the possible formulations of the realized genomic relationship matrix. Most formulations were optimized for genomic evaluation, but few for the management of coancestry. We introduce here an alternative formulation specifically developed for genomic OCS (GOCS), intended to better control heterozygous loci, and thus better account for Mendelian sampling. We simulated a multigeneration breeding program with mate allocation and under GOCS for twenty generations, solved with quadratic programming. With the case study of Populus nigra, we have shown that, although the dynamic was mainly determined by the trade‐off between genetic gain and genetic diversity, better formulations of the genomic relationship matrix, especially those fostering individuals carrying multiple heterozygous loci, can lead to better short‐term genetic gain and a higher selection plateau.
Shut up or shout loudly: Predation threat and sound production in fishes
Authors: Ladich Friedrich
Published: September 2021

Predation is a major ecological constraint shaping behaviour and communication in animals. Several fish species are known to modify their foraging, agonistic and reproductive behaviour in the presence of predators. However, close to nothing is known about how predators affect sound production in fishes. This paper reviews how vocal fish increase their chance of survival by modifying intraspecific acoustic communication and by producing sounds directed towards predators. Field studies showed that toadfish, drums and squirrelfish reduced the number and loudness of calls when dolphin sounds were played back. These studies lack behavioural observations, leaving the question open how individual fish respond to predation threat. Croaking gouramis (Trichopsis vittata, Osphronemidae) reduced acoustic and visual signalling during dyadic contests and refrained from escalated behaviour when detecting a predator in an adjacent tank. This indicates that gouramis increase their vigilance by reducing agonistic behaviour. Vocal fish have been observed to emit sounds when predators approach or when being caught. However, none of the predators (or even conspecifics nearby) responded to these calls. Therefore, the term “predator‐related” sound has been introduced in this paper to avoid implying unproven functions (alarm, startling, warning, distress and disturbance). Interestingly, the readiness of numerous taxa (e.g. catfishes) to vocalize when hand‐held or netted was frequently exploited to investigate sound production in fish in relation to weight, sex, sonic organs, temperature or phylogeny. Increasing levels of noise in aquatic habitats call for more research on predator–prey interactions because of potential negative effects on detection of sounds produced by predators or prey.
Soma‐to‐germline transformation in chromatin‐linked neurodevelopmental disorders?
Authors: Bonefas Katherine M. , Iwase Shigeki
Published: September 2021

Mutations in numerous chromatin regulators cause neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) with unknown mechanisms. Understandably, most research has focused on how chromatin regulators control gene expression that is directly relevant to brain development and function, such as synaptic genes. However, some NDD models surprisingly show ectopic expression of germline genes in the brain. These germline genes are usually expressed only in the primordial germ cells, testis, and ovaries for germ cell development and sexual reproduction. Such ectopic germline gene expression has been reported in several NDDs, including immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, facial anomalies syndrome 1; Kleefstra syndrome 1; MeCP2 duplication syndrome; and mental retardation, X‐linked syndromic, Claes–Jensen type. The responsible genes, DNMT3B, G9A/GLP, MECP2, and KDM5C, all encode chromatin regulators for gene silencing. These mutations may therefore lead to germline gene derepression and, in turn, a severe identity crisis of brain cells—potentially interfering with normal brain development. Thus, the ectopic expression of germline genes is a unique hallmark defining this NDD subset and further implicates the importance of germline gene silencing during brain development. The functional impact of germline gene expression on brain development, however, remains undetermined. This perspective article explores how this apparent soma‐to‐germline transformation arises and how it may interfere with neurodevelopment through genomic instability and impaired sensory cilium formation. Furthermore, we also discuss how to test these hypotheses experimentally to ultimately determine the contribution of ectopic germline transcripts to chromatin‐linked NDDs.
The effect of dialogic reading paired with multisensory learning of Chinese characters and morphological awareness skills for L2 Chinese young learners at Hong Kong kindergartens
Authors: Zhou Yan‐Ling
Published: September 2021

This study examined how a dialogic reading (DR) program with a component of multisensory learning (MS) of Chinese characters improved early Chinese reading and writing skills in L2 Chinese‐speaking kindergarteners in Hong Kong. The DR + MS program was compared to the same DR program but focusing on morphological awareness (MA) training. A total of 118 3‐ to 4‐year‐old L2 Chinese‐speaking kindergartners were recruited for the study. These children were randomly assigned to one of three separate training groups: DR + MS, DR + MA, and DR alone as a control group: Before and after a 12‐week training session, all participating children were tested on a range of Chinese words reading and writing‐related skills. The DR + MS group demonstrated the strongest growth in Chinese word reading and writing skills. The DR + MA group showed a trend toward greater improvement in Chinese vocabulary knowledge. These results demonstrated enjoyable ways to develop Chinese early literacy skills.
Conservation threats from roadkill in the global road network
Authors: Grilo Clara , Borda‐de‐Água Luis , Beja Pedro , Goolsby Eric , Soanes Kylie , le Roux Aliza , Koroleva Elena , Ferreira Flávio Z. , Gagné Sara A. , Wang Yun , González‐Suárez Manuela
Published: September 2021

Aim

The road network is increasing globally but the consequences of roadkill on the viability of wildlife populations are largely unknown. We provide a framework that allows us to estimate how risk of extinction of local populations increases due to roadkill and to generate a global assessment that identifies which mammalian species are most vulnerable to roadkill and the areas where they occur.

Location

Global.

Time period

1995–2015.

Major taxa studied

Terrestrial mammals.

Methods

We introduce a framework to quantify the effect of roadkill on terrestrial mammals worldwide that includes three steps: (a) compilation of roadkill rates to estimate the fraction of a local population killed on the roads, (b) prediction of population risk of extinction based on observed roadkill rates (for a target group of species of conservation concern and non‐threatened species with high roadkill rates), and (c) global assessment of vulnerability to roadkill for 4,677 terrestrial mammalian species estimated using phylogenetic regression models that link extinction risk to demographic parameters.

Results

We identified four populations among the 70 species in the target group that could become extinct in 50 years if observed roadkill levels persist in the study areas: maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus (Brazil), little spotted cat Leopardus tigrinus (Brazil), brown hyena Hyaena brunnea (Southern Africa) and leopard Panthera pardus (North India). The global assessment revealed roadkill as an added risk for 2.7% (n = 124) terrestrial mammals, including 83 species Threatened or Near Threatened. We identified regions of concern that have species vulnerable to roadkill with high road densities in areas of South Africa, central and Southeast Asia, and the Andes.

Main conclusions

Our framework revealed populations of threatened species that require special attention and can be incorporated into management and planning strategies informing road managers and conservation agencies.
Government information disclosure and citizen coproduction during COVID‐19 in China
Authors: Wu Yiping , Xiao Hanyu , Yang Fang
Published: September 2021

While information campaigns have been widely recognized as a pillar of public health crisis management and heightened by the current COVID‐19 pandemic, an insufficient number of studies have investigated the impact of information disclosure on influencing citizen cooperation crucial for emergency management. Focusing on generic information disclosure practices during the recovery period from January 19, 2020, to February 29, 2020, in China and by employing a difference‐in‐difference method, this study finds that information disclosure significantly enhanced citizen coproduction as measured by aggregated search queries of COVID‐19‐related information, and earlier disclosure yielded greater effect more quickly. Moreover, government capacity and citizens' trust in government at the local level significantly moderate the positive impact of information disclosure. This study uncovers the novel relationship between information disclosure and citizen coproduction during emergencies in the Chinese context.
Preference revelation games and strict cores of multiple‐type housing market problems
Authors: Feng Di , Klaus Bettina
Published: September 2021

We consider multiple‐type housing market problems as introduced by Moulin (1995) and study the relationship between strict strong Nash equilibria and the strict core (two solution concepts that are defined in terms of the absence of weak blocking coalitions). We prove that for lexicographically separable preferences, the set of all strict strong Nash equilibrium outcomes of each preference revelation game that is induced by a strictly core stable mechanism is a subset of the strict core, but not vice versa, that is, there are strict core allocations that cannot be implemented in strict strong Nash equilibrium. This result is extended to a more general set of preference domains that satisfy strict core non‐emptiness and a minimal preference domain richness assumption.
Effect of the extract from custard apple (Annona squamosa) leaves prepared with pulsed electric field‐assisted process on the diversity of microorganisms and shelf‐life of refrigerated squid rings
Authors: Olatunde Oladipupo Odunayo , Shiekh Khursheed Ahmad , Ma Lukai , Ying Xiaoguo , Zhang Bin , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: September 2021

Antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of ethanolic custard apple leaf extract (CALE) prepared without and with pulsed electric field (PEF) assisted process (6 kV cm−1, 300 pulses, 142 kJ kg−1 for 5 min) (PEF‐CALE) were comparatively investigated. PEF‐CALE showed higher bacterial inhibition against Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, compared to CALE. Antibiofilm properties of both extracts towards the aforementioned bacteria were augmented with increasing concentrations (P < 0.05). The impact of PEF‐CALE in extending the shelf‐life of squid rings (SQR) was also investigated. Based on the microbiological limit, the shelf‐life of refrigerated squid rings pretreated with 400 mg kg−1 PEF‐CALE was extended by more than 6 days when compared to the control. Pseudomonas lundensis, Pseudomonas fragi, and Shewanella baltica were the most abundant spoilage bacteria found in SQR. Overall, PEF‐CALE exhibited promising antimicrobial activities, which could serve as biopreservative agent for inhibiting bacterial growth in SQR during refrigerated storage.
Patient care standards for primary mitochondrial disease in Australia: an Australian adaptation of the Mitochondrial Medicine Society recommendations
Authors: Sue Carolyn M. , Balasubramaniam Shanti , Bratkovic Drago , Bonifant Catherine , Christodoulou John , Coman David , Crawley Karen , Edema‐Hildebrand Fabienne , Ellaway Carolyn , Ghaoui Roula , Kava Maina , Kearns Lisa S. , Lee Joy , Liang Christina , Mackey David A. , Murray Sean , Needham Merrilee , Rius Rocio , Russell Jacqui , Smith Nicholas J.C. , Thyagarajan Dominic , Wools Christine
Published: September 2021

This document provides consensus‐based recommendations for general physicians and primary care physicians who diagnose and manage patients with mitochondrial diseases (MD). It builds on previous international guidelines, with particular emphasis on clinical management in the Australian setting. This statement was prepared by a working group of medical practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals with clinical expertise and experience in managing Australian patients with MD. As new treatments and management plans emerge, these consensus‐based recommendations will continue to evolve, but current standards of care are summarised in this document.
Sepsis induces muscle atrophy by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis via PLK1‐AKT signalling
Authors: Cao Ying‐Ya , Wang Zhen , Yu Tao , Zhang Yuan , Wang Zhong‐Han , Lu Zi‐Meng , Lu Wei‐Hua , Yu Jian‐Bo
Published: September 2021

Sepsis and sepsis‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy are common in patients in intensive care units with high mortality, while the mechanisms are controversial and complicated. In the present study, the atrophy of skeletal muscle was evaluated in sepsis mouse model as well as the apoptosis of muscle fibres. Sepsis induced atrophy of skeletal muscle and apoptosis of myofibres in vivo and in vitro. In cell‐based in vitro experiments, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation also inhibited the proliferation of myoblasts. At the molecular level, the expression of polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1) and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p‐AKT) was decreased. Overexpression of PLK1 partly rescued LPS‐induced apoptosis, proliferation suppression and atrophy in C2C12 cells. Furthermore, inhibiting the AKT pathway deteriorated LPS‐induced atrophy in PLK1‐overexpressing C2C12 myotubes. PLK1 was found to participate in regulating apoptosis and E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in C2C12 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that sepsis induces skeletal muscle atrophy by promoting apoptosis of muscle fibres and inhibiting proliferation of myoblasts via regulation of the PLK1‐AKT pathway. These findings enhance understanding of the mechanism of sepsis‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy.
Oridonin prevents oxidative stress‐induced endothelial injury via promoting Nrf‐2 pathway in ischaemic stroke
Authors: Li Lei , Cheng Shu‐Qi , Guo Wei , Cai Zhen‐Yu , Sun Yu‐Qin , Huang Xin‐Xin , Yang Jin , Ji Juan , Chen Ya‐Yun , Dong Yin‐Feng , Cheng Hong , Sun Xiu‐Lan
Published: September 2021

Oridonin, a natural diterpenoid compound extracted from a Chinese herb, has been proved to exert anti‐oxidative stress effects in various disease models. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of oridonin on oxidative stress‐induced endothelial injury in ischaemic stroke. We found oridonin repaired blood‐brain barrier (BBB) integrity presented with upregulation of tight junction proteins (TJ proteins) expression, inhibited the infiltration of periphery inflammatory cells and neuroinflammation and thereby reduced infarct volume in ischaemic stroke mice. Furthermore, our results showed that oridonin could protect against oxidative stress‐induced endothelial injury via promoting nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf‐2). The specific mechanism could be the activation of AKT(Ser473)/GSK3β(Ser9)/Fyn signalling pathway. Our findings revealed the therapeutic effect and mechanism of oridonin in ischaemic stroke, which provided fundamental evidence for developing the extracted compound of Chinese herbal medicine into an innovative drug for ischaemic stroke treatment.
Differences in platelet‐rich plasma composition influence bone healing
Authors: Al‐Hamed Faez Saleh , Abu‐Nada Lina , Rodan Rania , Sarrigiannidis Stylianos , Ramirez‐Garcialuna Jose Luis , Moussa Hanan , Elkashty Osama , Gao Qiman , Basiri Tayebeh , Baca Laura , Torres Jesus , Rancan Lisa , Tran Simon D. , Lordkipanidzé Marie , Kaartinen Mari , Badran Zahi , Tamimi Faleh
Published: September 2021

Aim

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood‐derived material that has been used to enhance bone regeneration. Clinical studies, however, reported inconsistent outcomes. This study aimed to assess the effect of changes in leucocyte and PRP (L‐PRP) composition on bone defect healing.

Materials and Methods

L‐PRPs were prepared using different centrifugation methods and their regenerative potential was assessed in an in‐vivo rat model. Bilateral critical‐size tibial bone defects were created and filled with single‐spin L‐PRP, double‐spin L‐PRP, or filtered L‐PRP. Empty defects and defects treated with collagen scaffolds served as controls. Rats were euthanized after 2 weeks, and their tibias were collected and analysed using micro‐CT and histology.

Results

Double‐spin L‐PRP contained higher concentrations of platelets than single‐spin L‐PRP and filtered L‐PRP. Filtration of single‐spin L‐PRP resulted in lower concentrations of minerals and metabolites. In vivo, double‐spin L‐PRP improved bone healing by significantly reducing the size of bone defects (1.08 ± 0.2 mm3) compared to single‐spin L‐PRP (1.42 ± 0.27 mm3) or filtered L‐PRP (1.38 ± 0.28 mm3). There were fewer mast cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages in defects treated with double‐spin L‐PRP than in those treated with single‐spin or filtered L‐PRP.

Conclusion

The preparation method of L‐PRP affects their composition and potential to regenerate bone.
Comparison of three full‐mouth concepts for the non‐surgical treatment of stage III and IV periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stein Jamal M. , Yekta‐Michael Sareh Said , Schittenhelm Florian , Reichert Stefan , Kupietz David , Dommisch Henrik , Kasaj Adrian , Wied Stephanie , Vela Octavia‐Carolina , Stratul Stefan‐Ioan
Published: September 2021

Aim

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of full‐mouth scaling (FMS), full‐mouth disinfection (FMD), and FMD with adjuvant erythritol air‐polishing (FMDAP) compared to quadrant‐wise debridement (Q‐SRP) in patients with periodontitis stage III/IV.

Methods

In this four‐arm parallel, prospective, randomized, controlled multi‐centre study, changes of pocket probing depths (PPDs), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and proportion of closed pockets (PPD ≤4 mm without BOP) were evaluated at baseline and after 3 and 6 months.

Results

From 190 randomly participating patients, 172 were included in the final analysis. All groups showed significant (p < .05) improvements in all clinical parameters over 3 and 6 months. During the study period, FMDAP showed significantly higher reductions of mean PPD in teeth with moderate (PPD 4–6 mm) and deep (PPD > 6 mm) pockets and significantly increased proportions of pocket closure than Q‐SRP. Patients treated with FMD had significantly greater PPD reduction in deep pockets and a higher percentage of pocket closure after 3 months but not after 6 months compared to Q‐SRP. CAL and BOP changes did not significantly differ among all groups. Efficiency of treatment (time effort to gain one closed pocket) was significantly higher for FMDAP, FMD, and FMS compared to Q‐SRP (6.3, 8.5, 9.5 vs. 17.8 min per closed pocket; p < .05).

Conclusions

All treatment modalities were effective, without significant differences between full‐mouth approaches. FMDAP showed improved clinical outcomes over Q‐SRP for moderate and deep pockets after 6 months. Full‐mouth protocols were more time‐efficient than conventional Q‐SRP.

Clinical Significance

The trial was registered in a clinical trial database (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03509233).
Physician Licensing and Discipline: Lessons From Indiana
Authors: Liu Jing , Hyman David A.
Published: September 2021

Using physician licensing data from 1972–2015 obtained from Indiana, we examine the performance of the disciplinary process in enforcing minimum performance standards. Only 1.2 percent of the physicians in our dataset were disciplined. Drug diversion, substance abuse, and sexual misconduct account for 60 percent of all disciplinary actions. Male physicians are at higher risk for disciplinary action for sexual misconduct and drug diversion, but not for other types of misconduct. Graduates of U.S. and non‐U.S. medical schools have the same overall risk of disciplinary action—but for non‐U.S. educated physicians, this is the result of averaging a significantly lower risk of discipline for drug and alcohol abuse and drug diversion with a significantly higher risk of discipline for negligence and sexual misconduct. Physicians who attended medical school in the Caribbean have a significantly higher risk of discipline for negligence/incompetence, but not for other causes.
Revisiting the Business of State Supreme Courts in the 21st Century
Authors: Boyea Brent D. , Brace Paul
Published: September 2021

In this research note, we extend four decades of research mapping the work of state supreme courts since the 1870s employing newly available data to map the work of state high courts into the 21st century. Comparing these recent data with the historical patterns illustrated in past studies, our analysis reveals both stable trends as well as notable changes. Criminal and contract appeals continued to increase, debt and real property appeals continued to decrease, tort appeals stabilized, and public law and family and estates appeals declined markedly in the most recent period after exhibiting stability previously. Combined with these past studies, this research note illustrates both significant stability as well as notable change in the work of state supreme court dockets spanning almost 150 years.
The value of using emotions in solution focused brief therapy
Authors: Walker Cecil R. , Froerer Adam S. , Gourlay‐Fernandez Natalia
Published: September 2021

A commonly stated critique of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a lack of attention to the client's emotional experience and the use of emotion as a mechanism for producing meaningful change. We review and define the current research regarding emotion, feeling, and affect and its value and relevance to the clinical application of SFBT. We also provide a brief history of the SFBT model and its documented emphasis on cognitive and behavioral change versus emotional change. In embodying the spirit of this approach for examining what works and doing more of it, we propose a next step of SFBT to more overtly attend to the emotional language of clients and to purposefully create emotional experiences with our clients. We demonstrate this by providing clinical examples for how SFBT practitioners can incorporate and build upon clients' emotional language to create emotionally‐changing experiences to more broadly and effectively co‐create long‐lasting change.
Talent in Distressed Firms: Investigating the Labor Costs of Financial Distress
Authors: BAGHAI RAMIN P. , SILVA RUI C. , THELL VIKTOR , VIG VIKRANT
Published: September 2021

The importance of skilled labor and the inalienability of human capital expose firms to the risk of losing talent at critical times. Using Swedish microdata, we document that firms lose workers with the highest cognitive and noncognitive skills as they approach bankruptcy. In a quasi‐experiment, we confirm that financial distress drives these results: following a negative export shock caused by exogenous currency movements, talent abandons the firm, but only if the exporter is highly leveraged. Consistent with talent dependence being associated with higher labor costs of financial distress, firms that rely more on talent have more conservative capital structures.
Wear Behavior of Occlusal Splint Materials Manufactured By Various Methods: A Systematic Review
Authors: Grymak Anastasiia , Aarts John M. , Ma Sunyoung , Waddell J. Neil , Choi Joanne Jung Eun
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To systematically review studies on various materials and methods used for wear testing of occlusal devices and their antagonists in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

An electronic search in OVID, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus was conducted using the following terms (MeSH words) with any synonyms and closed terms: “Splint*” OR “occlusal splint*” OR “night guard” OR “occlusal device” OR “occlusal devices” OR “deprogrammer” OR “bite splint” OR “bite plane” OR “orthotic appliance*” OR “orthotic devices” AND “wear” OR “two‐body wear” OR “three‐body wear” OR “tooth wear” OR “wear measurement*” OR “wear behaviour” OR “wear behavior” OR “abrasion” AND “Polymethyl Methacrylate” OR “PMMA” OR “acrylic resin*” OR “dental material*” OR “dental enamel” OR “CAD” OR “CAM” OR “PEEK” OR “material* testing”. Database search was limited to English‐language publications and published between 2001 and 1st of September 2021. A further hand search was done to ensure all materials were captured.

Results

After the removal of duplicates, 115 studies were identified, and 11 were chosen for review. Studies showed that the lowest volumetric loss was observed in PEEK occlusal device materials, whereas heat‐cure, CAD‐milled, and 3D printed occlusal device materials had no significant difference in wear. Vacuum‐formed materials showed the highest wear among all groups. Testing parameters were found to be inconsistent across all studies.

Conclusion

There is a need for standardization of in vitro and in vivo wear measurement and testing protocols as this study revealed a wide variety of testing protocols which potentially could influence the outcome. Polishing procedures are required for the material. Limited studies are available on 3D printed occlusal device materials and would therefore require further investigation, especially on printing build angles and settings. Further clinical studies would be advantageous to provide guidance on the selection of the best occlusal device material that would last the longest without remake.
Geographic spread of COVID‐19 and local economies: Heterogeneous effects by establishment size and industry
Authors: Kim Jun Sung , Kim Taehoon
Published: September 2021

Using province‐level establishments and employment data from the Korean Employment Insurance Database, this paper investigates how the regional spread of COVID‐19 affects local businesses and unemployment by establishment size and industry. We find that the number of small establishments declines substantially after the COVID‐19 pandemic through a decrease in new establishment creation and a surge in establishment closures. By contrast, large establishments are not affected significantly. Examining the numbers of unemployment benefits (UB) applicants, an indicator of unemployment, we find that the higher the rate of COVID‐19 confirmed cases in a province, the higher the number of UB applicants, regardless of their previous workplace size. Our analysis of employment insurance subscribers further confirms that the regional spread of COVID‐19 leads to a significant reduction in employment and job mobility in small establishments. Regarding industry heterogeneity in the COVID‐19 effects, we find that local COVID‐19 outbreaks affect local industries more through the reduction in establishment creation and new employment than through an increase in establishment closures. Industries that require face‐to‐face operations, such as lodging & restaurant, experience a substantial adverse impact in the early phase, and the impact also tends to last longer as COVID‐19 situations prolong.
Using in‐depth interviews to explore perceptions and opinions in men's skin care
Authors: Deubler Grace , Swaney‐Stueve Marianne , Koppel Kadri
Published: September 2021

Affective and behavior‐based research on men's personal care products has not been abundant in published research. As the market for men's personal care products grows, specifically the skin care category, more research is required to better understand this consumer group. Eighteen in‐depth interviews with male consumers ages 18–49 were conducted with light and heavy users in two markets, Olathe, KS and Los Angeles, CA, to understand baseline information on men's perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes related to skin care. Key take‐aways included that men generally appreciate easy, fast skin care routines, use affordable and readily available products, and desire to maintain the look and/or health of their skin. Though some skin care claims can be appealing, many of the men were somewhat skeptical of typical marketing strategies. These findings help to show how brands are succeeding and failing at meeting male consumer expectations of skin care products and demonstrate the need for more exploration into this demographic.

Practical Applications

The available, published resources on men's skin care, and personal care as a whole, are few and far between. This work provides a qualitative example of personal care research in the men's skin care space. By presenting this primary research on how men talk about and interact with skin care products, sensory scientists will have a baseline understanding of the category before diving into more specific research questions. The manuscript provides a foundation on which future sensory and consumer research can build.
Influence of anti‐rheumatic agents on the periodontal condition of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Jiamin , Xu Chao , Gao Liang , Zhang Dongmei , Li Chen , Liu Jingbo
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the influence of diverse anti‐rheumatic agents on the periodontal condition and to provide clinical medication guidance for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis.

Background

In recent years, the correlation between RA and periodontitis has become a hot research topic, but no medication recommendations for patients with RA and periodontitis are available at present.

Methods

The protocol of this review was registered in advance with PROSPERO (CRD42021248827). Electronic search and manual searches up to March 20, 2021 were conducted. The inclusion criteria for the studies were as follows: included patients diagnosed with periodontitis and RA submitted to anti‐rheumatic agent therapy; with a control group receiving no anti‐rheumatic agent therapy; with outcomes including at least one periodontal parameter. Probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were pooled using weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) while gingival index (GI)/modified gingival index (MGI) was analyzed by standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI.

Results

One thousand four hundred and seventy‐eight studies potentially related to the aim of this review were screened, but only 463 patients from 14 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and 146 patients from 4 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Statistically significant reductions were observed among the subjects who received anti‐rheumatic agents for PD [WMD = −0.20; 95% CI (−0.33, −0.07); effect p = .003; I2 = 50%; p = .11], CAL [WMD = −0.4; 95% CI (−0.66, −0.15); effect p = .002; I2 = 57%; p = .07] and GI/MGI [SMD = −0.61;95% CI (−0.94, −0.27; effect p = .0004; I2 = 26%; p = .25]. Consistent with the above results, this systematic review produced promising results that PD, CAL, GI/MGI, and bleeding on probing (BOP) decreased when patients with RA and periodontitis were treated with conventional synthetic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), anti‐B lymphocyte agents, anti‐IL‐6R agents, or JAK inhibitors. PD and CAL declined after the administration of anti‐TNF‐α agents; most studies reported decreased GI/MGI and BOP, while 2 studies reported increased GI/MGI and BOP.

Conclusions

These results revealed that csDMARDs, anti‐B lymphocyte agents, anti‐IL‐6R agents, anti‐TNF‐α agents, and JAK inhibitors had potential positive effects in improving the periodontal condition of patients with RA and periodontitis. However, future research is needed to elucidate whether anti‐TNF‐α agents have a side effect of increased gingival inflammation.
Bricolage: A tool for race‐related, historically situated complex research
Authors: Wyatt Tasha R. , Zaidi Zareen
Published: September 2021

Background

As medical education grapples with larger issues of race and racism, researchers will need new tools to capture society's complex issues. One promising approach is bricolage, a methodological and theoretical approach that allows researchers to bend analytical tools to meet their needs. Bricolage is both a metaphor and an activity to describe the cognitively creative process researchers engage in while conducting interdisciplinary and multidimensional research.

Process

At the heart of bricolage is the researchers' engagement in critical hermeneutics, which at its basic level recognises that all objects under study are subject to larger social, political, and historical forces that constrain individuals. Researching with bricolage treats objects of inquiry as part of a historically situated complex system. As such, data are interpreted in ways that build conceptual bridges between individuals' concrete experiences and concepts acknowledging larger social, historical, economic, and political forces.

Pearls

To engage in bricolage, researchers should begin by reading and comparing ideas across disciplines to expose disciplinary‐specific assumptions, as well as learn about new theories, approaches and methods that might be utilised for a bricolage project. Researchers should also ask themselves philosophical questions to identify new readings or their data. And finally, researchers should experiment with analytical metaphors because they help to frame new relationships between seemingly unrelated theories, methods and concepts.

As researchers engage in bricolage, they need to sidestep their training and over‐reliance on research protocols and checklists and engage in a creative tinkering to interpret the world in new ways. In doing so, scholars will be able to push traditional research boundaries and generate critical dialogue to move the field forward.
GhADF6‐mediated actin reorganization is associated with defence against Verticillium dahliae infection in cotton
Authors: Sun Yongduo , Zhong Mengmeng , Li Yuanbao , Zhang Ruihui , Su Lei , Xia Guixian , Wang Haiyun
Published: September 2021

Several studies have revealed that actin depolymerizing factors (ADFs) participate in plant defence responses; however, the functional mechanisms appear intricate and need further exploration. In this study, we identified an ADF6 gene in upland cotton (designated as GhADF6) that is evidently involved in cotton's response to the fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae. GhADF6 binds to actin filaments and possesses actin severing and depolymerizing activities in vitro and in vivo. When cotton root (the site of the fungus invasion) was inoculated with the pathogen, the expression of GhADF6 was markedly down‐regulated in the epidermal cells. By virus‐induced gene silencing analysis, the down‐regulation of GhADF6 expression rendered the cotton plants tolerant to V. dahliae infection. Accordingly, the abundance of actin filaments and bundles in the root cells was significantly higher than that in the control plant, which phenocopied that of the V. dahliae‐challenged wild‐type cotton plant. Altogether, our results provide evidence that an increase in filament actin (F‐actin) abundance as well as dynamic actin remodelling are required for plant defence against the invading pathogen, which are likely to be fulfilled by the coordinated expressional regulation of the actin‐binding proteins, including ADF.
Crop genetic erosion: understanding and responding to loss of crop diversity
Authors: Khoury Colin K. , Brush Stephen , Costich Denise E. , Curry Helen Anne , de Haan Stef , Engels Johannes M. M. , Guarino Luigi , Hoban Sean , Mercer Kristin L. , Miller Allison J. , Nabhan Gary P. , Perales Hugo R. , Richards Chris , Riggins Chance , Thormann Imke
Published: September 2021

Crop diversity underpins the productivity, resilience and adaptive capacity of agriculture. Loss of this diversity, termed crop genetic erosion, is therefore concerning. While alarms regarding evident declines in crop diversity have been raised for over a century, the magnitude, trajectory, drivers and significance of these losses remain insufficiently understood. We outline the various definitions, measurements, scales and sources of information on crop genetic erosion. We then provide a synthesis of evidence regarding changes in the diversity of traditional crop landraces on farms, modern crop cultivars in agriculture, crop wild relatives in their natural habitats and crop genetic resources held in conservation repositories. This evidence indicates that marked losses, but also maintenance and increases in diversity, have occurred in all these contexts, the extent depending on species, taxonomic and geographic scale, and region, as well as analytical approach. We discuss steps needed to further advance knowledge around the agricultural and societal significance, as well as conservation implications, of crop genetic erosion. Finally, we propose actions to mitigate, stem and reverse further losses of crop diversity.
Intergenerational Precautionary Savings in Europe*
Authors: Scervini Francesco , Trucchi Serena
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we study whether precautionary saving motives have an intergenerational component; namely whether and to what extent the income uncertainty of younger generations affects the savings of their parents. To this end, we exploit a cross‐country European longitudinal household dataset collecting information on parents and their offspring, augmented with indicators for their offspring's income risk. We find that savings significantly respond to changes in income risk, also across generations. This finding is robust to several checks and displays heterogeneity across countries, which is consistent with substitutability between private and public insurance tools.
Weight stigma and obesity‐related policies: A systematic review of the state of the literature
Authors: Hill Briony , Bergmeier Heidi , Incollingo Rodriguez Angela C. , Barlow Fiona Kate , Chung Alexandra , Ramachandran Divya , Savaglio Melissa , Skouteris Helen
Published: September 2021

Weight stigma is an important issue colliding with obesity‐related policies; both have population health and social impacts. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of the peer‐reviewed literature that combined the concepts of stigma, obesity, and policy. We searched PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar for peer‐reviewed articles amalgamating terms relevant to stigma, obesity, and policy. Of 3219 records identified, 47 were included in the narrative synthesis. Two key types of studies emerged: studies investigating factors associated with support for obesity‐related policies and those exploring policy implementation and evaluation. We found that support for nonstigmatizing obesity‐related policies was higher when obesity was attributed as an environmental rather than individual problem. An undercurrent theme suggested that views that blame individuals for their obesity were associated with support for punitive policies for people living in larger bodies. Real‐world policies often implicitly condoned stigma through poor language choice and conflicting discourse. Our findings inform recommendations for policy makers that broader socioecological stigma‐reduction approaches are needed to fully address the issue of weight stigma in obesity‐related policies. Efforts are needed in the research and policy sectors to understand how to improve the design and support of nonstigmatizing obesity‐related policies.
Volatile anesthetic agents for life‐threatening pediatric asthma: A multicenter retrospective cohort study and narrative review
Authors: Lew Alicia , Morrison John M. , Amankwah Ernest K. , Elliott Richard A. , Sochet Anthony A.
Published: September 2021

Background

Volatile anesthetic agents are described as rescue therapy for children invasively ventilated for critical asthma. Yet, data are currently limited to case series.

Aims

Using the Virtual Pediatric Systems database, we assessed children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit invasively ventilated for life‐threatening asthma and hypothesized ventilation duration and mortality rates would be lower for subjects exposed to volatile anesthetics compared with those without exposure.

Methods

We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study among nine institutions including children 5–17 years of age invasively ventilated for asthma from 2013 to 2019 with and without exposure to volatile anesthetics. Primary outcomes were ventilation duration and mortality. Secondary outcomes included patient characteristics, length of stay, and anesthetic‐related adverse events. A subgroup analysis was performed evaluating children intubated ≥2 days.

Results

Of 203 children included in study, there were 29 (14.3%) with and 174 (85.7%) without exposure to volatiles. No differences in odds of mortality (1.1, 95% CI: 0.3–3.9, p > .999) were observed. Subjects receiving volatiles experienced greater median difference in length of stay (4.8, 95% CI: 1.9–7.8 days, p < .001), ventilation duration (2.3, 95% CI: 1–3.3 days, p < .001), and odds of extracorporeal life support (9.1, 95% CI: 1.9–43.2, p = .009) than those without volatile exposure. For those ventilated ≥2 days, no differences were detected in mortality, ventilation duration, length of stay, arrhythmias, or acute renal failure. However, the odds of extracorporeal life support remained greater for those receiving volatiles (7.6, 95% CI: 1.3–44.5, p = .027). No children experienced malignant hyperthermia or hepatic failure after volatile exposure.

Conclusions

For intubated children for asthma, no differences in mechanical ventilation duration or mortality between those with and without volatile anesthetic exposure were observed. Although volatiles may represent a viable rescue therapy for severe cases of asthma, definitive, and prospective trials are still needed.
A case of disseminated Lyme disease in a child with skin of color
Authors: Bax Christina E. , Clark Ashley K. , Oboite Michelle , Treat James R.
Published: September 2021

Disseminated Lyme disease requires treatment to prevent severe sequelae, particularly neurologic. We report here a case of disseminated Lyme disease in a patient with skin of color. Pediatric dermatologists must maintain a high clinical suspicion for Lyme disease and be aware of how typical cutaneous findings may appear differently in skin of color.