bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of hepatic and systemic inflammation with localized stage II/III periodontitis in young males: The CHIEF oral health study
Authors: Tsai Kun‐Zhe , Su Fang‐Ying , Cheng Wan‐Chien , Lin Yen‐Po , Lin Gen‐Min
Published: October 2021

Aim

To clarify the association between systemic and hepatic inflammation and localized periodontitis which has been reported to vary among races.

Materials and Methods

The study included 1112 military males, aged 18–40 years, in Taiwan. Participants were classified as periodontally healthy/stage I (n = 796) or stage II/III periodontitis (n = 316), according to the 2017 world workshop criteria. Systemic and hepatic inflammation were defined by the highest tertiles of blood leukocyte counts (7.51 × 103/μl) and alanine aminotransferase (30 U/L), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis with adjustments for age, metabolic syndrome, betel nut consumption and smoking was carried out.

Results

There was a significant association between high systemic inflammation, irrespective of hepatic inflammation severity, and localized stage II/III periodontitis (odds ratio [OR], 1.62 [1.09–2.42] and 1.47 [1.00–2.15], respectively, in the presence of high or no hepatic inflammation. However, no significant association was found among participants with low systemic inflammation, irrespective of the severity of hepatic inflammation (OR, 1.31 [0.91–1.91]).

Conclusions

An association between hepatic inflammation and localized periodontitis in Taiwanese was observed only if systemic inflammation coexisted, possibly accounting for the reported differences in the association between Japanese and non‐Asian populations in prior studies.
CRISPR‐based platform for rapid, sensitive and field‐deployable detection of scale drop disease virus in Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer)
Authors: Sukonta Thanwarat , Senapin Saengchan , Meemetta Watcharachai , Chaijarasphong Thawatchai
Published: October 2021

Scale drop disease virus (SDDV) is a major pathogen of Asian sea bass that has emerged in many countries across the Asia Pacific since 1992 and carries the potential to cause drastic economic losses to the aquaculture sector. The lack of an approved vaccine for SDDV necessitates timely prevention as the first line of defence against the disease, but current diagnostic platforms still face challenges that render them incompatible with field applications, particularly in resource‐limited settings. Here, we developed a novel detection platform for SDDV based on a CRISPR‐Cas12a‐based nucleic acid detection technology combined with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA‐Cas12a). Using the viral adenosine triphosphatase (SDDV‐ATPase) gene as a target, we achieved the detection limit of 40 copies per reaction and high specificity for SDDV. The coupling with fluorescence and lateral flow readouts enables naked‐eye visualization and straightforward data interpretation requiring minimal scientific background. Compared with semi‐nested PCR in field sample evaluation, our RPA‐Cas12a assay is more sensitive and capable of detecting SDDV in asymptomatic fish. Importantly, the entire workflow can be carried out at a constant temperature of 37°C within an hour from start to finish, thus removing the need for an expensive thermal cycling apparatus and long turnaround times associated with PCR‐based methods. Therefore, owing to its high accuracy, rapidity and user‐friendliness, the developed RPA‐Cas12a platform shows the potential for diagnosis of SDDV at point of need and could be a valuable tool to help protect fish farming communities from large‐scale epidemics.
Physical properties of complementary food powder obtained from upcycling of Greek yogurt acid whey with kodo and proso millets
Authors: Malik Sargun , Krishnaswamy Kiruba , Mustapha Azlin
Published: October 2021

Acid whey from Greek yogurt manufacturing currently lacks an efficient utilization system posing serious environmental problems. Millets are underutilized healthy alkaline grains that can be used for neutralizing acid whey and enabling efficient upcycling. The objective of this study was to characterize the spray‐dried powder of feed containing acid whey, kodo and proso millets. Adding millets to acid whey increased the efficiency of spray‐drying process by increasing the yield. The obtained powder was of free‐flowing character with high water solubility and dispersibility. The constructed matrix was found to have potential to be used as a shelf‐stable complementary food.

Practical Applications

The practical application of this paper is to provide solution to the Greek yogurt manufacturing companies to problem of improper handling and disposal of acid whey. Addition of millets to acid whey helps the spray‐drying process to generate high yield resulting in a complementary food matrix. The study was able to prove that acid whey‐millet complimentary food powder that is shelf stable and has a free‐flowing characteristics. The reconstitution properties of formulation were also found to be similar to commercial baby food powder. The produced complementary food can also help in solving the problem of undernutrition because of its potential nutritional health benefiting properties.
Intraoperative hypotension and delirium among older adults undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Wesselink Esther M. , Abawi Masieh , Kooistra Nynke H. M. , Kappen Teus H. , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , Emmelot‐Vonk Marielle , Pasma Wietze , van Klei Wilton A. , van Jaarsveld Romy C. , van Dongen Charlotte S. , Doevendans Pieter A. F. M. , Slooter Arjen J. C. , Stella Pieter R.
Published: October 2021

Background

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a frequently observed complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The effects of intraoperative hypotension (IOH) on POD occurrence are currently unclear.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study of patients who underwent TAVR was conducted. We predefined IOH as area under the threshold (AUT) of five mean arterial blood pressures (MBP), varying from <100 to <60 mmHg. The AUT consisted of the combination of duration and depth under the MBP thresholds, expressed in mmHg*min. All MBP AUTs were computed based on the complete procedure, independent of procedural phase or duration.

Results

This cohort included 675 patients who underwent TAVR under general anesthesia (n = 128, 19%) or procedural sedation (n = 547, 81%). Delirium occurred mostly during the first 2 days after TAVR, and was observed in n = 93 (14%) cases. Furthermore, 674, 672, 663, 630, and 518 patients had at least 1 min intraoperative MBP <100, <90, <80, <70, and <60 mmHg, respectively. Patients who developed POD had higher AUT based on all five MBP thresholds during TAVR. The penalized adjusted odds ratio varied between 1.08 (99% confidence interval [CI] 0.74–1.56) for the AUT based on MBP < 100 mmHg and OR 1.06 (99% CI 0.88–1.28) for the AUT based on MBP < 60 mmHg.

Conclusions

Intraoperative hypotension is frequently observed during TAVR, but not independently associated with POD after TAVR. Other potential factors than intraoperative hypotension may explain the occurrence of delirium after TAVR.
Changes in older adults' life space during lung cancer treatment: A mixed methods cohort study
Authors: Wong Melisa L. , Shi Ying , Smith Alexander K. , Miaskowski Christine , Boscardin W. John , Cohen Harvey Jay , Lam Vivian , Mazor Melissa , Metzger Lia , Presley Carolyn J. , Williams Grant R. , Loh Kah Poh , Ursem Carling J. , Friedlander Terence W. , Blakely Collin M. , Gubens Matthew A. , Allen Gregory , Shumay Dianne , Walter Louise C.
Published: October 2021

Background

Maintenance of function during cancer treatment is important to older adults. Characteristics associated with pretreatment life‐space mobility and changes during non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment remain unknown.

Methods

This mixed methods cohort study recruited adults age ≥65 with advanced NSCLC starting palliative chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and/or targeted therapy from a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Veterans Affairs, and safety‐net clinic. Patients completed geriatric assessments including Life‐Space Assessment (LSA) pretreatment and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months after treatment initiation. LSA scores range from 0 to 120 (greater mobility); LSA <60 is considered restricted. We used mixed‐effects models to examine pretreatment LSA, change from 0 to 1 month, and change from 1 to 6 months. A subgroup participated in semistructured interviews pretreatment and at 2 and 6 months to understand the patient experience of life‐space change. For each interview participant, we created joint displays of longitudinal LSA scores juxtaposed with illustrative quotes.

Results

Among 93 patients, median age was 73 (range 65–94). Mean pretreatment LSA score was 67.1. On average, LSA declined 10.1 points from pretreatment to 1 month and remained stable at 6 months. Pretreatment LSA score was associated with several demographic, clinical, geriatric assessment, and symptom characteristics. LSA decline at 1 month was greater among patients with high anxiety (slope = −12.6 vs. −2.3, p = 0.048). Pretreatment body mass index <21 kg/m2 was associated with LSA improvement from 1 to 6 months (slope = 4.1 vs. −0.04, p = 0.003). Joint displays illustrated the impact of different life‐space trajectories on patients' lives in their words.

Conclusion

Older adults with NSCLC have low pretreatment life space with many developing restricted life space during treatment. Incorporating life‐space assessments into clinical cancer care may help older adults concretely visualize how treatment might impact their daily function to allow for informed decision making and identify early changes in mobility to implement supportive interventions.
Similarities and differences in the dental tissue proportions of the deciduous and permanent canines of Early and Middle Pleistocene human populations
Authors: García‐Campos Cecilia , Modesto‐Mata Mario , Martinón‐Torres María , Martín‐Francés Laura , Martínez de Pinillos Marina , Arsuaga Juan Luis , Bermúdez de Castro José María
Published: October 2021

The two‐ and three‐dimensional assessment of dental tissues has become routine in human taxonomic studies throughout the years. Nonetheless, most of our knowledge of the variability of the enamel and dentine dimensions of the human evolutionary lineage comes from the study of permanent dentition, and particularly from molars. This leads to a biased view of the variability of these features. Due to their early formation and rapid development, the deciduous teeth allow more simplified inferences regarding the processes involved in the dental tissue development of each group. Therefore, their study could be very valuable in dental palaeohistology. In this research, we have explored the dental tissue proportions of the deciduous canines belonging to some human samples of the Early and Middle Pleistocene. The purpose of this was to discuss the meaning of the similarities and differences observed in their histological pattern, as well as to evaluate the degree of covariance with that observed in the permanent dentition of these populations. Our results show that, although there are some similarities in the dental tissue proportions between the deciduous and permanent canines of the study samples, the two dental classes do not provide a similar or comparable pictures of the dental tissue pattern present in the dentition of fossil hominins. Future works on the dental tissue patterns of the anterior and posterior dentition, including deciduous teeth, of fossil samples, may help to shed light on this hypothesis.
Use of traditional therapies in palliative care for Australian First Nations peoples: An integrative review
Authors: Rooney Erin Joanne , Johnson Amanda , Jeong Sarah Yeun‐Sim , Wilson Rhonda L.
Published: October 2021

Aims and objectives

To conduct an integrative review of the literature to understand how the incorporation of traditional therapies affect First Nations people's utilisation of palliative care services.

Background

First Nations peoples face many barriers related to accessing and utilising specialised health services such as palliative care. Whilst culturally appropriate care has been shown to improve these outcomes, there is little evidence regarding how this may be achieved.

Design

Integrative review.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using electronic databases CINAHL, Joanna Briggs, Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect InformitHealth and ProQuest between the years of 20052021 databases were searched for papers with full text available and published in English. Papers were included if they were primary‐based research and focused on the topics of the use of traditional therapies in a palliative care context by First Nations persons. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme principles were used to assess the methodological quality of the selected articles.

Results

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The review included six qualitative studies and one quantitative study. From these studies, five themes were identified in the literature: supporting a holistic approach, developing culturally appropriate care, conflict within a Western medical model, regulatory issues, and geographical barriers.

Conclusion

There is a dearth of current literature available discussing the utilization of traditional therapies in palliative care. From the literature analysed, the benefits of including traditional therapies are overall positive, however, there are barriers including conflict with the Western model of medicine and regulation. More research is required in the provision of traditional therapies in palliative care.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The incorporation of traditional medicines within a palliative care setting could help nurses provide holistic and culturally appropriate care, especially in rural and remote areas where they make up the majority of the healthcare force.
Multistate health transition modeling using neural networks
Authors: Wang Qiqi , Hanewald Katja , Wang Xiaojun
Published: October 2021

This article proposes a new model that combines a neural network with a generalized linear model (GLM) to estimate and predict health transition intensities. We introduce neural networks to health transition modeling to incorporate socioeconomic and lifestyle factors and to allow for linear and nonlinear links between these variables. We use transfer learning to link the models for different health transitions and improve the model estimation for health transitions with limited data. We apply the model to individual‐level data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 1998 to 2018. The results show that our model performs better in estimation and prediction than standalone GLM and neural network models. We provide new estimates of the life expectancies for a range of population subgroups. We also describe a wide range of possible applications for further health‐related research, including risk prediction using health claim data and mortality prediction based on individual‐level mortality data.
The Impact of Changes in Physical Education Class Enrollment on Moderate‐to‐Vigorous Physical Activity Among a Large Sample of Canadian Youth
Authors: Barratt Jaime , Patte Karen A. , Battista Kate , Leatherdale Scott T.
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Few youth engage in sufficient daily moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and the likelihood of meeting guidelines declines through secondary school. Physical education (PE) can afford youth with opportunities for MVPA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of changes in PE enrollment on MVPA and MVPA guideline adherence in Ontario and Alberta secondary students.

METHODS

Linked survey data was used from 1514 students who participated in year 3 (2014/2015 baseline) and year 6 (2017/2018 follow‐up) of the COMPASS Study. Regression models tested whether changes in PE enrollment predicted changes in self‐reported MVPA (minutes) and MVPA guideline adherence from grade 9 (baseline) to grade 12 (follow‐up), controlling for sports participation and sociodemographic variables.

RESULTS

Students who remained enrolled in PE in grade 12 reported a daily average of 30 minutes more MVPA. Among students meeting MVPA guidelines and enrolled in PE in grade 9, students not taking PE in the current term in grade 12 were less likely to continue to meet guidelines than students currently enrolled in PE (adjusted odds ratio 0.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.36, 0.78; p < .0013).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study could inform the future implementation of a mandatory PE credit for upper year secondary students.
Density‐dependence and seasonal variation in reproductive output and sporophyte production in the kelp, Ecklonia radiata
Authors: Tatsumi Masayuki , Mabin Christopher J. T. , Layton Cayne , Shelamoff Victor , Cameron Matthew J. , Johnson Craig R. , Wright Jeffrey T.
Published: October 2021

The kelp, Ecklonia radiata, is an abundant subtidal ecosystem engineer in southern Australia. Density‐dependent changes in the abiotic environment engineered by Ecklonia may feedback to affect reproduction and subsequent recruitment. Here, we examined: 1) how the reproductive capacity of Ecklonia individuals in the field (zoospores released · mm−2 reproductive tissue) varied with adult density and time, and 2) how the recruitment of microscopic gametophytes and sporophytes was influenced by zoospore density at two times. Zoospore production did not vary with adult density, with only one month out of ten sampled over a 2‐y period showing a significant effect of density. However, zoospore production varied hugely over time, being generally highest in mid‐autumn and lowest in mid‐late summer. There were strong effects of initial zoospore density on gametophyte and sporophyte recruitment with both a minimum and an optimum zoospore density for sporophyte recruitment, but these varied in time. Almost no sporophytes developed when initial zoospore density was <6.5 · mm−2 in spring or <0.5 · mm−2 in winter with optimum densities of 90‐355 · mm−2 in spring and 21‐261 · mm−2 in winter, which resulted in relatively high recruitment of 4‐7 sporophytes · mm−2. Sporophyte recruitment declined at initial zoospore densities >335 · mm−2 in spring and >261 · mm−2 in winter and was zero at very high zoospore densities. These findings suggest that although adult Ecklonia density does not affect per‐capita zoospore production, because there is a minimum zoospore density for sporophyte production, a decline in population‐level output could feedback to impact recruitment.
Determination of colistin in luminal and parietal intestinal matrices of chicken by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Mead Andrew , Gillard Nathalie , Robert Christelle , Pierret Gilles , Henrottin Jean , Richez Pascal , Pelligand Ludovic
Published: October 2021

Justification for continued use of colistin in veterinary medicine, for example medicated water, relies on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies that require accurate measurement of colistin content in the digestive tract. A method for the detection and quantification of colistin in poultry intestinal material was developed and validated. Colistin is not absorbed after oral administration, and the biophase is the gastrointestinal tract. Extraction of colistin from the matrix was achieved using solid‐phase extraction with a methanol:water (1:2; v/v) solution. Polymyxin B was used as an internal standard. Colistin A and colistin B, the main components of colistin, were separated, detected and measured using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS). The method was validated for linearity/quadraticity between 1.1 (LOQ) and 56.7 mg/kg. Mean accuracy was between 82.7% and 107.7% with inter‐ and intra‐day precision lower than 13.3% and 15% respectively. Freeze–thaw, long‐term and bench storage were validated. Incurred samples following colistin treatment in poultry at the approved clinical dose of 75,000 IU/kg in drinking water and oral gavage were quantifiable and in line with expected intestinal transit times. The method is considered appropriately accurate and precise for the purposes of pharmacokinetic analysis in the gastrointestinal tract.
Labor market effects of COVID‐19 in Sweden and its neighbors: Evidence from administrative data
Authors: Juranek Steffen , Paetzold Jörg , Winner Hannes , Zoutman Floris
Published: October 2021

This paper studies the labor market effects of non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to combat the COVID‐19 pandemic. We focus on the Nordic countries which showed one of the highest variations in NPIs despite having similar community spread of COVID‐19 at the onset of the pandemic: While Denmark, Finland and Norway imposed strict measures (‘lockdowns’), Sweden decided for much lighter restrictions. Empirically, we use novel administrative data on weekly new unemployment and furlough spells from all 56 regions of the Nordic countries to compare the labor market outcomes of Sweden with the ones of its neighbors. Our evidence suggests that the labor markets of all countries were severely hit by the pandemic, although Sweden performed slightly better than its neighbors. Specifically, we find the worsening of the Swedish labor market to occur around 2 to 3 weeks later than in the other Nordic countries, and that its cumulative sum of new unemployment and furlough spells remained significantly lower (about 20–25%) during the time period of our study (up to week 21 of 2020).
Rates of decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality in AMA‐negative primary biliary cholangitis cirrhosis
Authors: John Binu V. , Dahman Bassam , Deng Yangyang , Khakoo Nidah S. , Taddei Tamar H. , Kaplan David E. , Levy Cynthia
Published: October 2021

Background

The natural history of patients with anti‐mitochondrial antibody (AMA)‐negative Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) cirrhosis has not been well defined, with prior studies showing discordant results. Furthermore, most studies of AMA‐negative PBC have limited numbers of patients with cirrhosis and liver‐related outcomes.

Methods

We investigated the association of AMA‐negative PBC and the development of death, liver‐related death, decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in a large cohort of predominantly male patients with PBC cirrhosis assembled from the Veterans Health Administration.

Results

In a cohort of 521 patients with PBC cirrhosis (65 AMA‐negative) with a total follow‐up of 2504.3 person‐years (PY) from cirrhosis diagnosis, patients with AMA‐negative PBC were younger and more likely to be black but had similar rates of UDCA response. AMA‐negative PBC cirrhosis was associated with similar unadjusted rates of liver‐related death (4.6 vs 5.9 per 100 PY, P = .44), overall death (7.7 vs 9.6 per 100 PY, P = .31), decompensation (7.3 vs 5.1 per 100 PY, P = .12) and HCC (0.6 vs 1.0 per 100 PY, P = .63) to AMA‐positive PBC. After adjusting for confounders, AMA‐negative PBC cirrhosis was associated with similar rates of liver‐related death (sub‐Hazard Ratio [sHR] 1.27, 95% CI 0.71‐2.28, P = .42, death [sHR] 1.24, 95% CI 0.81‐1.90, P = .32), decompensation (sHR 1.05, 95% CI 0.56‐1.98, P = .87) and HCC (sHR 0.48, 95% CI 0.11‐2.10, P = .33) to AMA‐positive patients.

Conclusion

In a cohort of predominantly male patients, AMA‐negative PBC cirrhosis was associated with similar rates of overall or liver‐related death, HCC or decompensation compared with AMA‐positive disease.
Host genetic factors associated with the range limit of a European hantavirus
Authors: Saxenhofer Moritz , Labutin Anton , White Thomas A. , Heckel Gerald
Published: October 2021

The natural host ranges of many viruses are restricted to very specific taxa. Little is known about the molecular barriers between species that lead to the establishment of this restriction or generally prevent virus emergence in new hosts. Here, we identify genomic polymorphisms in a natural rodent host associated with a strong genetic barrier to the transmission of European Tula orthohantavirus (TULV). We analysed the very abrupt spatial transition between two major phylogenetic clades in TULV across the comparatively much wider natural hybrid zone between evolutionary lineages of their reservoir host, the common vole (Microtus arvalis). Genomic scans of 79,225 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 323 TULV‐infected host individuals detected 30 SNPs that were consistently associated with the TULV clades CEN.S or EST.S in two replicate sampling transects. Focusing the analysis on 199 voles with evidence of genomic admixture at the individual level (0.1–0.9) supported statistical significance for all 30 loci. Host genomic variation at these SNPs explained up to 37.6% of clade‐specific TULV infections. Genes in the vicinity of associated SNPs include SAHH, ITCH and two members of the Syngr gene family, which are involved in functions related to immune response or membrane transport. This study demonstrates the relevance of natural hybrid zones as systems not only for studying processes of evolutionary divergence and speciation, but also for the detection of evolving genetic barriers for specialized parasites.
Host‐pathogen‐environment interactions predict survival outcomes of adult sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) released from fisheries
Authors: Teffer Amy K. , Hinch Scott G. , Miller Kristina M. , Patterson David. A. , Bass Arthur L. , Cooke Steven J. , Farrell Anthony P. , Beacham Terry D. , Chapman Jacqueline M. , Juanes Francis
Published: October 2021

Incorporating host‐pathogen(s)‐environment axes into management and conservation planning is critical to preserving species in a warming climate. However, the role pathogens play in host stress resilience remains largely unexplored in wild animal populations. We experimentally characterized how independent and cumulative stressors (fisheries handling, high water temperature) and natural infections affected the health and longevity of released wild adult sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in British Columbia, Canada. Returning adults were collected before and after entering the Fraser River, yielding marine‐ and river‐collected groups, respectively (N = 185). Fish were exposed to a mild (seine) or severe (gill net) fishery treatment at collection, and then held in flow‐through freshwater tanks for up to four weeks at historical (14°C) or projected migration temperatures (18°C). Using weekly nonlethal gill biopsies and high‐throughput qPCR, we quantified loads of up to 46 pathogens with host stress and immune gene expression. Marine‐collected fish had less severe infections than river‐collected fish, a short migration distance (100 km, 5–7 days) that produced profound infection differences. At 14°C, river‐collected fish survived 1–2 weeks less than marine‐collected fish. All fish held at 18°C died within 4 weeks unless they experienced minimal handling. Gene expression correlated with infections in river‐collected fish, while marine‐collected fish were more stressor‐responsive. Cumulative stressors were detrimental regardless of infections or collection location, probably due to extreme physiological disturbance. Because river‐derived infections correlated with single stressor responses, river entry probably decreases stressor resilience of adult salmon by altering both physiology and pathogen burdens, which redirect host responses toward disease resistance.
Droned Out? Counterterrorism Policies in Yemen
Authors: Al‐Kohlani Sumaia A. , Crisanti Carlin C. , Merolla Jennifer L.
Published: October 2021

Yemen has been the target of a high level of drone strikes by the US government, but we know very little about public reaction to such strikes, even though scholars of foreign policy have been concerned about the possibility of blowback from the Yemeni public. We conducted 63 in‐depth interviews to assess how Yemenis think about terrorism and US counterterrorism strategies. In particular, we were interested in evidence of blowback among the public. We find that Yemenis have very negative views toward drone strikes, primarily related to the death of innocent bystanders and violations of sovereignty. We also see evidence of blowback in our interviews, with respondents expressing the belief that US counterterrorism policies contribute to the creation of new insurgents, the destabilization of the government, and the deterioration of US‐Yemeni relations. At the same time, a substantial portion of interviewees think the United States can follow other strategies to help Yemen combat terrorism within its borders.
Moving beyond content‐specific computation in artificial neural networks
Authors: Shea Nicholas
Published: October 2021

A basic deep neural network (DNN) is trained to exhibit a large set of input–output dispositions. While being a good model of the way humans perform some tasks automatically, without deliberative reasoning, more is needed to approach human‐like artificial intelligence. Analysing recent additions brings to light a distinction between two fundamentally different styles of computation: content‐specific and non‐content‐specific computation (as first defined here). For example, deep episodic RL networks draw on both. So does human conceptual reasoning. Combining the two takes advantage of the complementary costs and benefits of each. It also offers a better model of human cognitive competence.
The polysemy view of pain
Authors: Liu Michelle
Published: October 2021

Philosophers disagree about what the folk concept of pain is. This aricle criticises existing theories of the folk concept of pain, that is, the mental view, the bodily view, and the recently proposed polyeidic view. It puts forward an alternative proposal—the polysemy view—according to which pain terms like “sore”, “ache” and “hurt” are polysemous, where one sense refers to a mental state and another a bodily state, and the type of polysemy at issue reflects two distinct but related concepts of pain. Implications with respect to issues in philosophy of pain are also drawn.
To grow or not to grow: new roles for a conserved regulon in tree phenology
Authors: Brunner Amy M.
Published: October 2021

This article is a Commentary on Ding et al. (2021), 232: 2339–2352.
Global maps and factors driving forest foliar elemental composition: the importance of evolutionary history
Authors: Vallicrosa Helena , Sardans Jordi , Maspons Joan , Zuccarini Paolo , Fernández‐Martínez Marcos , Bauters Marijn , Goll Daniel S. , Ciais Philippe , Obersteiner Michael , Janssens Ivan A. , Peñuelas Josep
Published: October 2021

Consistent information on the current elemental composition of vegetation at global scale and the variables that determine it is lacking.

To fill this gap, we gathered a total of 30 912 georeferenced records on woody plants foliar concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) from published databases, and produced global maps of foliar N, P and K concentrations for woody plants using neural networks at a resolution of 1 km2. We used data for climate, atmospheric deposition, soil and morphoclimatic groups to train the neural networks.

Foliar N, P and K do not follow clear global latitudinal patterns but are consistent with the hypothesis of soil substrate age. We additionally built generalized linear mixed models to investigate the evolutionary history effect together with the effects of environmental effects. In this comparison, evolutionary history effects explained most of the variability in all cases (mostly > 60%).

These results emphasize the determinant role of evolutionary history in foliar elemental composition, which should be incorporated in upcoming dynamic global vegetation models.
SERKs regulate embryonic cuticle integrity through the TWS1‐GSO1/2 signaling pathway in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Hong , Li Xiaonan , Wang Wenping , Li Huiqiang , Cui Yanwei , Zhu Yafen , Kui Hong , Yi Jing , Li Jia , Gou Xiaoping
Published: October 2021

The embryonic cuticle integrity is critical for the embryo to separate from the neighboring endosperm. The sulfated TWISTED SEED1 (TWS1) peptide precursor generated in the embryo diffuses through gaps of the nascent cuticle to the surrounding endosperm, where it is cleaved by ABNORMAL LEAF SHAPE1 (ALE1) and becomes an active mature form. The active TWS1 is perceived by receptor‐like protein kinases GASSHO1 (GSO1) and GSO2 in the embryonic epidermal cells to start the downstream signaling and guide the formation of an intact embryonic cuticle. However, the early signaling events after TWS1 is perceived by GSO1/2 are still unknown.

Here, we report that serk1/2/3 embryos show cuticle defects similar to ale1, tws1, and gso1/2. Genetic and biochemical analyses were performed to dissect the signaling pathway mediated by SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR‐LIKE KINASEs (SERKs) during cuticle development.

SERKs function with GSO1/2 in a common pathway to monitor the integrity of the embryonic cuticle. SERKs interact with GSO1/2, which can be enhanced dramatically by TWS1. The phosphorylation levels of SERKs and GSO1/2 rely on each other and can respond to and be elevated by TWS1.

Our results demonstrate that SERKs may function as coreceptors of GSO1/2 to transduce the TWS1 signal and ultimately regulate embryonic cuticle integrity.
Methane emissions may be driven by hydrogenotrophic methanogens inhabiting the stem tissues of poplar
Authors: Feng Huili , Guo Jiahuan , Ma Xuehong , Han Menghua , Kneeshaw Daniel , Sun Hui , Malghani Saadatullah , Chen Huai , Wang Weifeng
Published: October 2021

Living trees in forests emit methane (CH4) from their stems. However, the magnitudes, patterns, drivers, origins, and biogeochemical pathways of these emissions remain poorly understood.

We measured in situ CH4 fluxes in poplar stems and soils using static chambers and investigated the microbial communities of heartwood and sapwood by sequencing bacterial 16S, archaeal 16S, and fungal ITS rRNA genes.

Methane emissions from poplar stems occurred throughout the sampling period. The mean CH4 emission rate was 2.7 mg m−2 stem d−1. Stem CH4 emission rate increased significantly with air temperature, humidity, soil water content, and soil CH4 fluxes, but decreased with increasing sampling height. The CO2 reduction and methylotrophic methanogenesis were the major methanogenic pathways in wood tissues. The dominant methanogen groups detected in stem tissues were Methanobacterium, Methanobrevibacter, Rice Cluster I, Methanosarcina, Methanomassiliicoccus, Methanoculleus, and Methanomethylophilaceae. In addition, three methanotrophic genera were identified in the heartwood and sapwood – Methylocystis, Methylobacterium, and Paracoccus.

Overall, stem CH4 emissions can originate directly from the internal tissues or co‐occur from soils and stems. The co‐existence of methanogens and methanotrophs within heartwood and sapwood highlights a need for future research in the microbial mechanisms underlying stem CH4 exchange with the atmosphere.
Lawrence Bogorad's scientific contributions and remembrances on his 100th birth anniversary
Authors: Bansal Kailash C.
Published: October 2021

Lawrence Bogorad, much known for his fundamental discoveries in plant molecular biology, reached the pinnacle of research as a topmost international scientist, occupying several key scientific leadership positions in his five‐decade‐long association with plant science community. Much has been said and written about his life and his dedication to science as a pioneer in photosynthesis research. Here, we reminisce some of his key groundbreaking scientific contributions, and share our experiences and appreciation for his mentorship through personal messages, as we celebrate his 100th birth anniversary that falls on 29 August 2021.
A vegetative storage protein improves drought tolerance in maize
Authors: Abbaraju Hari K. R. , Gupta Rajeev , Appenzeller Laura M. , Fallis Lynne P. , Hazebroek Jan , Zhu Genhai , Bourett Timothy M. , Howard Richard J. , Weers Ben , Lafitte Renee H. , Hakimi Salim M. , Schussler Jeffery R. , Loussaert Dale F. , Habben Jeffery E. , Dhugga Kanwarpal S.
Published: October 2021

Vegetative storage proteins (VSPs) are known to serve as nitrogen reserves in many dicot plants but remain undiscovered in grasses, most widely grown group of crops globally. We identified and characterized a VSP in maize and demonstrated that its overexpression improved drought tolerance. Nitrogen supplementation selectively induced a mesophyll lipoxygenase (ZmLOX6), which was targeted to chloroplasts by a novel N‐terminal transit peptide of 62 amino acids. When ectopically expressed under the control of various tissue‐specific promoters, it accumulated to a fivefold higher level upon expression in the mesophyll cells than the wild‐type plants. Constitutive expression or targeted expression specifically to the bundle sheath cells increased its accumulation by less than twofold. The overexpressed ZmLOX6 was remobilized from the leaves like other major proteins during grain development. Evaluated in the field over locations and years, transgenic hybrids overexpressing ZmLOX6 in the mesophyll cells significantly outyielded nontransgenic sibs under managed drought stress imposed at flowering. Additional storage of nitrogen as a VSP in maize leaves ameliorated the effect of drought on grain yield.
The Tracking Theory of Claim‐Rights
Authors: McBride Mark
Published: October 2021

My task here is to articulate my own novel hybrid theory of (claim‐)rights, namely, the Tracking Theory of rights. While new, it has historical antecedents. There is nothing (entirely) new under the sun. Its most vivid antecedents come from the fields of epistemology, in particular Robert Nozick's work, and legal philosophy, in particular Gopal Sreenivasan's work. I am happy to stand on the shoulders of giants. Here I want to freshly articulate the theory from the ground up. So the challenge will be to keep the articulation of the Tracking Theory front and centre, but, naturally, indebtedness to Nozick and Sreenivasan will be woven in at multiple junctures. My Tracking Theory will neither stand nor fall with Nozick's. The relation is more subtle. The strategy is to trade on the indubitable subtlety of Nozick's epistemology to capture the structure of a central normative concept.
Proof Paradoxes, Agency, and Stereotyping
Authors: Kim Webster Aness
Published: October 2021

Many have attempted to justify various courts’ position that bare or naked statistical evidence is not sufficient for findings of liability. I provide a particular explanation by examining a different, but related, issue about when and why stereotyping is wrong. One natural explanation of wrongness of stereotyping appeals to agency. However, this has been scrutinised. In this paper, I argue that we should broaden our understanding of when and how our agency can be undermined. In particular, I argue that when we take seriously that our agency is exercised in the social world, we can see that stereotyping can and does undermine our agency by fixing the social meaning of our choices and actions as well as by reducing the quality and the kinds of choices that are available to us. Although this improves the agency‐based explanation, it must be noted that undermining agency is not an overriding reason against stereotyping. Much depends on the balance of reasons that take into account moral stakes involved in a case of stereotyping. This results in a messier picture of when and why stereotyping is wrong, but I argue that this is a feature, not a bug. I end by applying this agency‐based explanation to cases that have motivated the so‐called Proof Paradoxes.
Changes in awareness on face mask use in Korea
Authors: Ha Kyoo‐Man
Published: October 2021

The present research aims to determine, from the perspective of public health nursing, how Koreans have implemented the mandatory use of face masks during the COVID‐19 outbreak by increasing public awareness in the following order: familiarly wearing, frequently wearing, and always wearing a face mask. Other nations may consider applying in their own policies the lessons learned by Korea regarding changes in awareness on face mask use.
Synthesis and Characterization of Thin Films Based on Azobenzene Derivative Anchored to CeO2 Nanoparticle for Photoswitching Applications
Authors: Ahmad Ahmad A. , Al‐Bataineh Qais M. , Alsaad Ahmad M. , Al‐Nawafleh Dima M. , Al‐Nawafleh Areej M. , Telfah Ahmad D.
Published: October 2021

Azobenzene has attracted substantial attention as a photoswitchable molecule since its applications range from energy and data storage to biomedical applications. This work reports a new type of thin‐film based on azobenzene derivative anchored to cerium oxide nanoparticles CeO2NPs for photoswitching applications. The trans–cis isomerization and reverse isomerization occur by UV‐light exposure and thermal relaxation process, respectively. The photoisomerization and reverse isomerization kinetics for CeO2NPs‐MR thin films are studied, investigated, and analyzed using UV‐Vis absorbance spectra, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in addition to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement to study the energy storage capacity. The results found that anchoring azobenzene to CeO2NPs is successful in multisource storage of solar energy applications.
Human Foreknowledge
Authors: Cariani Fabrizio
Published: October 2021

I explore the motivation and logical consequences of the idea that we have some (limited) ability to know contingent facts about the future, even in presence of the assumption that the future is objectively unsettled or indeterminate. I start by formally characterizing skepticism about the future. This analysis nudges the anti‐skeptic towards the idea that if some propositions about the future are objectively indeterminate, then it may be indeterminate whether a suitably positioned agent knows them.
Role of hypoxia in the behaviour, physiology, immunity and response mechanisms of crustaceans: A review
Authors: Zheng Cheng , Zhao Qianqian , Li Erchao , Zhao Daxian , Sun Shengming
Published: October 2021

Crustaceans are often exposed to hypoxic stress in intensive aquaculture systems. Such stress leads to physiological, behavioural and biochemical changes, which can cause various metabolic disorders or even death. Crustacean response mechanisms to hypoxia stress are known to be complex, with their regulation involving multiple genes. In this review, after briefly exploring some known causes of hypoxic stress in aquaculture systems, we discuss the physiological adaptation strategies used by crustaceans in response to hypoxia and summarise recent information regarding the effects of hypoxia on the behaviour, survival, antioxidant ability, metabolic processes and innate immunity of crustaceans. In addition, we give particular emphasis to the known molecular mechanisms underlying hypoxia related to the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) signalling pathway, the adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase signalling (AMPK) pathway, and apoptosis. Practically, it is clear that multiple measures need to be taken to prevent and regulate the adverse effects of hypoxic stress in intensive aquaculture systems, including development of hypoxia‐resistant breeds and nutritional regulation techniques. Overall, this review provides a theoretical basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying hypoxic stress in crustaceans, while making conceptual connections with data from related study areas in other species.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Physician and patient perspectives on the pathway to care from symptom recognition to diagnosis and disease burden
Authors: Lancaster Lisa , Bonella Francesco , Inoue Yoshikazu , Cottin Vincent , Siddall James , Small Mark , Langley Jonathan
Published: October 2021

Background and objective

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive disease that requires ongoing care and is associated with considerable socioeconomic burden. We evaluated the IPF care pathway from symptom recognition to treatment. We describe the impact of IPF on healthcare resource use (HCRU), quality of life (QoL) and work impairment, and report differences in patient and physician perspectives using real‐world data from France, Germany, Japan and the United States.

Methods

Quantitative, point‐in‐time data were collected as part of the Adelphi IPF II Disease Specific Programme™. Physician‐reported data (patient demographics, medical history, diagnoses, treatment) were matched to patient‐reported data (HCRU, QoL, work impairment). HCRU was measured as physician visits and hospitalizations. QoL and work impairment were measured using the EuroQol‐5 Dimensions (EQ‐5D) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaires.

Results

Overall, 244 physicians reported data on 1249 patients, 739 of whom self‐reported data. Diagnostic delays of 0.8 (Germany) to 2.0 (Japan) years after symptom onset were reported; treatment initiation was further delayed. In all countries, patients more often reported symptoms in the survey than did their physicians. On average, patients underwent 7–10 clinical tests before diagnosis. Antifibrotic use increased from 57% (2016) to 69% (2019); only 50% of patients with moderate/severe IPF were satisfied with their treatment. The 12‐month hospitalization rates were 24% (Japan) to 64% (United States). Patients reported low QoL (mean EQ‐5D visual analogue scale: 61.7/100).

Conclusion

Patients with IPF experience considerable diagnostic and treatment delays. More effective therapies and management are needed to reduce the disease burden.
Institutionally Embedded Democratic Equalizers: Differential Political Involvement Effects of Voluntary Associations across Language Regions in Switzerland
Authors: Hadziabdic Sinisa
Published: October 2021

Relying on the data of the Swiss Household Panel, the paper examines to what extent expressive, instrumental, and advocacy voluntary associations equalize the level of political involvement across language regions in Switzerland. Empirical evidence reveals that the positive effects of associations are consistently more pronounced in Latin cantons than in German ones. The differential can be traced back, on the one hand, to the lower engagement in political life among citizens in Latin cantons, which gives them greater leeway to increase it as a consequence of associational involvement. On the other hand, members within associations of the same type show very similar political participation levels across regions. Members pull participation among newcomers in Latin cantons to levels similar to those of their German‐speaking counterparts. The size of these equalizing effects can be linked to internal dynamics specific to each associational type and to some features of the Swiss federal state.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*51:01:01:83 allele in three individuals from North India
Authors: Phuntsok Tenzin , Rajak Jyoti , D'Silva Selma Z. , Tambe Manisha , Singh Meenakshi
Published: October 2021

The novel HLA‐B*51:01:01:83 allele differs from HLA‐B*51:01:01:01 by A‐ > G nucleotide substitution at gDNA 2569.
Recurrent origin–destination network for exploration of human periodic collective dynamics
Authors: Chen Xiaojian , Xie Jiayi , Xiao Changjiang , Lu Binbin , Shan Jie
Published: October 2021

While daily periodic movements of individuals have been widely studied, their collective dynamics are not understood. To capture periodic collective dynamics, this article represents individual daily movements as a time series of directed weighted origin–destination (OD) networks, and proposes an approach to identify a sub‐network called the “recurrent OD network”, which contains frequent edges appearing in each day. Taxi trajectory data over a period of 6 months in Wuhan, China are used for the case study. Here, we extracted the recurrent OD networks for each 2‐h period on a given day, and compared them with the corresponding “major OD network” defined by both frequent and infrequent edges. Results show that the recurrent OD networks coincidentally exhibit spatially localized community structures and distinctive patterns of inflow and outflow for each region within a day. Overall, both methodology and findings in this study might make significant contributions in a range of fields, such as urban planning, regional economic development, and infectious disease control.