bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuraminidase inhibitor treatment is associated with decreased mortality in COVID-19 patients: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Wu Junfang , Zhao Mingming , Wei Haoran , Li Chenze , Hu Dong , Zheng Lemin , Wang Dao Wen
Published: March 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Neuraminidase inhibitors (NI) on COVID-19 in a retrospective study.

Methods and results

The study included an overall COVID-19 patients (n = 3267) and a 1:1 propensity score-matched patients (n = 972). The levels of plasma N-acetylneuraminic acid and neuraminidase expression were further evaluated in a panel of hospitalized and 1-month post-infection recovered COVID-19 subjects. The mortality rate in the overall patients was 9.6% (313/3267) and 9.2% (89/972) in the propensity-score matched patients. The NI treatment lowered the mortality rate (5.7% vs. 10.3%) and the critically ill conversion rate (14.1% vs. 19.7%) compare to those in the non-NI group in the overall patients and evaluated in the propensity score-matched patients when applying the multivariate Cox model for adjusting imbalanced confounding factors. Furthermore, NI treatment was associated with attenuated cytokine storm levels and acute heart injury but not liver or kidney injuries. Further analysis in a small panel of patients found the levels of N-acetylneuraminic acid and neuraminidase (dominantly the NEU3 isoform) were elevated in the hospitalized COVID-19 subjects and recovered at the 1-month post-infection stage, suggesting increasing desialylation in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion

These results suggest that NI treatment is associated with decreased mortality in COVID-19 subjects, especially for those subjects with acute heart injury.
Marginal College Wage Premiums Under Selection Into Employment
Authors: Westphal Matthias , Kamhöfer Daniel A , Schmitz Hendrik
Published: March 2022

We identify female long-term wage returns to college education using the educational expansion between 1960–90 in West Germany as exogenous variation for college enrolment. We estimate marginal treatment effects and propose a simple partial identification technique accounting for women selecting into employment due to having a college education. College-educated women are, on average, more than 18 percentage points more likely to be employed due to having a college education than those without college education. Taking this into account, we bound wage returns to 5.7%–13.9% per year of education completed (average treatment effects on the treated).
Is work–life interference a risk factor for sickness absence? A longitudinal study of the Swedish working population
Authors: Hagqvist Emma , Lidwall Ulrik , Leineweber Constanze
Published: March 2022

Background

While there is increasing literature on the health effects of work–life interference, few studies have investigated the relationship between a direct measure of work–life interference and objective sickness absence measures. The aim of this study is to investigate whether work–life interference is a risk factor for subsequent long-term sickness absence (LTSA).

Methods

Data were derived from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016. Data were linked to register data on LTSA (having at least one continuous period of medically certified sick leave exceeding 14 days) the following 2 years after each data collection wave. We applied generalized estimating equations, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The sample included 15 244 individuals (43.1% men and 56.9% women). Nearly a fifth of the sample (18.7%, n = 1110) started at least one period of LTSA at any point between 2010 and 2018.

Results

Work–life interference was found to be a risk factor for subsequent LTSA (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.44–1.67) even when adjusting for relevant factors including general health (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.29–1.51). We found no significant moderating effect of gender.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that work–life interference is a risk factor for subsequent LTSA for working men and women in Sweden.
Metabolic profile of Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis interactions within dual-species biofilms
Authors: Franco-Duarte Ricardo , Seabra Catarina L , Rocha Silvia M , Henriques Mariana , Sampaio Paula , Teixeira José A , Botelho Cláudia M
Published: March 2022

Within the oral cavity, the ability of Candida species to adhere and form biofilms is well-recognized, especially when Candida albicans is considered. Lately, a knowledge gap has been identified regarding dual-species communication of Candida isolates, as a way to increase virulence, with evidences being collected to support the existence of interactions between C. albicans and Candida parapsilosis. The present work evaluated the synergistic effect of the two Candida species, and explored chemical interactions between cells, evaluating secreted extracellular alcohols and their relation with yeasts' growth and matrix composition. A total of four clinical strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis species, isolated from single infections of different patients or from co-infections of a same patient, were tested. It was found that dual-species biofilms negatively impacted the growth of C. parapsilosis and their biofilm matrix, in comparison with mono-species biofilms, and had minor effects on the biofilm biomass. Alcohol secretion revealed to be species- and strain-dependent. However, some dual-species cultures produced much higher amounts of some alcohols (E-nerolidol and E, E-Farnesol) than the respective single cultures, which proves the existence of a synergy between species. These results show evidence that interactions between Candida species affect the biofilm matrix, which is a key element of oral biofilms.
Chromosomal-Level Genome Assembly of the SpringtailTomocerus qinae(Collembola: Tomoceridae)
Authors: Pan Zhixiang , Jin Jianfeng , Xu Cong , Yu Daoyuan
Published: March 2022

The family Tomoceridae is among the earliest derived collembolan lineages, thus is of key importance in understanding the evolution of Collembola. Here, we assembled a chromosome-level genome of one tomocerid species Tomocerus qinae by combining Nanopore long reads and Hi-C data. The final genome size was 334.44 Mb with the scaffold/contig N50 length of 71.85/13.94 Mb. BUSCO assessment indicated that 96.80% of complete arthropod universal single-copy orthologs (n = 1,013) were present in the assembly. The repeat elements accounted for 26.11% (87.26 Mb) and 494 noncoding RNAs were identified in the genome. A total of 20,451 protein-coding genes were predicted, which captured 96.0% (973) BUSCO genes. Gene family evolution analyses identified 4,825 expanded gene families of T. qinae, among them, 47 experienced significant expansions, and these significantly expanded gene families mainly involved in proliferation and growth. This study provides an important genomic resource for future evolution and comparative genomics analyses of Collembola.
Social-ecological approaches to shellfish aquaculture using qualitative network models
Authors: Ferriss Bridget E , Reum Jonathan C P , Sanderson Beth L , McDonald P Sean
Published: March 2022

Integrating social and ecological aspects of bivalve aquaculture in research and management processes can improve understanding of the system as a whole, and facilitate management decision-making. We created social-ecological conceptual models of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum), and Pacific geoduck (Panopea generosa) aquaculture in a USA estuary, which were the basis of qualitative network analysis to compare: (i) social-ecological models versus truncated ecological- and social- only models, and (ii) two geoduck models representing different stakeholder groups’ perspectives on nature-based recreation and environmental stewardship. The social-ecological models predicted different results compared to individual social or ecological models, including for abundance of invertebrates, eelgrass, and marine water quality. The two alternative geoduck models predicted outcomes that varied across multiple social-ecological variables, including the availability of local harvestable food, sense of place, and abundance of invertebrates in structured habitat. Results demonstrate the interconnectedness of the social and ecological components of the aquaculture system, and how predicted outcomes can vary depending on their inclusion in the model. This study also demonstrates the value in considering a suite of models that represents a range of group perspectives to identify areas of conflict and agreement, and to recognize bias inherent in the models.
Spatiotemporal variability of euphausiids in the California Current Ecosystem: insights from a recently developed time series
Authors: Phillips Elizabeth M , Chu Dezhang , Gauthier Stéphane , Parker-Stetter Sandra L , Shelton Andrew O , Thomas Rebecca E
Published: March 2022

Euphausiids, or krill, are important energy links between primary producers and higher trophic levels in the California Current Ecosystem (CCE), but a thorough understanding of their variability at the coast-wide scale is limited. Using fisheries acoustics data collected during biennial joint US–Canada Integrated Ecosystem and Acoustic Trawl Surveys for Pacific hake (Merluccius productus), we developed a time series (n = 8 years; 2007–2019 odd years inclusive, and 2012) of krill abundance and examined relationships with environmental factors. Krill were located in waters off the west coasts of the United States and Canada, primarily in shallow basins and on the continental shelf, with greatest kernel density estimates near Cape Mendocino and the Juan de Fuca eddy system. Coast-wide krill abundance was variable, and lowest in 2015 during an extended marine heat wave, when 91% were located in British Columbia. Using hierarchical generalized additive models, we predicted greatest krill abundance in cooler waters (0.2°C below the time series average), within 10–20 km of the shelf break, and in bottom depths between 200 and 400 m. This newly developed coast-wide time series of krill abundance and distribution will inform ecosystem-based fisheries management efforts, and offers additional opportunities for studies of krill-dependent fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
Silencing at Work: Sexual Harassment, Workplace Misconduct and NDAs
Authors: Barmes Lizzie
Published: March 2022

This article draws on qualitative analysis of a small interview study and of oral evidence to the Women and Equalities Select Committee (WESC) of the UK Parliament, to explore and contextualize the use in the United Kingdom of NDAs in settlements to silence allegations and experiences of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. This demonstrates the central place of NDAs in the failure of individualist individualized workplace protections effectively to combat this behaviour. Several factors emerge as potentially significant to the ubiquity and substantive content of NDAs in settlements: the influence of modern, technologically inflected routinization and sheer paperwork within organizations and lawyering; interactions between the law in practice and long-standing economic, social and cultural means of subordination, including of women and racialized groups. Illustrations comprise, first, employers’ systemic dominance, mediated by lawyers, being enacted and reinforced through frequent imposition of NDAs, including to protect serial wrongdoers, and, secondly, that the shame and career risk attached to people who experience and complain of ill treatment (not alleged wrongdoers) mean claimants themselves often need the protection of NDAs in settlements. Still, suggestions in the evidence of some organizations altering their use of NDAs provides an invaluable opportunity for future research to illuminate the drivers and long-term consequence of this legalized silencing and of what ought to be done about it. Organizational variety also shows that employers are already in a position differently to reconcile the innate tensions the data exposed between individual, employer, and societal interests in whether mistreatment at work is silenced or exposed. This leads to my final argument that, whatever legal reform occurs, employers and their lawyers ought already to take the obvious first step towards changing the culture, of shifting their default position away from routinely using law to silence complaints about sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. If employers are not even willing to take this small initial step, and their lawyers to back them up, this will raise serious questions about current public commitments finally to tackle workplace wrongdoing, and grave doubts that anything much is going to change in this dimension of working life.
TNFRSF1B and TNF Variants Are Associated With Differences in Levels of Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors in Patients With Severe COVID-19
Authors: Fricke-Galindo Ingrid , Buendía-Roldán Ivette , Ruiz Andy , Palacios Yadira , Pérez-Rubio Gloria , de Jesus Hernández-Zenteno Rafael , Reyes-Melendres Felipe , Zazueta-Márquez Armando , Alarcón-Dionet Aimé , Guzmán-Vargas Javier , Bravo-Gutiérrez Omar Andrés , Quintero-Puerta Teresa , Gutiérrez-Pérez Ilse Adriana , Nava-Quiroz Karol J , Bañuelos-Flores José Luis , Mejía Mayra , Rojas-Serrano Jorge , Ramos-Martínez Espiridión , Guzmán-Guzmán Iris Paola , Chávez-Galán Leslie , Falfán-Valencia Ramcés
Published: March 2022

Background

The impact of genetic variants in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and its receptors in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity has not been previously explored. We evaluated the association of TNF (rs1800629 and rs361525), TNFRSF1A (rs767455 and rs1800693), and TNFRSF1B (rs1061622 and rs3397) variants with COVID-19 severity, assessed as invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) requirement, and the plasma levels of soluble TNF-α, TNFR1, and TNFR2 in patients with severe COVID-19.

Methods

The genetic study included 1353 patients. Taqman assays were used to assess the genetic variants. ELISA was used to determine soluble TNF-α, TNFR1, and TNFR2 in plasma samples from 334 patients.

Results

Patients carrying TT (TNFRSF1B rs3397) exhibited lower PaO2/FiO2 levels than those with CT + CC genotypes. Differences in plasma levels of TNFR1 and TNFR2 were observed according to the genotype of TNFRSF1B rs1061622, TNF rs1800629, and rs361525. According to the studied genetic variants, there were no differences in the soluble TNF-α levels. Higher soluble TNFR1 and TNFR2 levels were detected in patients with COVID-19 requiring IMV.

Conclusions

Genetic variants in TNF and TNFRSFB1 influence the plasma levels of soluble TNFR1 and TNFR2, implicated in COVID-19 severity.
Imperfect Competition in Firm-to-Firm Trade
Authors: Dhyne Emmanuel , Kikkawa Ayumu Ken , Magerman Glenn
Published: March 2022

This paper studies the implications of imperfect competition in firm-to-firm trade. Exploiting data on the universe of sales relationships between Belgian firms, we document that firms’ markups increase in the average input shares among their buyers. Motivated by this fact, we develop and estimate a model where firms charge buyer–supplier-specific markups that depend on the bilateral input shares. We find markup dispersion within firms across buyers creates substantial welfare loss: Aggregate welfare increases by around 6% when firms are banned from charging different markups across buyers.
Retaining Influence in Post-Brexit International Financial Regulation: Lessons from the UK’s FinTech Framework
Authors: Schilling de Carvalho Pedro
Published: March 2022

A common rhetoric has emerged among UK authorities when it comes to how to deal with a potential loss of influence in the regulation of financial services after Brexit: as divergence from the EU increases, it will be necessary to retain the UK’s influence as a rule maker through an enhanced engagement via international standard-setting bodies (ISSBs). This article argues that placing an excessive focus on the role of ISSBs to mitigate the UK’s loss of influence might be misguided, based on an analysis of the UK’s past relationship with these regulatory networks, alongside an assessment of their historical shortcomings and increasing limitations. Furthermore, this article advances the argument that the UK FinTech regulatory approach might serve as a successful complementary template for influence, combining a domestic framework with the development of a domestic-led network. For that purpose, this article compares initial responses to FinTech regulation at the UK, EU, and international levels, focusing on the Financial Conduct Authority’s regulatory sandbox and Global Financial Innovation Network to show how the UK’s regulatory ethos was effectively exported, constraining the options available to other countries while also framing the debate at the international level.
Perspectives on choice of law challenges in multistate precision medicine research
Authors: Beskow Laura M , Hammack-Aviran Catherine , Hazel James W , Wolf Leslie E
Published: March 2022

Federal law establishes minimum standards for protecting human research participants, but many states have enacted laws that may apply to research. Precision medicine research in particular implicates state laws that govern an array of topics, including human subjects research, genetic testing, and both general and genetic privacy and discrimination. Thus, the determination of which state’s laws apply, and under what circumstances, can substantially alter participant rights and protections. To shed light on this topic, we conducted interviews with experts in law, human research protections, and precision medicine research. Our goal was to better understand their experiences with choice of law issues, the effects of state law variation on research practices and stakeholder groups, and approaches to addressing such variation. Interviewees were aware of state-based variation in laws that could be applied to research. However, the extent to which they perceived such variability as problematic differed, as did their perceptions of stakeholder roles and responsibilities for addressing state law variation, and their estimations of requisite knowledge among IRBs and researchers. These divergent perspectives create an ethical and legal quandary, and further empirical and normative work is needed to fully characterize the implications of substantive differences in participant rights and protections.
Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology Consensus Guidelines of combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy for gynecological cancers
Authors: Murakami Naoya , Ohno Tatsuya , Toita Takafumi , Ando Ken , Ii Noriko , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Kojima Toru , Tsujino Kayoko , Masui Koji , Yoshida Ken , Ikushima Hitoshi
Published: March 2022

It has been postulated that the combination of intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy (IC/IS) is effective and safe for large and irregularly shaped uterine cervical cancer patients. However, due to its invasiveness compared to conventional intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT), it has to be said that the implementation speed of IC/IS is slow. Until now, there have been no guidelines for required equipment, human resources, and procedural guide focusing solely on IC/IS. The purpose of this guideline is to provide radiation oncologists and medical physicists who wish to start IC/IS with practical and comprehensive guidance for a safe IC/IS introduction and to help accelerate the spread of the utilization of IC/IS nationwide. This is the English translation of the Japanese IC/IS Guidelines, and it was created in an effort to share the Japanese approach to the management of locally advanced uterine cervical cancer worldwide.
Intestinal adenocarcinoma originating from an undiagnosed Meckel’s diverticulum
Authors: Principe Daniel R , Nesper Peter , Metropulos Anastasia E , Rubin Jonathan , Marinov Marin N
Published: March 2022

Meckel’s diverticulum is a congenital anomaly leading to the formation of a true diverticulum in the distal small intestine. Though most are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, Meckel’s diverticuli can give rise to a wide range of symptoms. Rarely, this can be a malignancy, most commonly a carcinoid tumor. Other cancers have also been reported, with adenocarcinomas being particularly rare. Here, we report the case of a 62-year-old man presenting to the emergency room with vague gastrointestinal symptoms. Subsequent workup revealed a 3 cm mass in the distal jejunum/proximal ileum, which was located within a previously undiagnosed Meckel’s diverticulum. The mass was sent to pathology, who confirmed an adenocarcinoma arising from a small bowel diverticulum. This case serves as an important reminder of the malignant potential of a Meckel’s diverticulum and adds to the ongoing discussion regarding whether prophylactic diverticulectomy should be recommended to patients with a known Meckel’s diverticulum.
Learning to Lead: 10 Leadership Lessons From Operation Bushmaster
Authors: Blickle John G , Vojta Leslie , Huang Cherry , Wyse Jacob M , Yarnell Angela M , Hartzell Joshua D
Published: March 2022

Medical students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences participate in a leadership curriculum designed to develop leadership skills. Operation Bushmaster is a 5-day field practicum designed to test these skills. In this article, we describe 10 leadership lessons learned during Operation Bushmaster applicable to all leaders.
Evaluation of an Injectable, Solid-State, Oxygen-Delivering Compound (Ox66) in a Rodent Model of Pulmonary Dysfunction-Induced Hypoxia
Authors: Carr Danuel A , Nugent William H , Bruce Erica D , Song Bjorn K
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Pulmonary dysfunction (PD) and its associated hypoxia present a complication to the care of many service members and can arise intrinsically via comorbidities or extrinsically by infection or combat-related trauma (burn, smoke inhalation, and traumatic acute lung injury). Current supportive treatments (e.g., ventilation and supplemental oxygen) relieve hypoxia but carry a significant risk of further lung injury that drives mortality. Ox66 is a novel, solid-state oxygenating compound capable of delivering oxygen via intravenous infusion.

Materials and Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats (N = 21; 250-300 g) were surgically prepared for cardiovascular monitoring, fluid infusion, mechanical ventilation, and intravital and phosphorescence quenching microscopy (interstitial oxygen tension; PISFO2) of the spinotrapezius muscle. Baselines (BL) were collected under anesthesia and spontaneous respiration. PD was simulated via hypoventilation (50% tidal volume reduction) and was maintained for 3 hours. Groups were randomized to receive Ox66, normal saline (NS; vehicle control), or Sham (no treatment) and were treated immediately following PD onset. Arterial blood samples (65 µL) and intravital images were taken hourly to assess blood gases and chemistry and changes in arteriolar diameter, respectively. Significance was taken at P < .05.

Results

PD reduced PISFO2 for all groups; however, by 75 minutes, both NS and Sham were significantly lower than Ox66 and remained so until the end of PD. Serum lactate levels were lowest in the Ox66 group—even decreasing relative to BL—but only significant versus Sham. Furthermore, all Ox66 animals survived the full PD challenge, while one NS and two Sham animals died. No significant vasoconstrictive or vasodilative effect was noted within or between experimental groups.

Conclusion

Treatment with intravenous Ox66 improved interstitial oxygenation in the spinotrapezius muscle—a recognized bellwether for systemic capillary function—suggesting an improvement in oxygen delivery. Ox66 offers a novel approach to supplemental oxygenation that bypasses lung injury and dysfunction.
Stellar core-merger-induced collapse: new formation pathways for black holes, Thorne–Żytkow objects, magnetars, and superluminous supernovae
Authors: Ablimit Iminhaji , Podsiadlowski Philipp , Hirai Ryosuke , Wicker James
Published: March 2022

Most neutron stars (NSs) and black holes (BHs) are believed to be the final remnants in the evolution of massive stars. In this study, we propose a new formation channel for the formation of BHs and peculiar NSs [specifically, magnetars and Thorne–Żytkow objects (T$\dot{\rm Z}$Os)], which we refer to as the core-merger-induced collapse (CMIC) model. This model involves the merger during a common-envelope phase of an oxygen/neon/magnesium composition white dwarf and the core of a hydrogen-rich or helium-rich non-degenerate star, leading to the creation of peculiar new types of objects. The results of binary population synthesis simulations show that the CMIC channel could make important contributions to the populations of (millisecond) pulsars, T$\dot{\rm Z}$Os, magnetars, and BHs. The possibility of superluminous supernovae powered by T$\dot{\rm Z}$Os, magnetars, and BHs formed through the CMIC model is also being investigated. Magnetars with immediate matter surroundings formed after the CMIC might be good sources for fast radio bursts.
MeerKAT uncovers the physics of an odd radio circle
Authors: Norris Ray P , Collier J D , Crocker Roland M , Heywood Ian , Macgregor Peter , Rudnick L , Shabala Stas , Andernach Heinz , da Cunha Elisabete , English Jayanne , Filipović Miroslav , Koribalski Bärbel S , Luken Kieran , Robotham Aaron , Sekhar Srikrishna , Thorne Jessica E , Vernstrom Tessa
Published: March 2022

Odd radio circles (ORCs) are recently-discovered faint diffuse circles of radio emission, of unknown cause, surrounding galaxies at moderate redshift (z ∼ 0.2 – 0.6). Here, we present detailed new MeerKAT radio images at 1284 MHz of the first ORC, originally discovered with the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder, with higher resolution (6 arcsec) and sensitivity (∼ 2.4 μJy/beam). In addition to the new images, which reveal a complex internal structure consisting of multiple arcs, we also present polarization and spectral index maps. Based on these new data, we consider potential mechanisms that may generate the ORCs.
The LEGA-C and SAMI galaxy surveys: quiescent stellar populations and the mass–size plane across 6 Gyr
Authors: Barone Tania M , D’Eugenio Francesco , Scott Nicholas , Colless Matthew , Vaughan Sam P , van der Wel Arjen , Fraser-McKelvie Amelia , de Graaff Anna , van de Sande Jesse , Wu(吳柏鋒) Po-Feng , Bezanson Rachel , Brough Sarah , Bell Eric , Croom Scott M , Cortese Luca , Driver Simon , Gallazzi Anna R , Muzzin Adam , Sobral David , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Bryant Julia J , Goodwin Michael , Lawrence Jon S , Lorente Nuria P F , Owers Matt S
Published: March 2022

We investigate changes in stellar population age and metallicity ([Z/H]) scaling relations for quiescent galaxies from intermediate redshift (0.60 ≤  $z$ ≤ 0.76) using the LEGA-C Survey to low redshift (0.014 ≤  $z$ ≤ 0.10) using the SAMI Galaxy Survey. Specifically, we study how the spatially integrated global age and metallicity of individual quiescent galaxies vary in the mass–size plane, using the stellar mass M* and a dynamical mass proxy derived from the virial theorem MD ∝ σ2 Re. We find that, similarly to at low redshift, the metallicity of quiescent galaxies at 0.60 ≤  $z$ ≤ 0.76 closely correlates with M/Re (a proxy for the gravitational potential or escape velocity), in that galaxies with deeper potential wells are more metal-rich. This supports the hypothesis that the relation arises due to the gravitational potential regulating the retention of metals by determining the escape velocity for metal-rich stellar and supernova ejecta to escape the system and avoid being recycled into later stellar generations. Conversely, we find no correlation between age and surface density ($M/R_\mathrm{e}^2$) at 0.60 ≤  $z$ ≤ 0.76, despite this relation being strong at low redshift. We consider this change in the age–$M/R_\mathrm{e}^2$ relation in the context of the redshift evolution of the star-forming and quiescent mass–size relations, and find our results are consistent with galaxies forming more compactly at higher redshifts and remaining compact throughout their evolution. Furthermore, galaxies appear to quench at a characteristic surface density that decreases with decreasing redshift. The $z$ ∼  0 age–$M/R_\mathrm{e}^2$ relation is therefore a result of building up the quiescent and star-forming populations with galaxies that formed at a range of redshifts and therefore a range of surface densities.
Formation and fate of low-metallicity stars in TNG50
Authors: Pakmor Rüdiger , Simpson Christine M , van de Voort Freeke , Hernquist Lars , van Son Lieke , Chruślińska Martyna , Bieri Rebekka , de Mink Selma E , Springel Volker
Published: March 2022

Low-metallicity stars give rise to unique spectacular transients and are of immense interest for understanding stellar evolution. Their importance has only grown further with the recent detections of mergers of stellar mass black holes that likely originate mainly from low-metallicity progenitor systems. Moreover, the formation of low-metallicity stars is intricately linked to galaxy evolution, in particular to early enrichment and to later accretion and mixing of lower metallicity gas. Because low-metallicity stars are difficult to observe directly, cosmological simulations are crucial for understanding their formation. Here, we quantify the rates and locations of low-metallicity star formation using the high-resolution TNG50 magnetohydrodynamical cosmological simulation, and we examine where low-metallicity stars end up at z = 0. We find that $20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of stars with $Z_*\lt 0.1\, \mathrm{Z_\odot }$ form after z = 2, and that such stars are still forming in galaxies of all masses at z = 0 today. Moreover, most low-metallicity stars at z = 0 reside in massive galaxies. We analyse the radial distribution of low-metallicity star formation and discuss the curious case of seven galaxies in TNG50 that form stars from primordial gas even at z = 0.
Magnetic field evolution of the K2 dwarf V471 Tau
Authors: Zaire B , Donati J-F , Klein B
Published: March 2022

Observations of the eclipsing binary system V471 Tau show that the time of the primary eclipses varies in an apparent periodic way. With growing evidence that the magnetically active K2 dwarf component might be responsible for driving the eclipse timing variations (ETVs), it is necessary to monitor the star throughout the predicted ∼35 yr activity cycle that putatively fuels the observed ETVs. We contribute to this goal with this paper by analysing spectropolarimetric data obtained with ESPaDOnS at the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope in 2014 December and 2015 January. Using Zeeman–Doppler Imaging, we reconstruct the distribution of brightness inhomogeneities and large-scale magnetic field at the surface of the K2 dwarf. Compared to previous tomographic reconstructions of the star carried out with the same code, we probe a new phase of the ETVs cycle, offering new constraints for future works exploring whether a magnetic mechanism operating in the K2 dwarf star is indeed able to induce the observed ETVs of V471 Tau.
Taxonomic revision and conservation assessment of the Southeast Asian freshwater mussel genusChamberlainiaSimpson, 1900
Authors: Goncalves Ana , Zieritz Alexandra , Lopes-Lima Manuel , Deein Gridsada , Pfeiffer John
Published: March 2022

Chamberlainia hainesiana (Lea, 1856) (Unionidae) is the most economically important freshwater mussel in Thailand and is commonly used in food, spiritual ceremonies and pearl culture. Despite the clear economic importance of this monotypic genus, the distribution and diversity of Chamberlainia Simpson, 1900 are poorly understood. We set out to re-evaluate the taxonomic and geographic boundaries of Chamberlainia using molecular and morphological data gathered from recently and historically collected material. Our cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene tree recovered three divergent species-level lineages in the genus Chamberlainia. Fourier shape analysis of 60 digitized Chamberlainia shell outlines revealed evidence of two morphologically divergent groups that could be statistically distinguished 88% of the time. We used this evidence to recognize two genetically and morphologically divergent Chamberlainia species, C. hainesiana and C. duclerci (Rochebrune, 1882) stat. res. Geographical information from 46 museum records was used to map the distribution of Chamberlainia. These results are discussed in the context of their taxonomic, biogeographic and conservation implications.
Tietze’s syndrome presenting as enthesitis diagnosed by ultrasound: A case report
Authors: Miyoshi Yuji , Misaki Kenta
Published: March 2022

Tietze’s syndrome (TS) is an inflammatory disorder characterised by painful, non-suppurative swelling in the sternocostal or sternoclavicular joint. The aetiology of TS is unknown. Herein, we described a case of isolated enthesitis in the sternocostal joint in a 42-year-old male patient whose clinical course led to the diagnosis of TS. A 42-year-old male Japanese patient (HLA-B27 negative) presented with chronic anterior chest wall pain. Mild swelling and tenderness were found in the right, third sternocostal joint (rt.3STCJ). No other arthralgia was present. Ultrasonography (US) of the rt.3STCJ showed hypoechoic thickening and power Doppler signal in the anterior radiate sternocostal ligament with mild synovial hypertrophy of the STCJ. US also depicted cortical bone erosion at the sternum with neovascularisation. Magnetic resonance imaging with T2-weighted short-tau inversion recovery showed high signal intensity in the bone marrow of the sternum and adjacent soft tissue around the rt.3STCJ. Based on these findings, TS with the enthesitis in the rt.3STCJ was diagnosed. The patient received a US-guided corticosteroid injection, and the symptoms completely resolved 10 months later. Enthesitis may cause TS. US is a readily available, sensitive imaging technique useful for diagnosing TS.
Nicotine Rather Than Non-Nicotine Substances in 3R4F WCSC Increases Behavioral Sensitization and Drug-Taking Behavior in Rats
Authors: Kim Sunghyun , Sohn Sumin , Ryu In Soo , Yang Ju Hwan , Kim Oc-Hee , Kim Ji Sun , Kim Yong-Hyun , Jang Eun Young , Choe Eun Sang
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Nicotine increases reinforcing effects of cigarette smoking by upregulating glutamate and dopamine releases via stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the dorsal striatum (CPu). The present study was conducted to evaluate whether non-nicotine substances in cigarette smoke potentiate nicotine-induced behaviors by increasing glutamate and dopamine concentrations in the CPu.

Aims and Methods

Changes in the levels of glutamate and dopamine in the CPu were analyzed using a glutamate colorimetric assay and dopamine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively, after repeated administration of nicotine or whole cigarette smoke condensate (WCSC) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Changes in locomotion and drug-taking behavior were analyzed using the measurements of locomotor activity and self-administration under a fixed ratio 1 schedule in response to repeated administration of nicotine or WCSC.

Results

Repeated subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of nicotine (0.25 mg/kg/day) for 7 consecutive days significantly increased the levels of glutamate and dopamine in the CPu. Similar results were obtained from repeated injections of WCSC (0.25 mg/kg nicotine/day, s.c.) extracted from 3R4F Kentucky reference cigarettes. Parallel with the increases in the neurotransmitter levels in the CPu, both nicotine and WCSC increased locomotor activity and self-administration (0.03 mg/kg nicotine/infusion). However, repeated injections of WCSC did not change the nicotine-induced increases in neurotransmitter levels, locomotor activity, and self-administration.

Conclusions

Nicotine rather than non-nicotine substances in WCSC play a major role in potentiating behavioral sensitization and drug-taking behavior via elevation of glutamate and dopamine concentrations in the CPu of rats.

Implications

WCSC does not augment the nicotine-induced increases in behavioral sensitization, drug-taking behavior, and glutamate and dopamine concentrations, suggesting that non-nicotine substances do not potentiate the nicotine-induced behaviors by increasing the concentrations of the neurotransmitters in the CPu. These findings imply that nicotine, but not non-nicotine substances in WCSC, may be a major contributor that induces tobacco dependence in rats.
Sociality and morphology differentiate niches of 13 sympatric Amazonian woodcreepers (Dendrocolaptinae)
Authors: Powell Luke L , Rutt Cameron L , Mokross Karl , Wolfe Jared D , Johnson Erik I , Rodrigues Patricia F , Stouffer Philip C
Published: March 2022

Woodcreepers (Dendrocolaptinae) represent a remarkably uniform group of brownish birds that move by hitching up tree trunks as they forage for arthropod prey. Despite these superficial similarities, we were able to uniquely differentiate the niches of all 13 species north of Manaus by integrating morphological traits (e.g., mass and bill size) with behavioral traits (e.g., sociality, stratum use, and foraging maneuvers). The 5 ant-following (myrmecophilous) species, with their larger bodies and heavier bills, were morphologically distinct from the 7 species that join mixed-species flocks. A combination of vertical stratum, mass, and bill length further distinguished among mixed-flocking species. Two canopy species—the solitary Dendrexetastes rufigula and the mixed-flocking Lepidocolaptes albolineatus—consistently foraged at higher strata than other species. For the remaining mixed-flocking species, the largest 3 species differed significantly by mass, whereas the smallest 3 species, which overlapped broadly in mass, were uniquely distinguished by bill length. The 5 ant-following species differed in their degree of specialization on ant swarms, from facultative (Hylexetastes perrotii) to obligate (Dendrocincla merula). The ant-followers also showed nearly discrete mass distributions that essentially differed by Hutchinsonian 1:1.3 ratios, which likely allows them to maintain interspecific dominance hierarchies at the front of raiding army ant swarms. The behaviors we quantified (sociality, vertical strata, and myrmecophily), together with morphology (mass and bill size), separated all 13 species. We speculate that niche partitioning and competitive exclusion allow each woodcreeper to uniquely access invertebrate prey, permitting coexistence and contributing to high alpha diversity at our study site.
Anomaly flow by an Aharonov–Bohm phase
Authors: Funatsu Shuichiro , Hatanaka Hisaki , Hosotani Yutaka , Orikasa Yuta , Yamatsu Naoki
Published: March 2022

In gauge-Higgs unification (GHU), gauge symmetry is dynamically broken by an Aharonov–Bohm (AB) phase, θH, in the fifth dimension. We analyze SU(2) GHU with an SU(2) doublet fermion in the flat M4 × (S1/Z2) spacetime and in the Randall–Sundrum (RS) warped space. With orbifold boundary conditions the U(1) part of gauge symmetry remains unbroken at θH = 0 and π. The fermion multiplet has chiral zero modes at θH = 0, which become massive at θH = π. In other words, chiral fermions are transformed to vector-like fermions by the AB phase θH. The chiral anomaly at θH = 0 continuously varies as θH, and vanishes at θH = π. We demonstrate this intriguing phenomenon in the RS space in which no level crossing occurs in the mass spectrum and everything varies smoothly. The flat spacetime limit is singular as the anti-de Sitter curvature of the RS space diminishes, and reproduces the result in the flat spacetime. Anomalies appear for various combinations of Kaluza–Klein excitation modes of gauge fields as well. Although the magnitude of the anomalies depends on θH and the warp factor of the RS space, it does not depend on the bulk mass parameter of the fermion field controlling its mass and wave function at general θH.
The Time is Ripe for a Consensus Definition of Clinical Recovery in First-episode Psychosis: Suggestions Based on a 10-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Åsbø Gina , Ueland Torill , Haatveit Beathe , Bjella Thomas , Flaaten Camilla Bärthel , Wold Kristin Fjelnseth , Widing Line , Engen Magnus Johan , Lyngstad Siv Hege , Gardsjord Erlend , Romm Kristin Lie , Melle Ingrid , Simonsen Carmen
Published: March 2022

Objectives

A consensus definition of clinical recovery in first-episode psychosis (FEP) is required to improve knowledge about recovery rates in this population. To propose criteria for a future consensus definition, this study aims to investigate rates of clinical recovery when using a standard definition (full psychotic symptom remission and adequate functioning for minimum one year) across both affective and nonaffective FEP groups (bipolar spectrum and schizophrenia spectrum disorders). Second, we aim to explore changes in rates when altering the standard definition criteria. Third, to examine the extent to which healthy controls meet the functioning criteria.

Study design

In total, 142 FEP participants and 117 healthy controls preselected with strict criteria, were re-assessed with structured clinical interviews at 10-year follow-up.

Study results

A total of 31.7% were in clinical recovery according to the standard definition, with significantly higher recovery rates in bipolar (50.0%) than in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (22.9%). Both groups’ recovery rates decreased equally when extending duration and adding affective symptom remission criteria and increased with looser functioning criteria. In healthy controls, 18.8% did not meet the standard criteria for adequate functioning, decreasing to 4.3% with looser criteria.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that clinical recovery is common in FEP, although more in bipolar than in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, also when altering the recovery criteria. We call for a future consensus definition of clinical recovery for FEP, and suggest it should include affective symptom remission and more reasonable criteria for functioning that are more in line with the general population.
The illusion of transparency: the political double standard in city credit ratings
Authors: Norris Davon
Published: March 2022

Ratings proliferate in social life though underlying biases in how ratings are constructed are obscured. Rating criteria—formal a priori standards about the relevant factors for an evaluation—hold promise for creating transparency, eliminating biases and generating meritocratic evaluations through standardization and uncertainty reduction. Yet, little is known about whether criteria in fact eliminate biases or introduce new complexities. Using original data on credit ratings for 109 US city governments from 2002 to 2009, I test whether a rating agency’s rating criteria is applied evenly across cities. Results provide evidence of a political double standard where liberal-leaning cities are evaluated according to a more strict application of rating criteria requiring these cities to have higher performance for similar ratings compared to their conservative counterparts. These findings highlight a mechanism producing inequality between cities and demonstrate how generating meritocratic and unbiased evaluations requires more than the existence and transparency of rating criteria.
Deep-Rooted Plant Species Recruit Distinct Bacterial Communities in the Subsoil
Authors: Bak Frederik , Lyhne-Kjærbye Annemette , Tardif Stacie , Dresbøll Dorte Bodin , Nybroe Ole , Nicolaisen Mette H.
Published: March 2022

Deep-rooted plants can obtain water and nutrients from the subsoil, making them resilient to climatic changes. Plant growth and health may depend on interactions with root-associated bacteria but the composition and assembly dynamics of deep-root-associated bacterial communities are unknown, as is their ability to supply plants with nitrogen (N). Here, we investigated the root-associated communities of the three deep-rooted perennial crops—lucerne ( Medicago sativa), intermediate wheatgrass ( Thinopyrum intermedium), and rosinweed ( Silphium integrifolium)—grown in 4-m-tall Root Towers under seminatural conditions. Across the plant species, higher bacterial abundance and lower diversity were found in the root-associated communities compared with the bulk soil communities. The deep-root-associated communities were enriched in the genera Pseudarthrobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, and Streptomyces, genera found to harbor a wide variety of bacterial species expressing plant beneficial traits . The composition of the deep-root-associated bacterial communities were plant species specific, and clearly distinct from the shallow communities. Additionally, the deep-root-associated communities comprised primarily amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) that were omnipresent in the bulk soil and, to a limited extent, ASVs that could have been transported from the topsoil or potentially from the seed. Abundances of genes involved in N-cycling ( amoA, nifH, nirK, nirS, and nosZ) showed plant-species-specific patterns, and indicated that intermediate wheatgrass and lucerne recruit N-fixing bacteria even at 3 m of depth for N supply. This work provides the first steps toward understanding plant–microbe interactions of deep-rooted crops, which are important for evaluating these crops for use in future sustainable cropping systems.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Referral Indications for Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility Diagnostics in Patients without Adverse Anesthetic Events in the Era of Next-generation Sequencing
Authors: van den Bersselaar Luuk R. , Hellblom Anna , Gashi Mejdan , Kamsteeg Erik-Jan , Voermans Nicol C. , Jungbluth Heinz , de Puydt Joris , Heytens Luc , Riazi Sheila , Snoeck Marc M. J.
Published: March 2022

Background

The introduction of next-generation sequencing into the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders has resulted in an increased number of newly identified RYR1 variants. The hypothesis was that there is an increased referral of patients to malignant hyperthermia units without a personal/family history of adverse anesthetic events suspected to be malignant hyperthermia. This retrospective multicenter cohort study evaluates patient referral indications and outcomes for those without a history of an adverse anesthetic event.

Methods

Patients referred between 2010 and 2019 to the malignant hyperthermia units in Antwerp, Belgium; Lund, Sweden; Nijmegen, The Netherlands; and Toronto, Ontario, Canada were included. Previously tested patients and relatives of previously tested patients were excluded. Data collection included demographics, referral details, muscle contracture, and genetic testing results including Rare Exome Variant Ensemble Learner scores. Referral indications were categorized into those with a personal/family history of adverse anesthetic event and other indications including exertional and/or recurrent rhabdomyolysis, RYR1 variant(s) detected in diagnostic testing in the neuromuscular clinic without a specific diagnosis (in a family member), diagnosed RYR1-related myopathy (in a family member), idiopathically elevated resting creatine kinase values, exertional heat stroke, and other.

Results

A total of 520 medical records were included, with the three most frequent referral indications as follows: personal history of an adverse anesthetic event (211 of 520; 40.6%), family history of an adverse anesthetic event (115 of 520; 22.1%), and exertional and/or recurrent rhabdomyolysis (46 of 520; 8.8%). The proportion of patients referred without a personal/family history of an adverse anesthetic event increased to 43.6% (133 of 305) between 2015 and 2019 compared to 28.4% (61 of 215) in 2010 to 2014 (P < 0.001). Patients with a personal/family history of an adverse anesthetic event were more frequently diagnosed as malignant hyperthermia–susceptible (133 of 220; 60.5%) than those without (47 of 120; 39.2%; P < 0.001). Due to missing data, 180 medical records were excluded.

Conclusions

The proportion of patients referred to malignant hyperthermia units without a personal/family history of an adverse anesthetic event has increased, with 39.2% (47 of 120) diagnosed as malignant hyperthermia–susceptible.

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