bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxing ride‐sharing: Which neighborhoods pay more?
Authors: Leccese Mario
Published: April 2024

I examine the short‐run impact of taxing ride‐sharing trips on the price and usage of ride‐sharing across different neighborhoods of Chicago and investigate whether the tax had unequal effects on neighborhoods with different racial compositions. I document significant heterogeneity in price increases due to the tax across neighborhoods of departure, showing that this was correlated with their differential access to alternatives to ride‐sharing, such as public transit. Clustering neighborhoods based on their racial composition reveals that Black areas experienced particularly high price increases and reductions in usage. Overall, the burden of the tax fell more heavily on minority‐concentrated areas.
Ravulizumab facilitates reduced burden of vascular access, a major benefit in paediatric atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Authors: Bleathman Freya , Kausman Joshua Y , Hosking Laine M , Forbes Thomas A
Published: April 2024

Background

Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare thrombotic microangiopathy resulting from dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway, leading to multi‐organ dysfunction and chronic kidney disease. Eculizumab is an anti‐C5 monoclonal antibody therapy that has significantly improved aHUS disease control and patient outcomes, however it requires fortnightly intravenous dosing. This often necessitates long term central access and a high hospital attendance burden. Ravulizumab is a novel, next‐generation anti‐C5 monoclonal antibody engineered from eculizumab to reduce endosomal degradation of the antibody, increasing the dosing interval up to 8 weeks.

Case Series

In this retrospective case series we present the transition of three children with aHUS from eculizumab to ravulizumab from a single tertiary paediatric nephrology service. All patients underwent genomic and immunological work up for aHUS, with no cause found. After stabilisation with eculizumab, two patients developed macrovascular thrombotic complications associated with indwelling central vascular catheters, ultimately leading to central access failure. All patients were transitioned from eculizumab to ravulizumab without relapse of aHUS. One patient successfully underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation with ravulizumab for complement inhibition. All patients have transitioned to peripheral access for infusions given the reduced frequency of dosing, maintaining good control of aHUS for 2–4 years.

Conclusion

Ravulizumab permits sufficiently reduced frequency of infusion to allow for administration by peripheral cannulation – removing the risks of long term central vascular access often required to deliver eculizumab to paediatric patients.
Systematically assessing the quality of dental electronic health record data for an investigation into oral health care disparities
Authors: Kookal Krishna Kumar , Walji Muhammad F. , Brandon Ryan , Kivanc Ferit , Mertz Elizabeth , Kottek Aubri , Mullins Joanna , Liang Shuang , Jenson Larry E. , White Joel M.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This work describes the process by which the quality of electronic health care data for a public health study was determined. The objectives were to adapt, develop, and implement data quality assessments (DQAs) based on the National Institutes of Health Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory (NIHPTC) data quality framework within the three domains of completeness, accuracy, and consistency, for an investigation into oral health care disparities of a preventive care program.

Methods

Electronic health record data for eligible children in a dental accountable care organization of 30 offices, in Oregon, were extracted iteratively from January 1, 2014, through March 31, 2022. Baseline eligibility criteria included: children ages 0–18 with a baseline examination, Oregon home address, and either Medicaid or commercial dental benefits at least once between 2014 and 2108. Using the NIHPTC framework as a guide, DQAs were conducted throughout data element identification, extraction, staging, profiling, review, and documentation.

Results

The data set included 91,487 subjects, 11 data tables comprising 75 data variables (columns), with a total of 6,861,525 data elements. Data completeness was 97.2%, the accuracy of EHR data elements in extracts was 100%, and consistency between offices was strong; 29 of 30 offices within 2 standard deviations of the mean (s = 94%).

Conclusions

The NIHPTC framework proved to be a useful approach, to identify, document, and characterize the dataset. The concepts of completeness, accuracy, and consistency were adapted by the multidisciplinary research team and the overall quality of the data are demonstrated to be of high quality.
A comparative study of old versus novel psychoactive substances on craving, perceived stigma and suicidal risk among rural‐dwelling patients with substance abuse
Authors: Eweida Rasha Salah , Abdelwahab Khedr Mahmoud , Hussein Rasha Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

According to recent estimates, 10.4% of adults are patients with substance abuse, which is almost double the global rate.

Rural areas are typically marginalized, compounded by a lack of access to mental health care, creating a startling disparity in suffering from drug use issues among rural cohorts.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Drawing on data from a descriptive comparative design would provide a distinctive picture related to the similarities and/or differences in relation to craving and how it affects perceived stigma and suicidal risk among patients using old versus novel psychoactive substances.

What are the implications for practice?

Substance abuse is a leading public health concern that forces nurses to encompass it into their agendas to tackle this looming problem.

Addiction rehabilitation services are frequently run by nurses. They are well‐versed in supporting patients during their journey to recovery and enabling them to adjust to a new lifestyle.

Introduction

Substance use disorder is a leading public health concern that currently, nations regulatory agencies are grappled with. The noticeable difference in the chemical structures between old and novel psychoactive substances can result in significant clinical complications among patients with substance abuse.

Aim

The study aims to compare substance craving, perceived stigma and suicidal risk among patients addicted to old and novel psychoactive substances (NPS).

Method

A descriptive comparative design was adopted on a sample of 105 patients with substance use who completed The Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), The Perceived Stigma of Addiction Scale (PSAS) and Suicide Probability Scale (SPS).

Discussion

Most participants were male, with 89.5% in the old addictive substance group and 93.8% in the new addictive substance group. A statistically significant difference in the NPS groups' perceptions of stigma (23.4 ± 5.3) compared to the old addictive substance group (20.6 ± 4.2), (t = 3.037, p = .003).

Implication for Practice

Participants in the new substance group report more suicidal ideation, negative self‐evaluation and hostility than those in the old substance group. Policies and practices should be tailored to the type of drug used and potential risk factors to avoid suicide among patients with substance abuse.
Micro‐needling versus acellular dermal matrix in RT1 gingival recession coverage: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zaaya Salma , Elbattawy Weam , Yusri Sarah , Fawzy El‐Sayed Karim M.
Published: April 2024

Aims

This randomized trial assessed for the first time the efficacy of coronally advanced flap (CAF) followed by micro‐needling (MN) in contrast to CAF with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on gingival thickness (GT, primary outcome), keratinized tissue width (KTW), clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), recession reduction (Rec‐Red), complete root coverage (CRC) and percentage of root coverage (all secondary outcomes) in management of RT1 gingival recession in patients with thin gingival phenotype.

Methods

A total of 24 patients (n = 24) with a thin gingival phenotype and single RT1 gingival recession in the aesthetic zone were randomly allocated to test‐ (CAF + MN; n = 12) or control group (CAF + ADM; n = 12). All clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Results

Both groups independently demonstrated significant gain in GT, RW, RD, CAL, PD, Rec‐Red, CRC and percentage of root coverage, with reduced PI and BOP (p < .05) at 3 and 6 months, without intergroup differences (p > .05). At 6 months, KTW gain was significantly higher in CAF + MN (5.08 ± 0.9 mm) than in CAF + ADM‐group (4.25 ± 1.06 mm; p < .05). Stepwise linear regression model with GT as dependent variable showed that base‐line GT was the only statistically significant predictor for GT with a direct correlation between base‐line GT and GT after 6 months.

Conclusion

CAF followed by MN could represent a promising graft‐less approach for increasing gingival thickness, comparable to CAF with ADM, with superior keratinized tissue width improvement, in the treatment of RT1 recession defects in patients with thin gingival phenotype.
Influence of tree mycorrhizal type, tree species identity, and diversity on forest root‐associated mycobiomes
Authors: Singavarapu Bala , ul Haq Hafeez , Darnstaedt Friedrich , Nawaz Ali , Beugnon Rémy , Cesarz Simone , Eisenhauer Nico , Du Jianqing , Xue Kai , Wang Yanfen , Bruelheide Helge , Wubet Tesfaye
Published: April 2024

Understanding the complex interactions between trees and fungi is crucial for forest ecosystem management, yet the influence of tree mycorrhizal types, species identity, and diversity on tree‐tree interactions and their root‐associated fungal communities remains poorly understood.

Our study addresses this gap by investigating root‐associated fungal communities of different arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EcM) tree species pairs (TSPs) in a subtropical tree diversity experiment, spanning monospecific, two‐species, and multi‐species mixtures, utilizing Illumina sequencing of the ITS2 region.

The study reveals that tree mycorrhizal type significantly impacts the alpha diversity of root‐associated fungi in monospecific stands. Meanwhile, tree species identity's influence is modulated by overall tree diversity. Tree‐related variables and spatial distance emerged as major drivers of variations in fungal community composition. Notably, in multi‐species mixtures, compositional differences between root fungal communities of AM and EcM trees diminish, indicating a convergence of fungal communities irrespective of mycorrhizal type. Interestingly, dual mycorrhizal fungal communities were observed in these multi‐species mixtures.

This research underscores the pivotal role of mycorrhizal partnerships and the interplay of biotic and abiotic factors in shaping root fungal communities, particularly in varied tree diversity settings, and its implications for effective forest management and biodiversity conservation.
Fungal signals and calcium‐mediated transduction pathways along the plant defence–symbiosis continuum
Authors: Giovannetti Marco , Binci Filippo , Navazio Lorella , Genre Andrea
Published: April 2024

This article is a Commentary on Giovannetti et al., 241: 1393–1400.
Impact of changing climate on bryophyte contributions to terrestrial water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles
Authors: Slate Mandy L. , Antoninka Anita , Bailey Lydia , Berdugo Monica B. , Callaghan Des A. , Cárdenas Mariana , Chmielewski Matthew W. , Fenton Nicole J. , Holland‐Moritz Hannah , Hopkins Samantha , Jean Mélanie , Kraichak Bier Ekaphan , Lindo Zoë , Merced Amelia , Oke Tobi , Stanton Daniel , Stuart Julia , Tucker Daniel , Coe Kirsten K.
Published: April 2024

Bryophytes, including the lineages of mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, are the second‐largest photoautotroph group on Earth. Recent work across terrestrial ecosystems has highlighted how bryophytes retain and control water, fix substantial amounts of carbon (C), and contribute to nitrogen (N) cycles in forests (boreal, temperate, and tropical), tundra, peatlands, grasslands, and deserts. Understanding how changing climate affects bryophyte contributions to global cycles in different ecosystems is of primary importance. However, because of their small physical size, bryophytes have been largely ignored in research on water, C, and N cycles at global scales. Here, we review the literature on how bryophytes influence global biogeochemical cycles, and we highlight that while some aspects of global change represent critical tipping points for survival, bryophytes may also buffer many ecosystems from change due to their capacity for water, C, and N uptake and storage. However, as the thresholds of resistance of bryophytes to temperature and precipitation regime changes are mostly unknown, it is challenging to predict how long this buffering capacity will remain functional. Furthermore, as ecosystems shift their global distribution in response to changing climate, the size of different bryophyte‐influenced biomes will change, resulting in shifts in the magnitude of bryophyte impacts on global ecosystem functions.
The effects of pterygomaxillary disjunction in surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Kuei‐Yuan , Yang Cheng‐Yu , Fan Chia‐Ning , Kuo Chin‐Shan , Fan Shou‐Zen , Chen Yuan‐Wu
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the expansive effects of pterygomaxillary disjunction (PMD) in surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) surgery using a meta‐analysis approach.

Materials and Methods

The study conducted a comprehensive literature search across five databases: PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane, adhering to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Dental alterations were assessed using either cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) or dental casts, while skeletal changes were exclusively measured from CBCT scans. We analysed the dentoskeletal changes between PMD +/− groups and conducted a within‐group comparison. The primary focus of the results was on the mean differences observed in pre‐ and post‐operative measurements.

Results

Dental expansion was larger in the PMD+ group but not statistically significant. Skeletal expansion showed a significantly larger expansion in the posterior region in the PMD+ group (P = .033). Without PMD, anterior palatal expansion was significantly larger (P = .03), and the buccal tipping of posterior teeth was also significantly larger (P = .011) to achieve acceptable dental expansion outcomes.

Conclusions

Both PMD +/− groups of SARME surgery can achieve satisfactory dental expansion outcomes. However, bone expansion and tooth inclination are also important factors that influence orthodontic treatment and post‐expansion stability. By reducing the bony resistance with PMD, larger posterior palatal expansion and more parallel bony expansion are observed. In contrast, without PMD, there is smaller palatal expansion and greater tooth inclination in the posterior region. This could potentially lead to compromised periodontal conditions following expansion.
Evaluation of parental anxiety following three methods of pre‐anesthesia counseling: Video, brochure and verbal communication
Authors: Rudravaram Swetha , Gupta Aikta , Kalra Bhumika , Malhotra Shahzadi , Gupta Manoj Kumar , Kamal Geeta , Agarwal Shilpa , Parida Raunak
Published: April 2024

Background

The purpose of this study is to provide comprehensive and efficient pre‐anesthesia counseling (PAC) utilizing audiovisual aids and to examine their effect on parental anxiety.

Methods

For this prospective, controlled study, 174 parents were recruited and randomized into three groups of 58 (Group A: video, Group B: brochure, and Group C: verbal). During pre‐anesthesia counseling, the parent was provided with a detailed explanation of preoperative preparation, fasting instructions, transport to the operating room, induction, the emergence of anesthesia, and nursing in the post‐anesthesia care unit based on their assigned group. We evaluated parental anxiety using Spielberger's State–Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after the pre‐anesthesia counseling.

Results

The results of our study show a statistically significant difference in the final mean STAI scores among the three groups (Group A: 34.69 ± 5.31, Group B: 36.34 ± 8.59, and Group C: 43.59 ± 3.39; p < .001). When compared to the brochure and verbal groups, the parents in the video group have the greatest difference in mean baseline and final Spielberger's State–Trait Anxiety Inventory scores (12.207 ± 5.291, p .001).

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that pre‐anesthesia counseling by video or a brochure before the day of surgery is associated with a higher reduction in parental anxiety when compared to verbal communication.
“It is not all glowing and kale smoothies”: An exploration of mental health difficulties during pregnancy through women's voices
Authors: Reddish Alison , Golds Lisa , MacBeth Angus
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the experiences of women with moderate‐to‐severe mental health difficulties during pregnancy, with a focus on establishing their psychological needs. Psychological distress caused by mental health difficulties during pregnancy is common and can significantly impact women and their babies. However, women's subjective experiences of difficulties with their mental health throughout pregnancy, alongside their experiences of staff, services and treatments are less well understood.

Design

In this qualitative study, an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach was used.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with participants recruited via a regional Perinatal Mental Health Service. Interviews were transcribed and analysed following the IPA methodology.

Results

Five superordinate themes were identified which represented the lived experiences of the 11 participants on their journey through pregnancy whilst living with mental health difficulties and subsequent psychological distress: (i) Feeling the ‘wrong’ feelings, (ii) Societal pressures and a desire for greater acceptance, (iii) Searching for answers despite a lack of resources, (iv) What made a difference and (v) Experiences and expectations of service provision. Within these themes, 13 subordinate themes were also identified.

Conclusions

These themes highlight the need for greater awareness and acceptance of mental health difficulties during pregnancy as well as postnatally. While perinatal mental health services are evolving, there is still an urgent requirement for services to continue to develop to meet women's needs, as well as to develop the role of clinicians as facilitators of engagement with needs‐matched care.
Rootstocks affect the vulnerability to embolism and pit membrane thickness in Citrus scions
Authors: Miranda Marcela T. , Pires Gabriel S. , Pereira Luciano , de Lima Rodrigo F. , da Silva Simone F. , Mayer Juliana L. S. , Azevedo Fernando A. , Machado Eduardo C. , Jansen Steven , Ribeiro Rafael V.
Published: April 2024

Embolism resistance of xylem tissue varies among species and is an important trait related to drought resistance, with anatomical attributes like pit membrane thickness playing an important role in avoiding embolism spread. Grafted Citrus trees are commonly grown in orchards, with the rootstock being able to affect the drought resistance of the whole plant. Here, we evaluated how rootstocks affect the vulnerability to embolism resistance of the scion using several rootstock/scion combinations. Scions of ‘Tahiti’ acid lime, ‘Hamlin’, ‘Pera’ and ‘Valencia’ oranges grafted on a ‘Rangpur’ lime rootstock exhibit similar vulnerability to embolism. In field‐grown trees, measurements of leaf water potential did not suggest significant embolism formation during the dry season, while stomata of Citrus trees presented an isohydric response to declining water availability. When ‘Valencia’ orange scions were grafted on ‘Rangpur’ lime, ‘IAC 1710’ citrandarin, ‘Sunki Tropical’ mandarin or ‘Swingle’ citrumelo rootstocks, variation in intervessel pit membrane thickness of the scion was found. The ‘Rangpur’ lime rootstock, which is known for its drought resistance, induced thicker pit membranes in the scion, resulting in higher embolism resistance than the other rootstocks. Similarly, the rootstock ‘IAC 1710’ citrandarin generated increased embolism resistance of the scion, which is highly relevant for citriculture.
Can someone be both pro‐life and pro‐choice? Results from a national survey of US adults
Authors: LaRoche Kathryn J. , Jozkowski Kristen N. , Crawford Brandon L. , Jackson Frederica
Published: April 2024

“Pro‐life” and “pro‐choice” are closely associated with discussions about abortion; we refer to the extent that people identify with these terms as “abortion identity.” Most polling measures present pro‐life and pro‐choice as mutually exclusive options, but there is a dearth of information about people who might simultaneously endorse both (or neither) labels.

Method

We administered a survey to adults in the United States (n = 580) that included two different formats for participants to select their abortion identity: a categorical item with response options ranging from strongly pro‐choice to strongly pro‐life (and “both” and “neither”) and two separate items (sliders) that asked people the extent to which they identify with each term. We asked participants endorsing both pro‐life and pro‐choice to some extent on the slider items to explain their responses in an open‐ended item. We used logistic regression to examine the relationship between participants' socio‐demographic characteristics and the likelihood of dual identification slider scores; we analyzed open‐ended data for content and themes.

Results

On the sliders, more than 64% of participants identified as both pro‐life and pro‐choice to some extent. Variability existed between people's abortion identity on the close‐ended items and their response to the open‐ended questions. Among those with mixed abortion identities, participants described abortion as a serious and undesirable option but reflected positively on notions of personal choice and bodily autonomy.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate complexity in measuring people's endorsement of abortion identity labels. We recommend developing more nuanced and consistent measures to assess abortion attitudes.
Medication abortion for adolescents in the United States: Strengthening the role of pediatric primary care providers
Authors: Starosta Anabel , Harris Julen , Gariepy Aileen , Pathy Shefali , Cron Julia
Published: April 2024

Background

Recent legal changes have led to mounting abortion restrictions in the United States (US), disproportionately impacting adolescents, who already face multifaceted barriers to abortion care. Informed by the framework of reproductive justice, adolescents who become pregnant deserve comprehensive, unbiased, and non‐judgmental pregnancy options counseling, inclusive of all choices for pregnancy continuation and termination. Pediatric primary care providers are at the front lines of caring for adolescent patients' reproductive health needs and frequently diagnose pregnancy, provide pregnancy options counseling, and assist patients in accessing abortion care. They are uniquely poised to provide this care given their trusted, ongoing relationships with adolescent patients and their families, and their values of deep respect for adolescents' individuality and autonomy.

Methods

In this commentary, we aim to describe the medical and legal landscape of adolescent abortion access in the US and provide recommendations to support pediatric primary care providers' involvement in abortion care. We focus on medication abortion, as the provision of medication abortion has the potential to encompass a broad group of clinicians, including pediatric primary care providers.

Results

We discuss the importance of providing options counseling to adolescents within the reproductive justice framework, improving abortion education for pediatric providers, and expanding access to abortion care by supporting providers at an institutional level if they opt to provide medication abortions.

Conclusion

In light of the current legal landscape, the role of pediatric primary care providers in ensuring adolescent access to abortion care is ever more critical. Although many pediatric and adolescent providers already provide this important care, we, a team of obstetricians/gynecologists and adolescent medicine physicians, echo prior calls for improved training and institutional support for pediatric providers to counsel about and provide abortion‐related care. We hope that highlighting the role of pediatric providers in this sphere will help center the needs of adolescent patients and help them fulfill their family planning goals.
The MdMYB44‐MdTPR1 repressive complex inhibits MdCCD4 and MdCYP97A3 expression through histone deacetylation to regulate carotenoid biosynthesis in apple
Authors: Huang Benchang , Li Yuchen , Jia Kun , Wang Xinyuan , Wang Huimin , Li Chunyu , Sui Xiuqi , Zhang Yugang , Nie Jiyun , Yuan Yongbing , Jia Dongjie
Published: April 2024

Carotenoids are photosynthetic pigments and antioxidants that contribute to different plant colors. However, the involvement of TOPLESS (TPL/TPR)‐mediated histone deacetylation in the modulation of carotenoid biosynthesis through ethylene‐responsive element‐binding factor‐associated amphiphilic repression (EAR)‐containing transcription factors (TFs) in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is poorly understood. MdMYB44 is a transcriptional repressor that contains an EAR repression motif. In the present study, we used functional analyses and molecular assays to elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which MdMYB44‐MdTPR1‐mediated histone deacetylation influences carotenoid biosynthesis in apples. We identified two carotenoid biosynthetic genes, MdCCD4 and MdCYP97A3, that were confirmed to be involved in MdMYB44‐mediated carotenoid biosynthesis. MdMYB44 enhanced β‐branch carotenoid biosynthesis by repressing MdCCD4 expression, whereas MdMYB44 suppressed lutein level by repressing MdCYP97A3 expression. Moreover, MdMYB44 partially influences carotenoid biosynthesis by interacting with the co‐repressor TPR1 through the EAR motif to inhibit MdCCD4 and MdCYP97A3 expression via histone deacetylation. Our findings indicate that the MdTPR1‐MdMYB44 repressive cascade regulates carotenoid biosynthesis, providing profound insights into the molecular basis of histone deacetylation‐mediated carotenoid biosynthesis in plants. These results also provide evidence that the EAR‐harboring TF/TPL repressive complex plays a universal role in histone deacetylation‐mediated inhibition of gene expression in various plants.
Association between clinical symptoms during the COVID‐19 infection and SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin G titers in COVID‐19 convalescent whole‐blood donors in China
Authors: Chen Xue , Liu Humin , Li Meng , Kang Jianxun , Li Ying , Luo Yue , Du Xinman , Tan Donglin , Wang Qing , Gu Xiaobo , Zhao Zonghan , Fu Xuemei , Tang Jingyun
Published: April 2024

Background

Limited studies have explored the association between clinical symptoms and titers of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies.

Study Design and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, whole‐blood donors who had experienced a confirmed or suspected COVID‐19 infection completed questionnaires at the time of blood donation. Plasma SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for high‐titer COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for each variable.

Results

Among the total 386 donors, 120 (31%) donors with IgG titers ≥1:160 were classified as high‐titer donors. The multivariable ORs (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for high titers were 2.33 (1.45–3.75), 2.11 (1.29–3.43), 1.10 (1.01–1.21), 1.19 (1.00–1.43), and 1.97 (1.05–3.71) for sore throat, cough, symptom count, fever duration, and low fever (compared with non‐fever), respectively. No significant association was observed between other symptoms and medical visits and the odds of high‐titer CCP. The association between high‐titer CCP and fever duration was restricted to confirmed COVID‐19‐infected donors, while associations with sore throat and cough remained significant in suspected infected donors. In addition, medical visit was positively associated with high‐titer CCP in suspected donors, but not in confirmed donors. In bootstrapped logistic regression models, the associations remained significant and reproducible for medical visit in suspected donors and for sore throat and cough in both suspected donors and total donors.

Discussion

Experiencing a sore throat and cough were associated with high‐titer CCP in overall donors. We also identified sore throat, cough, and medical visits as potential predictors of high‐titer CCP for suspected donors during the pandemic.
Probabilistic Galois Theory: The square discriminant case
Authors: Bary‐Soroker Lior , Ben‐Porath Or , Matei Vlad
Published: April 2024

The paper studies the probability for a Galois group of a random polynomial to be . We focus on the so‐called large box model, where we choose the coefficients of the polynomial independently and uniformly from . The state‐of‐the‐art upper bound is , due to Bhargava. We conjecture a much stronger upper bound , and that this bound is essentially sharp. We prove strong lower bounds both on this probability and on the related probability of the discriminant being a square.
Gendered Orientalism and Syrian Women Refugees
Authors: Culcasi Karen
Published: April 2024

Orientalist discourses have long recirculated the idea that Muslim women are oppressed victims of Islam; an idea that has denigrated Muslims and positioned white, Christians as superior. For Muslim women refugees specifically, the gendered orientalist discourse of victimization has reappeared on both sides of the debate on Syrian refugee resettlement in the US and Europe. Within anti-resettlement circles, the narrative of Muslim women as oppressed victims has been leveraged as a reason to stop their resettlement, because their lifestyles and values are framed as incompatible with liberal, Western societies. Pro-resettlement circles, on the other hand, often position Muslim women’s victimization as a reason to save them by resettling them. In other words, the same cultural essentialism that positions Muslim women as victims has been used to reject and to support Muslim refugee resettlement. Yet the representations of Syrian Muslim women as oppressed victims of Islam exist in stark contrast to the strong, capable, and resilient Syrian women refugees scattered across SWANA, Europe, the US, and elsewhere. Building from postcolonial, feminist literature, in this paper I first focus on the intersections of the gendered orientalism and refugee resettlement discourses, underscoring the commonality of the victim discourse on both sides of the Syrian refugee resettlement debate. I then shift to highlight the disconnect between the victim representation and the life and experiences of Syrian women refugees. This later point draws from my research on Syrian Muslim women refugees in Jordan who have managed seemingly insurmountable obstacles with strength and determination; and they have done so in part through their faith. I situate my discussion of their strength within literature on Islamic feminism and Muslim women’s agency.
Block Spectral Method Analysis for Turbomachinery Applications
Authors: Corral Roque , Romera David , Montiel Miguel
Published: April 2024

The block-wise spectral reconstruction of turbomachinery flows has been successfully used in the past to reduce the computational cost of full-annulus turbomachinery simulations. The rationale of the method is based on an explicit representation of the long-wavelengths of the problem using a Fourier expansion of the blocks, which in turn contain the short-wavelength content of the spectrum. This work analyzes the accuracy of this approach and shows that this approximation retains not only the explicit Fourier representation of the long wavelengths and finite volume approximation of the short wavelengths but their interaction as well. This interaction due to the scattering associated with the nonuniformity of the flow is referred to as Tyler–Sofrin modes by turbomachinery practitioners and is highly relevant for many practical applications. The solution’s harmonic content is illustrated by resorting to the linear wave equation with varying propagation speed and the NASA rotor 67 fan.
Corner Separation Control Using Sweeping Jet Actuator in a Compressor Cascade
Authors: Yang Pengcheng , Chen Shaowen , Liu Guanyu , Xu Chen
Published: April 2024

In the pursuit of advancing active flow control (AFC) technology, a more promising nonsteady actuator known as sweeping jet actuator (SJA) has been equipped on the endwall to manage the corner separation in a compressor cascade, while the steady jet actuators with holes were used for comparison. Experimental investigations have been conducted in a low-speed wind tunnel with an inflow Mach number of 0.23. Five-hole probe measurements and the oil flow visualizations were carried out to demonstrate the performance and physics of steady and unsteady blowing on controlling the corner separation. The transient data at the measurement plane were also obtained using the dynamic pressure sensors to get insight into the unsteady characteristics. Variation of jet momentum of both actuators and the excitation frequency of the SJA allows determination of favorable control parameters. Using the SJA with only 0.13% of the cascade mass flow, the total pressure loss which takes the additional energy input into account is reduced by 14.2%, while the steady jet achieves a reduction of 8.4%. The results highlight the superior characteristics of the SJA in controlling the corner separation.
Thermal analysis with high accuracy of multi-beam mask fabrication
Authors: Zhang Yanjun , Dong Kaijun , Liu Zhuming , Chen Delong
Published: April 2024

For a 7 nm technology node and beyond, multi-beam mask fabrication based on charged particles has attracted attention widely and shows great advantages in terms of throughput. However, the heating effect during mask writing is a serious problem and makes deformation error. To address this issue, an accurate analysis of heating with multi-beam writing is necessary. In this study, the thermal effects of electron beams on a mask during writing time (exposure time and nonexposure time) were simulated with a finite element numerical method. The variation in the temperature field with two writing paths (S-shaped and E-shaped) was analyzed. A comparative analysis of the mask’s deformation under different writing paths was conducted. Numerical research shows that the thermal analysis method in this study provides a guide for optimizing the process parameters of mask fabrication.
Comparison between perceived and felt emotions in the soundscape evaluation of urban open spaces
Authors: Zhang Yan , Kang Jian , Yang Biao
Published: April 2024

In the current study on soundscape, the distinction between felt emotion and perceived emotion in soundscape measurement has not been addressed as much as that in music studies. This research was conducted to investigate perceived and felt emotions associated with soundscape evaluation in urban open spaces through a laboratory audio-visual experiment using photographs and binaural recordings of 16 urban open locations across Harbin, China. In total, 46 participants were required to assess both the “perceived emotion” and “felt emotion” of the soundscapes using a questionnaire (in Chinese). First, five felt emotions and seven perceived emotions associated with the soundscape were identified, among which the dominant factors were enjoyment and excitement for felt emotions and comfortable and festive for perceived emotions. Second, when comparing perceived and felt emotions, the holistic soundscape descriptor “preference” is more suitable for predicting through felt emotion, while the holistic soundscape descriptor “appropriateness” is more suitable for predicting through perceived emotion. Third, preference is a more stringent soundscape descriptor than appropriateness, indicating a higher level of requirement in its definition. Meanwhile, preference is a more emotional soundscape descriptor than appropriateness. It may be inferred that for evaluating soundscapes, the more emotional the descriptor, the greater its stringency.
Urbanization alters the song propagation of two human-commensal songbird species
Authors: Grimes Sarah E. , Lewis Eliza J. , Nduwimana Linda A. , Yurk Brian , Ronald Kelly L.
Published: April 2024

Urban expansion has increased pollution, including both physical (e.g., exhaust, litter) and sensory (e.g., anthropogenic noise) components. Urban avian species tend to increase the frequency and/or amplitude of songs to reduce masking by low-frequency noise. Nevertheless, song propagation to the receiver can also be constrained by the environment. We know relatively little about how this propagation may be altered across species that (1) vary in song complexity and (2) inhabit areas along an urbanization gradient. We investigated differences in song amplitude, attenuation, and active space, or the maximum distance a receiver can detect a signal, in two human-commensal species: the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus). We described urbanization both discretely and quantitatively to investigate the habitat characteristics most responsible for propagation changes. We found mixed support for our hypothesis of urban-specific degradation of songs. Urban songs propagated with higher amplitude; however, urban song fidelity was species-specific and showed lowered active space for urban house finch songs. Taken together, our results suggest that urban environments may constrain the propagation of vocal signals in species-specific manners. Ultimately, this has implications for the ability of urban birds to communicate with potential mates or kin.
Lion city soundscapes: Modified partitioning around medoids for a perceptually diverse dataset of Singaporean soundscapes
Authors: Ooi Kenneth , Goh Jessie , Lin Hao-Weng , Ong Zhen-Ting , Wong Trevor , Watcharasupat Karn N. , Lam Bhan , Gan Woon-Seng
Published: April 2024

This study presents a dataset of audio-visual soundscape recordings at 62 different locations in Singapore, initially made as full-length recordings over spans of 9–38 min. For consistency and reduction in listener fatigue in future subjective studies, one-minute excerpts were cropped from the full-length recordings. An automated method using pre-trained models for Pleasantness and Eventfulness (according to ISO 12913) in a modified partitioning around medoids algorithm was employed to generate the set of excerpts by balancing the need to encompass the perceptual space with uniformity in distribution. A validation study on the method confirmed its adherence to the intended design.
Are Barriers to Physical Activity Associated With Changing Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Time in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease? A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Santos Juliane Carolina da Silva , Ritti-Dias Raphael Mendes , Cucato Gabriel Grizzo , Wolosker Nelson , Correia Marilia de Almeida , Farah Breno Quintella
Published: April 2024

The aims of the current study were to analyze the association between the barriers to and changes in physical activity levels and sedentary behavior, as well as to examine whether these barriers change over time in patients with peripheral artery disease. In this longitudinal study, we assessed 72 patients (68% men; 65.7 ± 9.2 years). Physical activity was measured over a 7-day period using an accelerometer, and data were collected on time spent in sedentary activities, low-light physical activities, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activities. Personal and environmental barriers to physical activity were collected using yes or no questions. Assessments were repeated in the same patients after 27 months (95% confidence interval [26, 28] months). Most barriers remained stable in these patients; however, those who reported lack of money experienced an increase in sedentary behavior (β = 392.9 [159.7] min/week, p = .02) and a decrease in low-light physical activity (β = −372.4 [140.1] min/week, p = .02). These findings suggest that patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease typically exhibit stable barriers over time, and individuals reporting lack of money demonstrated a decrease in low-light physical activity and an increase in sedentary behavior after 27 months.
Ciliopathy patient variants reveal organelle-specific functions for TUBB4B in axonemal microtubules
Authors: Dodd Daniel O. , Mechaussier Sabrina , Yeyati Patricia L. , McPhie Fraser , Anderson Jacob R. , Khoo Chen Jing , Shoemark Amelia , Gupta Deepesh K. , Attard Thomas , Zariwala Maimoona A. , Legendre Marie , Bracht Diana , Wallmeier Julia , Gui Miao , Fassad Mahmoud R. , Parry David A. , Tennant Peter A. , Meynert Alison , Wheway Gabrielle , Fares-Taie Lucas , Black Holly A. , Mitri-Frangieh Rana , Faucon Catherine , Kaplan Josseline , Patel Mitali , McKie Lisa , Megaw Roly , Gatsogiannis Christos , Mohamed Mai A. , Aitken Stuart , Gautier Philippe , Reinholt Finn R. , Hirst Robert A. , O’Callaghan Chris , Heimdal Ketil , Bottier Mathieu , Escudier Estelle , Crowley Suzanne , Descartes Maria , Jabs Ethylin W. , Kenia Priti , Amiel Jeanne , Bacci Giacomo Maria , Calogero Claudia , Palazzo Viviana , Tiberi Lucia , Blümlein Ulrike , Rogers Andrew , Wambach Jennifer A. , Wegner Daniel J. , Fulton Anne B. , Kenna Margaret , Rosenfeld Margaret , Holm Ingrid A. , Quigley Alan , Hall Emma A. , Murphy Laura C. , Cassidy Diane M. , von Kriegsheim Alex ,   Scottish Genomes Partnership,   Genomics England Research Consortium,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Papon Jean-François , Pasquier Laurent , Murris Marlène S. , Chalmers James D , Hogg Claire , Macleod Kenneth A. , Urquhart Don S. , Unger Stefan , Aitman Timothy J. , Amselem Serge , Leigh Margaret W. , Knowles Michael R. , Omran Heymut , Mitchison Hannah M. , Brown Alan , Marsh Joseph A. , Welburn Julie P. I. , Ti Shih-Chieh , Horani Amjad , Rozet Jean-Michel , Perrault Isabelle , Mill Pleasantine
Published: April 2024

Tubulin, one of the most abundant cytoskeletal building blocks, has numerous isotypes in metazoans encoded by different conserved genes. Whether these distinct isotypes form cell type– and context-specific microtubule structures is poorly understood. Based on a cohort of 12 patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia as well as mouse mutants, we identified and characterized variants in the
TUBB4B
isotype that specifically perturbed centriole and cilium biogenesis. Distinct
TUBB4B
variants differentially affected microtubule dynamics and cilia formation in a dominant-negative manner. Structure-function studies revealed that different TUBB4B variants disrupted distinct tubulin interfaces, thereby enabling stratification of patients into three classes of ciliopathic diseases. These findings show that specific tubulin isotypes have distinct and nonredundant subcellular functions and establish a link between tubulinopathies and ciliopathies.
Vitamin D regulates microbiome-dependent cancer immunity
Authors: Giampazolias Evangelos , Pereira da Costa Mariana , Lam Khiem C. , Lim Kok Haw Jonathan , Cardoso Ana , Piot Cécile , Chakravarty Probir , Blasche Sonja , Patel Swara , Biram Adi , Castro-Dopico Tomas , Buck Michael D. , Rodrigues Richard R. , Poulsen Gry Juul , Palma-Duran Susana A. , Rogers Neil C. , Koufaki Maria A. , Minutti Carlos M. , Wang Pengbo , Vdovin Alexander , Frederico Bruno , Childs Eleanor , Lee Sonia , Simpson Ben , Iseppon Andrea , Omenetti Sara , Kelly Gavin , Goldstone Robert , Nye Emma , Suárez-Bonnet Alejandro , Priestnall Simon L. , MacRae James I. , Zelenay Santiago , Patil Kiran Raosaheb , Litchfield Kevin , Lee James C. , Jess Tine , Goldszmid Romina S. , Reis e Sousa Caetano
Published: April 2024

A role for vitamin D in immune modulation and in cancer has been suggested. In this work, we report that mice with increased availability of vitamin D display greater immune-dependent resistance to transplantable cancers and augmented responses to checkpoint blockade immunotherapies. Similarly, in humans, vitamin D–induced genes correlate with improved responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment as well as with immunity to cancer and increased overall survival. In mice, resistance is attributable to the activity of vitamin D on intestinal epithelial cells, which alters microbiome composition in favor of
Bacteroides fragilis
, which positively regulates cancer immunity. Our findings indicate a previously unappreciated connection between vitamin D, microbial commensal communities, and immune responses to cancer. Collectively, they highlight vitamin D levels as a potential determinant of cancer immunity and immunotherapy success.
Nickel binding enables isolation and reactivity of previously inaccessible 7-aza-2,3-indolynes
Authors: Humke Jenna N. , Belli Roman G. , Plasek Erin E. , Kargbo Sallu S. , Ansel Annabel Q. , Roberts Courtney C.
Published: April 2024

N-Heteroaromatics are key elements of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials. N-Heteroarynes provide a scaffold to build these essential molecules but are underused because five-membered N-heteroarynes have been largely inaccessible on account of the strain of a triple bond in that small of a ring. On the basis of principles of metal-ligand interactions that are foundational to organometallic chemistry, in this work we report the stabilization of five-membered N-heteroarynes in the nickel coordination sphere. A series of 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane nickel 7-azaindol-2,3-yne complexes were synthesized and characterized crystallographically and spectroscopically. Ambiphilic reactivity of the nickel 7-azaindol-2,3-yne complexes was observed with multiple nucleophilic, electrophilic, and enophilic coupling partners.
The positive impact of conservation action
Authors: Langhammer Penny F. , Bull Joseph W. , Bicknell Jake E. , Oakley Joseph L. , Brown Mary H. , Bruford Michael W. , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Carr Jamie A. , Church Don , Cooney Rosie , Cutajar Simone , Foden Wendy , Foster Matthew N. , Gascon Claude , Geldmann Jonas , Genovesi Piero , Hoffmann Michael , Howard-McCombe Jo , Lewis Tiffany , Macfarlane Nicholas B. W. , Melvin Zoe E. , Merizalde Rossana Stoltz , Morehouse Meredith G. , Pagad Shyama , Polidoro Beth , Sechrest Wes , Segelbacher Gernot , Smith Kevin G. , Steadman Janna , Strongin Kyle , Williams Jake , Woodley Stephen , Brooks Thomas M.
Published: April 2024

Governments recently adopted new global targets to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity. It is therefore crucial to understand the outcomes of conservation actions. We conducted a global meta-analysis of 186 studies (including 665 trials) that measured biodiversity over time and compared outcomes under conservation action with a suitable counterfactual of no action. We find that in two-thirds of cases, conservation either improved the state of biodiversity or at least slowed declines. Specifically, we find that interventions targeted at species and ecosystems, such as invasive species control, habitat loss reduction and restoration, protected areas, and sustainable management, are highly effective and have large effect sizes. This provides the strongest evidence to date that conservation actions are successful but require transformational scaling up to meet global targets.