bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Immigration Produce a Public Backlash or Public Acceptance? Time-Series, Cross-Sectional Evidence from Thirty European Democracies
Authors: Claassen Christopher , McLaren Lauren
Published: July 2021

After decades of relatively high inflows of foreign nationals, immigration is now at the center of substantial political divisions in most European countries and has been implicated in one of the most vexing developments in European politics, the rise of the xenophobic right. However, it is not clear whether high levels of immigration actually do cause a public backlash, or whether publics become habituated to, and supportive of, immigration. This study tests these backlash and habituation theories using novel measures of immigration mood and immigration concern produced by combining over 4,000 opinion datapoints across twenty-nine years and thirty countries. The authors find evidence of a public backlash in the short to medium run, where mood turns negative and concern about immigration rises. Yet the study also finds evidence of a longer-run process of habituation that cancels out the backlash effect within one (concern) to three (mood) decades.
The Annihilation of Space: A Bad (Historical) Concept
Authors: Litvine Alexis D.
Published: July 2021

This article is a reminder that the concept of ‘annihilation of space’ or ‘spatial compression’, often used as a shorthand for referring to the cultural or economic consequences of industrial mobility, has a long intellectual history. The concept thus comes loaded with a specific outlook on the experience of modernity, which is – I argue – unsuitable for any cultural or social history of space. This article outlines the etymology of the concept and shows: first, that the historical phenomena it pretends to describe are too complex for such a simplistic signpost; and, second, that the term is never a neutral descriptor but always an engagement with a form of historical and cultural mediation on the nature of modernity in relation to space. In both cases this term obfuscates more than it reveals. As a counter-example, I look at the effect of the railways on popular representations of space and conclude that postmodern geography is a relative dead end for historians interested in the social and cultural history of space.
Effects of parental stature on child stunting in India
Authors: Gupta Amrita , Cleland John , Sekher T. V.
Published: July 2021

Adult heights in India are short. Child stunting remains high though the prevalence fell from 48% to 38% in the decade prior to 2016. This study assesses the links between parental height and child stunting using nationally representative data on 28,975 under-five-year-old children from the 2015–16 National Family Health Survey. Parental heights are represented as quintiles. Logistic regression was applied to estimate the effect of parental heights after adjustment for household wealth, parental schooling, place of residence and other covariates. The unadjusted estimates showed the effect on stunting to be similar for maternal height, wealth and education. In the multivariate analysis maternal height emerged as the strongest predictor of stunting, with adjusted odds of 2.85 for the shortest compared with the tallest quintile. The two other strong predictors of stunting were paternal height and wealth, with adjusted odds of close to 2.0 for the lowest quintile relative to the highest quintiles. In comparison, associations between stunting and other factors were minor, with the partial exception of mother’s education. The findings underscore the key role of intergenerational influences on stunting. Maternal height has a stronger association with childhood stunting than paternal height and socioeconomic influences such as education and household wealth. The influence of paternal height is also strong, equal in magnitude to household wealth. Health workers need to be alerted to the special needs of short women.
‘Horse Race, Rich in Woes’: Orestes’ Chariot Race and the Erinyes in Sophocles’Electra
Authors: Johnston Alexandre
Published: July 2021

This article offers a new, ironic reading of the false narrative of Orestes’ chariot accident in Sophocles’Electra(680–763). It argues that the speech exploits an established connection between the ancestral evils of the Atreids and the thematic nexus of horses, chariot racing and disaster to evoke Orestes’ flight from the Erinyes following the matricide. Focusing on the language and structure of the narrative as well as drawing on other versions of the story (notably the surviving plays by Aeschylus and Euripides), the article demonstrates, in contrast to previous readings, that the speech is much more than an over-elaborate means to an end. Instead, in an ominous and profoundly ironic twist, the Paedagogus’ fictional narrative of the chariot race offers a possible vision of the trials awaiting the real Orestes. The matricide and murder, far from ending the ancestral woes of the Atreids, may well bring about Orestes’ pursuit by the Erinyes.
Imaginary Phrygians: Cognitive Consonance and the Assumed Phrygian Origin of Greek Ecstatic Cults and Music
Authors: Ustinova Yulia
Published: July 2021

While Greeks called the ecstatic musical mode ‘Phrygian’, there is no evidence of high-arousal musical performances in Phrygia, and the musical characteristics of this mode were distinctively Greek. The image of wide-ranging excited celebrations practised in Phrygia seems to have existed only in the imagination of the Greeks and Romans. This paper suggests that the uneasiness felt by some Greeks facing high-arousal cults was assuaged by attributing them foreign origin, which was often fictitious. By culturally dissociating themselves from the ecstatic practices, the Greeks resolved the cognitive inconsistency between their self-perception as citizens of the decorous civilized world and their surrender to the irresistible allure of high-arousal cults and music. These false attitudes allowed cognitive consonance and attained the status of indubitable truth. Upheld throughout antiquity, they persuaded many modern scholars, who still mistakenly consider the Phrygian musical mode as an Oriental borrowing.
EFFECTS OF LEARNING DIRECTION IN RETRIEVAL PRACTICE ON EFL VOCABULARY LEARNING
Authors: Terai Masato , Yamashita Junko , Pasich Kelly E.
Published: July 2021

In paired-associate learning, there are two learning directions: L2 to L1 (L2 words as stimuli and L1 words as responses) and L1 to L2 (L1 words as stimuli and L2 words as responses). Results of previous studies that compared the effects of the two learning directions are not consistent. We speculated that the cause of this inconsistency may be L2 proficiency, as the strengths of the lexical links between L2 and L1 are different depending on the learner’s L2 proficiency. This hypothesis was examined with 28 native speakers of Japanese learning English. Participants studied novel English words in the two learning directions. The results of posttests showed that for lower-proficiency learners, L2-to-L1 learning was more effective than L1-to-L2 learning, while for higher-proficiency learners, L1-to-L2 learning was more effective. The findings suggest that L2 proficiency influences the effects of learning direction on vocabulary learning.
Neoliberal Thinkers and European Integration in the 1980s and the Early 1990s
Authors: Ventresca Roberto
Published: July 2021

This article explores how a specific strand of neoliberal-oriented intellectuals, namely those who revolved around the Mont Pèlerin Society (MPS), conceptualised the EEC policies between the 1980s and the early 1990s. In particular, this contribution considers two MPS general meetings, respectively held in 1982 and 1990, which were dedicated to the issue of European integration. Drawing on both primary and secondary sources, this article first assesses how neoliberal thinkers commented on and interpreted the EEC transformations during the 1980s. Second, it challenges the assumption according to which the run-up to the establishment of the EU was the outcome of a consolidated project of neoliberalisation of the EEC and EU institutions. Finally, this article shows in which terms these neoliberal thinkers conceived of the depoliticisation of European institutions after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the looming end of the Cold War.
Advice Literature in the Time of Akbar: A Sixteenth-Century mathnawī as a book of advice for the Emperor of Mughal India
Authors: HAQUE ZEYAUL
Published: July 2021

This article is an attempt to add a mathnawī of the sixteenth century Mughal India composed by a Mughal poet and noble, Mīrzā Khanjar Beg, for his contemporary ruler, Akbar, to the vast treasure of what is known as the advice literature or Mirror for Princes. The article deals with the content, structure, and style of the mathanwī, and contextualises it in contemporary partisan politics along with an emphasis on its features as an advice book for rulers.
Application of the MISTEACHING(S) disease susceptibility framework to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae to identify research gaps: an exemplar of a veterinary pathogen
Authors: Langford Paul R. , Stringer Oliver W. , Li Yanwen , Bossé Janine T.
Published: July 2021

Historically, the MISTEACHING (microbiome, immunity, sex, temperature, environment, age, chance, history, inoculum, nutrition, genetics) framework to describe the outcome of host−pathogen interaction, has been applied to human pathogens. Here, we show, using Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae as an exemplar, that the MISTEACHING framework can be applied to a strict veterinary pathogen, enabling the identification of major research gaps, the formulation of hypotheses whose study will lead to a greater understanding of pathogenic mechanisms, and/or improved prevention/therapeutic measures. We also suggest that the MISTEACHING framework should be extended with the inclusion of a ‘strain’ category, to become MISTEACHINGS. We conclude that the MISTEACHINGS framework can be applied to veterinary pathogens, whether they be bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites, and hope to stimulate others to use it to identify research gaps and to formulate hypotheses worthy of study with their own pathogens.
Fetal programming by androgen excess impairs liver lipid content and PPARg expression in adult rats
Authors: Silva Aimé Florencia , Abruzzese Giselle Adriana , Ferrer María José , Heber María Florencia , Ferreira Silvana Rocío , Cerrone Gloria Edith , Motta Alicia Beatriz
Published: July 2021

It is known that prenatal hyperandrogenization induces alterations since early stages of life, contributing to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome affecting the reproductive axis and the metabolic status, thus promoting others associated disorders, such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, liver dysfunction, and even steatosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of fetal programming by androgen excess on the hepatic lipid content and metabolic mediators at adult life. Pregnant rats were hyperandrogenized with daily subcutaneous injections of 1 mg of free testosterone from days 16 to 19 of pregnancy. The prenatally hyperandrogenized (PH) female offspring displayed two phenotypes: irregular ovulatory phenotype (PHiov) and anovulatory phenotype (PHanov), with different metabolic and endocrine features. We evaluated the liver lipid content and the main aspect of the balance between fatty acid (FA) synthesis and oxidation. We investigated the status of the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) alpha and gamma, which act as lipid mediators, and the adipokine chemerin, one marker of liver alterations. We found that prenatal hyperandrogenization altered the liver lipid profile with increased FAs levels in the PHanov phenotype and decreased cholesterol content in the PHiov phenotype. FA metabolism was also disturbed, including decreased mRNA and protein PPARgamma levels and impaired gene expression of the main enzymes involved in lipid metabolism. Moreover, we found low chemerin protein levels in both PH phenotypes. In conclusion, these data suggest that prenatal hyperandrogenization exerts a negative effect on the liver and alters lipid content and metabolic mediators’ expression at adult age.
Following the Science by Roger A. Pielke Sr.
Authors: Pielke Roger A.
Published: July 2021

The pursuit of basic knowledge and conveying that knowledge for the benefit of society is one of the most rewarding endeavors of life. The opportunity to devote one's professional life to science in order to learn and create new knowledge is intoxicating. This short article highlights some of the aspects of my career that perhaps students and others will find useful, including life experiences that directly affected my career. I also suggest opportunities for major advances in our understanding and predictability of Earth system processes.
A Fast and Generic Method to Identify Parameters in Complex and Embedded Geophysical Models: The Example of Turbulent Mixing in the Ocean
Authors: Aldebert Clement , Koenig Guillaume , Baklouti Melika , Fraunié Philippe , Devenon Jean‐Luc
Published: July 2021

Geophysical models make predictions relying on parameter values to be estimated from data. However, existing methods are costly because they require either many runs of the complex geophysical model or to implement an adjoint model. Here, we propose an alternative approach based on optimal control theory which is the simultaneous perturbations stochastic approximation (SPSA). This gradient‐descent method is generic and easy to implement, and its computational cost does not increase with the number of parameters to optimize. This study aims at highlighting the potential of SPSA for parameter identification in geophysical models. Through the example of vertical turbulent mixing in the upper ocean, we show with twin experiments that the method could successfully identify parameter values that minimize model‐data discrepancy. The efficient and easy‐to‐get results provided by SPSA in this study should pave the way for a broader use of parameter identification in the complex and embedded models commonly used in geophysical sciences.
Ionospheric F‐Layer Scintillation Variabilities Over the American Sector During Sudden Stratospheric Warming Events
Authors: Ye Hailun , Xue Xianghui , Yu Tao , Sun Yang‐Yi , Yi Wen , Long Chi , Zhang Weifan , Dou Xiankang
Published: July 2021

The present study investigates the ionospheric F‐layer scintillation responses in the American sector (90°W–0°, ±50° dip latitude) during the Northern Hemisphere winter sudden stratospheric warming events of 2007–2008, 2008–2009, 2009–2010, and 2012–2013. The scintillation data used in this work are obtained from the radio occultation observations of the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) mission. The important results of this study are described as follows: the occurrence altitude and rate of ionospheric F‐layer scintillation over the American sector decrease by an average of 13.48 km and 17%, respectively, during the sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) periods compared with the pre‐SSW periods. We find that ionospheric F‐layer scintillation over the American sector shows similar inhibitory responses to each SSW event, although these SSW events have diversities in some aspects, such as SSW types and solar and geomagnetic activities. To our knowledge, this study is the first to discover that an SSW event under low solar activity, including a minor warming event, can obviously affect the generation of ionospheric irregularities. Additionally, the types of SSW events may influence the decrease in altitude but not the occurrence rate. The decreased plasma vertical drift during prereversal enhancement, together with the changed meridional wind, are the possible mechanisms for the above results. In addition, we find that the enhanced planetary wave and lunar semidiurnal tide activities may be responsible for the decreases in the occurrence rate of ionospheric F‐layer scintillation before the peak warming of the 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 SSW events.
Intraseasonal‐to‐Interannual Analysis of Discharge and Suspended Sediment Concentration Time‐Series of the Upper Changjiang (Yangtze River)
Authors: Juez C. , Garijo N. , Hassan M. A. , Nadal‐Romero E.
Published: July 2021

Sediment transport is the main driver of the channel morphology and landscape evolution, with implications for chemical and biological river processes, and human‐related activities. Understanding the processes governing the relations between discharge and suspended sediments is essential for the management of river catchments and river networks. Here, we use the method of wavelet transformation to identify the time‐scale dependency of suspended sediment patterns concerning the temporally and spatially uneven transient processes of sediment production, accumulation, and transport. We analyze the temporal variation of concurrent discharge and suspended sediment fluxes for the Upper Changjiang (Yangtze River, China) at Pingshan station by using a long‐term database collected for over 50 years. Furthermore, we bridge the limitations of pure predictive models to learn from temporal data structures with the main purpose of identifying the mechanisms underpinning the suspended sediment patterns (e.g., climatic forces). Intraseasonal‐to‐seasonal, annual, and inter‐annual dominant time‐scales are thus identified. The short time‐scales are driven by the bi‐modal seasonal precipitation pattern specific to the climate of the region and provide a continuous supply of sediments to the river. The large time‐scales, controlled by high magnitude flow events and within‐reach sediment storage, display alternating periods of increasing and decreasing sediment fluxes; ultimately, they maintain the river channel within balance or within a moderate positive sediment accumulation process. This analysis and methodology help to understand temporal sediment dynamics, and ultimately to manage river catchments.
A Guide to Using GitHub for Developing and Versioning Data Standards and Reporting Formats
Authors: Crystal‐Ornelas Robert , Varadharajan Charuleka , Bond‐Lamberty Ben , Boye Kristin , Burrus Madison , Cholia Shreyas , Crow Michael , Damerow Joan , Devarakonda Ranjeet , Ely Kim S. , Goldman Amy , Heinz Susan , Hendrix Valerie , Kakalia Zarine , Pennington Stephanie C. , Robles Emily , Rogers Alistair , Simmonds Maegen , Velliquette Terri , Weierbach Helen , Weisenhorn Pamela , Welch Jessica N. , Agarwal Deborah A.
Published: July 2021

Data standardization combined with descriptive metadata facilitate data reuse, which is the ultimate goal of the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) principles. Community data or metadata standards are increasingly created through an approach that emphasizes collaboration between various stakeholders. Such an approach requires platforms for collaboration on the development process that centers on sharing information and receiving feedback. Our objective in this study was to conduct a systematic review to identify data standards and reporting formats that use version control for developing data standards and to summarize common practices, particularly in earth and environmental sciences. Out of 108 data standards and reporting formats identified in our review, 32 used GitHub as the version control platform, and no other platforms were used. We found no universally accepted methodology for developing and publishing data standards. Many GitHub repositories did not use key features that could help developers to gather user feedback, or to create and revise standards that build on previous work. We provide guidance for community‐driven standard development and associated documentation on GitHub based on a systematic review of existing practices.
The Climates of Earth’s Next Supercontinent: Effects of Tectonics, Rotation Rate, and Insolation
Authors: Way M. J. , Davies H. S. , Duarte J. C. , Green J. A. M.
Published: July 2021

We explore two possible Earth climate scenarios, 200 and 250 million years into the future, using projections of the evolution of plate tectonics, solar luminosity, and rotation rate. In one scenario, a supercontinent forms at low latitudes, whereas in the other it forms at high northern latitudes with an Antarctic subcontinent remaining at the south pole. The climates between these two end points are quite stark, with differences in mean surface temperatures approaching several degrees. The main factor in these differences is related to the topographic height of the high latitude supercontinents where higher elevations promote snowfall and subsequent higher planetary albedos. These results demonstrate the need to consider multiple boundary conditions when simulating Earth‐like exoplanetary climates.
Slip‐Rate on the Main Köpetdag (Kopeh Dagh) Strike‐Slip Fault, Turkmenistan, and the Active Tectonics of the South Caspian
Authors: Walker R. T. , Bezmenov Y. , Begenjev G. , Carolin S. , Dodds N. , Gruetzner C. , Jackson J. A. , Mirzin R. , Mousavi Z. , Rhodes E. J.
Published: July 2021

We provide the first measurement of strike‐slip and shortening rates across the 200‐km‐long right‐lateral strike‐slip Main Köpetdag Fault (MKDF) in Turkmenistan. Strike‐slip and shortening components are accommodated on parallel structures separated by ∼10 km. Using Infra‐red‐stimulated luminescence and reconstruction of offset alluvial fans we find a right‐lateral rate of 9.1 ± 1.3 mm/yr averaged over 100 ± 5 ka, and a shortening rate of only ∼0.3 mm/yr averaged over 35 ± 4 ka across the frontal thrust, though additional shortening is likely to be accommodated locally by folding and faulting, and regionally within the eastern Caspian lowlands to its south. The MKDF is estimated to have ∼35 km of cumulative right‐lateral slip which, if these geological measurements are correct, would accumulate in only 3–5 Ma at the rate we have determined, suggesting that the present tectonic configuration started within that time period. We use the MKDF slip‐rate to form a velocity triangle, from which we estimate the Iran‐South Caspian and Eurasia‐South Caspian shortening rates, and show that the South Caspian Basin moves at 10.4 ± 1.1 mm/yr in direction 333° ± 5 relative to Eurasia and at 4.8 ± 0.8 mm/yr in direction 236° ± 14 relative to Iran. In contrast to both the eastern Köpetdag and the Caspian lowlands the MKDF has little recent or historical seismicity. The rapid slip‐rate estimated here suggests that it is a zone of high earthquake hazard.
Neuroplastin in human cognition: review of literature and future perspectives
Authors: Ilic Katarina , Mlinac-Jerkovic Kristina , Sedmak Goran , Rosenzweig Ivana , Kalanj-Bognar Svjetlana
Published: July 2021

Synaptic glycoprotein neuroplastin is involved in synaptic plasticity and complex molecular events underlying learning and memory. Studies in mice and rats suggest that neuroplastin is essential for cognition, as it is needed for long-term potentiation and associative memory formation. Recently, it was found that some of the effects of neuroplastin are related to regulation of calcium homeostasis through interactions with plasma membrane calcium ATPases. Neuroplastin is increasingly seen as a key factor in complex brain functions, but studies in humans remain scarce. Here we summarize present knowledge about neuroplastin in human tissues and argue its genetic association with cortical thickness, intelligence, schizophrenia, and autism; specific immunolocalization depicting hippocampal trisynaptic pathway; potential role in tissue compensatory response in neurodegeneration; and high, almost housekeeping, level of spatio-temporal gene expression in the human brain. We also propose that neuroplastin acts as a housekeeper of neuroplasticity, and that it may be considered as an important novel cognition-related molecule in humans. Several promising directions for future investigations are suggested, which may complete our understanding of neuroplastin actions in molecular basis of human cognition.
Erlotinib protests against LPS-induced parthanatos through inhibiting macrophage surface TLR4 expression
Authors: Xue Qiong , Liu Xiaolei , Chen Cuiping , Zhang Xuedi , Xie Pengyun , Liu Yupin , Zhou Shuangnan , Tang Jing
Published: July 2021

Sepsis is a life-threatening cascading systemic inflammatory response syndrome on account of serve infection. In inflamed tissues, activated macrophages generate large amounts of inflammatory cytokines reactive species, and are exposed to the damaging effects of reactive species. However, comparing with necroptosis and pyroptosis, so far, there are few studies focusing on the overproduction-related cell death, such as parthanatos in macrophage during sepsis. In LPS-treated macrophage, we observed PARP-1 activation, PAR formation and AIF translocation. All these phenomena could be inhibited by both erlotinib and 3-AB, indicating the presence of parthanatos in endotoxemia. We further found that LPS induced the increase of cell surface TLR4 expression responsible for the production of ROS and subsequent parthanatos in endotoxemia. All these results shed a new light on how TLR4 regulating the activation of PARP-1 by LPS in macrophage.
Inflammation as a diagnostic criterion in the GLIM definition of malnutrition—what CRP-threshold relates to reduced food intake in older patients with acute disease?
Authors: Pourhassan Maryam , Cederholm Tommy , Trampisch Ulrike , Volkert Dorothee , Wirth Rainer
Published: July 2021

Background/objectives

In the recently introduced GLIM diagnosis of malnutrition (Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition), details of how to classify inflammation as an etiologic criterion are lacking. This study aimed to determine at what level of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) the risk of low food intake increases in acutely ill older hospitalized patients.

Subjects/methods

A total of 377 patients, who were consecutively admitted to a geriatric acute care ward, were analyzed. Nutritional intake was determined using the food intake item of Nutritional Risk Screening and the plate diagram method and patients were grouped into three categories as >75%, 50–75% and ≤50% of requirements. CRP was analyzed according to standard procedures and patients were classified into different CRP groups as follows: 0.0–0.99 mg/dl, 1.0–1.99 mg/dl, 2.0–2.99 mg/dl, 3.0–4.99 mg/dl, 5.0–9.99 mg/dl and ≥10.0 mg/dl.

Results

Of the total population (mean age of 82.2 ± 6.6 years; 241 females), 82 (22%) had intake <50% of requirements and 126 (33%) demonstrated moderate to severe inflammation. Patients with food intake <50% of requirements had a significantly higher median CRP level compared to patients with food intake >75% of requirements (P < 0.001). The group with serum-CRP levels above 3.0 mg/dl had a markedly higher proportion of patients with low food intake; i.e., <50% and <75% of the requirements.

Conclusion

A serum-CRP of 3.0 mg/dl appears to be a reasonable threshold of acute inflammation leading to reduced food intake to serve as an orientation with regard to the inflammation criterion of the GLIM diagnosis in acutely ill older patients.
Gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy: the Qatari experience
Authors: Ali Hossamaldein Gaber , Ibrahim Khalid , Elsaid Mahmoud Fawzi , Mohamed Reem Babiker , Abeidah Mahmoud I. A. , Al Rawwas Azhar Othman , Elshafey Khaled , Almulla Hajer , El-Akouri Karen , Almulla Mariam , Othman Amna , Musa Sara , Al-Mesaifri Fatma , Ali Rehab , Shahbeck Noora , Al-Mureikhi Mariam , Alsulaiman Reem , Alkaabi Saad , Ben-Omran Tawfeg
Published: July 2021

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder characterized by hypotonia, progressive muscle weakness, and wasting. Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma®) is a novel gene therapy medicine, FDA-approved in May 2019 for the treatment of SMA. This study aimed to describe Qatari experience with onasemnogene abeparvovec by reviewing the clinical outcomes of 9 SMA children (7 SMA type 1 and 2 with SMA type 2) aged 4‒23 months treated between November 2019 and July 2020. Children <2 years with 5q SMA with a bi-allelic mutation in the SMN1 gene were eligible for gene therapy. Liver function (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and total bilirubin), platelet count, coagulation profile, troponin-I levels, and motor scores (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders [CHOP INTEND]), were regularly monitored following gene therapy. All patients experienced elevated AST or ALT, two experienced high prothrombin time, and one experienced elevated bilirubin; all of these patients were asymptomatic. Furthermore, one event of vomiting after infusion was reported in one patient. Significant improvements in CHOP INTEND scores were observed following therapy. This study describes the short-term outcomes and safety of onasemnogene abeparvovec, which is well tolerated and shows promise for early efficacy.
High energy barriers for edge dislocation motion in body-centered cubic high entropy alloys
Authors: Kubilay R. E. , Ghafarollahi A. , Maresca F. , Curtin W. A.
Published: July 2021

Recent theory proposes that edge dislocations in random body-centered cubic (BCC) high entropy alloys have high barriers for motion, conveying high strengths up to high temperatures. Here, the energy barriers for edge motion are computed for two model alloys, NbTaV and MoNbTaW as represented by interatomic potentials, using the Nudged Elastic Band method and compared to theoretical predictions. The average magnitude of the barriers and the average spacing of the barriers along the glide direction agree well with the analytical theory, with no adjustable parameters. The evolution of the barriers versus applied stress is modeled, and the mean strength is in reasonable agreement with the predicted zero-temperature strength. These findings validate the analytic theory. A reduced analytic model based on solute misfit volumes is then applied to Hf-Mo-Nb-Ta-Ti-Zr and Mo-Nb-Ta-Ti-V-W alloys, rationalizing the observed significant strength increases at room temperature and 1000 ∘C upon addition of solutes with large misfit into a base alloy. The analytic theory for edge motion is thus a powerful validated tool for guiding alloy selection.
Incidental findings from cancer next generation sequencing panels
Authors: Maani Nika , Panabaker Karen , McCuaig Jeanna M. , Buckley Kathleen , Semotiuk Kara , Farncombe Kirsten M. , Ainsworth Peter , Panchal Seema , Sadikovic Bekim , Armel Susan Randall , Lin Hanxin , Kim Raymond H.
Published: July 2021

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have facilitated multi-gene panel (MGP) testing to detect germline DNA variants in hereditary cancer patients. This sensitive technique can uncover unexpected, non-germline incidental findings indicative of mosaicism, clonal hematopoiesis (CH), or hematologic malignancies. A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify cases of incidental findings from NGS-MGP testing. Inclusion criteria included: 1) multiple pathogenic variants in the same patient; 2) pathogenic variants at a low allele fraction; and/or 3) the presence of pathogenic variants not consistent with family history. Secondary tissue analysis, complete blood count (CBC) and medical record review were conducted to further delineate the etiology of the pathogenic variants. Of 6060 NGS-MGP tests, 24 cases fulfilling our inclusion criteria were identified. Pathogenic variants were detected in TP53, ATM, CHEK2, BRCA1 and APC. 18/24 (75.0%) patients were classified as CH, 3/24 (12.5%) as mosaic, 2/24 (8.3%) related to a hematologic malignancy, and 1/24 (4.2%) as true germline. We describe a case-specific workflow to identify and interpret the nature of incidental findings on NGS-MGP. This workflow will provide oncology and genetic clinics a practical guide for the management and counselling of patients with unexpected NGS-MGP findings.
Time-varying quantum channel models for superconducting qubits
Authors: Etxezarreta Martinez Josu , Fuentes Patricio , Crespo Pedro , Garcia-Frias Javier
Published: July 2021

The decoherence effects experienced by the qubits of a quantum processor are generally characterized using the amplitude damping time (T1) and the dephasing time (T2). Quantum channel models that exist at the time of writing assume that these parameters are fixed and invariant. However, recent experimental studies have shown that they exhibit a time-varying (TV) behaviour. These time-dependant fluctuations of T1 and T2, which become even more pronounced in the case of superconducting qubits, imply that conventional static quantum channel models do not capture the noise dynamics experienced by realistic qubits with sufficient precision. In this article, we study how the fluctuations of T1 and T2 can be included in quantum channel models. We propose the idea of time-varying quantum channel (TVQC) models, and we show how they provide a more realistic portrayal of decoherence effects than static models in some instances. We also discuss the divergence that exists between TVQCs and their static counterparts by means of a metric known as the diamond norm. In many circumstances this divergence can be significant, which indicates that the time-dependent nature of decoherence must be considered, in order to construct models that capture the real nature of quantum devices.
Describing chain-like assembly of ethoxygroup-functionalized organic molecules on Au(111) using high-throughput simulations
Authors: Lokamani  , Kelling Jeffrey , Ohmann Robin , Meyer Jörg , Kühne Tim , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Wolf Jannic , Juckeland Guido , Huhn Thomas , Zahn Peter , Moresco Francesca , Gemming Sibylle
Published: July 2021

Due to the low corrugation of the Au(111) surface, 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)-2,5-bis(ethoxy)benzene (PEEB) molecules can form quasi interlocked lateral patterns, which are observed in scanning tunneling microscopy experiments at low temperatures. We demonstrate a multi-dimensional clustering approach to quantify the anisotropic pair-wise interaction of molecules and explain these patterns. We perform high-throughput calculations to evaluate an energy function, which incorporates the adsorption energy of single PEEB molecules on the metal surface and the intermolecular interaction energy of a pair of PEEB molecules. The analysis of the energy function reveals, that, depending on coverage density, specific types of pattern are preferred which can potentially be exploited to form one-dimensional molecular wires on Au(111).
Lethal coalitionary attacks of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) on gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in the wild
Authors: Southern Lara M. , Deschner Tobias , Pika Simone
Published: July 2021

Intraspecies violence, including lethal interactions, is a relatively common phenomenon in mammals. Contrarily, interspecies violence has mainly been investigated in the context of predation and received most research attention in carnivores. Here, we provide the first information of two lethal coalitionary attacks of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) on another hominid species, western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), that occur sympatrically in the Loango National Park in Gabon. In both events, the chimpanzees significantly outnumbered the gorillas and victims were infant gorillas. We discuss these observations in light of the two most widely accepted theoretical explanations for interspecific lethal violence, predation and competition, and combinations of the two-intraguild predation and interspecific killing. Given these events meet conditions proposed to trigger coalitional killing of neighbours in chimpanzees, we also discuss them in light of chimpanzees’ intraspecific interactions and territorial nature. Our findings may spur further research into the complexity of interspecies interactions. In addition, they may aid in combining field data from extant models with the Pliocene hominid fossil record to better understand behavioural adaptations and interspecific killing in the hominin lineage.
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) status in severe preeclampsia and preterm birth: a cross sectional study
Authors: Irwinda Rima , Hiksas Rabbania , Siregar Aprilia Asthasari , Saroyo Yudianto Budi , Wibowo Noroyono
Published: July 2021

Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (LCPUFA) is essential throughout pregnancy, since deficiency of LPUFA may linked to obstetrical complications. This study aimed to investigate LCPUFA status in severe preeclampsia and preterm birth. A cross sectional study was conducted in 104 pregnant women, which divided into normal pregnancy, severe preeclampsia and preterm birth groups. Serum percentage and concentration of total LCPUFA, omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-6, linoleic acid (LA), and arachidonic acid (AA) were measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC), bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Severe preeclampsia showed the highest concentration of total PUFA and the lowest DHA percentage, with significantly higher Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio (p = 0.004) and lower omega-3 index (p < 0.002) compared to control. Preterm birth showed the least omega-3 concentrations, with significantly low omega-6 derivates (LA (p = 0.014) and AA (p = 0.025)) compared to control. LCPUFA parameters have shown to increase the risk in both conditions, particularly ALA ≤ 53 µmol/L in preeclampsia with OR 5.44, 95%CI 1.16–25.42 and preterm birth with OR 4.68, 95%CI 1.52–14.38. These findings suggest that severe preeclampsia and preterm birth have an imbalance in LCPUFA status.
Factors associated with baseline mortality in Norwegian Atlantic salmon farming
Authors: Oliveira Victor H. S. , Dean Katharine R. , Qviller Lars , Kirkeby Carsten , Bang Jensen Britt
Published: July 2021

In 2019, it was estimated that more than 50 million captive Atlantic salmon in Norway died in the final stage of their production in marine cages. This mortality represents a significant economic loss for producers and a need to improve welfare for farmed salmon. Single adverse events, such as algal blooms or infectious disease outbreaks, can explain mass mortality in salmon cages. However, little is known about the production, health, or environmental factors that contribute to their baseline mortality during the sea phase. Here we conducted a retrospective study including 1627 Atlantic salmon cohorts put to sea in 2014–2019. We found that sea lice treatments were associated with Atlantic salmon mortality. In particular, the trend towards non-medicinal sea lice treatments, including thermal delousing, increases Atlantic salmon mortality in the same month the treatment is applied. There were differences in mortality among production zones. Stocking month and weight were other important factors, with the lowest mortality in smaller salmon stocked in August–October. Sea surface temperature and salinity also influenced Atlantic salmon mortality. Knowledge of what affects baseline mortality in Norwegian aquaculture can be used as part of syndromic surveillance and to inform salmon producers on farming practices that can reduce mortality.
Metamaterials for simultaneous acoustic and elastic bandgaps
Authors: Elmadih Waiel , Chronopoulos Dimitrios , Zhu Jian
Published: July 2021

In this work, we present a single low-profile metamaterial that provides bandgaps of acoustic and elastic waves at the same time. This was done by ensuring impedance mismatch in two different domains, the fluid domain where the acoustic waves propagate and the solid domain where the elastic waves propagate. Through creatively designing the metamaterial, waves of certain nature and frequencies of interest were completely blocked in the solid and fluid domains simultaneously. The simulation results showed bandgaps with acoustic waves attenuation below 5 kHz and elastic waves attenuation below 10 kHz. The acoustic and elastic dispersion curves of the metamaterials were calculated for various designs with various diameters and neck lengths, and the bandgaps were calculated. These parameters can be used as means for tuning both the acoustic and elastic bandgaps. A representative design of the metamaterial was manufactured on a laser powder bed fusion system and the dynamic performance was measured at various points. The measurements were carried out using a dynamic shaker setup and the dynamic performance was in good agreement with the numerical modelling results. Such metamaterials can be used for simultaneous acoustic and elastic attenuation, as well as saving in space and material consumption, in various fields including building construction, automobile, aerospace and rocket design.
The effect of eligibility for antiretroviral therapy on body mass index and blood pressure in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Kuber Aditi , Reuter Anna , Geldsetzer Pascal , Chimbindi Natsayi , Moshabela Mosa , Tanser Frank , Bärnighausen Till , Vollmer Sebastian
Published: July 2021

We use a regression discontinuity design to estimate the causal effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) eligibility according to national treatment guidelines of South Africa on two risk factors for cardiovascular disease, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure. We combine survey data collected in 2010 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with clinical data on ART. We find that early ART eligibility significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure. We do not find any significant effects on BMI. The effect on blood pressure can be detected up to three years after becoming eligible for ART.
Rate of decline in kidney function and known age-of-onset or duration of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Buyadaa Oyunchimeg , Salim Agus , Morton Jedidiah I. , Magliano Dianna J. , Shaw Jonathan E.
Published: July 2021

The association between rate of kidney function decline and age-of-onset or duration of diabetes has not been well investigated. We aimed to examine whether rates of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline differ by age-of-onset or duration in people with type 2 diabetes. Using the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes study which included those with HbA1c ≥ 7.5% and who were at high risk of cardiovascular events,, rates of eGFR decline were calculated and were compared among groups defined by the known age-of-onset (0–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and > 70 years) and 5-year diabetes duration intervals. Changes in renal function were evaluated using median of 6 (interquartile range 3–10) eGFR measurements per person. eGFR decline was the slowest in those with known age-at-diagnosis of 50–59 years or those with duration of diabetes < 5 years. The rates of eGFR decline were significantly greater in those with known age-of-onset < 40 years or those with duration of diabetes > 20 years compared to those diagnosed at 50–59 or those with duration of diabetes < 5 years (− 1.98 vs − 1.61 mL/min/year; − 1.82 vs − 1.52 mL/min/year; respectively (p < 0.001). Those with youngest age-of-onset or longer duration of diabetes had more rapid declines in eGFR compared to those diagnosed at middle age or those with shorter duration of diabetes.
Circulating miRNome of Trachemys scripta after elective gonadectomy under general anesthesia
Authors: Bardi Edoardo , Brizzola Stefano , Ravasio Giuliano , Romussi Stefano , Dall’Ara Paola , Zamarian Valentina , Arigoni Maddalena , Calogero Raffaele Adolfo , Lecchi Cristina
Published: July 2021

Post-surgical management is an important issue in veterinary medicine, requiring biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity for timely and effective treatment. Emerging evidence suggests that miRNAs are promising stress- and pain-related markers. The aims were to profile the circulating miRNA signature in plasma of turtles (Trachemysscripta) and point out potential candidate biomarkers to assess the status of the animal. The plasma of female turtles underwent surgical gonadectomy were collected 24 h pre-surgery, and 2.5 h and 36 h post-surgery. The expression of miRNAs was profiled by Next Generation Sequencing and the dysregulated miRNAs were validated using RT-qPCR. The diagnostic value of miRNAs was calculated by ROC curves. The results showed that 14 miRNAs were differentially expressed over time. RT-qPCR validation highlighted that 2-miR-499-3p and miR-203-5p-out of 8 miRNAs tested were effectively modulated. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of miR-203-5p was fair (AUC 0.7934) in discriminating pre- and 36 h post-surgery samples and poor for other time points; the AUC of miR-499-3p was excellent (AUC 0.944) in discriminating pre-surgery and 2.5 h post-surgery samples, and fair in discriminating pre-surgery and 36 h post-surgery (AUC 0.7292) and 2.5 h and 36 h post-surgery (AUC 0.7569) samples. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time that miRNAs profile changes in plasma of turtles underwent surgical oophorectomy and identified miR-203-5p and miR-499-3p as potential candidate biomarkers to assess animals' status. Further studies are necessary to confirm their diagnostic value and to investigate functional and mechanistic networks to improve our understanding of the biological processes.
Understanding small Chinese cities as COVID-19 hotspots with an urban epidemic hazard index
Authors: Li Tianyi , Luo Jiawen , Huang Cunrui
Published: July 2021

Multiple small- to middle-scale cities, mostly located in northern China, became epidemic hotspots during the second wave of the spread of COVID-19 in early 2021. Despite qualitative discussions of potential social-economic causes, it remains unclear how this unordinary pattern could be substantiated with quantitative explanations. Through the development of an urban epidemic hazard index (EpiRank) for Chinese prefectural districts, we came up with a mathematical explanation for this phenomenon. The index is constructed via epidemic simulations on a multi-layer transportation network interconnecting local SEIR transmission dynamics, which characterizes intra- and inter-city population flow with a granular mathematical description. Essentially, we argue that these highlighted small towns possess greater epidemic hazards due to the combined effect of large local population and small inter-city transportation. The ratio of total population to population outflow could serve as an alternative city-specific indicator of such hazards, but its effectiveness is not as good as EpiRank, where contributions from other cities in determining a specific city’s epidemic hazard are captured via the network approach. Population alone and city GDP are not valid signals for this indication. The proposed index is applicable to different epidemic settings and can be useful for the risk assessment and response planning of urban epidemic hazards in China. The model framework is modularized and the analysis can be extended to other nations.